Biodiversity Journal, 15 (1): 003-018
Mapping of Amphibian and Reptile species living in Bozcaada (Tenedos) Island, Türkiye, according to habitat and environmental changes
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.1.3.18

ABSTRACT
Bozcaada (Tenedos) Island, Türkiye, is a naturalistic biotope very important in terms of biological diversity as it has an isolated ecosystem. A total of 14 amphibian and reptile species were identified in previous studies in Bozcaada. In this study, two amphibians (Lissotriton schmidtleri, Bufotes sitibundus) and 10 reptiles (Mauremys rivulata, Testudo graeca, Hemidactylus turcicus, Mediodactylus kotschyi, Ophisops elegans, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Dolichophis caspius, Malpolon insignitus, Natrix natrix, Xerotyphlops vermicularis) species were observed. Distribution maps of amphibian and reptile species in Bozcaada were created using ArcGIS 10.8 package program according to seven different habitat types (agricultural habitat, shrubby area, settlements area, stony-hilly area, wetland habitat, dune habitat, woodland habitat). Consequently, with previous studies and current field surveys, distribution maps of amphibian and reptile species in Bozcaada according to environmental variables such as habitat, density, temperature, and elevation were created for the first time and the distribution of herpetofauna were compared between ten years ago and present. According to the data, it was determined that the distribution of amphibian and reptile species was limited in certain areas and the species preferred to live especially in the high elevation areas of the island. The dryness of seasonal puddles due to higher temperatures and climate change in Bozcaada, poses a threat especially to aquatic amphibians and reptile species on the island.

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