Publications
Geodromicus puncticollis
A new taxonomic assessment reveals that the beetle species Geodromicus puncticollis, previously described under multiple synonyms (e.g., G. cordicollis, G. schubertorum), is widely distributed across the Balkans, including Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Romania, Ukraine, and Bulgaria. The study, based on specimens collected from diverse elevations (720–1400 m a.s.l.) in forests, streams, and caves, confirms its presence in UNESCO-listed sites such as Durmitor National Park (Montenegro) and Theth National Park (Albania). This research clarifies the species' ecological range, documenting its association with mosses on stones and leaf litter in montane environments. The findings contribute to biodiversity mapping in protected areas, leveraging historical and contemporary collections from institutions like NMPC and HNHM.
GIS assessment of tourism potential: Prošćenske Mountains, Montenegro
The Prošćenske Mountains, nestled between Durmitor and Bjelasica in northern Montenegro, harbor significant yet underutilized tourism potential driven by well-preserved landscapes, biodiversity, and hydrographic features. A GIS-based study combined the Stanković tourism valuation model with Hilary du Cros's approach to assess natural and cultural resources, revealing high attractiveness of mountain peaks, viewpoints, and traditional katuns despite limited management capacity. Morphometric analysis and spatial overlays identified zones of ecological sensitivity, including vegetation degradation and fire occurrence, while infrastructure deficits emerged as the primary constraint. This research provides a spatial framework for sustainable tourism planning, emphasizing the region's untapped potential.
Microplastic pollution and ecotoxicological risk in high-altitude glacial lakes of Durmitor, Montenegro
High-altitude glacial lakes in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro, exhibit moderate to high levels of microplastic (MP) pollution, with polyethylene being the dominant polymer. The study, conducted across three seasons, found MP abundance averaging 5.1 ± 1.4 items per 100 g in Black Lake and 3.8 ± 0.5 items per 100 g in Devil Lake, primarily consisting of fibers and fragments sized 1-3 mm. Polymer hazard and ecological risk indices indicated high to very high environmental risk, suggesting these pristine environments are vulnerable to diffuse pollution sources, including tourism and long-range transport. The research provides baseline data for alpine freshwater ecosystems and underscores the need for integrated waste management strategies to mitigate MP contamination in protected areas.
Sustainability Indicators and Comparative Analysis of the Durmitor National Park in a Regional and European Context
Durmitor National Park demonstrates a high level of sustainability in its management, particularly when compared to other European and regional protected areas. The study identifies key indicators that contribute to its robust sustainability performance, including effective governance structures, ecological integrity, and visitor management strategies. Researchers employed a comparative analysis framework, evaluating Durmitor against established benchmarks for UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other national parks in Europe. This approach revealed strengths in biodiversity conservation and adaptive tourism practices, positioning Durmitor as a model for sustainable park management in the region.
Two new Cochlostoma species from the Durmitor and Komarnica regions of northern Montenegro (Caenogastropoda, Cochlostomatidae)
Two new species of the gastropod genus Cochlostoma, C. (Turritus) dobrido sp. nov. and C. (Turritus) komarnica sp. nov., were discovered in Durmitor National Park and Komarnica Canyon, Montenegro. These findings highlight the hidden diversity within this widespread Mediterranean genus, challenging the assumption of uniform shell morphology. The species were identified through citizen-science expeditions, revealing sympatric and syntopic distributions with Cochlostoma scalariniforme and each other. This research underscores the importance of slow-migrating gastropods as indicators of long-term ecological stability in karst environments.
Exploring Local Attitudes Towards Sustainable Tourism Development and Community Resilience in Skadar Lake and Durmitor National Parks, Montenegro: A Socio-Demographic Analysis
Residents of Durmitor National Park exhibit more pronounced perceptions of both positive and negative tourism impacts compared to those in Skadar Lake National Park, while the latter show greater enthusiasm for tourism promotion. Socio-demographic factors, particularly education and age, significantly shape these attitudes. The study used questionnaire data analyzed via regression analysis, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation, ensuring robust statistical validity. These findings highlight the need for tailored tourism development strategies that address local community needs and perceptions in both parks.
