International Day for Habitat Protection

At the time of facing with global extinction that threatens the natural environment, it is important to point out the protection all components of nature. Preservation of nature is the basis for further development of life on Earth that depends on species, ecosystems and natural resources.

Prokoško lake is located at the mountain Vranica in Central Bosnia at an altitude of 1636 meters. The surface area of the lake is 48 330 m2 and maximum depth is 13 meters. The lake was declared as a natural monument in 2005. It is fed with water from numerous springs, melting snow from surroundings hillsides and atmospheric residues. During the summer months the water level decreases by 60 cm.

The endemic amphibian Triton lives in Prokoško lake, Bosnian-Herzegovinian subspecies Triturus alpestris reiseri. This triton is larger than typical species of mountain tritons that are widespread in alpine and glacial lakes. It is from tailed amphibians order and reaches a length of up to 12 cm. It lives near water, but often in the water. It feeds on insects and water snails. It was discovered in 1891 by Othmur Reiser, ornithologist of National Museum in Sarajevo and this species are was named after him.