Introduction: Snakebites can lead to a wide range of clinical manifestations, from local tissue effects to systemic complications, including rhabdomyolysis, coagulopathy, acute kidney injury, neurological, and cardiac events. Although snakebites in Western Serbia are generally not a major public health issue, severe cases may occur, with potentially fatal outcomes. Patient review: We report the case of a 71-year-old man bitten by Vipera ammodytes in Bajina Bašta, Western Serbia. He was presented with fatigue, vomiting, and swelling of the left hand one hour after the bite. His past medical history included diabetes mellitus, ischemic stroke, and cerebral aneurysm repair. On admission, he was hypotensive and dehydrated, with a local hematoma and thrombocytopenia. He received antivenom, corticosteroids, Dopamine, antibiotics, and supportive care. Despite initial stabilization, the patient developed acute respiratory distress, acute kidney injury, hypotension, and peripheral cyanosis, requiring mechanical ventilation and dual inotropic support. Laboratory findings indicated coagulopathy and rising markers of organ injury. Despite intensive management, the patient succumbed to complications. Conclusion: This represents the first reported fatal snakebite in Western Serbia in the past 30 years. The primary pathogenic mechanism was likely disseminated intravascular coagulation triggered by the venom. This case highlights the importance of prolonged clinical and laboratory monitoring, timely supportive therapy, and awareness of potentially severe systemic complications following snakebites.

The decline in consumer diversity in freshwater ecosystems is accelerating. Being both prey and predator in these ecosystems and dependent on aquatic habitats due to their complex life histories, amphibians are more vulnerable to pollution and global warming than other vertebrates. The life cycle of anuran amphibians includes a specific larval stage tadpole. During metamorphosis, tadpoles undergo dramatic changes in morphology, behavior, and diet, primarily accompanied by a transition from an aquatic to a terrestrial habitat. Consequently, anurans are important members of food webs and a link between these two habitats. Despite that, there is insufficient data on their nutrition, and understanding the nutritional requirements of a specific species or its developmental stage is essential for population survival. The primary aim of our study was to gather data on the nutritional types, feeding behaviors, and diets of tadpoles from several localities in the Republic of Serbia. Rana temporaria, R. dalmatina, and R. graeca are widely distributed in Serbia, occupying various habitats. We collected 572 tadpoles of these three species across 10 different localities and analyzed their intestinal contents. The results indicated quite diverse diets within and among species. The dominant food items were algae (especially diatoms), followed by detritus and pollen; some inorganic particles, such as microplastics, were also found. Animal prey was rarely found but was present in the intestinal content of some samples. These results significantly enhance understanding of tadpole nutrition and represent the first findings in our country with such a large sample size. Additionally, they provide an important foundation for future research.

The amphibian and reptile species inhabiting the Mojstirsko-Draške Mountains have not been thoroughly studied yet. From 2013 to 2018, a comprehensive field study effort documented a total of 20 species, comprising eight amphibian species and 12 reptile species. Based on Sorensen's coefficient of similarity, this area closely resembles other locations in the Republic of Serbia. The presence of species was determined through direct observation of adult or larval forms, identification of distinctive markings, and the detection of clusters of deposited eggs or larvae. The majority of documented amphibian and reptile species are subject to severe protection under national laws, mostly due to various anthropogenic influences that contribute to their declining populations. The results given are preliminary, although they make a substantial contribution to the understanding of the local fauna. Additional field research must be conducted, and a system of active monitoring should be implemented.

Batracho- and herpetofauna of the Golija Mountain have not yet been sufficiently explored. During nine years of research, a total of 22 species of amphibians and reptiles were recorded in the Nature Park "Golija", and in the area of the "GolijaStudenica" Biosphere Reserve, which comprises 45.83% of all autochthonous amphibians and reptiles in Serbia. The presence of the species was ascertained by direct or indirect observation. Some species were recorded for the first time. Most species have the status of strictly protected. Sorensen's similarity coefficient had high values between Golija Mt. and all compared areas. The presented data are not final, but they significantly contribute to the knowledge of the fauna of these areas. It is necessary to establish long-term research and a system of active or passive monitoring.

