Browsing by Author "Afsar, M"

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    Classification of the mountain frogs of the Bercelan Plateau (Hakkari), east Anatolia (Turkey)
    Afsar, M; Afsar, B; Arikan, H
    In the present study, the mountain frog population of the Bercelan Plateau (Karadag, Hakkari) in east Anatolia was examined both in terms of their morphology (morphometric and color-pattern characteristics) and serology (blood plasma protein electrophoresis). According to these studies and when compared with frogs from the type localities of Rana macrocnemis BOULENGER, 1885, and Rana holtzi WERNER, 1898, the mountain frogs of the Bercelan Plateau strongly resembled the specimens from Uludag (Bursa) which are currently assigned to R. macrocnemis.
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    Rana macrocnemis BOULENGER, 1885, from the Emir Mountains in western inner Anatolia (Turkey)
    Afsar, M; Afsar, B; Arikan, H
    In the present study, mountain frogs from the Emir Mountains (Province of Afyonkarahisar) in western inner Anatolia (Turkey) were examined both morphologically i.e., morphometry and color-pattern, and serologically by analyzing the blood-plasma proteins using polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis. Based on the analyses, the mountain frog population of the Emir Mountains represents Rana macrocnemis BOULENGER, 1885.
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    Evaluation of The Reptilian Fauna in Amasya Province, Turkey with New Locality Records
    Sahin, MK; Afsar, M
    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.
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    The herpetofauna of the Sultan Mountains (Afyon-Konya-Isparta), Turkey
    Afsar, M; Tok, CV
    In this study, 29 reptile and amphibian species were recorded in 25 different 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 classification of the species recorded in the Sultan Mountains is also given.
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    On the occurrence of the Pond Slider Turtle Trachemys scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792) from southwestern Türkiye
    Yakin, BY; Çiçek, K; Bayrakci, Y; Günay, UK; Afsar, M; Ayaz, D; Tok, CV
    Trachemys scripta is included among the 100 most invasive species worldwide. Since the first report on the presence of pond slider turtles from natural habitats in Turkiye, the distribution of this invasive species comprises almost thirty provinces. However, it spread to much wider sites than the regions determined until today. Besides, there is a lack of knowledge on which subspecies exist in the invaded habitats. Within this study, we presented the presence of two subspecies of the invasive alien slider turtle for the first time from the Resadiye, Datca, Mugla, Turkiye. We also suggest certain precautions should be taken against slider turtles to contribute to preventing their invasion of our biodiversity.
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    Conservation strategies for the Caucasus Viper, Vipera kaznakovi Nikolsky 1909, in the East Black Sea Region, Turkey
    Tok, CV; Afsar, M; Çiçek, K
    We evaluated the current status and main threats to the Caucasus viper (Vipera kaznakovi Nikolsky 1909), from the East Black Sea Region, Turkey, via 21 days of intensive fieldwork and interviews with locals. We found that habitat loss and destruction, illegal collection, and intentional or accidental killings are the main threats to V. kaznakovi in the region. We prepared a 5-year Action Plan for the Turkish General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks and outline a strategy for promoting the sustainability of the species with participation of regional administrations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and locals. The major conservation measures include: (1) creating protected areas in regions with high viper densities (2) preventing and controlling illegal collection, (3) raising awareness among locals to reduce the intentional and accidental killing of vipers.
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    Action Plan for the Conservation of Endemic Anatolian Meadow Viper, Vipera anatolica Eiselt & Baran, 1970 in Southwestern Anatolia
    Tok, CV; Afsar, M; Yakin, BY; Çiçek, K
    The Anatolian viper. Vipera anatolica Eiselt & Baran. 1970, is the rarest, critically endangered, and endemic species in the western Taurus Mountains. Antalya. Turkey. Here. we evaluated the current status, potential threats, and recommended necessary conservation measures for Anatolian meadow viper. We created some activities during the 5 year species conservation action plan implemented by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks. We conducted 70-days extensive fieldworks between May and October 2016-2017 for determining the distribution, habitat characteristics, phenology, and population status of the species in the province of Antalya. We also interviewed locals and surveyed potential threats of Anatolian meadow viper. We detected only 10 specimens in the territory of the Ciglikara cedar forest reserve at altitudes between 1800 and 2300 m and only two specimens in the territory of Geyik Mountains at altitudes between 1600 and 1900 m. We determined the potential threats like habitat loss and degradation, quarry (especially for senliki subspecies), global climate change, illegal collecting, and willingly or accidentally killing of vipers. Major precautions to protect the species were determined as: (1) to establish protected habitat patches in the species' known distribution and to prohibit entrance and grazing activities, (2) to create alternative new habitats for reintroduction, (3) to plan long-term monitoring survey to obtain data on its ecology and population trends. (4) to start a captive breeding program. (5) to educate and raise awareness among locals to prevent illegal collecting, willingly or/and accidentally killing of specimens for the sustainability of Anatolian meadow viper.
