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Literature:

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Abdelhadi, D., S. Mhamed & A. Louiza (2018): Contribution about the environment of El-Bayadh region in the southern-west of Algeria -- Advances in Environmental Biology 12(4): 1 - 5-- read abstract This study is made for the purpose of giving an idea about the biotic components of a steppe zone characterized by a specific richness, the bibliographical synthesis revealed a special floristic wealth is found under three types of landscapes; rocky plateaus with herbaceous vegetation. The second is a shrub steppe and the third is the forest. Despite the scarcity of plants, the plants in the region are specific. The fauna of the region is characterized by a large diversity. In 108 vertebrate species, two birds and four mammals are at risk (Houbara bustard and the bald Ibis.) and (The Dorcas Gazelle, the dune gazelle, the Atlas Goundi and the Fennec are endangered. At the end of this study, it appears that the degradation of the steppe environment has forced migration to the city of El Bhayed as a solution.

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Abu Baker, M.A., A.A. Katbeh–Bader, A.A. Ghlelat, A.M. Disi & Z.S. Amr (2021): Diet and Food niche Relationships of lizard assemblages in Jordan -- Herpetological Conservation and Biology 16(1):117–127-- read abstract We studied diet and food niche relationships among sympatric lizards in two areas in Jordan using stomach contents. We found that 77 stomachs from six species in the eastern deserts and 45 stomachs from three species in the western highlands resulted in 2,478 and 1,935 prey items, respectively. Stomachs from the eastern desert contained 1–216 prey items with an average of 31.5 items (median = 16) and 1–329 prey items with an average of 43.0 (median = 13) from the western highlands. The lizards were primarily insectivorous, with ants and beetles making up the highest percentages. Additionally, we identified a snake (Eirenis rothii), a freshwater fish, and four smaller lizards in the prey remains. The results showed similar niche breadths and high food-niche overlap values, especially among the agamid lizards, suggesting that some opportunistic feeding habits are likely influenced by prey availability and similar foraging strategies. Based on similar niche breadths and high foodniche overlap values, we believe that interspecific competition is an important factor in organizing these lizard assemblages. Therefore, habitat segregation and different hunting strategies may likely occur among these species and allow for species coexistence in these areas.

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Afrasiab, S.R. & H.A. Ali (1989): REPORT ON A COLLECTION OF REPTILES FROM RUMAILA DESERT, SOUTH OF IRAQ -- Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus. 8(2): 65 - 73-- read abstract This study includes a list of reptiles collected from Rumaila desert, south of Iraq, with a redescription of snake Eryx jayakary were given.

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Afrasiab, S.R., A.A. Al-Moussawi & H.D. Hadi (2018): ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF REPTILIAN FAUNA OF BASRAH, SOUTH OF IRAQ -- Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus. 15(1): 77-92 -- read abstract Basrah province is situated at the extreme south of Iraq, it has an interesting reptile fauna (Squamata and Serpentes) and represents a land bridge between three different zoogeographical regions ( Oriental, Palaearctic and Ethiopian). This situation gave Basrah province a topographic specific opportunity for raising its own faunal diversity including reptiles; in this study Basrah province was divided into four main zones: the cities and orchards, marshes and wetlands (sabkha), the true dessert, the seashore and Shat Al-Arab. Forty nine reptile species were recorded including snakes, sea and fresh water turtles, and Lizards; brief notes and descriptions for the rare and important species were provided and supported by Plates.

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Aharoni, I. (1930): § 6. Reptilia -- Luke, H.D. & E. Keith-Roach (eds.): The Handbook of Palestine and Trans-Jordan: 384 - 388--

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AHMADZADEH, F., ,B. H. KIABI, H. G. KAMI & V. HOJJATI (2008): A Preliminary Study of the Lizard Fauna and Their Habitats in Northwestern Iran -- Asiatic Herpetological Research, Vol. 11 pp. 1–9--

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Akman, B., M.Z. Yildiz, A.F. Özcan, M.A. Bozkurt, N. Igci & B. Göcmen (2018): On the herpetofauna of the East Anatolian Province of Bitlis (Turkey) -- Herpetozoa 31(1/2): 69 – 82-- read abstract Based on their field studies and data from the literature, the authors identified 36 amphibian and reptile species occurring in the East Anatolian Province of Bitlis (Turkey). The record localities and habitat types are specified and the authors’ observations regarding the major factors threatening the species are addressed. in total, the presence of four anuran, two urodelan, two chelonian, 15 lizard and 13 snake species was verified. Hyla savignyi Audouin, 1827, Heremites vittatus (Olivier, 1804), Timon kurdistanicus (Suchow, 1936) and Eirenis thospitis Schmidtler & Lanza, 1990, represent first records for the Bitlis Province.

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Al-Barazengy, A.N., A.O. Salman & F.T. Abdul Hameed (2015): UPDATED LIST OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN IRAQ 2014 -- Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus. 13(4): 29-40 -- read abstract The present work provides a list of all amphibians and reptiles recorded from Iraq up to 2014. It includes 115 species (105 species of reptiles and 10 species of amphibians) dating back to 25 families (20 families of reptiles and 5 families of amphibians). Conservation status of each species was mentioned.

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Al-Oran, R.M. (2000): Notable herpetological records from Central and Southern Jordan -- Zoology in the Middle East 21: 31–36-- read abstract Notable herpetofaunal data from the Al Mudawwarah region of South Jordan are listed. They include the second record of the “kennedyi“ form of Lytorhynchus diadema

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Al-Oran, S. (Al-Quran) (2009): The Herpetofauna of the Southern Jordan -- American-Eurasian J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 6 (4): 385-391,-- read abstract A total number of 70 herpetofaunistic species organised in 3 orders and 18 families were surveyed during a period of two years (2005– 2007) in southern Jordan. The orders are (1) Ophidia has 7 families: Leptotyphlopidae (1 species), Typhlopidae (2 species), Boidae (1 species), Colubdridae (17 species), Atractaspididae (1 species), Elapidae (1 species) and Viperidae (5 species). (2) Sauria has 7 families: Gekkonidae (12 species), Chamaeleonidae (1 species), Agamidae (8 species), Lacertidae (3 species), Sincidae (8 species), Anguidae (1 species), Varanidae (1 species). (3) Testudines has 4 families: Cheloniidae (2 species), Dermochetylidae (1 species), Emydidae (1 species) and Testudinidae (1 species). The species listed were all resident and were mostly found throughout the year. The diversity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the study area encouraged the occurrence of the species. The results reinforce the necessity of longterm inventory plannings in order to understand the ecology and the dynamics of herpetofaunistic and other wildlife communities in the study area. The over-increasing of human impact on the existing natural resources in the southern Jordan has threatened the ecology diversity of wildlife species, where the populations of some herpetofaunaistic species (especially frog species) and many reptilian species are declining in diversity status and abundance. The author recommend at the end the improving cooperation of different parties to enhance the public awareness and to implement environmental laws and legislation to conserve the sensitive and rare species of herpetofauna components.

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AL-QURAN (AL-ORAN), S. (2010): A herpetofaunal survey of Southern Jordan -- Herpetological Bulletin 112: 7 - 13-- read abstract A total of 70 herpetofauna species from 3 Orders and 18 Families were surveyed during a period of two years (2005-2007) in Southern Jordan. The Ophidia included Leptotyphlopidae, Typhlopidae, Boidae, Colubdridae, Atractaspididae, Elapidae and viperidae. The Sauria included Gekkonidae, Chamaeleonidae, Agamidae, Lacertidae, Sincidae, Anguidae and varanidae. Testudines included Cheloniidae, Dermochelyidae, Emydidae and Testudinidae. The species listed were all resident and mostly found throughout the year. The diversity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the study area likely encouraged species presence. The results reinforce the necessity for long-term inventory planning in order to understand the ecology and the dynamics of herpetofauna and other wildlife communities in the study area. The increasing human impact on the existing natural resources in Southern Jordan has threatened the ecology and diversity of wildlife species to such a degree that populations of anurans and many reptiles are declining in diversity, status and abundance. The author recommends improving cooperation of different parties to enhance public awareness and to implement environmental laws and legislation to conserve sensitive and rare species of herpetofauna

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Al-Sadoon, M.K. (1988): SURVEY OF THE REPTILIAN FAUNA OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA. II. THE LIZARD AND AMPHISBAENIAN FAUNA OF RIYADH PROVINCE -- Bull. Maryland herp. soc. 24(3): 58 - 76-- read abstract The lizard and Amphisbaenian fauna inhabiting Riyadh Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been investigated through the collection and subsequent identification of 455 specimens from various localities in the province. Twenty six species belonging to five families: Agamidae, Gekkonidae, Lacertidae, Scincidae and Varanidae were recorded. One species of Amphisbaenian belongs to family Trogonophidae was recorded, Agama stellio brachydactyla, Chalcides ocellatus, Chalcides levitoni, Diplometopon zarudnyi, Mesalina guttulata, Mesalina brevirostris, Pristurus rupestris and Stenodactylus slevinii were reported from Riyadh Province for the first time. Hie geographical distribution of the collected species within this province and in Saudi Arabia was mapped.

