First Slovenian 'dragon' hatches: Ancient cave-dwelling olm salamander emerges from clutch of eggs

The first 'baby dragon' from a batch more than 60 eggs has hatched in the caves deep below the Slovenian countryside.

It emerged from its egg earlier this week in the Postojnska caves in Slovenia, where experts have been closely monitoring the ancient olms - a type of rare cave salamander - in an aquarium.

The new arrival is the first larva to hatch in captivity in a number of years, and biologists have managed to snap a fleeting glance of the animal in silhouette.

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The first 'baby dragon' from a batch of more than 60 eggs has hatched in the Postojnska caves in Slovenia. Experts have been closely monitoring the ancient olms - a type of rare cave salamander - in an aquarium since the eggs were laid four months ago. Biologists have managed to snap a fleeting glance of the animal in silhouette (pictured)

For the last six months it has grown inside one of a clutch of eggs protected and carefully nursed by its mother, with the only a few of the eggs expected to hatch.

The olm or proteus is an ancient animal found in the cave systems of Slovenia, which may only reproduce as little as once a decade – making any hatching a rare event.

They are blind, slow moving animals which can grow to around 11.8 inches-long (30cm) and can live up to 100 years. 

The olm or proteus (pictured) is a blind ancient salamander living in the Postojnska caves in Slovenia. The rare animals may only reproduce as little as once a decade - making any hathcling a rare event

The eggs have been monitored by cave biologists for a number of months. The olm larva can be seen in its egg (left) before making a break for freedom (right)

But despite their inability to see, they hunt their prey - small crabs, snails and insects - in the waters of caves using well developed sensory organs. 

The rare animals are the only cave-dwelling vertebrates in Europe. 

They have evolved specifically to their subterranean environment over millions of years, so much so, that they are particularly vulnerable to changes in the temperature and quality of water in the cave.

It remains unclear whether the larva is male or female. But experts believe that, of the initial 60 plus eggs, a further 22 could go on to hatch - it may soon be joined by its brothers and sisters.

Earlier this year, experts had said that they believed just a handful of more than 50 eggs laid in an aquarium in the cave (pictured) were expected to survive

Olms are the only cave-dwelling vertebrates in Europe and have evolved specifically to their subterranean environment. Experts say that the animals are particularly vulnerable to changes in the temperature and quality of water in the cave (pictured)

Biologists at the caves have used infra-red cameras to film the female and her eggs – which have been carefully laid under a rock – without disturbing them.

While researchers visit the caves three times a day to keep records of the development, visitors are able to see any developments on a dedicated screen streaming the video.

The earliest historical records of the olm comes from the late 1600s, and speaks of people discovering the pale creature after it was washed out of the caves by heavy rains. 

Those who found them believed them to be the developing young of dragons living deep within the Earth.

In summer of 2013, one of the cave's two females laid eggs in the aquarium, which was the first time on record the resident biologists had witnessed the ancient creatures lay eggs.

However, none of the eggs hatched and a number of them became dinner for other olms and smaller creatures living in the aquarium.

According to biologists Saso Wedt and Primoz Gnezda, the creatures can smell whether the eggs are still alive or not. As food is so scarce in the subterranean environment any eggs become an easy food source.

The olm or proteus is an ancient salamander found in the Postojnska caves in Slovenia

This time around the team aren't taking any chances, and have reportedly removed other olms from the tank to give the eggs the best possible chance of making it.

In a blog post in March the team wrote: 'Unfortunately, an interest in eggs has not been shown only by the day visitors to the cave, but also by other cave inhabitants – cave amphipods, small crustaceans, which see olm eggs as one of the most special treats, so they persistently try getting hold of them.

'This has brought out the olm's incredible, almost supernatural abilities and a moving maternal instinct. 

In 2013, one of the cave's females laid eggs in the aquarium (still pictured), which was the first time on record the resident biologists had witnessed the ancient creatures reproduce

'Despite her lack of vision, the olm has (so far) successfully scared away all of the subterranean intruders. We are keeping our fingers crossed for the "Dragon Mom" to make it.' 

The team at the cave state it remains unclear how long the eggs may take to hatch. 

At a water temperature of 11˚C (51.8˚F) the development process is expected to take 120 days. But in the cave's cooler 9˚C (48.2˚F) waters, it is expected to take a little longer.

While the first arrival is a good sign, it may be a while before any more baby dragons emerge.

The caves (pictured), which receive millions of visitors a year, hav been fitted with infra-red cameras to film the female and her eggs – which have been carefully laid under a rock – without disturbing them

While the two biologists visit the caves three times a day to keep records of the development, visitors are able to see any developments on a dedicated screen streaming the video (pictured)