Lake Liqenat

Lake Leqinat, also known as Lake Lićenat, is situated in the Accursed Mountains in western Kosovo, at an elevation of 1,970 meters above sea level. It is a popular destination for tourists visiting the Rugova Gorge and those climbing nearby peaks such as Leqinat (2,341 m) and Guri i Kuqishtës (2,522 m). The lake is a permanent water body with a surface area of 16,900 m² and a maximum depth of 4.5 meters, featuring a gently sloping bottom. Unlike the neighboring Lake Drelaj, which dries up in summer, Leqinat maintains a constant water level throughout the year. The lake exhibits weak summer stratification, which is typical of alpine lakes. Its surroundings are characterized by dense deciduous and coniferous forests, blending into the landscape of the Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park, established in 2012. Lake Leqinat supports significant biodiversity, serving as a habitat for various plant and animal species. The water hosts a rich phytoplankton community, dominated by green algae, with a notable presence of the genus *Uroglena*. Additionally, 391 species of diatoms have been observed in the lake, along with well-developed aquatic vegetation, including *Chara contraria* and *Potamogeton alpinus*. The zooplankton community is less diverse but stable, with *Anuraeopsis fissa* as the dominant species. The lakebed is also home to nematodes and various species of chironomids, indicating a rich ecosystem. The only amphibian species present is the alpine newt (*Ichthyosaura alpestris*), and the absence of fish contributes to the preservation of the natural ecological balance and unique invertebrate communities. The lake is accessible from the nearby village of Kuqishtë, making it an appealing tourist attraction in the region.