×

Algyroides moreoticus, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta graeca, Lacerta oxycephala, Lacerta trilineata, Lacerta viridis, Podarcis melisellensis fiumana, Podarcis muralis albanica, Podarcis peloponnesiaca, Podarcis sicula campestris, Podarcis taurica ionica, Podarcis taurica taurica.

×

In this study, the age composition of a Podarcis tauricus population from Saros Bay (northwest Turkey) was determined by skeletochronology. 27 preserved adults (20 females ,5 males, 2 juveniles) were evaluated and the maximum observed lifespan was recorded to be 7 years in females and 6 years in males. The mean age was 5.2 ± 0.2 years in males and 5.0 ± 0.2 years in females; the mean snout-vent length (SVL) was 63.0 ± 0.7 mm (range: 60.4 – 64) in males and 61.3 ± 0.9 mm (range 52.4 – 68.5) in females. No significant differences were found between sexes in terms of body size, but the sexual dimorphism index (SDI), was determined as 0.03, indicating a weakly male-biased. Adult survival rate and adult life expectancy were estimated to be 0.51 and 2.54 for female individuals, respectively. The lizards reached sexual maturity between 2 and 3 years. No significant difference was found between the sexes in terms of age and head sizes. The age and SVL were correlated only in females. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found among SVL, head length (HL), and width (HW) in females.

×

TERRA TYPICA. North of the Crimean Peninsula. DISTRIBUTION. The distribution range of the species covers the countries of the Balkan Peninsula, western Turkey, as well as the south of the Ukraine and Moldova. It is widely distributed in the Crimea, in the Kherson, Nikolaev and Odessa regions in the southwest of the Ukraine and in the south of Moldova. Of several known subspecies P. t. taurica occurs in the Ukraine and in Moldova. CONSERVATION STATUS. The species does not require special measures on its protection.

×

The author updates the knowledge on the herpetofauna of southern Dobruja according to his own studies within the area, during 1993-1998, when he identified 18 taxa. They represent 37.5% of the total amphibian and reptile species from Romania. Also the author makes some remarks on respective ecosystems and on the urgent protection need of some species.

×

Three different lizard species can be found at the great pasture of Hajúbagos. These are the balkan or crimean wall lizard (Podarcis taurica), the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) and the green lizard (Lacerta viridis). All of them are protected by law in Hungary but while sand lizard and green lizard is common all over the country, the amount of the balkan wall lizard is decreasing. The main cause of this regrettable possession is the habitat degradation and thus habitat loss. Namely balkan wall lizard not only prefers but suffers open sand grasslands and these kinds of habitats are disappearing in Hungary. Due to the fact that the extensive animal grazing lost its importance, open sand pastures started to change, succession can be realized. Thus grass closing constantly what is favourable for sand lizard and green lizard. Furthermore sand lizard and balkan wall lizard share roughly the same foodsource and moreover green lizard could possibly pass into a predator of balkan wall lizard juveniles also. Therefore sand lizard and green lizard became competitors (or predators) of balkan wall lizard and the proportion of the three species compared to each other is changing. My aim is to examine the vegetation change and simultaneously monitor the amount of the mentioned three lizard species. After all I would like to make a well established proposal on the management of protected grasslands.

×

Algyroides fitzingeri, Algyroides marchi, Algyroides moreoticus, Algyroides nigropunctatus, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta lepida, Lacerta princeps, Lacerta schreiberi, Lacerta strigata, Lacerta trilineata, Lacerta viridis, Lacerta andreanszkyi, Lacerta armeniaca, Lacerta bedriagae, Lacerta brandtii, Lacerta cappadocica, Lacerta caucasica, Lacerta chlorogaster, Lacerta cyanura, Lacerta danfordi, Lacerta derjugini, Lacerta dugesii, Lacerta fraasii, Lacerta graeca, Lacerta horvathi, Lacerta jayakari, Lacerta laevis, Lacerta monticola, Lacerta mosorensis, Lacerta oxycephala, Lacerta parva, Lacerta perspicillata, Lacerta praticola, Lacerta rudis, Lacerta saxicola, Lacerta vivipara, Gallotia atlantica, Gallotia galloti, Gallotia simonyi, Podarcis erhardii, Podarcis filfolensis, Podarcis hispanica, Podarcis lilfordi, Podarcis melisellensis, Podarcis milensis, Podarcis muralis, Podarcis peloponnesiaca, Podarcis pityusensis, Podarcis sicula, Podarcis taurica, Podarcis tiliguerta, Podarcis wagleriana, Psammodromus algirus, Psammodromus blanci, Psammodromus hispanicus, Psammodromus microdactylus.

×

The ability to shed (autotomize) all or part of the tail, usually in response to predator attack, and often to subsequently regenerate it is widespread in lizards and amphisbaenians and also occurs in a few snakes and in the tuatara. Most species possess a sophisticated intravertebral autotomy mechanism which seems to be primitive in the Squamata. This appears to have been independently lost in members of many groups, but some agamids and snakes have regained the ability to shed their tails by a simpler intervertebral means and a -number of agamids have also redeveloped tail regeneration as well. Breakable tails are used to evade capture in two main ways: by enabling reptiles to break away from predators that have grasped them by the tail and by providing a distraction which deflects the attention of the attacker away from the vulnerable head and body. It is argued that loss of caudal autotomy has occurred when the costs of tail shedding outweigh its benefits. Likely costs include the expense of regrowing the tail and the loss of a variety of possible tail functions that may cause partial incapacitation, at least until the tail regenerates. Benefits of autotomy are liable to be low if predation is rare, if the animal is able to protect itself effectively in other ways, if it is too slow to evade further pursuit after the tail is shed, or if the tail is small or unpalatable and consequently not likely to distract a predator. Benefit variation may well be greater than cost variation and therefore more important in initiating the loss of autotomy mechanisms. Many taxa that do not shed the tail appear to conform to the above interpretation, but in some cases, such as the Platynota, Agamidae and Chamaeleonidae, lack of intravertebral autotomy may reflect the history of these groups rather than being a direct result of present ecological pressures. The distribution of intervertebral autotomy in the Agamidae suggests that it may have evolved only in rather special circumstances where tail fragility is advantageous even in the absence of the ability to regenerate. Restriction ot autotomy planes to the tail-base, so that the whole organ is lost, a condition found in a number of relatively slow-moving geckoes, is interpreted as a means of ensuring that enough of the tail is shed to distract a predator from further pursuit. The stimulus necessary to induce autotomy can vary rapidly in individual lizards and at least some of these changes probably maximize the effectiveness of the tail-shedding mechanism. Differences in the readiness with which all or part of the tail is shed exist between species and are likely to reflect the balance of costs and benefits in particular cases. Variations in incidence of broken tails between species and populations may be due to such differences in fragility but many other factors may play a part, including the age structure of samples, incidence of unsuccessful attacks by predators and ability to evade predators after autotomy. There is a clear tendency for climbing lizards, especially those living on rock surfaces, to have higher incidences of broken tails than ground-dwelling species, perhaps because the tail is usually less important in locomotion in the first group. Many lizards possess conspicuously coloured tails and tail movements that seem likely to help distract attention from the head and body. Conspicuous tail colouring is more frequent and often better developed in young animals, which tend to be more vulnerable than adults, and in active species from open habitats where crypsis may not always be very effective. Conspicuous tails usually have contrasting light and dark areas in nocturnal forms but are often a single bright colour in diurnal ones, probably reflecting the visual capacities of their respective predators. The predominance of blue tails in day-active species may be because this colour is striking close to but not very arresting at a distance, so it may not attract predators from far away while still drawing their attention at close quarters.

×

Twenty-four species of lacertid lizards were examined at 31 sites in western Yogoslavia, Greece and Iberia. Comparative observations were made on over 4500 individual lizards, noting such features as times of activitiy, hunting methods, diet, micro- and macrohabitat, refuges used and body temperature. These data are used as a basis for assessing resource partition in related sympatric species, for find out whether different systematic groups have characteristic types of niche, and for comparing cumminity structures in the peninsulas of southern Europa. Acanthodactylus erythrurus, Algyroides marchi, Algyroides moreoticus, Algyroides nigropunctatus, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta graeca, Lacerta horvathi, Lacerta lepida, Lacerta monticola, Lacerta oxycephala, Lacerta mosorensis, Lacerta schreiberi, Lacerta trilineata, Lacerta viridis, Lacerta vivipara, Podarcis bocagei, Podarcis erhardii, Podarcis hispanica, Podarcis melisellensis, Podarcis milensis, Podarcis muralis, Podarcis peloponnesiaca, Podarcis sicula, Podarcis taurica, Psammodromus algirus, Psammodromus hispanicus.

×

Differences in surface structure (ober- hautchen) of body scales of lacertid lizards involve cell size, shape and surface profile, presence or absence of fine pitting, form of cell margins, and the occurrence of longitudinal ridges and pustular projections. Phylogenetic information indicates that the primitive pattern involved narrow strap-shaped cells, with low posteriorly overlapping edges and relatively smooth surfaces. Deviations from this condition produce a more sculptured surface and have developed many times, although subsequent overt reversals are uncommon. Like variations in scale shape, different patterns of dorsal body microornamentation appear to confer different and conflicting performance advantages. The primitive pattern may reduce friction during locomotion and also enhances dirt shedding, especially in ground-dwelling forms from moist habitats. However, this smooth microornamentation generates shine that may compromise cryptic coloration, especially when scales are large. Many derived features show correlation with such large scales and appear to suppress shine. They occur most frequently in forms from dry habitats or forms that climb in vegetation away from the ground, situations where dirt adhesion is less of a problem. Microornamentation differences involving other parts of the body and other squamate groups tend to corroborate this functional interpretation. Microornamentation features can develop on lineages in different orders and appear to act additively in reducing shine. In some cases different combinations may be optimal solutions in particular environments, but lineage effects, such as limited reversibility and different developmental proclivities, may also be important in their genesis. The fine pits often found on cell surfaces are unconnected with shine reduction, as they are smaller than the wavelengths of most visible light.

×

Based on several recent herpetological surveys, as well as data from the literature and the collection of the Natural History Museum in Vienna, the knowledge about the herpetofauna of Rhodes is summarized and a new species list is prepared. The following species have regularly been encountered: Bufo viridis, Hyla arborea, Pelophylax cerigensis, Mauremys rivulata, Hemidactylus turcicus, Laudakia stellio, Ophisops elegans, Lacerta trilineata, Anatolacerta oertzeni, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Chalcides ocellatus, Trachylepis aurata, Blanus strauchi, Typhlops vermicularis, Dolichophis sp., Platyceps najadum, Hemorrhois nummifer, Zamenis situla, Natrix natrix and Telescopus fallax. The taxonomic status of the occurring whip snakes is discussed. Mediodactylus kotschyi has been added to the island fauna because of some records in the South part of the island. The occurrence of Testudo graeca, Pseudopus apodus and Natrix tessellata was put into question because their mention in older literature remained unconfirmed. Recent single records of Chamaeleo chamaeleon, Malpolon monspessulanus, Testudo graeca and Testudo hermanni are listed and their status is discussed. Die Herpetofauna von Rhodos wird aufgrund von Literaturdaten, Sammlungsmaterial des Naturhistorischen Museums in Wien sowie Ergebnissen diverser herpetologischer Exkursionen aufgelistet. Verbreitungskarten aller nachgewiesenen Arten sowie eine aktuelle herpetologische Faunenliste werden erstellt. Folgende Arten wurden regelmäßig und wiederholt festgestellt: Bufo viridis, Hyla arborea, Pelophylax cerigensis, Mauremys rivulata, Hemidactylus turcicus, Laudakia stellio, Ophisops elegans, Lacerta trilineata, Anatolacerta oertzeni, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Chalcides ocellatus, Trachylepis aurata, Blanus strauchi, Typhlops vermicularis, Dolichophis sp., Platyceps najadum, Hemorrhois nummifer, Zamenis situla, Natrix natrix, Telescopus fallax. Der taxonomische Status der Springnatter wird diskutiert. Aufgrund mehrerer aktueller Funde wird Mediodactylus kotschyi ergänzend zur Herpetofauna von Rhodos hinzugefügt und das Auftreten folgender Arten, deren Vorkommen in der Literatur regelmäßig für Rhodos angegeben wurde, in Frage gestellt: Testudo graeca, Pseudopus apodus, Natrixm tessellata. Aktuelle Einzelfunde gelangen von Chamaeleo chamaeleon, Malpolon monspessulanus, Testudo graeca und Testudo hermanni, deren Status diskutiert wird.

×

Distribution of 16 amphibian and 15 reptile species of Hungary was mapped in the 10x10 km U.T.M. system, based on data from the literature, museum collections, and our own field surveys. By this method, 36.6 % of the country was covered. A new, nature conservation orientated, ranking system was invented to evaluate the „herpetological value” of a given region, using the distribution maps of the different species. For this purpose, herptile species were grouped in four (amphibians) and five (reptiles) categories of relative abundance, calculated by dividing their number of occurrences by the number of the total observed 10x10 km for the herpetofauna (385 from Hungary`s total 1052). Weighting the different categories (common, abundant, moderately abundant, rare, and very rare), the nominal (theoretical) maximum nature conservation values of 46, 111, and 157 points were resulted for a single U.T.M. square (for amphibians, reptiles, and the total herpetofauna, respectively). Applying this evaluation method to the seven major geographical regions of Hungary, the conservation values did not show correlation to the degree of research in these regions. With regard to the amphibians, three regions have reached the maximum conservation value: the Alpine foothills of westernmost Hungary, the Transdanubian Hills, and the Northeastern Hills. In contrast to this, no region have reached the maximum value with regards to its reptile fauna: the closest is the Great Plain with 95 points (85.5 %). It is also this region which is the most valuable, regarding the total herpetofauna, its research level, however being only 30 %. The qualifying method described here for nature conservation evaluation is useful especially for areas which are already well explored (with high research level). The application can be extended to other (vertebrate and invertebrate) taxa, and the value received for the evaluated region may provide useful indication to the practical nature conservation as well.

×

First week of October 2004 a group of nature lovers visited the southern continental part of Hellas (Greece): the Peloponnesos. Nesos means island. According to mythology Pelops, son of Tantalos, was awarded with an island, in his case a pseudo-island. The Island of Pelops or Pelopo-nesos is almost an island: it is THE original peninsula connected to the Balkans via the original Isthmos! From a biogeographical point of view this peninsula is interesting, with plants and animals found elsewhere in Europe, but also with island characteristics and with some endemical forms. Cyclamens, Peloponnesos Colchicum and several other plants were encountered. The author gives a short travelogue. He describes batrachological and herpetological results of the excur- sions made. The situation of chameleons and slowworms on the peninsula receives some extra concern. Also a list of herpspecies found and photographed is added.

×

The reproductive strategies of reptiles vary according to many factors. In lizards, intraspecific and interspecific competition, and environmental and seasonal factors affect their reproductive biology. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of testis sizes in the sympatrically coexisting species, Podarcis muralis and Podarcis tauricus, located in Kofçaz, Kirklareli, Turkey, considering both intra-species and interspecies variations. Changes in body sizes and testis sizes according to months were monitored. As a result, it was determined that in both species, there was a positive correlation between body size and testis size, and that in P. tauricus, both body and testis sizes were higher compared to P. muralis, showing a significant difference. It was also observed that in the P. muralis species, the testis size reached its peak value in April (mean daily temperature 9.9°C), while in the P. tauricus species, it reached the highest value in May (mean daily temperature 15.5°C). It was found that the testis size in P. muralis reached its lowest value in August (mean daily temperature 23.8°C), while in P. tauricus, it was lowest in September (mean daily temperature 20.2°C). The fact that testis size is high in different months in these two sympatric species suggests that their active breeding periods differ.

×

New or omitted records of Podarcis taurica from the asiatic part of Turkey are reported (east of Istanbul: ~ile and Adapazari).

×

The current book provides a synthesis of the information concern- ing field identification of all the species and subspecies of Amphibia and Reptilia hitherto registered in Bulgaria. It comprises 61 species and 23 subspecies, among which 5 species (Pelophylax lessonae, P. kurtmuelleri, Hemidactylus turcicus, Eremias arguta, Montivipera xanthina) that have not been found yet on the territory of the country, but which are known from sites in proximity to Bulgar- ian frontiers. The frogs and toads are represented with 14 spe- cies, newts and salamanders with 6 species, turtles and tortoises with 7 species (Trachemys scripta introduced; Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas considered extinct), and snakes with 19 species (Vipera aspis and V. ursinii considered extinct). The structure of each species’ description includes the following headings: Name, Diagnosis, General Distribution, Distribution in Bulgaria, Habitats, and Biology. Besides in Bulgarian and Latin, all species are sup- plemented with their English, French, German and Russian names. All synonyms in the main herpetological literature are listed after the currently accepted Latin name. Original keys for identification of the families, genera and species, based entirely on morphologi- cal characters of adult specimens, as well as on the structure of amphibians’ eggs and larvae, are elaborated to facilitate the users. A photo gallery, comprising original colour photos shot in nature, and numerous line drawings of different key characters are made for better distinction between the species. For purely conservation- al reasons, the distribution maps not only indicate the scientifically confirmed species distribution in the country, but also show the areas with suitable habitats where a given species is likely to oc- cur. The degree of suitability is indicated with a different degree of shading: optimal (black); suboptimal (80% gray); suitable (60% gray); less suitable (20% gray); white means unsuitable. The guide is also introducing the readers to some general aspects of the tax- onomy, systematics, morphology, biology and ecology of herpeto- fauna. Special chapters are devoted to the methods of observation and capture of amphibians and reptiles, first aid after a snake’s bite, and the relationship between herpetofauna – humans. The status of each species according to main biodiversity conservation acts and conventions is given in Table 1. Being the first publication of its kind, the book is intended for professional herpetologists, students or nature lovers.

