intrinsicallylinkedlife: The Olm (Proteus anguinus)
The Olm, or Proteus, is a blind amphibian endemic to the subterranean waters of caves of the Dinaric karst of southern Europe. It lives in the waters that flow underground through this extensive limestone region including waters of the Soča river basin near Trieste in Italy, through to southern Slovenia, southwestern Croatia, and Herzegovina.
It is also occasionally called the “human fish” by locals because of its skin color, similar to that of white people. In Slovenia it is also known by the name močeril, which translates as “the one that burrows into wetness.”
This animal is most notable for its adaptations to a life of complete darkness in its underground habitat. The olm’s eyes are undeveloped, leaving it blind, while its other senses, particularly those of smell and hearing, are acutely developed. It also lacks any pigmentation in its skin. In contrast to most amphibians, the olm is entirely aquatic, and it eats, sleeps, and breeds underwater.
