Annex 6.5.6 East - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Page 2 of 27 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 3 1.1 General Information on Reptile and Amphibian Fauna of the CentralMacedonia and Thrace 3 1.2 Main Legislative Issues 3 1.3 Scope of Work Features on which the Fieldwork was focused 5 2 METHODOLOGY 6 2.1 Sampling Methodology 6 2.2 Study Sites 7 2.3 Limitations Uncertainties Biases 13 3 RESULTS 15 3.1 Testudo Abundance along the Route 15 3.2 Confirmed Amphibian and Reptilian Species Presence along the Route 16 3.3 Other Important Reptilian and Amphibian Species within the Project 26 4 CONCLUSIONS 27 4.1 Key Habitats and Species within the Study 27 LIST OF TABLES Table 2-1 Sampling Locations. 9 Table 3-1 Amphibian and reptilian species presence in the Study. 17
Annex 6.5.6 East - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Page 3 of 27 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 General Information on Reptile and Amphibian Fauna of the Central Macedonia and Thrace Macedonia (Central and East part) and Thrace includes a large area of plains, mountains and freshwater habitats, encompassing ecosystems typical of the Balkans and central Europe, such as alpine areas with dense conifer and deciduous forests, open woodlands and meadows, flat areas with low vegetation and cultivated agricultural lands. The southern part of Thrace is characterized by large flat areas most of which have agricultural use and are situated close to rivers and streams with dense vegetation. On the other hand Mediterranean habitats such as maquis and phrygana are common as well. The main ecological feature that makes this area distinct from the rest of Greece is the high presence of freshwater bodies, from large rivers to streams and from lakes to tiny ponds and lagoons. This rich, in terms of diversity, landscape, hosts a rich herpetofauna, including all reptilian and amphibian families that are present in Europe. The herpetofauna of this area comprises many species that are related to high humidity ecosystems (e.g. the green lizard, Lacertaviridis). Thanks to the abundance of such humid habitats that support lush vegetation, species that are widespread around the country, like the Balkan green lizard (Lacerta trilineata) or the Caspian whip snake (Dolichopis caspius), occur in denser populations. Especially for amphibians, the area harbors the highest number of taxa in Greece with 13 out of 23 species present in the country (Valakos et al., 2008). However no endemic species has been described, despite the many species that are present in the area. The herpetofauna of the area includes 14 snakes, 13 lizards, 5 turtles, 12 anurans and 3 urodelan amphibians (Valakos et al., 2008). 1.2 Main Legislative Issues Most Greek reptile species are protected within the via the Presidential Decree (PD) 67/1981 (Government Gazette 23/Α/30-1-81) for the indigenous flora and fauna of the country. The PD prohibits killing, causing injury, capturing, collection, commerce and
Annex 6.5.6 East - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Page 4 of 27 transportation of all species included in its catalogue. However, the PD is already 30 years old and has not been revised to include new species or taxonomic changes that have been accepted during this period. Additionally its implementation is vague since the necessary measures it provides for have never been detailed. According to European legislation, some reptile species are recognized as species of Community Interest and are thus included in the Annexes of the habitats Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. Regarding species that are expected to be found within the study area, the Annex II species of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation, include all terrestrial tortoises (Testudo graeca, Testudo hermanni), the Leopard snake (Zamenis situlus), the fourlined snake (Elaphe quatorlineata), the former Triturus species, the yellow bellied toad (Bombina variegata). The Annex IV species of community interest in need of strict protection also include a number of Greek reptile and amphibian species. Regarding international conventions and agreements, all Greek reptile and amphibian species are included in the Bern of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. Most of them are included in Appendix II as strictly protected fauna species and all the rest in Appendix III. For species included in the, the collection, keeping in captivity, killing, damage to or destruction of breeding or resting sites, destruction or collection of eggs, disturbance, especially during the reproduction period, possession or commerce of live or dead specimens are strictly prohibited. In addition, both Testudinidae species expected along the pipeline route (Testudo graeca and Testudo hermanni) are included in the Appendix II of the on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) as species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival. Among the amphibian and reptile species expected along the pipeline route two have been assessed within an IUCN threat category. Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is listed as Vulnerable because, despite its wide distribution, it faces a broad range of threats and most populations are declining (Legakis & Maragou, 2010). The fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) is assessed as Endangered in Greece as it occurs in a small part of Evros prefecture, where it exhibits a fragmented distribution. Major threats to the species might be the loss of suitable habitats, especially breeding sites, through intensive agriculture, agro-chemical pollution, as well as climatic alterations.
