Abstract
The main objectives of the project are the detailed zoological studies on the fauna of the characteristic, endangered habitat types of the Carpathian Basin (saline, loess, sandy, calcareous and dolomite grasslands and steppes; forest steppe, astatic water bodies and montane brooks) and the endemic, relic or biogeographically significant animal species of the Habitats Directive (Annex II). The investigations are structured at the following levels: 1) the classical and modern taxonomic studies on the rich and diverse animal groups displaying a high rate of endemism in the Pannonian Region, including the molecular taxonomy and genetic diversity of selected 'hungaricum' species; 2) study of the population biology and population genetics of selected species; 3) the analysis of the phylogeography of the Carpathian Basin and the characterisation of the main biogeographic components and features of the Pannonian fauna; 4) the composition and diversity pattern of the fauna of the characteristic habitat types of the Pannonian Region and, based on these investigations, 5) elaboration of nature conservation treatments and methods and action plans.
Hungary