Amphibians and reptiles of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is the center of diversity for European herpetofauna, comprising at least 53 native species: 9 caudate amphibians, 13 frogs, 14 snakes, four turtles, and 13 lizards. Nearly half of the species (40%) exhibit a certain level of endemism, with the most common endemics being from the Dinaric region or the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula. BiH stands out as a region of special importance for viper snakes (IVAs – Important Viper Areas), for petrophilic lizard communities, and as a habitat for evolutionarily unique species such as the olm. The exhibition “Amphibians and Reptiles of BiH” showcases all species in their natural habitats within the territory of BiH that have been discovered up to the year 2024. The species are depicted in a completely realistic manner, including variations and sexual dimorphism within species. The majority (75%) of species have been created through 3D scanning, modeling, and printing, while the rest are represented by prepared specimens. Selected samples from the herpetological collection were scanned using 3D scanners, then “revived” through the remodeling process. In this way, the animals you see at this exhibition are “revived” models of samples from the collection of the National Museum of BiH.