Herpetofauna in the Orikum Area

Herpetofauna in the Orikum Area

Prof. Dr. Idriz Haxhiu

1. INTRODUCTION

There are no specific local publications on the herpetofauna of Orikum, however, in the up to now publications, especially on the geographical distribution of the amphibians and reptiles in Albania, there are references either by Albanian authors (Haxhiu, I. 1980, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1991, 1994, 1994, 1995, 1998) and by foreign authors (Bruno, S., De Fejervary, G.J. 1923, Kopstein, F. &O. Wettsein, 1921).

Drainage, reclamation of agricultural land, intensification of the agriculture and burning of forests over the last decades have reduced the wetland area and as a consequence, have destroyed the habitats of many species of amphibians and reptiles.

2. SPECIES OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN THE ORIKUM AREA

2.1. Rare species of amphibians and reptiles

Out of 9 species of Amphibians found in the Orikum area, 3 of them are rare species; while out of 27 species of Reptiles, 18 found are rare species. More detailed data is given in tables 3 and 4.

2.2. Species of economic interest

Two species of amphibians (Rana balcanica and Rana lessonae and also their hybrid) represent high interest in economic values for the population of the area of Orikum.

Since 30 years ago, the population of the area has been collecting these spicies of amphibians and selling them at the processing center in Orikum (Mifole).

Specialists of the Museum of Natural Sciences of the University of Tirana have been supervising and controlling this activity in order to achieve a sustainable and scientific use of the green frogs.

This has been achieved through the selection of frogs, by non collecting the young individuals, and not during the reproduction period. Nevertheless, there are still people that do not respect the regulations.

2.2. Threats

Tables 3 and 4 represent the threats at national and international level. For amphibians, especially for most spicies of reptiles, considerations by the local communities are negative.

For some spicies of amphibians and most spicies of reptiles there exist legends and fairytales, in which these animals are described unfairly as dangerous, damaging, etc. This is a result of the lack of recognition for the values and roles of amphibians and reptiles in the natural balance.

2.3. Description of species

Nine species of amphibians and 26 species of reptiles live in the Orikum area. More detailed data is given in tables 1 and 2.

Triturus cristatus is very rare and has a limited geographical distribution

Triturus vulgaris is a rare species with a limited geographical distribution

Bombina variegata is a very rare species, lives in canals and ponds, not in swamp areas. It is threatened by the burning of forests and bushes, and also the reduction of surface waters.

Bufo bufo is a common species, spread all over this area. The local community by mistake consider this species as damaging. It is the first amphibian that initiates the lay of eggs (end of January). It is threatened by the burning of forests, bushes and areas of Juncus sp., and also by the reduction of surface waters.

Bufo viridis is a common species, spread all over this area. The community is not interested in this specie. It is threatened by burning of forests, bushes and areas of Juncus sp., and also the reduction in surface waters.

Hyla arborea is common and widely distributed. The local community in Orikum considers it as dangerous (believing it kills the cows). Over the last years it has been threatened through the burning of considerable forest surfaces. It is threatened continuously by the burning of bushes, forests and areas of Juncus sp., and also the reduction in surface waters.

Rana dalmatina is a common species, distributed all over the area and it serves as an indicator of the level of pollution. It’s one of the first amphibians to lay eggs (beginning of February). It is threatened by the reduction of water surfaces and also by the burning of forests and areas of Juncus sp.

Rana balcanica is a common species in the Orikum waters and their surroundings. The reduction of surface waters and the collection of this species for export threaten populations of R. balcanica.

Rana lessonae, typical of swamps, quiet and rich in vegetation areas. Widely distributed in Orikum. Its populations are threatened by reduction of surface waters and collection of the species for export purposes.

Caretta caretta is a rare species, frequently caught by fishing boats and rare individuals have been found dead on the shore. The Vlora fishermen do not treat it well, they don’t know it and in most cases kill it for food.

Dermochelys coriacea is an occasional species, very rarely found in the Adriatic and Jonian Sea and a globally endangered species.

Emys orbicularis is a common species. Its population is endangered by the reduction of surface waters. The local community has no knowledge on this species, and in some cases it has been considered dangerous.

