Distribution Of Reptiles Research Articles

The House Is Burning: Assessment of Habitat Loss Due to Wildfires in Central Mexico

Fire suppression and climate change have increased the frequency and severity of wildfires, but the responses of many organisms to wildfire are still largely unknown. In this study, we assessed the risk of habitat loss for amphibians, mammals, and reptiles caused by wildfires in central Mexico. We accomplished this by: (1) determining the likelihood of wildfire occurrence over a 12-year period using historical records and the Poisson probability mass function to pinpoint the most susceptible areas to wildfire; (2) evaluating species exposure by identifying natural land use that aligns with the potential distribution areas of biodiversity; (3) assessing species vulnerability based on the classifications established by the IUCN and CONABIO. Our findings have unveiled three regions exhibiting a concentration of high-risk values. Among these, two are positioned near major urban centers, while the third lies in the southeastern sector of the Nevado de Toluca protection area. Amphibians emerged as the taxonomic group most severely impacted, with a substantial number of species falling within the Critically Endangered and Endangered categories, closely followed by mammals and reptiles. Furthermore, we have identified a correlation between the location of risk zones and agricultural areas. This study revealed hotspots that can offer valuable guidance for strategic initiatives in fire-prone regions associated to the potential distribution of amphibians, mammals, and reptiles. Moreover, future studies should contemplate integrating field data to enhance our comprehension of the actual effects of wildfires on the spatial distribution of these animal groups.

Distribution and drivers of critical hibernacula for the timber rattlesnake Crotalus horridus in Illinois, USA

The dependency on hibernacula for extended periods presents terrestrial reptiles with the challenge of locating thermally adequate hibernacula each winter. Defining the habitat characteristics of hibernacula is crucial for understanding the overwintering requirements and distributions of hibernacula-dependent reptiles, alongside identifying habitats which warrant special conservation concern. Our objectives were to identify the overwintering habitat characteristics of the imperiled timber rattlesnake Crotalus horridus in Illinois, USA, and to determine the distribution of likely hibernacula habitats throughout the state. Due to the initial sparsity of hibernacula records in Illinois, we adopted an iterative habitat suitability modeling process consisting of 3 distinct rounds of Maxent construction and revision. Each round was informed with updated information from model-guided surveys or by building rapport with in-state naturalists and researchers who knew of additional hibernacula locations. We created our final model using 36 hibernacula and identified slope angle (indicative of rock outcrops and shallow soils), topographical position index, forest patch area, and aspect (decomposed into 2 linearized variables: southness and eastness) as important drivers of C. horridus hibernacula habitat in Illinois. Together, the 5 variables and site surveys suggest the suitable overwintering habitat for C. horridus in Illinois is located on south- to southwest-facing outcrops on upper slopes and ridges of larger forest patches. Such habitat is distributed primarily in southern Illinois and throughout the Mississippi River and Illinois River border counties. Our study adds to the current understanding of the species’ overwintering requirements and provides a foundation for future ecological studies, management, and survey efforts throughout Illinois.

Amphibian and reptile diversity in natural landscapes and human-modified habitats of the Sahara Desert of Algeria: A better understanding of biodiversity to improve conservation

The spatial and seasonal variations in amphibian and reptile diversity were studied in different biotopes (lowlands, desert pavements “Reg,” Sabkhas “salt lakes,” date palm groves, wadis, and urban sites) at the Algerian Sahara Desert. No prior research has explored the connection between the distribution of reptiles and amphibians in Algeria’s Sahara and the environmental diversity of biotopes and landscapes. This study aimed to address this significant knowledge gap by investigating the relationships between Saharan habitats and landscapes and their impact on herpetofaunal presence, abundance, and diversity. The diversity of amphibians and reptiles was assessed based on quantitative data of species captures using nonparametric diversity indices, species richness accumulation curves, and similarity analysis. At the Region of Oued Righ (Northern Sahara Desert), we identified 3 amphibians, 19 lizards, and 10 ophidian species. These 32 species (approximately 30% of the Algerian herpetofauna) were classified into 2 orders (Anura and Squamata), 15 families, and 23 different genera. The study area included 8 protected species in Algeria and 9 endemic species to the Mediterranean region, including 1 amphibian and 7 species of reptiles. Acanthodactylus dumerilii was the most abundant species (20.5% of the total), whereas Chalcides ocellatus occurred in 32.9% of specimens. The highest values of species richness were recorded in palm groves with 22 species and Shannon’s diversity index (H’) was 3.5, whereas the lowest values were obtained in Sabkhas (5 species) and urban sites (7 species). The number of individuals experienced significant variations between study biotopes and seasons. Overall, species richness estimators (Chao2 and Jackknife1) revealed that the current survey achieved 90% of inventory completeness. Estimates and interpolations of species richness showed higher values in urban sites, palm groves, desert pavements, and wadis compared to Sabkhas and lowlands where completeness ranged between 90% and 100%. The analysis of similarity indicated low similarity values (<50%) between biotopes studied. The highest similarities were noted between the mesic biotopes (Sabkhas, wadis, and palm groves), the xeric and undisturbed biotopes (desert pavements and lowlands), whereas urban sites showed a distinct herpetofaunal community that was completely different of that recorded in Sabkhas, wadis, and lowlands.

