Amphibia: Proteidae): pregledni članek

Proteus anguinus parkelj Sket & Arntzen 1994 is a black pigmented with developed eyes, non-troglomorphic, but yet troglobiotic subspecies of P. anguinus Laurenti 1786. It is endemic to the karst of Bela krajina in southeast Slovenia. As a probable mimic of the epigean ancestor it is very informative regarding adaptation to subterranean environment. Since it was discovered only in 1986, relatively little is known about its biology. The purpose of this review paper is to summarize the published data about the circumstances of its discovery, its distribution, phylogeny, taxonomy and its biology, including environmental threats, conservation status, and actions that are being taken to ensure its survival. The exceedingly limited distribution of the black proteus makes it particularly vulnerable. It is endangered by environmental pollution as well as by various potential pathogens that are of global concern to amphibians. Populations of the black proteus are in dire need of protection if they are to survive in their own natural habitat.