Freshwater Habitats and Freshwater-Dependent Habitats in Poland

Abstract

This paper briefly discusses the resources of habitats of importance to the European Community in Poland shaped by water relations. The types of habitat surveyed include water courses and waterbodies, wetlands and riparian vegetation (meadows, forest) and streams and bogs. The study covered 23 habitat types in freshwater habitats and freshwater-dependent habitats occurring in all 849 Special Areas of Conservation in Poland in both biogeographic regions: alpine and continental. The overall conservation value for current habitats is presented, including threats, pressures and activities, as well as their possibilities for restoration.