Annex 6.5.6 East - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Page 5 of 27 Enforcement of both national and EU legislation from the Greek Authorities is rather weak. Responsible authorities lack the necessary resources in terms of both human resources and funds to control illegal collection and disturbance. This is especially true for herpetofauna species since authorities also lack the necessary training to distinguish between species. Habitat loss and degradation are recognised as the main threat for reptiles and amphibians. All protected species and in general almost all species of the Greek herpetofauna are encountered in a protected area (national parks and or special areas of conservation). However, no measures have been proposed and or implemented specifically for the conservation of reptile or amphibian species present in the study area. 1.3 Scope of Work Features on which the Fieldwork was focused The scope of this work is to estimate reptile and amphibian species presence and abundance along the pipeline route, in selected locations. Emphasis was given to the two species of terrestrial tortoises, Testudo graeca and especially Testudo hermanni. Both these species, which are protected by national legislation, are included in the Annex II of the EU and are also included in both Bern and CITES international conventions. Testudo hermanni is listed as Vulnerable in the Red data Book assessment. Additionally tortoise species are characterised by a reduced escaping ability to habitat threats and degradation and as such are easier to suffer from construction works.
Annex 6.5.6 East - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Page 6 of 27 2 METHODOLOGY Two field surveys were undertaken covering different sections of the pipeline route. The part comprised between the Greek-Turkish border (KP 0) and the city of Komotini (KP 98) was investigated by Dr. Panagiota Maragou and Kostantinos Sagonas (team A) during October 2012 and the part between Komotini (KP 98) and Thessaloniki (KP 359) by Ilias Strachinis and Dimitris Poursanidis (team B) during the period April 2013 May 2013. The data of the first part have been analysed by the team A while team B, undertook the analysis of the data of the second part and the writing of the report. 2.1 Sampling Methodology Distance sampling has been used extensively in the terrestrial ecology and for marine mammals, as the standard method for abundance estimations of many species (Thomas et al., 2010). In a line transect, a standardized survey is conducted along a series of lines searching for the animals of interest. This method has been used to assess tortoise population in the areas close to the pipeline route and can provide information on both the active individuals within a biotope and the density of the population at the study site. A 100 m to 500 m visual line was placed randomly across the area to be sampled and then an observer moved along the line, watching for animals. When an animal was detected, the distance to the animal was recorded. Within the sampling, the line is considered the sampling unit. Distances measured across all the sampling units are used to estimate the detection function, and then estimate the density. As mentioned previously, the lines were chosen randomly so as to maximize the representativeness of the sample. The importance of the last is critical since biases can arise from a sample not representing the population under study. Though line selection was accidental, the field survey team tried to cover as many microhabitats as possible in order to depict each landscape s particular features. In every biotope at least 10 lines, each one of a distance of 100 m minimum, were realized. All sampling was carried out by the same researchers. Five (5) meters on either side of the 100 m line were monitored covering a total area of 1000 m 2 per sampling. The area sampled was kept constant on the longer lines by reducing the area surveyed at both sides of the line. In every encounter the age class and the sex (based on secondary sexual characteristics) were recorded,
Annex 6.5.6 East - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Page 7 of 27 together with notes on the position it was found, time of the day, temperature and climatic conditions. The general formula to estimate population densities is the following: Density per hectare: (N x 10,000) / A where "N" is the total number of observed individuals (tortoises) in all lines and "A" the total area of lines in square meters. Quadrat sampling was supplementary used by the team A, as a means to systematically search for secretive species that may avoid detection by the transect method, especially small-bodied species that live on or below leaf litter in deciduous forests. Twenty quadrats (1m x 1m) were randomly selected and all leaves, stones and wood were removed by the two researchers and all encountered individuals counted. Then the quadrat is restored to its previous condition. In ponds and streams, surveys were conducted by walking the edge of the water body. If water was deep a landing net was swept through in an effort to identify amphibians that could be swimming or resting at the bottom and especially newt (Triturussp). Meanwhile, due to the fact that few individuals were found in very few locations, Team B walked distances within the area, instead of following the aforementioned method, trying to spot more tortoises and other cryptic species of the local herpetofauna, by turning over rocks, wooden parts and other staff that can provide a microhabitat for some species. It must be noted that special attention was given to water bodies (small streams, rivulets, ponds and rivers) in order to evaluate the amphibians of these locations as the methodology employed is valid only for terrestrial species which might be randomly encountered along the project area and it is unsuitable for animals that show clumped distribution, for example due to strong habitat preferences e.g. amphibians. 2.2 Study Sites Sampling points were located in all sites of natural riparian vegetation and water crossings of the pipeline as well as artificial ponds. The survey team also sampled all different forest habitat types
Annex 6.5.6 East - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Page 8 of 27 (pine, oak and mixed oak-pine forests) and all the different types of habitats encountered along the proposed pipeline route such as shrublands, grasslands with sparse shrubs and tree, and non intensively cultivated areas used to grow cotton, cereals and sunflowers and characterised by the presence of natural hedgerows. Occasionally some of these fields were laid fallow and patches of grass occurred between them. Rocky areas, a habitat type that was very restricted in the area, were also examined. Table 2-1 shows the details of the different sampling locations and sites of random sightings of herpetofauna species. The surveyed sampling locations focused in a 500 m corridor along the proposed route. In order to better cover all suitable habitats for reptiles and amphibians and since no significant local differentiations were expected in species populations, the field team also surveyed locations outside the 500 m corridor when considered as representative sites.
