Integrated ESIA Greece Annex 6.5.6 - West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Page 2 of 22 Area Comp

Integrated ESIA Greece Annex 6.5.6 - West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Page 2 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Integrated ESIA Greece Document Title: Rev.: 02 / at11 Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 3 1.1 General Information on Reptile and Amphibian Fauna of Western and Central Macedonia 3 1.2 Main Legislative Issues 4 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 9 3 RESULTS 12 3.1 Testudo Abundance along the Route 12 3.2 Confirmed Amphibian and Reptilian Species Presence along the Route 12 3.3 Other Important Reptilian and Amphibian Species within the Project Area 21 4 CONCLUSIONS 22 4.1 Key Habitats and Species within the Study Area 22

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2-1 Sampling Locations 7 Table 3-1 Amphibian and reptilian species presence in the Study Area 13

Page 3 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Integrated ESIA Greece Document Title: Rev.: 02 / at11 Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 General Information on Reptile and Amphibian Fauna of Western and Central Macedonia

Central and Western Macedonia is an area of 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. On the other hand Mediterranean habitats such as maquis and phrygana are common as well. The main ecological feature that makes Macedonia distinct from the rest of Greece is the high presence of freshwater bodies, from large rivers to rivulets and from lakes to tiny ponds. This rich, in terms of diversity, landscape, hosts a numerous herpetofauna, including all reptilian and amphibian families that are present in Europe.

The herpetofauna of Macedonia comprises many species that are related to high humidity ecosystems (e.g. the green lizard, Lacerta viridis). 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, Macedonia harbors the highest number of taxa in Greece with 13 out of 23 species present in the country (Arnold, 2004). However no Macedonian endemic species has been described, despite the many species that are present in the area. The main reason for this lack of endemism is the minimal level of isolation and the geomorphologic continuity with the rest of the Balkans. Macedonian herpetofauna includes 14 snakes, 11 lizards, 5 turtles, 9 anurans and 3 urodelan amphibians (Böhme et al., 1981; Chondropoulos, 1986; 1989). A biogeographical rarity that has to be mentioned is the occurrence of the introduced Roughtail Rock Agama (Laudakia stellio) in the area around Thessaloniki. Despite this species shows a wide distribution in Middle East, its Greek populations are the sole ones in Europe (Gasc et al., 1997).

Page 4 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Integrated ESIA Greece Document Title: Rev.: 02 / at11 Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study

1.2 Main Legislative Issues

Most Greek reptile species are protected within the National Legislation 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 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.

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 four-lined 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. Finally both Testudinidae species expected along the pipeline route (Testudo graeca and Testudo hermanni) are included in the Appendix II of the Convention 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”.

Regarding international conventions and agreements, all Greek reptile and amphibian species are included in the Bern Convention 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 Appendix II of the Bern Convention, 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.

From the amphibian and reptile species expected along the pipeline route only one has been assessed within an IUCN threat category. Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is listed as

Page 5 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Integrated ESIA Greece Document Title: Rev.: 02 / at11 Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study

Vulnerable because, despite its wide distribution, it faces a broad range of threats and most populations are declining (Legakis & Maragou, 2010).

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 where 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 work was to estimate reptile and amphibian species presence and abundance along the pipeline route. Emphasis was given to the two species of terrestrial tortoises, Testudo graeca and especially Testudo hermanni. Both these species are protected by national legislation, are included in the Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive 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.

Page 6 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Integrated ESIA Greece Document Title: Rev.: 02 / at11 Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study

2 METHODOLOGY

A field survey was undertaken by a survey team consisting of Dr. Panagiota Maragou and Dr. Panagiotis Pafilis with support from ERM staff, at the end of June 2011.

2.1 Sampling Methodology

Line transects or distance sampling (Buckland et al., 1993; Jaeger 1994) has been the method used to assess tortoise population in the areas close to the pipeline route. This method provides information on both the active individuals within a biotope and the density of the population at the study site. According to the method a 100 m 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 sighting function, and then estimate 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, were realized. All sampling was carried out by the same researchers. Five meters on either side of the line were monitored covering a total area of 1000 m2 per sampling.