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Al-Sadoon, M.K., B.A. Paray & H.S. Al-Otaibi (2016): Survey of the reptilian fauna of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. V. The lizard fauna of Turaif region -- Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences (2016). in press. 7 pp.-- read abstract Turaif area located in the Northern border region of Saudi Arabia is one of the most important regions of the Kingdom. This work was proposed to throw light on the diversity of lizard fauna investigated through the collection and subsequent identification of specimens from different localities of Turaif region of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sixteen species of lizards belonging to 5 families (Agamidae, Gekkonidae, Lacertidae, Scincidae and Varanidae) were recorded. Lacertidae was the most common family. Three species of lizards namely Acanthodactylus orientalis, Acanthodactylus scutellatus and Acanthodactylus grandis were reported for the first time in the Turaif region of Saudi Arabia. The geographical distribution of the collected species within this province was mapped.

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Al-Sadoon, M.K., S.A. Al-Farraj & N.M. Abdo (1991): Survey of the reptilian fauna of Saudi Arabia. III. An ecological survey of the lizard, amphisbaenian and snake fauna of Al-Zulfi area. -- Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society 27: 1-22.-- read abstract Reptilian fauna of Al-Zulfi area has been surveyed. Study of the area was done through the collection of 19 species of amphisbaenians and 9 species of snakes belonging to 5 families. Physiography and climate have been investigated. Geographical distribution of these species within this area was mapped.

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Al-Shammari, A.M. (2012): ADDITIONAL RECORDS OF LIZARDS IN HA’IL PROVINCE, SAUDI ARABIA -- Russian Journal of Herpetology 19(4): 287 – 291-- read abstract A recent collection of lizards from Ha’il area revealed 19 species representing six families. Additional records to Ha’il province include Acanthodactylus grandis, Acanthodactylus opheodurus, Acanthodactylus schmidti, Diplometopon zarudnyi, Trapelus ruderatus fieldi, Trapelus pallidus haasi, and Varanus griseus.

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Al-Sheikhly, O.F. (2021): Chapter 45. A Preliminary Pictorial Guide to the Herpetofauna of Tigris and Euphrates River Basin. -- Jawad, L.A. (ed.).Tigris and Euphrates Rivers: Their Environment from Headwaters to Mouth.- Aquatic Ecology Series, Volume 11: 1007 - 1040-- read abstract An extensive review on the taxonomic status, occurrence, geographical distribution, and the IUCN conservation status of 122 species/taxa (10 amphibians and 112 reptiles) belonging to 71 genera (8 genera of amphibians and 63 of reptiles) and to 25 families (5 families of amphibians and 20 families of reptiles) was made. As a part of Iraq’s unique biota, the knowledge of the herpetofauna of Iraq is poorly discovered and requires extensive field surveys, further research, and explorations in order to create full frame knowledge of its status and conservation.

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Alcock, A. & F. Finn (1896): An account of the reptilia collected by Dr. F.P. Maynard, Captain A.H. McMahon, C.I.E. and the members of the Afgan - Baluch - Boundary Commission of 1896. -- J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal 65: 550-566-- read abstract The reptiles mentioned in this paper were collected by the members of the Afghan - Baluch Boundary Commission in the early part of the present year in the course of the demarcation of the boundary line between Baluchistan and Afghanistan. They include several extremely rare and two new species of lizards and two new snakes - Lytorhynchus and a viper which forms the type of a new genus. The nature of the country in which they were collected is briefly described in the following introdactory note by Dr, F. P. Maynard, I.M.S., who has also contributed field notes on the habits, colouration, etc., of the several species. All Dr. Maynards notes are enclosed between square brackets.

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Alekperov, A.M. (1978): Amphibians and Reptiles of Azerbaijan. (in Russ.). -- ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF AZERBAIJAN SSR, AZERBAIJAN STATE UNIVERSITY; Baku: 19 - 265--

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Alekperov, A.M. (1982): The present state of rare and threatened species and subspecies of herpetofauna in Azerbaidzhan -- Vertebr. Hung. 21: 19 - 24-- read abstract 67 species and subspecies of amphibians and reptiles in the Azerbaidzhan Republic. 18 species and subspecies may be attributed the status of rare and disappearing (26.8%). Of this number, 8 species of amphibians and reptiles have been included in the "Red Book of Rare Species of Animals and Plants of the USSR and those Endangered with Disappearance": Pelobates syriacus, Testudo graeca ibera, Agama ruderata, Lacerta parva, Elaphe longlssima, Rhynchocalamus melanocephalus satunini, Vipera ammodytes transcaucasiana and V. xanthina. The species are seriously endangered in the Azerbaidzhan: Triturus vulgaris, T. cristatus karelinii, Bufo bufo verrucosissimus, Phrynocephalus helioscopus, Mabuya aurata, Ablepharus bivittatus, Elaphe hohenackeri, Psammophis lineolatum, Vipera ursinii and Agkistrodon halys caucasicus.

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Alkan, B. (1963): TÜRKIYE'NIN SÜRÜNGENLER (REPTILIA) FAUNASI ÜZERINDE ILK ARASTIRMALAR -- Bitki Koruma Bülteni 3(3): 159 - 165-- read abstract Vorarbeiten über Schädlingsfauna der Kriehtieren (Reptilien) in der Türkei -- Die Kriehtiere leben meistens auf dem Lande. Viele sind Insektenfresser. Zahlreiche Arten nehmen tierische und pflanzliche, oder ausschliesslich pflanzliche Nahrung zu sich. Ihre wirtschaftliche Schäden an Kulturpflanzen sind gelegentlich. Die besonderen Arten von Pflanzenschädlingen, die in der Türkei leben, sind noch nicht genugend untersucht. Darüber findet man heute sehr wenige und nur zerstreute Veröffentlichungen und Beobachtungen in der Hand. In dieser Vorarbeit sind die bisheute bekannten pflanzenschädliche Arten von Kriehtieren bzw. Eidecksen und Schildkröten, in ihren Verbreitungsgebieten und ihre Nährpflanzen zum erstenmale zusammengestellt. Selbstverstândlioh sind darüber weitere und vertiefte Beobachtungen erforderlich. -- Die Arten der Eidechsen: Agama stellio L. (Schleuderschwanz). Verbreitung: Anatolien, Ankara (Ebner 1919, Kerville 1939). Nährpflanzen: Die süssen Früchten wie Feigen, Pfirsiche, Zuckermelonen, und andere Früohte, Salate, Lattichsalate.,- Agama stellio stellio L. Verbreitung: Süd - und west Türkei, Amasya, Nigde, Diyarbakir, Kayseri, Çanakkale (Bodenheimer 1946 und andere). Nährpflanzen: Wie bei Agama stellio L. -- Agama ruderata Oliv. (Ankara, Kerville 1939), Agama ruderata ruderata Oliv. Ankara, Eregli (Konya), Mardin, Nusaybin, Gaziantep und Malatya (Bodenheimer 1946), Eine Probe in Eregli (Konya) wurde vom Verfasser gefunden. Nährpflanzen: Noch nicht festgestellt, vielleicht wie bei Agama stellio L. -- Lacerta viridis Laur. var. major D. und B. (Srnaragdeidechse). Verbreitung: Westanatolien, andere Fundorte sind nicht bekannt. Nährpflanzen: Weintrauben, Feigen, Kirchen und andere süsse Früchten. Note: Noch mehrere Lacerta Arten wurden in der Türkei gefunden, ob sie pflanzliche Nahrung zu sich nehmen oder nicht, ist unklar. -- Die Arten der Schildkröten. Testudo graeca L. (Grichische Schildkröte). Verbreitung: Fast in allen Geblieten der Türkei. Nährpflanzen: Steppenpflanzen, junges Getreide - Baumwolle -Luzerne - Pflanzen, Gemüsen, Weintrauben, Blätter und Juruge Triebe von vielen jungen Pflanzen. -- Emys orbicularis L. (Surnpf-oder Europäische Schildkröte). Verbreuitung: Ankara (Kerville 1939), Manisa, Bursa, Kayseri, Eski­sehir, Adapazari, Turhal (Bodenheimer 1946 und andere). Nährpflanzen: Wedntrauben, Zucker-und Wassermelonen. - Note: Noch andere Arten der Schâldknöten leben auch in der Türkei, aber ihre Nahrung ist nicht bekannt.

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Almasri, A. (2000): A Primary Survey of Lizards At Jabal El-Arab (south of Syria) -- Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme Technical Report, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Damascus, Syria. 45 pp--

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ALOUFI, A., M. AL ZAYER & Z.S. AMR (2023): Reptiles and Amphibians along the Coastal Area of the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia -- Ecologica Montenegrina 68: 66-87-- read abstract Thirty-two species of amphibians and reptiles were reported during this study, including 16 families (Ranidae, Geoemydidae, Cheloniidae, Gekkonidae, Sphaerodactylidae, Phyllodactylidae, Agamidae, Lacertidae, Scincidae, Varanidae, Trogonophidae, Boidae, Colubridae, Psammophiidae, Viperidae and Elapidae). Family Geckkonidae was represented by the highest number of species (8), followed by families Agamidae and Scincidae (four species for each). Trachylepis tessellata is reported for the first time to the herpetofauna of Saudi Arabia.

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Aloufi, A.A. & Z.S. Amr (2015): On the herpetofauna of the Province of Tabuk, northwest Saudi Arabia (Amphibia, Reptilia) -- Herpetozoa 27(3/4): 147 - 158-- read abstract A total of 34 species of amphibians and reptiles are reported from Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia. They include one species of amphibian and 33 reptiles belonging to 12 families (Cheloniidae, Gekkonidae, Agamidae, Chamaeleonidae, Lacertidae, Scincidae, Varanidae, Trogonophidae, Boidae, Colubridae, Viperidae and Elapidae). Three species of reptiles are new to the herpetofauna of Saudi Arabia: Hemidactylus mendiae, Pseudotrapelus aqabensis and Phoenicolacerta kulzeri ssp.. Additional distributional data for the reptiles of the Province of Tabuk expand the known distribution for several Arabian species.

