Hydrobiological First characterisation of significant karst springs of the Sulzkaralm (National Park Gesäuse)

In 2003 and 2004, at the Sulzkaralm in the Gesäuse National Park, a water-ecological survey of selected spring waters was carried out. The research area is located in the ecoregion 4 Alps, Bioregion 5 Lime Voralpen" (Moog et al. 2001). All six sources examined are according to limnological typology to the flow sources (Rheocrenes) and all have a perennating bulk. The degree of isolation to the pre-flood (Gebirgsbach) is exceptionally high due to the underground outflow of the Sulzkarbach, the central flowing water of the Sulzkaralm, as well as by some spring drains. This would indicate a particularly high degree of colonisation of typical organisms in natural sources. The proven animal species generally reflect the known species inventory of karst springs in the alpine region. Within the insect orders, the stone and quiver flies, which have been studied more extensively due to their good bioindication, all of the northern limestone Alps have already been observed several times, except in one way. The majority are considered frequent inhabitants of springs (Eukrenal) and spring drains (Hypocrenal) as well as flowing waters of the upper mountain stream region (Epirhithral). A high density of plecopteren (stone flies), which are considered to be characteristic colonists sommerkalter flowing waters, is given. Striking is the high density of trichoptera (boss flies) and turbellaria (strudelworms) as well as the low frequency of simuliids (crylic mosquitoes; a few species may infest letal grazing animals) and the lack of detection of hydrobiides (source snails) and, in general, forms of subterranean waters.