Lake Prespa, Northwestern Greece

Lakes in the Balkans are numerous, but few of them have been studied, and even fewer on a long-term basis. This book is the first on a lake of the Balkans since the monograph on Lake Ohrid (1956). It is a synthesis of our present knowledge on the ecology and functioning of the lake and its resources, with an emphasis on its endemism and on the management needed to preserve its unique fauna and flora. It also contains original long-term studies on pelicans and fish. The target readership is well-educated lay people, conservationists (especially birdwatchers) and wetland scientists.

Inhalt
The physical basis of the Lake Mikri Prespa systems: geology, climate, hydrology and water quality.- The soils.- The flora of Prespa National Park with emphasis on species of conservation interest.- Aquatic and terrestrial vegetation of the Prespa area.- Species composition and seasonal cycles of phytoplankton with special reference to the nanoplankton of Lake Mikri Prespa.- The zooplankton of Lake Mikri Prespa.- The benthic fauna of Lake Mikri Prespa.- Fish and fisheries in the Prespa lakes.- The distribution and habitat preferences of the amphibians of Prespa National Park.- The space utilization by the reptiles in Prespa National Park.- Breeding birds from reedbeds to alpine meadows.- The importance of Prespa National Park for breeding and wintering birds.- Conservation and management issues of Prespa National Park.