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Aloufi, A.A., Z.S. Amr & M.A. Abu Baker (2022): Reptiles from ‘Uruq Bani Ma’arid and Harat al Harrah protected areas in Saudi Arabia -- Herpetology Notes, 15: 483-491-- read abstract Seventeen (17) and twenty-two (22) species of terrestrial reptiles were recorded from ‘Uruq Bani Ma’arid and Harat al Harrah protected areas, respectively. Eight sites in ‘Uruq Bani Ma’arid and eleven sites in Harat al Harrah were surveyed for the presence of reptiles. A comparison between the two protected areas’ reptile fauna is provided, with brief descriptions of their habitat preferences. Uromastyx aegyptia, categorised by the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable, occurs in both protected areas. Ptyodactylus puiseuxi is a new species record for the herpetofauna of Saudi Arabia. This study indicates the importance of protected areas within Saudi Arabia for the conservation of reptile biodiversity, the need for extension of the protected area network and additional biodiversity surveys in other regions. Studies on species richness, biology and population size for endangered species should be a priority for future studies.

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Aloufi, A.A., Z.S. Amr, M.A. Abu Baker & N. Hamidan (2019): Diversity and conservation of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine reptiles and amphibians in Saudi Arabia -- Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 13(2): 181–202-- read abstract This review describes the diversity of the freshwater, marine, and terrestrial herpetofauna of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that consists of 128 extant species and subspecies; 121 species and subspecies of reptiles and seven species of amphibians according to current taxonomic systems. Four main categories of threats affecting amphibians and reptiles were identified as habitat loss and degradation, water issues, human disturbance and related activities, and legislation and public awareness; and supportive examples for each category are provided. Key species that require urgent protection are: Chalcides levitoni, Platyceps insulanus, Dasypeltis scabra, Hemidactylus alfarraji, Hemidactylus asirensis, Hemidactylus mindiae, Lytorhynchus gasperetti, Pelomedusa barbata, Phoenicolacerta kulzeri ssp., Tropiocolotes wolfgangboehmei, and Varanus yemenensis, due to their limited distribution, as well as Uromastyx aegyptia due to over-harvesting and trade. According to the IUCN Red List, eight of these species are Data Deficient, four are Vulnerable, one Critically Endangered, and one Near Threatened. The status of herpetofauna in Saudi Arabia is still far from being completely understood. Nevertheless, the lack of formal conservation measures and low public concern makes amphibians and reptiles extremely vulnerable in the near future.

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Aloufi,, A.A., Z.S. Amr & M.A. Abu Baker (2021): REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS OF AL MADINAH AL MUNAWWARAH PROVINCE, SAUDI ARABIA -- Russian Journal of Herpetology 28(3): 123 – 137-- read abstract A total of 44 species of amphibians and reptiles are reported from Al Madinah Al Munawwarah Province, Saudi Arabia. They include two species of amphibian in two families (Bufonidae and Dicroglossidae) and 42 reptiles belonging to 16 families (Agamidae, Boidae, Chamaeleonidae, Colubridae, Elapidae, Gekkonidae, Lacertidae, Lamprophiidae, Leptotyphlopidae, Phyllodactylidae, Psammophiidae, Scincidae, Sphaerodactylidae, Varanidae, Typhlopidae, and Viperidae). Platyceps sinai, Psammophis sibilans, Rhynchocalamus melanocephalus, are recorded for the first time to the herpetofauna of Saudi Arabia. Range expansion for Euphlyctis ehrenbergii and Acanthocercus adramitanus to northern Saudi Arabia is reported. Our records expand the known distribution range of the Arabian Cobra, Naja arabica, further northwest.

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Alqahtani, A.R.M. (2018): Lizard Community in Tathleeth District of Southwestern Saudi Arabia -- Egypt. Acad. J. Biolog. Sci., 10(1): 29- 34-- read abstract Tathleeth governorate in Aseer region of southwestern Saudi Arabia has been surveyed for 22 lizard species belonging to 6 families throughout three years started from 2015. A total of 412 specimens of these lizards were encountered and identified. Gekkonidae represented the major family inhabiting the region comprising more than 50% of the collected lizards. Agamidae was represented by 5 species comprising more than 23% of the recorded lizards. The other four families (Lacertidae, Scincidae, Chamaeleonidae and Varanidae) comprised approximately 20% of all the collected lizards. The current survey could be used as conservational clue for the herpetofauna of Tathleeth.

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ALSHAMMARI, A.M. & A.A. IBRAHIM (2015): LIZARDS AND SNAKES IN THE HISTORICAL FAID PROTECTED AREA (FAID HEMA), HA'IL REGION, SAUDI ARABIA -- Herpetological Conservation and Biology 10(3):1021–1029. -- read abstract We surveyed the historical Faid Hema, Ha’il region in Saudi Arabia and identified 22 species of reptiles (17 lizards and five snakes). We recorded for the first time nine reptiles (six lizards and three snakes) in the Faid Hema. Of these, one lizard, Mesalina adramitana, and two snakes, Cerastes gasperetti and Walterinessia aegyptia, were reported for the first time for the entire Ha'il region. We recorded 50% of all species for the entire study area at one site, which may be because it had three different habitat types near it (the Jannin mountain, soft soil, and firm, sandy soil). The next highest number of species we found was at an open site with firm, sandy soils and with gravel (containing 45.5% of the total species recorded), followed by a site that contained only sand (36.4% of the total). The lowest number of species was reported at an agricultural site, with only 13.6% of the total species found.

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AMR, Z., A. SHEHAB & M. ABU BAKER (2007): Recent observations on the herpetofauna of Syria with notes on trade in reptiles -- HERPETOZOA 20 (1/2): 21 -26-- read abstract Further localities for two species of amphibians [Hyla savigny, Triturus (O.) vittatus] and fourteen of reptiles [Blanus strauchi, Testudo graeca, Chelonia mydas, Mauremys caspica, Asaccus elisae, Cyrtopodion scaber, Laudakia stellio, Trapelus ruderatus, T. persicus, T pallidus, Eumeces schneideri, Ophisops elegans, Varanus griseus, Coluber (H.) nummifer] collected or observed in Syria are given with some notes. Emphasis on trade in reptiles in Syria revealed that at least five species are threatened due to excessive trade, including the Middle Eastern Spur-thighed Tortoise, Testudo graeca terrestris, the Striped-necked Turtle, Mauremys rivulata, the Mediterranean Chameleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, the Dabb, Uromastyx aegyptia, and two snakes; Natrix sp. and Coluber jugularis. KURZFASSUNG Es wird über weitere Fundorte von zwei Arten von Amphibien [Hyla savigny, Triturus (O.) vittatus] und vierzehn von Reptilien [Blanus strauchi, Testudo graeca, Chelonia mydas, Mauremys caspica, Asaccus elisae, Cyrtopodion scaber, Laudakia stellio, Trapelus ruderatus, T. persicus, T. pallidus, Eumeces schneideri, Ophisops elegans, Varanus griseus, Coluber (H.) nummifer] berichtet, die in Syrien gefangen oder beobachtet wurden. Zusätzlich werden Angaben über den Lebensraum am Fundort gemacht. Bei der Befassung mit dem Reptilienhandel in Syrien, stellten sich zumindest fünf Arten als durch uneingeschränkten Handel gefährdet heraus, nämlich die Syrische Landschildkröte Testudo graeca terrestris, die Kaspische Bachschildkröte Mauremys rivulata, das Europäische Chamäleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, die Ägyptische Dornschwanzagame Uromastyx aegyptia und zwei Schlangenarten, eine Wassernatter (Natrix sp.) und die Pfeilnatter Coluber jugularis.

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Amr, Z.S., A. Al-Sirhan Alenezi, M.T. Al-Sayegh & M.A. Abu Baker (2021): Reptiles and amphibians of the State of Kuwait -- Bonn zoological Bulletin 70(2): 253–272-- read abstract In this study, we identified the diversity of the freshwater, marine and terrestrial herpetofauna of the State of Kuwait. It consists of a total of 45 extant species; 44 species of reptiles and a single species of amphibian according to recent updated taxonomic studies. All specimens of reptiles collected and held in American and European natural history museums are documented. Four species are added to the herpetofauna of Kuwait: Chalcides ocellatus, Hydrophis lapemoides, Hydrophis viperina, and Trapelus agnetae.

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AMR, Z.S., R. Al­ ORAN & A.M. DISI (1994): REPTILES OF SOUTHERN JORDAN -- The SNAKE 26: 41­ - 49-- read abstract A total ol 46 reptilian species belonging to 9 families (Geckkonidae, Agamidae, Chamaeleomdae, Scincidae, Lacertidae, Varanidae, Boidae, Colubridae and Viperidae) are reported from Southern Jordan. Bunopus tuberculatus, Tropiocolotes steudneri and Phrynocephalus arabicus are new records, while Coluber elegantissimus is reported for the second time. A population of horned Cerastes cerastes was found al Disah area. Remarks on the distribution of these reptiles are included.

