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Beyond the First Glimpse: A Comprehensive Reappraisal of Reptile Diversity in Ordu Province, Türkiye

Year 2025, Volume: 1 Issue: 1, 41 - 48, 20.06.2025

Mehmet Kürşat Şahin

Abstract

Located at the intersection of major biogeographic zones, Ordu Province in northeastern Türkiye hosts a mosaic of ecosystems shaped by complex topography and climatic gradients. Despite this ecological richness, its reptile fauna has remained poorly documented. In this study, we conducted an extensive field survey between October 2016 and October 2018, covering diverse habitats from coastal lowlands to montane forests. A total of 165 occurrence records were compiled, representing 15 reptile species across three orders and eight families. Among these, Darevskia rudis was the most frequently encountered species, widely distributed across elevations and habitat types. Notably, the study confirmed the presence of range-restricted or conservation-sensitive species, including Vipera barani, Darevskia clarkorum, Testudo graeca, and Emys orbicularis. Chorotypic analysis revealed that Turano-Mediterranean, Armeno-Anatolian endemic, and European elements dominate the assemblage, highlighting Ordu’s role as a biogeographic transition zone. This work represents the first comprehensive reptile inventory for the province and provides essential baseline data for future ecological studies and conservation planning. Given the increasing anthropogenic pressures in the region, we emphasize the need for long-term monitoring and public engagement to ensure the persistence of this unique herpetofaunal community.

Keywords

biodiversity inventory reptilia zoogeography chorotype analysis

Ethical Statement

It is declared that during the preparation process of this study, scientific and ethical principles were followed and all the studies benefited from are stated in the bibliography. The results of field surveys were carried out with the permission of Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Permission Number: E-71232014-335-01[010.99]-4878995).

Supporting Institution

The author would like to express his thanks to Nartus Energy and Environmental Investments Co. for their support during their project.

Thanks

This work was undertaken by the Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Provincial Directorate of Ordu Nature Conservation and National Parks.

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Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Vertebrate Biology, Zoology (Other)
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Mehmet Kürşat Şahin 0000-0003-0834-5081

Publication Date June 20, 2025
Submission Date April 21, 2025
Acceptance Date May 13, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 1 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Şahin, M. K. (2025). Beyond the First Glimpse: A Comprehensive Reappraisal of Reptile Diversity in Ordu Province, Türkiye. Smyrna Journal of Natural and Data Sciences, 1(1), 41-48.
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