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In this study, 29 reptile and amphibian species were recorded in 25 diff erent localities in the Sultan Mountains. Of these, 5 were anurans, 1 was a tortoise, 1 was a turtle, 11 were lizards, and 11 were snakes. A chorotype classifi cation of the species recorded in the Sultan Mountains is also given.

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The present study is on the morphologies and sizes of peripheral blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes) on blood smears, stained with Wright`s stain, in some lacertid lizards species [Apathya cappadocica (Werner, 1902), Acanthodactylus boskianus (Daudin, 1802), Acanthodactylus harranensis Baran et al. 2005, Anatolacerta danfordi (Günther, 1876), Darevskia praticola (Eversmann, 1834), D. uzzelli (Darevsky and Danielyan, 1977), D. valentini (Boettger, 1892), Parvilacerta parva (Boulenger, 1887), Lacerta pamphylica Schmidtler, 1975, L. trilineata Bedriaga, 1886, L. viridis (Laurenti, 1768), Ophisops elegans Menetries, 1832, Mesalina brevirostris Blanford, 1876, Podarcis muralis (Laurenti, 1768), P. sicula (Rafinesque-Schmaltz, 1810), Timon princeps (Blanford, 1874)] from Turkey. As a result of our survey, it was determined that the blood cells of the investigated species are shows significant variations in sizes and of leukocytes, agranulocytic leukocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes) are present as predominant cells. Moreover, of granulocytes, neutrophils were no observed in A. danfordi, D. praticola, D. uzzelli, and P. parva.

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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.

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The basic anatomy of the lacertid hemipenis (intromittent organ) and methods for its investigation are described. In many members of the Lacertidae, the hemipenis has a structure quite unlike that of other squamate reptiles: the distal lobes of the retracted organ are complexly folded and there is a well-defined supporting structure of dense connective tissue, the armature. This incorporates blood sinuses and has an intramuscular portion embedded in the m. retractor penis magnus and two club-shaped bodies, the clavulae, that support the lobes in the erect organ. Unarmatured hemipenes occur in some lacertids and, like those of other squamates, possess sac-like lobes in the retracted state, but they are singular in having the lobes invested by the m. retractor penis magnus. It is argued that many of these apparently primitive hemipenes are in fact secondary derivatives of the armatured type. There is considerable inter-specific variation in hemipenial structure which is described systematically. In some cases this involves differences in size, asymmetry and simplification, which may arise as physical isolating mechanisms and is useful in distinguishing otherwise very similar species, particularly in the genus Mesalina (p. 1253). Other shared derived hemipenial features provide useful information about relationships between species and higher taxa and a summary of the hypotheses that they support is given (p. 1254).

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Estimates of phylogeny may allow historical events to be reconstructed even without a fossil record. The reliability of such interpretations depends not only on the robustness of the phylogeny but also on its topology. Changes in individual features can be traced and general histories of groups developed and compared with each other. Results are ofter surprising, for Instance the sophisticated tail shedding mechanism of lizards turns out to be a primitive feature that has been lost many times. Similarly, ecological analogues may have developed their common characaters in quite different orders. Phylogenies also provide a way of recognizing constraints and the effects of history on present ecological and behavioural patterns. When using anatomical characters the quality of the apparent phylogenies produced may be related to ecological history: expansion of a group along an ecological continuum into increasingly demanding niches ina small geographical area tends to produce a robust phylogeny (for instance in Meroles), while this is often not so for widely distributed groups that occupy a more modest range of niches (such as Pedioplanis and Podarcis). Non-morphological data may not show this tendency, but can have their own problems. Lacertids can be referred to clade with many successive branches in Africa and the Saharo-Eurasian arid zones and a less resolved probably paraphyletic complex of more primitive forms in the Mediterranean and wider Palaearctic areas. The African-Eurasian clade shows a general trend towards ground-dwelling and increasingly arid habitats but is ecologically variied. These animals are important to the study of Mediterranean forms because they provide eco-morphological parallels to them (for instance to Algyroides, Psammodromus and the archaeolacertas) and help form a basis for testing hypotheses about function. Although it is possible to recognise a number of distinct clades among the Mediterranean and Eurasian forms, relationships within and between these are often much less well substantiated. If results are available in time, current work on mitochondrial DNA sequencing will be discussed.

