Diversity of the herpetofauna in the Mediterranean region of northern Israel

Abstract

Reptile species diversity was studied in eight experimental plots located along climatic and edaphic climax gradients within the Mediterranean region. One plot was on Mt Meron with 1000 mm precipitation; three plots were located on Mt Carmel with 750 mm rainfall; three in the Lower Galil with 650 mm rainfall and one on Mt Gilboa with 500 mm rainfall, bordering with the semi-arid region. Of the 24 species of reptiles that were found, 14 are lizard species, eight snake species, one tortoise and one chameleon. In addition one amphibian was found. Among the lizards, six were skinks (Scincidae) and three each were lacertids (Lacertidae) and gekkonids (Gekkonidae). The phenology of four lizard species is given. These are: Agama stellio, Ophisops elegans, Lacerta laevis and Ablepharus kitaibelii. The miniature skink, Ablepharus kitaibelii, is most typical of the oak woodland and was found abundantly in all plots.