Glasnik Zemaljskog muzeja Bosne i Hercegovine - Prirodne nauke
The Herald of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina – Natural Sciences (New Series) is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal published by the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The journal publishes original research across the natural sciences and applies contemporary standards of academic publishing, including transparent editorial procedures and independent peer review. By combining a clearly defined scientific scope with a strong institutional and historical foundation, the Natural Sciences – New Series offers authors a reliable and internationally oriented platform for the dissemination of their research.
National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Biopotential of microbial biofilms in the protection of subterranean habitats in Dinaric karst
This brief overview of cave biota associated with microbial biofilms, including speleophyton, bacteria, protozoa and cave-dwelling fauna in Dinaric karst caves, is focused on taxa with potential application in biotechnology, bioremediation/biostimulation and biomonitoring. The review discusses the dynamics and structure of biofilms and the interspecies interactions of biofilms in a number of Dinaric karst caves, as well as a new approach to biofilm investigation. A deep understanding of subterranean ecosystems and the unique organisms that inhabit them, connected by complex interactions, could elucidate many new aspects in the evolution of signal pathways important for producing novel biologically active molecules. Consideration of the potential applications will improve the preparation of cave management plans, especially of touristic open caves, but also help consultants to propose the most appropriate (bio)monitoring with a strong focus on habitat protection and biodiversity conservation.
Autorska prava (c) 2020 Herald of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina Natural Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
New localities of Thomas’s saffron, autumn-flowering crocus (Crocus thomasii Ten., Iridaceae) in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Crocus thomasii is a rare species in the vascular flora of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a single location in southwestern Herzegovina. Two additional locations of C. thomasii were found in southwestern Herzegovina, but we have been unable to confirm the first finding by Fiala (1889). Occurring in so few populations, C. thomasii should be considered as endangered in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, further data on its true distribution and population size, fluctuations and trends are required for a full assessment.
Autorska prava (c) 2018 Herald of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina Natural Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The life and work of professor dr. Ljubomir Mišić (1933 – 2018)
Not applicable
The life and work of Lijerka Kutleša, MSc (1929-2019)
Autorska prava (c) 2022 Herald of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina Natural Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Index florae Bosnae et Hercegovinae (Part 5)
Index Florae Bosnae et Hercegovinae (Part 4)
Index florae Bosnae et Hercegovinae (Part 3)
In vitro propagation of endemic Scabiosa cinerea Lam. subsp. cinerea
Scabiosa cinerea Lam. subsp. cinerea (syn. Scabiosa leucophylla Borbás) is an endemic taxon subspecies of the Balkan and Iberian Peninsulas. A tissue culture was established to prevent the extinction of this taxon and promote its use in horticulture. The germination percentage on two types of MS media supplemented with different plant growth regulator combinations was the same (60%). The highest multiplication rate was recorded on the MS media with 2 mg L-1 BAP, 0.4 mg L-1 IBA, and 0.2 mg L-1 GA3. 100% rooting of plantlets was recorded on the MS supplemented with IBA (1.0 and 2.0 mg L-1), but the formed roots were morphologically different. After four weeks, the obtained seedlings were fully acclimatized in the commercial substrate to ex vitro conditions. This study may provide a basis for the multiplication and sustainable use of S. cinerea subsp. cinerea in bioconservation strategy and horticulture.
Autorska prava (c) 2025 Herald of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina Natural Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Synecology of the European common spadefoot toad, Pelobates fuscus (Laurenti, 1768) (Amphibia: Anura: Pelobatidae), in agroecosystems of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The European common spadefoot toad (Pelobates fuscus) is a lowland, semi-fossorial and secretive anuran species with a narrow ecological niche. The southernmost border of its habitat reaches the northern parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Posavina region), where the species has lost the vast majority of its natural habitat, resulting in it being restricted to agroecosystems close to aquatic habitats. This paper describes the ecology of P. fuscus in such habitats – and generally in Bosnia and Herzegovina – for the first time. Two types of independent research were performed: (1) assessment of population density and microhabitat preferences along with habitat quality analysis (performed in three localities) and (2) a food preferences study and morphometry in one locality (Čardak, Modriča), where the largest known population of Pelobates fuscus in Bosnia and Herzegovina resides.
