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.
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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.
2
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.
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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.
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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.
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Table 1: Amphibiofauna (Amphibia Class) in the Orikum area
N/R
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Latin name
Triturus cristatus
Triturus vulgaris
Bambina variegata
Bufo bufo
Bufo viridis
Hyla arborea
Rana dalmatina
Rana balcanica
Rana lessonae
Albanian name
Tritoni me kreshte
Tritone i zakonshem
Bretkosa barkverdhe
Thithlopa
Thithlopa e gjelber
Verore
Bretkosa kercimtare
Zhaba
Bretkosa e dejeve
Family
Order
Salamandridae Caudata
Discoglossidae
Bofonidae
Anura
Hylidae
Ranidae
Table 2: Reptilofauna (Reptilia Class) in the Orikum 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
25
26
27
Latin name
Caretta caretta
Demochelys coriacea
Emys orbicularis
Mauremys caspica
Testuda hermanni
Anguis fragilis
Pseudopus apodus
Cyrtodactylus cotschyi
Hemidactylus turcicus
Algyroides nigropunctatus
Lacerta trilineata
Lacerta viridis
Podarcis muralis
Podarcis taurica
Ablepharus kitaibelii
Typhlops vermicularis
Coluber jugularis
Coluber gemonensis
Coluber najadum
Elaphe longissima
Elaphe quatrolineata
Elaphe situla
Malpolon monspesulanus
Natrix natrix
Natrix tessellata
Telescopus fallax
Vipera ammodytes
Albanian name
Breshka me pllaka
Breshka lekurore
Breshke uji
Breshke uji
Breshka
Vjeshtull
Bullari
Hardhuca me kthetra
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
Bolla e shtepise
Shigjeta e holle
Bolla me kate viza
Bolla laramane
Biroja
Gjarper uji
Gjarper uji
Gjarper me lara
Neperka
Family
Chelonide
Dermochelydae
Emydidae
Order
Testudines
Testudinidae
Anguidae
Gekonidae
Lacertidae
Sauria
Scincidae
Typhflopiede
Colubridae
Serpentes
Viperidae
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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
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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
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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.
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4.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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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.
7. Haxhiu , I. (1985)
:
Rezultatet e studimit te breshkave te vendit
tone.B.SH.N.Tirane,2 fq100-103.
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fq.47-95
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fq.105-114
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popullore.Studime filologjike Tirane 1 fq.184-189
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Donnees bioecologiques sur Algyroides nigra
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9-15.
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in Albania.Amphibia – Reptilia 13. 293-295 Bonn
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The hepetofauna of Albania ,Amphibia: Species
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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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