Long-Term Ecological Research Network in Lithuania

Abstract

The network of sites with long-term ecological research (LTER) in Lithuania was initiated and organised by the Institute of Ecology of Vilnius University in 2004. Scientists from several research institutes and universities are engaged in implementing the scientific program of the network. The site-based long-term multidisciplinary ecological research has a central role in the network. The key research topics cover both abiotic and biotic components of ecosystems. Four sites have been designated for the LTER program in Lithuania: Lithuanian coastal area, Cepkeliai State Strict Nature Reserve, Kamanos State Strict Nature Reserve and Lake Drūksiai with adjacent wetlands. These sites are representative examples of ecosystems characteristic of different regions of Lithuania and have proper scientific background from earlier and ongoing multidisciplinary research. Cross-border sitebased ecological research has recently been initiated in LTER sites shared with Belarus and Russia. Certain research programs are i...