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DNA sequence indicates the Lacertidae contain two subfamilies, Gallotiinae and Lacertinae, the latter comprising two monophyletic tribes, the Eremiadini of Africa and arid southwest and central Asia, and the Lacertini of Europe, northwest Africa and southwest and east Asia. Relationships within the 108 species of Lacertini are explored using mtDNA (291 bp cytochrome b; 329 bp 12S rRNA for 59 nominal species, and reanalysis of the data of Harris et al. 1998, and Fu 2000). The morphology of the tribe is reviewed and 64 of its characters (equivalent to 83 binary ones) also used to assess relationships. The Lacertini are assigned to 19 monophyletic units of 1 to 27 species, recognised here as the following genera (contents are indicated in brackets): Algyroides, Anatololacerta gen. nov. (L. danfordi group), Apathya (L. cappadocica group), Archaeolacerta (L. bedriagae), Dalmatolacerta gen. nov. (L. oxycephala), Darevskia (L. saxicola group), Dinarolacerta gen. nov. (L. mosorensis), Hellenolacerta gen. nov. (L. graeca), Iberolacerta (L. monticola group), Iranolacerta gen. nov. (L. brandtii and L. zagrosica), Lacerta s. str. (sand and green lizards, L. agilis group), Parvilacerta gen. nov. (L. parva and L. fraasii), Phoenicolacerta gen. nov. (L. laevis group), Podarcis (wall lizards), Scelarcis (L. perspicillata), Takydromus (Asian grass lizards), Teira (L. dugesii), Timon (ocellated lizards, L. lepida group) and Zootoca (L. vivipara). Both mtDNA and morphology indicate that Lacerta and Timon are sister taxa, and DNA suggests further possible relationships among genera (Fig. 1, p. 6). Neither DNA nor morphology indicates that the archaeolacertas (sometimes formalised as Archaeolacerta sens. lat.) form a clade. Instead, they are representatives of an ecomorph associated with living on rock exposures and using the narrow crevices that these contain. The Lacertidae probably arose in the European area, with the Gallotiinae later reaching Northwest Africa and the Canary Islands, and the ancestor of the Eremiadini invading Africa in the mid-Miocene. The Lacertini spread through much of their present European range and diversified, perhaps largely by repeated vicariance, around 12–16 My ago, producing the ancestors of the present mainly small-bodied genera, which then underwent often modest speciation. Three units spread more widely: the Lacerta-Timon clade of large-bodied lizards probably dispersed earliest, followed by Algyroides and then Podarcis. Overall, European Lacertidae show a pattern of repeated spread, often accompanied by restriction of previous groups. Expansion of Lacertini may have displaced earlier lacertid lineages from all or much of Europe; while spread of Podarcis may have restricted many other genera of Lacertini. The earlier expansion of the Lacerta-Timon clade probably did not have this effect, as difference in adult body size restricted competitive interaction with other forms. Several invasions of more distant areas also occurred: of East Asia by Takydromus over 10 My ago, and more recently of northwest Africa by Podarcis, Scelarcis and Timon, and Madeira by Teira. Relationships within the Eremiadini estimated from both mtDNA, and nDNA differ considerably from those based on morphology. They indicate relatively mesic forms may have diversified widely across Africa and given rise to at least three independent invasions of arid habitats. MtDNA also indicates that Lacerta andreanskyi belongs in the Eremiadini and may occupy a basal position there. It is assigned to a further new genus, Atlantolacerta gen. nov.

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Archaeolacerta s. l., in the currently utilized sense results to be a polyphyletic taxon, composed of three monophyletic and phylogenetically well differentiated taxa: a)-Archaeolacerta (s. str.) Mertens, 1921, which includes three species: A. bedriagae, A. oxycephala, and A. mosorensis, distributed by the northern part of the Central Mediterranean (Corsica, Sardinia, and west Balcanic Peninsula). His most related genera seem to be Teira (his adelphotaxon in our study), Apathya, and Omanosaura. b)-Iberolacerta gen. nov., with two subgenera: Iberolacerta s. str. and Pyrenesaura subgen. nov. includes six species: I. monticola, I. cyreni, I. bonnali, I. aranica, I. aurelioi, and I. horvathi. They are distributed by the mountains of Western Europe (Iberian Peninsula, Pyrenees, Central and Eastern Alps and the north of the Dinaric Chains). His adelphotaxon are the Caucasian and Near East species of Darevskia gen. nov. c)-The third taxa is Darevskia gen. nov., which includes the species of the `L.` saxicola complex besides `L.` derjugini, `L.` praticola, and `L.` chlorogaster. They are distributed by Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Near East. Other clear relationships among some taxa of the Eurasian Radiation [= `Eurasische linie` from (Mayer and Benyr, 1994)] have been found: Algyroides seems to be the sister group of the species considered of uncertain phylogenetic relationships belonging to the `L.` danfordi-laevis group and of Podarcis. `L.` brandtii seems to be a very primitive species within the Eurasian Radiation. Omanosaura and Apathya appear as sister taxa. `L.` graeca occupies a very basal position in the sister group of Podarcis and relatives (see above). `L.` andreanskyi is the sister species of the Darevskia nov. and Iberolacerta nov. clade. The assimilation of `L.` andreanskyi to Teira is very problematic. Also the `L.` parva group seems to be related to Timon. Some groups of species like `L.` brandtii, `L.` parva-fraasii and `L.` danfordi-laevis probably merit generic rank, but it is necessary a more deep study before to take a decision.

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We have studied copulation time in Iberolacerta (Pyrenesaura) by identifying scars of recent inter-course (up to one week old) in 174 adult females. The vast majority of copulations are just in spring and only a few in late summer. We have verified the presence of late summer copulations in I. aranica and I. aurelioi (already known for I. bonnali). Not really autumn copulations are known. The period of greatest number of copulations is very similar among the three species. Iberolacerta bonnali is the one with the earliest copulation timespan, followed by I. aurelioi and finally I. aranica with a clear and sig-nificant delay differences from the other two. In I. bonnali although there may be some early inter-courses (end of May in specific locations and depending on the year conditions) copulations occur es-pecially during June (78 % of the newly mated females), being the second week the highest point, and some appear until early July. In I. aurelioi is similar, with numerous copulations throughout June (85 %) and first week of July (76 %). We have detected at least one mating to end of July, and reappearing again in low proportion towards the end of summer (26 %, in one of every four females). In I. aranica, who lives in the area of greatest snowfall, the cycle is delayed and copulations begin significantly later than in the other two species, in mid-June (41 % of the studied females) and end by mid-July (48 %), also significantly later than in the other two species. Also we have been detected a copulation in August (4% of the sample) and two recent copulations in late summer (13%). The testicular cycle in mid-September shows very large testicles but not already formed sperm. The large testes size suggests hormone production that could be responsible of the late-summer copulations outside the normal breeding season.