Autorska prava (c) 2024 Herald of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina Natural Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Sensitivity assessment and extinction risk of amphibians (Chordata: Vertebrata: Amphibia) in Bosnia and Herzegovina
In this paper, we present the sensitivity assessment of amphibians of Bosnia and Herzegovina according to DELH (Distributional, Ecological, Life History) data based on 17 parameters. Most sensitive species of amphibians in Bosnia and Herzegovina are: Proteus anguinus, Salamandra atra, and Triturus dobrogicus, due the specific ecology and small habitat range. Nine amphibian taxa are considered to be moderately sensitive, while nine species probably belong to the low sensitivity group. Results indicate that Caudata are a much more threatened taxonomic group when compared to Anurans.
SARA’s tale of Herzegovinian Centre of Endemism
According to the Herbarium of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SARA), the Herzegovinian Centre of Endemism represents significant biodiversity of higher plants: 98 families, 460 genera, 1104 species, and 224 subspecies. Within this number, there are 156 endangered, as well as 96 endemic and 13 stenoendemic taxa. Forty-seven (47) registered nomenclatural types are a particular feature of the researched area. The Herbarium of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina contributes a large amount of valuable and unique specimen data for future investigations. To access them quickly and make them available for scientific investigations, we must prioritize SARA’s digitization and data sharing.
Index florae Bosnae et Hercegovinae (Part 6)
Index florae Bosnae et Hercegovinae (Part 7)
New Findings of Serbian Spruce (Picea Omorika (Panč.) Purk.) in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tertiary endemic species in the flora of Bosnia and Hercegovina include the Serbian spruce (Picea omorika (Panč.) Purk.). The species was named in honour of Josif Pančić, who discovered it in 1875 at Zaovine and who confirmed it as a new species based on samples previously collected and analysed. The Serbian spruce was subsequently also discovered in Bosnia and Herzegovina by several authorities, among whom Fukarek described it in greatest detail in several of his works. After the great fires of 1946/47 numerous populations of Serbian spruce were destroyed and apparently permanently lost from their sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina, predominantly from the Srebrenica area. Following their destruction, no care or attention was given to these sites or their subsequent fate until a few years ago, when it was announced that the population of Serbian spruce was showing signs of renewal. During recent research concerning yew in the canyon of the River Drina between the confluence of the River Žepa and Crni potok, just above Crni potok, two new, or rather old, stands of Serbian spruce were found, Grad and Borov vrh, which expand our knowledge of the current distribution of this species in Bosnia and Hercegovina and elsewhere. These locations were registered in 1935 by Gjorgjević, but were deleted from the register by Fukarek after the fires. Today, following natural rejuvenation, these are fifty year old specimens of considerable size and great vitality.
Contribution to the knowledge of the flora of Prusac and its environs (Pteridophyta and Spermatophyta)
This paper sets out the results of floristic research in central Bosnia, where small areas, such as the old village of Prusac, remain little or entirely uninvestigated. Taxonomic analysis revealed a high degree of biodiversity (73 families, 224 genera, 310 species, 23 subspecies and 2 forms), characterised by registered endemic species and those of different conservation status. The greater number of species in the spectrum are of the sub-Mediterranean group of floral elements, with hemicryptophytes the majority of life forms.
Analysis of the Family Solanaceae from Carl Studniczka’s Herbarium
We have analysed herbarium folder (fam. Solanaceae) which contain 36 herbarium sheets with 57 herbarium samples. Most plants were collected in Europe in the area of Austria. According to the affiliation to particular herbarium collections, the most representative plants are those from the collection Flora Dalmatiens. Most herbarium sheets were collected by Studniczka himeself (25). The oldest herbarium sheet dates from the year 1870 and the newest one is from 1902.