The first record of leucism in the Rhabdophis tigrinus (Boie, 1826) (Squamata, Colubridae) in South Korea.

Leucism, in which pigmentation is lost over part or the entire body of an animal, has a range of possible genetic causes. Here, we report leucism in an individual tiger keelback (Rhabdophis tigrinus) found on Jeung Island, Shinan-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea, during a survey of the distribution of reptiles in the area. The individual was observed sunbathing in the bushes next to a pond. This individual exhibited ecdysis, thus it considered that have normal feeding activity. Our report represents the first observation of leucism in R. tigrinus, and thus, further analysis is needed of this phenotype to more clearly understand its impact on the species and its natural history.

Reptiles and their conservation in south-west Ukraine

Abstract Knowledge of the spatial distribution of reptiles is essential for decision-making in conservation under future climate change scenarios. We present a new compilation of reptile records for Odesa Oblast (i.e. province), south-west Ukraine. We compiled 662 records: 200 from our own research during 2012–2022, 362 from the published literature, 73 from public databases and 27 from museum collections. Fourteen native species of reptile (one species of Emydidae, four of Lacertidae, one of Anguidae, six of Colubridae and two of Viperidae) have been recorded in Odesa Oblast but the distribution of several are poorly known and/or records have rarely been published. We also report four introduced reptile species (one each of Emydidae, Gekkonidae, Lacertidae and Anguidae). We present the data in a grid of 462 10 × 10 km cells covering the oblast. In this compilation we did not record any new species, but our records include previously unreported localities for some species. Species richness was highest in the areas along the Black Sea, in protected areas. The main threats to the reptiles in Odesa Oblast are the alteration and degradation of habitats, military action, uncontrolled pressure from infrastructure projects and the presence of invasive species.

First record of Bombina variegata (Linnaeus, 1758) at the southern part of Euboea Island, Greece

The herpetofauna of Greek islands is fairly well known. However, new records enhance our knowledge of the insular distribution of reptiles and amphibians. Here, we report a new addition to the herpetofauna of Euboea Island: a dense population of the yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) was found in Ochi Mountain, at the south part of the Island.

Diversity, distribution, habitat preferences and community assemblages of Amphibians and Reptiles in the “Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni” National Park (Campania, Southern Italy)

Amphibians and reptiles are important ecological indicators of ecosystem status and play significant ecological roles. However, their populations are declining globally due to factors such as climate and land-use change. To effectively manage these species, it is crucial to study their distribution in protected areas. In this study, we provide new information on the distribution and ecology of amphibians and reptiles in the “Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni” (CVDA) National Park in southern Italy. We used a comprehensive dataset consisting of 2465 records obtained from fieldwork, citizen science, and literature to evaluate species’ rarity, habitat preferences and community assemblage. We investigated whether differences in species richness across different habitat types and elevations resulted from species selection of different environmental conditions. We quantified species probability of observation in different habitat types and estimated the significance of species-habitat associations. Species rarity was assessed by considering geographic range, population abundance, and habitat breadth. Collected data substantially improved knowledge of the distribution of numerous species compared to published data. Our findings are generally consistent with the species’ ecological information available in Italy, but we also found some species’ peculiar ecological aspects that are little-known. The CVDA National Park emerges as an effective protected area that ensures good conservation status of the herpetofauna, also in the case of species showing population and range declines at the national scale.