Page 9 of 27 Annex 6.5.6 - East Herpetofauna Baseline Study Table 2-1 Sampling Locations GPS point Name KP Habitat type Shortest distance from pipeline (m) Team A sampling sites Other remarks R6 AR18 34 Between Agnantia and Anthia Bare land and cultivations near a dry stream 523 m from the Testudo graeca pipeline. Outside the 500 m zone. R014 AR19 41 Near Amphitriti Stream vegetation in a degraded habitat. 22m from the pipeline. No annex II species R01 AR20 45 West of Palagia Open area with low shrub vegetation 240 m from the Testudo graeca pipeline. R02 AR21 45 North of Palagia Rocky outcrop at the side of a road 760 m from the No reptile/amphibian species found pipeline. Outside the 500m zone. R03 AR22 47 West of Palagia Shrub vegetation and open areas 107 m from the No reptile/amphibian species found pipeline. 4 AR23 48 West of Palagia Pine forest 320 m from the No reptile/amphibian species found pipeline. Outside the 500m zone. R29a AR24 52 Wild Life Refuge south of Kirki Open area in the edge of a mixed forest 20 m from the pipeline No reptile/amphibian species found R18 AR25 54 Wild Life Refuge south of Kirki Deciduous forest 420 m from the Rana dalmatina pipeline. Outside the 500m zone. R30a AR26 55 Southwest of Kirki village Mixed forest 460 m from the No reptile/amphibian species found pipeline. Outside the 500m zone. R21 AR27 55 Close to the previous point Oak tree forest 123 m from the No annex II species pipeline. R010 AR28 56 Wild Life Refugenorth of Plaka Oak tree forest 137 m from the No reptile/amphibian species found village pipeline. R011 AR29 57 Wild Life Refuge close to the Light oak tree forest 122 m from the No reptile/amphibian species found previous point pipeline. RA6a AR30 57 Wild Life Refuge north of Plaka Mosaic of habitats 16 m from the No annex II species village pipeline. R09 AR31 59 East of Avra village Open areas with short shrub vegetation On the pipeline No reptile/amphibian species found R08 AR32 61 South of Stathmos Dense shrub vegetation 207 m from the pipeline. No reptile/amphibian species found
Page 10 of 27 Annex 6.5.6 - East Herpetofauna Baseline Study GPS point Name KP Habitat type Shortest distance from pipeline (m) RA7a AR33 69 Between villages Arsakeio and Mosaic of bare land, riparian vegetation and cultivated 10 m from the Velkio fields pipeline. R07 AR34 75 East of Lofari village Open bare land 244 m from the R06 AR35 77 Filiouris crossing, west of Lofari village Stream pipeline. 471 m from the pipeline. Outside the 500m zone. RA10 AR36 77 Filiouris crossing, west of Lofari village R05 AR37 81 West of Pamforo village Stream 870 m from the pipeline. Outside the 500m zone. R04 AR38 85 Across the Shelman wood factory Team B sampling sites Other remarks No annex II species Testudograeca No annex II species Stream bank with dense vegetation 83 m from pipeline. Mauremys rivulata No annex II species Riparian vegetation. 238 m from pipeline. T. graeca and T. hermanni Mauremys rivulata R-62 R-62 97 Itea Crops. Deciduous thicket near, the limit of the road 7 R-63 R-63 97 Boukloutzas crossing River. Deciduous riparian vegetation. Herbaceous 7 vegetation and shrubs on both sides R-61 R-61 98 N Iteas Cultivations 154 R-59 R-59 99 N Mesoxoriou Cultivations with band zones of native deciduous 49 shrubs R-60 R-60 99 Vosvozis crossing River. Deciduous riparian vegetation. Herbaceous 4 vegetation and shrubs on both sides R-58 R-58 112 N Amvrosias Cultivations 81 R-55 R-55 113 S Galinis Pastoral area 120 Pasture R-56 R-56 113 S Galinis Cultivations 65 R-57 R-57 113 Kompsatos crossing A river with cultivations around 92 R-54 R-54 121 S Koptero A torrent, surrounded by crops in both sides 0 Dumping site R-53 R-53 122 N of Vistonida lake Cultivations 88 R-51 R-51 123 N of Vistonida lake Moat with slightly flowing and stagnant waters with 13 Cultivations sycamores (Platanus sp.) and other deciduous R-52 R-52 123 N of Vistonida lake Cultivations 34 Train railway R-50 R-50 136 Kosynthos crossing Kosynthos river, puddles close with vegetation. 27 Dumping site Cultivations from both sides. R-48 R-48 137 W of Vafeikon Cultivations 194 R-49 R-49 137 W of Vafeikon Cultivations 160
Page 11 of 27 Annex 6.5.6 - East Herpetofauna Baseline Study GPS point Name KP Habitat type Shortest distance from pipeline (m) Other remarks R-47 R-47 153 S Thalassias Cultivations 144 Channel with Mauremys rivulata R-45 R-45 154 E Krini (Nestos) Cultivations 5 R-46 R-46 154 Nestos crossing Riparian deciduous forest 5 Pasture R-42 R-42 155 S Krini (Nestos) Cultivations surrounded by artificial irrigation channels. 