Rare traits of diatoms

Stenger-Kovács, Csilla and Bácsiné Béres, Viktória and Buczkó, Krisztina and Gligora, Udovič MG and Király, Edit and Lengyel, Edina and Selmeczy, Géza Balázs and Zsuga-Biró, Rita and Halmai, Orsolya (2025) Rare traits of diatoms. STUDIA BOTANICA HUNGARICA, 56 (1). pp. 67-92. ISSN 0301-7001

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Abstract

Rare species is a central topic of conservation biology. Nevertheless, we do not have enough knowledge about their characteristics which can lead to their extinction. For this purpose, this study aimed to establish a diatom trait database (morphological and lifeform traits, a total of 142) and identify rare traits. The developed database contains 13,162 records for diatom species of the Danube catchment area in Hungary and Croatia. Using Rabinowitz’s original approach and applying new rarity indices published in the literature, rare diatom traits were determined in diff erent terms. 75% of diatom traits were common features, while 25% of these were small population-sized traits. Th ey were exclusively morphological characteristics of diatoms (four chloroplasts per cell, f i ve diff erent chloroplast shapes and larger size categories) exhibited predominantly by rare species. 7% of the total traits were absolute rare (small population-sized, habitat specialists and geographically restricted at the same time) traits. Namely, nine big size categories and two chloroplast shapes, which were associated with the special conditions provided by the Sava, Drava, and Odra Rivers in Croatia and the Rába in Hungary. Rare species with these unique traits are functionally distinct and vulnerable members of the communities.

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