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In this study, the material collected from Köyceĝiz Specially Protected Area, and islands in the vicinity of Marmaris were divided into four different populations and examined comperatively from the view point of taxonomic characters. The populations inhabiting the western and eastern sides of the Köyceĝiz Canal are distinctly different from each other regarding their supratemporal stripe characteristics.

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The number of herpetological studies about specific regions of Turkey are very limited compared to general herpetological studies. In an attempt to help fill this gap, a total of 89 specimens representing 11 reptile species were collected, for the first time, from two different localities in the vicinity of Silifke, and they were evaluated from the taxonomical point of view.

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A complete catalogue is provided for the type specimens of lacertid lizards in the herpetological collection of the Zoological Museum, Berlin, as of December, 1993. The collection contains a total of 514 type specimens, representing 63 taxa, of which 42 are currently regarded as valid at the specific or subspecific level. Types representing an additional four taxa appear to have been lost from the collection. The collections are especially rich in African lacertid types and in historically significant specimens collected early in the Nineteenth Century by Pallas, Eversmann, and Hemprich & Ehrenberg. Also present are the type series of many subspecies of Podarcis lilfordi and P. pityusensis described by Eisentraut.

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The rapid development of innovative molecular tools for characterizing biodiversity is leading to an extensive and sometimes unexpected renovation of taxonomic classifications. Particularly, for species having allopatric or parapatric distributions or resulting from recent speciation processes, the absence of clear phenotypic differentiation may hinder the recognition of closely related taxa, while intraspecific polymorphism may be confused with the presence of more than one single species. In the present work, we apply different phylogenetic methods in order to infer relationships within the genus Anatololacerta, and to assess the taxonomy of this morphologically diversified group of lizards endemic to western and southern Anatolia and some neighboring Aegean islands. According to morphology, three species have been recognized (Anatololacerta anatolica, A. oertzeni and A. danfordi) as well as several subspecies, but small variation at immunological markers led some authors to join all the populations into one single taxon, A. danfordi. By selecting both mitochondrial and nuclear informative markers, we tested the effectiveness of classical “gene tree” (i.e. Bayesian Inference) vs. innovative (i.e. coalescent-based) “species tree” methods in resolving the Anatololacerta taxonomic enigma, as a case in point for similar studies on species complexes resulting from non-obvious and cryptic diversification patterns. According to our results, the “gene tree” method failed in resolving phylogenetic relationships among clades, whereas the multi-locus “species tree” approach, coupled with species delimitation methods, allowed the identification of four well distinct species. These species probably diversified in different allopatric refugia located in southern and western Anatolia, where isolated populations may have persisted during Pleistocene glacial cycles.

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The age and growth in two breeding populations of A. danfordi, inhabiting altitudes ranging from 678 m a.s.l. to 1200 m a.s.l. in Turkey, were investigated. The age differences between sexes were not statistically significant in either population. The mean age was calculated as 8.73 ± 2.12 and 8.33 ± 1.8 years in Kozan and 7.25 ± 1.58 and 5.78 ± 1.64 years in Saimbeyli for males and females, respectively. The age distributions of males did not statistically differ between populations, but females in Kozan were significantly older than those in Saimbeyli. The mean snout-vent length (SVL) difference between sexes was not significant in the Kozan population, whereas males were significantly longer than females in Saimbeyli. However, SVL was similar between the populations. Intersexual differences in body size were found to be male-biased for both populations. There was a positive and statistically significant relationship between SVL and age in both populations. This study examines the feasibility of the use of skeletochronology for A. danfordi. It also shows that these populations are getting older and this may endanger the future of A. danfordi in a warming world. Some life history parameters and population structures of A. danfordi are provided in this study but some questions still remain.

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In order to resolve the relationships of Lacerta kulzeri, parts of mitochondrial genes for 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA of samples of the following species were sequenced: Gallotia stehlini (as an outgroup), Lacerta trilineata, L. cappadocica, L. fraasii, L. danfordi, L. rudis, Podarcis peloponnesiaca, as well as representatives of different populations of L. laevis and L. kulzeri. Sequence analysis clearly shows a close relation between L. laevis and L. kulzeri and no close relation of these species to any other representative of the lizards examined. The other species also show themselves to be representatives of very distinct lacertid groups. The resulting sequence differences within L. kulzeri and L. laevis, respectively, are very high in relation to those between the two species, and they are higher than one would expect for species with small areas.

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Anatolia has played an important role in the speciation of many species. Global climatic changes affect the distribution of many reptiles in different ways, including their range expansion or habitat loss. In this study, we focused on the genus Anatololacerta which inhabits Anatolia and some Greek islands. In total, 150 literature records and 20 items of observation data were analysed with the maximum entropy method (MaxEnt) for the last glacial maximum (LGM), as well as historical (1970-2000) and future (2081-2100; RCP 4.5) bioclimatic conditions. According to our model, the distribution ranges in the future conditions for A. danfordi, A. finikensis and A. ibrahimi were more extensive than for the historical conditions. However, A. anatolica and A. pelasgiana may experience a potential habitat loss in the future. Although physical barriers were obstacles in the LGM and historical records, these barriers may be overcome after the climatic changes taking place in the near future.

