13 May 2022
Information: Snakes in Germia Park Are an Important Part of the Biodiversity of the Area
The Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency has received several concerns from visitors who reported the presence of the snake species Vipera ammodytes in Germia Park. KEPA informs the public that the presence of snakes in Germia Park is not a cause for concern, but rather an important part of the biodiversity of this area.
The Germia mountain massif represents a highly important natural asset not only for Prishtina and its surrounding area, but also for the whole of Kosovo. Germia is rich in plant and animal species, as well as other preserved biodiversity values. Four species of snakes are currently known to occur in this massif, including the venomous species Vipera ammodytes (nose-horned viper).
Snakes, like all other species of wild animals, have a self-defence instinct and will defend themselves if they feel threatened. Cases of bites from venomous snakes, which fortunately occur very rarely, are usually the result of accidentally stepping on a snake or attempting to catch it by hand without being aware of the possible consequences.
The presence of snakes should not be a cause for concern for visitors to Germia Park. Nevertheless, everyone should take care not to disturb not only snakes but also other living organisms in their natural habitat, in order to avoid any situation in which they might potentially attack in self-defence.