Description
Proteus (Proteus anguinus) is the world’s famous cave amphibian, a priority species of Natura 2000 with no monitoring scheme. Most of Slovenia’s drinking water comes from the cave habitat of Proteus – an environment that is extremely vulnerable to pollution. The aim of the project is to set bases for long-term protection of Proteus and its groundwater habitat by constant public promotion, innovative monitoring methods, and strengthening NGO networking and advocacy. The expected outcomes of this project is high public awareness on vulnerability of Proteus and groundwater and improved conservation practice. Our main outputs are 3 innovative monitoring methods ready to use (transect counting, eDNA forensic survey, GIS vulnerability analysis), NGOs network established, and the request to change conservation practice submitted to Ministry of Environment. Students (including Roma), nature conservation and research organizations, local communities and stakeholders, is expected to benefit from this project.
Summary of project results
The world’s famous cave amphibian, the endangered Olm (Proteus anguinus), a global symbol of the subterranean biodiversity, and a priority species of Natura 2000 network has unknown conservation status in Slovenia and there is no monitoring scheme developed for it. In 1986, a unique dark population was discovered within a single cave system of less than 30 km2 in SE Slovenia, described as Proteus anguinus parkelj. This most distinct and rare of all Proteus populations is highly endangered; even a small local pollution could have a devastating impact on the entire population, and also destroy the overlapping regional drinking water supply. Since the habitat of Proteus is generally inaccessible to man, new non-invasive methods are needed to accurately determine the distribution of this highly endangered cave amphibian. Such research would contribute to establishment of urgently needed monitoring scheme for the black Proteus, and will better guide future management of karstic groundwater resources. Within the project 3 innovative monitoring methods (transect counting, eDNA forensic survey, and mapping habitat vulnerability using GIS analysis) were developed and tested. They are ready now to be used for further monitoring of Proteus. Beside that broad outreach activities were conducted through popular science lectures using the innovative education tool e-Proteus (Internet live video of Proteus and its cave environment to classrooms) for raising awareness among local population. DNA-based assay of spring water samples was used to test for the presence of Proteus which enabled beneficiary to make the first systematic inventory of Proteus presence in the region, to verify certain historic records of white Proteus, to determine the maximum span of the black Proteus range, and to teste for possible sympatry of the two subspecies. Black Proteus eDNA was detected at five new sites. Based on that distribution map of black Proteus was updated. The GIS analysis showed high increase of pollutants (especially nitrates and phosphates) overpassing dramatically the values measured almost 30 years ago. Public awareness on vulnerability of Proteus and groundwater was raised by producing a short documentary film on conservation of Proteus and protection of groundwater in Slovenia, by publishing and distributing educational leaflets and by providing popular science lectures on threats to groundwater and protection of Proteus and project presentations.
Summary of bilateral results