Sporadic nesting events (i.e., any evidence of nesting or attempted nesting) of loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta, outside of the systematically monitored nesting areas, were recorded over 40 years (1985–2024) in the Ionian Sea, Greece. Most nesting events were reported by the public. Accumulated records show a wide distribution of nesting events along the coasts, without a considerable north–south gradient—contrasting with a similar study in the Aegean Sea, where nesting was rather uncommon in northern latitudes. This discrepancy is attributed to the different temperature regimes between the two marine areas. Beaches with frequently reported nesting events should be surveyed systematically to assess their nesting magnitude. The consequences of a possible northward expansion of loggerhead nesting in the Ionian are discussed.

Interspecific and intraspecific niche partitioning have been widely documented in sympatric snakes. Size variation and ecological differentiation in co-occurring Tropidophis in Cuba suggest differences in diet. We compared dietary composition and niche breadth among three species of Tropidophis in central Cuba: T. pardalis (n = 13), T. semicinctus (n = 28), and T. melanurus (n = 86; 80 large, 6 small individuals). We found complete overlap in diet composition among T. pardalis, T. semicinctus, and small T. melanurus, all of which specialized on lizards of the genus Anolis. In contrast, large T. melanurus had a distinct diet, consisting mostly of amphibians (95%), particularly the Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis; ca. 70%) and two species of toads of the genus Peltophryne (ca. 26%), suggesting an ontogenetic shift in the diet of T. melanurus. The three species of Tropidophis had a narrow trophic niche (B′ ≤ 0.280).

The number of alien freshwater turtle records has increased in Greece in recent years. These species happen to be high in demand by the aquatic pet trade, and thus anthropogenic mediation has facilitated their dispersal beyond any natural barriers. The deleterious effects of these species on native biodiversity have long been documented. Here, we report for the first time the presence of the Chinese stripe-necked turtle (Mauremys sinensis) on the island of Lesvos, Greece. Lesvos Island has been heavily monitored in the past, revealing the presence of Trachemys scripta. Mauremys sinensis is now the second invasive species on an island, where the population of Emys orbicularis is decreasing faster than previously expected. We urge swift action to assess the population status of the newly discovered invasive species as well as the added effects it may have along with T. scripta on the two native species, Emys orbicularis and Mauremys rivulata.

Previous phylogeographic assessments within species of the lacertid genus Ophisops have consistently revealed high levels of genetic diversity, suggestive of multiple cryptic species complexes. The snake-eyed lizard Ophisops elegans, endemic to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia, is no exception, although specimens of the North African endemic Ophisops occidentalis from Libya were not distinct from sympatric O. elegans individuals based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers. However, the most westerly populations of these two species from Morocco and Algeria were not assessed. Here, we analyzed partial 16S rRNA mtDNA sequences and partial MC1R nuclear sequences from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia for comparison with previously published data. Our estimates of relationships based on both markers support the hypothesis that all North African populations form a clade, consistent with an east-to-west colonization pattern across this region. Additional mtDNA sublineages were identified, further highlighting genetic diversity in remote areas. While the genetic data indicate that a single species should be recognized in North Africa, high diversity within O. elegans across the remainder of its range still requires further investigation prior to a taxonomic revision differentiating taxa within this species complex.

Understanding the factors shaping species distributions is essential for predicting their responses to environmental change. The genus Hemorrhois (horseshoe whip snakes) comprises ecologically diverse colubrid snakes found across the Mediterranean Basin, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Despite this broad range, their ecological niches and distributional dynamics remain understudied. This study employs ecological niche modeling (ENM) to assess the biogeography, niche differentiation, and potential climate-driven range shifts of H. algirus, H. hippocrepis, H. nummifer, and H. ravergieri under future climate scenarios. Using species occurrence data and bioclimatic variables, I constructed ensemble models to predict suitable habitats, evaluate niche overlap, and quantify potential range changes. Results indicate significant variation in climate-driven distributional responses among species. Hemorrhois algirus is projected to expand across North Africa, whereas H. hippocrepis, H. nummifer, and H. ravergieri may face range contractions under high-emission scenarios. Niche analyses suggest moderate overlap between H. algirus and H. hippocrepis, implying historical and ecological connectivity, while H. nummifer and H. ravergieri display distinct environmental preferences. Climatic and geographic barriers—such as the Sahara Desert, the Dardanelles and Istanbul Straits, the Alps, and the Pyrenees Mountains—play crucial roles in shaping their evolutionary trajectories. Given the increasing threats of climate change and habitat loss, this study underscores the need for conservation strategies prioritizing habitat connectivity, species-specific management, and climate refugia. By integrating ecological and evolutionary perspectives, this research contributes to understanding Mediterranean and Western Palearctic reptile biogeography and their responses to environmental change.