×

The hybrid Rana esculenta (diploid) is first recorded for Moldavia. Bombina variegata was previously confused with B. bombina, as well as Rana dalmatina was confused with the long-legged R. arvalis. The first confirmed locality of Lacerta vivipara is given. The occurrence of Eremias arguta in Moldavia is mentioned. The check-list of 12 species of amphibians and 15 species of reptiles of Moldavia is published.

×

The interspecific relationships among female size, clutch size, egg size, and hatchling size were examined for 64 European lacertids. The eggs of all species increased linearly in both linear dimensions and mass during incubation. Across species initial egg mass was positively correlated with juvenile mass, with an allometric relationship exponent of 0.87. Initial egg mass across species increased proportionally with female mass to the power of 0.57. Moreover, an increase in maternal mass was also accompanied by an increase in clutch size. The number of eggs per clutch across species scaled with female mass to the power of 0.39. Removing the effect of female mass resulted in a negative correlation between egg mass and clutch size. Species for which the average egg size was lower than expected on the basis of female mass, tended to have larger relative clutch size. The total egg mass per clutch was about one third of female mass (exponent 0.94).

×

Note are given on the herpetofauna of Greece, with special reference to some of the (sub-) species. The observations were made during a spring trip.

×

Eleven species of amphibians and 22 species of reptiles are recorded from the mountainous Florina prefecture on the Greek borders of Albania and the Republic Macedonia. Some ecological notes and the distribution of these species are also reported.

×

Observations on the herpetofauna of some Greek islands are reported. New localities are given for Emys orbicularis (Samothrake), Hemidactylus turcicus and Ophisaurus apodus (Chios); Podarcis taurica, Elaphe situla (Lefleas), Coluber gemonensis (Karpathos) and Natrix natrix (Kvthira). Considerations on the situation of four types of threatened Greek island biotopes (mouth of creeks, cisterns and pits, mountain creeks, terraced areas) are presented.

×

Many wild animals are exposed to road kills in the world. Amphibians and reptiles which live near the roads are the most endangered groups among vertebrates related to the road kills. However, there are only few studies about the road kills of amphibians and reptiles in Turkey. We recorded 23 individuals (6 amphibian individuals belonging to 2 species and 17 reptile individuals belonging to 9 species) exposed to road kills on the E87 highway on June 18-22, 2016 in Kırklareli province while we found 134 individuals (114 amphibian individuals belonging to 3 species and 20 reptile individuals belonging to 8 species) killed on the Enez-Ipsala highway on June 22-25, 2016 in Edirne province. The individuals killed more often belonged to Pelophylax ridibundus and Bufotes variabilis in the Edirne while the species more affected by road kills were Pelophylax ridibundus, Lacerta trilineata, Dolichophis caspius and Testudo graeca in Kırklareli. The results of this short-term study show that there is a need for long-term studies to show that amphibians and reptiles exposed to road kills are very common.

×

The lacertid lizard Podarcis tauricus tauricus is recorded from Yörükköy, Düzce Province, in the western Black Sea region. With the record of the present study, the known distribution area of the subspecies has been extended about 90 km eastward. The pholidolial and morphometric characters and color-pattern features of the specimens were compared with specimens from a known Turkish locality with regard to the literature. We observed that the specimens of the Yörükköy population were similar to P. T. Tauricus specimens reported in the literature.

×

Relationships among representatives of five genera of lacertid lizards from Iberia, Morocco, and South Africa were studied using quantitative micro-complement fixation analysis of serum albumin evolution. Using the albumin molecular clock to establish divergence times we suggest (1) South African Ichnotropis and North African Psammodromus diverged from the lineage representing Lacerta lepida-L. monticola during the Oligocene, (2) South African Pedioplanis and Heliobolus diverged from this lineage during the late Miocene, and (3) ancestral representatives of L. andreanszkyi, L. perspicillata and Podarcis hispanica diverged from lineages leading to L. monticola and L. lepida during the mid-Miocene. Radiation within the Palearctic Lacertidae has clearly been extensive, yet fewer than twenty percent of the species in this radiation have been examined biochemically. Until additional data can be gathered, the current classification of the Palearctic Lacertidae cannot be much improved and we recommend adherence to the taxonomy proposed by Arnold (1973).

×

The spermatozoon nucleus of Podarcis (=Lacerta) taurica is surmounted by an acrosome complex with an anterior cap incorporating a lateral zone crescentic in section, a granular middle zone with a striated subacrosome axis, and a crystalline posterior cap surrounding a nuclear prolongation. During development the spermatid, nucleus forms an anterior depression occupied by the developing acrosome vesicle. An acrosome granule forms at the posterior pole of the vesicle, subtended by a subacrosome granule in a subacrosomal fibrous layer. The nucleus and acrosome elongate, the latter becoming embedded in a Sertoli cell process. This is accompanied by a change of the interlinked manchette microtubules from a circumferential to longitudinal orientation. Acrosome elongation involves formation of the nuclear prolongation with development of the acrosome granule, subacrosome granule and subacrosomal fibrous layer into anterior cap, middle zone, and posterior cap, respectively. The chromatin condenses into longitudinally orientated fibres and finally into a homogeneous mass.

×

We discuss three aspects of the thermal biology of lacertid lizards. First, we provide an overview of the available data on field body temperatures (Tb), the thermal sensitivity of various performance functions and selected body temperatures in different species of lacertid lizards. We also briefly summarise information on the mechanisms of thermoregulation. Second, we discuss recent developments to estimate the »precision« of thermoregulation, and the contribution of distinct behavioural mechanisms. Finally, we revise available evidence for the existence of evolutionary adjustments of thermal characteristics in lacertid lizards. Existing studies have mainly dealt with within- and among-species differences in thermoregulatory behaviour (selected temperatures) and thermal physiology of adults (optimal temperatures, heating rates). Available data provide only limited evidence for clear-cut evolutionary shifts in thermal physiology characteristics along climatic gradients.

×

The European distribution of Montivipera xanthina includes the coastline of the eastern central Greek Thrace (southeastern Rhodopes and southern Evros). While in south-eastern Evros, the easternmost part of its distribution, Montivipera xanthina seems to be a well-defined evolutionary line, in the central area of this wide territory, in south-western Evros, this viper seems to be very rare or absent; this means that the westernmost populations (those of the Rhodopes) have undergone some kind of isolation or semi-isolation that might have induced the formation of a new subspecies: Montivipera xanthina occidentalis ssp. nov. The new taxon differs from other known subspecies for the tendency to a reduced size and correspondingly for a lower number of intercanthals and of dorsal scales rows, both in the midbody (mostly 21-22) and in the posterior part of the body (often 15-16). A list of herpetological species found in the study area (south-western Evros, Greece NE) is also reported.

×

In this investigation, lizard species of Turkish Thrace are investigated indetail for the first time. Morphological characretirstics, range, distribution and subspecific states of the species are given. Furthermore, some observations concerning their biological and ecological characteristics are also given. In this study a total of 678 specimens and 10 species belonging to 3 families of Lacertilia have been investigated from Turkish Trace.

×

The Greek lizard fauna consists of 26 species from which 5 are monotypic and the other ones are represented by a total of 86 subspecies. Five species and 61 subspecies are endemic of Greece. A checklist including the geographical distribution of each taxon in the Greek region is presented.

×

The present study examines the genetic variability and the taxonomic relationships among five lacertid species, i.e. Podarcis taurica, P. milensis, P. peloponnesiaca, Lacerta graeca and Algyroides moreoti- cus, representing the three main genera of this family in Europe. The last four of the above species are endemic to Greece and three of them live sympatrically in Peloponnisos. These relationships were studied by allozyme analysis. Of the loci analyzed, the Mpi-1 locus was found to be a convenient molecular marker for discrimi- nation of the genera Podarcis(allele a), Lacerta(allele b) and Algyroides(allele c). The values of Nei’s genetic distances between the examined species ranged from 0.025 to 0.484. According to the UPGMA-dendrogram plotted using the Nei’s genetic distances, two species groups are formed indicating that the genera Lacertaand Algyroidesshow a stronger relationship to one another than either does to Podarcis. These results are in agree- ment with DNAsequence data but are not in accordance with previous electrophoretic and immunological studies, which suggest that Lacertais more closely related to Podarcis than to Algyroides. The studied Podarcistaxa were found to be close relatives (Nei’s distances <0.18), especially P. taurica and P. milensis. These values are lower than those usually given in the literature for the distinction of lacertid species.

×

Podarcis taurica ionica is the dominant lizard species on most Ionian islands and is abundant in the western Greek mainland. Population densities range between 82 and 365 lizards/ha. The species occupies primarily habitats with low vegetation and is characterized by a high degree of seasonal color adaptation to its environment. Daily activity is bimodal during the largest part of the annual activity period. Many individuals (27.78-57.14%) show broken tails but both interpopulation and intersexual differences of injury frequencies are not significant. Hibernation usually lasts from early Nov. to late Feb. or early March. Females with oviductal and/or large ovarian eggs are present mainly from mid April to mid July, but the peak of gestation occurs from mid May to mid June. Normally there are two clutches per season. Hatching usually takes place from mid July or early Aug. to early Sept., after an incubation period of about 8-9 weeks. Sex ratio is usually near 1:1, and observed deviations are not significant. Clutch size ranges from 2 to 10 eggs (usually from 3 to 5 eggs), and is significantly larger in mainland populations. There is a positive correlation between SVL and clutch size in most populations studied.

×

The distribution of herpetofauna in large parts of mainland Greece has not been studied extensively. This study covers a poorly-known herpetological area in Thessaly Region - Lake Karla’s Plain. We conducted 59 field surveys during 12 consecutive years (2008–2019) and recorded a total of 26 herpetofauna species: 4 anuran amphibians and 22 reptiles (5 tortoises and terrapins, 7 lizards and 10 snakes). Our study brings updates regarding the presence, distribution and the main threats for the herpetofauna of Lake Karla’s Plain, with 17 species being recorded here for the first time, including an alien freshwater turtle, Trachemys scripta.

×

1. The herpetofauna of the Argo-Saronic islands includes two amphibians, one tortoise, six lizards, and six snakes. There are no indigenous species, 2. Owing to the lack of previous reports for the area most species are recorded for the first time. However, of particular interest are Chalcides o. ocellatus, Coluber najadum dahlii and Malpolon monspessulanus insignitus, as these are basically mainland forms and absent from the Cycladcs, although the first two are found on Kea, close to the Attic peninsula . The record for Eryx jaculus turcicus is valuable as knowledge of its range in Greece is very incomplete.

×

e reptile fauna of Romania comprises 23 species, out of which 12 species reach here the limit of their geographic range. We compiled and updated a national database of the reptile species occurrences from a variety of sources including our own eld surveys, personal communication from specialists, museum collections and the scienti c literature. e occurrence records were georeferenced and stored in a geoda- tabase for additional analysis of their spatial patterns. e spatial analysis revealed a biased sampling e ort concentrated in various protected areas, and de cient in the vast agricultural areas of the southern part of Romania. e patterns of species richness showed a higher number of species in the warmer and drier regions, and a relatively low number of species in the rest of the country. Our database provides a starting point for further analyses, and represents a reliable tool for drafting conservation plans.

×

We studied the habitat availability and use of four lizard species occurring in the Natura 2000 ROSCI0123 Măcin Mountains protected area, located in the southeastern part of Romania, at the northern limit of the Balkan Peninsula, close to the Danube River. It covers an area of 18,546 ha and the highest peak rises 467 meters above sea level. Eleven Natura 2000 habitat types were identified and mapped within the protected area. We used over 1500 georeferenced occurrence records for the four species of lizards occurring there collected during an ongoing inventory that started in 2006. The species occurrences were each associated with a habitat type, and we assumed that the number of records within each habitat type was a proxy of habitat use. All four lizard species showed selectivity in habitat use to different degrees. Thus Podarcis tauricus avoided 55% of habitat types, Lacerta viridis and Ablepharus kitaibelli avoided 64% while Lacerta trilineata avoided 73% of habitat types. All four species preferred one single habitat: 40C0 “Ponto-Sarmatic deciduous thickets”. The habitat with the highest preference was 8230 “Siliceous rocks with pioneer vegetation...” for Podarcis tauricus, 8220 “Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation” for Lacerta trilineata, 40C0 “Ponto-Sarmatic deciduous thickets” for L. viridis and 91AA “Eastern white oak woods” for Ablepharus kitaibelli. The habitat niche of the four species varied largely, thus reducing competition and predation by larger species.

×

Background: Podarcis muralis, Podarcis siculus, and Podarcis tauricus are known to extend their range into the territory of Turkey. A new locality of P. tauricus was discovered in the Çardak Lagoon, in the Anatolian part of Çanakkale, Turkey. There has been no report on the evaluation of the taxonomic status of newly recorded population in the Anatolian side of Çanakkale. Objectives: For this reason, the purpose of this study is to investigate the phylogenetic position of this newly recorded population using partial 16S rRNA and cytochrome b gene sequences. Methods: 16S rRNA and cyt b gene sequences of the Çardak population were compared with the Gelibolu, Kırklareli (Thrace Region) and Şile populations (Anatolian part of İstanbul). We reconstructed the phylogenetic tree according to Neighbor-Joining tree approach using MEGA v.6. Also we built a haplotype network to examine the haplotype diversity and structure for the concatenated mt DNA dataset. Results: Neighbor-Joining tree and the haplotype network have the same topology showing the newly discovered population grouped together with the other P. tauricus populations. Conclusions: According to our results, Çardak population is genetically almost similar with Gelibolu population, which isolated by Dardanelles strait.

×

In the Moca stream basin from Valea lui Mihai town we identified 9 amphibian species (Lissotriton (Triturus) vulgaris, Triturus dobrogicus, Bombina bombina, Pelobates fuscus, Hyla arborea, Epidalea (Bufo) viridis, Pelophylax (Rana) ridibundus, Rana dalmatina, Rana arvalis), 5 reptile species (Emys orbicularis, Lacerta agilis, Zootoca vivipara, Podarcis taurica, Natrix natrix) and populations of Pelophylax (Rana) kl. esculentus). The herpetofauna of the region is characteristic to the northwestern plain areas from Romania, including beside typical plain species, glacial relicts connected to a colder and moister climate together with postglacial immigrants specific to the warmer and dryer areas. The herpetofauna diversity is determined by the habitat diversity, in the area being present wide marshes together with sand dunes. In addition, endangered species, which are protected at a national and European level, are present in the area. The most distinct herpetofauna lies in the marsh upstream of the town, the sector situated in the locality being heavily affected by man. The authors recommend the conservation of the marshes both upstream and downstream of the town, and the limitation of any interventions upon the stream strictly to the town sector, which is presently degraded.

×

The south-western part of Mehedinţi County comprises many herpetofauna species, compared to most regions in Romania. This is how we managed to encounter 14 amphibian species (Salamandra salamandra, Lissotriton vulgaris, Triturus cristatus, Triturus dobrogicus, Bombina bombina, Bombina variegata, Pelobates fuscus, Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis, Hyla arborea, Pelophylax ridibundus, Pelophylax lessonae, Rana dalmatina, Rana temporaria) plus Pelophylax kl. esculentus and 15 reptile species (Emys orbicularis, Testudo hermanni, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta viridis, Podarcis muralis, Podarcis taurica, Darevskia praticola, Anguis fragilis, Zamenis longissimus, Dolichophis caspius, Coronella austriaca, Natrix natrix, Natrix tessellata, Vipera ammodytes). Salamandra salamandra, Bombina variegata and Rana temporaria were identified at very low altitudes, lower than any other indication from Romania up to present. This is explained by the fact that mountain valleys, bearing here a typical aspect, reach all the way to the Danube, carrying with them the occurring species. In Blahnita Plain, Darevskia praticola appears in cleared areas, being present in the vegetation girdles bordering the canals found between agricultural fields.

×

In Dobrudja we encountered 10 species of amphibians (Triturus dobrogicus, Bombina bombina, Hyla arborea, Pelobates fuscus, Pelobates syriacus, Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis, Rana dalmatina, Rana ridibunda, Rana lessonae), 16 species of reptiles (Emys orbicularis, Testudo graeca, Ablepharus kitaibelli, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta viridis, Lacerta trilineata, Podarcis taurica, Podarcis muralis, Eremias arguta, Coronella austriaca, Zamensis longissimus, Elaphe quatuorlineata, Dolichophis caspius, Natrix natrix, Natrix tessellata, Vipera ammodytes) and also Rana kl. esculenta populations. Some species of amphibians (Pelobates fuscus, Pelobates syriacus) that were only previously known inform the lower regions of the Danube’s meadow and in the vicinity of the Black Sea, were recorded in the high areas of northern Dobrudja. Also here, all three forms of the green frogs’ complex documented for Romania have been encountered, but Rana lessonae and Rana esculenta are very rare, being found only in the north. The central sectors of Dobrudja are severely impacted by human activities, almost completely cleared as a result of agriculture and showed very low number of herpetofauna species as being present. The most important areas for the herpetofauna are the northern and south-western regions.

×

The basin of Lake Skadar with its drainage area represents one of the Balkan Peninsula’s hotspots regarding amphibian and reptile fauna. The value of the batracho- and herpetofauna of the Lake Skadar region is reflected in a rich and diverse composition of species. This is undoubtedly the result of the basin’s specific geographic position and complex geological history. Recent studies revealed that Lake Skadar’s watershed is inhabited by 15 amphibian and 36 reptile species. Among these, one amphibian (Pelophylax shqipericus – EN) and two reptile species (Dinarolacerta mosorensis and Vipera ursinii, both VU) are considered to be globally threatened according to IUCN criteria. An additional three reptile species (Emys orbicularis, Testudo hermanni, and Elaphe quatuorlineata) could become threatened in the future. As an attractive tourist area, a significant part of the Lake Skadar region could be impacted by fast and intense anthropogenic changes. Therefore, preserving the network of suitable habitats, maintaining continuous monitoring, and investing in additional research are essential for maintaining this rich local amphibian and reptile diversity.