17 Artificial pine grove Also sparse vegetation with deciduous R-43 R-43 155 S Krini (Nestos) Loose terrain with sparse bushy vegetation and 2 155 2 ponds ponds R-44 R-44 155 S Krini (Nestos) Cultivations 186 R-41 R-41 168 SE of Petropigi Cultivations surrounded by artificial irrigation channels 69 R-40 R-40 170 S of Petropigi Cultivations surrounded by artificial irrigation channels 114 Flooded fields with amphibians R-39 R-39 171 S of Petropigi Cultivations surrounded by artificial irrigation channels 126 R-38 R-38 183 S of Chalkero Maquies with herbaceous vegetation 8 Ophisops elegans R-37 R-37 185 NW of Chalkero Maquies(Quercus coccifera) 95 Pasture R-36 R-36 187 Lekani mt. Maquies with deciduous vegetation 68 Pasture R-35 R-35 189 Lekani mt. Pastoral areas with maquis vegetation 38 Pasture. Landfill of the Kavala municipality in close distance R-34 R-34 191 Lekani mt. Pastoral areas with maquis vegetation 145 R-33 R-33 193 N of Kavala's refugees Maquis 38 Pasture R-32 R-32 219 E of Simvoli Cultivations 44 Irrigation R-31 R-31 220 E of Simvoli River with riparian vegetations 5 Embankment R-30 R-30 221 NE of Simvoli Cultivations 36 R-29 R-29 222 NE of Simvoli Cultivations 229 Stream with continuus flow R-28 R-28 223 N of Simvoli Cultivations 259 Artificial irrigation channel with Emys orbicularis R-27 R-27 224 Aggitis crossing Crop cultivations and Cottonwood (Populus sp.) 110 Aggitis river R-26 R-26 225 NE of Simvoli Crop cultivations 208 R-24 R-24 226 NE of Simvoli Cultivations 104 water reservoir R-25 R-25 226 NE of Simvoli Rocky hill with sparse vegetation 164 R-23 R-23 227 W-NW of Simvoli Cultivations 177 Dry stream with dense low vegetation of deciduous trees and shrubs within. R-21 R-21 232 NE of Leukothea Station Cultivations close to a stream with Platanus orientalis 112 Closed dump near the creek vegetation. R-22 R-22 232 NE of Leukothea Station Cultivations 52 R-19 R-19 234 N of Leukothea Station Cultivations 226 Temporal stream with riparian vegetation
Page 12 of 27 Annex 6.5.6 - East Herpetofauna Baseline Study GPS Name KP Habitat type Shortest distance Other remarks point from pipeline (m) R-20 R-20 234 N of Leukothea Station Cultivations between a small forest of Pinus sp. and a small stream. 19 Stream with the terrapin Mauremysrivulata. R-18 R-18 238 NE of Mesoraxi Cultivations nearby a river with dense riparian 87 vegetation R-17 R-17 239 N of Mesoraxi Cultivations 24 R-16 R-16 262 NE of Neos Skopos Cultivations 111 Artificial lake with fish R-15 R-15 264 N of Neos Skopos Cultivations 125 R-14 R-14 265 N of Neos Skopos Channel 252 Emys orbicularis R-13 R-13 266 NW of Neos Skopos Cultivations of crops, vegetables and cottonwood 51 (Populus sp.) R-12 R-12 288 W of Provata Cultivations surrounded by channels and scrublands 101 R-11 R-11 289 SW of Provata Cultivations surrounded by channels and shrublands 108 R-10 R-10 290 Strimonas crossing Cultivations near Strymonas river surrounded of 35 artificial channels and shrublands. Riparian cultivations of cottonwood (Populus sp.) R-9 R-9 300 N of Kefaloxori Sparse vegetation of oak(quercus sp.) 77 Orchids (Anacamptismorio) population. R-8 R-8 302 W of Kefaloxori Non continuous dense Oak forest with cultivations 95 R-4 R-4 304 N of Eyaggelistria Oak forest (Quercus sp.) with patches 1 R-6 R-6 304 NE of Eyaggelistria Non continuous dense Oak forest with cultivations 160 Stream, with Salamandra salamandra larvae R-7 R-7 304 NE of Eyaggelistria Pond in an Oak forest (Quercus sp.) with patches 6 Pond R-5 R-5 305 N of Eyaggelistria Pond in an Oak forest (Quercus sp.) with patches 85 Fish in the pond. Pastoral activation in the area. R-2 R-2 306 NE of Lachana village Cultivations with band zones of native deciduous 55 shrubs R-3 R-3 306 NE of Lachana village Flimsy ground with mixed vegetation of oak (Quercus 29 sp.), low conifers and shrubs R-1 R-1 307 NE of Lachana village Cultivations with band zones of native deciduous shrubs 52 Source: EXERGIA and NCC field surveys (October 2012 and April-May 2013 respectively)
Page 13 of 27 2.3 Limitations Uncertainties Biases Main limitation factor during the field survey study of the section between the Greek-Turkish border and the city of Komotini (Team A) was the prevailing weather conditions. The activity of reptiles depends on air temperature as this taxon thermoregulates by choosing the appropriate habitats and activity times. October is a month within the normal activity period of the reptiles encountered in Greece and this year air temperatures were maintained in rather high levels with no significant rainfall. Nevertheless the torrential rainfall of the first field day (October 8 th ) restricted the activity of reptiles during both that day and the next since humidity was high. The activity period of reptiles and the time actually available for fieldwork was also restricted. In cooler seasons such as autumn and or cooler places, species in Greece (including tortoises) tend to present a unimodal pattern of activity, from late morning to early afternoon with a peak in midday. Daily activity, measured as distance covered by an individual within a day, also tends to be lower in autumn compared to spring or even summer. Species however were not expected to have entered hibernation since tortoises hibernate in the soil usually in late October November. Another source of limitations concerns the field identification and distinction between the adult individuals of the two species of green lizard (Lacertaviridis and L. trilineata) as distinction is based mainly on number of belly and temporal scales. Therefore observations of adults are referred as one taxonomic group. On the other hand due to the time of the year, a significant number of juveniles were found that could be confidently assigned to the right species. A similar