<em>Eryx jaculus</em> (Reptilia, Boidae) north of Danube: a road-killed specimen from Romania

Abstract

In September 2011 we identified a killed specimen of Eryx jaculus on the road between the towns of Turnu Măgurele and Corabia, in southern Romania. This seems to be the first record of the species north of the Danube. Although surprising, the identification of E. jaculus in the area is interpreted in the light of the presence of other species of herpetofauna in the Danube floodplain with similar ecological requirements, reaching here their northern distribution limit. Survival of the species appears to be favoured by the existence of some protected areas in the region.