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    ADDITIONAL MORPHOLOGICAL DATA ON Vipera (Pelias) cf. darevskii FROM THE VICINITY OF ZEKERIYAKOY (NORTHEASTERN ANATOLIA)
    Tok, CV; Afsar, M; Çiçek, K
    Two new Viper specimens obtained from Zekeriyakoy (Ardanuc, Artvin) in Northeastern Anatolia were investigated. When obtained data were compared with the related literature, it was observed that pholidosis characteristics and body measurements of the retrieved specimens were similar to both Vipera (Pelias) olguni and Vipera (Pelias) darevskii. The specimens were considered to be V. cf. darevskii since their defining characteristics were more similar to V. darevskii than V. olguni.
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    Age, Growth and Longevity of Kotschy's Gecko, Mediodactylus kotschyi (Steindachner, 1870) (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) from Central Anatolia, Turkey
    Çiçek, K; Afsar, M; Kumas, M; Ayaz, D; Tok, CV
    We studied the age structure of Kotschy's gecko, Mediodactylus kotschyi, from the Sultan Mountains (Central Anatolia, Turkey) using the skeletochronological method. We examined the humeral diaphyseal cross sections of a total of 19 (six males and 13 females) museum specimens. Our results showed that the age structure ranged from three to seven years (mean = 4.2 years, SD = 1.47) in males and from two to eight years (mean = 4.5 years, SD = 1.81) in females. Both sexes reached sexual maturity after their second hibernation, and no statistically significant difference in age composition was observed between the sexes. There was a strong positive correlation between SVL and age (Spearman's correlation coefficient, r = 0.93) and Von Bertalanffy growth curves fitted to the relationships between age (k = 0.80) and SVL (SVLmax = 42.4). In conclusion, M. kotschyi is a short-lived species with a high growth rate.
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    New record localities of five snake Species in Turkey
    Afsar, M; Çicek, K; Dincaslan, YE; Ayaz, D; Tok, CV
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    A New Locality for Rana ridibunda caralitana Arikan, 1988 (Anura: Ranidae) in the Central Anatolia
    Ayaz, D; Tok, CV; Mermer, A; Tosunoglu, M; Afsar, M; Çiçek, K
    In this study, a total of 18 (10 male male, 8 female female) adult marsh frog specimens collected from Bor (Nigde) have been examined through 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.
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    Aspect of population structure of the European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis) in Lake Yayla, western Anatolia, Turkey
    Ayaz, D; Fritz, U; Atatür, MK; Mermer, A; Çiçek, K; Afsar, M
    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.
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    Population estimate and body size of European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) from Pazaragac (Afyonkarahisar/Turkey)
    Ayaz, D; Fritz, U; Tok, CV; Mermer, A; Tosunoglu, M; Afsar, M; Çiçek, K
    Data on population size, adult sex ratio, body size and mass are provided for a population of the turtle Emys orbicularis near Pazaragac (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).
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    More data on the distribution and morphology of Mediodactylus kotschyi bolkarensis (ROsLER, 1994), from Central Anatolia, Turkey
    Afsar, M; Çiçek, K; Tok, CV
    Four specimens of the gecko, Mediodactylus kotschyi bolkarensis (ROsLER, 1994), were found in Karapmar (Province of Konya, Turkey), about 50 km north west of the known range. Two male and two female adult specimens collected from this new locality were examined in detail for their pholidosis and color pattern features, and compared with 26 adult (11 male, 15 female) specimens recently collected from Eregli (Province of Konya, TR), the type locality of the subspecies bolkarensis. The comprehensive new materials of M. k. bolkarensis are characterized with regard to metric, meristic and color-pattern traits which are presented in comparison to published data of six neighboring subspecies of M kotschyi.
