The remarkable Olm, often known as the “baby dragon” or “human fish,” has recently been making headlines. Three of these fascinating creatures, hatched in 2016 in a rare successful breeding event, are now on display in Slovenia’s Postojna Cave. Their unique physical characteristics, slow reproduction rates, and distinct habitat make them an intriguing topic for scientific study.
About the Olms
The Olms are eyeless pink salamanders, their eyes covered by skin, granting them a rather distinctive appearance. They have been named “baby dragon” and “human fish” due to their pale, human-like skin color. These creatures have a remarkable ability to survive without food for up to ten years. Notably, they are a long-lived species, maturing to a sexual stage only after reaching the age of 12-15 years and reproducing very slowly. Olms can live up to a century and usually breed once a decade, predominantly in laboratories throughout Europe or deep within caves, away from human presence. With a highly-developed sensory system, the Olms have powerful abilities of smell, taste, hearing, and electrosensitivity.
Threats to the Olms
Despite their many unique features, Olms are not invincible. They require clean water to survive, making them particularly vulnerable to water pollution. As such, the main threats facing the Olm population are pollution and habitat disturbance stemming from land use changes taking place above their cave systems.
Habitat of the Olms
Olms are predominantly found in large subterranean aquatic karst systems, which are geological formations created in limestone and dolomite rocks. They may also be found near cave entrances. As an entirely aquatic species, they prefer water temperatures ranging from 5-15°C. Their geographic distribution includes Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, and France.
Understanding Karst Topography
Karst topography refers to any limestone or dolomitic region that shows typical landforms produced by the action of groundwater through the processes of solution and deposition. This type of topography is named after the Karst region of the Balkans near the Adriatic sea. It is characterized by erosional and depositional landforms, including caves, underground streams, and surface sinkholes. In cases where erosion has worn away the surface land, steep rocky cliffs become visible.
Global Presence of Karst Topography
Although the term “Karst” originates from a specific region in Yugoslavia, this geographic feature is widespread across the globe. Whether it’s the surface sinkholes, underground streams, or the rugged cliff faces, the powerful forces of nature acting over thousands of years can create karst topography in diverse regions across the world.
This presentation of the unique Olm species, their habitat, and the threats they face provides us with a comprehensive understanding of these fascinating creatures. Their persistence despite the challenges they face is testament to the strength and resilience of nature even in the face of human-induced climate change and pollution.