Vascular flora of the old town of Počitelj and its surrounding area (South Bosnia and Herzegovina)
The flora of the town of Počitelj was studied in the period 2010 to 2015. The number of plants growing spontaneously on and around the remains of the fortification walls and on the pavements is 616. Alien taxa present exclusively in cultivation were not analysed in this work. The following families are distinguished by the greatest number of taxa: Asteraceae s. l. (75/12.18%), Poaceae (58/9.42%), Fabaceae (48/7.79%), Lamiaceae (35/5.68%) and Brassicaceae (33/5.36%). The predominant life-forms are therophytes and hemicryptophytes with 227 and 208 taxa respectively (36.85% and 33.77%). The floral elements spectrum shows a strong prevalence of Mediterranean plants (31.33%), while Central European plants are almost absent (0.48%). A total of 32 taxa are found on the Bosnian and Herzegovinian National Red List, while 30 taxa are classified as invasive.
First Record of the Threatened Martino’s vole, Dinaromys bogdanovi (Rodentia, Cricetidae) on Mt. Čvrsnica (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
This paper presents the first finding of the threatened Martino’s vole, Dinaromys bogdanovi for Mt. Čvrsnica in Western Herzegovina. A single individual was found on 21st October 2012 at about 2100 m a.s.l., below Pločno peak. D. bogdanovi is a globally threatened (VU) and Natura 2000 species for which protection sites should be designated. In Bosnia and Herzegovina the species is protected and included on the Red List of protected species of Republika Srpska and the Red List of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The finding site of Martino’s vole on Mt. Čvrsnica is located west of the Neretva River and falls within the area of distribution of the highly endangered and evolutionary significant unit of Martino’s vole.
The Distribution, Habitat and Colour Forms Frequency of the Invasive Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) is an invasive alien coccinellid species that has rapidly spread over Europe in the last 25 years. The first report from Bosnia and Herzegovina was a record of several overwintering adults from January 2010. The species distribution was mapped on the basis of field surveys conducted from 2010 to 2015. H. axyridis was recorded at 87 localities in altitudes ranging from 1 to 2.030 m a.s.l.. The species was found to be established and widespread in the country and present in various habitats, particularly urban, ruderal and marshland habitats. It was most frequently observed on Tilia sp., Salix sp., Typha sp., Phragmites australis, Urtica dioica and Humulus lupulus. The non-melanic colour form (f. succinea) was the most dominant. The frequency of colour forms among the 496 adults was: f. succinea – 85.50%, f. spectabilis – 9.88%, f. conspicua – 4.44% and f. axyridis – 0.20%.
A Contribution to the Knowledge of the Plant Associations on the rocks of the Miljacka Gorge
This paper presents new knowledge on the phytocoenological composition of the rocks in the Miljacka gorge. The gorge has been explored over many years of field trips. Part of the research conducted on the north side of the gorge is set out in the paper and three new phytocoenological associations have been analysed. In addition to the phytocoenological composition of the associations, other parameters are given which provide significant detail of the relations in the gorge and represent the basis for further research. The paper also presents specific data on the distribution of certain rare and endemic species in the area studied. This creates the possibility for the specific protection of these species, since it is a protected area. A list of species of the area studied as given in the list of plant species for the “Red Book for Bosnia and Herzegovina” is provided at the end of this paper.
Giant Fennel Ferula communis L. (Apiaceae) – a New Species in the Flora of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ferula communis L., a Mediterranean plant species, has been recorded for the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina in two anthropogenic habitats south of the city of Mostar. This study reports the newly discovered localities and presents a short morphological description of the species.
A review of the doublet collection of Otto Blau’s herbarium (SARA)
This paper presents the preliminary results of the review of materials from the doublet collection of Otto Blau’s herbarium, which is part of the Herbarium of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SARA). Analysis of the total number of specimens (2503) provided data on the sites (in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro) where the specimens of various plant groups were collected (Phycophyta– 1, Mycophyta– 5, Lichenophyta– 6, Bryophyta– 14, Pteridophyta – 27 and Spermatophyta– 2450). The collection contains 127 families, 579 genera and 1501 species of Pterydophyta and Spermatophyta. The supreme value of the collection lies in its 6 registered type specimens.
