Small Grants 2022

1. Assessment of the state of blueberry populations (Vaccinium myrtillus and Vaccinium uliginosum) and their resource and economic potential on Kozhuf Mountain

COORDINATOR: Filip Todorov

Summary: Blueberries in Macedonia represent significant natural resource that provides additional income for number of people. However, the systems for collection, licensing, control and monitoring are still not well developed in most of the Republic of North Macedonia which puts pressure on natural habitats and wild species and leads to unsustainable use. The aim of this project is to assess the economic potential based on sustainable usage of bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus – European bilberry and Vaccinium uliginosum – Bog bilberry) on Kozuf  Mtn., by intensive field assessment of annual production of fruits and leaves along with chemical characterization and analysis of the importance of bilberries for local population.

First report: In the summer period of 2022 we conducted field studies on Kozhuf mountain for evaluation of the resource potential of blueberry, and phytochemical analyses in laboratory on fruit. Samples of leaves and fruits were collected with line transect method from various localities and altitudes. Phytochemical analysis of fruits resulted in 0.52% of anthocyanins in fresh fruit complying to quality requirements (min 0.3% - Ph.Eur. 10.8). The average mass of fresh berries is 0.22g. The average production of dry leaves and fresh fruits is 12.8g/m² and 36.29g/ m², respectively.

2.  Unveiling the wild cannabis in the territory of Macedonia

COORDINATOR: Jovana Gjorgjievska

Summary: Scientific interest in cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) has grown exponentially in the last 30 years due to the discovery of beneficial phytochemicals along with the study of the human endocannabinoid system. Accordingly, changes in legislation were initiated to legalize the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Cannabis is a plant that was previously cultivated as an important industrial plant but can also be found as an autochtonous plant in North Macedonia. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether there is autochtonous cannabis in Macedonia and whether it is of commercial value, through localization of the areas where it grows, collection of plant material, and its morphological and phytochemical characterization. The obtained results will be properly disseminated and will contribute to the valorization of this plant and the development of awareness of the existence of indigenous cannabis in N. Macedonia, its importance and how to change the practice of its intentional destruction to its preservation.

First report: During the spring and summer of 2022, field activities were carried out in all planned localities, and in 3 regions wild cannabis samples were found and identified (Pelagon region, Strumica/Gevgelija and Kočani/Probishtip/Shtip). Photo-documentation was made, plant material was collected, samples were herbarized, morphological and phytochemical characterization has started (determination of drying loss, extraction of cannabinoids and HPLC analysis to determine the content of the most important cannabinoids).

3. Diversity, taxonomy and distribution of the genus Dryopteris Adans. on Mount Kozhuf – 37 years after Micevski's "Flora"

COORDINATOR: Ana Varelova

Summary: Dryopteris is a cosmopolitan genus of ferns, which includes species with diverse habitat ranges and morphologies. Hybridization and apomixis are the main reasons for the origin of some species, morphologically separated by fine discrete characters (Fraser-Jenkins, 2007), which make the identification process particularly difficult. The project will provide data on the distribution and diversity of the genus Dryopteris on Kozhuf Mountain, through analysis of the morphological characteristics of the species and through analysis of the ornamentation and dimensions of the spores. This research is a continuation of two decades of efforts to confirm the presence of species and the published data on the genus on а national level (Melovski, 2016), where data on Drypoteris on Kozhuf were not included. This project is also a continuation of the taxonomic research of one of the most complex genera of ferns in Europe.

First report: Conducted 36 field visits to 27 localities, during a total of 19 days. Collected 32 specimens from Dryopteris populations, now undergoing microscopic analysis. The first impressions are that there are 3 species. Estimated state of the populations and the habitats of the populations, which for now do not have significant threats, but it requires monitoring in the coming years. Plant diversity of Kozhuf Mountain has been identified, with about 700 species identified and/or registered so far, of which about 130 are species found in 1-2 localities in Macedonia.

4. Wet meadows in Prespa – a natural filter from pollution of Lake Prespa from artificial fertilizers

COORDINATOR: Dragana Pelikudovska

Summary: Wet meadows in Prespa are important ecosystems with specific biogeochemical processes that provide numerous ecosystem services: water purification, nutrient and mineral retention, carbon sequestration, rich biodiversity, etc. The main threats to these habitats come from agricultural activities, mainly through the transformation of wet meadows into arable land. The project will carry out experimental research in which the main focus will be the role of wet meadows in retaining nutrients and heavy metals from fertilizers used in agricultural production. In this way, the role of these habitats to serve as a filter for these substances that reach Lake Prespa will be emphasized, and thus the need for their appropriate management and protection in the protected area Nature Park "Ezerani".