×

A population of Lacerta t. taurica Pall, has been studied from 1967 to 1972 in the Oltenia region of Romania, where it inhabits sandy areas with short grass cover. Lacerta taurica grow mainly between their first and second hibernation period, the growth rate slowing down afterwards. During winter the lizards grow very slowly. Age categories can be based upon body length. The average population density was 100 lizards/ha, and the average standing crop biomass 360 g/ha. Yearly survival rate varies with age : 70-75 % between the first and the second winter, 86 % between the second and the third winter and 88-93 % for lizards over three years of age. Mortality rate is higher in younger individuals spending winter in poorly sheltered dens. Sex-ratio in the population is probably 50:50, but the num ber of males apparently increases during the breeding season, as females remain for a longer time in their hibernation shelters, and also in autumn when females enter first their wintering retreats.

×

Studied was the variability of 23 metric and numerical traits aa well as that of head shield and colour pattern of the body on the basis of a material consisting of 119 specimens of Lacerta taurica Pallas originating from different localities of Hungary, Yugoslavia, Rumania and the Soviet Union (Crimean Peninsula). Comparing the variability of this species it appears that the studied characters have a smaller range than that of Lacerta vivipara Jacquin.

×

Comparative analyses were carried out about the variability of the pileal shields of different species belonging to the family Lacertidae. The results of the comparisons have been evaluated in respect to the phylogenetical relationships existing between the different genera and species of the family.

×

A reptile catalogue of the Zoological Museum, Stavropol State University, is presented. 1,019 specimens of 88 species collected within the territories of Russian Federation, Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and some other areas are listed. The history of the Museum and the formation of its collection are given.

×

Serum proteins of Lacerta v. viridis, L. v. meridionalis, L. trilineata, L. agilis, L. vivipara, L. taurica, L. muralis, Ophisaurus apodus, and Anguis fragilis were separated by polyacrylamidae disc electrophoresis. Among the lacertids, Lacerta viridis and Lacerta trilineata show greater similarities. Ophisaurus apodus and Anguis fragilis are characterized by praealbumins.

×

Life-history traits of a Turkish population of Podarcis tauricus (Pallas, 1814) were studied using the meth- ods of skeletochronology. in the adult sample (20 males and 20 females from the population of the village of sergen), the age ranged from 4-10 ( = 6.68) years for both sexes collectively, 5-10 ( = 7.2) years in males, 4-10 ( = 6.15) years in females and differed significantly between sexes. derived from the LaG (Lines of arrested Growth) configuration, the age at sexual maturity was 2-3 years in both males and females. There was a positive correlation between the lizards’ body size (sVL) and number of LaGs counted in the toe bones. sexual size dimor- phism was weakly expressed by the slightly bigger snout-vent-length of the males (sdi = -0.005). The growth coefficient (k) was lower in males than in females (k ± Confidence interval; males: 0.37 ± 0.16; females: 0.67 ± 0.22). There was no difference in growth rate between sexes.

×

Background Lizards of the genus Podarcis are widespread in the Mediterranean region, including islands and island archipelagos. These small-bodied lizards have a predominantly protective green-brown colouration. However, some populations display unusual patterns, in which the colouration is predominantly blue or uniformly black. This study explores the factors that influence this chromatic variation, whether environmental (climate and island conditions) or evolutionary (phylogenetic trait conservatism). The colouration of 1400 individuals (27 species) was analysed in the CIELAB colour space. Results Pagel’s λ indicated that colouration is weakly conserved within phylogenetic lineages. Although the island surface plays a key role in the chromatic variability of these lacertids, geographic isolation and climate hold less influence. The colouration of some small island populations tends to be uniform and dark, possibly due to intense intraspecific competition and lower predatory pressure. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of island populations in understanding the processes that favour the emergence of extreme phenotypes in small ectothermic vertebrates.

×

A specially optimized restriction analysis of highly repetitive DNA elements, called DNA taxonprint, was applied for phylogenetic study of primates and lizards. It was shown that electrophoretic bands of DNA repeats revealed by the taxonprint technique have valuable properties for molecular systematics. Approximately half of taxonprint bands (TB) are invariable and do not disappear from the genomes during evolution or change spontaneously. Presumably these invariable bands are restriction fragments of dispersed DNA repeats. Another group represents variable taxonprint bands that differ even between closely related species. These variable bands are probably represented by tandem DNA repeats and could be used as species-specific markers. It was shown that taxonprint bands are independent characters since the appearance of a new taxonprint band does not change the previous band pattern. Phylogenetic reconstruction carried out on taxonprint data demonstrated that this approach could be of general utility for molecular systematics and species identification.

×

We discovered a local population of the lizard Podarcis tauricus (Pallas, 1814) in the South Moravia, Czech Republic, in 2019. Previously, this species was never reported from the Czech Republic. Its nearest known distribution lies 207 km far away in Hungary. An origin of this remote population remains unclear. Nevertheless, our findings of syntopically occurring adult males, adult females (including gravid one), subadults and juveniles show that it is viable, with an evident potential to reproduce.

×

Knowledge about amphibians and reptiles of the Vjosa river is missing so far, and the present work is the first report of the herpetofauna of this part of Albania, including the types of habitats in which individual species were observed. Six amphibian and eight reptile species were found at eleven sampling sites along the Vjosa river that were surveyed during several short-term expeditions conducted from 2016 to 2017. All of these 14 species are listed in the Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats as either protected or strictly protected species. Moreover, nine species are listed in the National Red List of Flora and Fauna of Albania, and eight species are listed in Appendix IV of the European Union Habitats Directive. Thus, even this very preliminary survey of the local herpetofauna clearly shows that the area of the Vjosa river is of high conservation value for amphibians and reptiles.

×

Field surveys were conducted on 10-11.05.2023 and 17-18.06.2023 by observation of live individuals or road kills and active searching under stones and artificial materials. A total of 12 species were recorded: three amphibian species and nine reptiles. Six of the reptile species were new records to Mount Ismaros. Now the list of the herpetofauna of the area is consisted of 19 known species.

×

Pleistocene glacial and interglacial periods have been greatly affected the distribution pattern of the species. The impact of the global climate change upon species distributions such as range shifts in latitude or elevation has been widely studied. In this study, it was aimed to have a better understanding on the effects of the Late-Pleistocene climatic oscillation and the global climate changes on a widely distributed reptile species, the Balkan wall lizard (Podarcis tauricus). To find out the dynamics of the species’ range shifts, ecological niche modelling approach was applied. Bioclimatic variables and regenerated species occurrence records were used to construct models. The chosen model was projected to the present, reconstructed past and predicted future bio-climatic conditions. Moreover, distribution change and landscape connectivity analyzes were executed. Under present conditions, model prediction for the Balkan wall lizard was largely caught its known distribution area. The LGM distribution prediction was limited to a few spots (57,596.19 km2 ) in the southern Balkans, mainly due to the negative effect of the mean winter temperature. From the LGM to the present, distribution area of the species remarkably extended, particularly noticeable during Mid-Holocene (1,254.59%). The model predicted the distribution area of the species would extend due to high mean summer and high mean winter temperatures in the future and move basically towards northern latitudes and at higher elevations. A connectivity pattern in between the southwestern and northeastern

×

Multiple band patterns of DNA repeats in the 20–500-nucleotide range can be detected by digesting genomic DNA with short—cutting restriction endonucleases, followed by end labeling of the restriction fragments and fractionation in nondenaturing polyacrylamide gels. We call such band patterns obtained from genomic DNA ‘‘taxonprints’’ (Fedorov et al. 1992). Here we show that taxonprints for the taxonomic groups studied (mammals, reptiles, fish, insects—altogether more than 50 species) have the following properties: (1) All individuals from the same species have identical taxonprints. (2) Taxonprint bands can be subdivided into those specific for a single species and those specific for groups of closely related species, genera, and even families. (3) Each restriction endonuclease produces unique band patterns; thus, five to ten restriction enzymes (about 100 bands) may be sufficient for a statistical treatment of phylogenetic relationships based on polymorphisms of restriction endinuclease sites. We demonstrate that taxonprint analysis allows one to distinguish closely related species and to establish the degree of similarity among species and among genera. These characteristics make to use this phenomenon for phylogenetic aims (Cooke 1975; Christie and Skinner 1979; Brown and Dover 1979, 1980; Elizur et al. 1982; Hembelen et al. 1982; Buckland 1983; Dandieu et al. 1984; Lima de Faria et al. 1984; Shubina and Mednikov 1986; Turner et al. 1991), but this approach has not been extensively applied. In this paper we have reexamined the problem on the basis of our own preliminary results, partly published in Russian journals, confirming the ideas about possible correlations between evolution of DNA repeats and speciation (Fedorov et al. 1992; Grechko et al. 1993; Potapov and Ryskov 1993). We have demonstrated that the modified method designated ‘‘DNA taxonprint’’ (Fedorov et al. 1992) can be effectively used for revealing species—specific genomic markers in different taxonomic groups. These taxonprint markers are found to be helpful for evaluation of the degree of species similarity between species, genera, and families. More than 50 species from different taxa were studied.

×

In diesem Naturführer werden auf über 100 Farbfotos alle mitteleuroipäischen Arten und darüber hinaus auch süd- und osteuropäische vorgestellt: Frösche, Kröten, Molche und Salamander, Schildkröten, Echsen und Schlangen. Fachkundige Texte informirern über Kennzeichen, Vorkommrn, Verhalten, Fortpflanzung, Ernährung und Besonderheiten. Der bewährte Kosmos-Farbcode teilt die Amphibien und Reptilien nach ihrer Verwandtschaft in 5 Gruppen ein und erleichtert so die Bestimmung. Die praktischen Klappen bieten interessante Zusatzinformationen über Froschlurchentwicklung, Laichformen und anatomischen Besonderheiten bei Reptilien.

×

In the course of a two years` study, author processed data of 634 individuals of the 3 lizard species (Lacerta taurica, L. agilis and L. viridis) living o n a sandy grassland. The density of the lizard population was 557 individuals per hectare. The migration of the juvenile L. taurica tended towards the surrounding grazed areas. The L. taurica population belongs to mortality type No. I I . The main mortality factor is predation. The covering by vegetation segragetes L. taurica from the other two populations. The consequences regarding habitude of the morphological differences between the 3 species presumably act in the direction of a decrease in interspecific competition between the individuals more than 1-year-old. The lizards represent a biomass of 1725 g/ha at the sampling area. Their annual nutriment consumption is 1.3 g / m ` , 18% of the complete secondary consumption, and 8 % of the primary consumers` production. The lizards play a significant role in the regulation of the Coleoptera, Aranei and Orthoptera populations.

×

1. 1. Whole-body lactate production during intense activity was insensitive to body temperature Tb from 25 to 35°C in the lizard Podarcis taurica. 2. 2. Whole-body lactate removal during recovery was more sensitive to Tb from 15 to 35°C and was two orders of magnitude slower than production. 3. 3. At 30°C a significant oxygen debt persisted for a similar period to elevated lactate. 4. 4. Lizards recovering in refuges at 25 or 35°C emerged later than unexercised lizards, while, at 15°C they emerged after a short period and speeded recovery by basking.

×

In recent years there has been an exponential increase in the amount of published DNA sequences, as it has become one of the most popular sources of data for reconstructing phylogenies. A number of studies have attempted to resolve the relationships of groups of lacertids using mitochondrial DNA sequence data, in particular Podarcis and Gallotia (e.g. THORPE et al., 1994; 1996; GONZALEZ et al., 1996; FU et al., 1997; HARRIS, 1997; HARRIS et al., 1998a; 1999; CASTILLA et al., 1999a,b). Reassessment of these data suggest some alternative phylogenies to those previously published, and also highlight possible problems. Two studies have attempted to unravel the phylogeny of the whole family using mitochondrial DNA sequences (FU, 1998; HARRIS et al., 1998b). By combining these essentially congruent data sets, and reanalysing levels of support for the phylogenies produced, a more complete estimate of relationships across the family is produced. This is then compared to alternative sources of evidence, primarily morphological (ARNOLD, 1989), biochemical (MAYER & BENYR, 1994) and karyological (OLMO et al., 1993). Reasons for discrepencies are discussed, as are the relative advantages and disadvantages of the different sources of phylogenetic inference.

×

DNA sequences from parts of the 12S, 16S and cytochrome b mitochondrial genes, which totalled 1049 aligned base pairs, were used to estimate the relationships of 49 species of Lacertidae, including representatives of 19 out of the 23 recognized genera and 23 species of the paraphyletic genus Lacerta. These data were used, together with morphological information, to estimate the relationships within the family. Molecular evidence corroborates the monophyletic status of many genera and species groups originally based on morphology. It indicates that Psammodromus forms a clade with Gallotia, which is the sister taxon of all other lacertids. These comprise three units: the primarily Afrotropical armatured group; the largely Oriental Takydromus; and the west Palaearctic Lacerta and its derivatives, Podarcis and Algyroides. Morphology also supports the first three assemblages, but suggests that they are derived from a paraphyletic Lacerta. Within Lacerta and its allies, DNA sequence analysis corroborates the affinity of some members of each of the subgenera Lacerta s. str. and Timon, and of the L. saxicola group. It also supports the relationship of L. monticola, L. bonnali and L. horvathi, and suggests that the L. parva–L. fraasi clade and L. brandti are not related to Psammodromus–Gallotia, as morphology indicates, but instead are associated respectively with the L. danfordi and L. saxicola groups. DNA sequence data provide additional evidence that the eastern Arabian `Lacerta` jayakari and `L.` cyanura are members of the armatured clade and also sister species. Our analysis supports an origin for present lacertids in west Eurasia. The armatured clade invaded Africa, probably in the mid-Miocene, spreading widely and evolving increasingly xeric-adapted forms, one lineage of which later moved back into the Palaearctic. `Lacerta` jayakari and `L.` cyanura are assigned to Omanosaura, Lutz and Mayer 1986. The name Gallotiinae Cano, Baez, Lopez-Jurado and Ortega, 1984 is available for the Gallotia–Psammodromus clade, Eremiainae Shcherbak 1975 for the armatured clade and Lacertinae for Lacerta, Podarcis and Algyroides. Two new subgenera of Lacerta are proposed here: Caucasilacerta for L. saxicola and its allies, and Parvilacerta for L. parva and L. fraasi.

×

The results of faunistical surveys of the amphibians in Teleorman county (Southern Romania) are presented here; we have identi ed nine amphibian species (Triturus cristatus, Lissotriton vulgaris, Bombina bombina, Pelobates syriacus, P. fuscus, Bufo bufo, B. viridis, Hyla arborea, Rana dalmatina, Pelophylax ridibundus), two amphibian hybrids (Triturus cristatus × T. dobrogicus and Pelophylax kl. esculentus) and six reptile species (Emys orbicularis, Lacerta agilis, L. viridis, Podarcis tauricus, Natrix natrix, Dolichophis caspius), with new records for many of these.

×

The life and work of the Alsatian Louis Amédée Lantz (1886-1953), a pioneer of European herpetology. A trained and professional research-chemist, the Alsatian Louis Amédée Lantz was an active and particularly dynamic herpetologist. His residence of nearly twelve years in Russia enabled him to make several field trips to regions such as the Caucasus and Iran. He always carried with him a home made telescopic net that he used to catch lizards. That net became symbolic of Lantz for most people around him. He realized significant herpetological collections mainly deposited in the Museum of the Zoology Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg. Soon after the Russian Revolution in 1917, he had to leave the country and stayed for a few years in France before joining England. During this period, Lantz visited the French Pyrenees and the Mediterranean border (Hyeres Islands, Bandol), enabling him to discover for the first time oviparous populations of common lizard and also to describe a new species of lizard from the French Pyrenees. Lantz is also at the origin of the discovery of unisexual reproduction by parthenogenesis in reptiles. His collaboration with the Swedish amateur herpetologist Otto Cyrén, whom he met through the German herpetologist Willy Wolterstorff, was particularly successful throughout his career. Lantz died at the age of 66 years, in Switzerland, as he was about to join the team of herpetologists at the Natural History Museum in Paris.

×

In June 2007, 12 species of Amphibia and 19 species of Reptilia were found during investigations at 18 localities situated from sea level up to 1507 m a. s. l. in Albania. The highest number of amphibians (5) was recorded at Shelegurë, 1032 m a. s. l. and of reptiles (9) at Diviakë, 1–5 m a. s. l. The highest total number of species (5 amphibians and 6 reptiles) was recorded at Shelegurë. Testudo hermanni was the most abundant species of reptile recorded. Of the amphibians, Bombina variegata and Pelophylax ridibundus were also abundant and Podarcis muralis occurred at the highest locality (Llogarë, Cikës Mts., 1507 m a. s. l.). Herein, are presented new faunistic records for 11 species of Reptilia. From the zoogeographical point of view, 50.0% of the amphibians recorded are Mediterranean, 33.3% European and 16.7% Palaearctic species. Of the reptiles, 52.6% are Mediterranean, 15.8% European and 31.6% Palaearctic species. Mediterranean faunal elements are predominant in the batrachofauna and herpetofauna of Albania. Four of the amphibians recorded (Triturus macedonicus, Pelophylax epeiroticus, P. shqipericus, Rana graeca) and three reptiles (Algyroides nigropunctatus, Podarcis erhardii, Anguis graeca) are endemic to the Balkan Peninsula. An annotated list of all the species recorded in Albania in 2007 is presented.

×

The food of 32 specimens of Lacerta taurica from the Bulgarian Black Sea coast was analysed. The li­ zards were collected in August1969 on open meadows. The 163 determinable food objects consisted entirely of ground living invertebrates. The most important food items were Heteroptera (22,7 0/o), then Coleop­ tera (17,2 0/o), Hymenoptera, mostly ants (14,1 0/o) and, despite their abundance, very few grass hoppers (Sal­ tatoria) (2,5 0/o). Arachnida form 12,8 0/o of the food objects, Isopoda 8,o 0/o.

