Source mapping 2003-2005 Volume 1

This final report documents the ecologically extended source mapping of the Gesäuse National Park (Obersteiermark, Austria) between 2003 and 2005. The 2003 and 2004 preliminary reports are integrated and do not have to be excerpted by interested parties. The mapped area covers the entire national park area (taking into account the cost-benefit factor in terms of accessibility) at the time of Regulation 2005. A total of 848 water points, of which 616 spring exits, 27 shrinkages or leakages and 107 ponds were measured with GPS-piles and verified using high-resolution orthophotos. They are beside some basic hydrogeological parameters also characterised by a number of hydrobiological labels. For the documentation was the structure of the laboratory database of the National Park oö. Limestone Alps adopted and adapted. The sources of the gutter come to a large extent from the typical north-eastern Alpine Karstmilieu, but also large areas of dolomite, layer boundary springs and moraine and alluvial springs shape. A small part of the springs originate from the Paleozoic of the Grey Wacken Zone. The mapped sources have consistently small to medium bulks, only a few karst source districts exceed the 100-second mark. However, many sources are promising from a source ecological point of view, richly equipped with microhabitats and mostly untouched. 9 % of the mapped springs are used in some form, mostly as grazing or path wells, and adversely affected by varying degrees. Damaged springs can also be found in the representative area of the alpine pastures and on the forest roads. For a total of 96 sources and source horizons, further studies (initial surveys) in hydrochemistry, microbiology and source biology (Zoobenthos) were proposed, 39 of which were recommended for long-term monitoring. First source monitoring campaigns were launched in autumn 2004 and 2005 with the specialist team of the National Park oö. Limestone Alps. From 29 sources, we have determined a total of 43 standard parameters of drinking water analysis and documented initial limnological-zoological surveys. The water analyses confirm the very good quality of the spring water. From a microbiological point of view, however, 80 percent of the sources would only have been suitable for human enjoyment with reservation or not at all. But this is the normal case in the karst of the Northern Limestone Alps, as we know from numerous comparison areas. The first biozoenic surveys confirmed the high nature conservation value, but also demonstrated severe impairments, to be read at the succession of the spring species in the direction of Bach and Tümpelbiozönoses. The fauna composition is typical alpine, but many sources have a great autonomy in the species spectrum. A found plecopterene species in the upper Sulzkar is an initial detection. Other new species cannot be ruled out in this insect group, but also in hydrobiides (source snails) and water mites.