Day 1
After landing in Zadar the trip went up in the southern coastal area of the country. The first destination was a small lake surrounded by rocky and moderately vegetated hills.
Dice Snakes and Marsh Frogs were, as usual, well represented in Croatian waters. A large Four-lined Snake (Elaphe quatuorlineata) was in the bushes near the lake shore to take a sunbath.
The discovery of the first Hermann’s Tortoises was not long in coming. Their shells were still covered with earth by their hibernation. Balkan Green Lizards were observed at regular intervals. While the young were mainly found close to the ground, adult animals often were drawn to somewhat higher, rocky grounds. Just like with the tortioses you could see that some lizards had come out of their winter quarters only recently.
Also, a few Striped Grass Snakes (Natrix natrix persa) and a Balkan Whip Snake (Hierophis gemonensis) were located in the area of the watercourse. A little further off-side of the lake I found, aside from several Adriatic Wall Lizards (Podarcis melisellensis), an Eastern Montpellier Snake (Malpolon insignitus).
Day 2
The first half of the day was windy, cool and rainy. Therefore there initially were no findings apart of a Dice Snake. The weather finally improved in the late afternoon, the wind decreased and a few rays of sunshine broke through after the rain. So back into the field it was. There was nothing to be found except for a few Balkan Green Lizards and two Glass Lizards (Pseudopus apodus), however; only shortly before "closing time" a Dahl's Whip Snake (Platyceps najadum) finally showed to save the day. The pretty snake lay between rocks enjoying the few minutes of sun left for the day.
Day 3
Temperatures were quite cool again, but at least it was sunny and more or less calm. Conditions were good for another trip to different waters. Next to the ubiquitous Dice Snakes there were also a few Grass Snakes to be seen in direct proximity to the shore. Particularly encouraging was the finding of a melanistic specimen.
Between the stones scattered Sharp Snouted Rock Lizards showed (Dalmatolacerta oxycephala). There were several adult Glass Lizards again, whereas the discovery of two juvenile conspecifics constituted a special feature.
Day 4
In still pretty cool weather the first thing to get done was a 2 hour drive, heading north. Upon arriving in town, we were pleased to notice an omnipresence of ruin lizards (Podarcis siculus). The search there was quite unsuccessful that day apart from a few Glass Lizards and Balkan Green Lizards. Luck changed only when a night excursion allowed for the finding of a Cat Snake (Telescopus fallax). In addition, some scorpions were seen.
Day 5
It was sunny and a bit warmer than the day before. The destination was a beautiful area between forest and fields, about three-quarters of an hour from Biograd na Moru. The day passed without a snake discovery, despite good weather and ideal habitat.
Hermann’s Tortoise and European Pond Terrapin (Emys orbicularis) sightings were numerous instead. When photographing a Glass Lizard I noticed a baby turtle lying on his back. At first I thought it was dead, but upon looking at it more closely I was pleased to find that it was doing well. So I brought the tot from the dry, rocky area near the road further into the field to release it again between the river and scrub.
I was able to save a juvenile Glass Lizard from the road who had chosen the asphalt for sunbathing. Since I only ever found adults of this species on my previous expeditions, it was great to see three specimen of their offspring this time.
Day 6
A little cooler again and especially rainy was the reptiles search that day and was thus difficult and largely unsuccessful. Therefore attention shifted amphibians. A small pond was colonized by Marsh Frogs, European Tree Frogs, European Green Toads and Alpine Newts.
Glass Lizards and Hermann’s Tortoises that were found in the adjacent meadow served as token reptiles for the day.
Day 7
Dryer and quite sunny, the day was rather unspectacular with some turtles and various sorts of Lizards until once again a Cat Snake proved to be the highlight of the day. I discovered the animal under a wooden board in the evening hours.
Day 8
On the last day of the tour we went to the Vrana lake. Outstanding was the discovery of a Dice Snake. What is dismissed as standard in other waters in Croatia is a relatively rare find at the Vrana Lake. In addition, this specimen was drawn over a meter long and strikingly beautiful.
In a littered area north of the lake I found several Glass Lizards alongside a young Balkan Whip Snake.
more pictures available here
List of species
Pelophylax ridibundus
Hyla arborea
Bufo viridis
Ichtyosaura alpestris
Emys orbicularis
Testudo hermanni
Podarcis siculus
Podarcis melisellensis
Dalmatolacerta oxycephala
Lacerta trilineata
Pseudopus apodus
Natrix tessellata
Natrix n. persa
Hierophis gemonensis
Elaphe quatuorlineata
Telescopus fallax
Platyceps najadum
Malpolon insignitus
