HERPETOFAUNA IN THE KARABURUN AREA
Prof. Dr. Idriz Haxhiu
1. INTRODUCTION
There are no specific local publications on the herpetofauna of Karaburun,
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 KARABURUN AREA
2.1. Rare species of amphibians and reptiles
Out of 10 species of Amphibians found in the Karaburun area, 5 of them are rare
species; while out of 24 species of Reptiles, 19 found are rare species. More detailed data
is given in tables 3 and 4.
2.2. Species of economic interest
2.2. Threats
Tables 3 and 4 represent the threats at national and international level. For
amphibians, especially for most species 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 Karaburun area.
More detailed data is given in tables 1 and 2.
1
Salamanda salamandra is a common species, spread all over this area. It is threatened
by the burning of forests and bushes.
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 and bushes.
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 and bushes.
Hyla arborea is common and widely distributed. The local community in Karaburun
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 and forests,
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.
Rana balkanica is a rare species in the Karaburun waters and their surroundings. Its
populations are threatened by reduction of surface waters.
Rana graeca is a rare species in the Karaburun waters and their surroundings. Its
populations are threatened by reduction of surface waters and the burning of forests and
bushes.
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.
Testudo hermanni is a rare species. Populations of T. hermanni are threatened by
frequent burning of forests and bushes.
2
Anguis fragilis is a rare species. It is not usually threatened or killed by the Karaburun
community. A. fragilis is threatened by habitat destruction.
Pseudopodus apodus is a common species, especially in the bushy areas. The Karaburun
community, by not recognizing its role in the natural balance, kills it. P. apodus is
threatened by habitat destruction, especially 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 Karaburun 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 and bushes. The Karaburun 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 and bushes. The Karaburun 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 and bushes. The Karaburun 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 and bushes, The Karaburun 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 Karaburun 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 Karaburun 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 Karaburun 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 and
forests.
3
Coluber gemonensis is a rare species, threatened by the Karaburun 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 and
forests.
Coluber najadum is a very rare species. It is threatened by habitat destruction, especially
burning of forests and bushes. Most people kill it thinking that it’s dangerous.
Coronella austriaca is a rare species, threatened by the Karaburun 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 and
forests.
Elaphe longissima is a common species. It is threatened by habitat destruction, especially
burning of forests and bushes, 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 and fields. 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 and fields.
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.
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 Karaburun 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 Karaburun area
4
Nr
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Latin name
Salamandra salamandra
Triturus cristatus
Triturus vulgaris
Bambina variegata
Bufo bufo
Bufo viridis
Hyla arborea
Rana dalmatina
Rana balcanica
Rana graeca
Albanian name
Pikalore
Tritoni me kreshte
Tritone i zakonshem
Bretkosa barkverdhe
Thithlopa
Thithlopa e gjelber
Verore
Bretkosa kercimtare
Zhaba
Bretkosa e prrenjeve
Family
Order
Salamandridae Caudata
Discoglossidae
Bofonidae
Anura
Hylidae
Ranidae
Table 2: Reptilofauna (Reptilia Class) in the Karaburun area
Nr
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Latin name
Caretta caretta
Demochelys coriacea
Testuda hermanni
Anguis fragilis
Pseudopus apodus
Hemidactylus turcicus
Algyroides nigropunctatus
Lacerta trilineata
Lacerta viridis
Podarcis muralis
Podarcis taurica
Ablepharus kitaibelii
Typhlops vermicularis
Coluber caspius
Coluber gemonensis
Coluber najadum
Coronella austriaca
Elaphe longissima
Elaphe quatrolineata
Elaphe situla
Malpolon monspesulanus
Natrix natrix
Telescopus fallax
Vipera ammodytes
Albanian name
Breshka me pllaka
Breshka lekurore
Breshka
Vjeshtull
Bullari
Hardhuca me venduza
Zhapi me pllaka
Zhapi me tre vija
Zhapi gomari
Hardhuca
Hardhuce bari
Zhapi kembe vogel
Gjarperi i verber
Shigjeta e gjate
Shigjeta e shkurter
Shigjeta e holle
Gjarperi i zi
Bolla e shtepise
Bolla me kate viza
Bolla laramane
Biroja
Gjarper uji
Gjarper me lara
Neperka
Family
Chelonide
Dermochelydae
Testudinidae
Anguidae
Order
Lacertidae
Sauria
Scincidae
Typhflopiede
Colubridae
Serpentes
Viperidae
3. ANALYSIS
3.1. The ecological interest of the site
5
In the Karaburun area, the most ecologically interesting species of amphibians are
found in the wetlands and fresh waters (canals, ponds and swamps); as for reptiles,
shrubs, canal catchments, forests, represent higher ecological interest.
3.2. The level of sensitivity in different habitats used by species of interest
Wetland habitats and sweet waters of Karaburun 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 habitats will be catastrophical to the
amphibians.
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), 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 Karaburun 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 Karaburun
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 should protect the habitats of amphibians.
6
The habitats of reptiles should be protected through avoiding cutting of shrubs
and forests in the Karaburun 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 D.coriacea, C.caretta, T.hermanni, etc.
-
medium term
Organize and develop seminars with the population of the Karaburun 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 Karaburun reserves)
- Reserve zones (only research and management zones)
Such zones in Karaburun should be:
The Walleis near the “Pashaliman”
- Restricted access zones
The eastern of Karaburun
- Open access zones
- The meadows of Karaburun
- Special use zones
The western zones of Karaburun
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
Karaburun 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 Karaburun 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.
7
4. BIBLIOGRAPHY
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herpetological Society Bulletin 29: 16-41.
2. De Fejervary G.J.(1923) :Explorationes zoologicae ab E.Csiki in Albania
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Eredm.,Budapest 1: 7-65
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Tirane 4 fq.209-217
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tone.Kultura masive Tirane 3 fq.71-81.
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:
Rezultatet e studimit te breshkave te vendit
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fq.47-95
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punctatus(Dumerit et Bibron 1839) (Sauria Lacertidae)en Albanie Bull Soc.Herp. Fr.
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in Albania.Amphibia – Reptilia 13. 293-295 Bonn
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The hepetofauna of Albania ,Amphibia: Species
composition,distribution,habitats,Zool.Jahrb.Syst.121 .109-115.
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notes on thei ecology Abh und Berichte fur Nat.17,Magdeburg 192-202.
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Result of studies on the Chelonias of Albania .Chelonias
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The Reptilia of Albania : Species composition,
distributin,habitats.Bunn Zool.Beitr bd 48, 35-37
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