TY  - JOUR
T1  - Beyond the First Glimpse: A Comprehensive Reappraisal of Reptile Diversity in Ordu Province, Türkiye
AU  - Şahin, Mehmet Kürşat
PY  - 2025
DA  - June
Y2  - 2025
JF  - Smyrna Journal of Natural and Data Sciences
PB  - Dokuz Eylul University
WT  - DergiPark
SN  - 3062-4398
SP  - 41
EP  - 48
VL  - 1
IS  - 1
LA  - en
AB  - Located at the intersection of major biogeographic zones, Ordu Province in northeastern Türkiye hosts a mosaic of ecosystems shaped by complex topography and climatic gradients. Despite this ecological richness, its reptile fauna has remained poorly documented. In this study, we conducted an extensive field survey between October 2016 and October 2018, covering diverse habitats from coastal lowlands to montane forests. A total of 165 occurrence records were compiled, representing 15 reptile species across three orders and eight families. Among these, Darevskia rudis was the most frequently encountered species, widely distributed across elevations and habitat types. Notably, the study confirmed the presence of range-restricted or conservation-sensitive species, including Vipera barani, Darevskia clarkorum, Testudo graeca, and Emys orbicularis. Chorotypic analysis revealed that Turano-Mediterranean, Armeno-Anatolian endemic, and European elements dominate the assemblage, highlighting Ordu’s role as a biogeographic transition zone. This work represents the first comprehensive reptile inventory for the province and provides essential baseline data for future ecological studies and conservation planning. Given the increasing anthropogenic pressures in the region, we emphasize the need for long-term monitoring and public engagement to ensure the persistence of this unique herpetofaunal community.
KW  - biodiversity inventory
KW  - reptilia
KW  - zoogeography
KW  - chorotype analysis
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UR  - https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/sjnds/issue//1681112
L1  - https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/4794733
ER  -