Spegeldammen - Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna

During the 1990s, aquatic plants, mostly Rigid Hornwort, have spread and now covers the lake bed. Along the shores are dense stands of Common Reed, Lesser Bulrush, Common Bulrush, and Unbranched Bur-reed.

The shores are dominated by various species of Oligochaeta, Gasteropods, and Odonatas. Superficial sediments are dominated by Oligochaeta and non-biting midges while deeper layers contain the freshwater crustacean Asellus aquaticus and larvae of Mayflies and Odonatas. Gyraulus crista and Hippeutis complanatus are unusual freshwater snails present in the lake. The most common dragonfly is Emerald Damselfly, but Azure Damselfly, Variable Damselfly, Scarce Emerald Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Downy Emerald, and Red-eyed Damselfly are also present. In Stockholm, Aeshna osiliensis is unique to Norra Djurgården, while Large White-faced Darter is protected by the EU.

Spegeldammen is an important breeding ground for several species of amphibians, including Smooth Newt, Great Crested Newt, Common Frog, and Common Toad, and several ponds have been created solely for promoting the precondition for breeding amphibians. Grass Snake is also found both in the lake and in the surrounding area.

Crucian carp is naturally present in the lake, while Trout and Rainbow trout have been introduced for angling. Notwithstanding the limited scale of the lake a large number of birds are regularly found here, including Little Grebe, Little Ringed Plover, and Common Moorhen. Additionally, the area is one of the best locales for bats in Stockholm.

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