Range dynamics of Walterinnesia morgani (Serpentes, Elapidae) during climatic oscillations in Iran

Reptiles have a crucial part in maintaining global biodiversity and the functioning of dynamic ecosystems, owing to their ecological roles and functions. Nevertheless, these organisms are susceptible to human-induced disruptions and the deterioration of their habitats, leading to their categorization as the third most endangered group of vertebrates on a global scale. Understanding the spatial distribution of reptiles is crucial due to their often specific habitat needs and limited vagility. Morgan’s black cobra (Walterinnesia morgani) is a secretive venomous snake species that has thus far received little attention in Iranian scientific literature. The aim of the present study was to determine the existing distribution pattern of the cobra and to speculate on how climatic changes might affect it. Maximum entropy modeling was used to examine a dataset consisting of 16 occurrence records gleaned from field observations and the literature. The niche of the species was predicted using current and future climate change forecasts and bioclimatic and topographical characteristics. The models predicted a future reduction in the wide distribution region of W. morgani in southern and western Iran. It was discovered that climatic factors like temperature range, precipitation dynamics, and river proximity all played a key role in shaping the pattern of distribution. The predicted suitable areas for W. morgani were dependent on water sources; however, future scenarios showed a decline in suitable habitats. This study underscores the importance of conservation efforts in light of the potential implications of climate change on this species. To further understand the range shifts and adaptive strategies of the species, further study of its ecology and dispersal dynamics is required.

In search of generality: Revised distribution data and regionalization of Cerrado endemic tetrapods

AbstractAimTo search for a general regionalization pattern using verified records of endemic terrestrial vertebrates. To test previous hypotheses of congruent distribution patterns for Cerrado biotas. To study the role of elevation as a driver of endemism and distribution in the Cerrado region.LocationCerrado domain, central South America.TaxonTetrapoda.MethodsWe used a species occurrence matrix to implement a biotic element (BE) analysis to test for non‐random spatial congruence of raw distributions of Cerrado endemic amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. We implemented a Kruskal–Wallis test on elevational records to classify species as occurring predominantly in plateaus or depressions, and to classify all delimited BEs in such categories.ResultsWe compiled and revised 13,800 unique distribution records of 340 Cerrado endemic tetrapods and detected a significant, non‐random co‐distribution pattern formed by 29 BEscomprising 182 species, corroborating the first general prediction of the vicariant model. Most BEs were composed of at least three vertebrate groups, reflecting general tetrapod endemism patterns. Congeneric species were segregated among different BEs, corroborating the second prediction of the vicariant model. Our regionalization scheme was broadly congruent with previous results and revealed three previously undetected areas. Most (89%) partial or restricted BEs are clearly segregated in elevation, and we recognized 14 ‘Plateau units’ and 12 ‘Depression units’.Main ConclusionsOur results support an emergent consensual biotic regionalization pattern in the Cerrado. We also revealed three novel regions and complex biogeographical patterns. The clear altitudinal segregation among BEs validates previous hypotheses on the role of geomorphological changes in shaping Cerrado and Neotropical endemism patterns. Our recovered units should serve as a template for the description of new taxa, for delimiting poorly studied ranges, and for guiding urgent conservation action in the richest and most imperilled tropical savanna in the globe.

Predicting amphibian and reptile distributions and species richness across urban parks in the eastern United States

Predicting amphibian and reptile distributions and species richness across urban parks in the eastern United States

Potential effects of future climate change on global reptile distributions and diversity