The Meadow and Steppe viper, Vipera ursinii-renardi complex is a well-studied group that is divided into several morphological subspecies. In this study, we combine the analyses of two mitochondrial genes with 9 microsatellite markers to compare both phylogenetic signals. Whereas the signal is similar between both genomes within most subspecies, the relative relationships between subspecies are more differentiated. Moreover, the nuclear phylogenetic reconstruction supports genetic homogeneity within V. u. macrops (in contrast to mtDNA). Both genetic portions show an unexpected differentiation between a population from Bistra Mountain and other V. u. macrops populations. Globally, the microsatellite markers suggest high genetic diversity in most subspecies, even in V. u. rakosiensis which is highly threatened; only V. u. macrops showed a limited genetic diversity. Within lowland subspecies, the differentiation between populations is globally limited compared to the distance between them (except in some populations of V. u. moldavica ). The limited differentiation might be the consequence of a recent isolation (few decades) of previously large populations. Nevertheless, the only way to maintain this genetic diversity and to avoid an increase in genetic differentiation between populations in the future is to recreate suitable habitats and reconnect the populations.

We present the updated distribution data of the Hyla arborea species complex in Serbia. Hyla arborea inhabits all biogeographic regions, while Hyla orientalis inhabits only the easternmost parts of northeastern , Eastern and southeastern Serbia. Potential hybrid zone encompasses parts of central and southern Serbia from the Đerdap gorge, over Niš to Bosilegrad. Since the taxonomic separation UROŠEVIĆ, A. ET AL.: DISTRIBUTION OF TREE FROGS (HYLA SPP.) IN Serbia 138 between the tree frog taxa was not yet recognized in national nomenclature, we propose the official Serbian names. The species H. arborea will keep the standard Serbian name "Gatalinka", while for the species H. orientalis we propose the name "Istočna gatalinka".

Insular populations offer excellent opportunities to study the factors that influence phenotypes. We observed island dwarfism in a widespread snake, the nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes). Island vipers were ~20% smaller than mainland individuals. They also produced fewer and smaller offspring. In snakes, food availability has a positive influence on body size, fecundity and offspring size. Consequently, low energy intake is a plausible explanation for insular dwarfism. The diet of island vipers was principally represented by lizards and centipedes, whereas the most profitable prey items (e.g. rodents) were regularly found in the stomach of mainland vipers. Furthermore, the proportion of individuals captured with a full stomach and good body condition were lower on the island compared with the mainland. Thus, island vipers were likely to be experiencing permanent energy restriction, with cascading effects on adult body size and reproductive output. Large prey promotes high relative jaw length in snakes. Island vipers displayed smaller relative jaw length compared with mainland populations, suggesting that plasticity played a role in insular dwarfism. But the difference in relative tail length between island and mainland populations, a trait not subjected to food-induced plasticity, indicates local adaptation. Both plasticity and adaptation might influence the phenotype of island vipers.

Introduction/Objective. A countrywide survey of venomous snakebites was never conducted in Serbia: the making of a central register was initiated only in 2018. We collected and analyzed the available data regarding venomous snakebites in the Uzice region (Western Serbia). The previous analysis from this hospital was published in 1968. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the data regarding the venomous snakebite patients treated at the Uzice General Hospital between 2006 and 2018 and compared these with the data from the 1960s, from one more hospital in Serbia, and from two ex-Yugoslav countries. Results In 13 years, 249 persons were treated. Of all cases, 10.4% were with inconspicuous symptoms (mild pain at the place of bite), 68.7% were with mild to moderate symptoms, and 20.9% were more or less severe. No fatalities were recorded. Conclusion. Although usually not a life-threatening issue, venomous snakebites are quite common and can cause serious complications. With proper education, many can be avoided. Also, bearing in mind not only the biodiversity per se but also the importance of snakes? venoms for the making of various medically important products, we emphasize the need for proper protection of all three venomous snake species in Serbia, namely Vipera ammodytes (nose-horned viper), V. berus (European adder), and V. ursinii (meadow viper).