×

Amphibia and Reptilia collections at the Zoological Museum, University of Istanbul (ZMUI) were studied and revised. The samples were collected from 1921 until today. The localities of most species are found in the different regions of Turkey. The collection have 75 species of which 21 species are amphibians and 54 species are reptiles. With this study a zoological collection belong to ZMUI was given for the first time.

×

Tail autotomy is one of the main antipredator strategies in lizards. The mechanical pressure exerted by the predator induces an immediate break of the tail. Lizard escapes while the autotomized part thrashes vigorously distracting the predator. Caudal regeneration occurs rapidly in most lizard families and compensate for the disadvantages that tail loss comes with. Among the most important problems is the impaired locomotion. Tail serves as an auxiliary movement instrument and thus caudal shedding alters numerous locomotive features such as balance, speed, climbing ability etc. The quicker lizards will regenerate their tail, the faster their motion abilities will be restored. The duration of tail regeneration varies among lizard families and it seems to depend on phylogeny. In this study we aimed to clarify the impact of life style on caudal regeneration. We predicted that lizards that have a more intense movement pattern (e.g. run more and faster) would regenerate quicker their lost tail. In order to minimize the phylogenetic effect, we worked with three closely related species of the genus Podarcis that have different life styles, affecting the movement pattern: P. tauricus leaves in open areas and is a cursorial species, P. peloponnesiacus prefers low rocks next to flat terrains, running and climbing evenly good and P. muralis is found on rocks and walls and is an excellent climber. To simulate predation, we grasped with a pair of callipers the tail at a distance of 30 mm from the cloaca. Lizards were previously placed in a terrarium covered with rough cork mat, allowing them to maintain good traction. If autotomy occurred, lizards were housed in individual terraria at 30 C and were fed on mealworms (Tenebrio molitor). Tail length was recorded weekly to the nearest second decimal, using a ruler. Measurements began the first week after autotomy and were taken for 23 weeks. The weight and the length of each autotomized tail were measured. Tail regeneration was faster in the case of P. tauricus. P. peloponnesiacus grew its caudal tissues in a slower but yet comparable way whereas P. muralis showed the slowest regeneration rate and did not acquire the full length of the original tail. We believe that the underlying reason for these results is the different use of the tail in each species. P. tauricus is a swift runner and uses its tail as a counterbalance. The other two species are more climbing-oriented and tail is less important. It seems that according to their particular life-style, lizards regenerate their tails in a different rate.

×

The Italian wall lizard and the Balkan wall lizard have a series of taxonomic revisions. However, their phylogenetic relationships still remain uncertain in Turkey. In the present study, we have assessed taxonomic relationships, both of Podarcis siculus and Podarcis tauricus through estimation of phylogenetic relationships among 43 and 42 specimens, respectively, using mtDNA (16 S rRNA and cytb) from great main populations in Turkey. The genetic distances among the populations of P. siculus in Turkey were very low and they were ranged from 0.2 to 1.6% in 16 S rRNA while they were ranged from 0.0% to 3.3% in cytb. On the other hand, the p-distances among the populations of P. tauricus were ranged from 0.0 to 0.6% in 16 S rRNA while they were 0.2% cytb in Turkey. Finally, most of the topologically identical trees of phylogenetic analyses and p-distances showed that monophyly was found in extant populations of P. siculus and P. tauricus. The nominate subspecies, P. s. siculus and P. t. tauricus are representatives of these lizards in Turkey.

×

This article includes a brief outline of herpetological studies in Crimea over the past 50 years, checklists of taxa of amphibians and reptiles, and a general description of the herpetofauna of Crimea. Some formal issues for the protection of amphibians and reptiles are also considered.

×

This article includes a brief outline of herpetological studies in Crimea over the past 50 years, checklists of taxa of amphibians and reptiles, and a general description of the herpetofauna of Crimea. Some formal issues for the protection of amphibians and reptiles are also considered.

×

From the beginning of the 19th century to the present, the authorship of the description of the Balkan wall lizard, Podarcis tauricus (Pallas, 1814) was considered undoubted. Recently, Schmidtler (2022) has been concluded that the description of this species should be attributed to J.G. Georgi. Therefore we have chosen to discuss this issue. The description of Lacerta taurica by Georgi in 1801 was based on earlier works by C.L. Hablitz (1785, 1789). However, his description does not align with our current understanding of the morphological and ecological characteristics of the taxon currently recognized as P. tauricus. Some details contained in this description suggest that it was based not on the species recently known as Podarcis tauricus, but on another lizard inhabiting the same place and recently known as Darevskia lindholmi (Szczerbak, 1962). If recognize authorship of the name Lacerta taurica as belonging to Georgi (1801), this would require transferring that name to the species currently known as D. lindholmi and the need to introduce a new name for the species currently known as P. taurica, that will cause numerous confusions. To provide the stability of the names, we suggest to continue to regard Pallas (1814) as the author of the name Lacerta taurica and will apply to the Commissuion of Zoological Nomenlature for conservation of this status. Regrettably, a specimen collected by Pallas himself in Crimea has not been located until now. However, the search for preserved historic specimens continues.

×

In the course of multi-year field research (2002–2022, and partially 2023) in the Ka- radag Nature Reserve (southeastern Crimea; 44.9o N, 35.2o E) the seasonal activity frame and terms of the emergence of juveniles were studied in two common species of lacertids: the Bal- kan wall lizard (Podarcis tauricus) and the Crimean rock lizard (Darevskia lindholmi). Activity during the winter period is characteristic for both species: over 22 years of observations, P. tau- ricus and D. lindholmi were observed in the winter months during 20 and 16 seasons, respec- tively. In P. tauricus the average for all years dates of the first and last observations of active individuals are February 13 and December 4; those in D. lindholmi are February 18 and No- vember 26. The length of the activity period, determined by the dates of the first and last rec- ords, in P. tauricus is 65–91% of the total duration of the year, and in D. lindholmi is 62–89% of the year. The duration of the period of full activity (from the beginning of the species’ regu- lar activity to the hibernation) is 236–321 days (273 days on average) in P. tauricus, and 227– 302 days (260 days on average) in D. lindholmi. Egg-laying in P. tauricus occurs mainly in May–July (two clutches per season), while in D. lindholmi it occurs in July, but may continue into August (usually the only clutch per year). Therefore, the average for all years dates of the first registration of hatchlings differ by approximately seven weeks: July 12 in P. tauricus, Au- gust 29 in D. lindholmi. The timing of the emergence of yearlings of both species is positively correlated at a statistically significant level. In both species, a statistically significant correlation with the climatic characteristics of the area of study was found for a number of phenological phenomena. In many cases, the relationship between the phases of the lizards` life cycle and climatic parameters at the trend level was confirmed.

×

An overview of the cases of introduction (both accidental and intentional) of amphibians and reptiles in the Caucasus and Crimea is provided. The introduction cases are systemized in accordance with the goals and ways of introduction and with regards to the expected scale of the impact and its nature. No negative consequences of the introduction of amphibian and reptile species in the Crimea and Caucasus are currently observed on any of the known examples. No cases of species naturalization, which the “invasion” term can be applied to, have been revealed. The importance of allochthonous populations as experimental sites to study microevolutionary processes and ecological adaptations of the species in new environmental conditions is discussed.

×

The paper presents new data on the geographic distribution and frequency of colour aberration cineracea Szczerbak, 1960 (= concolor) in Podarcis tauricus from the Crimea. It is established that the finds of individuals belonging to this aberration are grouped at the junctions of landscapes of the Crimean Mountains, where the ancient geochemical boundaries are localized. The majority of aberrant specimens were found in populations living on the Upper Jurassic conglomerates containing pebbles of crystalline rocks, and within the Middle Jurassic volcanic massif of Karadagh. The frequency of manifestation of this mutagenic type of color is almost independent of the altitude above sea level and more likely it is determined by geochemical composition of rocks prevailing in the locality which indirectly affects the synthesis of melanin pigment, rather than by climatic characteristics of the habitat. In addition, a description of the unique color aberration plumbea, discovered in a single locality in the Sudak District of the Crimea near the upper limit of the species distribution, is provided.

×

Turkey is biogeographically diverse and consequently has a rich herpetofauna. As a result of active herpetological research, the number of species has steadily increased in recent years. I present here a new checklist of amphibian and reptile species distributed in Turkey, revising the nomenclature to reflect the latest taxonomic knowledge. In addition, information about the systematics of many species is also given. In total 35 (19.4%) amphibian and 145 (80.6%) reptile species comprise the Turkish herpetofauna. Among amphibians, 16 (45.7%) anurans and 19 urodelans (54.3%) are present. Among reptiles, 11 (7.6%) testudines, 71 (49%) saurians, 3 (2.1%) amphisbaenians and 60 (41.3%) ophidians are considered part of the herpetofauna. The endemism rate in Turkey is considered relatively high with a total of 34 species (12 amphibian species – 34.3% and 22 reptile species – 15.2%) endemic to Turkey, yielding a total herpetofaunal endemism of 18.9%. While 38 species have not been threat-assessed by the IUCN, 92 of the 180 Turkish herpetofaunal species are of Least Concern (LC), 13 are Near Threatened (NT), 10 are Vulnerable (VU), 14 are Endangered (EN), and 7 are Critically Endangered (CR). In addition, 6 species are in the DD (Data Deficient) category.

×

The morphology of the adrenal gland and relationships between noradrenalin (NA) and adrenalin (A) cells were studied in selected species of the genus Podarcis. As in other previously-studied genera, the morphology of the adrenal gland is not homogeneous, and the species examined can be divided into two groups according to the relationship between chromaffin and steroidogenic tissue. Podarcis taurica and P. hispanica, in which the two tissues are strongly separated, belong to one group. P. wagleriana, P. muralis, P. sicula, P. peloponnesiacus and P. melisellensis belong to a second group in which dorsal chromaffin ribbons send digitations between the steroidogenic cords. The NA/A cell ratio is higher in species of the first group than in those of the second.

×

This papar presents several ways of finding out the number of lizards on a predetermined area. The study took place in a sandy biotope from the sounthern region of Dolj, on an area shaped like a square, measuring about 10000 square meters.

×

We present data on the female reproductive traits of the Balkan wall lizard in the Deliblato Sand, a large continental sandland in the Pannonian area in the northwestern periphery of the species range. The clutch and egg characteristics of the population were investigated on the basis of clutches laid in laboratory conditions by gravid females captured in one locality. Balkan wall lizards produced at least two clutches in a breeding season. Individual females laid clutches of commonly two (range 1–4) eggs. The female body size had no effect on clutch and egg size. There was no trade-off between egg size and clutch size.

×

The southern part of Montenegro has been identified as an area with high diversity of herpetofauna. However, comprehensive studies of distribution and diversity patterns of reptiles on the country level are still missing. Such studies are essential in designating areas of special conservation importance and nature protection planning in a milieu of increased habitat loss and degradation due to rapid urbanization and tourism development in this small Mediterranean country. To make progress on this problem, we analyzed distribution and diversity patterns of the lizards in Montenegro using a large database consisting of literature data and our unpublished records. We found that fifteen lizard species inhabit Montenegro, and two additional species may be present. The lizards were most diverse in the Maritime biogeographic region of Montenegro, while low diversity was found predominantly along the state borders in the Mountain-valley region. The identified pattern of lizard diversity is at least partly influenced by sampling bias. The eastern mountainous subregion had a distinct species composition compared to all other parts of the country. The East-Mediterranean chorotype was the most dominant, represented by seven species. The great diversity of the lizard fauna of Montenegro can be attributed to its specific topographic position with great influence of Mediterranean climate, heterogeneity of biomes, complex geological history and diverse physiogeographic features. High lizard species richness in the Maritime region and a unique species composition in the eastern subregion of Montenegro indicate that these areas are of high conservation interest.

×

Albumins from several species assigned to Lacerta s. 1. and Gallotia were investigated by means of the Micro-Complement fixation technique. The phylogenetic trees evaluated according to Fitch & Margoliash (1967) and Beverley & Wilson (1982) led us to infer a division, which is in accordance with protein electrophoretic results (Mayer & Tiedemann, 1982) as well as with the subgeneric division used before the studies of Böhme (1971) and Arnold (1973).

×

Variation in the reproductive traits of Greek populations of Podarcis erhardii, P. peloponnesiaca, and P. taurica living in similar habitats along the same latitude was examined. Female body size, clutch size, and egg volume were determined. In all three species, clutch size was positively correlated with maternal body size. P. erhardii appears to modulate its reproductive effort by means of variation in both egg size and number. On the other hand, egg size in P. peloponnesiaca and P. taurica has probably been optimized, and an increase in reproductive effort would result in the production of a larger number of eggs.

×

Im Rahmen des von der Ungarischen Akademie der Wissenschaften unterstützten Programms zur Erforschung der Sodagebiete des Alföld werden seit acht Jahren systematische herpetologische und ornithologische Untersuchungen der Sodateiche der südlichen Teile des Alföld durchgeführt. Im Gebiet jenseits der Theiß stammen Beobachtungen von den Teichen von Kakasszek und Fehertö (bei Kardoskut), weiterhin vom Kunfehertö und Dongertö im Donau— Theiß-Zwischenstromgebiet. Nachfolgend sollen kurz die in diesen Biotopen lebenden Amphibien-, Reptilien- und Avesarten angeführt und ihre Umwelt umrissen werden.

×

The Bov-B LINE retrotransposon was first discovered in Ruminantia and was long considered to be specific for this order. Later, this mobile element was described in snakes and some lizard species. Analysis of phylogenetic relationships of Bov-B LINE elements from different ruminants, snakes, and lizard species led to the suggestion on horizontal transfer of this retrotransposon from Squamata to Ruminantia. In the Squamata group, Bov-B LINE element was found in all snakes and some lizard species examined. The element was not detected in the genomes of some species of the genera Lacerta and Podarcis. In the present study, using PCR amplification and sequencing of PCR products, Bov-B LINE element was identified in the genomes of parthenogenetic and bisexual species of the genus Darevskia (Lacertidae), as well as in such species as Lacerta agilis and Zootoca vivipara, where this retrotransposon had not been not detected before.

×

All seven lacertid species recorded from the Peloponnese can be found in a very small area in the Arkadian highlands on the Peloponnese peninsula. Up to now only one example for such unique diversity in such a small area has been described in the Mediterranean region. This density requires the occupation of different restricted ecological and ethological niches for all seven species and therefore the habitats should be diverse. This niche segregation as well as the ecological demands and the ethological differences between the species are discussed in relation to this habitat diversity.

×

Small-lizards from the Greek islands Milos and Skiros are compared with populations from the continent of Podarcis taurica ionica, Podarcis muralis albanica and Podarcis erhardii by employing protein-electrophoretic data for 18 genloci. The gen frequencies of the polymorph loci are given and the genetic distances are calulated according to Nei. Extension of genetic distances is discussed. Podarcis milensis can be confirmed as a species. Populations of Milos and Skiros have shown to be closest related, both have to be considered as closely related to Podarcis taurica and not to Podarcis muralis.

×

The collection of Amphibians and Reptiles of the Museum of Natural History of Ferrara has characteristics of historical representation, taxonomic and zoogeography that may be considered as examples of medium-sized types of collections more preva- lent in Italian museums. It consists of a historic part of the study and a donation from Guido Campadelli. The collection consists of 1739 specimens of amphibians (1734 of which held in 437 containers with ethanol and 5 taxidermized specimens) for a total of 78 amphibian species. There are 811 specimens of Reptiles (769 of which are stored in 526 containers with ethanol and 42 taxidermized specimens) representing a total of 108 species. The findings that form the collection of Amphibians come from 153 loca- lities of 15 states and 12 regions and 29 provinces of Italy. In the batrachological col- lection 62.1% of the total European species, and 94.3% of the total species in Italy, are represented. Zoogeographic regions most represented are the Palaearctic with 67% of the species of Amphibians in the collection and the Neotropical with 29%, fol- lowed by the Ethiopian (6%) and Nearctic (5%). Reptiles specimens come from 247 lo- calities of 15 states and 15 regions and 36 provinces of Italy. In the collection 46,2% of European species and 91,5% of the Italian ones are represented. The most represen- ted zoogeographic region are the Palaearctic with 89% of species in the collection, followed by the Ethiopian (14%), the Eastern (13%), Neotropical (11%) and the Nearctic (7%); australian and malagasy species do not exceed 3%. The herpetology collection was the subject of taxonomic and biogeographic analysis.

×

Aim Body size is instrumental in influencing animal physiology, morphology, ecology and evolution, as well as extinction risk. I examine several hypotheses regarding the influence of body size on lizard evolution and extinction risk, assessing whether body size influences, or is influenced by, species richness, herbivory, island dwelling and extinction risk. Location World-wide. Methods I used literature data and measurements of museum and live specimens to estimate lizard body size distributions. Results I obtained body size data for 99% of the world`s lizard species. The body size–frequency distribution is highly modal and right skewed and similar distributions characterize most lizard families and lizard assemblages across biogeographical realms. There is a strong negative correlation between mean body size within families and species richness. Herbivorous lizards are larger than omnivorous and carnivorous ones, and aquatic lizards are larger than non-aquatic species. Diurnal activity is associated with small body size. Insular lizards tend towards both extremes of the size spectrum. Extinction risk increases with body size of species for which risk has been assessed. Main conclusions Small size seems to promote fast diversification of disparate body plans. The absence of mammalian predators allows insular lizards to attain larger body sizes by means of release from predation and allows them to evolve into the top predator niche. Island living also promotes a high frequency of herbivory, which is also associated with large size. Aquatic and nocturnal lizards probably evolve large size because of thermal constraints. The association between large size and high extinction risk, however, probably reflects a bias in the species in which risk has been studied.