In every encounter the age class and the sex (based on secondary sexual characteristics) were recorded, together with notes on the position it was found, time of the day, temperature and climatic conditions.

Page 7 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Integrated ESIA Greece Document Title: Rev.: 02 / at11 Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study

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 (in our case tortoises) in all lines and “A“ the total area of lines in square meters. In addition to the method of line transects and due to the few individuals that were found, the team walked long distances within the area, without following the aforementioned method, trying to spot more tortoises and other species of the local herpetofauna. 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.

2.2 Study Sites

Table 2-1 Sampling Locations GPS Name KP Area Habitat type Shortest Other remarks point distance from pipeline R-1 003 369.5 Axios Gallery forest with old 2.1 km crossing growth, embankments on Downstream of the east side of the river pipeline R-2 004 393.9 Loudias Poplar plantation near the 0.4 km crossing river R-3 005 393.3 Loudias Poplar plantation near the 0.4 km crossing I river R-4 006 431.6 Near village Cherry orchard 71 m from pipeline Testudo graeca Aghia Fotini R-5 007 431.3 Eastern Deciduous mixed forest 116 m from Lucanus cervus Vermio pipeline close to Agia Fotini R-6 008 431.3 Eastern Deciduous mixed forest 88 m from pipeline Vermio with several small ponds close to Agia Fotini R-7 009 431.1 Eastern Deciduous mixed forest 32 m from pipeline Vermio close to Agia Fotini R-8 010 430.3 Eastern Deciduous mixed forest 17 m from pipeline Vermio close to Agia Fotini R-9 011 429.0 Eastern Deciduous mixed forest 213 m from Vermio pipeline close to Agia Fotini

Page 8 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Integrated ESIA Greece Document Title: Rev.: 02 / at11 Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study

GPS Name KP Area Habitat type Shortest Other remarks point distance from pipeline R-10 013 437.1 Poad to Ano Meadows 210 m from Grammatiko pipeline R-11 014 437.1 Ano Ponds in meadows 0.4 km from Grammatiko pipeline R-12 016 438.1 Road to Meadows and rows of 146 m from Kato timber wood. pipeline Grammatiko R-13 017 438.1 Further Small waters along the 151 m from along the same road pipeline same road R-14 018 438.6 ibid Small waters along the 240 m from T. graeca, T. same road pipeline hermanni R-15 Grammatiko 444.0 Grammatiko With riparian vegetation 23 m from pipeline T. graeca on stream Stream the road above stream R-16 B75 440.7 143 m from pipeline R-17 019 442.5 meadows Light oak forest 30 m from pipeline R-18 B72 442.8 172 m from pipeline R-20 B67 443.0 36 m from pipeline R-21 B67 new 443.0 Quercus sp forest 39 m from pipeline R-22 B94 436.8 82m from pipeline R-23 B98 435.8 Fagus forest 379 m from pipeline R-24 B104 434.0 Artificial pond 228 m from T. hermanni pipeline R-25 020 434.8 Artificial pond Outside pipeline Unidentified route newt species R-26 B108 434.9 Forest Outside pipeline T. graeca route R-27 B100 436.0 Road to Meadows 67 m from pipeline T. hermanni Kato Gramatiko R-28 021 451.1 Road Hill among cultivations. 151 m from Pyrgoi- Rocks, low vegetation pipeline Maniaki and low Juniperus R-29 Castro river 459.7 Between Eutrophic river 77 m from pipeline Antigonos and Filotas villages R-30 Kilada river 468.5 Between Eutrophic river 80 m from pipeline Pentavrissos and Perdikas villages R-31 022 474.7 Near Fields and quarry 23 m from pipeline Dexameni Mpodosakio hospital, Ptolemaida R-32 61 485 Road Fields and light Quercus 231 m from Galateia - vegetation pipeline Variko R-33 022 485.5 Terelikis Fields 141 m from hotel pipeline R-34 52 485.9 Chapel of 108 m from Aghia Kiriaki pipeline