Once cornered by a predator, prey can try to intimidate the assailant or repel it, with irritating sprays for example. If seized, they may scratch, bite or struggle to cause the predator to release its grip. At the other extreme, they can adopt passive behaviours such as death feigning (DF, i.e. thanatosis). DF is observed widely across the animal kingdom; it usually involves a combination of displays such as immobility, supination, leg-folding, mouth opening and release of nauseating secretions. When displaying DF, individuals are highly vulnerable and effectively bet on the attitude of the predator; this risky choice is presumably under positive selection. We explored how propensity for DF varies among and within populations of dice snakes (Natrix tessellata). We also considered the influence of sex, body size, reproductive status, colour morph and presence of injuries (N = 2760 snakes; five populations). DF propensity differed among populations, possibly due to variation in local predation pressures. Larger snakes displayed DF more frequently and carried more signs of probable past predation attempts (scars and recent injuries). We found no sex effect on antipredator behaviour. Gravid females used DF less frequently compared with non-gravid females. Differential expression of DF across populations, body sizes and reproductive status suggests that this complex behaviour was selected to respond to environmental and intrinsic factors. Future studies should explore which elements affect duration, intensity and success of DF in defence against various predators.

U ovom radu, prikazujemo ažurirane podatke o distribuciji kompleksa vrsta slepića (Anguis fragilis complex) u Srbiji. Podaci se sastoje iz nalaza objavljenih u literaturi ili na Internetu, zajedno sa prethodno neobjavljenim distribucionim podacima sakupljenim na terenu. Od dve vrste kompleksa prisutne u Srbiji, Anguis fragilis je rasprostranjen u zapadnim i južnim krajevima naše zemlje dok je Anguis colchica prisutan u severoistočnim i istočnim krajevima. U najsevernijim delovima naše zemlje konstatovano je odsustvo obe vrste, zbog nedostatka odgovarajućeg staništa. Nalazi su brojniji u planinsko-kotlinskom regionu i ređi i raštrkaniji u peripanonskom i panonskom regionu, što se delimično može objasniti nesistematskim uzorkovanjem. Lokacija i širina kontaktne zone dve vrste slepića u Srbiji je još uvek nedovoljno poznata. Pretpostavlja se da se pruža duž doline Velike Morave ka jugu a zatim prati granicu između Rodopskog i Karpatsko-Balkanskog planinskog masiva ka jugo-istoku, ali postoje indicije da se hibridna zona nalazi i zapadnije. Postoji izvesno neslaganje, u literaturi, između kontaktne zone predložene na osnovu morfoloških analiza i one predložene na osnovu molekularnih analiza. Ovo ukazuje na potrebu za opsežnijim uzorkovanjem i daljim analizama. Konačno, pošto razdvajanje dve kriptičke vrste slepića do sada nije prepoznato u našoj nomenklaturi, u ovom radu predlažemo zvanične srpske nazive za navedene vrste. Vrsta Anguis fragilis će zadržati standardno srpsko ime "Slepić", dok za vrstu Anguis colchica predlažemo ime "Istočni slepić".

Here we provide the first confirmed records of Hemidactylus turcicus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although this species was for a long time considered common in Bosnia and Herzegovina and it is included in the species list of the country, clear evaluation of the available scientific literature revealed the species presence in the country was never provided. Therefore, the aim of the note is the confirmation of H. turcicus presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Grčka kornjača (Testudo graeca) ima veoma uzak i disjunktan areal u Republici Srbiji. Ova vrsta je do sada zabeležena na samo nekoliko lokaliteta u južnoj (planina Karadag, selo Miratovac) i jugoistočnoj Srbiji (planina Starac, selo Starac), kao i na Kosovu (Šar planina, selo Đeneral Janković). U ovom radu predstavljeni su novi faunistički nalazi grčke kornjače u našoj zemlji. U periodu od 2014. do 2017. godine, intenzivna istraživanja herpetofaune u regionima južne i jugoistočne Srbije, rezultirala su otkrićem 10 novih lokaliteta na kojima je prisutna vrsta Testudo graeca. U Crvenoj knjizi faune Srbije II - gmizavci, grčka kornjača je kategorizovana kao kritično ugrožena vrsta (Critically Endangered - CR) na teritoriji Srbije. Iako je konzervacioni status ove vrste definisan, dodatna terenska istraživanja su neophodna kako bi se odredio populacioni status ove vrste, koja se inače nalazi Aneksima II i IV Direktive o staništima (Habitats Directive, 92/43/EEC).