The Ottoman viper (Montivipera xanthina) was previously known to occur only as far west as the Rodopi Prefecture, Greece. Here, we report a newly discovered population in the Drama Prefecture, extending the species’ known range approximately 130 km westward. The population was confirmed through field surveys, during which several individuals were recorded. Habitat analysis suggests that this population is more likely part of a previously undocumented, continuous range, facilitated by suitable ecological corridors. Our findings underscore the underexplored biodiversity of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and highlight the need for further herpetological surveys in the region. This range extension has important implications for conservation planning, biodiversity assessment, and public health preparedness.

Snakes heavily depend on chemical communication and use chemical cues for trailing, foraging, searching for mates, and other behaviors. Snake pheromones reported so far are complex mixtures, consisting mainly of heavy, long-chained ketones. However, such ketones cannot be detected in the sex pheromones of some species, and for others, airborne compounds are suggested to participate in intersexual communication. Thus, to establish whether a certain compound is part of the snake sex pheromone, behavioral assays should be performed. The most frequently found ketones in the skin extracts of Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758) are 2-pentacosanone and 2-heptacosanone, which are hypothesized to participate in intraspecific communication. In the present study, we test male and female individuals’ responses to paper towels soaked with these two ketones (separately and together), n-hexane, heptacosane, and a control. We suggest that the ketones produced by V. ammodytes have a role in intraspecific communication and demonstrate that they elicit specific courtship-related behaviors in males, but not in females. Our results further show that 2-pentacosanone and 2-heptacosanone evoke sexual attraction, with their combination proving more effective than either compound alone, although the modest response suggests that other compounds may also be involved. We suggest that there are additional compounds, of a different nature, that most likely constitute the female sex pheromone. We hypothesize that males can also produce these ketones, which may provide them with a mating advantage by emitting false cues to rivals.

The Mosor rock lizard, Dinarolacerta mosorensis (Kolombatović, 1886), is an understudied lacertid species. It is geographically isolated within the Dinaric Alps and is categorized as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Historical and newly collected records were evaluated to assess the distribution, range, and conservation status of the Mosor rock lizard. Our results show that most range localities and suitable habitats are found in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, whereas Croatia comprises less than 2% of the total global range. We extended the species’ range further north and reconfirmed its presence west of the Neretva River. In total, we identified 33 localities—encompassing mountains, canyons, and plateaus—of which nine are new. The maximum elevation at which the species has been documented is 2,031 m a.s.l., with 91% of records occurring above 1,000 m a.s.l. The Area of Occupancy (AOO), calculated using 2 × 2 km grids, is 528 km², whereas the Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is estimated at 18,725.34 km². Despite significant variation in protected area coverage among countries, 44% of the species’ known AOO is within protected areas. Given that global climate change is the main threat to this species, there is an urgent need for targeted data collection and improved management strategies to ensure its long-term protection.

In snakes, predatory attacks on oversized prey are not uncommon. Here, we describe an adult female Vipera berus that likely bit and intended to swallow an oversized young hare, Lepus europaeus. The estimated mass of the hare was about 10 times greater than that of the viper. The event took place in Denmark, on 10 August 2022. We suggest that the adder under these circumstances might have benefited from a large prey to gain maximum energy after likely having given birth. Greatly oversized prey items killed by snakes are poorly known in literature. Based on published and unpublished reports, we add to the knowledge of snakes’ killings and subsequently abandoning oversized prey items. It may be an underdocumented phenomenon.

Eco-climatic and other environmental gradients significantly influence the geographic distribution of reptiles. In Bangladesh, the known range of Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) has expanded extensively in recent decades. Using species distribution modelling, we analysed habitat suitability, dispersal pathways, interspecific competition, and population dynamics to explore the drivers behind this phenomenon. Our findings indicate a five-fold increase in climatically suitable area (76,716 km²) since 2015, attributed to higher cold-season temperatures and increased dry-season precipitation, facilitating the viper’s spread into previously unoccupied regions. The rapid dispersal of these snakes may have benefited from the strong currents of rivers, channels and seasonal waterways, and flat floodplain terrain. Additionally, the extension of agricultural and grassy habitats in new regions has provided abundant rodent prey and minimal predator or competitor pressures, creating ideal conditions for population growth. We also observed a female-biased population structure and large clutch sizes which may have further accelerated reproduction, contributed to rapid population expansion. In rural Bangladesh, where clinicians face multiple problems with the management of Russell’s viper envenoming, increasingly frequent human encounters with this highly dangerous snake have caused great public concern. Despite the observed range expansion, the species also faces challenges such as unsuitable temperature fluctuations, reduced precipitation in some regions, and anthropogenic threats, including anti-snake attitudes and killings. Given the increasing risk of human-snake conflicts, implementing effective snakebite management plans and conservation strategies is crucial to safeguard public health while ensuring the survival of this ecologically and economically important predator of rodents.