Snails from Genus “Montenegrina” under the Loupe of Scientists

Endemic continental snail from genus „Montenegrina“, probably the most famous genus named after Montenegro, shall be studied by scientists of Natural Museum in Vienna and by the University of Montenegro. Research is part of scientific-research project named “Ecology and Biology of genus Montenegrina in Montenegro”.

“This is mutual scientific project of two institutions. Detailed ecological studies on continental snail are rare. Barely anything is known about biology and ecology of specimen genus Montenegrina“, Vladimir Pešić, PhD, said, leader of Montenegrin team of researchers composed of four members. In the project which has recently been incepted the Montenegrin team will cooperate with Austrian team of five members coordinated by Helmut Sattman, PhD.

“Members of both teams have already started with field researches on March 31^st in Virpazar where it will be continued until April 5^th, with aim to select sights for research and development of suitable protocol”, Professor Pešić said.

The project also has two master students from study program Biology who will through the project finish their master theses.

Team will work on, among others, research of life history, preferences of micro habitat, reproductive biology and food of snails. They will strive to answer questions such as: evolution of these snails, adaptation, population size, various climate and ecological needs of morphologically different populations.

“Next to scientific results achieved by this project, we expect that acquired data will be relevant when it comes to raising public awareness on significance of research of biodiversity and its protection. The project combines experience and potential for partnership of two research groups which will provide students included in the project to benefit through researching as well as through international cooperation”, Pešić said.

Two teams of scientists shall organize two common workshops within the project, one in Austrian Alps from 15^th to 20^th August, and the other one within Symposium of Ecologists of Montenegro, from 4^th to 7^th October.