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Some life-history traits (e.g. body size, SSD and age) of the Danford’s lizard Anatololacerta danfordi were studied applying skeletochronology techniques to the phalangeal bones (n = 33). The mean of the snout-vent-length (SVL) was 59.02 ± 1.07 mm in females and 62.17 ± 1.38 mm in males. The mean SVL was not significantly different between sexes. Sexual size dimorphism was weakly expressed in the slightly bigger SVL of the males (SDI = -0.053). Sexual maturity was attained between the second and the fourth year of life in both sexes. The age ranged from 2 to 6 years in females and from 3 to 8 years in males. The means of age were 4.29 ± 0.31 LAGs in female specimens and 4.63 ± 0.37 LAGs in male specimens. The mean age was not significantly different between the sexes.

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The genus Anatololacerta (Lacertidae) occurs mainly in Anatolia (western and southern Turkey) and on the Aegean islands Samos, Ikaria, and Rhodos. Although its taxonomy has long been debated and is currently nascent, three morphological species have been attributed to this genus: Anatololacerta anatolica, Anatololacerta oertzeni, and Anatololacerta danfordi. Here, we investigated the evolutionary history of A. oertzeni and Anatololacerta danfordi based on both mitochondrial and nuclear markers (16S rRNA and cmos). In total, 34 Anatololacerta specimens were analyzed using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods. Our results supported the presence of four well-supported lineages: two belongs to A. oertzeni and two to A. danfordi. The temporal diversification of these lineages probably started with the divergence of the first A. oertzeni lineage from western Antalya at 7.9 Mya. The other two major splits may have occurred in early Pliocene (4.4 Mya: the divergence of the second A. oertzeni from A. danfordi) and in late Pliocene (2.7 Mya: the divergence of the two lineages of A. danfordi). The phylogeographical scenario suggests that the major diversification events (from late Miocene to late Pliocene) could be related with climatic oscillations (such as the late Miocene aridification and the Messinian Salinity Crisis) and tectonic movements (such as the uplift of the central Taurus mountain).

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Morphometric characters and pholidosis features of Tinaztepe (Konya), Camliyayla, and Sebil (Icel) Lacerta danfordi populations from Turkey were examined and interpreted by univariate and multivariate analysis methods. As a result of these analyses, Tinaztepe population was found to differ from amliyayla and Sebil populations. We recognize two subspecies of L. danfordi, and our detailed analysis results demonstrate that the Tinaztepe population represents subspecies of L. d. bileki, and both Camliyayla and Sebil populations represent L. d. danfordi. Other subspecies in the remaining part of the species’ range are needed for further detailed comparisons to clarify their taxonomical positions.

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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.

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Climatic conditions changing over time and space shape the evolution of organisms at multiple levels, including temperate lizards in the family Lacertidae. Here we reconstruct a dated phylogenetic tree of 262 lacertid species based on a supermatrix relying on novel phylogenomic datasets and fossil calibrations. Diversification of lacertids was accompanied by an increasing disparity among occupied bioclimatic niches, especially in the last 10 Ma, during a period of progressive global cooling. Temperate species also underwent a genome- wide slowdown in molecular substitution rates compared to tropical and desert-adapted lacertids. Evaporative water loss and preferred temperature are correlated with bioclimatic parameters, indicating physiological adaptations to climate. Tropical, but also some popu- lations of cool-adapted species experience maximum temperatures close to their preferred temperatures. We hypothesize these species-specific physiological preferences may con- stitute a handicap to prevail under rapid global warming, and contribute to explaining local lizard extinctions in cool and humid climates.

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The aim of this study was to catalog the species of amphibians and reptiles in Honaz District, in the province of Denizli, Turkey, based on field surveys carried out during March–October of 2015–2018. The species found include five amphibians (Bufo bufo, Bufotes variabilis, Pelophylax bedriagae, Hyla orientalis, Rana macrocnemis) and 22 reptiles: two turtles (Mauremys rivulata, Testudo graeca), nine lizards (Stellagama stellio, Mediodactylus kotschyi, Anatololacerta danfordi, Lacerta trilineata, Ophisops elegans, Ablepharus kitaibellii, Pseudopodus apodus, Blanus strauchi, Heremites auratus), and 11 snakes (Xerotyphlops vermicularis, Dolichophis jugularis, D. caspius, Hemorrhois numnifer, Eirenis modestus, Telescopus fallax, Elaphe sauromates, Natrix natrix, N. tessellata, Eryx jaculus, Montivipera xanthina). In addition, the various factors threatening these species in this area were determined and proposals for the conservation of these species are presented.

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In the present study the specimens captured from northern and southern parts of the Büyük Menderes River have been examined to solve the problematic taxonomic status of Lacerta danfordi. A total of 105 specimens, 51 from the northern localities (Kalamaki and Kula + Paşa Plateau - 21 males, 19 females, 5 subadult males, 6 subadult females), 54 from the southern localities (Honaz Mountain and Çine + Herakleia - 24males, 21females, 6 subadult males, 3 subadult females) were examined in terms of 15 pholidotic characters, 11 morphometric measurements, ratios and indices as well as color-pattern features. There are not any obvious differences between northern and southern populations of the Büyük Menderes River in respect to color and pattern characteristics. Nevertheless, according to the statistics performed there is no doubt that there is a differentiation taxonomically in respect to pholidotic as well as morphometrical ratios and indices between these two populations. As a result, in order to support some of the previous studies performed to date, populations located in the northern part and southern part of the study area need to be considered as L. anatolica and L. oertzeni, respectively.

