Common names:
Olm [1]
Proteus [2]
Lintvern (Dragon's young) [2]
Human fish [2]
Cave salamander [2]
White salamander [2]
Classification:
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Amphibia
Order - Caudata
Family - Proteidae
Species - Proteus anguinus
Distribution:
This species occurs exclusively in caves ranging from north-east Italy, thorough coastal Croatia, to the karsts of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Figure 2) [1]. It was introduced into a small part of north-eastern Italy in the 1800s [1].
Details:
This species is completely blind [1], and lives in underground water-filled cave/karst systems [3]. They sense their prey using elctroreceptors [1]. These unserwater amphibians can survive without food for up to a decade and can live for up to 58 years. [4]. The Olms feed on detritus and endemic cave inverts [3]. They are highly dependent on clean water and are often residing in areas where the caves are connected to an above-ground river [3]. They are found between just under the ground or up to 300m underground, depending on the cave system [3]. Individuals reach sexual maturity at 12 years of age, they reproduce by laying up t0 70 eggs on the underside of rocks [3]. Occasionally, the female will retain the eggs internally and produce two fully formed young [3]. They are found in waters ranging from 5-15 °C [3].
Proteus anginus is listed under the Bern Convention, and on Annexes II* and IV of the EU Habitats Directive, which affords it high levels of international protection in the EU [3]. In the regions it is found there are many national-level and local protections in place as well [3]. However, more conservation provisions are needed.
Threats to the species:
Urbanisation and development [3].
Hunting for international trade [3].
Pollution from industry, military, and agriculture [3].
Increased farming and forestry above the subterranean habitats [3].
Tourism and recreation [3].
Water abstraction and hydroelectric power plants [3].
Similar species:
References:
[1] Natural History Museum. (2019). Superior senses in the dark. [ONLINE]. Available at: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/superior-senses-in-the-dark.html [Accessed 5 May 2019].
[2] Sket, Boris (Oddelek za biologijo, Biotehniška fakulteta, Univerza v Ljubljani, p.p. 2995, 1001 Ljubljana, S. (1997) ‘Distribution of Proteus (Amphibia: Urodela: Proteidae) and its possible explanation’, Journal of Biogeography, pp. 263–280.
[3] IUCN Red List. (2009). Proteus anguinus. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/18377/8173419. [Accessed 5 May 2019].
[4] Edge of Existence. (n.d.). Proteus anguinus. [ONLINE]. Available at: http://www.edgeofexistence.org/species/olm/#overview [Accessed 5 May 2019].
Photo: Crowley, N. (2016). Creatures of the deep: why I'm addicted to my biggest fear. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.tor.com/2016/08/25/creatures-of-the-deep-why-im-addicted-to-my-biggest-fear/[Accessed 5 May 2019].
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