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Ananjeva, N.B. (1981): Structural characteristics of skull, dentition and hyold of lizards of the genus Agama from the fauna of the USSR (in russ. with engl. summ.) -- Proc. zool. Inst. Leningrad 101 (FAUNA AND ECOLOGY AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF PALEARCTIC ASIA): 3 - 20-- read abstract Skulls, dentitions and the structure of hyoid of 6 species of Agama genus in the USSR fauna are described. Specific differences in the shape and proportions of the skull in shape of single bones, in particular of os maxillare, os dentale, os frontale and os parietale have been noted. Dental formulae of A. sanguinolenta, A. caucasia, A. lehmanni, A. erytrogastra, A. himalayana and A. ruderata are given. A. sanguinolenta is sharply different in its hyoid structure from the other species studied and resembles in this respect some tree agamid and iguanid lizards. Adaptive importance of hyoid for demonstrative movements of dewlap is discussed, specific differences m the sue of foramen parietale are considered. Analysis of the studied characteristics shows morphological heterogeneity of Agama species in the USSR fauna. They can be considered as belonging to three groups: I) mountain species A. caucasia, A. lehmanni, A. himalayana, A. erythrogastra, 2) A. sanguinolenta and 3) A. ruderata.

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Ananjeva, N.B. & O.J. Tsaruk (1987): THE TAXONOMIC STATUS OF THE STEPPE AGAMA, TRAPELUS SANGUINOLENTUS IN THE PRAECAUCASUS (in Russ. language with Engl. summary) -- Proc. zool. Inst., Leningrad 158: 39 - 46-- read abstract The taxonomic status of the steppe agama populations, Trapelus sanguinolentus (Pallas [1814]) from the eastern Praecaucasus and its description' history by Pallas, Güldenstedt and Lichtenstein are discussed. The study of 832 specimens of Trapelus sanguinolentus from different localities reveals the considerable differences between the Praecaucasian and the Transcaspian agamas. An isolated populations in European part of area (Terek — Kuma lowland) is described as the nominative subspecies, Trapelus sanguinolentus sanguinolentus Pallas 1814. It differs from Asiatic subspecies, Trapelus sanguinolentus aralensis (Lichtenstein, 1823) by a smaller body and the peculiarities of juvenile patterns of the head drawings. The males and the females of T. s. sanguino- lentus both have on the dorsal side of their body only the orange rombic spots (so called physiological changing of the colouration). The specimens from Asia have the marked differences in their physiological changing of the colouration: the males have on the back the cobalt-blue spots, whereas the females have the orange rombic spots.

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ANANJEVA, N.B., K.MILTO, A.V. BARABANOV & E.A. GOLYNSKY (2020): An annotated type catalogue of amphibians and reptiles collected by Nikolay A. Zarudny in Iran and Middle Asia -- Zootaxa 4722(2): 101–128-- read abstract A complete catalogue is provided for the type specimens of amphibians and reptiles collected by Nikolay A. Zarudny and stored mostly in the herpetological collection of the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia (ZISP), as of August 2018. The collection contains 270 type specimens, representing 51 taxa (species and/or subspecies) of one family of turtles, one amphisbaenia family, five lizard families and four snake families from 74 type localities. As a result of studying Zarudny’s collections, mainly from Iran, was the description by A. M. Nikolsky of two new genera, Microgecko and Diplometopon, and 42 species and subspecies (varieties). Twenty-two of these taxa are regarded currently as valid.

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ANANJEVA, N.B., N.L. ORLOV, R.G. KHALIKOV, I.S. DAREVSKY, S.A. RYABOV & A. V. BARABANOV (2006): The Reptiles of Northern Eurasia. Taxonomic Diversity, Distribution, Conservation Status -- PENSOFT Publishers; 247 pp.--

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Ananjeva, N.B., P. David, A.V. Barabanov & A. Dubois (2013): ON THE TYPE SPECIMENS OF Trapelus ruderatus (OLIVIER, 1804) AND SOME NOMENCLATURAL PROBLEMS ON Trapelus CUVIER, 1816 (AGAMIDAE, SAURIA) -- Russ. J. Herpet. 20(3): 197 - 202-- read abstract The nomenclatural status of the name-bearing types of the taxon Agama ruderata Olivier, 1804 is analyzed on the basis of the original publication and of the available material in agreement with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. In order to resolve some problems of nomenclature and avoid further complications that arise in the interpretation of the taxonomic status of various forms of genus Trapelus in molecular phylogenetic studies, we designate the holotype of Agama lessonae De Filippi 1865 as the neotype of A. ruderata Olivier, 1804 (now Trapelus ruderatus) to stabilize the taxonomy. The nomenclatural action of Rastegar-Pouyani (2000), related to the type locality of Trapelus agilis (Olivier, 1804), is discussed.

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Anderson, J. (1872): On some Persian, Himalayan, and other reptiles. -- Proc. Zool. Soc. XXV: 371 - 404.--

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Anderson, J. (1898): Zoology of Egypt. Vol 1: Reptilia and Batrachia -- Bernard Quaritch, London. 572 pp.--

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Anderson, J. (1892): On a small Collection of Mamals, Reptiles and Batrachians from Barbary. -- Proc. zool. Soc. London 1892: 3 - 24 + 1 plate--

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Anderson, J. (1896): A Contribution to the Herpetology of Arabia with a preliminary list of the Reptiles and Batrachians of Egypt. -- Porter, London; 122 pp.--

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Anderson, S.C. (1974): Preliminary Key to the Turtles, Lizards, and Amphisbaenians of Iran -- Fieldiana 65(4), 18 pp.--

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Anderson, S.C. (1968): CHAPTER 10: ZOOGEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE LIZARD FAUNA OF IRAN. pp. 305 - 371. in: -- THE CAMBRIDGE HISTORY OF IRAN, Volume I: THE LAND OF IRAN--

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Anderson, S.C. (1963): AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES FROM IRAN -- Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 4th ser. 31(16): 417 - 498--

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Anderson, S.C. (1966): A SUBSTITUTE NAME FOR AGAMA PERSICA BLANFORD. -- Herpetologica, 22(3): 230--

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Anderson, S.C. (1966): THE LECTOTYPE OF AGAMA ISOLEPIS BOULENGER. -- Herpetologica 22(3): 230 - 231--

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Anderson, S.C. (2000): PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS AND COMMENTS ON SYNTOPIC OCCURRENCE OF LIZARDS IN IRAN -- Russian Journal of Herpetology 7(3): 236 – 238-- read abstract Relatively little is known about the ecology of lizards in Iran. This paper serves as a brief introduction to five representative biotopes and their associated lizard species living syntopically, based largely on my own observations. The selected localities are found in 1) Masjed Soleyman, foothills of the Zagros Mountains, Khuzestan; 2) Kupal dunes, on the Mesopotamian Plain, Khuzestan; 3) Shah ‘Abbas Caravanserai, Dasht-e Kavir, on the Central Plateau; 4) an abandoned village in Sistan, ruined buildings and loose loess substrate; 5) Hyrcanian Forest, northern slopes of lower Alborz Mountains and the Gorgan region. The biotopes are characterized briefly and the concept of syntopy is discussed.

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Anderson, S.C. & A.E. Leviton (1969): AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES COLLECTED BY THE STREET EXPEDITION TO AFGHANISTAN, 1965 -- PROCEEDINGS OF THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 4. ser. 37(2): 25 - 56 -- read abstract The collection of amphibians and reptiles made by the Street Expedition to Afghanistan 1965 consists of 247 specimens, including six species of amphibians and 38 species of reptiles. Definite Afghan localities are recorded for the first time for the following species: Agama agrorensis, Agama erythrogastra, Agama himalayana, Agama lehmanni, Agama nuristanica (new species herein described), Agama badakhshana (new species herein described), Cyrtodactylus watsoni, Hemidactylus flaviviridis, Eremias nigrocellata, Eryx elegans (type was recorded as coming from Afghanistan, but no precise locality was given). An analysis of the zoogeographic significance of this and other collections from Afghanistan is contemplated for the future.

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Andersson, L.G. (1903): List of Reptiles and Batrachians collected by The Swedish Zoological Expedition to Egypt, the Sudan and the Sinaitic Peninsula -- Jägerskiöld, L.A. (Ed.), Results of the Swedish Zoological Expedition to Egypt and the White Nile 1901 under the direction of L. A. Jägerskiöld. Royal University Library, Uppsala (4):1–12. --

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Andres, A. (1921): Reptilien aus der Sinaihalbinsel -- Zool. Anz. 53: 16 - 20--

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Andreucci, A. (1913): CONTRIBUTO ALLA FAUNA DELLA TRIPOLITANIA (vertebrata part) -- Bullettino della Società entomologica italiana 45: 185 - 192--

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Angel, F. (1936): REPTILES ET BATRACIENS SYRIE ET DE MÉSOPOTAMIE RÉCOLTÉS PAR M. P. PALLARY -- Bull. Inst. d'Egypte 18: 107 - 116--

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Angel, F. (1939): Deuxième liste des Reptiles du Rio de Oro et de Mauritanie recueillis par la Mission d'Études de la Biologie des Acridiens (1937-1938). -- Bull. Mus. nat. Hist. nat. Paris, (Sér. 2)11: 49 - 50--

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Angel, F. (1923): REPTILES DU SAHARA, RAPPORTES PAR LA MISSION DÛ COLONEL HOVART. DESCRIPTION D'UN OPHIDIEN NOUVEAU DU GENRE RHAMPHIOPHIS -- Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris 29(3): 205 - 208--

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Angel, F. (1932): SUR QUELQUES REPTILES ET BATRACIENS DU SAHARA -- Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris 2e ser. 4(4): 385--

