Gërmia – od regionalnog parka do zaštićenog krajolika

This study took place in the Gërmia massif (Republic of Kosovo) and presents an overview of the current status of this protected area. The Gërmia Regional Park is one of the 173 protected areas in Kosovo. It received this status in 1987 (GZK, no. 43/87) from the Prishtina municipal assembly and covers an area of 1064 hectares. Its natural values have changed dramatically during the last decades, especially in terms of biodiversity. With the aim of evaluating the current situation of the Park’s biodiversity, its flora, fauna and plant communities were investigated. The biodiversity of Gërmia comprises 610 vascular plant species (excluding weed species), 83 fungi, 14 mosses, 51 lichens, as well as 5 amphibian, 7 reptile, 32 bird, 19 mammal and 110 butterfly species. As a consequence of human activities, many plant and animal species in Gërmia are endangered. Taking into consideration its natural value and the threat factors around the area, it was proposed to extend the protected area to another 1167 hectares, and to harmonize its protection status with the Law of Nature Protection (i.e. to change the category from Regional Park to Protected Landscape (category V according to the IUCN).Istraživanje se odvijalo u masivu Gërmia (Republika Kosovo) i predstavlja pregled trenutnog stanja ovog zaštićenog područja. Regionalni park Gërmia je jedno od 173 zaštićena područja na Kosovu. Taj status je Park dobio 1987. (GZK, no. 43/87) od Skupštine grada Prištine, a pokriva područje od 1064 ha. Tijekom posljednjih desetljeća prirodne vrijednosti Parka su se dramatično promijenile, posebno u smislu biodiverziteta. Istraživani su flora, fauna i biljne zajednice Parka s ciljem procjene trenutne situacije biodiverziteta Parka. Biološka raznolikost Parka obuhvaća 610 vrsta vaskularnih biljaka (ne uključujući korovne vrste), 83 vrste gljiva, 14 vrsta mahovina, 51 vrstu lišajeva, kao i 5 vrsta vodozemaca, 7 vrsta gmazova, 32 vrste ptica, 19 vrsta sisavaca te 110 vrsta danjih leptira. Kao posljedica ljudskih aktivnosti, ugroženo je mnogo biljnih i životinjskih vrsta u Parku. Uzimajući u obzir prirodne vrijednosti i čimbenike ugroze, predlaže se proširivanje zaštićenog područja na novih 1167 ha, i usklađivanje statusa zaštite sa Zakonom o zaštiti prirode (tj. promjena kategorije iz Regionalnog parka u Zaštićeni krajolik (kategorija V prema IUCN-u)

A phylogenetic analysis of the wild Tulipa species (Liliaceae) of Kosovo based on plastid and nuclear DNA sequence.

In Kosovo, the genus Tulipa is represented by eight taxa, most of which form a species complex surrounding Tulipa scardica. To investigate the phylogenetic relationship of these Tulipa species a Bayesian analysis was undertaken using the ITS nuclear marker and trnL-trnF, rbcL and psbA-trnH plastid markers. The resulting phylogenetic trees show that Kosovarian Tulipa species consistently group into two main clades, the subgenera Eriostemones and Tulipa. Furthermore, our analyses provide some evidence that the subspecies of Tulipa sylvestris are genetically distinguishable, however not significantly enough to support their reclassification as species. In contrast, the markers provide some novel information to reassess the species concepts of the T. scardica complex. Our data provide support for the synonymisation of Tulipa luanica and Tulipa kosovarica under the species Tulipa serbica. Resolution and sampling limitations hinder any concrete conclusion about whether Tulipa albanica and T. scardica are true species, yet our data do provide some support that these are unique taxa and therefore should continue to be treated as such until further clarification. Overall, our work shows that genetic data will be important in determining species concepts in this genus, however, even with a molecular perspective pulling apart closely related taxa can be extremely challenging

The traditional use of medical plants in the areas of Zhupa, Opoja and Gora in Prizren

The areas of Opoja, Gora and Zupa in the district of Prizren are populated by the Albanian, Bosnian and Goran communities. These areas are distinguished for their rich flora and fauna. Continuing our reasearch work in the field of Ethnopharmacognosy, we started this study with the purpose of evidencing and scientific documenting these medical plants and their preparation, which are aplied in the traditional medicine in the areas of Prizren, in order to save and enrich our knowledge of ethnobotany, as a first step in scientific evaluation of medical plants. Data was collected using interviews conducted with residents of these areas during different time periods 2016 - 2019. A total of 90 residents belonging to the Albanian, Bosnian, Goran, Turkey and Roma communities were interviewed. Voucher plant specimens were deposited in the herbarium. The collected data have been compared with the existing Ethnobotanic and Phytotherapeutic in Kosovo and around Kosovo. A total of 82 species of plantas belonging to different botanical families were collected. The most abundand ones were; Rosaceae family (14 species), Asteraceae (5 species), and Gentianaceae (4 species). The plants were raported to be used in the treatment of various diseases, mainly those of the respiratory system (asthma,bronchitis), gastrointestinal disordes and wound healing. Chamomile results to be the most udes medical plants by alla the communities that participated in the study. Other plants used the most by the Albanian and Bosnian community are; Elder and Saint John’s wort, for the Goran community: Saint John’s wort and Yarrow, for the Roma community: Common mettle and Linden whereas for the Turkish community are: Saint John’s wort and Bitter melon. This study identified the most commonly plants and formulations used commonly by the abovementioned communities. Investigating phytochemical and pharmacological properites through further studies of this vegetation represent not only scientific interest but they will also contribute to the overall development of these areas

A phylogenetic analysis of the wild Tulipa species (Liliaceae) of Kosovo based on plastid and nuclear DNA sequence.

In Kosovo, the genus Tulipa is represented by eight taxa, most of which form a species complex surrounding Tulipa scardica. To investigate the phylogenetic relationship of these Tulipa species a Bayesian analysis was undertaken using the ITS nuclear marker and trnL-trnF, rbcL and psbA-trnH plastid markers. The resulting phylogenetic trees show that Kosovarian Tulipa species consistently group into two main clades, the subgenera Eriostemones and Tulipa. Furthermore, our analyses provide some evidence that the subspecies of Tulipa sylvestris are genetically distinguishable, however not significantly enough to support their reclassification as species. In contrast, the markers provide some novel information to reassess the species concepts of the T. scardica complex. Our data provide support for the synonymisation of Tulipa luanica and Tulipa kosovarica under the species Tulipa serbica. Resolution and sampling limitations hinder any concrete conclusion about whether Tulipa albanica and T. scardica are true species, yet our data do provide some support that these are unique taxa and therefore should continue to be treated as such until further clarification. Overall, our work shows that genetic data will be important in determining species concepts in this genus, however, even with a molecular perspective pulling apart closely related taxa can be extremely challenging