Macroinvertebrate Fauna of Belchishta Wetland, Republic of North Macedonia: Diversity and Conservation Status

This study depicts the results from the extensive monitoring of the invertebrate fauna of Belchishta Wetland, which is the largest preserved wetland in North Macedonia with an area of 137 hectares, including flooded forests and wet habitats. A total of thirty taxa belonging to eight systematic groups were registered, three of them being endemic species. Among the three endemic species, two are on the national list of endangered species. The thirty registered taxa of the invertebrate fauna of Belchishta Wetland point to a pronounced biodiversity, the framework of which includes endemic species with a narrow area of distribution and low abundance. These are justified arguments for the immediate adoption of conservation and protection measures through integral management of the whole Belchishta Wetland.