engleski

Livin' on the edge – threats to the survival of the Balkan Terrapin in Croatia

The Balkan Terrapin, Mauremys rivulata is critically endangered species in Croatia. It has very small distribution area and can be found only in Dubrovnik-Neretva county on three geographically isolated localities. It is listed on Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive and is a strictly protected species in Croatia. Also, all three localities on which terrapin occurs are declared a part of the Natura 2000 ecological network. Long-term field studies, lasting for more than ten years, enable estimation and understanding of real and potential threats to this terrapins survival in Croatia. All observed threats were defined according to the IUCN Threats Classification Scheme. Additionally, each threat was ranked and its threat impact score was calculated in order to prioritize existing conservation measures and define new ones if necessary. Altogether nine threats were recognized. The most significant ones were degradation and habitat loss caused by channelization of watercourses and by ecological succession due to abandonment. Additionally, illegal use of fish traps in some localities results in high mortality of the Balkan Terrapin and other fauna. For the long term protection of the species it is necessary to create Action plan for the protection of the Balkan Terrapin in Croatia and to define and implement conservation measures.

Mauremys rivulata, endangerement, conservation measures, Natura 2000

nije evidentirano