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Majkovi is a village in the municipality of Dubrovnik Primorje, which is located in the central part of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. In January 2022, the Government of the Republic of Croatia adopted a Decree on the declaration of a special reserve of Lokve in Majkovi. The special reserve includes two puddles in the settlement of Donji Majkovi and a puddle in the settlement of Prljevići.

Lokve in Majkovi is the first protected herpetological reserve in the Republic of Croatia. Herpetology is a discipline that studies reptiles, and the puddles in Majkovi and the puddle in Prljevići are important as habitats for the river turtles, which are strictly protected in Croatia and live in a small area from Pelješac to Prevlaka. It is a medium-sized turtle whose shell is approximately 20 cm long. It feeds on algae, insect larvae, earthworms, small fish, shellfish... Young river turtles are carnivores, while older examples are usually herbivores. The number of individuals of this species is decreasing and it is endangered and strictly protected in the area of Pelješac and the Dubrovnik Primorje, and fines are provided for its destruction. The biggest threat to the river turtles is habitat reduction and conventional agriculture with its pesticides and artificial fertilizers.

Lokve in Majkovi is one of the four areas in Croatia where the river turtles live. In addition to the turtles, 19 species of amphibians and reptiles have been recorded there. Ten of them are strictly protected. Lokve, as an important habitat for protected species, are also part of the Natura 2000 ecological network, which consists of areas important for the preservation of endangered species and habitats in the EU.

The hiking trail to the peak of Neprobić begins in Majkovi, which is a three-hour walk from Majkovi and in the immediate vicinity of the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Neprobić peak itself is located at 963 meters above sea level. From the top there are views of Slano Bay, the Elaphite Islands, Mljet and Pelješac on one side, and the Herzegovinian hills on the other. There is no hiking map for the peak, however, it is possible to download digital tracks of the hiking trail from Majkovo to Neprobić on hiking websites.

Fun fact: River turtles spend most of their time in the sun, and when they are attacked they immediately go into the water, but before they go into the water as a defence they release a very unpleasant smell!