dc.description.abstract | The first data on the Lemanea genus in Serbia come
from the late 20th century. Only one species, L. fluviatilis,
was reported from 10 localities in Serbian riverine
ecosystems between 1991 and 2017. Extensive research on
this genus was performed in April–November 2017–2019,
surveying 150 localities in 97 upland and mountain rivers.
During this study period, the Lemanea genus was recorded
at 14 localities in 12 rivers, while it disappeared from five
previously reported localities. A total of four taxa were
identified: Lemanea fucina, L. rigida, Lemanea sp. and
L. fluviatilis. Lemanea fucina and L. rigida were recorded in
Serbia for the first time. L. fluviatilis was the most common
taxon. Our research confirmed that Lemanea species
prefer similar specific environmental conditions. These
species were found in temperate, soft or moderately hard,
well-oxygenated and weakly alkaline waters, with low,
moderate or high conductivity, and in waters with low
content of inorganic nutrients. Due to their sensitivity to
changes in environmental conditions, Lemanea species
are exposed to negative anthropogenic impact leading to
the degradation of their habitats. Intensive construction of
small hydropower plants has threatened most habitats of
the Rhodophyta species in the last few years. | sr |