Hermann?s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is among the conservation priorities in the European Union. Consequently, it is included in Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive, Annex II of the Bern Convention, and Annex II of the CITES Convention. Hermann?s tortoise conservation programs compile insights on the threats affecting population viability, along with factors shaping the species? distribution. Serbian populations of the eastern subspecies (Testudo hermanni boettgeri) seem numerous and therefore prosperous, but recent population viability analyses revealed that they are susceptible to rapid demographic changes and/or habitat destruction. This implies the need for effective population monitoring and protection, as well as mapping and preservation of suitable habitats. In this paper we summarized current knowledge about the geographic distribution of Hermann?s tortoise in Serbia and modeled its ecological niche. Our results corroborate and uphold the known species? distribution in Serbia. Most suitable habitats are situated in the lowland areas of eastern, central and southern Serbia, under semi-open habitats, such as pastures and shrubs, broadleaf forests, and all successional stages in between. The results provided in this paper should be considered in the selection and shaping of NATURA 2000 sites in Serbia. [Projects of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 173043 and Grant no. 173025]

Macro- and microhabitat preference of Testudo hermanni boettgeri, the eastern subspecies of Hermann’s tortoise, was investigated utilizing modified methodology for the western subspecies which emphasized the importance of habitat heterogeneity preservation. The study objective was to explore the habitat preferences of the eastern subspecies of T. hermanni. Research was conducted within the same year at four localities in Eastern and Southeastern Serbia. Macrohabitat determination was conducted using a 0 to 5 land cover score system (coverage with herbaceous, bushy or tree vegetation) for 4 m² tortoise encounter surroundings. Microhabitat analysis was carried out by determining the plant species in closest contact with the tortoise in the moment of recording. Plants were classified into six groups: 1) aromatic, 2) bramble, 3) herbaceous, 4) thorny shrub, 5) tree and 6) non-thorny shrubs. test was used for comparison between expected and empirical habitat preference. Results confirmed that the most attractive macrohabitats for Eastern Hermann’s tortoises in this part of the Balkans are meadows and open shrublands, with the addition of dense forest (important in wormer months), what is concordant with earlier data from the Mediterranean part of former Yugoslavia. The most attractive microhabitats were “herbaceous plants”, followed by “bramble”.

Starting from the decision theory that explains the ways of decision making, the subject of research is to examine the role and importance of social networks in different phases of integrated risk management (mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery) from disasters in the Republic of Serbia. Using the method of multi-stage random sampling, 143 adult citizens in the area of the city of Belgrade were surveyed. From the rich treasury of data obtained, the survey results show that one third of respondents would pass on information about disasters even if they are not sure whether such information is accurate or true, which can cause serious implications in the process of disaster risk management. The conducted research opens new research questions and actualizes various thematic frameworks within which all dimensions and factors influencing the use of social networks i n the process of disaster management, i.e. processes of direct or indirect disaster risk reduction, should be examined in more detail. The implications of the research are very important, starting from the fact that decision-makers in Serbia must pay special attention to the accelerating industrialization and development of modern technologies that can be used to save more lives in a shorter period of time.

This paper provides information on herbarium specimens of the genus Hypericum represented in several herbaria from Serbia. The reviewed collections include: Herbarium of Natural History Museum in Belgrade (BEO), Herbarium of the Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden 'Jevremovac', University of Belgrade (BEOU), and Herbarium of the Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Biology and Ecology, University of Niš (HMN). Total number of 1108 herbarium sheets was examined, including 426 specimens stored in BEO, 484 in BEOU and 198 in HMN. The review of revised herbarium data for 18 plant species of the genus represented in the flora of Serbia is presented. Their distribution in Serbia is reconsidered according to obtained herbarium data and shown in the maps.

During a field survey in 2021 in Southern Serbia, near the village of Strezovac, two specimens of Cordulegaster insignis Schneider, 1845 were found. This species is extremely rare in Serbia. The findings are located on the western border of its areal.

The Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) is a vagrant passage and wintering species whose presence and distribution in Serbia have been inadequately studied. This study presents new findings of T. ferruginea in Serbia based on two sources of data: unpublished eBird checklists from 2014 to 2019 and new data collected from 2020 to 2023. Observations were conducted at various localities across Serbia, including Jezero Ćelije, Begečka Jama, Smilovci Lake, Aleksandrovačko Lake, Sava shipyard, fish farms of Novi Kneževac, Bečej, and Čenta, as well as the Special Nature Reserve Slano Kopovo. These sightings contribute to our understanding of the species' distribution within Serbia and underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring efforts. The potential impacts of these results on upcoming research and conservation initiatives, which are focused on safeguarding the populations of T. ferruginea within the area, are examined.