AbstractAimUntil recently, complete information on global reptile distributions has not been widely available. Here, we provide the first comprehensive climate impact assessment for reptiles on a global scale.LocationGlobal, excluding Antarctica.Time period1995, 2050 and 2080.Major taxa studiedReptiles.MethodsWe modelled the distribution of 6296 reptile species and assessed potential global and realm‐specific changes in species richness, the change in global species richness across climate space, and species‐specific changes in range extent, overlap and position under future climate change. To assess the future climatic impact on 3768 range‐restricted species, which could not be modelled, we compared the future change in climatic conditions between both modelled and non‐modelled species.ResultsReptile richness was projected to decline significantly over time, globally but also for most zoogeographical realms, with the greatest decreases in Brazil, Australia and South Africa. Species richness was highest in warm and moist regions, with these regions being projected to shift further towards climate extremes in the future. Range extents were projected to decline considerably in the future, with a low overlap between current and future ranges. Shifts in range centroids differed among realms and taxa, with a dominant global poleward shift. Non‐modelled species were significantly stronger affected by projected climatic changes than modelled species.Main conclusionsWith ongoing future climate change, reptile richness is likely to decrease significantly across most parts of the world. This effect, in addition to considerable impacts on species range extent, overlap and position, was visible across lizards, snakes and turtles alike. Together with other anthropogenic impacts, such as habitat loss and harvesting of species, this is a cause for concern. Given the historical lack of global reptile distributions, this calls for a re‐assessment of global reptile conservation efforts, with a specific focus on anticipated future climate change.

Filling the gap: Noteworthy herpetological discoveries in North West Province, South Africa

The North West Province, South Africa, is centrally situated in southern Africa and is characterised by savannah with a mesic, temperate climate in the east and a hot, arid climate in the west. While the eastern region is fairly well-documented for herpetofauna, the arid central and western regions are poorly surveyed. Given that the Province has been targeted by the national government for development of infrastructure, the overall deficiency of biodiversity data could result in impact assessments that are not well-informed. We, therefore, carried out herpetofaunal surveys over two years (2019–2020) in the North West Province to improve knowledge on the distributions of reptiles and amphibians. Our surveys added a total of 578 new records to an earlier baseline of 1340 records. In addition, over 300 records were added to a citizen-science platform in connection with our surveys. As compared to the previous 100 years, our surveys increased the herpetofaunal dataset by 68% in just two years, increased geographic coverage by 20% and brought the total number of species with accurate records for the Province to 102 reptiles and 23 amphibians. We also recorded range extensions for five reptile species and confirmed the presence ofDendroaspis polylepis(Black Mamba) in the west where it had been last recorded in 1996. Our surveys resulted in a significant increase in biodiversity data for the Province and provided a better foundation for spatial planning that accounts for biodiversity and the maintenance of ecological function.

Distribution of amphibians and reptiles in agricultural landscape across Europe

Evaluating herpetofauna presence and the species-specific and species richness patterns in response to agricultural landscape features is essential for understanding the herpetofauna decline in agricultural landscapes. This work aimed to explore how different categories, extent and heterogeneity of crops affect herpetofauna distribution and diversity patterns at different spatial resolutions: UTM 50 km2, UTM 10 km2 and GPS coordinates. Using presence-only data from online repositories we documented the occurrence of European amphibians and reptiles in crops and quantified crop extent and heterogeneity in 50 and 10 km2 grid cells, and in the recorded presence locations. We used logistic regressions to test the effect of crop extent on species occurrence and calculated the proportion of species showing a significant response to each crop category. We analysed species richness patterns with generalized additive models against crop extent, crop heterogeneity and crop categories extracted at GPS locations, as fixed effects. We recorded 71 amphibian and 143 reptile species at 50 and 10 km2 spatial resolutions, and 58 amphibian and 108 reptile species at GPS resolution. Our results showed that amphibian and reptile species presence and richness are influenced by crop category, extent and heterogeneity and that spatial patterns were scale dependent. Species richness of both amphibians and reptiles was generally negatively correlated with crop extent but was enhanced by crop heterogeneity. Our results provide useful information for future risk assessment of herpetofauna and conservation efforts to restore or sustain herpetofauna biodiversity in agricultural systems across Europe. We stress that the scale of landscape management may lead to contrasting outcomes.

Citizen science expanding knowledge: a new record of the lizard Heterodactylusimbricatus (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae) in south-eastern Brazil.