Page 9 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Integrated ESIA Greece Document Title: Rev.: 02 / at11 Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study

GPS Name KP Area Habitat type Shortest Other remarks point distance from pipeline R-35 023 489.6 Towards Light oak forest 73 m from pipeline T. hermanni Aghios Athanasios and Variko village R-36 024 491.1 ibid Light oak forest 67 m from pipeline T. hermanni R-37 025 493.0 Above Alpine meadows 24 m from pipeline Identified L. Kleisoura viridis village R-38 025α 492.7 Above Black pine stand 22 m from pipeline Kleisoura village R-39 026 521.3 Aliakmon Riparian vegetation. On route river Cultivations of beans and corn R-40 P27 536 NE of the Light forest of Quercus 2200 m from current route sp. with Juniperus pipeline* R-41 Pa27 542.6 Fields and meadows and 295 m from single oak trees pipeline R-42 Pa28 540 East of Light forest of Quercus 2173 m from Ieropigi sp. With rocky outcrops pipeline* village. R-43 Pa29 532.4 Small stream with 30 m from pipeline Populus sp and Alnus sp R-44 Pa30 528.3 Aliakmon Dried up flood plain forest 54 m from pipeline T. hermanni river with various sandbeds & gravel accumulations. Riverbank (river with low water, gravel separate flow branches) R-45 Pa40 516.7 Fields and orchards 139 m from T. graeca pipeline R-46 Pa41 513.0 Bridge crossing the river 196 m from pipeline R-47 Pa42 506.0 Fields 210 m from T. graeca killed pipeline on Edesa- Kastoria road R-48 Paverga43 495.2 Fields, hedges, 117 m from pipeline R-49 Pa44 493.9 Pines at margin of beech 23 m from pipeline forest Note: * Field Survey conducted along 25th of November 2011 pipeline route Source: ERM field survey (July 2011)

2.3 Limitations – Uncertainties - Biases

All riparian habitats and river crossings of the pipeline were visited. The survey team also visited the largest part (more than 90%) of forest areas, including deciduous, mixed and light oak forests and all different types of biotopes. Each forest type, based on dominant forest species and density, was sampled. An indicative part of the agricultural land (10%) that the pipeline will be crossing was also covered. The agriculture land examined included selected points between

Page 10 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Integrated ESIA Greece Document Title: Rev.: 02 / at11 Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study pipeline KP 503.8 and 521.9 and towards the Greek-Albanian borders, south of Ieropigi village. We also visited the fields around of Ptolemaida (KP 450.8 to 472). The area between KP 359 and 423, with the exceptions of the river crossings, were not surveyed due to the very intensive nature of these irrigated cultivations. The reason for this discrepancy among the locations under study is the expected difference in reptile and amphibian biodiversity in terms of species numbers.

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 prefecture) 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.

Homogeneous and closed oak or pine woods were also visited even though they have no particular conservation importance for terrestrial herpetofauna, except when possessing a more open and complex structure that permits the development of bush undergrowth. Pure coniferous forests and stands are characterised by relatively lower abundances and densities of reptiles (Ioannides et al. 2008, Loehle et al. 2005). This is probably due to limited direct sunlight, reduced litter and undergrowth in general. These observations were also verified during the present study.

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. Specifically for tortoises a strong selection for non-irrigated croplands has been observed, probably due to effects in egglaying. Following observations in Prespa lakes, northwest of the TAP pipeline route, 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

Page 11 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Integrated ESIA Greece Document Title: Rev.: 02 / at11 Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study are also under-populated in such places as a result of water pollution due to extensive agriculture (Hutchens S. and C. DePerno, 2009).