difficulty concerns the identification of terrapins. The observed individuals were far from surveyors, and visual identification, based on neck colouration patterns, was not possible. Both observations were in polluted water bodies (AR36, Filiouris, KP 77; AR38, across the Shelman wood factory, KP 85) and since the Balkan terrapin (Mauremys rivulata) is more tolerant to disturbed habitats we propose that both belong to this species. Field survey included the most representative habitats along the pipeline route. In each area sufficient distances were covered and several (or many) samplings were made in order the samples to be as representative as possible. Almost all riparian habitats and river crossings of the pipeline were visited. The survey team also visited the mountainous forest areas, including deciduous, mixed and light oak forests. Each forest type, based on dominant forest species and density was sampled.
Page 14 of 27 Deciduous forests (pure oak, mixed pine-oak) are characterized by higher reptile counts, both in terms of species numbers and diversity scores. This type of habitat lets higher light level to reach the forest floor, especially during spring. These forests are also characterized by a thicker litter layer, another positive factor for reptile presence and abundance. Kati et al. (2007) in a study researching diversity patterns, ecological structure and adequate habitats of herpetofauna in Dadia National Park (Evros Regional Entity) observed that the most important habitat for the conservation of lizards and tortoises were semi-open or open thermophilous habitats (usually Quercus pubescens, oak woods) that combined a variety of reptile microhabitats, such as shrubs, bare soil, grasses, dead oak leaves and stony patches. An indicative part of the agricultural land that the pipeline will be crossing was also covered. Farming areas are characterised by low reptilian biodiversity (Ribeiro et al. 2009). Intensively cultivated and irrigated land, as is the largest part of the farming areas crossed by the pipeline, usually supports populations of few and common species, but again only provided that there are some hedges or irrigation canal borders with natural vegetation to provide hiding places and thermoregulatory refugia. Species expected in the agriculture land include Lacerta viridis/ trilineata, Podarcis muralis and P. tauricus (Ioannidis and Bousbouras 1997). Based on literature data, cultivations are also used as feeding grounds for snake species such as Malpolon monspessulanus, Elaphe quatuorlineata, Coluber caspius and Vipera ammodytes. Amphibians are also under-populated in such places as a result of water pollution due to extensive agriculture activities (Hutchens S. and C. DePerno, 2009). The part of the pipeline north of Kavala, which pass through the Lekani mountain, is the only one with homogenus maquis vegetation. An additional limitation arises from the fact that different areas of the pipeline route were sampled on different seasons (autumn and spring) making difficult the comparison of the data between both areas.
Page 15 of 27 3 RESULTS 3.1 Testudo Abundance along the Route The sparse tortoise populations in some sites and the absence of it in some others alongside the route made the use of the line transect method hard to apply and to provide reliable density estimations. Though tortoises were encountered in different locations, the number of observations within the distance limits required by the methodology was too low. Due to the small number of individuals found in the line transects, it would be dicey to make a numerical assumptions about the population density in the area under study It must be also noted that during, Team A field survey, live tortoises were found in only two sampling points (one T. graeca in AR1 - Evros river - and three T. graeca in open shrublands - AR34). All other observations refer to tortoise carapaces that were either burned in the case of AR38 or were otherwise killed, probably by the blades of mowing machines in cereal or other cultivations. Nevertheless with the exception of the individuals found burned in AR38, the encounter rate of these dead tortoises has been considered as not being different to the live ones and that all individuals as belonging to the same population, being thus included in the calculations. It has been previously recorded (Helmer & Scholte, 1985) that small arable fields attract tortoises that nevertheless regularly fall victims to plowshares. By means of the formula described in Section 2.1 the Testudo spp. population density in the area between KP 0 and KP 98 was estimated at 1.46 ind/ ha. On the section between KP 98 and KP 359 an average of 4.2ind/ ha was estimated. Literature on Testudo abundance in similar studies from Mediterranean countries (Rouag et al., 2007 and references therein, but with different methodology) give values ranging from 0.3 up to 10 ind/ ha. The findings from the current study are consistent with this data. Open areas and forest meadows (oak forest) were the dominant habitats were the Testudo spp. species were located while in few cases individuals were located in the corridors between cultivated areas.