Analysis of some families from Carl Studniczka’s herbarium
We analysed herbarium maps which mostly contain the following families: Amaranthaceae (Ord. Amaranthaceen, Salsoleen and Chenopodeen), Plumbaginaceae (Ord. Plumbagineen), Aristolochiaceae, Thymelaeaceae, Lauraceae, Eleagnaceae, and Santalaceae (Ord Aristolochieen and Thymeleen) in Carl Studniczka’s herbarium (herbarium code: NHMS). Most of the analysed herbal material (174 herbarium sheets, with 414 samples) in this part of the C. Studniczka’s herbarium was collected in Europe (162 herbarium sheets). According to the labels, the majority of herborized material was collected in the area of Austria (36 herbarium sheets). Most herbarium sheets (25) belong to the Flora Dalmatiens collection and most herbarium sheets were collected by Studniczka himself (79). The oldest herbarium sheets dates to 1865, whereas the newest one dates to 1904. The exact year of collection is missing from 13 herbarium labels. In reference to the part of Studniczka’s herbarium, which has already been analysed, the following botanists or collectors of herbal material are mentioned for the first time: Boller, Hülsen, Kühlewein, Kuhn, Tholin, and Uloth. Also, there are some collections which are mentioned for the first time: Flora n. Pritzerbe and Flora der Wetterau.
Endemic and endangered plant taxa in the collection of Otto Blau
The analysis of material from the herbarium collection of Otto Blau (SARA) collected in Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed the presence of 41 endemic species, 33 of which have a defined conservation status in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 6 taxa are listed in the European Red List of endangered species. According to the guidelines and criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, a total of 99 species and subspecies of different conservation statuses have been identified at the local and 274 taxa at the European level.
A new site of the March mushroom (Hygrophorus marzuolus (Fr.) Bres.) in Sarajevo Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The diversity of mushrooms in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been poorly studied. On the other hand, Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the largest exporters of edible wild mushrooms in Europe. This paper aims to present a new site of a high-quality and edible mushroom–the March mushroom (Hygrophorus marzuolus (Fr.) Bres.), which is, on the other hand, a rare and protected species in many European countries. The new site was recorded in Sarajevo Canton. This site also represents the lowest altitude site for this mushroom in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, it should be emphasized that the population of the March mushroom was only recorded in the sunniest part of the planted Scots pine forest.
Vascular aquatic macrophytes of Hutovo Blato Nature Park (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
A detailed study of aquatic macrophytes in the area of Nature Park Hutovo Blato was made during the vegetation seasons from 1998 to 2020. In total, 172 plant taxa from 44 families were presented in the list, out of which 16 are newly discovered, where the presence of 10 previously reported taxa was not confirmed. The families with the highest number of taxa were Cyperaceae with 26 taxa (15.12%), followed by Poaceae (15 taxa, 8.82%). The predominant life forms are euochthophytes and uliginosophytes with 30 and 28 taxa respectively (17.44% and 16.28%). The chorological spectrum shows a strong prevalence of widespread plants (63 taxa; 36.63%).