Finally, a limitation of the study concerns the field identification and distinction between the two species of green lizard (Lacerta viridis and L. trilineata) as distinction of adults is based mainly on number of belly and temporal scales. Therefore observations are referred as one taxonomic group, with the exception of the individual found in sampling point 37 that was captured and positively identified as Lacerta viridis. A similar difficulty concerns the identification of individual species within the green frog complex since the only effective method is by bioacoustics.

Page 12 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Integrated ESIA Greece Document Title: Rev.: 02 / at11 Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study

3 RESULTS

3.1 Testudo Abundance along the Route

The sparse tortoise populations in all sites 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.

By means of the formula described in Section 2.1 and taking into account that within each location more than 1,000 m2 were covered, it could be estimated a population density over 5 individuals per ha. Nevertheless, 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. However, based on the observations during the field trip and taking into account the related literature (including sampling problems that are common in the case of tortoise), it can be affirmed that the abundance of tortoises lie within values that have been previously reported in similar studies from Mediterranean countries (varying from 0.3 up to 10 ind/ha, Rouag et al., 2007 and references therein; Fernández-Chacón et al. 2011).

3.2 Confirmed Amphibian and Reptilian Species Presence along the Route

Five species of amphibians, that is 50% of expected species, and nine reptile species (~30% of expected species) were observed along the route.

Page 13 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Document Title: Integrated ESIA Greece Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Rev.: 02 / at11

Table 3-1 Amphibian and reptilian species presence in the Study Area Is the taxon in need Records within of consideration Project area and special (refer to ‘GPS mitigation Latin name Preferred Reason of General No. Common name points’ of samp- measures during (Family name) habitat conservation interest comments ling locations the pre- listed in construction / post- Table 2-1) construction project period? 1. Bufo bufo Common toad Should occur alongside the Appendix III of the Bern Convention Nocturnal species (Bufonidae) routing, in low and middle National Legislation (Presidential Decree elevations in areas with 67/1981) dense vegetation 2. Pseudepidalea viridis Green toad Should occur alongside the Appendix II of the Bern Convention Never encountered (Bufonidae) routing, in low and middle Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats most probably elevations Directive because of the time National Legislation (Presidential Decree of the fieldwork 67/1981) 3. Bombina variegata Yellow-bellied R-11, R-12, Present in small water Appendix II of the Bern Convention In abundance, (Discoglossidae) toad R-13, R-14, bodies (e.g. ponds) in middle Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural readily adapted to R-17, R-19, and high elevations Habitats Directive all kind of shallow R-43 water. 4. Hyla arborea Common tree frog Should occur alongside the Appendix II of the Bern Convention (Hylidae) routing, in low and middle Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats elevations Directive National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981) 5. Pelophylax Greek marsh frog R-1, R-2, R-3, Should occur in streams, Appendix II of the Bern Convention In abundance kurtmuelleri R-4, R-6, R-7, rivers and rivulets in low and Annex V of the EU Natural Habitats (Ranidae) R-11, R-13, middle elevations Directive R-46

Page 14 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Document Title: Integrated ESIA Greece Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Rev.: 02 / at11

Is the taxon in need Records within of consideration Project area and special (refer to ‘GPS mitigation Latin name Preferred Reason of General No. Common name points’ of samp- measures during (Family name) habitat conservation interest comments ling locations the pre- listed in construction / post- Table 2-1) construction project period? 6. Rana dalmatina Agile frog Should occur in streams, Appendix II of the Bern Convention Never (Ranidae) rivers and rivulets in low and Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats encountered, middle elevations Directive probably due to its being active mainly at dusk and during night. Additionally the species shows large gaps within its distribution. 7. Rana graeca Greek brown frog R-15 Should occur in streams, Appendix III of the Bern Convention A typical species of (Ranidae) rivers and rivulets in low and Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats streams in middle elevations Directive mountain areas. National Legislation (Presidential Decree Reported as 67/1981) occurring in low densities in Western Macedonia 8. Salamandra Fire salamander R-14, R-15 Should occur in middle and Appendix III of the Bern Convention Only larvae have salamandra high elevation forests, close National Legislation (Presidential Decree been found, most (Salamandridae) to small river and rivulets 67/1981) probably because of the time of the fieldwork since the species is nocturnal and inactive in summer 9. Lissotriton vulgaris Smooth newt Should be present in ponds Appendix III of the Bern Convention (Salamandridae) in middle and high elevations National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981)

