Nesting of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in the southeast Adriatic confirmed

The nesting of sea turtles in Eastern Adriatic has not been previously reported, even though the possible nesting of the loggerhead turtle in Albania has been hypothesized. Data for nesting activities have been collected since 2002 along the Albanian coastline. Anecdotal evidence assembled over the years has provided important information regarding the possibility of the nesting of the loggerhead turtle in Albania. This study confirms the nesting of the loggerhead turtle in Albania. Although sporadic, it takes place along the entire Adriatic coast of Albania. This information shifts the border of nesting known so far from the northeast Ionian (Greece) to the southeast Adriatic Sea (Albania)

Nesting of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in the southeast Adriatic confirmed

The nesting of sea turtles in Eastern Adriatic has not been previously reported, even though the possible nesting of the loggerhead turtle in Albania has been hypothesized. Data for nesting activities have been collected since 2002 along the Albanian coastline. Anecdotal evidence assembled over the years has provided important information regarding the possibility of the nesting of the loggerhead turtle in Albania. This study confirms the nesting of the loggerhead turtle in Albania. Although sporadic, it takes place along the entire Adriatic coast of Albania. This information shifts the border of nesting known so far from the northeast Ionian (Greece) to the southeast Adriatic Sea (Albania)

First observations on ecology and distribution of Balkan terrapin, Mauremys rivulata (Valenciennes, 1833) in Vlora Bay, Albania

This study aims to provide for the first time information about morphometrics, habitats, population structure and biology of the Balkan Terrapin, Mauremys rivulata in the understudied area of Vlora Bay, Albania. Two main different habitats, freshwater channels (several channels in different areas) and ponds or swamps (two ponds in different areas) were monitored from March 2013 to October 2015. A high number of M. rivulata were observed basking in or out of the water, while 46 were captured for the first time. All individuals of M. rivulata captured were measured (length and width of carapace and plastron), marked (on marginal scutes), photographed and released again in the same habitat. Mean curved carapacial length was 18.1 cm for adult male (n=6), 19.1 cm for adult female (n=17) and 6.2 cm for juvenile (n=23). Sex ratio was 2.8 : 1 (female : male). 50% of all captured M. rivulata were juveniles

Apparent increasing importance of Adriatic Sea as a developmental habitat for Mediterranean green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas)

In the Mediterranean, the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) has exhibited increase in the number of nests over the past two decades. While the Eastern Mediterranean is recognized as a high use area, scarce observations of green turtles in Adriatic Sea suggested only low-level utilization of this area. This study presents new findings of green sea turtles in the Adriatic Sea and analyses the importance of the region for the species. In combination with published records, we present 75 findings of the species in the Adriatic including eight new records. The number of records is generally low but shows an intriguing ten-fold increase since 2000. This may be a result of three confounding factors: (i) positive population trend at main nesting sites in Mediterranean; (ii) increased institutional capacity for sea turtle research and conservation in the past two decades, and (iii) raising sea temperatures. Documented increases in the sea surface temperatures may have established suitable and recurring thermal corridors along Ionian-Adriatic developmental pathway and provided environmental cues for immigration of juvenile green turtles into the Adriatic. As the abundance of the species will likely increase in the future, research and conservation efforts will be needed to avoid the Adriatic Sea becoming a sink habitat for the Mediterranean green turtle population

The reptilia of Albania: species composition, distribution, habitats

Volume: 48Start Page: 35End Page: 5

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

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.Pešić V, Karaman G, Kostianoy AG, editors. The Skadar/Shkodra Lake Environment. Springer, Cham; 2018. p. 383–414. (The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, vol 80.)