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I will be comparing my HerpetoArea to konstantina_len (Crete, Greece) and ismhnh_biology (Greece) HerpetoAreas, one paragraph for each theme.

As Crete is an island separated from the mainland for a long period, evolution has given birth to new species, endemic in that area. In contrast, no endemic species are found in Attica as it is a highly urbanised region. The difference between Ismini's HerpetoArea are obvious, as Attica is only a small part of Greece

A different amphibian was chosen for each HerpetoArea. As they belong to Anurans,  they have adapted similar survival strategies, whether it is colouration, skin secretions or metabolism alteration. As for the reptiles, two snakes and one lizard, they share colouration as a defensive strategy. Konstantina focused mainly on the behavioural adapatation, while Ismini elaborated on morphological and physiological traits in general.

Unfortunately the threats in all 3 areas are similar, with the most severe being urbanisation. Natural areas are being sacrificed for the sake of real estate investments, leading to habitat fragmentation or loss. Climate change also needs to be considered. In more localized threats, introduced species such as the American Bullfrog in Agia Lake have driven the native P. cretensis population to near extinction.

While I thought of an enterprise’s business plan, Ismini opted for the voluntary organization. I listed each step that needs to be taken in order to achieve the final goal. Ismini took a different approach with a more organised manner. By dividing the process into 3 main categories, each one with separate objectives, she managed to present a broader plan which covers more aspects, whereas I focused mainly on the technical part.

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From ancient times, humans were aware of the potential damage caused by a snake bite. The venom injected to the victim would often lead to a painful death. Iconic historic figures such as Queen Cleopatra are said to have perished from snake venom. It is apparent that its lethality was already known a long time ago. A bite from a venomous snake will usually cause symptoms that if are not treated shortly will result in death. A few exceptions will only cause mild numbness. Whether it is used for self defence or hunting, the goal is obvious: snake venom is an adaptation aiming to kill.. But what if there's another side of this coin? What if venom is also made to heal? Contemporary technology has allowed scientists to unravel the mystery behind snake venoms. A complex cocktail of chemical compounds, which if isolated, some of them can indeed be utilized for new drugs. Pharmacy agencies were quick to seize such an opportunity and thus, venoms from a variety of species have been isolated and many more drugs have been produced.

The steps of such a business plan are easy to name on paper:
1. Pick an appropriate venomous snake species. Vipera ammodytes is the most abundant viper in Greece (same for Attica).
2. Go through the legal procedures and bureaucracy to obtain permission to collect the specimens and extract their venom.
3. Suitable facilities which will house the snakes under ethical conditions
4. Workforce with expertise in this specific field, capable of treating the snakes professionally and ensure they are not hurt during the procedure

After the venom is extracted, we move on to the second part: Processing the venom

1. A laboratory equipped with the latest technology, ensuring accuracy and time efficiency

2.Experienced workforce in order to analyse and isolate the chemical compounds.

3. Experimentation, a lot of it! How will the human body react to a specific compound? Is it safe?
4. Innovative ideas! Medicines, beauty products, body care products or even more. How will this product fare in the competitive market? Is it profitable enough? Why would consumers opt for it?

5. Clinical trials to obtain the required licenses and assure the consumers of its safety

6. Distribution, dependent on the company’s network and the demographic target of the product.

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As we mentioned before, urbanisation often renders most habitats unsuitable for the species living there. Parks being converted to construction sites, factories throwing their waste into nearby water masses and the lack of proper environmental education of the mayors has transformed some once green suburban areas to blocks of gray buildings. Climate change, a phenomenon we had forgotten for many years, is now becoming relevant. Global warming is a direct consequence and with the rise of global temperature extreme weather conditions, such as wildfires, will become frequent. The herpetofauna is affected indirectly. Many years ago, Parnitha was devastated by a fire. As we've already mentioned, many reptilian represantatives can be found there, including snakes. This catastrophe led to habitat degradation with the largest part of the forest being burnt to ashes. Fortunately the areas have managed to recover after more than 10 years, together with their inhabitants. Nevertheless, the damage suffered was critical and if this happens again in short time, the situation could be irreversible. Along with urbanization comes another potential threat: domesticated cats. It is well known that uncontrolled cat populations can drive vulnerable species to the brink of extinction. Birds predominantly, but reptiles aswell often become their target. Lastly, illegal activities such as arsons (indirectly) or poaching (directly) can affect the size of a population in the long run.

Whenever the officials are incompetent, citizens take action. There have been many protests against the obstruction of local streams which host toads and frogs. Factories are called out for their apathy towards water pollution. In short time after a fire volunteers will start planting new trees, often joined by schools and locals. Even stray cats are taken in
by NGO to be neutered. So yes, we can still do something. Every individual is capable of change, starting from themselves and expanding to the environment around them.

https://www.alfavita.gr/koinonia/252863_pnigoyn-me-tsimento-ta-teleytaia-remata-tis-attikis

https://www.efsyn.gr/ellada/periballon/171967_diamartyria-gia-neo-mpazoma-sto-rema-pikrodafnis