Mauremys caspica is a rare species. Its population is threatened by the reduction in surface waters. The local community has no knowledge on this species, and in some cases it has been considered dangerous.

Testudo hermanni is a rare species. Populations of T. hermanni are threatened by frequent burning of forests and bushes, and areas of Juncus sp., and by the lack of knowledge of the local community on this species. In addition, a few years ago this species has been collected to feed domestic animals.

Anguis fragilis is a rare species. It is not usually threatened or killed by the Orikum community. A. fragilis is threatened by habitat destruction.

Pseudopodus apodus is a common species, especially in the bushy areas. The Orikum community, by not recognizing its role in the natural balance, kills it. P. apodus is threatened by habitat destruction, especially burning of forests, bushes, fields of Juncus sp., etc.

Cyrtodactylus kotschyi is a rare species. The importance of this species in the nature balance is not known by the community. C. kotschyi is threatened by burning of forests and bushes.

Hemidactylus turcicus is a rare species. The local community does not recognize the importance of this species in the nature equilibrium. H. turcicus is threatened by the burning of forests and bushes.

Algyroides nigropunctatus is a rare species and with a limited geographical distribution. The Orikum community does not recognize its values and does not consider it important.

A. nigropunctatus is threatened by the burning of forests and bushes.

Lacerta trilineata is a rare species. It is threatened by the damage of habitats, especially by the burning of forests, bushes and fields of Juncus sp. The Orikum community consideres it as a dangerous and even poisonous species by mistake, that is why people kill and mistreat it.

Lacerta viridis is a common species. L. viridis is threatened by habitat destruction, especially burning of forests, bushes, and fields of Juncus sp.. The Orikum community mistakenly considers this species as dangerous and poisonous and thereby kill and mistreat it.

Podarcis muralis is a common species. P. muralis is threatened by habitat destruction, especially burning of forests, bushes, fields of Juncus sp.. The Orikum community mistakenly considers this species as dangerous and poisonous and thereby kill and mistreat it.

Podarcis taurica is a rare species. It is threatened by habitat destruction, especially burning of forests, bushes, fields of Juncus sp.. The Orikum community mistakingly considers this species as dangerous and poisonous and thereby kill and mistreat it.

Ablepharus kitaibelii is a very rare species. Considering the fact that it runs its activities during nigh time, the local Orikum community does not know this specie. It is threatened by habitat destruction, especially by the burning of forests and bushes.

Typhlops vermicularis is a very rare species. Considering the fact that it runs its activities during nigh time, the local Orikum community does not know this specie. It is threatened by habitat destruction, especially by the burning of forests and bushes.

Coluber caspius is a rare species, threatened by the Orikum community which considers it as poisonous, that is why it is being killed and mistreated by the people. In addition, it is threatened by habitat destruction, especially by the burning of bushes, forests and fields of Juncus sp.

Coluber gemonensis is a rare species, threatened by the Orikum community which considers it as poisonous, that is why it is being killed and mistreated by the people. In addition, it is threatened by habitat destruction, especially by the burning of bushes, forests and fields of Juncus sp.

Coluber najadum is a very rare species. It is threatened by habitat destruction, especially burning of forests, bushes, fields of Juncus sp.. Most people kill it thinking that it’s dangerous.

Elaphe longissima is a common species. It is threatened by habitat destruction, especially burning of forests, bushes, fields of Juncus sp.. Most people kill it thinking that it’s dangerous.

Elaphe quatorlineata is a rare species. It is threatened by habitat destruction, especially burning of forests, bushes, fields of Juncus sp . Generally it is considered damaging and it is killed by people.

Elaphe situla is a veri rare species. It is threatened by habitat destruction, especially burning of forests, bushes and fields. Generally it is considered damaging and it is killed by people.

Malpolon monspessulanus is a common species. It is threatened by habitat destruction, especially burning of forests, bushes, fields of Juncus sp.

Natrix natrix is a common species and widely distributed in water areas, even those half saline. It is threatened by people, who consider it as damaging.

Natrix tessellata is a rare species, found in water areas, even it they are half saline. It is threatened by people, who mistakingly consider it as dangerous.