×

Aim Temperature influences most components of animal ecology and life history – but what kind of temperature? Physiologists usually examine the influence of body temperatures, while biogeographers and macroecologists tend to focus on environmental temperatures. We aim to examine the relationship between these two measures, to determine the factors that affect lizard body temperatures and to test the effect of both temperature measures on lizard life history. Location World-wide. Methods We used a large (861 species) global dataset of lizard body temperatures, and the mean annual temperatures across their geographic ranges to examine the relationships between body and mean annual temperatures.We then examined factors influencing body temperatures, and tested for the influence of both on ecological and life-history traits while accounting for the influence of shared ancestry. Results Body temperatures and mean annual temperatures are uncorrelated. However, accounting for activity time (nocturnal species have low body temperatures), use of space (fossorial and semi-aquatic species are ‘colder’), insularity (mainland species are ‘hotter’) and phylogeny, the two temperatures are positively correlated. High body temperatures are only associated with larger hatchlings and increased rates of biomass production. Annual temperatures are positively correlated with clutch frequency and annual longevity, and negatively correlated with clutch size, age at first reproduction and longevity. Main conclusions Lizards with low body temperatures do not seem to have ‘slower’ life-history attributes than species with high body temperatures. The longer seasons prevalent in warm regions, and physiological processes that operate while lizards are inactive (but warm enough), make environmental temperatures better predictors of lizard life-history variation than body temperatures. This surprisingly greater effect of environmental temperatures on lizard life histories hints that global warming may have a profound influence on lizard ecology and evolution.

×

We present unpublished data on the diet of three lizards (Lacerta trilineata, Lacerta agilis and Podarcis tauricus) from the Lacertidae family, collected in 1974 in few localities in Southern Bulgaria. The analyzed data showed that the insects (Insecta) are the most numerous and the most frequently met food component and among the non-insect components the spiders and isopods are slightly predominating. The largest niche breadth was recorded in Podarcis tauricus (6.135), followed by Lacerta trilineata (5.263) and Lacerta agilis (4.132). All three studied lacertid species are classified as opportunistic general feeders (polyphages), which may show slight preference towards beetles, ants or spiders, depending on the occupied habitat or the season.

×

The seasonal variation of the trophic spectrum of two sympatric lizards (Lacerta viridis and Podarcis tauricus) is presented as well as the species’ trophic niche breadth and niche overlap. The material for the current study was collected in 1980-1981 in surroundings of Purvomay Town in South Bulgaria. The main food sources for both lizards are insects. For P. tauricus the predominating food type is Orthoptera (44.62%), followed by Coleoptera (14.36%) and Hemiptera (7.18%) and from the diet of L. viridis predominating are again Orthoptera (34.05%), followed by Coleoptera (12.97%) and Hymenoptera (9.73%). The possible ecological aspects of interspecific competition are discussed.

×

The current paper reviews the species composition and distribution of 2 amphibian (Bufo viridis, Hyla arborea) and 7 reptile species (Cyrtopodion kotschyi, Lacerta viridis, Lacerta trilineata, Podarcis taurica, Podarcis muralis, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Coronella austriaca) inhabiting three protected territories in the town of Plovdiv. Some aspects of the species ’ ecology are discussed in relation to the urban environment and the recorded amphibians and reptiles are categorized in ecological groups according to their level of synanthropy. Species ’ zoogeographic characteristics, level of endemism, conservation significance and the basic conservation threats and problems in the studied protected territories are also discussed.

×

The current study determines the level of synanthropy of the amphibians and reptiles in the city of Plovdiv, based on Nuorteva’s Index of synanthropy, with slight modification, proposed here for the first time.

×

Currently the problem of the effects of the road network and traffic on the amphibians and reptiles in Bulgaria is poorly studied. During the period March 2002 - March 2004 in the Buffer Zone of Biosphere Reserve `Srebarna` (NE Bulgaria) were built two anti-fire roads from the eastern and western side of the lake in area of grasslands of semi-steppe type, typical for north-eastern Bulgaria. The aim of the constructed roads is to provide access for fire vehicles to areas in and around the reserve. The current study aims to provide data on the impact of road traffic and the newly constructed road network and another previously existing road on the amphibians and reptiles inhabiting the buffer zone of the biosphere reserve `Srebarna`. For the entire period of study in the three studied road sections a total of 15 dead specimens of amphibians belonging to 4 species (Bombina bombina, Hyla arborea, Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis) and 70 dead specimens of reptiles belonging to 8 species (Emys orbicularis, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Lacerta viridis, Podarcis tauricus, Podarcis muralis, Natrix natrix, Coronella austriaca and Dolichophis caspius) were recorded. Several “hot spots”, where most cadavers were recorded are well described and possible conservation measures are discussed.

×

The present study is a review of the herpetofauna of the sourtheastern part of the Black Sea Coast and Strandzha Nature Park. A total of thirty nine species were recorded for both regions (12 amphinian species, 27 - reptiles), of which two newt species (Lissotriton vulgaris, Triturus ivanbureshi), ten species of anurans (Bombina bombina, B. variegata, Bufo bufo, Bufotes viridis, Pelobates syriacus, Hyla orientalis, Rana dalmatina, Pelophylax ridibundus, P. cf. esculentus, P. bedriage), eleven species of lizards (Mediodactylus daniliewskii, Angius colchicus, Pseudopus apodus, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Lacerta agilis, L. trilineata, L. viridis, Podarcis muralis, P. tauricus, P. erhardii, Darevskia praticola), four species of native turtles and tortoises (Testudo graeca, T. hermanni, Emys orbicularis, Mauremys rivulata) and twelve species of snakes (Xerotyphlops vermicularis, Platyceps najadum, P. collaris, Natrix natrix, N. tessellata, Dolichophis caspius, Elaphe sauromates, Zamenis longissimus, Zamenis situla, Coronella austriaca, Malpolon insignitus, Vipera ammodytes). A comparison between the species compositon of the herpetofauna between South Black Sea Coast and Strandzha NP is made and analyzed.

×

The current study analyzes the structure and some features of two urban metapopulations of the Balkan Wall Lizard (Podarcis tauricus (Pallas, 1814)) from Nature Monument (NM) “Mladezhki halm” and Nature Monument “Halm na osvoboditelite” in the city of Plovdiv (South Bulgaria). In both study sites, the Balkan Wall lizard inhabits exclusively the interior of the hills and prefers mainly open areas with rare grass and shrub vegetation. The recorded dominant plant species are not autochthonous for the hills, but gradually displaced with many decorative species, used widely in the gardening and the city parks. The population abundance from both hills is relatively low, with higher values in NM “Mladezhki halm” and generally shows a decrease pattern for the two year period. In the hills of Plovdiv, the Balkan Wall lizard shows a bimodal diurnal and seasonal activity. Both metapopulations showed a sex ratio close to 1:1 with a slight superiority of the females (1:1.29), but with no statistically significant deviation. The age structure of both metapopulations is almost identical - the highest percentage takes the adults, followed by the subadults and juveniles, with no significant deviations from the normal ratio. The possible reasons for the contemporary distribution and population structure of the Balkan Wall lizard are discussed. Historic land use change and its effect on the populations are discussed as well. The main risks for this species in the city of Plovdiv are construction and forestation (destruction of open terrains). Nevertheless, the Balkan Wall lizard seems to have successfully overcome the risks of urbanization and its population seem stable and sustainable.

×

The current study analyzes the structure and some features of two urban metapopulations of the Balkan Wall Lizard (Podarcis tauricus (Pallas, 1814)) from Nature Monument (NM) “Mladezhki halm” and Nature Monument “Halm na osvoboditelite” in the city of Plovdiv (South Bulgaria). In both study sites, the Balkan Wall lizard inhabits exclusively the interior of the hills and prefers mainly open areas with rare grass and shrub vegetation. The recorded dominant plant species are not autochthonous for the hills, but gradually displaced with many decorative species, used widely in the gardening and the city parks. The population abundance from both hills is relatively low, with higher values in NM “Mladezhki halm” and generally shows a decrease pattern for the two year period. In the hills of Plovdiv, the Balkan Wall lizard shows a bimodal diurnal and seasonal activity. Both metapopulations showed a sex ratio close to 1:1 with a slight superiority of the females (1:1.29), but with no statistically significant deviation. The age structure of both metapopulations is almost identical - the highest percentage takes the adults, followed by the subadults and juveniles, with no significant deviations from the normal ratio. The possible reasons for the contemporary distribution and population structure of the Balkan Wall lizard are discussed. Historic land use change and its effect on the populations are discussed as well. The main risks for this species in the city of Plovdiv are construction and forestation (destruction of open terrains). Nevertheless, the Balkan Wall lizard seems to have successfully overcome the risks of urbanization and its population seem stable and sustainable.

×

This study provides distribution data for 12 species of reptiles in the Southern Bug eco-corridor located within the steppe zone, Mykolaiv Oblast (province), Ukraine. We compiled 935 records from published literature (324), from public databases (68), and from 12 field surveys we made in 2016–2020 (543). All records were mapped on to a grid of 10×10 km, representing the 294 cells of the studied area. We present new distributional data for Podarcis tauricus. For all the other species, our records add new localities that fall within areas where these reptiles were previously reported. Species richness and Shannon’s H’ index show that herpetofauna diversity was higher in the areas along the Southern Bug River. The maximum number of records within a single cell was 118 (for 10 species) in this oblast. Also the high number of identified reptile chorotypes (nine) within the Mykolaiv Oblast revealed that southern Ukraine is an important zoogeographical territory in Europe. These data provide the basis for future biogeographical and ecological studies and conservation priorities.

×

The ability of an animal to shed its tail is a widespread antipredator strategy among lizards. The degree of expression of this defense is expected to be shaped by prevailing environmental conditions including local predation pressure. We test these hypotheses by comparing several aspects of caudal autotomy in 15 Mediterranean lizard taxa existing across a swath of mainland and island localities that differ in the number and identity of predator species present. Autotomic ease varied substantially among the study populations, in a pattern that is best explained by the presence of vipers. Neither insularity nor the presence of other types of predators explain the observed autotomy rates. Final concentration of accumulated tail muscle lactate and duration of movement of a shed tail, two traits that were previously thought to relate to predation pressure, are in general not shaped by either predator diversity or insularity. Under conditions of relaxed predation selection, an uncoupling of different aspects of caudal autotomy exists, with some elements (ease of autotomy) declining faster than others (duration of movement, lactate concentration). We compared rates of shed tails in the field against rates of laboratory autotomies conducted under standardized conditions and found very high correlation values (r > 0.96). This suggests that field autotomy rates, rather than being a metric of predatory attacks, merely reflect the innate predisposition of a taxon to shed its tail.

×

Caudal autotomy is one of the most effective and widespread defensive mechanisms among lizards. When predators grasp the tail, lizards are able to shed it from the point of the attack and further. Numerous factors have been reported to affect tail-shedding performance such as temperature, age, predation pressure, intraspecific competition etc. Interestingly, the impact of sex on tail loss remains greatly understudied. Here, we analyzed tail autotomy performance, simulated in the lab, in 12 species of lacertid lizards belonging to five genera (Algyroides, Anatololacerta, Hellenolacerta, Ophisops, Podarcis). Our aim was to investigate whether sex affects caudal autotomy and/or the duration of post-autotomic tail movement. We failed to detect any effect of sex on tail loss in the species examined. Also, we did not find any sexual impact on the duration of tail movement after autotomy, with a single exception. Our findings suggest that autotomy serves as a defensive tactic equally in both sexes and is used in the same extent.

×

The ability for effective, accurate and precise thermoregulation is of paramount importance for ectotherms so as to survive even in low thermal quality habitats. In order to thermoregulate lizards employ different strategies to take advantage of their habitat including retreat into thermal shelters, shuttling between sunny and shady sites, active choice of background etc. Sympatric species have to be very cautious in habitat use to minimize interspecific competition. The decisive factor is the fine- scale choices of the appropriate microhabitat. Here we evaluated the thermoregulation effectiveness of four lacertids from the central Peloponnese, Greece (Podarcis peloponnesiacus, P. muralis, P. tauricus and Hellenolacerta graeca), that have different phylogenetic background and ecological requirements but live in the very same habitat (in a narrow area of approximately 1.000 m2 at Feneos plateau, altitude 880 m). Mainland, and particularly mountain, lizards are quite effective thermoregulators. We expected that all four species would show high thermoregulatory effectiveness besides the differences that may have in partial thermal features (e.g. preferred temperatures). We assessed thermoregulation effectiveness (E) through three standard thermal parameters: body temperatures (Tb) that animals achieve in the field, operative temperatures (Te) that non-thermoregulating animals reach under natural conditions, and preferred temperatures (Tpref) that animals achieve under laboratory conditions. In line with our hypothesis, all species thermoregulated effectively, though some differences arose among them. Tpref were similar for all species but Tb and Te differed considerably due to the different microhabitats selected, probably to avoid competition. P. tauricus achieved the highest E value (0.88) followed by P. peloponnesiacus and H. graeca (0.76 and 0.72, respectively) while P. muralis received the lowest (0.67). Tbs fell well within the Tset for all species while diel variation was limited, suggesting high precision in thermoregulation. On the other hand, thermal quality of habitat was low (important difference between Tset and Te), highlighting the imperative need for effective thermoregulation.

×

Many animals display complex colour patterns that comprise several adjacent, often contrasting colour patches. Combining patches of complementary colours increases the overall conspicuousness of the complex pattern, enhancing signal detection. Therefore, selection for conspicuousness may act not only on the design of single colour patches, but also on their combination. Contrasting long- and short-wavelength colour patches are located on the ventral and lateral surfaces of many lacertid lizards. As the combination of long- and short-wavelength-based colours generates local chromatic contrast, we hypothesized that selection may favour the co-occurrence of lateral and ventral contrasting patches, resulting in complex colour patterns that maximize the overall conspicuousness of the signal. To test this hypothesis we performed a comparative phylogenetic study using a categorical colour classification based on spectral data and descriptive information on lacertid coloration collected from the literature. Our results demonstrate that conspicuous ventral (long wavelength-based) and lateral (short wavelength-based) colour patches co-occur throughout the lacertid phylogeny more often than expected by chance, especially in the subfamily Lacertini. These results suggest that selection promotes the evolution of the complex pattern rather than the acquisition of a single conspicuous colour patch, possibly due to the increased conspicuousness caused by the combination of colours with contrasting spectral properties.

×

Although the herpetofauna of Greece is well known (see for example, Werner, 1938; Wettstein, 1953, 1957; Ondrias, 1968; Chondropoulos, 1986, 1989), several distributional questions still remain unclear, mainly for the mainland but also for islands. ` In this paper we present some chorological information from a field trip of one month (April 1990) to mainland and insular Greece.

×

The geographical position, mild climate, mountainous landscape, and habitat heterogeneity determine Bulgaria’s rich diversity of herpetofauna. Currently, 17 species of amphibians (20 subspecies) and 36 species of reptiles (45 subspecies) are known from Bulgaria. Due to its transitional position, Bulgaria lies at the southern or northern distribution limits of many species of amphibians and reptiles. Vertical distribution is presented for all species found in Bulgaria. The richest in terms of diversity and abundance are the areas below 400 m, where nearly 95 % of taxa occur. The geographical ranges of almost all amphibians and reptiles in Bulgaria are well-known, although on a local scale the information is often limited. Zoogeographical analysis demonstrates that amphibian species belong to nine chorotypes, of which the Eastern Mediterranean and the European chorotypes are represented with three species each. Out of the ten chorotypes recognized for the reptiles, 51.4 % of the species belong to the Eastern Mediterranean (25.7 %) and Turanian–Mediterranean (25.7 %) chorotypes. Only two subspecies are Bulgarian endemics (Salamandra salamandra beschkovi and Mediodactylus kotschyi rumelicus). Due to the high diversity and mosaic distribution of habitats in Bulgaria, the herpetofauna has a rather continuous occurrence and high relative abundance. Although 80 % of the Bulgarian herpetofauna is legally protected by the Biodiversity Protection Act (2002) and other conventions, some species are threatened through collection for trade or habitat changes due to construction. Several sites in the southern part of Bulgaria are very rich in herpetofauna (nine to ten species of amphibians and 19 to 21 species of reptiles).

×

At the western side of Dinarides-Hellenides mountain chain 12 species of lacertid lizards occur. All hitherto investigated species appeared to be phylogeographically highly structured. Their present phylogeographic patterns are the result of the complex topography and the geotectonic history of the region, multiple events of range retractions and subsequent expansions during Pleistocene climatic oscillations but also distinct ecological preferences of the species, interspecific competition, overwater dispersals and unintentional anthropogenic introductions. The phylogeography of Podarcis siculus, P. melisellensis, P. tauricus, Algyroides nigropunctatus, Dalmatolacerta oxycephala and Dinarolacerta mosorensis will be discussed in details.

×

The numerous fires during the past decade in the Eastern Rhodopes (southeastern Bulgaria) resulted in extensive loss of habitat for multiple species. In this study on the reptilian fauna found near Kolets village (Haskovo District, Bulgaria) we compared two adjacent territories during 2004–2006, a control and a recently burned. We found no effect on the Shannon-Wiener index of biological diversity (mean for the three years: Hburned = 0.488, Hcontrol = 0.498). However, fire led to decrease of abundance (Ab, individuals / 1000 m), best detected for the following species: Testudo hermanni (Abburned = 1.8, Abcontrol = 5.6; p = 0.003316), T. graeca (Abburned = 1.1, Abcontrol = 3.2; p = 0.071786), Lacerta viridis (Abburned = 16.8, Abcontrol = 40.6; p = 0.000263), and L. trilineata (Abburned = 6.8, Abcontrol = 19.2; p = 0.000879), where values for Ab are combined for 2004–2006.

