Evaluation of The Reptilian Fauna in Amasya Province, Turkey with New Locality Records

Year 2018, Volume: 31 Issue: 4, 1007 - 1020, 01.12.2018

Mehmet Kürşat Sahın Murat Afsar

Abstract

The present study investigated the reptilian
fauna in Amasya Province, Turkey. Reptile species were identified from
collections made during field studies or recorded in literature, with some new
locality records obtained. Field studies were undertaken over two consecutive
years (2016 and 2017). Two lacertid species, one skink species, two colubrid
species and one viper species were officially recorded for the first time or
their information was updated. In addition to species locality records,
chorotypical and habitat selection were also assessed and the International
Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species criteria
included. Data on the distribution and locality information for each taxon is
also provided. Our findings demonstrate that Amasya might be an ecotone zone
between the Mediterranean, Caucasian, and European ecosystems. Although there
are some concerns for the sustainable dynamics of reptilian fauna, relatively
rich and different European nature information system habitat types provide
basic survival conditions for reptilian fauna in the province.

Keywords

Reptilia, Viper, Reptilia, Fauna, Chorotype, Eunis

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