Page 15 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Document Title: Integrated ESIA Greece Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Rev.: 02 / at11

Is the taxon in need Records within of consideration Project area and special (refer to ‘GPS mitigation Latin name Preferred Reason of General No. Common name points’ of samp- measures during (Family name) habitat conservation interest comments ling locations the pre- listed in construction / post- Table 2-1) construction project period? 10. Triturus carnifex Alpine crested Should be present in ponds Appendix III of the Bern Convention (Salamandridae) newt in middle and high elevations Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981) 11. Testudo hermanni Hermann’s R-14, R-13, Open areas and forest Appendix II of the Bern Convention In good frequency (Testudinidae) tortoise R-35, R-36, meadows Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural R-44 Habitats Directive National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981) Vulnerable species according to the Greek Red Data Book 12. Testudo graeca Mediterranean R-4, R-10, Open areas and forest Appendix II of the Bern Convention (Testudinidae) spur-thighed R-14, R-17, meadows Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural tortoise R-15, R-19, Habitats Directive R-45, R-47, National Legislation (Presidential Decree R-49 67/1981) 13. Mauremys rivulata Balkan terrapin R-6, R-7, R-29, Water bodies like lakes, Appendix II of the Bern Convention In abundance in (Geoemydidae) R-30, R-43 small rivers and big ponds in Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural standing and low and middle elevations Habitats Directive polluted water National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981) 14. Emys orbicularis European pond Water bodies like lakes, Appendix II of the Bern Convention (Emydidae) terrapin small rivers and big ponds in Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural low and middle elevations Habitats Directive National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981) The species is listed as “near threaten” in the IUCN Red Data Book

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Page 17 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Document Title: Integrated ESIA Greece Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Rev.: 02 / at11

Is the taxon in need Records within of consideration Project area and special (refer to ‘GPS mitigation Latin name Preferred Reason of General No. Common name points’ of samp- measures during (Family name) habitat conservation interest comments ling locations the pre- listed in construction / post- Table 2-1) construction project period? 19. Lacerta viridis Green lizard R-37 Open areas, bush lands, Appendix II of the Bern Convention In abundance Individual in point R- (Lacertidae) R-2, R-3, R-4, forest meadows and sparse Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats 38 was caught and R-6, R-7, R-10, forests Directive positively identified R-12, R-17, National Legislation (Presidential Decree Impossible to identify R-15, R-19, 67/1981) species without R-28, R-29, capture R-30, R-32, R-33, R-34, R-36, R-39, R-40, R-41, R-42, R-46, R-48 20. Podarcis erhardii Erhard’s wall Rocky areas and dry stone Appendix II of the Bern Convention (Lacertidae) lizard walls Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981) 21. Podarcis muralis Common wall R-4, R-6, R-7, Rocky areas, meadows, Appendix II of the Bern Convention In abundance (Lacertidae) lizard R-10, R-12, foothills and bush lands Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats R-17, R-19, Directive R-31, R-35, National Legislation (Presidential Decree R-36, R-37, 67/1981) R-40, R-42, R-43, R-44, R-46, R-48, R-49 22. Podarcis tauricus Balkan wall lizard R-40, R-44, R- Open areas, forest meadows Appendix II of the Bern Convention (Lacertidae) 46 and grasslands Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981)

Page 18 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Document Title: Integrated ESIA Greece Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Rev.: 02 / at11