The Influence of Socio-Demographic Factors on Local Attitudes Towards Sustainable Tourism Development in Skadar Lake and Durmitor National Parks, Montenegro
Residents of Durmitor National Park exhibit more balanced attitudes toward tourism's impacts compared to those in Skadar Lake National Park, with higher ratings for both positive and negative aspects. Conversely, Skadar Lake residents show greater enthusiasm for tourism promotion and engagement. Socio-demographic factors, particularly education and age, significantly influence these perceptions. The study employed questionnaire data analyzed through multiple regression, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation, ensuring robust statistical validity. These findings highlight the need to tailor sustainable tourism development strategies to local communities’ specific needs and attitudes in both parks.
Application of Public Relations Strategies and Tactics in Promoting the Sustainable Development of Durmitor National Park
Strategic public relations can significantly enhance the sustainable development of Durmitor National Park, Montenegro. The study identifies key promotional messages and target audiences for mountain tourism while comparing local practices with global standards. Using SWOT analysis and comparative methods, it reveals that leveraging advanced promotional tactics—such as those employed in Europe—can overcome current limitations in communication and positioning. The research suggests tailored strategies to maximize the park's tourism potential, offering actionable insights for stakeholder organizations (OSJ) to improve media engagement and long-term conservation efforts.
Determining antiosteoporotic phytoestrogen isoflavones from montenegrin durmitor national park Gentiana lutea root secoiridoid glycoside wildcrafted collections
A study identifies phytoestrogen isoflavones from wildcrafted Gentiana lutea roots in Montenegro's Durmitor National Park as promising antiosteoporotic agents, particularly for postmenopausal women. The research isolated four isoflavone fractions (IF-1 to IF-4) and two secoiridoid glycosides from subalpine meadow collections, confirming their structures using NMR and HR-ESI-MS. Notably, IF-3 demonstrated significant antiosteoporotic activity in murine osteoblast cells, stimulating alkaline phosphatase activity by 72.4% and increasing calcium deposition by 2.3-fold at 25 μg/mL, nearly matching the performance of 17β-estradiol. It also exhibited selective estrogen receptor-β binding (IC₅₀ = 3.8 μM), suggesting a favorable safety profile over ER-α. These findings position G. lutea isoflavones as potential phytoestrogenic agents for osteoporosis prevention, offering an alternative to synthetic estrogens with reduced cardiovascular risks.
A Combined Stochastic–Analytical Method for the Assessment of Climate Change Impact on Spring Discharge
Climate change is projected to intensify the extremes of spring discharge in karstic aquifers, with increasing peak discharges and decreasing baseflow discharges throughout the 21st century. A novel combined stochastic–analytical modeling methodology was developed to predict these changes using regional climate model (RCM) projections from the EURO-CORDEX ensemble, bias-corrected against historical data. Applied to the Bukovica spring catchment in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro, the model revealed that both moderate and pessimistic CO2 emission scenarios (RCP 45 and RCP 85) would exacerbate flood and drought conditions by the end of the century. While annual predicted flood days showed variability depending on the scenario, drought days exhibited a periodic pattern with increasing severity over time, occurring every 5 to 7 years. This methodology offers a promising tool for studying karst aquifers under climate change scenarios.
A new giant keelback slug of the genus Limax from the Balkans, described by citizen scientists
Researchers, including citizen scientists, have identified and described a new species of giant keelback slug, Limax pseudocinereoniger, within Durmitor National Park, Montenegro. This discovery, supported by both morphological and molecular data, highlights the region's rich biodiversity and challenges existing taxonomic understanding of the genus Limax. The study employed a citizen science expedition to gather samples, which were then analyzed using genetic techniques to distinguish this new species from its sympatric relative, L. cinereoniger. This finding underscores the importance of integrating citizen science in biodiversity research, particularly for poorly understood groups like European giant keelback slugs.