First report: We surveyed 39 local inhabitants from 10 Prespa villages. The analysis of the survey provided information on the type of fertilizer that is most often used, as well as the method and amount of application. In addition, a presentation was organized for students from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics who participated in setting up the experimental plots in the wet meadow. The fertilizing of the plots was done once in June, and before that, soil and vegetation material was collected. The second collection of soil material was done at the end of August. Some of the chemical analyzes have started, but the laboratory work will continue in the next two months.

6. Microbial abundance in glacial lakes of Pelister National Park: Response to environmental conditions (MICRO ECO ICE)

COORDINATOR: Nikola Radmanovic

Summary: National parks represent particular sanctuaries for natural wonders which must be protected from the pernicious effects of humankind. This is achieved by constant monitoring of all described and valorized bio-geological resources. Thus, evaluations are required of all the macro-microscopic elements of these ecosystems. The “eyes of Pelister” are glacial lakes with little to no data regarding their microbial ecology. Microorganisms, members of these glacial ecosystems, hold key positions in the numerous biological and ecological processes (Liu et al., 2017; Liu et al., 2019). Glacial lakes are the most vulnerable elements of the biosphere, under constant erosion due to global climate changes (Jiang et al., 2019). The proposed project aims towards evaluating the heterotrophic microflora of these natural wonders, including potential anthropogenic contaminants, as functions of the physical parameters of the water and the seasonal variance in ecotope. The analysis of these unique lakes is of imperative magnitude in order to evaluate the vulnerability of these invaluable ecosystems.

First report: The completed project activities of the period thus-far allowed an initial glimpse into the microbial ecology of the Great Lake of Pelister. Planned field activities were achieved only partially, due to impassable terrain on route to the Small Lake.  Consecutive analyses showed below-average numbers of actinobacteria, unexpected dominance of mesophiles over psychrophiles, and significant numbers of coliforms. These findings represent the first of their kind, and promise an impactful conclusion when compared to the results from the second analyses planned in this project.

7. Microorganisms as indicators for contamination of mineral water from thermal springs in Republic of North Macedonia

COORDINATOR: Ognen Boshkovski 

Summary: Natural mineral and thermal springs are an underexplored wonder of invaluable eco-cultural value (Gorgieva and Popovski, 2007). These spring are often subject to extensive anthropogenic exploitation. Meanwhile, insignificant attention is allotted to the biodiversity of these natural treasures. Additionally, the degree of anthropogenic damage inflicted is seldom discussed outside the legislative limits of allowed contaminants. The goal of this project is to enact a thorough microbiological analysis of the mineral springs at Negorci, Proevce, Katlanovo, Stip and Debar. These particular geothermal-mineral springs represent notable cultural objects under intensive local usage. Ecologically there is currently great interest in the study of microorganisms that are able to live in extreme environmental conditions such as high temperatures and mineral concentrations. In addition, very little information about autochthonous microorganisms inhabiting such thermal waters presently exists in N. Macedonia (Sagova-Mareckova et al., 2021; Hui et al., 2021). The results may serve as specific pioneers for the category as well as cause for future conservation attempts.

First report: All fields research was conducted and all necessary samples were collected. The previous interpretations of results indicate that certain factors such as temperature and conductivity have a great influence on the number and composition of the microflora found in geothermal springs. It can be clearly seen that the springs in Katlanovo and the two springs in Negorci have a significantly more diverse and numerous population of microorganisms, which may indicate a greater anthropogenic presence in these springs. A significant difference is also observed in the two springing points in Negorci, where in Negorci 2 there is also the presence of contaminants

8. Conservation of endemic plant species from the locality Alschar

COORDINATOR: Lina Gegoska

Viola allchariensis

Viola arsenica

Summary: The project “Conservation of endemic plant species from the locality Alschar” represents a significant contribution towards evaluating the status of two very rare endemic violets Viola arsenica and Viola allschariensis. By determining the population sizes, the threats, as well as establishing the monitoring areas, it will become possible to adopt conservation measures. Until now, there haven’t been any researches for determining the sizes of the population, but this project will provide data that is necessary for assessment of the species in accordance with the IUCN methodology. Students and concerned parties will be involved in the project and will have the opportunity to attend the field work and training. A truly important part of the project is ex – situ conservation of plants within the Botanical garden of the Faculty in Skopje, through the maintenance of viable populations and by collecting seeds.

First report: With this project, the population sizes of the endemic violas of Alchar were estimated for the very first time, and monitoring areas were placed for future monitoring. It was noted that the population size of Viola allchariensis, with approximately 33600 fertile individuals, is significantly larger than the population size of Viola arsenica, which was spotted only on one location with approximately 250 individuals. Distribution area and abundance were also calculated. Threats were identified for the habitat that seems to be under low anthropogenic influence, but the biggest threat is the potential renewal of the mining activities. As for conservation measures, ex-situ preservation was accomplished and seed material was collected