4) Biological invasion

Comparing our long term dataset with new results we investigate the effect of quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis) invasion on macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity. Based on the invasive meltdown theory, we assess the vulnerability of the lake in relation of species composition and ecosystem networks.

We examine the incorporation of invasive macroinvertebrates, especially the dominant quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis), into the food network and their impact on the ecosystem and matter-energy flux. We search for the cause of the success of adaptation by investigating the properties of the invader such as behavior, feeding activity, and reproduction during the colonization process in the new biotope.

The role of invasive planktonic algae in the aquatic ecosystems of the Carpathian Basin and their impact on the water quality and the water uses is studied. During the study of the functional characteristics of aquatic macrophytes a trait database will be established, and differences between functional characteristics of native and invasive taxa is analysed.

In our research we compare in 10 localities the remnants of the original oak forests with the native poplar, foreign poplar, pine and locust tree plantations. We estimate the biodiversity of plants and some animal taxa. We examine with field experiments how the ecosystem functions as production, predation, decomposition and pollination are working in this stands.

Local and traditional ecological knowledge of local farmers is studied related to two invasive plant species and a reintroduced animal species (beaver). Main objectives are to study the generation of local knowledge and to understand local perceptions of their impacts on ecosystem services.