Page 16 of 27 Regarding habitat selection field observations agree with the findings of previous studies from the wider area. In the 1985 survey of Helmer and Scholte, coppice strips of natural vegetation neighbouring fields and the grassy open patches with shrub clusters were the most important oviposition places for the two tortoise species. Bakaloudis (2010) found high reptile densities in grasslands, non-intensively cultivated areas and shrublands. The fields are smaller than on intensively cultivated land, and they are often left fallow, sometimes for considerable periods of time so that rough patches of grass occur between some of the fields. 3.2 Confirmed Amphibian and Reptilian Species Presence along the Route 27 species, ten species of amphibians, that is 84% of expected species, and seventeen reptile species, that is 59% of expected species, were observed along the route. The following table (Table 3-1) presents the species of herpetofauna identified during the field surveys.
Page 17 of 27 Table 3-1 Amphibian and reptilian species presence in the Study. Latin name (Family name) Common name Records within Project area (refer to GPS points of sampling locations listed in Table 2-1) Preferred habitat Reason of conservation interest 1. Bufo bufo (Bufonidae) 2. Bufo viridis (Bufonidae) 3. Bombina variegata (Bombinatoridae) 4. Hyla arborea (Hylidae) 5. Pelobates syriacus (Pelobatidae) Common toad Green toad Yellowbellied toad Common tree frog Eastern Spadefoot R-7 Should occur alongside the routing, in low and middle elevations in areas with dense vegetation R-20, R-21, R-37, R-40, R-42, R-54 Should occur alongside the routing, in low and middle elevations R-51, R-54 Present in small water bodies (e.g. ponds) in middle and high elevations R-51 Should occur alongside the routing, in low and middle elevations Damp, open habitats, such as cultivated areas, coastal areas with dunes, seasonal lakes, etc, usually from sea level up to 500m.a.s.l. Appendix III of the Bern Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural General comments Nocturnal species. Tadpoles were found and 3 males were identified by their voices. Tadpoles where located Nocturnal species. Is the taxon in need of consideration and special mitigation measures during the pre-construction / postconstruction project period?
Page 18 of 27 Latin name (Family name) 6. Pelophylax kurtmuelleri (Ranidae) 7. Pelophylax ridibundus (Ranidae) 8. Rana dalmatina (Ranidae) 9. Rana graeca (Ranidae) 10. Salamandra salamandra (Salamandridae) 11. Lissotriton vulgaris Common name Greek marsh frog Marsh Frog Records within Project area (refer to GPS points of sampling locations listed in Table 2-1) R-5, R-7, R-10, R- 11, R-12, R-14, R- 16, R-20, R-21, R- 24, R-27, R-28, R- 29, R-32, R-39, R- 40, R-41, R-42, R- 43, R-45, R-46 R-47, R-50, R-51, R-54, R-57, R-60, R-63, AR1, AR2, AR5, AR12, AR19, AR34, AR35, AR37, Preferred habitat Should occur in streams, rivers, rivulets and ponds, in low and middle elevations Should occur in streams, rivers, rivulets and ponds, in low and middle elevations AR38 Agile frog AR25 Should occur in streams, rivers and rivulets in low and middle elevations Greek brown frog Fire salamand er Smooth newt AR35 Should occur in streams, rivers and rivulets in low and middle elevations R-6 Should occur in middle and high elevation forests, close to small river and rivulets R-54 Should be present in ponds, small Reason of conservation interest Appendix III of the Bern Annex V of the EU Natural Appendix III of the Bern Annex V of the EU Natural Appendix III of the Bern Appendix III of the Bern Appendix III of the Bern General comments In abundance In abundance Never encountered, probably due to the species being active mainly at dusk and during night. Additionally the species shows large gaps within its distribution. Never encountered. It is possible for the species not to be encountered along the pipeline route. Only larvae have been found, most probably because of the time of the fieldwork (daytime) since the species is nocturnal. Is the taxon in need of consideration and special mitigation measures during the pre-construction / postconstruction project period?
