We studied a population of the regionally endangered marsh fritillary butterfly Euphydryas aurinia inhabiting a system of loosely connected dry calcareous grasslands in sub-Mediterranean Slovenia. Our goal was to set the basis for a long-term monitoring of this butterfly in four meadows using mark-release-recapture (MRR). We determined its demographic parameters, dispersal, behaviour and utilization of nectar plants in different quality patches. Total population size was estimated to be approximately 347 males (95% confidence interval: 262-432) and 326 females (95% confidence interval: 250-402), with an unbiased sex ratio. The average lifespans were 6.3 and 8.6 days, respectively. Daily population sizes followed a parabola with marked protandry. Both sexes were relatively highly mobile with both occasionally moving over half a kilometre. The spatial distribution of animals seemed to be associated with patch size, host plant densities and nectar sources, resulting in much higher population densities in the largest patch. Adult behaviour differed between the sexes, with females resting more and flying less than males. Behaviour also changed during daytime and with the progression of the season. Adults were confirmed to be opportunistic feeders, since as many as ten nectar sources were detected. We conclude that demographic parameters differ greatly among regions and habitats, thus conservation aims should be planned accordingly. Although the population studied is apparently in good condition, there are threats that may hamper the long-term persistence of the species in this area: succession, intensification of mowing and overgrazing., Jure Jugovic, Costanza Uboni, Sara Zupan, Martina Lužnik., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Resonance frequencies of unconsolidated sediments of the Iška alluvial fan (Ljubljana Moor basin) were derived using microtremor method. Free-field measurements were conducted in a grid with point spacing of approximately 250 m. The sediments frequency-thickness relationship, h = 202.97 f -1.139, was obtained on the basis of 107 microtremor measurements, six existing boreholes that reached the Pre-Quaternary basement and two seismic reflection profiles. The reliance of the obtained relationship was evaluated with the R2 coefficient, which shows a very good level of determination. The resonance frequency map reveals the existence of an N-S oriented deeper buried valley (maximum depth 119 m) in the Western part of the alluvial fan. The microtremor HVSR amplitude map does not show any specific spatial distribution pattern, with the exception of a relatively narrow band of low amplitudes located north of Iška vas. This is probably related to an area of severely fractured bedrock along the Mišji Dol fault. Map of the Quaternary sediment thickness and map of the Pre-Quaternary basement topography were constructed on the basis of the established relationship. The basement topography map shows rather steep western slopes of the buried valley down to deepest part, followed by a gradually ascending basement towards the Eastern part of the fan. The comparison of the obtained parameters a and b in frequency-thickness relationship with other sedimentary basins around the world reveals a small variation of b values, and a rather large range of a values, which implies that the parameter a is characteristic for certain geological areas. The results of this research will find use in constructing more accurate hydrogeological models and for assessment of possible sediments-structure resonance effects in seismic microzonation., Lovro Rupar and Andrej Gosar., and Obsahuje bibliografii