Is the taxon in need Records within of consideration Project area and special (refer to ‘GPS mitigation Latin name Preferred Reason of General No. Common name points’ of samp- measures during (Family name) habitat conservation interest comments ling locations the pre- listed in construction / post- Table 2-1) construction project period? 23. Typhlops vermicularis Worm snake Areas with soft ground like Appendix III of the Bern Convention Never (Typhlopidae) humid meadows, places in encountered, proximity of water bodies probably because and cultivated areas of low of the time of the and middle elevations year 24. Coronella austriaca Smooth snake Bush lands and meadows Appendix II of the Bern Convention (Colubridae) Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981) 25. Dolichophis caspius Caspian whip R-44, R-46, Grasslands, maquis, Appendix III of the Bern Convention In good frequency (Colubridae) snake R-47 phrygana and bush lands 26. Elaphe quatorlineata Four-lined snake Open areas and grasslands, Appendix II of the Bern Convention (Colubridae) maquis and phrygana Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981) 27. Malpolon insignitus Montpellier snake Stony areas, maquis and Appendix III of the Bern Convention (Colubridae) phrygana National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981) 28. Natrix natrix Grass snake R-1, R-2, R-3, Lakes, rivers and ponds in Appendix II of the Bern Convention (Colubridae) R-6, R-7, R-10, low and middle elevations National Legislation (Presidential Decree R-24 67/1981) 29. Natrix tessellata Dice snake Lakes and ponds in low and Appendix II of the Bern Convention (Colubridae) middle elevations Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981)

Page 19 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Document Title: Integrated ESIA Greece Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Rev.: 02 / at11

Is the taxon in need Records within of consideration Project area and special (refer to ‘GPS mitigation Latin name Preferred Reason of General No. Common name points’ of samp- measures during (Family name) habitat conservation interest comments ling locations the pre- listed in construction / post- Table 2-1) construction project period? 30. Platyceps najadum Dahl’s whip snake Grasslands, maquis and Appendix II of the Bern Convention (Colubridae) phrygana Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981) 31. Telescopus fallax Cat snake Bush lands, stony areas, Appendix II of the Bern Convention (Colubridae) maquis and phrygana Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981) 32. Zamenis longissimus Aesculapian Bush lands, stony areas, Appendix II of the Bern Convention (Colubridae) snake maquis and phrygana Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981) 33. Zamenis situlus Leopard snake Bush lands, stony areas, Appendix II of the Bern Convention (Colubridae) maquis and phrygana Annex II of the EU Natural Habitats Directive National Legislation (Presidential Decree 67/1981) The species is listed as “threaten” in the IUCN Red Data Book 34. Vipera ammodytes Nose-horned viper Rocky areas, grasslands, Appendix II of the Bern Convention (Viperidae) maquis and phrygana Annex II of the EU Natural Habitats Directive

Page 20 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Document Title: Integrated ESIA Greece Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study Rev.: 02 / at11

Page 21 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Integrated ESIA Greece Document Title: Rev.: 02 / at11 Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study

3.3 Other Important Reptilian and Amphibian Species within the Project Area

During the fieldwork several species known from scientific literature to occur within the general area of study, were not observed. Three 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.

On the other hand some species having never been reported from particular areas were indeed found, though the published literature predicts their presence in the general area of Macedonia. The Balkan wall lizard (Podarcis tauricus) and the Green lizard (Lacerta viridis), that were observed in Aliakmon river (KP 528.3) and Kleisoura (KP 493) respectively, fall into this category and this observation constitutes the first record for the two taxa in this specific area.

Page 22 of 22 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ERM-642-Y-TAE-0014 Integrated ESIA Greece Document Title: Rev.: 02 / at11 Annex 6.5.6 – West - Herpetofauna Baseline Study

4 CONCLUSIONS

4.1 Key Habitats and Species within the Study Area

The two terrestrial tortoises and Testudo hermanni in particular, remain as the key species within the study area.

Testudo hermanni was observed in five different locations and Testudo graeca in nine. These places include mountain meadows and light oak forests. This observation agrees with the literature data described in Section 2.3 of this document.

Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG – Greece (Branch Office) 21st Floor, Athens Tower, 2-4 Messogion Ave., 11527 Athens, Greece Phone.: + 30 210 7454613 Fax: + 30 210 7454300 [email protected] www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com

Date 06/2013

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