Another curious creature that was found in this area is the olm, a blind salamander. As early as 1689, Valvasor referred to it as ‘the dragon’s offspring.’ This tiny amphibian has been the subject of numerous scientific studies.

[Box/Picture on page 24]

The “Human Fish”

Proteus anguinus is known locally as the human fish because of the unusual color of its skin, which reminds some of human skin. This amphibious vertebrate is native exclusively to the subterranean waters in the karst region of northeastern Italy, Slovenia, and southward. Its colorless skin and atrophied eyes are no handicap, since it exists in total darkness from egg stage until death. Amazingly, some have reportedly lived for up to 100 years, and these fish can survive for several years without food.

[Credit Line]

Arne Hodalic/www.ipak.org