CHENDROAIEI PONDS

Chendroaiei Ponds (Tăurile Chendroaiei) are two small remnants of a glacial lake, which waters mirrors the spectacular Rooster`s Crest (Cresta  Cocoșului) from the Gutâi Mountains.

They are located at an altitude of 1043 meters, have an area of 2.7 ha, and their water has an increased acidity with a pH of 4.13.

The surface is formed almost entirely from an arctic type of moss, on which small cushions of bog bilberry and lingonberry have grown. The surface of the bog hosts a series of rare Nordic floral species, some of them relics like the Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia and Drosera intermedia) – the carnivorous diet of these plants is a perfect adaptation to life in a nutrient poor habitat.

Unlike in most other ecosystems, the dead plants in peat land do not decompose. The lack of oxygen in these waterlogged conditions prevents the appearance of micro-organisms (such as bacteria and fungi) which are normally responsible for rapidly decomposing dead plants. Instead, the dead plants turn into peat, collected at the bottom of the water.

The peat bog represents important source of biodiversity. It hosts many species from microscopic animals (rotifers, protozoa) insect’s larvae, snails to vertebrates such as tritons, salamanders, sometimes lizards, vipers, birds from the neighboring forests searching for food.