LIFE TRŠCA: A new monograph on Lake Cerknica has been published

At the end of 2025, a new monograph entitled “The Intermittent Lake: A Monograph on Lake Cerknica” was published, edited by Dr. Alenka Gaberščik. It represents an important milestone in the research and understanding of one of the most unique karst phenomena in Slovenia – the intermittent Lake Cerknica.

Dr. Alenka Gaberščik is a biologist and former professor at the Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana. Her research work focuses on relationships between plants and their environment. Her long-standing scientific career is closely linked to Lake Cerknica; in 2002 she edited the monograph “The Lake That Disappears”, while the new edition presents the latest findings on an ecosystem that alternates between land and water.

Lake Cerknica is one of the largest intermittent lakes in Europe and is listed as a Ramsar wetland, highlighting its outstanding ecological importance. Its defining characteristic is the alternation between aquatic and terrestrial phases: the lake usually fills in autumn and spring and gradually drains towards the end of spring. This dynamic creates unique living conditions that support the development of complex and highly biodiverse ecosystems.

The monograph brings together 17 scientific articles offering a comprehensive view of Lake Cerknica – from its geological and hydrological characteristics and climate trends to wetland management and the conservation of endangered species. Some of the articles were also prepared with the support of the LIFE TRŠCA project. These articles are:

• The importance and karsological features of the Cerknica Polje, by Nataša Ravbar
• Climatological conditions of the Cerknica Polje recharge area - general characteristics, tren-ds and expected future dynamics, by Nataša Ravbar, Matej Blatnik, Franci Gabrovšek, Peter Frantar, Mišo Andjelov, Florjana Ulaga
• Hydrological characteristics of the Cerknica Polje – seasonal and long-term dynamics in the quantity and quality of water and the impact of human interventions, by Nataša Ravbar, Matej Blatnik, Franci Gabrovšek, Peter Frantar, Mišo Andjelov, Florjana Ulaga, Metka Petrič
• Challenges of wetland habitat management, by Rudi Kraševec and Jošt Stergaršek
• The conservation challenges of the Crex crex in Lake Cerknica, by Rudi Kraševec, Jošt Stergaršek, and Tomaž Jančar

The new monograph represents a major advance in professional knowledge about Lake Cerknica. It offers both an educational and inspiring insight into a unique natural phenomenon that unites water, land, and life, enabling a deeper understanding and more effective conservation of this truly special piece of the world for future generations.

The monograph can be viewed at the following link. 

Once again, sincere congratulations to the editor and all contributing authors!