In the most recent comprehensive distribution of vipers in the western and central Balkans, 210 precise records (146 UTM cells) for all three species of vipers (Vipera ammodytes, V. berus, and V. ursinii) were presented for Serbia. During the past eight years, extensive field investigations within the ongoing conservation projects in our country (e.g. Ecological Networks and Natura 2000), significantly increased the number of faunistic records, which urged the need for publishing the updated distribution of all three species of vipers in Serbia. We collected a total of 770 records of vipers in Serbia, of which literature data constitute 49.4% (n = 380) and unpublished field data made as much as 50.6% (n = 390) of the records. As expected, V. ammodytes was the best-represented species, accounting for 614 records (79.8%), followed by V. berus with 145 records (18.8%), and V. ursinii with 11 records (1.4%). Results of the present study showed that in our country there are three areas crucially important for the diversity of vipers, with all three species present: Koritnik Mt. and Žljeb Mt. in Metohija, as well as Mokra Gora Mt. in south-western Serbia. We also found 25 10×10 km UTM squares with sympatry of two species of vipers. The designation of areas of special importance for vipers (e.g. Mokra Gora Mt., Dukat Mt., Besna kobila Mt., Kamena Gora Mt.) should be one of the priority actions for improvement of their conservation statuses in our country.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), more than half of all chelonian species are seriously threatened. Habitat loss and illegal trade contribute substantially to this trend. Rare and vulnerable taxa often enjoy formal protection while taxa with large populations are usually neglected, despite worrying trends. The two subspecies of the Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) present a good example of this contrast: the western subspecies (T. h. hermanni) is rare, while the eastern conspecific (T. h. boettgeri) is still relatively common in appropriate habitats. The IUCN lists the entire species as Near Threatened. In practice, the western subspecies is treated as endangered, while the assessment of the conservation status of the eastern counterpart is still lacking. Using field data collected from five populations of T. h. boettgeri in three Balk an countries, we aim at filling this gap. Population Viability Analyses (PVAs) suggest that even large and dense populations inhabiting favorable environments could face extinction by over-harvesting in a matter of years. Natural causes (e.g., higher female mortality) or stochastic events (e.g., wildfires) could be detrimental to peculiar isolated populations. The uncertain viability of the studied populations casts considerable doubt over the apparent stability of T. h. boettgeri. For this subspecies to avoid the fate of its western cousin, we propose the upgrade of its IUCN category to Vulnerable throughout its distribution range.

Juvenile growth strongly impacts life-history traits during adulthood. Yet, in juveniles with delayed maturity, elusiveness has hindered age-specific studies of growth, precluding any detailed research on its consequences later in life. Different complex growth patterns have been extracted from captive animals, suggesting species-specific trajectories occur in free-ranging animals. How pronounced are growth and body size variation (VBS) throughout a long-lived ectotherm’s life? Is VBS constant among age classes prior to maturity, or do compensatory and/or cumulative effects driven by long-lived-animal-specific strategies create distinct VBS cohorts, to ensure survival? To tackle the issue, we modelled growth data from continuous and dense annual capture–mark–recapture sampling (5096 body measurements of 1134 free-ranging individuals) of both immature and mature, long-lived Hermann’s tortoises. We analysed population, cohort, and individual-based growth and VBS. Growth ring inferred ages were cross validated with annual recaptures in 289 juveniles. Analyses unravelled an S-shaped growth curve and identified three age cohorts across which VBS increases in a step-wise manner. Neonate-specific constraints and compensatory effects seem to control VBS until 4 years of age, possibly promoting survival with size. Subsequently, a hardened carapace takes over and cumulative effects fuelled by faster growth progressively increase VBS. Whereas ungulates are in a hurry to attain adult size before growth ceases (minimizing VBS), indeterminately growing tortoises can shape individual asymptotic sizes even after growth decelerates. Tortoise size is clearly shaped by age-specific ecological constraints; interestingly, it is likely the carapace that conducts the strategy, rather than maturity per se.

