In August 2022 the first individuals of the dragonfly species Violet dropwing, Trithemis annulata (Palisot de Beauvois, 1807), were observed in Croatia, at three localities in southern Dalmatia. Two males were observed at the Peračko Blato lake, while both males and females were recorded at two localities at the Baćinska Lakes. At the Baćinska Lakes, more than 10 individuals were observed indicating a possible established population. The nearest known reproducing population is located about 160 km to the south, in Montenegro. Due to the species expansion in Europe, and recent records as north as Slovenia, additional records and established populations are to be expected in Croatia. As the species is now known from Croatia, we propose a vernacular name for this species, “ljubičasta skitnica” meaning purple tramp, referring to its coloration, wandering behavior and dispersal potential.
IzvlečekDuring the field work in Zagorska peć cave in Croatia, the olm, Proteus anguinus Laurenti, 1768 was observed in a siphon at depth of 113 m. This was not only the first time that this troglobiotic amphibian was recorded at such depths but also the first time that its research was done by cave-divers in its natural environment, at depths greater than 50 m. As such research is dangerous and difficult there was no previous data on the vertical distribution of the olm in the cave system. Further in situ research will provide valuable insight into species' environmental preferences and behaviour.
Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is listed as “Near threatened” in the IUCN Red list of endangered species. The importance of protecting the Hermann’s tortoise populations and its habitats have led to the inclusion of the species within CITES Convention (Annex II), Annex A of EU Wildlife Trade Regulation, Annex II of the Bern Convention and Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive. To assess the distribution and status of the eastern Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri) in Croatia, historical and recent records were gathered and analyzed. The species was recorded in all three biogeographical regions in the country, but it’s native to the Mediterranean and a small part of the Alpine region. With the increase of recent surveys and the use of citizen science platforms, the known range of the species in Croatia was increased by 35.8% and is now encompassing 123 10 × 10 km EEA reference grid cells. Most records (66%) originate from lower elevations (up to 199 m), and the highest was recorded at 570 m. Sparse forests are the most preferred habitats, followed by semi-open habitats, such as grasslands and shrubs. The most serious threat to the species is natural succession due to the increased abandonment of traditional farming and grazing. Other threats include touristic infrastructure and urban development, transportation, illegal collecting, and invasive species. The Area of Occupancy calculated using 2 × 2 km grids resulted in an AOO of 1,372.00 km2, while Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is calculated to be 18,145.07 km2. The current network of National protected areas includes 14% of the species’ AOO while the designated Natura 2000 areas include 29.30% of its AOO. We propose to designate an additional 10 Natura 2000 areas to help with the long-term protection of the species.
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