×

The numerous fires during the past decade in the Eastern Rhodopes (southeastern Bulgaria) resulted in extensive loss of habitat for multiple species. In this study on the reptilian fauna found near Kolets village (Haskovo District, Bulgaria) we compared two adjacent territories during 2004–2006, a control and a recently burned. We found no effect on the Shannon-Wiener index of biological diversity (mean for the three years: Hburned = 0.488, Hcontrol = 0.498). However, fire led to decrease of abundance (Ab, individuals / 1000 m), best detected for the following species: Testudo hermanni (Abburned = 1.8, Abcontrol = 5.6; p = 0.003316), T. graeca (Abburned = 1.1, Abcontrol = 3.2; p = 0.071786), Lacerta viridis (Abburned = 16.8, Abcontrol = 40.6; p = 0.000263), and L. trilineata (Abburned = 6.8, Abcontrol = 19.2; p = 0.000879), where values for Ab are combined for 2004–2006.

×

The complex geological history of the Balkan Peninsula and especially of the Hellenic area (multiple geological events of land connections) during the late Tertiary have likely contributed to the diversification and distribution of many terrestrial animals. Located at the margin of the Eurasian and African plates, this area has experienced tremendous geological alterations since the late Tertiary. Connections offered the opportunities for biological dispersal, while submergence of land bridges brought about distributive isolation among related taxa. If this was a major element influencing the formation of the rich fauna of the Hellenic area, then the phylogenetic relationships of terrestrial taxa should reflect these paleogeographic events. Compared with what is known for the geological history of this region, the impact of those geological events on the historical biogeography of terrestrial animals is less well understood. The reconstruction of phylogenies is of primary importance in the understating of the dynamic patterns of evolution, i.e. the biogeography of a group and the bases of its biological diversity at any level. Although the phylogeny of the genus Podarcis has been the subject of much discussion the relationships among the species are still unclear. Because morphology is so uniform, it provides few characters for phylogenetic analysis, and these tend to be conflicting. Various karyological, immunological and protein electrophoretic studies have been made, but these usually involve only a minority of species, and results from different species combinations are equivocal. Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis (Sauria, Lacertidae) comprises 17-18 currently recognized species in southern Europe, where they are the predominant reptile group. The taxonomy of Podarcis is complex and unstable. Based on DNA sequence data the species of Podarcis falls into four main groups that have substantial geographic coherence (Western Island group, South western group, Italian group and Balkan group). The Balkan species are divided in two subgroups: the subgroup of P. taurica (P. taurica, P. milensis, P. gaigeae and perhaps P. melisellensis), and the subgroup of P. erhardii (P. erhardii and P. peloponnesiaca). We addressed the question of phylogenetic relations among the species of Podarcis encountered in Balkan Peninsula, as they can be inferred from partial mtDNA (cyt b and 16S) and nuclear (c-mos) sequences. Our data support the monophyly of Podarcis and suggest that there are three phylogenetic clades: the clade of P. taurica (P. taurica, P. gaigeae, P. milensis, and P. melisellensis); the clade of P. erhardii (P. erhardii and P. peloponnesiaca) and the clade of P. muralis (P. muralis and P. sicula). The phylogenetic affiliations produced from the molecular data do not agree with the species and especially subspecies groupings predicted from the morphological classification of the populations sampled. By examining intraspecific variability we have found that extant populations of P. erhardii are paraphyletic. The high level of genetic differentiation observed in the mtDNA data between the P. erhardii populations from the Crete and Pori islands and the rest of P. erhardii samples from Cyclades and continental Greece and its phylogenetic position raises questions regarding the inclusion of those populations (Crete and Pori) within P. erhardii. Since, based on morphology, P. peloponnesiaca is a well defined species found in sympatry with P. e. livadhiaca and accepted today as such, then Podarcis from Crete and Pori would also need to be raised to specific rank to avoid the paraphyly of P. erhardii. However, although the differentiation of populations from Crete and Pori islands is clear, we suggest the use of PhyloCode in order to avoid taxonomic confusion at least until further research mainly on morphology becomes available. Thus, for the time being, we refer to wall lizards of Crete and Pori P. erhardii*. With regard to morphological subspecies of P. taurica, P. gaigeae and P. erhardii, it is clear that they do not represent monophyletic units and should be re-evaluated in the light of new evidence. The topology of the phylogenetic trees produced and the genetic distances among the clades of the Podarcis may describe a biogeographic hypothesis for these species in the Balkan area. The pattern of the distribution of the proposed taxa is congruent with existing paleogeographic evidence, as inferred by the application of a molecular clock, which supports the view that DNA sequences may be a useful tool for the study of paleogeography. The data analyzed, stress the need for a reconsideration of the evolutionary history of Balkan Podarcis species and help overcome difficulties that classical taxonomy has encountered at both the species and subspecies level. As a whole, the examination of mtDNA lineages in the lizards of genus Podarcis may contribute substantially to the refining of its taxonomic status. Phylogenetic information can now be added to the knowledge of their morphology and distribution, producing a more accurate taxonomy for this group. Our results also confirm that the molecular information in conjunction with geological data can be used to resolve questions about the paleogeography of a region or on the phylogeography of a species.

×

Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis (Sauria, Lacertidae) comprises 17 currently recognized species in southern Europe, where they are the predominant reptile group. The taxonomy of Podarcis is complex and unstable. Based on DNA sequence data the species of Podarcis fall into four main groups that they have substantial geographic conherence (Western Island group, Southwestern group, Italian group and Balkan group). The Balkan species, is divided in two subgroups, the subgroup of P. taurica, P. milensis, P. gaigeae, P. melisellensis and the subgroup of P. erhardi and P. peloponnesiaca, which are highly diversified and present great morphological and ecological plasticity, inhabiting many different ecotypes. We address the question of phylogenetic relations among the species of the Podarcis taurica subgroup encountered in Greece, as they can be inferred from partial mtDNA (cyt b and 16S) and nuclear (c-mos) sequences. Our data suggest that P. gaigeae is closely related to P. milensis and both P. gaigae and P. milensis to P. taurica. However the specimens of P. taurica are subdivided in two different groups. The first includes the specimens from Russia and Northeastern Greece and the other the specimens from the rest of continental Greece and Ionian Islands. This result suggests that the evolutionary history of P. taurica in Greece is more complex than a single evolutionary invasion. The data analyzed stress the need for a reconsideration of the evolutionary history of Greek Podarcis species and help overcome difficulties that classical taxonomy has encountered at both the specific but mostly the sub- specific level of this genus.

×

Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis (Sauria, Lacertidae) comprise 17 currently recognized species in southern Europe, where they are the predominant reptile group. The taxonomy of Podarcis is complex and unstable. Based on DNA sequence data the species of Podarcis falls into four main groups that have substantial geographical conherence (western island group, southwestern group, Italian group and Balkan group). The Balkan species are divided in two subgroups: the subgroup of Podarcis taurica ( P. taurica, P. milensis, P. gaigeae and perhaps P. melisellensis ), and the subgroup of Podarcis erhardii ( P. erhardii and P. pelopon- nesiaca ). We addressed the question of phylogenetic relations among the species of the P. taurica subgroup encountered in Greece, as they can be inferred from partial mtDNA (cyt b and 16S) sequences. Our data support the monophyly of P. taurica subgroup and suggest that P. gaigeae, P. milensis and P. melisellensis form a clade, which thereinafter connects to P. taurica . Within the previous clade, P. gaigeae is more closely related to P. milensis than to P. melisellensis . However, the specimens of P. taurica were subdivided in two different groups. The first one includes the specimens from northeastern Greece, and the other group includes the specimens from the rest of continental Greece and Ionian islands. Because the molecular clock of the cyt b and 16 rRNA genes was not rejected in our model test, it is possible to estimate times of speciation events. Based on the splitting of the island of Crete from Peloponnisos [ c. 5 million years ago (Ma)], the evolutionary rate for the cyt b is 1.55% per million years (Myr) and for the 16S rRNA is 0.46% per Myr. These results suggest that the evolutionary history of P. taurica in Greece is more complex than a single evolutionary invasion. The data analysed, stress the need for a reconsideration of the evolutionary his- tory of Greek Podarcis species and help overcome difficulties that classical taxonomy has encountered at both the species level.

×

Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis (Sauria, Lacertidae) comprise 17 currently recognized species in southern Europe, where they are the predominant nonavian reptile group. The taxonomy of Podarcis is complex and unstable. Based on DNA sequence data, the species of Podarcis falls into four main groups that have substantial geographic coherence (Western island group, southwestern group, Italian group, and Balkan Peninsula group). The Balkan Peninsula species are divided into two subgroups: the subgroup of P.taurica (P. taurica, P. milensis, P. gaigeae, and perhaps P. melisellensis), and the subgroup of P. erhardii (P. erhardii and P. pelo- ponnesiaca). In the present study, the question of phylogenetic relationships among the species of Podarcis encountered in the Balkan Peninsula was addressed using partial mtDNA sequences for cytochrome b (cyt b) and 16S rRNA (16S). The data support the mono- phyly of Podarcis and suggest that there are three phylogenetic clades: the clade A (P. taurica, P. gaigeae, P. milensis, and P. melisell- ensis); the clade B (P. erhardii and P. peloponnesiaca), and the clade C (P. muralis and P. sicula). By examining intraspeciWc relationships it was found that extant populations of P. erhardii are paraphyletic. Furthermore, subspecies previously deWned on the basis of morphological characteristics do not correspond to diVerent molecular phylogenetic clades, suggesting that their status should be reconsidered. The distinct geographic distribution of the major clades of the phylogenetic tree and its topology suggest a spatial and temporal sequence of phylogenetic separations that coincide with some major paleogeographic separations during the geological history of the Aegean Sea. The results stress the need for a reconsideration of the evolutionary history of Balkan Podarcis species and help overcome diYculties that classical taxonomy has encountered at both the species and subspecies level.

×

Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis (Sauria, Lacertidae) are the predominant reptile group in southern Europe, including 24 recognized species. Mitochondrial DNA data have shown that, with the exception of P. muralis, the Podarcis species distributed in the Balkan peninsula form a species group that is further sub-divided into two subgroups: the one of “P. tauricus” consisting of P. tauricus, P. milensis, P. gaigeae, and P. melisellensis, and the other of “P. erhardii” comprising P. erhardii, P. levendis, P. cretensis, and P. peloponnesiacus. In an attempt to explore the Balkan Podarcis phylogenomic relationships, assess the levels of genetic structure and to re-evaluate the number of extant species, we employed phylogenomic and admixture approaches on ddRADseq (double digested Restriction site Associated DNA sequencing) genomic data. With this efficient Next Generation Sequencing approach, we were able to obtain a large number of genomic loci randomly distributed throughout the genome and use them to resolve the previously obscure phylogenetic relationships among the different Podarcis species distributed in the Balkans. The obtained phylogenomic relationships support the monophyly of both aforementioned subgroups and revealed several divergent lineages within each subgroup, stressing the need for taxonomic re-evaluation of Podarcis’ species in Balkans. The phylogenomic trees and the species delimitation analyses confirmed all recently recognized species (P. levendis, P. cretensis, and P. ionicus) and showed the presence of at least two more species, one in P. erhardii and the other in P. peloponnesiacus.

×

The Balkan Peninsula constitutes a biodiversity hotspot with high levels of species richness and endemism. The complex geological history of the Balkans in conjunction with the climate evolution are hypothesized as the main drivers generating this biodiversity. We investigated the phylogeography, historical demography, and popula- tion structure of closely related wall-lizard species from the Balkan Peninsula and southeastern Europe to better understand diversification processes of species with limited dispersal ability, from Late Miocene to the Holocene. We used several analytical methods integrating genome-wide SNPs (ddRADseq), microsatellites, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA data, as well as species distribution modelling. Phylogenomic analysis resulted in a completely resolved species level phylogeny, population level analyses confirmed the existence of at least two cryptic evolutionary lineages and extensive within species genetic structuring. Divergence time estimations indicated that the Messinian Salinity Crisis played a key role in shaping patterns of species divergence, whereas in- traspecific genetic structuring was mainly driven by Pliocene tectonic events and Quaternary climatic oscillations. The present work highlights the effectiveness of utilizing multiple methods and data types coupled with extensive geographic sampling to uncover the evolutionary processes that shaped the species over space and time.

×

The monophyletic species subgroup of Podarcis tauricus is distributed in the western and southern parts of the Balkans, and includes four species with unresolved and unstudied inter- and intra-specific phylogenetic relationships. Using sequence data from two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes and applying several phylogenetic methods and species delimitation approaches to an extensive dataset, we have reconstructed the phylogeny of the Podarcis wall lizards in the Balkans, and re-investigated the taxonomic status of the P. tauricus species subgroup. Multilocus analyses revealed that the aforementioned subgroup consists of five major clades, with P. melisellensis as its most basal taxon. Monophyly of P. tauricus sensu stricto is not supported, with one of the subspecies (P. t. ionicus) displaying great genetic diversity (hidden diversity or cryptic species). It comprises five, geographically distinct, subclades with genetic distances on the species level. Species delimitation approaches revealed nine species within the P. tauricus species subgroup (P. melisellensis, P. gaigeae, P. milensis, and six in the P. tauricus complex), underlining the necessity of taxonomic re-evaluation. We thus synonymize some previously recognized subspecies in this subgroup, elevate P. t. tauricus and P. g. gaigeae to the species level and suggest a distinct Albanian-Greek clade, provisionally named as the P. ionicus species complex. The latter clade comprises five unconfirmed candidate species that call for comprehensive studies in the future.

×

The northernmost population of the Balkan wall lizards, Podarcis tauricus (Pallas, 1814) was recently discovered in the Czech Republic. We studied genetic variability in a mitochondrial marker cytochrome b to shed light on the origin of this remote population. We detected three unique haplotypes, close to those occurring in the populations of Podarcis tauricus from central/north Balkans and Hungary. Our data exclude the hypothesis of a single founder (a randomly or intentionally introduced pregnant female or her progeny) of the Czech population and indicate a native, autochthonous origin of the population or recent introduction/range expansion.

×

Sex chromosomes are believed to be stable in endotherms, but young and evolutionary unstable in most ectothermic vertebrates. Within lacertids, the widely radiated lizard group, sex chromosomes have been reported to vary in morphology and heterochroma- tinization, which may suggest turnovers during the evolution of the group. We compared the partial gene content of the Z-specific part of sex chromosomes across major lineages of lacertids and discovered a strong evolutionary stability of sex chromosomes. We can conclude that the common ancestor of lacertids, living around 70million years ago (Mya), already had the same highly differentiated sex chromosomes. Molecular data demonstrating an evolutionary conservation of sex chro- mosomes have also been documented for iguanas and caenophidian snakes. It seems that differences in the evolutionary conservation of sex chromosomes in vertebrates do not reflect the distinction between endotherms and ectotherms, but rather between amniotes and anamniotes, or generally, the differences in the life history of particular lineages.

×

The ability for effective, accurate and precise thermoregulation is of paramount importance for ectotherms. Sympatric lizards often partition their niche and select different microhabitats. These microhabitats, however, usually differ in their thermal conditions and lizards have to adapt their thermoregulation behavior accordingly. Here, we evaluated the impact of habitat partitioning on the thermal biology of three syntopic, congeneric lacertids (Podarcis peloponnesiacus, P. tauricus and P. muralis) from central Peloponnese, Greece. We assessed thermoregulation effectiveness (E) using the three standard thermal parameters: body (Tb), operative (Te) and preferred (Tpref) temperatures. We hypothesized that the microhabitats used by each species would differ in thermal quality. We also predicted that all species would effectively thermoregulate, as they inhabit a thermally challenging mountain habitat. As expected, the partition of the habitat had an effect on the thermoregulation of lizards since microhabitats had different thermal qualities. All three species were effective and accurate thermoregulators but one of them achieved smaller E values as a result of the lower Tb in the field. This discrepancy could be attributed to the cooler (but more benign) thermal microhabitats that this species occupies.

×

Underground hiding places are important shelters for many species. After surveying 427 burrows made by wolf spiders Geolycosa vultuosa in Carei Plain in north-western Romania, in 10 of them we identified individuals of Podarcis tauricus. Lizards use the lycosid burrows as retreat sites, but they seem to be limited to those already abandoned by spiders. Nevertheless, these might represent valuable alternative refuges from harsh environmental conditions or predators.

×

In der Dobrudscha von Rumänien und Bulgarien kommen zwei Arten von Mauereidechsen vor: Die Balkan-Mauereidechse (Podarcis muralis albanica) und die Taurische oder Krim-Eidechse (Podarcis taurica taurica). Nach einer Kurzbeschreibung werden Informationen zu Verbreitung, Ökologie, Gefährdung und Schutz dieser Arten mitgeteilt.

×

Die umfangreichen naturwissenschaftlichen, wirtschaftlichen und kulturellen Forschungen nördlich des Schwarzen Meeres und in Sibirien gegen Ende des 18. Jh. waren Effekt der russischen Expansion des Imperiums durch Zarin Katharina II. Die entsprechenden Publikationen sollten insbesondere die Neuerwerbungen festigen. Einer der Forscher in diesem Kontext war Johann Gottlieb Georgi (1729–1802). Seine Beschreibung der Taurischen Eidechse, damals Lacerta taurica, von der Halbinsel Krim im Werk Geographisch-physikalische und Naturhistorische Beschreibung des Rusischen Reiches gehörte zu den Ergebnissen der damaligen zoologischen Forschung. „Georgi, 1801“ muss als der „korrekte“ Autor von Lacerta taurica, heute Podarcis tauricus, mit der Terra typica „Balaklawa“ (südliche Krim-Halbinsel) angesehen werden. Die spätere Beschreibung und identische Benennung durch Peter Simon Pallas (1814) erfolgte vermutlich in Kenntnis von Georgis Beschreibung und bezieht sich auf dieselbe Art. Da nach den Nomenklaturregeln der Name des Autors nicht Bestandteil des Namens der Art ist, können auch die Regeln wie für ein „nomen oblitum“ nicht gelten. Lacerta taurica Georgi, 1801, wurde von Nikolsky (1915) als „nomen nudum“ bezeichnet, was vermutlich auf einem Versehen dieses Autors beruht. Der mehrfache kryptische Hinweis am Rande von Georgis Beschreibung auf einen „Habl.“ oder „Hablz.“ bezieht sich auf die Beschreibung einer „Lacerta agilis varietas“ vom selben Fundort (Balaklawa) durch Carl Ludwig Hablizl (1785: 195 bzw. 1789: 350). Dieser Hinweis bezieht sich allein auf die Herkunft der Information, begründet jedoch keine Autorschaft oder Mitautorschaft.