Telescopus fallax is a rare species distributed in fields and hills covered by various shrubs. Because of its morfognosty similar to that of Vipera ammodytes, people of this area consider it as very poisonous, dangerous, and for this reason, kill it as soon as they see it. It is also threatened by habitat destruction, especially burning of forests, shrubs and deforestation activities.

Vipera ammodytes is a rare species, distributed in fields and hills, covered by various shrubs. The Orikum community considers is as the most dangerous snake, and everywhere they see it, they kill it. It is also threatened by habitat destruction, especially burning of forests, shrubs and deforestation activities.

Table 1: Amphibiofauna (Amphibia Class) in the Orikum area

N/R / Latin name / Albanian name / Family / Order
1 / Triturus cristatus / Tritoni me kreshte / Salamandridae / Caudata
2 / Triturus vulgaris / Tritone i zakonshem
3 / Bambina variegata / Bretkosa barkverdhe / Discoglossidae
4 / Bufo bufo / Thithlopa / Bofonidae
5 / Bufo viridis / Thithlopa e gjelber / Anura
6 / Hyla arborea / Verore / Hylidae
7 / Rana dalmatina / Bretkosa kercimtare / Ranidae
8 / Rana balcanica / Zhaba
9 / Rana lessonae / Bretkosa e dejeve

Table 2: Reptilofauna (Reptilia Class) in the Orikum area

Nr. / Latin name / Albanian name / Family / Order
1 / Caretta caretta / Breshka me pllaka / Chelonide
2 / Demochelys coriacea / Breshka lekurore / Dermochelydae
3 / Emys orbicularis / Breshke uji / Emydidae / Testudines
4 / Mauremys caspica / Breshke uji
5 / Testuda hermanni / Breshka / Testudinidae
6 / Anguis fragilis / Vjeshtull / Anguidae
7 / Pseudopus apodus / Bullari
8 / Cyrtodactylus cotschyi / Hardhuca me kthetra / Gekonidae
9 / Hemidactylus turcicus / Hardhuca me venduza
10 / Algyroides nigropunctatus / Zhapi me pllaka
11 / Lacerta trilineata / Zhapi me tre vija
12 / Lacerta viridis / Zhapi gomari / Lacertidae / Sauria
13 / Podarcis muralis / Hardhuca
14 / Podarcis taurica / Hardhuce bari
15 / Ablepharus kitaibelii / Zhapi kembe vogel / Scincidae
16 / Typhlops vermicularis / Gjarperi i verber / Typhflopiede
17 / Coluber jugularis / Shigjeta e gjate
18 / Coluber gemonensis / Shigjeta e shkurter
19 / Coluber najadum / Bolla e shtepise
20 / Elaphe longissima / Shigjeta e holle
21 / Elaphe quatrolineata / Bolla me kate viza / Colubridae / Serpentes
22 / Elaphe situla / Bolla laramane
23 / Malpolon monspesulanus / Biroja
24 / Natrix natrix / Gjarper uji
25 / Natrix tessellata / Gjarper uji
26 / Telescopus fallax / Gjarper me lara
27 / Vipera ammodytes / Neperka / Viperidae

3. ANALYSIS

3.1. The ecological interest of the site

In the Orikum area, the most ecologically interesting species of amphibians are found in the wetlands and sweet waters (canals, ponds and swamps); as for reptiles, shrubs, canal catchments, forests, fields of Juncus sp., olive trees, etc., represent higher ecological interest.

3.2. The level of sensitivity in different habitats used by species of interest

Wetland habitats and sweet waters of Orikum (cannals, swamps and rivers) are necessary for the life of all amphibians, because they feed, exchange gases, protect themselves from predators and reproduce in these habitats. The reduction of water or drainage in the above-mentioned habitats will be catastrophical to the amphibians. Thus, drainage of habitats will make the eggs and larvae of all species dissappear completely. Water habitats are necessary also for water snakes (N.natrix and N.tessellata) and water turtles (E.orbicularis and M.caspica).