Page 19 of 27 Latin name (Family name) (Salamandridae) 12. Triturus karelinii (Salamandridae) 13. Testudo hermanni (Testudinidae) 14. Testudo graeca (Testudinidae) 15. Mauremys rivulata (Geoemydidae) Common name Balkan Crested Newt Hermann s tortoise Mediterran ean spurthighed tortoise Balkan terrapin Records within Project area (refer to GPS points of sampling locations listed in Table 2-1) R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-6, R-7, R-8, R-9, R-20, R-21, R-24, R-33, R-38, R-46, R-51, R-52, R-60, AR3, AR38 R-17, R-20, R-23, R-36, R-38, R-42, R-43, R-52, R-53, R-59, R-60, AR1, AR6, AR9, AR11, AR14, AR15, AR18, AR20, AR34, AR38, ARf, ARg, ARi R-5, R-20, R-39, R- 42, R-43, R-44, R- 47, R-50, AR36, AR38 Preferred habitat streams and rivulets in low, middle and high elevations Should be present in ponds in middle and high elevations Open areas and forest meadows Open areas and forest meadows Water bodies like lakes, small rivers and ponds in low and middle Reason of conservation interest Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural "Νear threaten" species according to the Greek Red Data Book Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural Vulnerable species according to the Greek Red Data Book Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural General comments Can be found in the area of the section of the pipeline from Eksamili to Kefalochori. Was not found in the section Lachana - Kefalochori due to its nocturnal activity and due to the introduction of fish in the ponds along the mentioned area. Is the taxon in need of consideration and special mitigation measures during the pre-construction / postconstruction project period? Restoration of the ponds along the pipeline routes, in case of intervention. The construction of new ponds in the locations where the pipeline intersect with flowing water (streams, small rivers) is desirable to contribute to the development of the species
Page 20 of 27 Latin name (Family name) 16. Emys orbicularis (Emydidae) 17. Anguis fragilis (Anguidae) 18 Pseudopus apodus (Anguidae) Common name European pond terrapin Slow worm European glass lizard Records within Project area (refer to GPS points of sampling locations listed in Table 2-1) R-10, R-11, R-12, R-14, R-16, R-28, R-42, R-46 R-33, R-34, R-36, R-37, R-38, R-43, AR15 Preferred habitat elevations Water bodies like lakes, small rivers, swamps and ponds in low and middle elevations Grasslands, cultivated fields, deciduous and mixed forests Open areas, cultivated fields, maquis, bush lands and grasslands Reason of conservation interest Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural The species is listed as near threaten in the IUCN Red Data Book Appendix III of the Bern General comments Not found, though expected to be present in the area between Lachana - Kefaloxori. Present in good frequency Is the taxon in need of consideration and special mitigation measures during the pre-construction / postconstruction project period?. 19. Cyrtopodion kotschyi (Gekkonidae) 20. Hemidactylus turcicus Kotschy s gecko Turkish Gecko Rocky areas and human settlements Rocky areas and human Appendix III of the Bern
Page 21 of 27 Latin name (Family name) Common name Records within Project area (refer to GPS points of sampling locations listed in Table 2-1) Preferred habitat Reason of conservation interest (Gekkonidae) settlements 21. Lacerta trilineata (Lacertidae) 22 Lacerta viridis (Lacertidae) Threelined lizard Green lizard R-38, AR37 R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-6, R-7, R-8, R-9, R-10, R-11, R-12, R-13, R-21, R-24, R-27, R-31, R-32, R-34, R-39, R-40, R-41, R-42, R-43, R-44, R-45, R-46, R-56, R-59, R-60, R-62, R-63, AR11, AR12, AR13, AR14, AR15, AR25, AR30, AR33, AR35 Open areas, bush lands, forest meadows and sparse forests Open areas, bush lands, forest meadows and sparse forests General comments In abundance Is the taxon in need of consideration and special mitigation measures during the pre-construction / postconstruction project period?. 23. Ophisops elegans (Lacertidae) 24. Podarcis erhardii (Lacertidae) Snakeeyed Lizard Erhard s wall lizard R-37, R-38 Open areas, sparse grasslands, bush lands and rocky hillsides. R-5 Rocky areas, slopes and dry stone walls
Page 22 of 27 Latin name (Family name) 25. Podarcis muralis (Lacertidae) 26. Podarcis tauricus (Lacertidae) 27. Ablepharus kitaibelii (Scincidae) 28. Typhlops vermicularis (Typhlopidae) 29. Eryx jaculus (Boidae) 30. Coronella austriaca Common name Common wall lizard Balkan wall lizard Snakeeyed Skink Worm snake Records within Project area (refer to GPS points of sampling locations listed in Table 2-1) AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR7, AR8, AR10, AR11, AR12, AR13, AR25, AR27, AR34, AR38 R-17, AR1 AR28 Preferred habitat Rocky areas, meadows, foothills and bush lands Open areas, forest meadows and grasslands Sparse forests, rocky areas and bush lands. s with soft ground like humid meadows, places in proximity of water bodies and cultivated areas of low and middle elevations Sand Boa Rocky areas, cultivated fields, sand dunes Smooth snake Bush lands and meadows in low Reason of conservation interest Appendix III of the Bern Appendix III of the Bern General comments Never encountered. Not found, probably due to the fact that is a mainly nocturnal species and has a cryptic behavior, making it difficult to detectit. it has underground relocations/movements Is the taxon in need of consideration and special mitigation measures during the pre-construction / postconstruction project period?
