Exceptional Winter Activity Record from Blunt-nosed Viper (Macrovipera lebetinus) in Türkiye

Abstract

The seasonal dynamics of reptile species, particularly their responses to temperature fluctuations, play a crucial role in their ecological functioning. Here we report the winter activity of the Blunt-nosed Viper (Macrovipera lebetinus), a reptilian species primarily distributed across the Middle East for the first time. While extensive research exists on various aspects of this species, including taxonomy and distribution, there remains a notable gap in understanding its winter behaviors. By conducting field observations in the Direktaşı-Bitlis province of Türkiye, this study offers novel insights into the winter activity of M. lebetinus. The study identifies a juvenile specimen of M. lebetinus exhibiting activity during December, a period typically associated with hibernation in reptiles. The observed temperature conditions, measured at approximately 15.1°C, defy conventional expectations for winter reptilian activity. This anomaly prompts an exploration into the potential influences of climate change on reptilian hibernation patterns. The findings highlight the vulnerability of ectothermic creatures to temperature fluctuations induced by climate change, which can disrupt their hibernation cycles and lead to untimely activity. Moreover, the study underscores the critical implications of disrupted hibernation for reptilian populations, potentially jeopardizing their survival and reproductive success. The unforeseen activity observed in M. lebetinus serves as a poignant example of how climate-induced temperature shifts can disrupt established ecological rhythms, posing significant threats to species viability.

Keywords

• viper
• reptile
• winter activity
• Anatolia

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