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ABOUT THE LOGO
 TEMPMEKO &
ISHM 2010 logo contains a characteristic Slovenian symbol, human
fish, also called an Olm or Proteus (Proteus anguinus), which
is a symbol of Slovenian natural heritage. The enthusiasm of
scientists and the broader public about this inhabitant of Slovenian
caves is still strong 200 years after its discovery. The Postojna
cave is one of the birthplaces of speleobiology due to the human
fish and other rare cave inhabitants. The image of the human fish
contributes significantly to the fame of the Postojna cave, which
Slovenia successfully utilizes for the promotion of eco-tourism in
Postojna and other parts of Slovenian karst. Tours of the Postojna
cave also include a tour around the speleobiological station - the
Proteus vivarium, showing different aspects of the cave environment.
 Although,
currently we're using euros,
human fish was also depicted on one of the former Slovenian Tolar coins.
It was also the namesake of Proteus, the oldest Slovenian popular
science magazine, first published in 1933.
The human fish is an
amphibian, living only in subterranean waters of the Dinaric karst (Postojna cave)
from the Soča river basin near Trieste in Italy through southern
Slovenia and southwestern Croatia to Herzegovina. It is the only
species of the Proteus genus, the only European species of the
Proteidae family, and the only European cave-dwelling chordate. The
other six species of the family belong to the Necturus genus and are
found in freshwater streams, lakes, and marshes in the eastern half
of North America.
This animal is most notable for its
adaptations to life in the complete darkness of its
underground habitat. Its eyes have atrophied leaving the olm
blind, and other senses, particularly its sense of smell and
hearing, are sharper to compensate. It also has no skin
pigmentation. In contrast to other amphibians, olms are
wholly aquatic not only breeding but living their entire
lives underwater. This is possible due to some of the larval
characteristics, such as external gills which they retain as
adults. (source Wikipedia, read more...
1,
2, 3)
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