Contribution to the knowledge of distribution of Colubrid snakes in Serbia

Abstract

Detailed distribution pattern of colubrid snakes in Serbia is still inadequately described, despite the long historical study. In this paper, we provide accurate distribution of seven species, with previously published and newly accumulated faunistic records compiled. Comparative analysis of faunas among all Balkan countries showed that Serbian colubrid fauna is among the most distinct (together with faunas of Slovenia and Romania), due to small number of species. Zoogeographic analysis showed high chorotype diversity of Serbian colubrids: Seven species belong to six chorotypes. South-eastern Serbia (Pcinja River valley) is characterized by the presence of all colubrid species inhabiting our country, and deserves the highest conservation status at the national level. This study should provide the basis for further, more comprehensive faunistic research, as the data on distribution of colubrid species in our country are far from complete, with large distribution "gaps", especially in northern and central parts of Serbia.