Amphibians and reptiles
Did you know...
The Red-eared Terrapin comes from North America and is a 'dangerous' pet. Think twice before you decide to take a turtle as a pet. Released in nature, the Red-eared Terrapin would endanger our indigenous European Pond Terrapin, which is an endangered species in Europe. These two species compete for food and habitat, and the Red-eared Terrapin successfully shoves back the European turtle. It has been included on the list of the 100 worst non-indigenous invasive species in the world, and it is forbidden to import into Croatia.
Snakes and lizards periodically discard their old skin, therefore snakes have served as inspiration for the rod of Asclepius. The rod of Asclepius is a symbol of pharmacy, where the snake represents healing and fast recovery of the sick.
AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES
Stepping back in time, 360 million years ago, amphibians were the first among the vertebrates to inhabit the land and there, adjust to the conditions of life. Four-legged animals with developed lungs stepped on the land, but they have also kept adjustments for life in the water. As their name indicates, an amphibians' life is closely linked to land and water habitats. You can find amphibians in ponds, lakes, streams and rivers, where they spawn, their larvae are developed, and water is also essential for keeping their skin moist, since they use it for breathing. Frogs, salamanders and newts are the most common amphibian representatives in Croatia. If you get closer to the Lake and take a walk through the woods, you will hear their recognizable call for mating or marking of the territory.
In contrast to amphibians, reptiles have completely adapted to living on land. Reptiles include snakes, lizards and turtles. You can recognize them by their dry skin covered with scales and their eggs wrapped in a shell that protects them from draining. They are cold-blooded animals and do not have a constant body temperature, and can often be seen by the edge of the lake, sunbathing and making up for the lost heat. If you get closer to them, they feel the ground vibrating and find a safe shelter before you get to see them.
There are 20 amphibian species and 39 reptile species recorded in Croatia. The most common cause for them being endangered is the change of habitat, which can get fragmented by roads or destroyed by various human activities. Amphibians often get killed on roads, mostly during spring and autumn migrations when they are in search of water habitat to spawn in. Some reptiles get killed because the roads serve them as a place to absorb the heat – that is how they control their body temperature. One of the more important reasons for the threat, especially to amphibians, is the influence of chemical substances that enter the environment due to human activity (pesticides, fertilizers, water pollution etc.). Some species are directly endangered by humans – through illegal commercial hunting, collecting animals for terrariums, or killing animals because of the negative attitude, particularly towards reptiles.