3.3. The necessity for further studies

It is important to conduct studies and field research in the future. Thus, field trips should be more frequent and evenly distributed throughout the year. More complete data on the bioecology and etology of most species of amphibians and reptiles can be collected on-field. Specific and detailed studies on globally threatened species, such as the sea turtles (D.coriacea and D.caretta), sweetwater turtles (E.orbicularis and M.caspica), and for ground turtle (T.hermanni) should be conducted. These studies should be followed with the organization of specific workshops and seminars with the local population, especially with the fishermen, school children and youth. For this purpose, which is the education of the local community, posters, leaflets and brochures should be published and distributed. The suggestions above are based on the fact that the local community does not show a high interest towards most of the amphibians and almost all the reptiles; on the contrary, most of these species are considered damaging and even extremely dangerous. There are legends and fairytales told by the local community at Orikum in which one could spot easily the depreciation towards most amphibians and reptiles.

3.4. Priority objectives for protection (of species and habitats)

First of all, awareness raising campaigns with the population of the Orikum area for the protection of habitats and species of amphibians and reptiles living in them should be conducted. The population of the area must be educated with new concepts of the importance that species of amphibians and reptiles play in the nature equilibrium. One must emphasize this, because their concepts concerning these animals are completely wrong and there exists no activity such as habitat protection; on the contrary, they are frequently damaged for ordinary reasons, seriously disturbing the lives of these species.

3.5. Management and conservation measures proposed

a) Management activities concerning the Amphibians and Reptiles

- short term

Keeping the water level under control (ponds, irrigation channels, swamps, etc) should protect the habitats of amphibians.

The habitats of reptiles should be protected through avoiding cutting of shrubs and forests in the Orikum area and by avoiding the fires.

Education of fishermen and all the population of the area with the aim to know and protect all species of amphibians and reptiles with emphasis on the rare and globally endangered species, such as E.orbicularis, M.caspica, D.coriacea, C.caretta, T.hermanni, etc.

- medium term

Organize and develop seminars with the population of the Orikum area, prepare and distribute posters, leaflets and publish a brochure on the importance of all species of amphibians and reptiles, the reasons for protecting them, their importance and the necessity for habitat protection.

b) Zonation of area (Categories of Orikum reserves)

- Reserve zones (only research and management zones)

Such zones in Orikum should be:

The swamp near the old church.

- Restricted access zones

The swamp‘s zones

Open access zones

Fiels of Juncus sp., the pine forest and the delta of Dukat River

- Special use zones

The swamp’s sides of Orikum and the big Chanal from old church to the sea.

ANEXES

Annex 1. Complete list of the species

The complete list of the species is represented in tables 1 and 2

Annex 2. Methodology folloowed in the field

Through expeditions accomplished on-field, there were conducted surveys in order to find and determine the amount of species of amphibians and reptiles living in the Orikum area. There are taken detailed notes on the bioecology and etology of most of the species met; there are taken notes on the status of the habitats, there are taken pictures of the habitats and specific species.

Annex 3. The information collected from the Orikum community

Data has been collected from the population of the area on the Albanian names of the species of amphibians and reptiles, histories and legends of different species.

Annex 4. Bibliography is presented during the description of the material and also in a separate chapter named: Bibliography.

4. BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Bruno, S.(1989) : Introduction to a study of the herpetofauna of Albania.-British herpetological Society Bulletin 29: 16-41.
2. De Fejervary G.J.(1923) :Explorationes zoologicae ab E.Csiki in Albania peractae.Pars 1.Batrachians and Reptiles.- Mag.Tudom.Balkan-Kutat .Tudom Eredm.,Budapest 1: 7-65
3. Haxhiu , I. (1980) : Te dhena paraprake per familjen Colubridae ne Shqiperi . B.SH.N.Tirane 2 fq.85-91
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17. Haxhiu , I. ( 1994) : On the distribution of the urodelan amphibian of Albania ëith notes on thei ecology Abh und Berichte fur Nat.17,Magdeburg 192-202.
18. Haxhiu , I . (1998) : Result of studies on the Chelonias of Albania .Chelonias Conservation and Biology 1.(4) , 234-237.
19. Haxhiu , I. (1998) : The Reptilia of Albania : Species composition, distributin,habitats.Bunn Zool.Beitr bd 48, 35-37
20. Kopstein, F. & O.Wettstein (1921) : Reptilien und Amphibien aus Albanien.-Verh.Zool.-Bot.Ges.Wien 70. 387-457.

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