Stream macrozoobenthic communities of the Eastern Balkans

Abstract

Macrozoobenthic communities are described and classified on the original data (166 stations) for the small rivers and streams of the mountains of Bulgaria (Balkan and Rhodope mountains) and European Turkey (Istranca range). Seventeen types of communities are described—their habitats, the total abundance of macrozoobenthos, gradation saprobity and complexes of the dominant species. A brief taxonomic review of the macrozoobenthos of the region is provided. Reasons for the variability of rheophilic macrozoobenthos communities and regional characteristics of the communities associated with the local landscape and fauna are discussed.