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Zamenis situla is often regarded as the most beautiful snake species in Europe. Taking a look at its colour pattern one can see why is that. A dorsal pattern of red blotches with black borders make the rest of the snakes seem pale in comparison. They say looks can be deceiving but that's not the case here. The European ratsnake is a non-venomous snake of the Coloubridae family and as its name suggests, it preys mainly on rats. Their fancy colour pattern is in fact an evolutionary adaptation to repel predators, called Aposematism. In general, bright colours aim to warn potential predators that the animal is toxic, distasteful or dangerous, thus it's less likely they will attempt to attack it. These ophidians are often found near human settlements in rural areas due to the abudance of food there. They are usually active during daytime, slithering cautiously among rocks and shrubs.

http://www.herpetofauna.gr/index.php?module=cats&page=read&id=166

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batesian_mimicry

https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/abs/10.1098/rspb.2004.2894

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Another case of unusual colouration can be found in Bufotes viridis. Green blotches along with red spots, warn their predators and on the other hand allow them to merge with their surroundings. They are mainly nocturnal species feeding on a variety of insects and invertebrates. This species is common even in urban areas. Another defensive mechanism, that occurs with most Anurans, is the secretion of chemical compounds from their skin. Many frog species bear glands on their skin which will release repulsive substances when caught by a predator.

http://www.herpetofauna.gr/index.php?module=cats&page=read&id=212&sid=209

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As we saw in Theme 1, a great array of habitats can be found in Attica, including forests, wetlands and urban areas. Although Greece in general has many endemic species, there are none in Attica.
The most common reptilian represantatives are Podarcis erhardii & Podarcis muralis along with two species of geckos, Hemidactylus turcicus & Mediodactylus kotschyi. Among the Amphibians, Bufotes viridis is commonly found near water masses, even inside city parks with shops and cafés in proximity. Bufo bufo and Rana graeca are less common, but still easily found.
Chalcides ocellatus and Ablepharus kitaibelii are also present almost everywhere, but their cryptic nature makes them difficult to spot to the untrained eye. Lacerta trilineata is also present in open areas covered by vegetation. The chelonians include Testudo hermanni and Testudo marginata, found even inside the campus of University of Athens. Emys orbicularis, Mauremys rivulata along with the introduced Trachemys scripta are also present in water masses. Lastly, ophidians include Zamenis situla, Elaphe quatuorlineata, Malpolon insignitus and Natrix species

Goulandris Natural History Museum houses a collection of reptiles and amphibians from the northest to the southerst part of Greece, including of course a lot from Attica region. The collection is open for display to the public.

Some newly discovered species in Athens are mentioned in the references below

Adamopoulou, Chloe. "First record of Podarcis siculus (RAFINESQUE-SCHMALTZ, 18 10) from Greece." (2015): 187-188

Strachinis, Ilias, and Panayiotis Pafilis. "First record of Tarentola mauritanica (LINNAEUS, 1758), from Athens, Greece." (2018): 98-99

Spilani, Loukia, et al. "Podarcis vaucheri (Sauria: Lacertidae) far away from home: a new invasive species in Greece." Amphibia-Reptilia 39.3 (2018): 363-368

http://www.herpetofauna.gr/index.php

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Mountain Parnitha stands at the northern part of Attica. Although it hosts a variety of habitats, its biggest part is covered by forest (Abies & Pinus). Parnitha is often visited by people, especially when the first snow falls, for winter activities or by hikers and nature-lovers the rest of the year. Podarcis erhardii are often found basking on rocks or fallen trunks almost everywhere. Rarely spotted, shy Lacerta trilineata will flee to the nearest bush, if their position is exposed.

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Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests

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Sxinias is a wetland found at the eastern part of Attica. It is a site of great importance to migratory birds and birdwatchers often visit it all year round. It is a rather rare occurrence but sometimes individuals of Natrix natrix can be spotted swimming in the water. Wetlands offer a relatively safe environment for many different species with access to a variety of food sources in abundance. The presence of snakes in these ecosystems indicate the equilibrium in the food chain and hightlight their importance as biodiversity hotspots. Unfortunately, they are still threatened by human activities andthe bell tolls for proactive measures.

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Athens is the capital of Greece and due to its rapid expansion,  some once empty fields or green areas have been occupied, with apartment buildings and factories built in their stead. To survive, wildlife had to adapt to the urban environment. Some were better fitted to cope with this change. They managed to establish a stable population number and are thriving in the city. Thus, in spring one can hear the mating calls of Bufo viridis while taking a walk in the city center whereas during summetime, geckos (Hemidactylus turcicus) can be spotted basking on historical monuments. Geckos are an excellent example of wild animals adapted to urban lifestyle, as they can be found even inside houses, running on the ceiling after some mosquito

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Varanus marathonensis was a monitor lizard that lived during late Miocene to Pliocene. Remains of it have been found in Pikermi. V. marathonensis seems to be one of the two taxonomically valid European species of monitor lizard, the other nominal taxa previously erected from the European Neogene being either junior synonyms (V. amnhophilis, V. atticus) of it, or nomina dubia.

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0207719

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The presence of Amphibians in Greece is not studied extensively, as during the excavations in fossil sites like Pikermi there was not a taxonomic approach. Despite that, according to "Tertianura" database anurans of the genus Latonia were the prevalent amphibians in Attica region. These findings date back to late Miocene and Pliocene.

Source in Greek:
https://repository.kallipos.gr/bitstream/11419/1920/1/02_chapter_11_complete.pdf