Through citizen science projects, like Projeto Bromélias, community members contribute valuable data on species diversity, notably those with low detectability like the Heterodactylusimbricatus lizard. A recent observation in the State of Espírito Santo (south-eastern Brazil), amidst coffee and eucalyptus crops, highlights the utility of widespread technology use in tracking and documenting wildlife. Such initiatives are especially beneficial for mapping the distribution of rare, endemic or endangered reptiles. Therefore, we advocate for more citizen science initiatives near protected areas, involving local communities. We provide a new record for the species Heterodactylusimbricatus, a microteiid lizard of low detectability from the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil. Heterodactylusimbricatus (Rio de Janeiro Teiid) was recorded near the protected area "Reserva Biológica Augusto Ruschi" by a citizen volunteer who contributes herpetofauna records to the Bromelias Project (https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/projeto-bromelias). Heterodactylusimbricatus is a very poorly-known species in the localities where it occurs, probably due to its fossorial habit, genera's restricted occurrence range, habitat specificity and the absence of proper survey methods fitted to fossorial species, such as the utilisation of pitfall traps. By publishing the records of volunteer citizens, we hope that more people will contribute to increase the knowledge of biodiversity in the mountainous region of Espírito Santo State and expand our collective knowledge.

Identifying key conservation sites for the reptiles of the Tandilia mountains in Pampas highlands

Reptile populations are facing a global decline as a consequence of anthropic disturbs. For its conservation, it is necessary to know its geographical distribution and the main factors influencing it. Tandilia Mountains are located in the centre of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. These mountains contain high biodiversity and several endemic species, but the current Natural Protected Areas network covers a low area of ​​0.12 %. In this work, we modelled the geographic distribution of reptiles in the Tandilia Mountains to: a) explore the environmental factors affecting the distribution of reptiles on the highland grasslands of the Tandilia Mountain System and (b) identify the key biodiversity areas. We used ten environmental variables and several sources of records (fieldwork, scientific literature, museum collections, and an online database) to model the distribution of each reptile species. The best sites to propose natural reserves were determined in Zonation software. We determined the representativeness of the current system of Natural Protected Areas in the Tandilia Mountain range by overlapping the sites with the Zonation results. We obtained 20 species distribution models with two general patterns: continuous and patched. In most species, the two most informative variables were growing degree-days below 0 °C and precipitation of the wettest quarter. The current system of Natural Protected Areas of the Tandilia Mountains covers 0.35 % of the conservation priority sites (4341 km2) and therefore is insufficient in protecting reptile biodiversity.

Richness and distribution of reptiles and amphibians in the tropical lowland habitats of Mt. Agad-Agad, Iligan City, Southern Philippines

Knowledge of Philippine herpetofauna is progressively increasing. However, there are still areas in the country that are poorly understood and remain unexplored, particularly in the southern Philippines. Mt. Agad-Agad in Iligan City (Lanao del Norte Province) is a secondary lowland evergreen tropical rainforest in the southern portion of the northern Mindanao region, popular with the general public and a biologically important mountain ecosystem. Herein, we present the species richness and distribution of herpetofauna using standardized sampling methods. We documented 37 species of amphibians and reptiles, recording 20 Philippine-endemic species, three exotic anurans, two threatened reptiles, and one unidentified species of lizard. Species richness was higher in a mixed agricultural area (18 species, n = 108 individuals) compared to secondary growth forest (17 species, n = 86 individuals). This research provides baseline information on the herpetofauna from Mt. Agad-Agad, and additional herpetological knowledge on the distribution and ecology of amphibians and reptiles from the northern Mindanao region.

Species diversity and distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Sardinia, Italy

Although distribution databases are a dynamic tool, continuously updated, it is important to take “snapshots” of the species distribution over time to promptly identify potential conservation issues. With this work, we provide an update of the distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Sardinia and satellite islands. Data derive from both direct field observations (carried out since 2005 until July 2022) and literature, accounting for over 7000 records: 1416 records of 11 species of amphibians and 5600 records of 18 species of reptiles. Distribution maps (on 10 × 10 km UTM grid) of 29 species are provided in supplementary materials as well as the updated list of the amphibians and reptiles occurring in the circum-Sardinian islands. Most of the meshes were characterized by the presence of 1-3 amphibian species (73%) and 6-8 or 9-11 reptile species (32% with 6-8 species, 30% with 9-11 species). Species abundance was favoured by environmental heterogeneity, and mostly varied in relation to elevation range and edge density.