×

In recent years, great attention has been paid to many Podarcis species for which the observed intra-specific variability often revealed species complexes still characterized by an unresolved relationship. When compared to other species, P. siculus underwent fewer revisions and the number of species hidden within this taxon may have been, therefore, underestimated. However, recent studies based on genetic and morphological data highlighted a marked differentiation of the populations inhabiting the western Pontine Archipelago. In the present work we used published genetic data (three mitochondrial and three nuclear gene fragments) from 25 Podarcis species to provide a multilocus phylogeny of the genus in order to understand the degree of differentiation of the western Pontine populations. In addition, we analyzed new morphometric traits (scale counts) of 151 specimens from the main islands of the Pontine Archipelago. The phylogenetic analysis revealed five principal Podarcis groups with biogeographic consistency. The genetic distinctiveness of the Podarcis populations of the western Pontine Islands is similar or even more ancient than those observed in numerous other pairs of Podarcis sister species. In the light of these evidences we raise the western Pontine lizards to specific rank; thus they should be referred to as Podarcis latastei.

×

General morphology and size of erythrocytes of the some lacertid lizards, Lacerta trilineata, L. viridis, L. taurica and L. sicula (Lacertidae), living in Turkey was studied using Wright`s technique. The longest erythrocytes were found in L. sicula and the shortest ones in L. trilineata.

×

Pastrina Protected Area, a medium-sized Natura 2000 protected area in NW Bulgaria, was chosen as a model site for studying the species diversity of amphibians and reptiles in relation to habitat diversity. The analyses encompass field data for a five-year period. The territory of the survey was divided into a 1 x 1 km grid. The number of species and the number of habitats were recorded for each grid cell. For open and agricultural habitats data were taken from a map with physical blocks. For forested territories, the national forest database was used. The grid cells with missing data were filled in using CORINE Land Cover. A list of threats was prepared in order to estimate their impact. A strong correlation between habitat and species diversity was found: the latter was clearly determined by the presence of certain habitats known to maintain high species diversity. Habitats such as the thermophilous deciduous forests and their surrounding territories were the most important habitats, with higher species diversity and a higher percentage of species of conservation priority, e.g. Triturus cristatus, Bombina bombina, B. variegata and Testudo hermanni. These species were found from only 11.7% of the territory of the protected area, that makes those species vulnerable, with an uncertain future status.

×

Novel data on the distribution, habitats and population density of the Crimean (Balkan) wall lizard, Podarcis tauricus (Pallas, 1814) in the Odessa Province of the Ukraine are given. For the majority of the localities known from the literature data in the Pre-Danube Region, the current dwelling of the species was confirmed, and its population density over limited areas remains quite high, namely: from 5–10 to 70–100 specimens/1000 sq. m. The northernmost point of the P. tauricus geographical range in the Odessa Province was revealed on the territory of Tatarbunarsky district (N 45.7791, E 29.4843). At the same time, the Crimean wall lizard was not found by us in the area between the Dniester River and the Tiligulskyi Liman, although this species had been known there from few records during the 20th century. This allows one to assume that the P. tauricus range in the North-Western Black Sea Region has de- creased. The tendency of using some types of anthropogenic habitats in the Steppe zone of Ukraine by the Crimean wall lizard, as well as cases of its syntopy with other Lacertidae species, are discussed.

×

The list of recent taxonomic and nomenclatural changes concerning Romanian amphibian and reptile species is presented in the light of new phylogenetic results. The status and distribution of some subspecies which inhabit Romania is discussed. The goals of contemporary conservation are revised. Also a list of used Romanian material in recent phylogeny studies is provided.

×

Research on the taxonomy of European amphibians and reptiles has increased noticeably over the last few decades, indicating the need for recognition of new species and the cancellation of others. This paper provides a critical review of recent changes and draws up a tentative species list.

×

The last species list of the European herpetofauna was published by Speybroeck, Beukema and Crochet (2010). In the meantime, ongoing research led to numerous taxonomic changes, including the discovery of new species-level lineages as well as reclassifications at genus level, requiring significant changes to this list. As of 2019, a new Taxonomic Committee was established as an official entity within the European Herpetological Society, Societas Europaea Herpetologica (SEH). Twelve members from nine European countries reviewed, discussed and voted on recent taxonomic research on a case-by-case basis. Accepted changes led to critical compilation of a new species list, which is hereby presented and discussed. According to our list, 301 species (95 amphibians, 15 chelonians, including six species of sea turtles, and 191 squamates) occur within our expanded geographical definition of Europe. The list includes 14 non-native species (three amphibians, one chelonian, and ten squamates).

×

The naming of species and of all systematic entities of living things are dynamic con- cepts. Through scientific research, changes in the systematics and names of amphibi- ans and reptiles are constantly being pro- posed, much to the chagrin of many profes- sional and amateur herpetologists. Yet most changes are necessary if taxonomy and systematics are to reflect evolutionary his- tory and phylogeny, rather than letting user–friendliness and conservatism prevail. The European herpetofauna and its taxo- nomy have received increasing attention through molecular (e.g. DNA) studies. Once most animal groups have been studied in this way, stability may be established. In the following pages, a concise overview of changes in the taxonomy of European amphibians and reptiles is presented. We have restricted ourselves to the geographi- cal boundaries of Europe, albeit excluding former Soviet states. Thus, politically Euro- pean areas in Asia (e.g. Cyprus and Greek islands in front of the Aegean Turkish coast) and Africa (e.g. Canary Islands and Ma- deira) have not been included. For a time frame we have used the species and names as presented in the well–known European field guide by ARNOLD (2002), although numerous changes were proposed and published prior to 2002. We refer to the cited literature for more comprehensive explanations. Only species or higher level changes concerning European taxa are listed. Subspecific changes and intraspeci- fic variability are noted only when contra- dicting long–established monotypy of a species, or when subspecies are being rejected. Vernacular names are mostly adopted from ARNOLD (2002). Some exo- genous species that are well–established and are reproducing on European soil, are included and are listed separately. Species believed to have been introduced to Europe over 100 years ago and persisting until today, have been included in the list of endogenous species. Many other non– native species have, however, been en- countered in the wild in Europe. Final content changes were made on De- cember 1, 2007. This type of update and the proposed species list will most likely be outdated at its date of publication. Further updating by means of a consecutive series of similar papers seems desirable.

×

In den Jahren 2005 bis 2007 fanden im Becken von Feneos (Peloponnes, Griechenland) umfangreiche Untersuchungen zur Avifauna und Herpetofauna statt. Bei der erstmaligen Erfassung der Vogelwelt im Bergtal konnten 98 Vogelarten nachgewiesen werden, davon 81 Brutvögel, 14 Durchzügler und drei Nahrungsgäste. Für die Herpetofauna gelang der Nachweis von sieben Amphibien- und 26 Reptilienarten.

×

Although reptile fauna of FYR of Macedonia (FYROM) was the matter of interest since more than a century, detailed distributions of most of the species are still missing. According to published data, 32 reptile species inhabit FYROM. In this paper, detailed distribution data of reptile species in FYROM are presented. Research of herpetofauna of FYROM was conducted from 1999 until 2012 and included 393 localities. For 32 recorded reptile species, exact localities and altitudes, as well as published records are given. Analyses of the reptile diversity of the FYROM showed that the regions with the highest species diversity are: the Prespa and Ohrid Lake Region, Skopje region, Veles region and the Dojran Lake Region, with 18-21 reptile species per UTM 10 x 10 squares. These regions should be considered for the future designation of important herpetological areas at national level. Results of comparative analysis of reptile faunas from all Balkan countries showed that Macedonian fauna is the most similar with Albanian (92.537) and Bulgarian (90.909) reptile faunas. Zoogeographic analysis showed that reptile fauna of FYROM consists of eight chorotypes in total, the most dominant chorotype being the Eastern-Mediterranean with 13 species, followed by the Turano-Mediterranean with six and Southern-European with five species. Detailed distribution data of this study could be basis for future action plans, protection and conservation measures of reptiles in FYROM, and should be implemented in the national legislation and acts. In addition, this data are imperative for the Red Data Book of reptilians and designation of the Important Herpetological Areas in the country.

×

Nach einer kurzen Beschreibung der inneren Schwanzmorphologie der Eidechsen, mit besonderer Betonung der Autotomie-Fähigkeit und des normalen Regenerationsprozesses, wird der Ursprung der seltenen doppelten oder dreifachen Regenerate gezeigt. Innerhalb der europäischen Eidechsen fand der Autor gegabelte Schwänze bei 8 verschiedenen Arten (Lacerta agilis, L. viridis, L. bilineata, Podarcis muralis, P. taurica, P. tiliguerta, Psammodromus algirus und Zootoca vivipara), wobei die mittlere Häufigkeit des Phänomens bei 1 : 1400 Tieren lag.

×

During a field study in 1983-1984 in a 200 km 2 study area in the south of Evros province (Greece) the presence of 11 lizard species was established. For every species a distribution map within the area is supplied. In different parts of the area thc lizards formed different species combinations. Ophisops elegans appeared to vicariate in certain terrains with both Podarcis erhardii and P. taurica. By studying habitat selection and activity patterns of all species data on spatial and temporal niche segregation could be obtained. The activity patterns of all species were strongly influenced by exposition and altitude. In some species a strong altitude influence was also measured on growth and some other life history data. Some pairs of morphologically or ecologically related species are compared in more detail. Some species occurred in very high densities (Lacerta viridis up to 500, Ablepharus kitaibelii up to 1100 ind./ha). Tail loss frequencies of all species are given. For many birds of prey they formed an essential food source.

×

The present paper presents the results of a study focused on one of the most important herpetofaunal areas from Romania, the Macin Mountains. Twelve amphibian (Triturus dobrogicus, Lissotriton vulgaris, Bombina bombina, Pelobates fuscus, Pelobates syriacus balcanicus, Hyla arborea, Bufo viridis, Bufo bufo, Pelophylax lessonae, Pelophylax ridibundus, Pelophylax kl. esculentus, Rana dalmatina) and thirteen reptile (Emys orbicularis, Testudo graeca ibera, Ablepharus kitaibelli stepaneki, Podarcis tauricus, Lacerta viridis, Lacerta trilineata dobrogica, Natrix natrix, Natrix tessellata, Dolichophis caspius, Zamenis longissimus, Elaphe sauromates, Coronella austriaca, Vipera ammodytes montandoni) species or subspecies have been identified in the research area. Pelobates syriacus, Pelobates fuscus, Pelophylax lessonae and Pelophylax kl. esculentus have been recorded for the first time in the region. Precise distribution maps were made for all the identified species/subspecies and the local status and endangering factors of the species is discussed.

×

Elements of the herpetofauna are in the author`s opinion of great importance for the zoogeographical division of the Palaearctic region. It is suggested that this region be divided into the following four subregions: 1/ arctic, 2/ boreal Euro-Siberian, 3/ bo- real Himalayan-Manchurian and 4/ Mediterranean-Central-Asiatic.

×

The spatial distribution, daily activity and some aspects of breeding of Podarcis taurica in the conditions of the Big Crimean Canyon are considered. The biggest eggs of an elongated shape are characteristic of four-egg layings; they are apparently laid by females of an optimal reproductive age.

×

Kosovo and Metohija have already been recognized as regions with the highest diversity of reptiles in Serbia, where 92% (22 of 24) of existing reptile species can be found (Tomović et al., 2015a). First comprehensive contribution to herpetofauna of Kosovo and Metohija was provided by late Professor Gojko Pasuljević. In this study we present a complete dataset of distribution records for 13 most common reptile species in Kosovo and Metohija, including published and new distribution data compiled, and provide standardized 10 x 10 km UTM maps for these data. Results of this study include 1013 distribution records (278 new and 735 published data) for the following reptiles: Testudo hermanni, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Anguis fragilis, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta viridis, Podarcis muralis, Podarcis tauricus, Coronella austriaca, Dolichophis caspius, Natrix natrix, Natrix tessellata, Zamenis longissimus and Vipera ammodytes. The most widely distributed species, which occupy more than 50 UTM 10 x 10 km squares are: Podarcis muralis and Vipera ammodytes. Species with limited distribution which occupy less than 20 UTM 10 x 10 km are: Dolichophis caspius and Lacerta agilis. The largest numbers of new or confirmed literature data are recorded for: Anguis fragilis, Testudo hermanni and Vipera ammodytes. Having in mind that after 50 years, this is the first comprehensive study of the distribution of reptiles in Kosovo and Metohija exclusively, the presented faunistic data are far from being complete. Further systematic studies should provide a more complete insight into the distribution of herpetofauna of this province of Serbia.

×

This study presents distribution maps of the amphibians and reptiles in the Province of Çanakkale (Marmara Region, Turkey), based on information from field studies conducted at intervals between 2002 and 2013, and the existing literature records. The herpetological inventory comprises 43 species, nine amphibians (three urodelans and six anurans) and 34 reptiles (five turtles, 14 lizards and 15 snakes). The species belong to 15 chorotypes according to the classification by vIGnA TAGlIAnTI et al. (1999). Podarcis siculus (RAFIneSque-SChMAlTZ, 1810) and Elaphe sauromates (PAllAS, 1811) represent first records from the Peninsulas of Biga and Gelibolu. environmental factors that constitute threats to the herpetological species in the Province of Çanakkale are briefly addressed.

×

In this paper we present confirmed and potential distribution ranges of all native Serbian reptile species. The information provided herein presents the combination of the newly collected faunistic data and previously published records. The centres of reptilian diversity in Serbia were evaluated, in order to focus future conservation efforts on the regions of particular importance for the protection of this understudied group of animals. We found four main centres of species richness: three in Metohija and one in Šumadija, with 17–21 species per 50 × 50 km square. Analysis of the similarity of species composition in different regions of Serbia showed that South-eastern Serbia is the most distinct from other regions of Serbia, due to high number of Mediterranean species, with two being found exclusively in that region (E. quatuorlineata and P. najadum). Metohija is also very distinct, due to the highest number of species and significant number of specific (Mediterranean) faunal elements. The remaining geographic regions are grouped into three clusters, with Kosovo-Southern Serbia cluster being especially distinct in the terms of species richness and the presence of Mediterranean species. We also compared Serbian herpetofauna with those in other Balkan countries, considering species’ numbers and zoogeographic herpetofaunistic elements. Serbian herpetofauna is closest to the Romanian. Zoogeographic analysis showed that reptilian fauna of Serbia consists of eight chorotypes, with the Eastern-Mediterranean (nine species) and Southern-European (five species) as the most dominant ones.

×

We present the updated distribution of batracho- and herpetofauna in southern and south-eastern Serbia, based on literature and new field records for 16 amphibian and 22 reptile species. In these two biogeographic regions, already recognized as biodiversity hotspots, we discovered two new amphibian species with limited distribution: Hyla orientalis and Pelobates balcanicus. Also, one species (Triturus ivanbureshi) has restricted distribution, while one (Bombina bombina) is rare. Four reptile species have limited distributions and six are rare in these regions. The presence of hybrid zones and the influence of the Mediterranean climate make southern and south-eastern Serbia areas of great importance and the target for future ecological and conservation studies in Serbia.

×

The present paper shows details on the structure of the GIS-based data-base created in order to carry out accurate analyzes of the spatial distribution on national level of the species belonging to the Lacertidae family. The results of the data processing shows that there are 1015 records (on a total number of 613 local administrative territories) of Sand Lizards (Lacerta agilis), 775 records (on a total number of 446 local administrative territories) of Green Lizards (L. viridis), 65 records (on a total number of 30 local administrative territories) of Balkan Green Lizards (L. trilineata), 66 records (on a total number of 38 local administrative territories) of Meadow Lizards (L. praticola), 440 records (on a total number of 226 local administrative territories) of Viviparous Lizards (L. vivipara), 328 records (on a total number of 202 local administrative territories) of Wall Lizards (Podarcis muralis), 288 records (on a total number of 126 local administrative territories) of Balkan Wall Lizards (P. taurica) and 34 records (on a total number of 12 local administrative territories) of Steppe Runners (Eremias arguta) made in Romania up to the year 2007.

×

Parameters influencing the habitat use of four collared lizard species, live-born lizard (Zootoca vivipara), brisk lizard (Lacerta agilis), green lizard (Lacerta viridis) and sand lizard (Podarcis taurica) were investigated. The species (and age) and the species. I searched for the relationships between the time of day, the season and different habitat parameters (habitat moisture, distance from bush, sedge presence, open habitat location, habitat category). According to my results, the presence of the live-born lizard is positively correlated with the presence of the sedge and is most closely related to the wet spots. The sand lizard is the least associated with wet spots, with the vast majority of its observations occurring in open sand grasslands. Unlike this, the agile or lame. the Green Lizard proved to be a generalist, their perception data distributed more evenly across habitat patches. Depending on the age group, juveniles were higher (drier spots) in all species. According to the distance from the bush, the sightings of the sand lizard were significantly different from those of the other three species, in that they were located much longer (~ 25m) from the bushes. The average distance of lizards from the bush increased throughout the year, and at daybreak the alert and lively lizard sighted closer to the bush in the morning and the green and sand lizards in the afternoon. Depending on the age group and distance from the bush, I found that, except for the sand lizard, the juveniles were closer to the bushes. Overall, juvenile lizards showed a more chaotic image than adults.

