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2018 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

Diversity and Conservation Status of Batrachofauna and Herpetofauna in the Lake Skadar Region

Authors : Jelka Crnobrnja-Isailović, Lidija Polović, Katarina Ljubisavljević, Natalija Čađenović, Tijana Čubrić, Idriz Haxhiu

Published in: The Skadar/Shkodra Lake Environment

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

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Abstract

The basin of Lake Skadar with its drainage area represents one of the Balkan Peninsula’s hotspots regarding amphibian and reptile fauna. The value of the batracho- and herpetofauna of the Lake Skadar region is reflected in a rich and diverse composition of species. This is undoubtedly the result of the basin’s specific geographic position and complex geological history. Recent studies revealed that Lake Skadar’s watershed is inhabited by 15 amphibian and 36 reptile species. Among these, one amphibian (Pelophylax shqipericus – EN) and two reptile species (Dinarolacerta mosorensis and Vipera ursinii, both VU) are considered to be globally threatened according to IUCN criteria. An additional three reptile species (Emys orbicularis, Testudo hermanni, and Elaphe quatuorlineata) could become threatened in the future. As an attractive tourist area, a significant part of the Lake Skadar region could be impacted by fast and intense anthropogenic changes. Therefore, preserving the network of suitable habitats, maintaining continuous monitoring, and investing in additional research are essential for maintaining this rich local amphibian and reptile diversity.

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previous chapter The Ichthyofauna of Lake Skadar/Shkodra: Diversity, Economic Significance, Condition, and Conservation Status

next chapter Ornithological Features of Skadar Lake

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Title: Diversity and Conservation Status of Batrachofauna and Herpetofauna in the Lake Skadar Region
Authors: Jelka Crnobrnja-Isailović
Lidija Polović
Katarina Ljubisavljević
Natalija Čađenović
Tijana Čubrić
Idriz Haxhiu
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Book: The Skadar/Shkodra Lake Environment
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-99249-5

Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-99250-1

Copyright Year: 2018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/698_2018_252