Reviewing Observations for the Idaho Amphibian and Reptile iNaturalist Project For Improved Data Quality

Data on the occurrence and distribution of amphibians and reptiles are needed to identify and address conservation problems for these species. Observations from crowd-sourced/citizen science projects are an important source of data for conservation and management. Crowdsourced data such as iNaturalist observations have several strengths, including large amounts of recent data over a broad area, low cost, accurate spatial coordinates, photo vouchers or sound recordings that allow identification confirmation, and public education and engagement. The goal of this project is to increase and improve available data for amphibians and reptiles in Idaho, USA. The Idaho Amphibian and Reptile iNaturalist Project was initiated in June of 2016 by the Idaho State University (ISU) Herpetology Laboratory using iNaturalist, an application from the California Academy of Sciences, which allows people to contribute observations of organisms using their mobile devices. The current number of observations in the project (as of 8 July 2022) is 5,546 from 40 species by 1,296 observers. Observations are added to the project either directly by observers or by project curators using the Find Suitable Observations function on the iNaturalist project website. Project curators (from the ISU Herpetology Laboratory, Idaho Museum of Natural History, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game) review suitable observations, (i.e., observations with digital photographs or audio recordings, geographic coordinates, dates and times) and confirm or correct species identifications. Because of the relatively low number of amphibian and reptile species occurring in Idaho and the relative ease of taking adequate photographs, we have been able to confirm or correct the identifications of over 93% of the contributed observations. The rate of misidentifications for “Research Grade” observations (i.e., observations with a date, coordinates, and a picture or sound recording, and with at least 2 out of 3 additional users agreeing on the identity of a specimen) is less than 2%. We mark confirmed or corrected observations as curator reviewed and then the Idaho Department of Fish and Game adds them to the State Species Diversity Database, which is part of NatureServe. These data are primarily used to help determine species status and trends for the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) which is used to establish priorities for management actions. Analyzing unstructured, crowdsourced data presents several challenges, including the lack of a sampling design, uneven coverage across space and time, and absence of negative data, which makes it hard to quantify observation effort. Our analytical approach includes temporal and spatial aggregation of the observations to reduce sampling bias, using records of similar species to indicate observation effort, and mapping occupancy to reveal spatial patterns.

Traits influence reptile responses to fire in a fragmented agricultural landscape

ContextHabitat loss and fragmentation can interact with other threats, including altered fire regimes, and responses to these effects can be mediated by functional traits.ObjectivesTo determine how richness and abundance of reptile trait groups respond to habitat fragmentation, patch isolation and fire.MethodsWe surveyed reptiles in 30 sites over 3 years. Sites in remnant patches in farmland were adjacent to a conservation park with either recently burnt or long-unburnt habitat. The remnant patches were stratified by distance from the reserve. Sites were spatially paired, and we experimentally burnt one of each pair in farmland. Trait groups included size, reproduction, habitat position, diet, and activity period.ResultsNone of the trait groups benefited from experimental burns, while the burns reduced abundance of viviparous, small, and above-ground species. Species richness was lower in isolated sites than in sites close to the conservation park, while generalist trait groups appeared unaffected by patch isolation. Large-sized reptiles had higher abundance in remnants. There was not more rapid colonisation of burnt sites near recently burnt conservation park. Instead, low initial abundance may have been caused by fire in combination with drought, with high rainfall during the study allowing recovery and spill-over into adjacent remnants.ConclusionsLandscape structure appears to interact with natural fires, restoration burns and longer-term climatic trends to influence the abundance and distribution of reptiles. Traits mediate responses, enabling us to formulate a set of testable mechanistic hypotheses, which illustrates a pathway to generalisation and prediction.

Ecological Niche Modelling of the Genus Anatololacerta Under Past, Historical And Future Bioclimatic Conditions

Anatolia has played an important role in the speciation of many species. Global climatic changes affect the distribution of many reptiles in different ways, including their range expansion or habitat loss. In this study, we focused on the genus Anatololacerta which inhabits Anatolia and some Greek islands. In total, 150 literature records and 20 items of observation data were analysed with the maximum entropy method (MaxEnt) for the last glacial maximum (LGM), as well as historical (1970-2000) and future (2081-2100; RCP 4.5) bioclimatic conditions. According to our model, the distribution ranges in the future conditions for A. danfordi, A. finikensis and A. ibrahimi were more extensive than for the historical conditions. However, A. anatolica and A. pelasgiana may experience a potential habitat loss in the future. Although physical barriers were obstacles in the LGM and historical records, these barriers may be overcome after the climatic changes taking place in the near future.