Contribution to Rock Flora of the “Bentbaša” Protected Area (Canton Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Between 2013 and 2018, floristic research of rock ecosystems was carried out in the protected area of Bentbaša, i.e., in the canyon of the Miljacka River. A total of 225 species with two subspecies and one form were identified. The largest number of species was found in the Asteraceae family (30 species). Most species belong to the orders of Brometalia erecti and Amphoricarpetalia. As for indicator values, most species belong to the secondary and primary types of vegetation. Most of the species identified are conventionally hemicryptophytes, and the most important floral element is submediterranean. The most widespread species in the investigated area are: Thymus praecox subsp. jankae (Čelak.) Jalas, Micromeria thymifolia (Scop.) Fritsch, Asplenium trichomanes L., Melica ciliata L. and others, while the rarest plants are Onosma stellulatum W. K., Malcolmia illyrica (Halacsy) Hay., Ajuga chamaepithys L., Frangula rupestis L., etc. In the investigated area, 8 species from the “List of plant species (Pteridophyta and Spermatophyta) for the Red Book of Bosnia and Herzegovina” were recorded in the category of vulnerable species (V). Also, 9 species are on the “Red List of Flora Federation Bosnia and Herzegovina, and recorded in the following categories: DD-1, LC-2, NT-1, VU-2, EN-2 and CR-1 species. Eventually, there are also floristic data on individual sides with all the relevant parameters. From a scientific side, this paper gives a specific approach to research: comparative data in researching different sides of the canyon, the comprehensiveness of research: flora under influence different ecological factors and given new fitocenological provisional units; new association Asplenio ruta-murariae-Saxifragetum aizoon comb. nov. prov. and facies Ceteratosum officinarii comb. nov. prov.
Modelling the distribution of Manica rubida (Latreille, 1802) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Ants have an important role in terrestrial ecosystems, and wield considerable ecological and socioeconomic influence. Manica rubida (Latreille, 1802) is native to Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa, and predominantly inhabits high-altitude mountainous environments. In this study, the Maxent was used to forecast and examine the potential geographic range of Manica rubida in Bosnia and Herzegovina utilizing established distribution points and climate variables. The model investigates the correlation between Manica rubida distribution and environmental factors. We estimated that, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Manica rubida occupies a territory of approximately 4,309.73 km2, equivalent to 8.42% of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s entire surface area, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) spanning 8,191.00 km2 and an area of occupancy (AOO) covering 112.00 km2. Models indicate that the distribution of Manica rubida in the central Dinaric Alps holds significant potential for the species, with temperature emerging as a primary determinant of habitat suitability. As such, there is a need to consider the potential effects of global temperature change on the high-altitude habitats important to the survival of Manica rubida.
Vascular flora of the Rujište plateau and its surrounding area (Prenj mountain, southern Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Based on research carried out from 2003 to 2023 and a review of data contained in literature, this study presents for the first time a comprehensive floristic list of the area of Rujište. A total of 797 taxa of vascular plants were found. The taxa belonged to 390 genera and 80 families. Out of these, 436 taxa are listed for the area for the first time. The following families are distinguished by the greatest number of taxa: Compositae (114 / 14.30%), Poaceae (66 / 8.28%), Lamiaceae (55 / 6.90%), Apiaceae (49 / 6.15%), Fabaceae (48 / 6.02%), Brassicaceae (42 / 5.27%), and Rosaceae (40 / 5.02%). In terms of the life form spectrum, hemicryptophytes were dominant (454 / 56.97%). Phytogeographical analysis showed that most plants belong to the Eurasian floristic element (178 / 22.33%), followed by the South European floristic element (167 / 20.95%). The total number of identified taxa included 99 endangered and 84 endemic taxa.
The floristic heritage of Dr. Čedomil Šilić in SARA
Dr. Čedomil Šilić understood the herbarium not just as an important, but an indispensable institution for various forms of botanical research, which is why, during his forty-year working life, he paid special attention to the collection of material for the SARA herbarium collection. The extent to which Dr. Čedomil Šilić contributed to the diversity of the scientific collection Herbarium (SARA) of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is best shown by the reference list of 2,068 registered exicates of vascular plants classified into 98 families, 435 genera, 765 species, 97 subspecies, 2 varieties and 2 hybrids of flora of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Within the mentioned number, 91 endemic (with 6 stenoendemic) taxa were confirmed. The threatened part of the collection material includes 209 species at the local level and 270 species at the European level. Of particular scientific value are 25 nomenclatural type specimens that Dr. Čedomil Šilić described as new to science (from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia).