Search

Scale surface microstructure of reptiles are multifarious. There are macro- and micro-structural features such as sharp spines, leaf-like microornamentation and pores. However, the argument on whether they indicate taxonomic relationship or convergent evolution is still open as well as their effect on wettability or dirt shedding. Here we show a comparison of scale microstructure in closely related Natrix natrix and Natrix tessellata which differ in ecological niches. We found marginal denticulations on the distal boundary of the Oberhautchen cells and two types of micropores; Type I covers the surface of Oberhautchen cells and Type II covers the epidermal folds of hinge regions. Type I micropores are longitudinal grooves on dorsal scale surface while they are rounded on the surface of the gastrosteges. Type II are similar both inter and intra-specifically. Our results are in line with previous studies that indicated an inverse ratio between pore number and wettability. We found no qualitative significance in terms of microstructural features. Our findings support the hypothesis saying that microornamentation is indicator of phylogenetic relations. Yet, only a few models of scale surface microstructure which are shaped by the environmental conditions could have been generalized which indicates that Oberhautchen cells as simple elementary morphological structures are highly plastic and species-specific studies can be considered as special cases. Apart from contribution to an old nature-nurture controversy, we anticipate our assay to be a comparative perspective of the multifunctional integument of widely distributed Natrix sp., TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) [116Z359], This study was partially financially supported by TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, Project number: 116Z359).

Revealing biodiversity allows the accurate determination of the underlying causes of many biological processes such as speciation and hybridization. These processes contain many complex patterns, especially in areas with high species diversity. As two of the prominent zoogeographic areas, Anatolia and Caucasus are also home to the genus Darevskia, which has a complex morphological structure and parthenogenetic speciation. Darevskia valentini and D. rudis are two largely distributed taxa of this genus, both of which have a controversial taxonomic delimitation. Here we performed both a highly detailed morphological comparison and a molecular evaluation for the populations in both species groups. The most comprehensive taxonomic revision of this complex was carried out to determine the cases where the data obtained were compatible or not with each approach. As a result of the obtained outputs, it seems that D. spitzenbergerae stat. nov., D. mirabilis stat. nov. and D. obscura stat. nov. should be accepted as the species level, this later with subspecies D. o. bischoffi comb. nov. and D. o. macromaculata comb. nov.. Also, we propose two new taxa: D. josefschmidtleri sp. nov. and D. spitzenbergerae wernermayeri ssp. nov.. It has also been shown that “lantzicyreni” subspecies belong to D. rudis instead of D. valentini. The extensive revision has contributed to subsequent studies to more accurately understand the past histories of species in the genus Darevskia.

The decrease in erythrocyte size of animals live at high altitudes yields an evolutionary advantage to survive byproviding adaptation to colder temperatures and low partial oxygen pressures. We examined the effect of geographicalchanges on the erythrocyte morphology of two terrapins, Emys orbicularis and Mauremys rivulata, and analyzed whether sucherythrocyte characteristics as size and volume changed at high altitudes and different temperatures. We found out that theerythrocyte characteristics varied both within and between the populations. They varied depending on altitude for E.orbicularis and on temperature for M. rivulata. However, the erythrocyte characteristics were not correlated with theenvironmental parameters, except between sunshine duration and erythrocyte length, size, and nucleus volume for E.orbicularis.

Taxonomy of the lacertid genus Darevskia has been complex since the first morphology-based studies. Darevskia valentini, mostly distributed in Turkey, currently includes three subspecies, but its interspecific and intraspecific taxonomic status has so far been shaped only by morphological evaluations, without molecular phylogenetic assessments. In this study, samples from the entire distribution of this species and its closest relatives were evaluated with molecular phylogenetic analyses of a multi-marker dataset, comprised of maternally-inherited mitochondrial and biparentally-inherited nuclear markers. We discovered two previously unrecognized genetically highly divergent lineages. The distinction of these two lineages is supported by gene trees, haplotype networks, divergence time estimation and species-delimitation analyses. We discuss possible taxonomic resolutions given that the phylogenies do not seem to agree with currently accepted taxonomy. Our results advance the knowledge of the ancestry of parthenogenesis as a result of past hybridization events between parental species pairs, because the paternal origin of some parthenogenetic species lies within the new lineages discovered here., Scientific Research Project Coordination Unit, Dokuz Eylul University, Turkey [2017.KB.FEN.039, 2015.KB.FEN.037], This study was supported by The Scientific Research Project Coordination Unit, Dokuz Eylul University, Turkey with project number 2017.KB.FEN.039. In addition, this study also forms part of a project (Project No. 2015.KB.FEN.037) supported by The Scientific Research Project Coordination Unit, Dokuz Eylul University, Turkey.

Revealing the genetic basis of the existence of different species living together in different geographic regions provides clarification of this phylogeographic differentiation. In this study, we investigated the population genetics and evaluated the level of genetic variation of inland and coastal populations of Mauremys and Emys in Turkey. Tissue samples of 196 terrapins were studied which were collected from syntopic coastal (Golbent-Soke/Aydin; M. rivulata and E. orbicularis) and inland populations (Bahcesaray/Aksaray; M. caspica and E. orbicularis). DNA was isolated using the InnuPREP DNA Mini Kit. Mitochondrial DNA sequences and allelic variation at 13 microsatellite loci for Mauremys and 12 microsatellite loci for Emys were examined. Three haplotypes were found for Emys orbicularis (Im, Ip and Iw) collected from the coastal region and two haplotypes for Emys orbicularis (Ig and Im) collected from inland. Two haplotypes were identified for M. caspica (Cmt8 and Cmt9) and three haplotypes were identified for M. rivulata (Rmt3, Rmt24 and Rmt26). Using microsatellites and the software STRUCTURE the most probable value for K was revealed as two 2 for both species. The FST value between M. rivulata and M. caspica was 0.39, and between the coastal and inland populations of E. orbicularis 0.09. It can be concluded that Emys populations tend to evolve by somehow preserving the allelic richness they have and Mauremys populations continue to differentiate so that new species emerge in the evolutionary process to reach the ideal allelic structure.

Eiselt's pond turtle (Emys orbicularis eiselti) was described in 1998, based on only 4 museum specimens collected in the 1960s and 1970s. Its distribution range has been massively reduced by large-scale drainage measures and only little suitable habitat remains near the Turkish-Syrian border. During 20-yr-long fieldwork we could locate only 18 individuals of this subspecies. We estimate the number of surviving Eiselt's pond turtles to be less than 100 mature individuals in the wild. The distribution range (area of occupancy) in the Amik Maras Rift Valley shrank from originally 11,612 km(2) to only 206 km(2) at present (approx. 2%), qualifying E. o. eiselti as a Critically Endangered taxon. Without immediate conservation measures and the strict protection of the remaining habitat, the subspecies will soon be extinct., Chelonian Research Institute; Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey TUBITAK [103T189, 110T927]; Ege University Coordination Office for Scientific Research Projects [2000/FEN/039], The authors thank Peter Pritchard, who enabled financial support from the Chelonian Research Institute for fieldwork in 1999. The authors also thank the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey TUBITAK (project no. 103T189, 110T927) and the Ege University Coordination Office for Scientific Research Projects (2000/FEN/039) for financial support within different projects related to the search for turtles. Fieldwork and sampling were permitted by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (permit no. 2010/6732). All animal handling was in accordance with accepted wildlife husbandry standards as approved by Decision #2010/13 of the Laboratory Animals Ethical Committee at Ege University, Turkey.

1. The Euphrates softshell turtle (Rafetus euphraticus) is the most threatened chelonian species in the Middle East, where it is endemic to the Tigris and Euphrates basins. Since the ecology of this species is little known, it is difficult to plan any reliable action for its correct management and conservation. 2. To enhance the scientific knowledge on R. euphraticus, and to establish a science-based management strategy, a detailed investigation was undertaken on the distribution, habitat, activity and home range of R. euphraticus in Turkey. The previous distribution records in Turkey are for the 1990s; thus, this study is the first comprehensive field research on the species after nearly 3 decades. 3. There was a significant sexual size dimorphism in the Turkish population, with males larger than females. 4. Four individuals were radiotracked for 1 year. The mean home range was highly variable depending on how it was calculated, but that of males was considerably greater than that of females by all methods used. 5. A quantitative evaluation was made of habitat change with time. The land cover classes potentially available to turtles in the Euphrates River basin increased by more than 100% between the 1990s and 2018: 92% of this enhancement was derived from water bodies and coastal lands. 6. Fifteen dams have been built in the lower part of the basins in the last 30 years. In addition, continuing human interactions have caused the fragmentation or destruction of suitable habitats for R. euphraticus. 7. The factors threatening R. euphraticus were assessed and a conservation action plan was developed. Some objectives such as monitoring and creating awareness of this action plan have been met while others are still waiting to be achieved., Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks of Turkey

Borçka-Karagöl Tabiat Parkı ve çevresinde yayılış gösteren kurbağa türleri ve dağılışları, 2003-2006 yıllarıile 2015-2017 yıllarında yapılan arazi çalışmalarıyla belirlenmiştir. Karagöl Tabiat Parkı ve çevresinde 5 kuyruksuz[Rana macrocnemis, Pelophylax ridibundus, Hyla orientalis, Pelodytes caucasicus ve Bufo verrucosissimus] veiki kuyruklu kurbağa [Mertensiella caucasica ve Ommatotriton ophryticus] türü olmak üzere toplam yedi amfibitürünün yaşadığı tespit edilmiştir. Karögöl’de, 1465 metre yükseklikte Rana macrocnemis, Pelophylax ridibundus,Hyla orientalis, Pelodytes caucasicus, Bufo verrucosissimus, Mertensiella caucasica ve Ommatotriton ophryticustürlerinin sintopik olarak yaşadığı belirlenmiştir. 1465-1750 m arasında söz konusu türlerden Rana macrocnemis,Pelophylax ridibundus, Hyla orientalis, Pelodytes caucasicus, Bufo verrucosissimus ve Ommatotriton ophryticusbirlikte yaşamaktadır. 1750 – 2200 m arasında ise Rana macrocnemis ve Mertensiella caucasica türleri birlikteyaşamaktadır. Karagöl’de Pelophylax ridibundus baskın tür olarak göze çarpmaktayken, Orman içi ve subalpinbölgede Rana macrocnemis baskın tür olarak gözlenmiştir.

A new Ottoman viper subspecies, M. xanthina varoli n. subsp., is described from the higher altitudes of Gundogmus (Antalya). The new subspecies differs from the other M. xanthina populations by pholidosis; higher number of intercanthals and lower number of subcaudalia. Also, the whiteness between windings or spots on dorsum pattern were observed in new subspecies, similar to the southern populations. Furthermore, the spots on the ventrals became denser in the mid-body and forms darker colorization at the end of body of the males and the tail tips are yellowish-orange or light orange on both sexes. © 2020, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecology., The data contained in this study were reached within the scope of a project entitled “The Task of Inventory and Monitoring of the Biological Diversity of the Terrestrial and Inland Water Ecosystems in Antalya Province”, funded by the 6th Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs. We would like to thank the establishment concerned and Turunç Peyzaj Inc. Co. for the support to the study. While deciding the description of new subspecies, we inspired by the results of Stümpel et al. (2016).

We estimated growth parameters of Emys orbicularis and Mauremys rivulata in Mediterranean Turkey with the skeletochronological method, using specimens drowned in fyke nets. In adult E. orbicularis, the median age was 8 years in males and 10 years in females. The median age of adult M. rivulata was 10 years for both sexes. Both species reach sexual maturity at an age of 5–7 years. No difference was found in age composition between the sexes.

Some lizards living in arid or semi-arid habitats have developed a specific adaptation to capture and drink water. This adaptation, rain-harvesting, occurs when water is carried through interscalar channels between integumental scales to the mouth, the point where water is ingested. We investigated whether this special water-drinking adaptation is utilized in four species of agamid lizards living in Turkey Stellagama stellio (Linnaeus, 1758), Paralaudakia caucasica (Eichwald, 1831), Trapelus lessonae (De Filippi, 1865) and Phrynocephalus horvathi (Mehely, 1894). Using histological and scanning electron microscopic methods, we found that P. horvathi has the integumental adaptations to rain-harvest water; however, S. stellio and P. caucasica do not. Determination of the rain-harvesting condition in T. lessonae will require further research. In all four species, honeycomb-shaped micro-structures cover dorsal scale surfaces, and in P. horvathi, a complex capillary system involving scale hinges was documented. In experiments with captive animals, which included putting dyed water drops onto the integument, we found that even the species that do not have ability to rain-harvest can collect water on their integuments. But in these species the water does not move into their mouth. Our new findings of rain-harvesting in P. horvathi are compared with published data to show that this specific adaptation has evolved convergently with other agamids and with iguanids. Also water flow within the scale hinge system of P. horvathi is directional, towards the head.

WOS: 000359991700032, In this study, we report 2 new close localities for Eumeces schneideri from Aydin, western Anatolia, Turkey. The specimens were examined morphologically and compared with the relevant literature. These new localities have filled in the gap in the species' distribution range in western Anatolia, Turkey. According to the morphological results, the female specimens resembled E. s. barani in terms of the scales along the dorsal midline. However, the color-pattern characteristics of the specimens were found to be somewhere between E. s. barani and E. s. princeps; thus, the specimens were accepted as E. s. cf. barani.

Amphibian species and their distribution of the Borçka-Karagöl natural park and its environs was determined between 2003-2006 and 2015-2017 by field studies. A total of seven amphibian species were found in the Karagöl Nature Park and its vicinity, including five species of anurans [Rana macrocnemis, Pelophylax ridibundus, Hyla orientalis, Pelodytes caucasicus and Bufo verrucosissimus] and two newts [Mertensiella caucasica and Ommatotriton ophryticus]. It has been determined that species of Rana macrocnemis, Pelophylax ridibundus, Hyla orientalis, Pelodytes caucasicus, Bufo verrucosissimus, Mertensiella caucasica and Ommatotriton ophryticus inhabits at 1465 meters altitude in Karögöl as syntopically. Between 1465-1750 m, Rana macrocnemis, Pelophylax ridibundus, Hyla orientalis, Pelodytes caucasicus, Bufo verrucosissimus and Ommatotriton ophryticus syntopically inhabits and between 1750 and 2200 m, Rana macrocnemis and Mertensiella caucasica species live together. At Karagöl, Pelophylax ridibundus is dominate species while Rana macrocnemis is dominate species in the forest and subalpine region., Borçka-Karagöl Tabiat Parkı ve çevresinde yayılış gösteren kurbağa türleri ve dağılışları, 2003-2006 yılları ile 2015-2017 yıllarında yapılan arazi çalışmalarıyla belirlenmiştir. Karagöl Tabiat Parkı ve çevresinde 5 kuyruksuz [Rana macrocnemis, Pelophylax ridibundus, Hyla orientalis, Pelodytes caucasicus ve Bufo verrucosissimus] ve iki kuyruklu kurbağa [Mertensiella caucasica ve Ommatotriton ophryticus] türü olmak üzere toplam yedi amfibi türünün yaşadığı tespit edilmiştir. Karögöl’de, 1465 metre yükseklikte Rana macrocnemis, Pelophylax ridibundus, Hyla orientalis, Pelodytes caucasicus, Bufo verrucosissimus, Mertensiella caucasica ve Ommatotriton ophryticus türlerinin sintopik olarak yaşadığı belirlenmiştir. 1465-1750 m arasında söz konusu türlerden Rana macrocnemis, Pelophylax ridibundus, Hyla orientalis, Pelodytes caucasicus, Bufo verrucosissimus ve Ommatotriton ophryticus birlikte yaşamaktadır. 1750 – 2200 m arasında ise Rana macrocnemis ve Mertensiella caucasica türleri birlikte yaşamaktadır. Karagöl’de Pelophylax ridibundus baskın tür olarak göze çarpmaktayken, Orman içi ve subalpin bölgede Rana macrocnemis baskın tür olarak gözlenmiştir

The freshwater turtle Mauremys rivulata ranges from the Adriatic coast of the Balkan Peninsula through the Aegean region and coastal western and southern Turkey southwards to Israel. In addition, it occurs on several Aegean islands, Crete and Cyprus. Previous investigations using mtDNA sequences found virtually no genetic differentiation across its distribution range, despite some major biogeographical barriers for terrestrial and freshwater biota. Thus, the absence of any phylogeographical differentiation would be unexpected. To re-examine genetic differentiation within M. rivulata, here we use a comprehensive rangewide sampling and information of 13 unlinked polymorphic microsatellite loci and compare these data against mtDNA variation. Our microsatellite analyses reveal a weak population structuring which conflicts, however, with most biogeographical barriers. We conclude that the genetic structure in the vast majority of the species' range has been shaped by massive transoceanic gene flow. This explanation is unlikely for the northernmost populations, which seem rather to be genetically impacted by intentionally released foreign turtles.

Recent studies indicate that hybridization in animals occurs more frequently than previously thought and that it may play an important evolutionary role. Chelonians are capable of extensive hybridization, raising the question how chelonian species evolve and maintain genetic integrity despite hybridization. Here, we use two sister species with parapatric distribution, Mauremys caspica and M. rivulata, as our model. These taxa are estimated to have diverged some 5.3-7.0million years ago. Using rangewide sampling and 13 unlinked polymorphic microsatellite markers, five nuclear loci and one mitochondrial gene, we show that hybridization is rare along the contact zone of the two species in Turkey. However, we discovered an unexpected hybrid swarm in the southern Levant that has been hitherto identified with M.rivulata. This hybrid swarm is separated from the inland species M.caspica by a 700-km-wide distribution gap corresponding to the Syrian Desert. Ecological palaeomodelling suggests that during more humid climatic episodes in the Last Glacial Maximum and mid-Holocene, the current contact zone extended into the southern Levant, facilitating the establishment of the now isolated hybrid swarm. Our results support that there is not necessarily a general hybridization pattern in a given species couple and that the extent of gene flow may differ considerably in different parts of the distribution range. Moreover, our results highlight that studies on hybridization should not focus only on extant contact and hybrid zones, but should use rangewide sampling to detect signals of ancient hybridization that might otherwise be missed.

The taxonomic situation of Anguis fragilis species is still unclear in Turkey. In order to clarify this situation, we used the DNA sequences of 16S rRNA and cytochrome b genes to analyze the phylogenetic relationship among A. fragilis populations. A total of 13 haplotypes in 16S rRNA dataset and 20 haplotypes in cytochrome b dataset were detected. Kimura 2-parameter genetic distance was found to be 0.012 for 16S rRNA and 0.026 for the cytochrome b dataset. Neighbor joining (NJ) trees were constructed to analyze phylogenetic relationship among specimens and were supported with median joining networks. Results indicate a clear genetic structuring in A. fragilis populations sampled from north of 40° north latitude of Turkey. Both mitochondrial gene sequences successfully detected the intraspecific variation among specimens of different populations. Genetic structuring, correlated with geographic distance, was found to be significant at the specimens sampled from edge populations of peripherally isolated climatic conditions.

The West Asian stripe-necked terrapin Mauremys caspica is widespread throughout the Middle East-a region for which only few phylogeographic studies are available. Due to landscape alteration, pollution and intensification of water management, M. caspica is increasingly threatened. However, genetic diversity among and within populations is poorly known, impeding the identification of management units. Using a nearly rangewide sampling, we analyzed 14 microsatellite loci and mtDNA sequences in order to gain insight into the population structure and history of M. caspica. In agreement with a previous study, we found two clusters of mitochondrial haplotypes, with one cluster distributed in the east and the other in the west of the range. However, our microsatellite data suggested a more pronounced geographical structuring. When null alleles were coded as recessive with structure 2.3.2, three clusters were revealed, with one cluster matching roughly the range of the western mitochondrial cluster, and the composite ranges of the two other microsatellite clusters correspond to the distribution of the eastern mitochondrial cluster. Na < ve structure analyses without correction for null alleles were congruent with respect to the two eastern microsatellite clusters, but subdivided the western cluster into two units, with an additional geographical divide corresponding to the 'Anatolian diagonal'aEuro"a well-known high mountain barrier impeding exchange between western and eastern taxa. In na < ve analyses, the westernmost microsatellite cluster (from Central Anatolia) is quite isolated from the others, and its distinctness is also supported by fixation indices resembling the values among the other three clusters. One of the two eastern clusters is distributed in the Caucasus region plus Iran, and terrapins from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain constitute the second eastern cluster, supporting the view that these endangered populations are native. Coalescent-based analyses of our microsatellite data reveal for all four clusters bottlenecks 4,000-20,000 years ago, suggesting that climatic fluctuations of the Late Pleistocene and Holocene played an important role in shaping current genetic diversity. We propose that each of the four identified clusters, including the Central Anatolian one, should be treated as a distinct management unit. The presence of non-native terrapins in the animal trade of Bahrain highlights the danger of genetic pollution of the endangered Arabian populations. Further sampling is needed to elucidate the situation in southern and central Iran and Iraq. Our results confirm that genetic data do not support the validity of any of the three morphologically defined subspecies of M. caspica, and we propose that their usage be abandoned.

We examined the seasonal changes in the food composition of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis in Lake Suluklu (Manisa, Turkey) during spring and summer 2010. The stomach contents of 110 (40 ♂♂, 62 ♀♀, eight juveniles) E. orbicularis individuals were analyzed, and 461 prey items were found. Gastropods (2.2%), earthworms (0.4%), insects (67.2%), fishes (6.9%), amphibians (15.0%), and plant material (8.2%) constituted the food of the species. Food consisted primarily of insects and other invertebrates during the breeding season and of vertebrate and plant material (especially seeds and roots) during the post-breeding season. Based on these results, the European pond turtle is a generalist opportunistic omnivore whose diet is most strongly influenced by prey availability.

During our field work in the Tepeler Village (Ardahan, Turkey) on 27th of August, 2010, we observed hatchlings of Darevsika valentini. The mean body length of was found as 28.06±1.14 (25.3 30.4) and the total length as 70.81±3.92 (61.9 81.0). Juveniles were generally observed under stones and those portions of the roots of annual herbaceous plants which remain under stone are also used as shelters for juveniles. Neonates on the southern slopes of the hills could be individually seen and mostly, individuals aggregated [median number of individuals, 6 (115)] and lived in groups.

The study presents data on the food composition of Horváth’s toadheaded agama, Phrynocephalus horvathi, in northern slopes of Mount Ararat (Aralık, Iğdır). A total of 294 prey items were determined in the digestive systems of 36 (8 males, 11 females, and 16 juveniles) individuals examined in the study. Prey groups in the food composition are included in Aranea (1.4%), Orthoptera (1.0%), Hymenoptera (73.5%), Coleoptera (23.1%) and Diptera (1.0%). No significant difference was observed between sexes regarding food composition. Consequently, Phrynocephalus horvathi is partially myrmecophagous (73.5%) and an active predator.

In this study, 15 amphibian and reptile species were recorded from 12 different localities in the Camili Biosphere Reserve, known as the first biosphere site of Turkey. Two of these species are urodelan, four are anuran, four are Lacertilia and five are Ophidia. Two black coloured Natrix specimens collected from biosphere rezerve area are comperedwith literature data belongs to N. megalocephala. Moreover, the population and habitat status of threatened species were investigated, required conservation measures were explained., Bu çalışmada, Türkiye’nin ilk biyosfer rezerv alanı olarak bilinen Camili bölgesinde 12 ayrı lokaliteden amfibi ve reptillere ait 15 tür tespit edilmiştir. Bunlardan ikisi Urodela, dördü Anura, dördü Lacertilia ve beşi Ophidia grubundandır. Bölgeden yakalanan iki siyah renkli Natrix cinsine ait örnek, taksonomik durumu tartışmalı olan Natrix megalocephala’ya ait literatür bilgisi ile karşılaştırılmıştır. Ayrıca, tehdit altında olan türlerin populasyonları ile biyotoplarının durumları incelenerek, korunmaları için alınması gereken önlemler açıklanmıştır.

During a monitoring survey of the amphibians and reptiles in Lake Suluklu¨ (Manisa, Turkey) in the spring of 2010, we found that the smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) population was composed of partially paedomorphic individuals. During the study, 146 aquatic individuals (56 males, 90 females) were captured and marked. Of these individuals, 27 (seven males, 20 females) were paedomorphic. The population size in Lake Suluklu¨ was calculated as 305 (SE ¼ 20.72, range ¼ 270-351). According to these data, it was calculated that about 18.5% (56 individuals) of the population consisted of paedomorphic individuals.

In recent years many cases of hybridization and introgression became known for chelonians, requiring a better understanding of their speciation mechanisms. Phylogeographic investigations offer basic data for this challenge. We use the sister species Mauremys caspica and M. rivulata, the most abundant terrapins in the Near and Middle East and South-east Europe, as model. Their phylogeographies provide evidence that speciation of chelonians fits the allopatric speciation model, with both species being in the parapatric phase of speciation, and that intrinsic isolation mechanisms are developed during speciation. Hybridization between M. caspica and M. rivulata is very rare, suggesting that the increasing numbers of hybrids in other species are caused by human impact on environment (breakdown of ecological isolation). Genetic differentiation within M. caspica and M. rivulata resembles the paradigm of southern genetic richness and northern purity of European biota. However, in west Asia this pattern is likely to reflect dispersal and vicariance events older than the Holocene. For M. caspica three distinct Pleistocene refuges are postulated (Central Anatolia, south coast of Caspian Sea, Gulf of Persia). Morphologically defined subspecies within M. caspica are not supported by genetic data. This is one of the few studies available about the phylogeography of west and central Asian species.

Bu çalışmada Emys orbicularis’in Göller Bölgesi ve Doğu Akdeniz Bölgesi’ndeki morfolojileri ve dağılımları incelenmiştir. Türlerin sistematik durumlarının daha iyi ortaya konabilmesi için Ege Bölgesi E. orbicularis populasyonu da analizlere dahil edilmiştir. Analiz için yeterli örnek bulunan E. orbicularis populasyonları Diskriminant analiz yöntemleri ile değerlendirildiğinde dört grup belirlenmiştir. Akşehir Grubu; KDU (Karapas Doğrusal Uzunluğu) bakımından E. o. luteofusca’ya daha yakın değerler göstermesine rağmen, baş uzunluğu değerleri farklılıklar göstermiştir. Renklenme bakımından ise daha çok E. o. cf. hellenica’ya benzemektedir. Buna göre Akşehir Grubu E. o. cf. hellenica ve E. orbicularis luteofusca arasında intermediyer olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Karapınar Grubu; KDU bakımından E. o. luteofusca’dan daha düşük değeler göstermiş ve diğer gruplardan daha geniş karapasa sahiptir. Karapas renklenme bakımından ise koyu bir renklenme sergilemiştir. Karapınar Grubu bu özelliklerinden dolayı koyu renklenmiş E. o. sensu lato olarak ele alınmıştır. Pazarağaç Grubu; KDU bakımından hellenica’ya göre kısmen daha düşük KDU değerleri göstermiş ve diğer gruplara göre en dar karapasa sahiptir. Çalışmada E. orbicularis’in Göller Bölgesi’nde Eber, Suğla ve Eğirdir göllerinde ayrıca Karapınar, Pazarağaç ve Samandağ’da yaşadığı ilk kez ortaya çıkartılmıştır

Citation for this article: Georgalis, G. L., K. Halaclar, S. Mayda, T. Kaya, and D. Ayaz. 2018. First fossil find of the Blanus strauchi complex (Amphisbaenia, Blanidae) from the Miocene of Anatoli...

Po prvi puta izvještamo o reprudukciji u udomaćenoj populaciji crvenouhe kornjače (Trachemys scripta elegans) iz južne Anatolije (Anamur, Mersin). Opazili smo ženku koja je izlegla 15 jaja ujutro, 3. lipnja 2012., te ženku koja je kopala gnijezno 16. svibnja 2015. Dana 23. Rujna 2013 opazili smo i dva netom izvaljena mladunca, dužine 26.1 mm i 28.4 mm dužine. Sukladno našim opažanjima, Mediteranska obala Turske ima potencijal da ispunjava potrebe ove vrste. Utjecaj crvenouhe kornjače na nativne populacije kornjača je kompeticija za hranu i mjesta za sunčanje., Here, we report for the first time reproduction in a naturalized population of the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) from Southern Anatolia (Anamur, Mersin). We detected a female laying 15 eggs in the morning of July 03. 2012 and a female digging nest on May 16. 2015. Moreover, two hatchlings 26.1mm and 28.4mm in length were observed on September 03. 2013. According to our observations, the Mediterranean coast of Turkey has the potential to provide the requirements of the species. The described impacts of the red-eared sliders on native turtles are competition for food and basking sites.

In the present study, the peripheral blood cells (erythrocytes, leucocytes and thrombocytes) morphology of Emys orbicularis and Mauremys rivulata were examined in the blood smears prepared using Wright’s stain and the erythrocyte number was conducted as well. In E. orbicularis, the average of erythrocyte length was measured as 20.1µm, width 12.7µm and size 200.8µm2; while in M. rivulata these were measured as 19.3µm, 12.3µm, and 186.7µm2 respectively. The fact that agranulocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes) were dominant cells; nucleus cannot be distinguished in eosinophiles and basophiles due to intensive granulation in cytoplasm; thrombocytes are flat, ellipsoid cells were observed in the blood smears. In 1mm3 blood, the average erythrocyte count in E. orbicularis was 430,666 and 467,500 in M. rivulata, and the erythrocyte count was established to be higher in males.

