Diversity, Threats, and Conservation of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Herpetofauna of Jordan

Abstract

In this review, we identified the diversity of the freshwater and terrestrial herpetofauna of Jordan that consists of a total of 103 species of extant reptiles (100 species and subspecies) and amphibians (3 species). Two amphibian species became extinct within the past thirty years ( Triturus vittatus and Pelobates syriacus ). Four categories of threats affecting amphibians and reptiles were identified (Habitat loss and degradation, water issues, human disturbance and related activities, and legislations and public awareness) along with supportive examples for each category of threats. Key species that requires urgent protection includes Hemidactylus mindiae , Acanthodactylus ahmaddisii , Chalcides guentheri , Phoenicolacerta kulzeri khazaliensis , Lacerta media , Platyceps elegantissimus , Platyceps sinai , Telescopus hoogstraali , and Macrovipera lebetina due to their limited distribution, and Uromastyx aegyptia , Chalcides sepsoides , Scincus scincus meccensis , Trapelus persicus fieldii , and Testudo graeca due to habitat loss. The status of herpetofauna in Jordan is still far from being completely understood. Nevertheless, the lack of conservation measures and low public concern makes amphibians and reptiles extremely vulnerable in the near future.