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    Unsustainable harvest of water frogs in southern Turkey for the European market
    Çiçek, K; Ayaz, D; Afsar, M; Bayrakci, Y; Peksen, ÇA; Cumhuriyet, O; Ismail, IB; Yenmis, M; Üstündag, E; Tok, CV; Bilgin, CC; Akçakaya, HR
    Frogs have been harvested from the wild for the last 40 years in Turkey. We analysed the population dynamics of Anatolian water frogs (Pelophylax spp.) in the Seyhan and Ceyhan Deltas during 2013-2015. We marked a total of 13,811 individuals during 3 years, estimated population sizes, simulated the dynamics of a harvested population over 50 years, and collated frog harvest and export statistics from the region and for Turkey as a whole. Our capture estimates indicated a population reduction of c. 20% per year, and our population modelling showed that, if overharvesting continues at current rates, the harvested populations will decline rapidly. Simulations with a model of harvested population dynamics resulted in a risk of extinction of > 90% within 50 years, with extinction likely in c. 2032. Our interviews with harvesters revealed their economic dependence on the frog harvest. However, our results also showed that reducing harvest rates would not only ensure the viability of these frog populations but would also provide a source of income that is sustainable in the long term. Our study provides insights into the position of Turkey in the 'extinction domino' line, in which harvest pressure shifts among countries as frog populations are depleted and harvest bans are effected. We recommend that harvesting of wild frogs should be banned during the mating season, hunting and exporting of frogs < 30 g should be banned, and harvesters should be trained on species knowledge and awareness of regulations.
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    It takes two to tango - Phylogeography, taxonomy and hybridization in grass snakes and dice snakes (Serpentes: Natricidae: Natrix natrix, N. tessellata)
    Asztalos, M; Ayaz, D; Bayrakci, Y; Afsar, M; Tok, CV; Kindler, C; Jablonski, D; Fritz, U
    Using two mitochondrial DNA fragments and 13 microsatellite loci, we examined the phylogeographic structure and taxonomy of two codistributed snake species (Natrix natrix, N. tessellata) in their eastern distribution area, with a focus on Turkey. We found evidence for frequent interspecific hybridization, previously thought to be extremely rare, and for backcrosses. This underscores that closely related sympatric species should be studied together because otherwise the signal of hybridization will be missed. Furthermore, the phylogeographic patterns of the two species show many parallels, suggestive of a shared biogeographic history. In general, the phylogeographies follow the paradigm of southern richness to northern purity, but the dice snake has some additional lineages in the south and east in regions where grass snakes do not occur. For both species, the Balkan Peninsula and the Caucasus region served as glacial refugia, with several mitochondrial lineages occurring in close proximity. Our results show that the mitochondrial divergences in both species match nuclear genomic differentiation. Yet, in the former glacial refugia of grass snakes there are fewer nuclear clusters than mitochondrial lineages, suggesting that Holocene range expansions transformed the glacial hotspots in melting pots where only the mitochondrial lineages persisted, bearing witness of former diversity. On the other hand, the deep mitochondrial divergences in N. tessellata across its entire range indicate that more than one species could be involved, even though lacking micro satellite data outside of Turkey prevent firm conclusions. On the contrary, our microsatellite and mitochondrial data corroborate that N. megalocephala is invalid and not differentiated from sympatric populations of N. natrix. For Cypriot grass snakes, our analyses yielded conflicting results. A critical assessment of the available evidence suggests that N. natrix is a genetically impoverished recent invader on Cyprus and taxonomically not distinct from a subspecies also occurring in western Anatolia and the southern Balkans. Based on combined mitochondrial and nuclear genomic evidence we propose that for grass snakes the following subspecies should be recognized in our study region: (1) Natrix natrix vulgaris Laurenti, 1768, southeastern Central Europe and northern Balkans; (2) Natrix natrix moreoticus (Bedriaga, 1882), southern Balkans, western Anatolia, and Cyprus; and (3) Natrix natrix scutata (Pallas, 1771), eastern Anatolia, Caucasus region, Iran, northeastern distribution range (from eastern Poland and Finland to Kazakhstan and the Lake Baikal region). Thus, Natrix natrix cypriaca (Hecht, 1930) becomes a junior synonym ofN. n. moreoticus and Natrix natrix persa (Pallas, 1814) becomes a junior synonym ofN. n. scutata. Due to insufficient material, we could not resolve the status of Natrix natrix syriaca (Hecht, 1930) from the Gulf of Iskenderun, southeastern Turkey.
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