×

Benny Trapp, Fotograf, Griechenlandkenner und Leiter des Schutzprojektes `Afrikanisches Chamäleon` auf dem Peloponnes, stellt in diesem Buch alle 62 Reptilien- und Amphibienarten des griechischen Festlandes in faszinierenden Bildern vor. Die Informationen zu Beschreibung, Verbreitung, Lebensraum, Fortpflanzung und Verhalten jeder Art werden durch praktische Tipps zu Beobachtungsmöglichkeiten der oftmals scheuen und heimlich lebenden Tiere ergänzt. Neben Informationen über Land und Leute sowie Naturschutz in Griechenland erfährt man Nützliches über Giftschlangen und zur Naturfotografie. Mit seinen bestechenden, zahlreichen Fotos sicherlich eines der prächtigsten Bücher über europäische Amphibien und Reptilien.

×

We are present a brief review of the herpetofauna of the northeastern part of the Black sea coast. A total twenty seven species was recorded. Of which two newt species (Lissotriton vulgaris, Triturus karelinii), nine species of tailless amphibians (Bombina bombina, Pelobates fuscus, P. syriacus, Bufo bufo, Epidalea viridis, Hyla arborea, Rana dalmatina, Pelophylax ridibundus, P. esculentus), ten species of lizards (Mediodactylus kotschyi, Angius fragilis, Pseudopus apodus, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Lacerta agilis, L. trilineata, L. viridis, Podarcis muralis, P. tauricus) and seven species of snakes (Natrix natrix, N. tessellata, Dolichophis caspius, Elaphe sauromates, Zamenis longissimus, Coronella austriaca, Vipera ammodytes). Their conservation status was stated and their presence in the protected areas in the study area was analyzed. A map of the herpetologically important areas was draw.

×

In this paper, the updated checklist of Serbian amphibians and reptiles is presented. The updated checklist of Serbian amphibians and reptiles was compiled from the literature on distribution, taxonomy and phylogeny. The checklist contains 48 autochthonous and two introduced species. Five species underwent taxonomic revisions (Triturus ivanbureschi, T. macedonicus, Pelobates balcanicus, Bufotes viridis and Mediodactylus kotschyi). Two species were added after recent taxonomic splits of species’ complexes (Hyla orientalis and Anguis colchica). Presence of new (Lacerta trilineata) and introduced species (Hemidactylus turcicus) was confirmed during recent fieldwork. There are at least eight more species that can potentially be present in Serbia. The national protection legislative should be updated according to the current checklist.

×

We explored the ontogenetic dynamics of the morphological and allometric disparity in the cranium shapes of twelve lacertid lizard species. The analysed species (Darevskia praticola, Dinarolacerta mosorensis, Iberolacerta horvathi, Lacerta agilis, L. trilineata, L. viridis, Podarcis erhardii, P. melisellensis, P. muralis, P. sicula, P. taurica and Zootoca vivipara) can be classified into different ecomorphs: terrestrial lizards that inhabit vegetated habitats (habitats with lush or sparse vegetation), saxicolous and shrub-climbing lizards. We observed that there was an overall increase in the morphological disparity (MD) during the ontogeny of the lacertid lizards. The ventral cranium, which is involved in the mechanics of jaw movement and feeding, showed higher levels of MD, an ontogenetic shift in the morphospace planes and more variable allometric patterns than more conserved dorsal crania. With respect to ecology, the allometric trajectories of the shrub-climbing species tended to cluster together, whereas the allometric trajectories of the saxicolous species were highly dispersed. Our results indicate that the ontogenetic patterns of morphological and allometric disparity in the lacertid lizards are modified by ecology and functional constraints and that the identical mechanisms that lead to intraspecific morphological variation also produce morphological divergence at higher taxonomic levels.

×

We used Procrustes-based geometric morphometrics to explore morphological variability in dorsal and ventral cranium shape of twelve lacertid lizard species from the Balkan Peninsula (), at the juvenile (neonatal) and at the adult stage (females and males separately). These species differed in phylogenetic relatedness, overall size and habitat preference (terrestrial in overgrown habitats, terrestrial in sparsely vegetated habitats, saxicolous and semiarboreal). General pattern of shape variation appeared to be preserved throughout ontogeny, especially for the dorsal cranium - adult female and male morphospaces corresponded to the neonate morphospace. The inspection of morphospaces showed that the general pattern of shape variability was along the gradient from the smaller to the species with larger body size. Along this gradient, species clustered according to habitat preference. The main difference between neonates and adults was the position of semiarboreal species, which completely separated from the rest of the species at the adult stage. The overall morphological disparity (MD) increased during the course of ontogeny (from neonates to adult females and males). Ventral cranium, with its structures involved in mechanics of jaw movement and feeding, showed greater increase in MD, as well as the shift in the morphospace hyperplanes. On the generic level, Lacerta spp. showed significantly higher MD than Podarcis spp. In contrast to other ecological groups (terrestrial and semiarboreal) saxicolous lizards showed a tendency of decreasing shape disparity during ontogeny. The species from saxicolous group were phylogenetically heterogeneous but morphologically convergent due to the specific habitat constraints, and their distinctive MD pattern could be achieved by different allometric paths. The patterns of shape variation and MD were modified by ecology, functional constraints and different ontogenetic trajectories. Further studies on the ecomorphology, allometric diversity and morphological integration, as well as the reassessment of the problematic lacertid phylogeny are needed in order to shed more light on the complex relationships among morphology, ecology and phylogeny in lacertid lizards.

×

Different factors and processes that produce phenotypic variation at the individual, population, or interspecific level can influence or alter the covariance structure among morphological traits. Therefore, studies of the patterns of integration and modularity at multiple levels—static, ontogenetic, and evolutionary, can provide invaluable data on underlying factors and processes that structured morphological variation, directed, or constrained evolutionary changes. Our dataset, consisting of cranium shape data for 14 lizard species from the family Lacertidae, with substantial samples of hatchlings and adults along with their inferred evolutionary relationships, enabled us to assess modularity and morphological integration at all three levels. Five, not mutually exclusive modularity hypotheses of lizard cranium, were tested, and the effects of allometry on intensity and the pattern of integration and modularity were estimated. We used geometric morphometrics to extract symmetric and asymmetric, as well as allometric and nonallometric, components of shape variation. At the static level, firm confirmation of cranial modularity was found for hypotheses which separate anterior and posterior functional compartments of the skull. At the ontogenetic level, two alternative hypotheses (the “anteroposterior” and “neurodermatocranial” hypotheses) of ventral cranial modularity were confirmed. At the evolutionary level, the “neurodermatocranial” hypothesis was confirmed for the ventral cranium, which is in accordance with the pattern observed at the ontogenetic level. The observed pattern of static modularity could be driven by functional demands and can be regarded as adaptive. Ontogenetic modularity and evolutionary modularity show the same developmental origin, indicating conservatism of modularity patterns driven by developmental constraints.

×

In this study, we present updated distributional data for all Serbian lacertids, having taken into account the available previously published information, and the so far unpublished authors’ field records and evidence from other sources. According to our current knowledge, eight lacertid species inhabit Serbia. Analysis of lacertid diversity within the country showed that biogeographic regions with highest species diversity are Metohija (eight species) and Kosovo (seven species). Regions in Serbia are mutually similar concerning lacertid faunas (average Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index is 0.82). Comparative analysis of lacertid faunas among all Balkan countries showed that Serbian lacertid fauna is the most similar to those of Albania and the FYR of Macedonia, and then to faunas of Romania and Bulgaria. Zoogeographic analysis showed that Serbian lacertids belong to three distinct chorotypes, with the East-Mediterranean being the richest (four species). Generally, diversity of lacertids in Serbia is most strongly determined by topographic diversity, habitat heterogeneity, and climatic peculiarities, with the inflow of the sub-Mediterranean climate along several river valleys in the south being especially important. This paper is intended to serve as a basis for further research, since data on distribution of lacertid species in Serbia are far from complete, with large distributional gaps of recorded species and with unconfirmed presence of two species.

×

We used geometric morphometrics to explore the influence of phylogenetic and allometric constraints as well as ecology on variation in cranium shape in five species of monophyletic, morphologically similar Podarcis lizards (Podarcis erhardii, Podarcis melisellensis, Podarcis muralis, Podarcis sicula and Podarcis taurica). These species belong to different clades, they differ in their habitat preferences and can be classified into two distinct morphotypes: saxicolous and terrestrial. We found (i) no phylogenetic signal in cranium shape, (ii) diverging allometric slopes among species, and (iii) a significant effect of habitat on cranium shape. The saxicolous species (P. erhardii and P. muralis) had crania with elongated parietals, elongated cranium bases, shortened anterior parts of the dorsal cranium, reduced chambers of the jaw adductor muscles and larger subocular foramina. These cranial features are adaptations that compensate for a flattened cranium, dwelling on vertical surfaces and seeking refuge in crevices. The crania of the terrestrial species (P. melisellensis, P. sicula and P. taurica) tended to be more elongate and robust, with enlarged chambers of the jaw adductor muscle, reduced skull bases and shortened parietals. Terrestrial species exhibited more variation in cranium shape than saxicolous species. Our study suggests that shape variation in Podarcis sp. lizards is largely influenced by ecology, which likely affects species-specific patterns of static allometry.

×

The Balkan wall lizard (Podarcis tauricus) is a small-sized ground-dwelling species distributed in southeastern Europe and northwestern Anatolia. Although some insights into its diet and food preferences were published, there is still a lack of knowledge of its feeding ecology in parts of its range, especially in Bulgaria. Our results showed that the trophic spectrum of P. tauricus in NW Bulgaria consists of insects and arachnids. At a lower taxonomic level, two orders - Hymenoptera (incl. Formicidae) (24.63%) and Heteroptera (23.19%) have almost equal participation and together represent nearly 50% of the diet, while among other groups, only Orthoptera (13.04%) and Araneae (11.59%) have a significant presence.

×

The spatial niches and habitat preferences of six sympatric lizard species were studied in two model ter-ritories in western Bulgaria. The highest level of species diversity (based on two indices, Simpson and Shannon) was reported in the ecotone between oak forests and meadows. The spatial niche breadth was wider in the wall lizard Podarcis muralis and the eastern green lizard Lacerta viridis, while other species showed more restricted preferences to a particular habitat type. To our knowledge, this is the first purpose-ful research on the habitat preferences of lizard species of the Balkans, based on quantitative data. The results in the present work could be used in further and more detailed analyses.

×

Most recent molecular studies revealed the phylogeny of Greek Podarcis species, which for years remained elusive, due to discordant data produced from various chromosomal, complement fixation and protein studies. In this report, we analyzed cellular immune responses of spleen- derived lymphocytes from six allopatric Podarcis species encountered in Greece, by assessing two-way mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR)- induced proliferation. On the basis of stimulation indices (S.I.) as determined from cultures set up from xenogeneic splenocytes coincubated in pairs, we generated a phylogenetic tree, fully consistent with the phylogenetic relationships of Podarcis as determined by parallel analyses based on partial mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequences. Although the exact mechanisms triggering lymphocyte responses in lizard two-way xenogeneic MLR are not fully understood, our results show the potential use of cell-mediated immune responses as an additional approach to mtDNA analysis, for species delimitation within specific lizard taxa.

×

The unknown herpetofauna of the Strofadhes Islands is presented and discussed. Its composition places Strofadhes Islands into the same biogeographical subunit as Peloponnesos and Zakynthos Island. The preferred habitats, densities, activities and thermal requirements for the most abundant species are given. The occurrence of gigantism in male individuals of Podarcis taurica in the smaller island (Arpya) is discussed.

×

The aim of this study was to determine if divergence in habitat use among lacertid lizards is paralleled by morphological differentiation. For 35 lacertid species, we measured body, head and limb dimensions. Habitat use was inferred from the literature: ground-dwelling on open terrain, ground-dwelling in vegetated areas, shrub-climbing, tree-climbing, saxicolous (i.e. rock-climbing). Traditional (i.e. non-phylogenetic) statistical analyses suggest morphological differences among species groups with different habitat use. Ground-dwelling species from open habitats tend to have longer femurs, tibiae and humeri (relative to body length) than other groups. Cursorial (i.e. level-running) species have relatively high heads and trunks compared to climbing species. These differences follow biomechanical predictions and it is tempting to consider tham as adaptations to habitat use. However, phylogenetic analyses of the data fail to establish a clear relationship between habitat use and morphology in the data set considered. There is a weak indication that the differences in head and trunk height have evolved as an adaptation to different habitat use, but the differences in relative limb dimensions among species groups with different habitat use vanish. Either adaptation of limb dimensions to habitat use has not occurred in lacertid lizards, or our methods are unable to demonstrate such an adaptation. We show that uncertainties in the topology of the phylogenetic tree used are unlikely to influence the outcome of our study. We also address the fact that habitat use is often similar in different branches of the phylogenetic tree, and the consequences this may have for the power of our statistical analyses.

×

In June 1981 the authors visited Rumania. During that period they observed several species of amphibians and reptiles in Carpathian Mountains, Danube Delta and Dobrogea. Notes are given on distribution and habitat of the species, mentioned in the list above. In addition, remarks are made about problems concerning the determination of some species.

×

The paper deals with the study of the comparative osteological collection of extant amphibians and reptiles deposited in the Department of Palaeontology of the National Museum of Natural History, NAS of Ukraine. The collection has been recently catalogued and here is described for the first time. It consists of 407 storage units represented by complete or fragmented dry skeletons, skulls, and isolated bones belonging to 104 species of 65 genera, 23 families, and five orders (Caudata, Anura, Crocodilia, Testudines, Squamata). The collection also includes bones of 12 species currently listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine: Salamandra salanandra, Lissotriton montandonti, Bombina (bombina) variegata, Rana dalmatina, Pseudopus apodus, Mediodactylus kotschyi, Lacerta viridis, Coronella austriaca, Elaphe dione, Zamenis situla, Zamenis longissimus, and Vipera renardi. Collection materials were collected at different times (from the last third of the 19th century until the present day) in 16 countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. In terms of further enrichment, the collection can be used in batrachological and herpetological studies, and will be of interest for palaeontologists, archaeozoologists, and morphologists who work with osteological materials.

×

Knowledge on the spatial distribution of taxa is crucial for the decision-making processes in conservation and management of biodiversity that rely on precise distribution data. We present an annotated list for a total of 37 amphibian (20 caudatans and 17 anurans) and 141 reptile species (11 chelonians, 70 lizards, 3 amphisbaenians and 57 snakes) in Turkey, using both available scientific literature up to December 2020 and our own fieldwork data from 1987 to 2020. We provide a comprehensive listing of taxonomy, names, distribution and conservation status of Turkish amphibians and reptiles. The herpetofauna list will be particularly useful for establishing national conservation priorities as well as for placing Turkish fauna into phylogenetic and biogeographic contexts. We compiled information published in books, journals and various web sources and added our personal data. We projected the data in the WGS84 coordinate system and created an overlay grid with cells of 50x50 km2. The database comprises more than 500 grid cells and 11,913 records. As a result, the distribution of Turkish amphibians and reptiles has been extensively mapped with geographical information systems and a database has been created. The obtained data will be useful in planning future studies on taxonomy, ecology and conservation of Turkish amphibians and reptiles.

×

In this paper we present distributional data for reptiles from different localities in the Western Balkans. During an 11 year period (2002-2012) we collected new data in the frame of spring student research camps organized by the Biology Students’ Society (DŠB). Surveys were conducted by members of the herpetological groups that were mostly biology students. Surveys were located on five islands Dugi otok, Brač, Korčula, Mljet, and Pag, one peninsula Pelješac (Croatia), in the continental area around Kamenovo and Lake Skadar (Montenegro), Dojran Lake (Macedonia), at lower Neretva Delta (Croatia) and around Niš (Serbia). Altogether 34 different reptile species were recorded in the surveys. The species lists comprised of 7-22 different species per single locality. The highest reptile biodiversity was recorded around Dojran Lake in Macedonia.

×

Agricultural land abandonment is recognized as one of the main environmental drivers in Southern Europe, affecting ecological communities. Lizards, as ectothermic species with low dispersal capacity, are particularly prone to the threats associated with land use changes. We investigated the effect of land abandonment on lizards in a remote mountainous area in Greece, using line transect sampling, in 20 randomly selected sites [1 km × 1 km], along a four grade abandonment gradient in terms of forest encroachment. We recorded four species: Algyroides nigropunctatus, Lacerta viridis/ trilineata, Podarcis tauricus and Podarcis muralis, the latter being the most abundant. Our results did not provide evidence for a significant effect of forest encroachment or grazing on lizard diversity, given the dominance of P. muralis, the availability of all microhabitat types along the gradient and the low grazing intensity in the study area. Environmental parameters at the macrohabitat scale did not prove determinant for habitat variance, but microhabitat analysis showed a clear preference of P. muralis to bare ground. Despite the non-significant effects of land abandonment on lizard diversity, the dominance of P. muralis tends to indicate a lizard community shift towards species inhabiting forested habitats. The preservation of open microhabitats, such as bare land, is considered of great importance for promoting high levels of lizard diversity, as their loss would affect even species currently widespread in forested ecosystems. Low intensity grazing, as well as the enhancement of wild ungulate populations in abandoned areas, can contribute to halting forest encroachment and maintaining the required habitat heterogeneity.

×

Die Eidechsen Bulgariens und deren Lebensräume werden in Text und Bild vorgestellt. Die Autoren konnten auf mehreren Reisen neun der insgesamt zehn vorkommenden Lacertiden-Arten finden.