Cijevna Canyon is one of the most important areas for herpetofauna conservation in Montenegro. Its diverse habitats, clean watercourses and strong Mediterranean climatic influence provide favourable conditions for numerous amphibian and reptile species.
Nine amphibian species have been recorded in the canyon to date, representing more than half of all species recorded in Montenegro. Particularly noteworthy are the Macedonian crested newt (Triturus macedonicus) and yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata), species protected under national and international regulations. The presence of the Macedonian crested newt indicates well-preserved aquatic and terrestrial habitats, while the yellow-bellied toad is an important indicator of the quality of small aquatic ecosystems.
Macedonian newt – ©Aleksandar Simović, 2014
Cijevna Canyon is also an important reptile habitat. Nineteen species have been recorded here, almost half of all reptile species found in Montenegro. Particularly important are Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni), four-lined snake (Elaphe quatuorlineata) and leopard snake (Zamenis situla (Linnaeus, 1758)), species of special importance for the conservation of natural ecosystems.
Hermann’s tortoise is one of the area’s most recognisable species and an important indicator of well-preserved grassland, rocky and forest habitats. At the same time, it faces numerous threats, particularly fires and habitat loss.
The four-lined snake, one of Europe’s largest snakes, plays an important role in maintaining the natural balance of ecosystems. Its presence demonstrates the preservation of the mosaic of forests, rocky terrain and grasslands characteristic of Cijevna Canyon. The rich herpetofauna is one of the most important elements of the canyon’s biodiversity and confirms its national and international conservation significance.
Forest tortoise – Testudo hermanii, ©Aleksandar Simović, 2014
Leopard snake – Zamenis situla, ©Crnogorsko društvo ekologa