In this study, we present updated distribution data for all three brown frog species (Rana spp.) inhabiting Serbia. The data provided consists of newly collected field records and compiled data previously published in literature or via Internet. Of the three species found in Serbia, Rana dalmatina is the most widespread, present in all three altitudinal regions and all biogeographical regions. Rana graeca is confined to Mountain-valley altitudinal region in permanent fastflowing rivers or streams and it reaches its northern range boundaries in Serbia. Rana temporaria is the rarest of the three, with fragmented range restricted to the high mountains or few isolated lowland populations, and in the north-eastern Serbia, it is vicariant with R. graeca in canyons and gorges of montane rivers. The presence of Rana arvalis in Serbia is mentioned in literature but was not confirmed during the subsequent field surveys, so we consider it only as a potential species for the Serbian batrachofauna. The brown frog faunal composition of Serbia is identical to that of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia and Montenegro, while it is somewhat different from that of Hungary and Romania and the most different from Croatia and Slovenia. Serbian brown frogs belong to European (R. temporaria) and South-European (R. dalmatina, R. graeca) chorotypes. All species of brown frogs present or potentially present in Serbia and their habitats are identified as great conservation priorities.

Kosovo and Metohija have already been recognized as regions with the highest diversity of reptiles in Serbia, where 92% (22 of 24) of existing reptile species can be found (Tomović et al., 2015a). First comprehensive contribution to herpetofauna of Kosovo and Metohija was provided by late Professor Gojko Pasuljević. In this study we present a complete dataset of distribution records for 13 most common reptile species in Kosovo and Metohija, including published and new distribution data compiled, and provide standardized 10 x 10 km UTM maps for these data. Results of this study include 1013 distribution records (278 new and 735 published data) for the following reptiles: Testudo hermanni, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Anguis fragilis, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta viridis, Podarcis muralis, Podarcis tauricus, Coronella austriaca, Dolichophis caspius, Natrix natrix, Natrix tessellata, Zamenis longissimus and Vipera ammodytes. The most widely distributed species, which occupy more than 50 UTM 10 x 10 km squares are: Podarcis muralis and Vipera ammodytes. Species with limited distribution which occupy less than 20 UTM 10 x 10 km are: Dolichophis caspius and Lacerta agilis. The largest numbers of new or confirmed literature data are recorded for: Anguis fragilis, Testudo hermanni and Vipera ammodytes. Having in mind that after 50 years, this is the first comprehensive study of the distribution of reptiles in Kosovo and Metohija exclusively, the presented faunistic data are far from being complete. Further systematic studies should provide a more complete insight into the distribution of herpetofauna of this province of Serbia.

We investigated presence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in the Republic of Serbia. Seven out of 88 samples (8%) tested positive, all belonging to the frog genus Pelophylax. Two positive sites were located directly on the Danube River. The Danube River could be an important disease corridor, and distribution of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis along this river should be further explored.

This study describes cases of introductions of exotic species and range expansion of native species in Serbia. The four most important introductions are the alien, invasive Trachenzys scripta elegans and native Testudo hermanni, Mediodactylus kotschyi and Podarcis muralis which expanded their ranges. Trachemys scripta elegans should be of special concern, since introductions of this species can have numerous negative effects on local ecosystems. Incidental introductions were documented for two alien (Pelodiscus sp. and Hemidactytlus turcicus) and two native species (Podarcis tauricus and Vipera ammodytes). The greatest number of introductions is concentrated around urban areas, especially around the cities of Belgrade and Novi Sad. Increased traffic, trading and cargo shipment, as well as a large number of people who keep exotic animals as pets, make large urban areas susceptible to accidental and deliberate introductions of amphibians and reptiles. On the other hand, anthropogenic alteration and degradation of habitats, along with increased urbanization, can provide corridors for the range expansion of native species.