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Mesocestoides spp. tetrathyridia were first recorded in Turkey in April and December 2006, from Anatololacerta danfordi individuals. Tetrathyridia were found encapsulated in the livers of the host animals. Although prevalence of infection was low, its intensity was very high. Both morphological and histological features of tehtrathyridia were determined. The morphological examination revealed the absence of buds, multiple scoleces, or any other evidence of asexual proliferation.

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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.

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The evolutionary diversification of many terrestrial vertebrate groups is strongly linked to climatic events in the Cenozoic, the period from 65 Million years ago to today when modern animals first appeared. I investigated the effects of Cenozoic climate change on the taxonomic and morphological diversification of the Old World lizard family Lacertidae, with particular emphasis on the African radiation. African lacertids exhibit an unusual pattern of diversification, in which their highest species richness occurs in deserts north and south of the equator, despite being spread throughout the continent. This disparity is particularly surprising given that desert lacertids are thought to be evolutionarily younger than their mesic-dwelling relatives, suggesting increased diversification rates in arid habitats. To identify the evolutionary factors underlying this pattern, I use a combination of phylogenetic, morphological and ecological techniques. In Chapter 1, I apply Bayesian methods and fossil-based calibrations to molecular sequence data to construct a time-calibrated phylogeny for Lacertidae. I estimate that the family arose in the early Cenozoic, with the majority of their African radiation occurring in the Eocene and Oligocene. In Chapter 2, I describe changes in lacertid body shape across biomes and substrates, and find widespread morphological convergence in similar habitat types. I suggest that in addition to foraging demands, fluctuating and extreme climatic conditions, largely driven by precipitation and temperature, contribute to morphological convergence across independent arid-dwelling clades. Finally, I test if ancestral transitions in ecology, morphology, and rates of diversification temporally coincide with paleoclimatic events in the Cenozoic. I use High Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography to characterize changes in the skull related to life in arid habitats, and apply maximum likelihood methods to test if the origins of those traits temporally coincide with significant shifts in habitat, diversification rates and climatic changes. My results show that African lacertids experienced three major peaks in diversification, accompanied by the evolution of suites of arid-adapted morphological traits. These changes coincide with climatic shifts in Africa, including the transition from closed forests to open grasslands and savanna in the late Oligocene, prior to the peak temperatures of the mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum, and following the formation of the Benguela current leading to hyper-aridity in southern Africa. I conclude that deserts are important centers for reptile evolution, but that expected changes in climate due to global warming may outpace the ability of arid-dwelling species to adapt and persist in the future.

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Background: Although current molecular clock methods offer greater flexibility in modelling evolutionary events, calibration of the clock with dates from the fossil record is still problematic for many groups. Here we implement several new approaches in molecular dating to estimate the evolutionary ages of Lacertidae, an Old World family of lizards with a poor fossil record and uncertain phylogeny. Four different models of rate variation are tested in a new program for Bayesian phylogenetic analysis called TreeTime, based on a combination of mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences. We incorporate paleontological uncertainty into divergence estimates by expressing multiple calibration dates as a range of probabilistic distributions. We also test the reliability of our proposed calibrations by exploring effects of individual priors on posterior estimates. Results: According to the most reliable model, as indicated by Bayes factor comparison, modern lacertids arose shortly after the K/T transition and entered Africa about 45 million years ago, with the majority of their African radiation occurring in the Eocene and Oligocene. Our findings indicate much earlier origins for these clades than previously reported, and we discuss our results in light of paleogeographic trends during the Cenozoic. Conclusion: This study represents the first attempt to estimate evolutionary ages of a specific group of reptiles exhibiting uncertain phylogenetic relationships, molecular rate variation and a poor fossil record. Our results emphasize the sensitivity of molecular divergence dates to fossil calibrations, and support the use of combined molecular data sets and multiple, well-spaced dates from the fossil record as minimum node constraints. The bioinformatics program used here, TreeTime, is publicly available, and we recommend its use for molecular dating of taxa faced with similar challenges.

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The amphibians and reptiles of Kazdağı in western Anatolia were investigated. In the study area, 190 specimens belonging to 34 species from 15 amphibian and reptile families were determined. Three of these species are urodelan, 5 are anurans, 2 are turtles, 1 is a tortoise, 12 are lizards, and 11 are snakes. Rana dalmatina Bonaparte, 1840, Anguis fragilis Linnaeus, 1758, and Podarcis sicula (Rafinesque, 1810) were recorded at Kazdağı for the first time.

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Genetic diversity is not always congruent with phenotypic heterogeneity, resulting in cryptic species complexes which cause a great struggle for scientists trying to define ‘species’ and describe relationships among taxa. Anatololacerta is a lizard genus distributed in southern and western Anatolia and some neighboring Aegean islands. Three morphospecies were recognized in Anatololacerta but a recent molecular study revealed the presence of cryptic diversity within the genus which led to the raise of a subspecies to species level. Currently the genus includes the species A. anatolica, A. danfordi, A. budaki and A. pelasgiana. Using a comprehensive sampling concerning both the number of specimens (218 specimens) and the genetic markers (3 nuclear and 3 mitochondrial), we performed phylogenetic analyses including tree reconstruction, species delimitation and divergence times estimation. The results revealed the occurrence of one more cryptic lineage which should be regarded as a separate species for which the name A. ibrahimi stat. nov. has priority. The existence of five well differentiated species with parapatric distributions in Anatololacerta is strongly supported. There is also evidence of recent and rapid radiation of the genus which probably causes phylogenetic relationships between these species to remain largely unresolved. At last, we proceeded to some nomenclatorial changes: The current name A. budaki was synonymized with A. pelasgiana because specimens of the type-locality of A. budaki are assigned genetically to A. pelasgiana. The genetic lineage including specimens currently assigned to A. budaki was named A. finikensis stat. nov., raising the subspecies A. b. finikensis to species level.