Page 23 of 27 Latin name (Family name) (Colubridae) 31. Dolichophis caspius (Colubridae) 32. Elaphe sauromates (Colubridae) 33. Elaphe quatorlineata (Colubridae) 34. Malpolon insignitus (Colubridae) 35. Natrix natrix (Colubridae) 36. Natrix tessellata (Colubridae) Common name Caspian whip snake Blotched Snake Four-lined snake Montpellie r snake Grass snake Dice snake Records within Project area (refer to GPS points of sampling locations listed in Table 2-1) R-11, R-31, R-40, AR33 R-4, R-12, R-44, R- 57, ARe R-5, R-10, R-11, R- 12, R-32, R-39, R- 40, R-41, R-42, R- 50, R-51, R-54, R- 57, AR34, AR38 R-5, R-39, R-40 Preferred habitat and middle elevations Grasslands, maquis, phrygana, cultivated fields, rocky areas and bush lands Open areas and grasslands, maquis and bush lands Open areas and grasslands, maquis and phrygana Grasslands, maquis, phrygana, cultivated fields, rocky areas and bush lands Lakes, small rivers and ponds in low and middle elevations Lakes, small rivers and ponds Reason of conservation interest Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural Appendix III of the Bern Appendix III of the Bern General comments In good frequency near water bodies. Is the taxon in need of consideration and special mitigation measures during the pre-construction / postconstruction project period?
Page 24 of 27 Latin name (Family name) 37. Platyceps najadum (Colubridae) Common name Dahl s whip snake Records within Project area (refer to GPS points of sampling locations listed in Table 2-1) Preferred habitat in low and middle elevations Grasslands, maquis and phrygana Reason of conservation interest General comments Is the taxon in need of consideration and special mitigation measures during the pre-construction / postconstruction project period? 38. Telescopus fallax (Colubridae) 39. Zamenis longissimus (Colubridae) 40. Zamenis situlus (Colubridae) Cat snake Bush lands, stony areas, maquis and phrygana Aesculapi an snake Leopard snake Deciduous forests, bush lands, stony areas, maquis Deciduous forests, bush lands, stony areas, maquis Annex II of the EU Natural The species is listed as threaten in the IUCN Red Data Book Nocturnal species.
Page 25 of 27 Latin name (Family name) Common name Records within Project area (refer to GPS points of sampling locations listed in Table 2-1) Preferred habitat Reason of conservation interest 41. Vipera ammodytes (Viperidae) Nosehorned viper R-4, R-8, R-23 Rocky areas, grasslands, maquis and phrygana Source: EXERGIA and NCC field surveys (October 2012 and April-May 2013 respectively) General comments Is the taxon in need of consideration and special mitigation measures during the pre-construction / postconstruction project period?
Page 26 of 27 3.3 Other Important Reptilian and Amphibian Species within the Project During the fieldwork several species known from scientific literature to occur within the general area of study, were not observed. Three (3) may be the underlying reasons: first, the populations of these taxa are so sparse that an encounter would be predictably rare. Second, the activity of some taxa is restricted to crepuscule and night. For instance the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) is a nocturnal species and as such it is not active during the day, when the survey was carried out. Third, since the range of the mainland Greek herpetofauna is far from being well documented (Valakos et al., 2008), the sites surveyed might not host the taxa expected to be present according to the literature of the broader area. This can be the case of Rana dalmatina that shows large gaps within its distribution.
Page 27 of 27 4 CONCLUSIONS 4.1 Key Habitats and Species within the Study The two terrestrial tortoises, Testudo graeca and especially Testudo hermanni together with the European pond terrapin (Emys orbicularis) remain as the key species within the study area. Testudo hermanni was observed in 19 different locations and Testudo graeca in 21. The abundance of the two species was larger in the non cultivated areas while in the heavily cultivated areas with the absence of native vegetation both species were absent. The freshwater turtle, Emys orbicularis was observed in eight (8) different locations. All these locations were within cultivated areas, but close to water bodies. In addition, within the forested areas, the Balkan Crested Newt (Triturus karelinii) is the key species. This species, although not observed during the fieldwork, is known to be present according to research activities performed by the Management Body of the Koronia Volvi National Park during this year (Strahinis 2013, unpublished data). Triturus karelinii is listed in the, the Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural and it is a "Νear Threatened" species according to the Greek Red Data Book. During the above mentioned research it has came up that the Balkan Crested Newt faces an extra threat from fish introduction in the ponds where it reproduces and as a result, its population seems to be locally in danger. As a result of the field survey currently there is no indication that within the project area there exists reptile or amphibian hotspots for taxa of conservation interest with regards to species richness or abundance. However, ponds found along the 500 m survey could be considered as the habitat of main importance for herpetofauna along the route.
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