Current Distribution and Conservation Issues of Aquatic Plant Species Protected under Habitats Directive in Lithuania

The European Habitats Directive was adopted to halt the rapid loss of biodiversity and has become an important instrument for protecting in Union. Three aquatic plant species protected under have so far been found Lithuania: Aldrovanda vesiculosa, Caldesia parnassifolia, Najas flexilis. Our aim this study evaluate former current distribution status conservation target species. Screening above-mentioned performed 73 natural lakes throughout Lithuania 2019–2021. We confirmed extant populations vesiculosa four lakes, parnassifolia two flexilis northeastern part country. studied three times (2015, 2019, 2022) Lake Rūžas once each Apvardai Dysnai (2020). population density ranged from 193.4 ± 159.7 224.0 211.0 individuals/m2, mean length plants 12.5 2.1 14.3 2.7 cm, number apices 2.0 0.7 2.2 0.9 per individual. habitat covered area about 3 ha. generative individuals widely varied between years Rūžas. All were small, although potential habitats cover relatively large areas. propose designating all with as special areas conservation, well developing implementing action plans these their habitats.