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Geographic position and different climate features of our country is the most important reason of the richness and variety of the fauna of Turkey. Significant zoogeographic importance of this region has been stressed by recent studies on Turkey’s herpetofauna. In this study, 4 species anurans, 1 species turtle, 1species tortoise, 10 species lizards, 10 species snakes, have been collected from this region and there specimens were studied morphologically. Ecological and biological features of these species have been reported. In this research, the vicinity of Lake Bafa was studied with it’s herpetofauna firstly and it’s different features. As a result of this research, it was determined the area is one of the important watery areas of our country for it’s touristic construction, ancient town features, and biologic features such as having rich fauna and flora. The vicinity of Lake Bafa is one of the rare ecosystems, which is open to danger, having importance scientificly and education aly, and it should be presented with it’s biological diversity. While these were shown in the research, it’s diversity, field construction, ancient features, appropriate climate and touristic importance was stated, and the importance of protection of this area was tried to explain

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In this study, the fish, amphibian and reptile fauna of Karatas Lake were investigated between October-2002 and May 2004. In the research area, totally 15 species belong to 9 families from the studied groups were determined. According to the species richness; 4 fish, 2 amphibians and 9 reptiles were determined and given as a list. All of the frog and reptil species and one fish species, Carassius carassius, are reported for the first time from the research area.

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Climate change created predominantly by burning fossil fuels leads to increased pressure on biodiversity. It may cause extinction in lizard species over the forthcoming years. Lizard species that are unable to adjust rapidly enough to the ecological alterations due to climate change are particularly under threat. Therefore, vulnerable lizard species should be monitored and adopt climate change scenarios. This study examines the changes in the habitats of Danford’s lizard (Anatololacerta danfordi) according to the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 (HADGEM2-ES) climate scenarios. We modelled the current habitat preferences of A. danfordi using the MaxEnt method based on the bioclimatic features derived from Worldclim. Our results showed that A.danfordi prefers habitats with the bioclimate features including 12 mm for precipitation of driest month, 1-2ºC for mean temperature of wettest quarter, -4ºC for min temperature of coldest month, and 600 mm for annual precipitation. We determined the potential distributions of the A.danfordi using the model and GIS facilities for both RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate scenarios. In conclusion, the potential habitats of this lizard species may be dramatically influenced from two climate scenarios. We envisage that the suitable habitats may be mostly relocated from the south toward the north. A.danfordi may not adapt this rapid change and may not migrate to new suitable locations within this short period. Therefore, governments should make provisions against climate change without delay.

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In this study, a total of 60 specimens (33 ♂♂, 16 ♀♀, 5 juv.) collected from south-western Anatolia were examined. The study was based on pholidosis, coloration and pattern and body measurements also some ecological observations were made. In conclusion, it was determined that the population from south-western Anatolia possess the same features as the subspecies L. d. pelasgiana.

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The herpetofauna of Bozdag in western Anatolia was investigated. In the study area, 152 samples belonging to 22 species from 14 amphibian and reptile families were described. One of these species is an urodelan, 5 are anurans, 1 is a tortoise, 10 are lizards and 5 are snakes.

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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.

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The authors describe the ways in which they breed Lacerta danfordi anatolica outdoors as well as indoors. Remarks on distribution and subspecies are given. Both terrariums are illustrated, behavior and reproduction of the lizards as well as the incubation of the eggs are dealt with. Abundant feeding with several kinds of insects and a good supply of vitamins makes a quick growth of the young possible. In this way an animal can be adult in 4 months. Unfiltered sunradiation in the period march-october is necessary for good breeding results.

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Investigated the albumins from 31 species and subspecies of the genus Lacerta s.1. by means of the immunoloical techniue Micro-Complement-fixation. Dendrograms were computed by means of the ktch-MargJiash algorithm. Moreover the taxa of the Lacerta saxicola and the Lacerta danfordi comlexes were analyzed by electrophoresis concerning 14 genetic loci. The results were discussel together with karyological and genitalmorphological data so far known yielding the following relationships: Lacerta graeca shows a closer relationshi to the subgenus Podarcis as does the quite closely related species air L. dugesii and L. perspicikata. Lacerta Iaevis probabl is connected closely to Podarcis, too. Lacerta parva shows a closer relationship to the `small izards` than to the sub-genus Lacerta s. str. A clear decision concerning the position of the Lacerta danfordi complex according to chemosystematical data was not possible. It is isolated from the other species probably about as long as L. puma. Biochemical differences between its `species` are too small to confirm their taxonomical revalorisation by Eiselt and Schmidtler Within the Lacerta saxicola complex the investigated taxa show a close relationship. Lacerta praticola and L. derjugini were definitly assigned to this group.

