Berat County’s Limestone Secrets: Exploring Rare Terrestrial Mollusks and Their Habitats

Abstract

Biodiversity conservation remains a cornerstone of ecological research, particularly in the face
of climate change and increasing human pressures. This study evaluates the alignment of the Natura 2000
network with the distribution of rare and endemic terrestrial mollusks in Berat County, Albania. Focusing
on selected protected areas, including Tomorr Mountain National Park, the research assesses the
effectiveness of existing conservation efforts while identifying significant gaps in biodiversity protection.
Extensive field expeditions were conducted during the spring and summer months 2024, targeting diverse
habitats within and outside proposed Natura 2000 sites. Collected specimens were analyzed in the
laboratory for species identification based on morphological characteristics. Results revealed that several
endemic and rare mollusk species inhabit calcareous rocky slopes with sparse vegetation, including
Montenegrina tomorosi, Cochlostoma elegans, and Monacha emigrata sattmanni. Mapping analyses
indicated that a significant proportion of these species occur outside the current conservation boundaries,
highlighting critical gaps in biodiversity protection. The findings emphasize the ecological importance of
Berat County as a biodiversity hotspot and underline the need to expand protected areas to align with EU
conservation directives. Recommendations include expanding the proposed Natura 2000 network (or
existing protected areas), establishing clear site boundaries, and implementing regular monitoring
programs. By providing a detailed understanding of species distribution and conservation gaps, this
research offers practical insights to guide national biodiversity policies and enhance Albania's integration
with EU environmental standards.