WOS: 000365097200019, In this study, we observed haversian systems on the endosteal surface of the femur bone of one male individual of Roughtail Rock Agama, Stellagama stellio, which was collected from Barla/Isparta province of Turkey. It was observed that the haversian canal was located on the center of the haversian systems or secondary osteons, and it was surrounded by concentric lamellae. All lamellae were separated from each other by a cement line that stained darker than other constituents. Volkmann's canals were not observed between haversian canals, and other concentric lamellae were not encountered between periosteum and haversian systems. These results indicate that remodeling can be partly seen in this species. Our study is important in terms of being the first record to demonstrate haversian systems on the femur bone of S. stellio., General Directorate of Agricultural Research and PoliciesGida Tarim Ve Hayvancilik Bakanligi [TAGEM-BS-12/01-06/01-29], This work was supported by the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (Project Number: TAGEM-BS-12/01-06/01-29).

The viper Macrovipera lebetina obtusa is recorded from Nusaybin, Mardin province of Turkey. Information on morphological features and the biology of this subspecies is given.

91 specimens of the Marsh or Lake Frog Rana ridibunda from the vicinity of Kapikargin Village (Dalaman, Mugla province, Turkey) were investigated morphometrically and from the viewpoint of colouration and colour pattern. While the specimens were found to be identical morphometrically with Rana ridibunda, the venter of 87% of the specimens was more or less covered with fine black or yellow warts, which is not known from elsewhere in Turkey.

Data on population size, adult sex ratio, body size and mass are provided for a population of the turtle Emys orbicularis near Pazaragaç (Afyonkarahisar/Turkey). Using the mark-recapture method (triple catch), a population size of 664 turtles was estimated (95% confidence interval, range 332-996), corresponding to a density of 83 turtles per hectare (range 41.5-124.5). The adult sex-ratio was significantly skewed in favor of males (2.02 males: 1 female; P < 0.001). Almost all recorded specimens were adult (98.1%). Mean straight carapace length (SCL) and body mass (BM) of adult turtles were: SCL = 128.65 mm, BM = 345 g for males (n = 168) and SCL = 135.37 mm, BM = 463 g for females (n = 83). © 2007 Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences., This study constitutes part of a project [Project No: TBAG-2402 (103T189)] supported by TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey). We are indebted to TÜBİTAK for financial support.

During the present study, we obtained data via skeletochronology on the age structure of Levant water frog, Pelophylax bedriagae, in Lake suluklu (Manisa, Turkey). The mean snout-vent length was 56.1 mm (SD = 7.7) for males and 64.5 mm (SD = 14.8) for females. While both sexes reached sexual maturity following their second hibernation, the modal age was two years for males and three years for females. The average age of the adult population was 2.50 years (SD = 0.65, range= 2-4) in males and 2.95 years (SD = 0.99, range = 2-5) in females. furthermore, the threatening factors of Lake suluklu population were outlined.

The amphibian and reptile specimens, crushed due to vehicle traffic, were recorded during herpetological trips to various regions of Anatolia between 2005 and 2009. In total, 183 individuals were detected, representing 28 species from 4 amphibian [Salamandridae (1), Ranidae (3), Bufonidae (2), and Hylidae (2)], 3 turtle [Testudinidae (1), Emydidae (1), and Geoemydidae (2)], 3 lizard [Agamidae (1), Anguidae (2), and Lacertidae (5)] and 2 snake [Colubridae (6) and Viperidae (2)] families. The measures required for decreasing herpetofaunal mortalities due to traffic are emphasized.

WOS: 000284243100019, We examined the structure of the black spots on the ventral surface of Rana ridibunda specimens, which were collected from the west Anatolia region of Turkey, and a multi-cellular parasite was discovered under these spots on the dermis within a cyst. The number of melanocytes had increased and the connective tissue of the dermis had surrounded the cyst. The parasite was a trematode in its metacercarial stage.

Bu çalısma Mart 2004 ve Haziran 2004 tarihleri arasında, İzmir ili Menemen ilçesi sınırları içinde yer alan Emiralem deresinin bazı biyolojik ve fiziko-kimyasal özelliklerini incelemek ve bu özelliklere dayanarak su kalitesini belirlemek amacı ile yapılmıstır. Çözünmüs oksijen miktarı, elektriksel iletkenlik, pH ve su sıcaklıgı degerleri arazide tasınabilir ölçüm aletleri kullanılarak, asit baglama yetenegi, toplam sertlik; kalsiyum iyonu, magnezyum iyonu, amonyum azotu, nitrat azotu, nitrit azotu ve fosfat fosforu miktarları ise laboratuar ortamında analiz edilmistir. Çalısma sonucunda, sekiz takıma ait 24 cins saptanmıstır. Tayin edilen taksonlardan indikatör özellikte olanlar kullanılarak Emiralem deresinin su kalitesi biyolojik olarak tanımlanmıstır. Ayrıca fiziko-kimyasal veriler de kullanılarak su kalitesi tayini yapılmıs ve elde edilen sonuçlar karsılastırılmıstır.

Our main objective was to establish the population size, density, body size, and sex ratio of a local Emys orbicularis population. We examined the population structure of E. orbicularis in Lake Yayla, Buldan (Denizli), Turkey, using capture-recapture methods. The population consisted of 54% males, 42% females, and 4% juveniles. The adult sex ratio was significantly skewed in favor of males. Using the Jolly program, the population size was estimated at 1,462 (95% CI = 1,161–1,763), corresponding to a density of 81 turtles per hectare of optimal habitat. Females were larger than males. In carapace length, the Lake Yayla population resembles other small-sized populations inhabiting the southern parts of the species' range. The conservation status of the Turkish populations and their main threats are also discussed.