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The family Lacertidae encompasses more than 250 species distributed in the Palearctis, Ethiopis and Orientalis. Lacertids have been subjected in the past to several morphological and molecular studies to establish their phylogeny. However, the problems of convergent adaptation in morphology and of excessively variable molecular markers have hampered the establishment of well supported deeper phylogenetic relationships. Particularly the adaptations to xeric environments have often been used to establish a scenario for the origin and radiation of major lineages within lacertids. Here we present a molecular phylogenetic study based on two nuclear marker genes and representatives of 37 lacertid genera and distinct species groups (as in the case of the collective genus Lacerta). Roughly 1600 bp of the nuclear rag1 and c-mos genes were sequenced and analyzed. While the results provide good support to the hitherto suggested main subfamilies of Gallotiinae (Gallotia and Psammodromus), Eremiainae and Lacertinae [Harris, D.J., Arnold, E.N., Thomas, R.H., 1998. Relationships of lacertid lizards (Reptilia: Lacertidae) estimated from mitochondrial DNA sequences and morphology. Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B 265, 1939–1948], they also suggest unexpected relationships. In particular, the oriental genus Takydromus, previously considered the sister-group to the three subfamilies, is nested within Lacertinae. Moreover, the genera within the Eremiainae are further divided into two groups, roughly corresponding to their respective geographical distributions in the Ethiopian and the Saharo-Eurasian ranges. The results support an independent origin of adaptations to xeric conditions in different subfamilies. The relationships within the subfamily Lacertinae could not be resolved with the markers used. The species groups of the collective genus Lacerta show a bush-like topology in the inferred Bayesian tree, suggesting rapid radiation. The composition of the subfamilies Eremiainae and Lacertinae as well as their phylogeography are discussed.

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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.

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Anatololacerta danfordi (Günter, 1876) is an endemic lizard species of the Lacertidae family in Turkey herpetofauna. This lizard species is spreading in the Taurus Mountains and in the appropriate habitats around it. This study was carried out with the aim of determining and mapping suitable habitats for the target species with Maximum Entropy method in Sütçüler (Isparta) region in Western Mediterranean. As a result of the field work between May-October of 2014, 33 present data of this species were obtained. Relationships between the 21 environmental variables and present data of target species, which do not correlate with each other, such as bio climate variables, vegetation indices derived from satellite data or digitized baseline maps, are modeled and mapped by MaxEnt software. According to the habitat suitability model of Anatololacerta danfordi (training data set AUC: 0.916, test data set AUC: 0.898); bedrock, stream density, slope, ruggedness, landform index, radiation index, and land cover/use classes have been the limiting factors in the distribution of Anatololacerta danfordi.

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In this study, the amphibians and reptilians of Murat Mountain, where only mountain frogs have been investigated so far, are introduced. A total of 99 specimens from 15 different species were collected. Four of the species belong to anurans, one belongs to tortoises, six belong to lizards and four belong to the snakes group.

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A winter activity of the Danford’s lizard, Anatololacerta danfordi(Günther, 1876) has been observed during two winter seasons in Sütçüler and Aksu districts of Ispartaprovince of Turkey. There is no information in the literature about the active season of this species. Our data showed that this lizard species may be active in winter. Activations of the adult individuals of the species mainly consisted of sunbathing on the rocks and preying

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Lacertinae is one of the three lacertid lizard subfamilies with a geographical distribution confined to the Palaearctic. Several past attempts to reconstruct its phylogeny resulted in unresolved bush-like topologies. We address the question of whether the lack of resolution is due to insufficient data or whether this lack reflects a rapid succession of speciation events. We analyzed four partial and one complete gene sequences from mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, totalling roughly 3600 bp. We included 29 species representing all 19 genera suggested in recent revision of Lacertinae [Arnold, E.N., Arribas, O., Carranza, S., 2007. Systematics of the palaearctic and oriental lizard tribe Lacertini (Squamata: Lacertidae: Lacertinae), with descriptions of eight new genera. Zootaxa 1430, 1–86]. The resulting phylogeny, first, corroborates monophyly at the genus level for the suggested genera, as well as the finding that Atlantolacerta andreanskyi, until recently part of Lacertinae, belongs to the subfamily Eremiadinae. Second, we find that increasing the sequence length and combining multiple nuclear and mitochondrial sequences did not resolve the polytomy, suggesting that the inferred topology indicates a multiple cladogenesis within a short geological period, rather than a methodical artefact. Divergence time estimates, based on previous estimates of several node ages, range from 13.9 to 14.9 million years for the radiation event, however with very broad confidence interval. To associate the radiation with a narrower geological time we consider palaeogeographic and palaeoclimatic data, assuming that the Lacertinae probably evolved in Central Europe andWAsia after the collision of Africa and Eurasia. We suggest that this radiation may date to the late Langhian (ca. 14–13.5 million years) when geological events caused abrupt changes in regional water–land distribution and climate, offering a window of distinct conditions.

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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.

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The genus Anatololacerta is distributed in the eastern Mediterranean region including Asia Minor and some east Aegean islands. Recent phylogenetic studies suggested that this genus displayed cryptic diversity and was divided into five species: A. anatolica, A. pelasgiana, A. ibrahimi, A. finikensis and A. danfordi. The ecological niche differentiations of these species have not been studied so far. Our aims for this study were to predict the potential suitable habitats for the species nested in genus Anatololacerta, and to examine the niche overlaps and differentiations via identity and background tests. The occurrence data were obtained from literature and our own field surveys. Occurrence records were rarefied and assessed in a 30 arc-second resolution layer, compatible with several bioclimatic and topographic variables. Species distribution analyses were performed using maximum entropy approach and pairwise niche comparisons were evaluated by identity and background tests. Our results demonstrated that the species delimitation among this genus was not only affected by geographic isolation but also that precipitation and temperature influenced the habitat suitability for these species. Predicted suitability usually well matched the actual species distributions. Moreover, the niche overlap (identity test) analyses verified that allopatric Anatololacerta species show clear ecological differentiations. However, a niche overlap between parapatric species A. pelasgiana and A. finikensis, was confirmed by identity and background tests. It has been suggested that these parapatric species could be more affected by microclimatological parameters than the others. The results of our study are in agreement with the latest phylogenetic study within this genus.

