First data on the biological richness of Mediterranean springs

Mediterranean springs emerge as unique biodiversity hotspots, with a taxonomic richness comparable to those in the Euro-Siberian region. A first-of-its-kind study analyzed 20 springs across two limestone-dominated mountainous areas—Montsant (NE Iberian Peninsula) and Serra de Tramuntana (Mallorca)—identifying 500 taxa in Montsant (82–152 per site) and 363 in Serra de Tramuntana (55–119 per site). Cormophytes, diatoms, or invertebrates dominated depending on the spring. Low taxonomic similarity between sites suggests each spring hosts a distinct, irreplicable community, underscoring their ecological significance despite environmental differences.

Pascual, R., Gomà, J., Pedrocchi, C., Cadiach, O., García, G., & Solé, J. (2020). First data on the biological richness of Mediterranean springs. Limnetica, 39(1), 121–139. https://doi.org/10.23818/limn.39.09