Abstract Based on more than 1100 samples of Emys orbicularis and E. trinacris, data on mtDNA diversity and distribution of haplotypes are provided, including for the first time data for Armenia, Georgia, Iran, and the Volga, Ural and Turgay River Basins of Russia and Kazakhstan. Eight mitochondrial lineages comprising 51 individual haplotypes occur in E. orbicularis, a ninth lineage with five haplotypes corresponds to E. trinacris. A high diversity of distinct mtDNA lineages and haplotypes occurs in the south, in the regions where putative glacial refuges were located. More northerly parts of Europe and adjacent Asia, which were recolonized by E. orbicularis in the Holocene, display distinctly less variation; most refuges did not contribute to northern recolonizations. Also in certain southern European lineages a decrease of haplotype diversity is observed with increasing latitude, suggestive of Holocene range expansions on a smaller scale.

Orta Anadolu’da Rana ridibunda caralitana Arıkan, 1988 için yeni bir lokalite. Bu çalışmada, Bor (Niğde)’dan toplanan 18 (10 ??, 8 ??) ergin ova kurbağası örneği, başta renk-desen olmak üzere yapılan morfolojik analiz sonucunda incelenmiştir. İncelenen örneklerin caralitana formuna ait olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Böylece caralitana’nın dağılış areali genişletilmiştir., In this study, a total of 18 (10 ♂♂, 8 ♀♀) adult marsh frog specimens collected from Bor (Niğde) have been examinedthrough the morphological analysis, primarily on their coloration and pattern characteristics. It is concluded that the examined specimens fall into caralitana category. Thus, the distrubution area of caralitana has been extended.

TOK, Cemal Varol/0000-0001-9323-9157 WOS: 000239609400023 We surveyed the epizoic algae growing on Emys orbicularis from several sites in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey during the nesting season (May-August) of 2005. Fifty-three algae species were found on carapaces of thirty-five E. Orbicularis, with considerable variation in the algal communities from different sites.

Bu çalışmada Emys orbicularis’in Göller Bölgesi ve Doğu Akdeniz Bölgesi’ndeki morfolojileri ve dağılımları incelenmiştir. Türlerin sistematik durumlarının daha iyi ortaya konabilmesi için Ege Bölgesi E. orbicularis populasyonu da analizlere dahil edilmiştir. Analiz için yeterli örnek bulunan E. orbicularis populasyonları Diskriminant analiz yöntemleri ile değerlendirildiğinde dört grup belirlenmiştir. Akşehir Grubu; KDU (Karapas Doğrusal Uzunluğu) bakımından E. o. luteofusca’ya daha yakın değerler göstermesine rağmen, baş uzunluğu değerleri farklılıklar göstermiştir. Renklenme bakımından ise daha çok E. o. cf. hellenica’ya benzemektedir. Buna göre Akşehir Grubu E. o. cf. hellenica ve E. orbicularis luteofusca arasında intermediyer olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Karapınar Grubu; KDU bakımından E. o. luteofusca’dan daha düşük değeler göstermiş ve diğer gruplardan daha geniş karapasa sahiptir. Karapas renklenme bakımından ise koyu bir renklenme sergilemiştir. Karapınar Grubu bu özelliklerinden dolayı koyu renklenmiş E. o. sensu lato olarak ele alınmıştır. Pazarağaç Grubu; KDU bakımından hellenica’ya göre kısmen daha düşük KDU değerleri göstermiş ve diğer gruplara göre en dar karapasa sahiptir. Çalışmada E. orbicularis’in Göller Bölgesi’nde Eber, Suğla ve Eğirdir göllerinde ayrıca Karapınar, Pazarağaç ve Samandağ’da yaşadığı ilk kez ortaya çıkartılmıştır., Distribution and morphology of Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Testudinata: Cryptodira: Emydidae) in Lakes District and eastern Mediterranean region. This survey is on the morphology and distribution of Emys orbicularis from the Lakes District and the eastern Mediterranean region of Anatolia. To clarify the systematical states of the species, samples from the Aegean region E. orbicularis population were also included to our analyses and evaluation. A discriminant analysis evaluation of the E. orbicularis populations defined four groups. Akşehir Group; while it seems to be nearer to E. o. luteofusca from the viewpoint of KDU (Straight Carapace Length), it clearly differed from the same in head length. Coloration characteristics show an affinity to E. o. cf. hellenica. Accordingly, we accept this population as an intermediate between E. o. cf. hellenica and E. o. luteofusca. Karapınar Group; it showed smaller KDU values than those of E. o. luteofusca, also has a wider carapace than those of the other groups. Coloration of the carapace is quite dark. Accordingly, this group is taken as E. orbicularis sensu lato, with darker coloration. Pazarağaç Group; it showed slightly smaller KDU values than those of E. o. hellenica, also has a narrower carapace than those of the other groups. The presence of E. orbicularis in Eber, Suğla and Eğirdir lakes of the Lakes District, also at Karapınar, Pazarağaç and Samandağ are first records.