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In this study, it is aimed to determine the amphibians and reptiles species of Adana province. This study was conducted in September and October 2013 and February, March, May, April, and June 2014. As a results of the study, 4 anuran species belonging to three families, 2 urodelian species belonging to one family, 6 tortoise species belonging to five families, 16 lizards species belonging to 6 families, one worm lizard, 19 snakes species belonging to 4 families, with a total of 48 different species of amphibians and reptiles, showing distribution in Adana, were identified. However, the species of Neurergus strauchii, Pelobates syriacus, Anatololacerta pelasgiana, Darevskia valentini, Eirenis decemlineatus, E. eiselti, E. lineomaculatus, Rhynchocalamus melanocephalus, which were recorded in the literature previously, could not be found. With the field survey and literature records, 56 amphibian and reptile species belonging to 21 families were determined in Adana province. In addition, chorotype information of the species and distribution localities in Adana were given in detail.

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General morphology and size of erythrocytes of some lacertid lizards. Ophisops elegans, Lacerta cappodocica, Anatololacerta danfordi and Podarcis muralis, living in Turkey was studied using technique. The longest erythrocytes and nuclei were measured in O. elegans and the shortest ones in L cappodocica. The widest erythrocytes were recorded ill P. muralis and the narrowest ones in L. cappodocica, The widest nuclei were found in O. elegans mid the narrowest ones in L cappodocica.

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Vertebral laminae are bony ridges or sheets that connect important morphological landmarks on the vertebrae, like diapophyses or zygapophyses. They usually exhibit some serial variation throughout the column. A consistent terminology facilitates the morphological description of this variation, and the recognition of patterns that could be taxonomically significant and could serve as phylogenetic characters. Such a terminology was designed for saurischian dinosaurs, and has also been applied to other members of Archosauri- formes. Herein, this terminology is applied for the first time to lizards (Squamata). Probably due to their generally smaller size compared to saurischian dinosaurs, lizards have less developed vertebral laminae. Some laminae could not be recognized in this group and oth- ers require new names to account for differences in basic vertebral morphology. For instance, the fusion of diapophysis and parapophysis in lacertids into a structure called synapophysis necessitates the creation of the new term synapophyseal laminae for both diapophyseal and parapophyseal laminae. An assessment of occurrence and serial varia- tion in a number of lacertid species shows that some laminae develop throughout ontogeny or only occur in large-sized species, whereas the distribution of other laminae might prove to be taxonomically significant in future.

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In this study the terrestrial Herpetological fauna of the Ancient City of Phaselis and in its Territorium were evaluated. Also in this study the general properties of some of the species observed in the field are given together with a photograph. In consequence of the field studies conducted during 2014‐2015: 36 species of amphibians and reptiles were identified. Considering the conservation status of these species; the IUCN status for the herpetofauna: 1 species located in category CR, 1 species located in category EN, 3 species located in category NT, 1 species located in category VU, 29 located in category LC and 1 species is in an undefined category, the Bern Convention status for the herptils: 25 species located in Appendix II (Strictly Protected Fauna Species) category, 9 Species located in Appendix III (Protected Fauna Species) category. The current situation recorded during the course of this study, the number of the species and some features of the fauna, will vary through the wider range of future studies examining the fauna and their environmental situation.

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In this study, it was aimed to determine the amphibian and reptile species distributed in Kahramanmaraş province. Between the years 2016-2018, a total of 52 species (6 amphibians, 4 turtles, 21 lizards and 21 snakes species) belonging to 20 families were determined in Kahramanmaraş province during field surveys conducted at 451 localities. The records and their locations are presented in a map and a table. However, Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758), Darevskia valentini (Boettger, 1892), Ablepharus chernovi Darevsky, 1953, Chamaeleo chamaeleon (Linnaeus, 1758), Parvilacerta parva (Boulenger, 1887), Anatololacerta pelasgiana (Mertens, 1959), Elaphe sauromates (Pallas, 1811) and Rhynchocalamus satunini (Nikolsky, 1899) were recorded for the first time from Kahramanmaraş.

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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.

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In this study the terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna around the Ancient City of Phaselis and in its Vicinity were evaluated. The project over the course of 5 years that began in 2012, surveyed the terrestrial fauna which could be found during 2012‐2013 and the list of the literature recording this vertebrate fauna present in the area is provided in this report. Also in this study the general properties of some of the species observed in the field are given with a photograph. In this context, field studies conducted during 2012‐2013, from the results of these field studies: 35 species of amphibians and reptiles, 26 species of mammals and 122 species of birds were identified. Considering the conservation status of these species; undefined IUCN status for one of the species in the reptile and amphibian group, 1 species in CR, 1 EN, 3 NT, 1 VU, 28 LC located in this category; for birds: 2 species NT, 2 VU and 118 species LC located in this category; for the mammals: 2 species NT, 3 types VU, 20 LC located in category and 1 species is in an undefined category. The current situation during this study and the number of the species and some features of the fauna will change through the wider range of future studies to examine the fauna and their environmental situation).