Hydraena (s.str.) dinarica, new species (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae) along with further records of Hydraena spp. from Durmitor National Park, Montenegro and comments on the DNA barcoding problem with the genus
Researchers discovered and described a new species of long-palped water beetle, Hydraena dinarica, within Durmitor National Park, Montenegro. This finding was achieved through a collaborative expedition involving citizen scientists, students, and taxonomists, who collected specimens from diverse aquatic habitats across the park using fine-meshed nets and manual substrate checks. The study integrated morphological species delimitation with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing, primarily conducted in the field via the MinION-based ONTrack pipeline, to validate the new species and compare it to closely related congeners within the H. saga/H. emarginata complex. Additionally, five other Hydraena species were recorded near Durmitor National Park, including the first DNA barcodes for two endemic or regionally significant species: H. biltoni (endemic to Montenegro) and H. morio. The study also highlighted challenges in DNA barcoding due to low or zero sequence divergence among recently diverged Hydraena species, providing insights into the genetic complexity of this genus.
Comparative analysis of antiradical and antibacterial activity of Boletus edulis basidiomycetes growing in different climatic zones
Siberian ceps (Boletus edulis) exhibit significantly higher antiradical activity compared to their counterparts from Montenegro's Durmitor National Park, with a maximum value of 75% versus 33%, respectively. This study, conducted in 2019, analyzed aqueous extracts of mushrooms from both regions using UV-visible spectroscopy and bacterial colony growth assays. The research revealed that while both Siberian and Montenegrin ceps demonstrate bacteriostatic effects against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumannii after 30 minutes of extraction, prolonged extraction (over 60 minutes) shifts the effect to bacterial growth stimulation. The findings highlight the potential of Boletus edulis extracts as natural antioxidants and their complex antibacterial properties, which vary based on climatic conditions.
Destination branding: a case study of national parks in Montenegro
Montenegro's national parks, including Durmitor National Park, hold significant potential for diversifying tourism offerings beyond traditional forms. A study reveals that strategic destination branding can enhance the development of these parks by integrating market research, identity and image creation, and continuous evaluation. The approach emphasizes the importance of a cohesive branding strategy that spans from initial planning to long-term monitoring, ensuring alignment with global tourism trends. This method is particularly relevant for national parks, which are increasingly recognized as key destinations for various forms of tourism, including recreational, water-based, and winter sports. The findings highlight the need for a systematic approach to branding to maximize the economic and cultural benefits of Montenegro's natural heritage.
Phenotypic Diversity and Landscape Genetics ofEristalis tenaxin a Spatially Heterogeneous Environment, Durmitor Mountain (Montenegro)
A study on the hoverfly Eristalis tenax in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro, reveals that landscape heterogeneity does not significantly impact its population structure or gene flow. Analysis of allele frequencies at allozyme loci, wing traits (size and shape), and abdominal color patterns across eight diverse locations—ranging from deciduous forests to alpine meadows—showed weak genetic differentiation and phenotypic similarity among samples. Bayesian clustering and FST estimates confirmed a lack of population structure, suggesting that E. tenax thrives in a more or less continuous habitat due to its strong dispersal capacity. These findings imply that the species may facilitate gene flow among isolated plant populations across the region, offering insights into its role in maintaining biodiversity.
Distribution of Buxbaumia viridis (Moug. ex Lam. et DC.) Brid. ex Moug. et Nestl. (Bryophyta) in Montenegro
A notable discovery of the moss species Buxbaumia viridis in Montenegro reveals its distribution across 14 high-elevation sites, primarily in the northern and northeastern regions, with elevations exceeding 1300 meters above sea level. Remarkably, Durmitor National Park hosts a significant population at Crno jezero lake, where sporophytes are found on approximately 50 tree trunks. This study contributes valuable insights into the distribution and abundance of this moss species in Montenegro, highlighting its ecological significance within protected areas.
Soil organic carbon storage in moutain grasslands of the Lake Plateau at Mt. Durmitor in Montenegro
Researchers estimate that alpine grasslands on the Lake Plateau of Durmitor National Park, Montenegro, store approximately 560,414.86 tons of soil organic carbon (SOC) in the top 40 cm of leptosol soils, equivalent to an average density of 15.27 kg per square meter. This study highlights significant variability in SOC storage, driven by local-scale factors such as soil moisture, clay and silt content, and mean annual temperature. These variables collectively explain about 51% of the variation in SOC density across 28 soil profiles. The findings underscore the importance of microclimatic and edaphic conditions in determining carbon storage potential in high-altitude mountain ecosystems.
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