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Angel, F. (1938): LISTE DES REPTILES DE MAURITANIE RECUEILLIS PAR LA MISSION D'ÉTUDES DE LA BIOLOGIE DES ACRIDIENS EN 1936 ET 1937. DESCRIPTION D'UNE SOUS-ESPÈCE NOUVELLE D'ERYX MUELLERI -- Bull. Mus. Nat. Hist. Paris, ser. 2. 10(5): 485 - 487--

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Angel, F. & H. Lhote (1938): Reptiles et Amphibiens du Sahara Central et du Soudan -- Bulletin du Comité d'études historiques et scientifiques de l'Afrique occidentale française 21: 345 - 384--

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Anonymus (2010): III. THE BIOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS. 1. THE HERPETOLOGICAL COLLECTION (SECTION OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES). 1a. HISTORY OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY HERPETOLOGY COLLECTION, 1b. THE HERPETOLOGICAL COLLECTION (SECTION OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES), REPORT OF THE SECTION, 1c. AN ANNOTATED LIST OF TYPES IN THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY HERPETOLOGICAL COLLECTION AND THEIR REFERENCES -- Haasiana 5: 11 - 34--

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Arnold, E.N. (1980): The Reptiles and Amphibians of Dhofar, Southern Arabia -- J. Oman Stud. Spec. Rep. No. 2, 1980: 273-332 --

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Arnold, E.N. (1986): A Key and Annotated Check List to the Lizards and Amphisbaenian of Arabia -- Fauna Saudi Arabia 8: 385 - 435-- read abstract A key and checklist is provided to the 96 species and six additional subspecies of lizards and two species of Amphisbaenians known to occur in and around Arabia

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Arnold, E.N. (1984): Evolutionary aspects of tail shedding in lizards and their relatives -- JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY, 18: 127-169-- read abstract The ability to shed (autotomize) all or part of the tail, usually in response to predator attack, and often to subsequently regenerate it is widespread in lizards and amphisbaenians and also occurs in a few snakes and in the tuatara. Most species possess a sophisticated intravertebral autotomy mechanism which seems to be primitive in the Squamata. This appears to have been independently lost in members of many groups, but some agamids and snakes have regained the ability to shed their tails by a simpler intervertebral means and a -number of agamids have also redeveloped tail regeneration as well. Breakable tails are used to evade capture in two main ways: by enabling reptiles to break away from predators that have grasped them by the tail and by providing a distraction which deflects the attention of the attacker away from the vulnerable head and body. It is argued that loss of caudal autotomy has occurred when the costs of tail shedding outweigh its benefits. Likely costs include the expense of regrowing the tail and the loss of a variety of possible tail functions that may cause partial incapacitation, at least until the tail regenerates. Benefits of autotomy are liable to be low if predation is rare, if the animal is able to protect itself effectively in other ways, if it is too slow to evade further pursuit after the tail is shed, or if the tail is small or unpalatable and consequently not likely to distract a predator. Benefit variation may well be greater than cost variation and therefore more important in initiating the loss of autotomy mechanisms. Many taxa that do not shed the tail appear to conform to the above interpretation, but in some cases, such as the Platynota, Agamidae and Chamaeleonidae, lack of intravertebral autotomy may reflect the history of these groups rather than being a direct result of present ecological pressures. The distribution of intervertebral autotomy in the Agamidae suggests that it may have evolved only in rather special circumstances where tail fragility is advantageous even in the absence of the ability to regenerate. Restriction ot autotomy planes to the tail-base, so that the whole organ is lost, a condition found in a number of relatively slow-moving geckoes, is interpreted as a means of ensuring that enough of the tail is shed to distract a predator from further pursuit. The stimulus necessary to induce autotomy can vary rapidly in individual lizards and at least some of these changes probably maximize the effectiveness of the tail-shedding mechanism. Differences in the readiness with which all or part of the tail is shed exist between species and are likely to reflect the balance of costs and benefits in particular cases. Variations in incidence of broken tails between species and populations may be due to such differences in fragility but many other factors may play a part, including the age structure of samples, incidence of unsuccessful attacks by predators and ability to evade predators after autotomy. There is a clear tendency for climbing lizards, especially those living on rock surfaces, to have higher incidences of broken tails than ground-dwelling species, perhaps because the tail is usually less important in locomotion in the first group. Many lizards possess conspicuously coloured tails and tail movements that seem likely to help distract attention from the head and body. Conspicuous tail colouring is more frequent and often better developed in young animals, which tend to be more vulnerable than adults, and in active species from open habitats where crypsis may not always be very effective. Conspicuous tails usually have contrasting light and dark areas in nocturnal forms but are often a single bright colour in diurnal ones, probably reflecting the visual capacities of their respective predators. The predominance of blue tails in day-active species may be because this colour is striking close to but not very arresting at a distance, so it may not attract predators from far away while still drawing their attention at close quarters.

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Asem, A., A. Eimanifar, M. Djamali, P. De los Rios & M. Wink (2014): Biodiversity of the Hypersaline Urmia Lake National Park (NW Iran) -- Diversity 6: 102-132-- read abstract Urmia Lake, with a surface area between 4000 to 6000 km2, is a hypersaline lake located in northwest Iran. It is the saltiest large lake in the world that supports life. Urmia Lake National Park is the home of an almost endemic crustacean species known as the brine shrimp, Artemia urmiana. Other forms of life include several species of algae, bacteria, microfungi, plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. As a consequence of this unique biodiversity, this lake has been selected as one of the 59 biosphere reserves by UNESCO. This paper provides a comprehensive species checklist that needs to be updated by additional research in the future.

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ATAEV (ATAYEV), C., A.K. RUSTAMOV & S. SHAMMAKOV (1994): 20. Reptiles of Kopetdagh. pp. 329 - 350 in: -- Fet V. & K.I. Atamuradov (eds.) Biogeography and Ecology of Turkmenistan - MONOGRAPHIAE BIOLOGICAE VOLUME 72 (1994) Series Editors H.J. Dumont and M.J.A. Werger-- read abstract The northern slopes of Kopetdagh are inhabited by 45 species of reptiles (three species of turtles, 18 spp. of lizards, and 24 spp. of snakes), which corresponds to 57% of the Turkmenistan reptile fauna (79 species). Of these, East Kopetdagh has 30; Central Kopetdagh, 36; Southwest Kopetdagh, 36; and Northwest Kopetdagh, 23 species. Seventeen species of reptiles are found from the foothills to upper altitudinal belts, whereas 23 species are found also in the submontane lowlands. Lower mountain belt (from 100 to 1,000 m) has 22 species (48.8%) of reptiles, middle mountain belt (from 1,000 to 2,000 m) has 14 species (31.1%), and upper mountain belt (from 2,000 to 2,500 m) has 9 species (20.0%). Only four species are highly abundant (more than 10 animals/ha); 15 species are common (from 1 to 10 animals/ha); and 26 species are rare (less than 1 animal/ha). Thirty-nine species are oviparous, and six are ovoviviparous. Ten biological groups are separated: mountain species with extended life cycle, and lowland ones with short life cycle; species with extended life cycle have more diverse reproductive strategies. Eight zoogeographic groups are separated: Irano-Afghanian (21 species), Turanian (7 spp.), Indian (5 spp.), Mediterranean (4 spp.), Saharo-Sindian (4 spp.), Caucasian-Anatolian (2 spp.), European (2 spp.), and East Palaearctic (1 sp.). The Kopetdagh endemics include lizards Eublepharis turcmenicus and Eremias strauchi kopetdaghica, and snakes Eryx elegans, Coluber atayevi, and Eirenis meda.

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Attum, O., P. Eason, G. Cobbs & S.M. Baha El Din (2006): Response of a desert lizard community to habitat degradation: Do ideas about habitat specialists/generalists hold? -- BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 133: 52 – 62-- read abstract We report the impact of human-induced desertification on the species richness, abundance, and composition of sand dune flora and herpetofauna of North Sinai, Egypt. Our hypothesis was that degraded habitats would have reduced vegetation complexity, richness, and abundance, and consequently lower reptile species richness and abundance. We also hypothesized that desert lizards would not follow the typical generalist/specialist responses to habitat degradation found in other biomes. Instead, we predicted that because vegetation loss intensifies the environmental extremity of deserts, those species specialized for open and sandy environments would be more likely to persist in desertified habitats than would desert generalists. Our results showed that areas protected from vegetation loss did not have significantly higher vegetation richness or abundance except for only a few species. However, protected sites did have significantly higher percent vegetation cover and height. Habitat protection clearly had strong effects on the reptile community as species richness and abundances were significantly higher in protected sites. The composition of the reptile community between protected and unprotected sites differed significantly. Contrary to past studies in other environments, desert generalist species were not able to persist in degraded sites and were only found in protected sites. Specialist species were ubiquitous in that they occurred in both areas protected and unprotected from vegetation loss. We propose that the effects of disturbance on species composition (specialists or generalists) depends on whether the disturbance exacerbates or reduces environmental harshness and the conditions that favor specialization. In extreme environments, specialist and generalist responses to habitat degradation are opposite to that of more productive environments.

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Audouin, V. (1827): EXPLICATION SOMMAIRE DES PLANCHES DE REPTILES (SUPPLÉMENT) -- In: DESCRIPTION DE L'ÉGYPTE, OU RECUEIL DES OBSERVATIONS ET DES RECHERCHES QUI ONT ÉTÉ FAITES EN ÉGYPTE PENDANT L'EXPÉDITION DE L'ARMÉE FRANÇAISE, PUBLIÉ PAR LES ORDRES DE SA MAJESTÉ L'EMPEREUR NAPOLÉON LE GRAND. HISTOIRE NATURELLE. Tome I (1827): 161 - 164 + 13 plates--

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BAHA EL DIN, S. & O. ATTUM (2000): THE HERPETOFAUNA OF ZARANIK PROTECTED AREA, EGYPT, WITH NOTES ON THEIR ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION -- Herpetological Bulletin 73: 17 - 21--

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Bahmani, Z., R. Karamiani & A. Gharzi (2012): The Lizard Fauna of Kurdistan Province, Western Iran -- Iranian Journal of Animal Biosystematics (IJAB) 8(1): 27-37-- read abstract Kurdistan Province in the western Iran possesses varied climatic and geographical conditions that led to rich biodiversity. An investigation on the status of lizards in this Province was carried out from June 2010 to September 2011. A total of 73 specimens were collected and identified. The collected specimens represented four families, 10 genera, and 14 species and subspecies, including Agamidae: Laudakia nupta nupta, Laudakia caucasia and Trapelus lessonae, Gekkonidae: Cyrtopodion scabrum, Asaccus kurdistanensis, Lacertidae: Eremias montanus, Eremias sp. (1) and Eremias sp. (2) (unknown taxa which may be related to E. persica complex), Apathya cappadocica urmiana, A. c. muhtari, Lacerta media media and Ophisops elegans, Scinicidae: Eumeces schneideri princeps and Trachylepis aurata transcaucasica. With respect to the data which was reported by Rastegar-Pouyani et al. (2008) and Anderson (1999) Eremias sp. (1) and Eremias sp. (2) may belong to two new taxa, Apathya cappadocica muhtari is a new record from Iran, and also Eremias montanus is a new record from Kurdistan Province. The Lacertidae with six species, showed the highest diversity among the families represented here.

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Bahrami, A.M., E. Hosseini & M. Razmjo (2013): Interrelation between Theileriosis in Sheep and the Reptiles Ticks -- Bull. Env. Pharmacol. Life Sci., 2(7): 15 - 22-- read abstract The main aim of this study was to found out about complaints made by herdsman and one of the main sources of Theileriosis in sheep’s go out for grazing early morning and back in late evening daily in Zakrous mountain and forest area, western of Iran close border with Iraq. A total of 568 blood samples from 23 herds of sheep were examined for the presence of Theileria spp. before experimental study all the animals their fence and area were sprayed by insecticide to conform the animal are free from any external parasites. 12 animals as control from same herds were kept separately without sending them out for grazing. Study of 129 reptile (Trachylepis vittata, Trachylepis a. transcaucasica, Trapelus lessonae and Laudakia nupta) specimens was collected during May 2008 to August 2011. The prevalence of Theileria spp was observed in ring, oval and rod forms in the rats of 25.35% in sheep. The frequency of the ticks on the body of the sheep’s were Hyalomma spp (46.88%) - Repicephalus spp (42.32 %) and -.0. Haemaphysalis spp (10.78%). Out of 129 lizards species 78 (60.46%) cases had infestation with ticks (Hyalomma aegyptium, Haemaphysalis spp and Repicephalus sanguineus). Prevalence of Hyalomma aegyptium, Repicephalus sanguineus and Haemaphysalis spp were 39.53%, 13.95% and 17.05% respectively. Hyalomma aegyptium was found to be the most frequent tick species. In this study, 62 of specified ticks were male and 67 were female. Prevalence of ticks in male lizards was 61.29% and in female one was 53.73%. Out of 25 turtle, one of them was infested only by one tick. Hyalomma aegyptium were recognized on and attachment site were on the front leg of the Testudo graeca turtle. Conclusion: The combination of ticks found in this study shows there is some relationship for transmit ion of the theileriosis from reptiles to grazing sheep and this phenomena is permanent or accidental relationship is not clear. Observation shows that when the grazing sheep take rest during the day in the area were the reptile are living, at this time ticks transfer to the animals. It can be concluded that if reptiles represents any ticks, it will be limited on their territory.

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Baran, I. (1980): DOGU VE GÜNEYDOGU ANADOLU'NUN KAPLUMBAGA VE KERTENKELE FAUNASI (on turtles, tortoises and lizards of eastern and south-east Turkey) -- Ege Üniv. Fen Fakültesi Dergisi B, 4(1-4): 203 - 215? (last pages missing) -- read abstract ÜBER DIE SCHILDKRÖTEN- UND EIDECHSENFAUNA DES OST- UND SÜDOST-ANATOLIENS. In dieser Arbeit wird über die vorläufige Bewertung des Schildkröten- und Eidechsenmaterial berichtet, das in den Jahren 1969-1979 in Ost- und Südost-Anatolien gesammelt wurde. Während dieser Zeit wurden von uns aus diesem Teil der Türkei insgesamt 1103 Exemplare gesammelt. Viele Fundorte sind für manche Arten ganz neu. Im Vergleich zum gesammten 47 Schildkröten- und Eidechsenarten in der ganzen Türkei, konnten wir in unserem neuen Material 29 Arten feststellen. Ausserdem haben wir aus der Umgebung von Van erstmals Ablepharus bivittatus gefunden (siehe Tafel I A), und wir haben nur ein einziges aber sehr interessantes Chalcides ocellatus-Exemplar aus Kilis erwischt. Es hat eine völlig verschiedene Rückenfarbe und -muster als die südlichen C. ocellatus Populationen (siehe Tafel I B). Es ist leider ein einziges Stück, deswegen müssen aus diesem Gegend genügend neue Exemplare gesammelt werden um seine Taxonomie noch besser zu erklären

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Baran, I., M. Kasparek & M. Öz (1989): On the distribution of four species of agama (Agamidae) in Turkey -- Zool. Middle East 3: 37 - 46-- read abstract The distribution of the Hardun, Agama stellio, the Caucasian Agama, Agama caucasia, the Syrian Agama, Agama ruderata, and Phrynocephalus helioscopus, in Turkey is presented with dot maps A. stellio and A. caucasia are sharply separated both horizontally and vertically. The area of A. stellio is defined by the March isotherm of 8°C and the July and August isotherms of 24°C. A. ruderata occurs in the large steppe areas of Inner and South-east Anatolia, but not in those of Eastern Anatolia,

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BARATA, M., A. PERERA, D.J. HARRIS, A.v.d. MEIJDEN, S. CARRANZA, F. CEACERO, E. GARCIA-MUNOZ, D. GONCALVES, S. HENRIQUES, F. JORGE, J.C. MARSHALL, L. PEDRAJAS & P. SOUSA (2011): New observations of amphibians and reptiles in Morocco, with a special emphasis on the eastern region -- Herpetological Bulletin 116: 4 - 14-- read abstract This study reports the observations of 54 species of amphibians and reptiles obtained during four field surveys to Morocco, including the southern and southeastern regions. our records reveal a notable expansion of the current distribution range for several species especially in the eastern part of the country, highlighting the need for more intensive sampling within this region.

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Barbour, T. (1914): NOTES ON SOME REPTILES FROM SINAI AND SYRIA. -- PROCEEDINGS OF THE NEW ENGLAND ZOOLOGICAL CLUB Vol. V, pp. 73-92 + 1 plate--

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Barnestein, J.A.M., L. García-Cardenete, F. Jiménez-Cazalla, A. Valdeón, E. Escoriza, G. Martínez, J. Benavides, J.L. Esteban, J. Fuentes, A. Ramírez, J. Álvarez & I. Jaén-Velázquez (2012): Nuevas localidades de Myriopholis algeriensis y Lamprophis fuliginosus, y otras citas herpetológicas, en Marruecos -- Bol. Asoc. Herpetol. Esp. 23(2): 63 - 68--

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Barts, M. (2002): Weitere Daten zur Lebensweise von Trapelus tournevillei (LATASTE, 1880) (Sauria: Agamidae) -- SAURIA, Berlin, 2002, 24(2) : 19-22 -- read abstract The dune agama, Trapelus tournevillei, was observed at Nefta, SE Tunisia, and found to be restricted to living in amongst tufts of grass on solitary sand dunes. Relevant field and terrarium observations are related. A case of inadvertent hybridization T. mutabilis x T. tournevillei is briefly summarized. The species is probably incompatible with Baygon insecticide strips.

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Basoglu, M. & I. Baran (1977): TÜRKIYE SÜRÜNGENLERI. KISIM I. KAPLUMBAGA ve KERTENKELELER - The Reptiles of Turkey. Part I. The Turtles and Lizards (Taxonomy and Distribution, Key for Identification) (pp 191— 233) -- Bornova -Izmir--

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Basoglu, M. & W. Hellmich (1970): Amphibien und Reptilien aus dem östlichen Anatolien. -- Ege. Univ. Fak. Ser. 93: 3 - 26.--

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Basoglu, M. & W. Hellmich (1959): Auf herpetologischer Forschungsfahrt in Ost – Anatolien. -- DATZ 1959(4): 118 – 121.--

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Bauer, A. & K. Adler (2003): On the Dates of Publication and Correct Citation of Olivier’s Voyage dans l’Empire Othoman and its Herpetological Content -- Bulletin of the ISHBH, Vol. 4(2): 7–18--

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Bauer, A.M., J.C. DeBoer & D.J. Taylor (2017): Atlas of the Reptiles of Libya -- PROCEEDINGS OF THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, ser. 4; 64(8): 155 - 318-- read abstract Libya has one of the most depauperate reptile faunas in Africa, but it also remains one of the most poorly documented. Although localized collecting was carried out during the Italian colonial period (1912-1943), post-World War II field surveys have largely been limited to El Kouf National Park in northern Cyrenaica and a number of short duration field trips in other parts of the country. A combination of limited accessibility to much of the country and periods of political instability have precluded more extensive herpetological research in contrast to some other regions of North Africa, although there has been active research by Libyan scientists in recent years. In order to provide a starting point for future faunal and biogeographic studies of Libyan reptiles, we collected locality data from 3350 museum specimens and 163 literature sources, yielding 683 unique localities which we georeferenced and used to generate a gazetteer and corresponding index maps as well as species maps of each of the 66 species of reptiles confirmed to occur in Liby a. Data relating to type material as well as taxonomic and distributional comments are also provided for each taxon. Libyan reptiles include three marine turtles (only one nesting), three terrestrial chelonians (one with two subspecies), 39 lizards (two with two subspecies), and 21 snakes. Tarentola fascicularis (Phyllodactylidae) is a species complex represented by several, as yet undescribed taxa. Three subspecies and one full species of reptile are currently regarded as endemic to Libya, although Myriopholis lanzai from southwestern Fezzan, is likely to occur in neighboring Algeria. Libya's fauna is very different from that of its southern neighbors, in w hich Sahel taxa predominate, but similarities with Egypt, Tunisia, and especially Algeria, are great. The dominant biogeographic pattern in Libya is the contrasts between the narrow Mediterranean zone and the arid zones of the Sahara Desert and steppe-desert transition. However, many species of mesic areas occur sporadically in the arid zone, usually in association with oases, and others seem euryoecious. A secondary pattern is an east-west division of the Mediterranean zone in the Gulf of Sirte, w hich separates Tripolitanian taxa with faunal ties to the Maghreb from Cyrenaican taxa with affinities to Egypt and even the Middle East.

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Beddek, M. (2017): Déficit de connaissances de la biodiversité et biologie de la conservation: Le cas de l’herpétofaune d’Algérie -- Thesis. Université de Montpellier. 188 pp-- read abstract Algeria is a case study of biodiversity ignorance. To date, there are neither complete inventories for any taxa nor atlas across the country! Yet, Algeria is of great importance for global biodiversity. The coastal area of Algeria is part of the global biodiversity hostpot which is the Mediterranean perimeter and has several regional red spots of biodiversity. Moreover, the Saharan part encompasses a diversity of endemic organisms adapted to the strong conditions of drought. The Algerian authorities are deploying an ambitious project for conservation aiming to reach 50% of the country's surface as protected areas! However, the location of these protected areas and their management don’t obey to a scientific evidence based, but are rather based on experts opinion. The main aim of this thesis is the study of the biodiversity ignorance distribution in Algeria by focusing on the "Linnean, Wallacean, and Darwinian Shortfalls" and to contribute to reduce them. The first chapter aims at reducing the Linnean Shortfall by proposing 1) a first checklist of reptiles and amphibians of Algeria which is the result of an accurate review of scientific publications on these taxa in North Africa. 2) a first pre-assessment of the conservation status of reptiles and amphibians of Algeria for the production of the first national red list. The second part of this manuscript deals with the ignorance of the geographical distribution of species. The purpose of this part is to map the ignorance which is defined as the difference between the expected specific richness diversity and the observed specific richness. The predicted species richness was modelled with two approaches: 1 ecological niche modelling with the maximum entropy method (MaxEnt) to predict the suitable habitats for each species and then add the different binary layers of species presence to calculate the specific richness. 2) Minimum convex polygon method was used to create range maps of each species and were auditioned to obtain predicted species richness. Both approaches have shown the same trend at a national scale: the concentration of the richest areas along the Saharan Atlas and the High Plateaus which are the transition zone between the Sahara and the Mediterranean part of Algeria. The opposition of the Saharan with a low species richness and the northern part with a higher species richness. Finally, the Saharan massifs of the Hoggar and Tassili form a very distinct zone with a much greater wealth compared to the rest of the Sahara. In terms of gaps, in the northern part, Kabylie, El Kala National Park and the Oran region are fairly well surveyed. In the Sahara, only a few points are clearly well prospected as Biskra, Bechar and some areas of the Hoggar and Tassili. The third part deals with the distribution of genetic llineages in the Maghreb. The aim of this section is to locate the phylogeographic breaks between the divergent eastern and western populations of the Maghreb and to try to understand the mechanisms that led to this pattern of genetic diversity. To answer these questions, I carried out a comparative phylogeography on 11 species of reptiles and amphibians with continuous and wide distribution in the Maghreb. Two suture zones have been identified: one zone on the border of Algeria and Morocco, the other in Kabylia west of the Soummam valley. The divergences between the eastern clades and the western clades occurred between the pre-Messinian periods up to the pliopleistocene boundary and were maintained in climatic refugia in the East and West of the Maghreb.

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Bedriaga, J. v. (1879): Verzeichniss der Amphibien und Reptilien Vorder-Asiens. -- Bull. Soc. Imp. Nat., Moscou 54(3): 22 - 52--

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Benelkadi, H.A., A. Mammeri & M. Amroun (2021): Biogeography, inventory and new data on reptiles of M’sila region, Algeria -- Zoology and Ecology, 31(2): 86 - 97-- read abstract This study is the first contribution to the evaluation of reptile diversity in different habitats of M’sila region, Algeria. We carried out 94 trips between 2016 and 2018 across three sites: Mergueb (six stations), L’mhazem (three stations) and Kaf Afoul (two stations), on average, accompanied by prospectors. Our aims were to make an inventory of reptilian species in this region, as well as to study their diversity, distribution, ecology and abundance. Altogether, we recorded 193 specimens belonging to 22 species: two turtles, one amphisbaenian, twelve lizards and seven snakes. Two species classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN were recorded: Uromastyx acanthinurus (Bell, 1825) and Daboia mauritanica (Duméril & Bibron, 1848). Statistical analysis revealed that the type of habitat directly influences the distribution of reptiles in the study area. Although this small area is rich in reptilian species, their abundance remains low and worrying.

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Berger-Dell´mour, H. (1986): Zur Herpetofauna des Golan -- Ann. nat. hist. mus., Wien 87B: 59 - 67-- read abstract Between 1976 and 1980, 345 reptiles and amphibians were collected by members of the Austrian UN-peace-force. These animals are listed and their localities cited. Two lizards and one snake (Ophisops elegans MÉNÉTIER, Agama ruderata OLIVIER, Telescopus fallax FLEISCHMANN) are discussed, their systematic status being uncertain.

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BERGIER, P., A. QNINBA & M. THEVENOT (2011): Notes naturalistes au Sahara Atlantique marocain - 3 -- Go-South Bull. 8: 67 - 103--

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Bird, C.G. (1936): The distribution of Reptiles and Amphibians in Asiatic Turkey, with notes on a collection from the Vilayets of Adana, Gaziantep and Malatya. -- Ann. Mag. nat. hist. 10(xvii): 257 - 283--

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Bischoff, W. (1978): Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Echsen des Kaukasus -- Salamandra 14(1): 178 - 202-- read abstract The final part of a series of papers on the lizards of the Caucasus, that have been published in previous years. The paper reports on the life habits, capture and keeping in terraria of several lizards of Soviet Transcaucasia. In these respects the agamid Phrynoccphalus helioscopus persicus and three species of the lacertid genus Eremias occuring in that area (i . e. strauchi, velox, pleskei) are discussed. Finally a list of all lizard species and subspecies actually known to occur in this region is given.

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Blanc, C.P. (1986): Le Peuplement en Reptiles de l'Extrême-Sud Tunisien -- Amphibia-Reptilia 7: 385 - 392--

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Blanford, W.T. (1881): On a collection of Persian Reptiles recently added to the British Museum. -- Proc. zool. Soc. London 1881: 671 - 682.--

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Blanford, W.T. (1876): Zoology of Persia. Reptiles and Amphibians parts. pp. 305 - 436. In: -- Blanford, W.T. Eastern Persia. An Account of the Journeys of the Persian Boundary Commission 1870-71-72. Vol. II. Zoology and Geology. MacMillan, London.--

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Blanford, W.T. (1879): Notes on Reptilia. -- J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal XLVIII: 127-132--

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Bobrov V.V. (1986): Lizards (Squamata, Sauria) population in the South-Western Kopetdagh (in Russian with engl. summ.). -- Zoologichesky Zhurnal, 65(2): 308-310 -- read abstract The data on the lizard population numbers in different biotopes of the Syunt-Khasardag Reserve are presented. A diagram of habitats in the south-western Kopetdag given on the basis of the data.

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Bodenheimer, F.S. (1944): Introduction into the knowledge of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Turkey. -- Rev. Fac. Sci. Univ. Istanb. IX(1): 1 - 110.--

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Bodenheimer, F.S. (1935): ANIMAL LIFE IN PALESTINE. III. REPTILES AND AMPHIBIA. pp. 181 - 199. In: -- ANIMAL LIFE IN PALESTINE. An introduction to the problems of animal ecology and zoogeography. L. Mayer, Jerusalem, 506 pp.--

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Boettger, O. (1888): Über die Reptilien und Batrachier Transcaspiens -- Zool. Anz. 11: 259-263--

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Boettger, O. (1880): Die Reptilien und Amphibien von Syrien, Palaestina und Cypern. -- Ber. Senckenberg. naturforsch. Ges. 1879/80: 132 - 219--

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Boettger, O. (1886): Die Reptilien und Amphibien des Talysch-Gebietes. Nach den neuesten Materialien bearbeitet -- In: G. Radde: DIE FAUNA UND FLORA DES SÜDWESTLICHEN CASPI- GEBIETES. WISSENSCHAFTLICHE BEITRÄGE ZU DEN REISEN AN DER PERSISCH -RUSSISCHEN GRENZE. pp. 30 - --

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Boettger, O. (1888): Die Reptilien und Batrachier Transkaspiens. -- Zool. Jahrbücher. Abt. Syst. Geogr. Biol. 3: 871 - 972 + 1 plate--

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Bons, J. (1972): Herpétologie Marocaine I: Liste commentée des amphibiens et reptiles du Maroc -- Bull. Soc. Sci. nat. Maroc 52 (3/4): 107-126-- read abstract Cette note est destinée à faire le point sur le peuplement herpétologique du Maroc. Elle comprend: — Une liste des formes effectivement présentes au Maroc, avec les affinités biogéographiques des espèces, et éventuellement les travaux récents où ces formes sont étudiées. — Des commentaires sur les espèces africaines douteuses en Europe et européennes douteuses en Afrique. — Une liste des espèces à rechercher au Maroc. — Une discussion sommaire sur la systématique de certaines espèces marocaines.

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Bons, J. (1959): Les Lacertiliens du Sud-Ouest Marocain. -- Trav. Inst. Sci. Cherif., ser. Zool. 18: 141 pp.--

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Bons, J. (1960): APERÇU SUR LE PEUPLEMENT HERPÉTOLOGIQUE DU MAROC ORIENTAL -- Bulletin de la Societe des Sciences Naturelles et Physiques du Maroc 40(1): 53 - 75-- read abstract Les résultats de nos missions au Maroc oriental peuvent se résumer ainsi:Saurodactylus mauritanicus mauritanicus est présent sur le flanc nord du massif de Debdou et Ptyodactylus hasselquistii oudrii atteint le Haut-Atlas oriental. Acanthodaetylus erythrurus bellii est abondant entre 1000 et 1800 m, mais localement, il descend beaucoup plus bas (embouchure de la Moulouya). Eremias guttulata existe dans des biotopes bien définis de la vallée de la Moulouya. Psammodromus algirus nollii, Eumeces algeriensis meridionalis et Malpolon monspessulanus insignitus des Hauts-Plateaux algériens se retrouvent sur leur prolongement marocain. Psammodromus blanci signalé une seule fois du nord du Maroc (Zulueta 1909) est capturé dans l a steppe à alfa. Ophisops occidentalis, lui aussi signalé une seule fois du Maroc, est confirmé en plusieurs points des Hauts-Plateaux. La forme «bronzéen» de Lacerta perspicillata se retrouve dans tous les biotopes rocheux entre Debdou et le Haut-Atlas oriental. La répartition des formes suivantes a pu être précisée: Stenodactylus sth. mauritanicus, Agama bibronii, Agama mutabilis, Uromastix aranthinurus, Acanthodactylus boskianus asper, A. pardalis, Eremias olivieri, Lacerta hispanica vaucheri. Chalcides chalcides, Chalcides o. subtypicus, Coronella girondica et Macroprotodon cucullatus. Cette étude de la répartition nous a permis de constater l'importance de l'isohyète des 200 millimètres: elle correspondait exactement à la limite de l'aire de répartition de U. acanthinurus; l'isohyète des 400 millimètres semble avoir aussi une certaine valuer. Enfin, nous avons pu noter quelques observations sur la biologie des espèces capturées

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Borkin L.Y. & I.S. Darevsky (1987): List of amphibians and reptiles of the USSR fauna - Amphibians and reptiles of protected areas (Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, etc.). (in Russ. language) -- Collection of scientific papers. Moscow: Central Research Institute of Glavokhoty of the RSFSR. Pp. 128-141--

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Bosch, H.A.J. in den (1998): Prodromus einer Liste der Amphibien und Reptilien Libanons. Prodromus Amphibiorum et Reptiliorum Phoeniciae (Amphibia; Reptilia) -- Faun. Abh. Staatl. Mus. Tierk., Dresden, Bd. 21(2), suppl. "CONTRIBUTIONS TO A „HERPETOLOGIA ARABICA" pp. 9 - 17-- read abstract Prodromus of a list of amphibians and reptiles of Lebanon (Amphibia; Reptilia). - This preliminary survey of the herpetofauna of Lebanon lists six amphibian and 59 reptile species. A comparison with the adjoining Middle Eastern herpetofaunas is made. Lebanon can be roughly divided into geographically defined parallel strips of southwest-northeast orientation. The most western unit is a narrow (rarely more than five km wide) coastal belt with altitudes up to 100 m. This is bordered to the east by a 25-30 km wide hilly strip. The altitudes here rise quickly to 1,000-1,500 m and culminate in the Lebanon mountain range, with highest peaks being Qornet es Saouda (3,083 m) in the northern Makmel mountains and Harf Sannin (2,628 m) in the Sannin Mountains east of Beirut. Directly to the east lies a lower geographical band, at least 500 m in altitude, comprised of the narrow (10-20 km wide) Ba'albek and Beqaa valleys. The most eastern geographical strip is the Anti-Lebanon mountain range extending into Syria. Peaks in northeastern Lebanon reach heights of 2,300 m, with some even topping 2,600 m. Mount Hermon in the southeast has a maximum elevation of 2,814 m. This geographical diversity results in a rich variety of habitats for such a small country (10,400 km2); ranging from subtropical Mediterranean seacoast to alpine areas that receive snow even in summer. Zoogeographically, three-quarters of the 65 species show Palaearctic affinities. Of the five species with Arabic affinities (8%), only Ptyodactylus puiseuxi is relatively common. The two with African affinities, Trionyx triunguis and Chamaeleo chamaeleon recticrista are also found in other Mediterranean regions and hence do not argue in favour of a clear faunistic relationship with Africa. Of the two Mabuya, considered to be Saharo-Sindian/Arabian (3%), the occurrence of M. aurata has not yet been verified. None of the six (9%) Saharo-Sindian species is very common, and one of these (Spalerosophis diadema cliffordii) may not actually live in Lebanon. The herpetofauna of Lebanon is unique to the Middle East because it consists of species requiring a comparably humid climate and it lacks true desert forms. Lebanon thus has a predominantly Palaearctic and relatively mesic fauna. Only Lacerta fraasii and (as far as is now known) Lacerta kulzeri s. str. are endemic. Two other restricted species (Cryptopodion amictopholis and Vipera bornmuelleri) live on Mt. Hermon and are thus also found in Syria and (presently) Israel. The presumed herpetofaunal similarity with Cyprus seems to be based on the lack of several Turkish forms, rather than occurrence on Cyprus of Levantine species.

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Bouazza, A., E. Hassan El Mouden & A. Rihane (2021): Checklist of amphibians and reptiles of Morocco: A taxonomic update and standard Arabic names -- Herpetology Notes, 14: 1-14-- read abstract Morocco has one of the highest levels of biodiversity and endemism in the Western Palaearctic, which is mainly attributable to the country’s complex topographic and climatic patterns that favoured allopatric speciation. Taxonomic studies of Moroccan amphibians and reptiles have increased noticeably during the last few decades, including the recognition of new species and the revision of other taxa. In this study, we provide a taxonomically updated checklist and notes on nomenclatural changes based on studies published before April 2020. The updated checklist includes 130 extant species (i.e., 14 amphibians and 116 reptiles, including six sea turtles), increasing considerably the number of species compared to previous recent assessments. Arabic names of the species are also provided as a response to the demands of many Moroccan naturalists.

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Boulenger, G.A. (1887): A list of the reptiles and batrachians obtained near Muscat, Arabia, and presented to the British Museum by Surgeon-Major A.S.G. Jayakar -- Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (5) 20: 407-408--

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Boulenger, G.A. (1885): Agama isolepis. -- In: CATALOGUE of the LIZARDS IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY). SECOND EDITION. VOLUME I. GECKONIDAE, EUBLEPHAEIDAE, UROPLATIDAE, PYGOPODIDAE, AGAMIDAE.: 342 - 343--

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Boulenger, G.A. (1920): A list of lizards from Mesopotamia, collected by members of the Mesopotamian Force 1915 - 1919 -- Journ. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 27: 351 -353--

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Boulenger, G.A. (1895): Catalogue of the Reptiles and Batrachians of Barbary (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia), based chiefly upon the Notes and Collections made in 1880-1884 by M. Fernand Lataste. -- Transactions zool. Soc., London. XIII (1895): 93 - 164 + 6 plates--

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Boulenger, G.A. (1914): Contributo alle studio della Fauna Libica. Materiali raccolti nelle zone di Misurata e Homs (1912-1913) dal. Dott. Alfredo Andreini, Capitano Medico. Rettili e Batraci -- Ann. Mus. Civ. Stor. Nat. Genua, ser. 3(46): 79 - 80--

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Boulenger, G.A. (1889): Reptiles and Batrachians. In: Aitchinson, J.E.T.. The zoology of the Afghan Delimination Commission. -- Trans. Linn. Soc. London, ser. 2. 5(3): 94 - 196 + 4 plates--

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Boulenger, G.A. (1914): Contributo allo Studio della Fauna Libica. Materiali racolti nelle Zone Misurata e Homs (1912-13) dall Dot. Alfredo Andreini, Capitano Medico. Rettili e Batraci -- Ann. Mus. Civ. Stor. Nat., Genova 46: --

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Boulenger, G.A. (1919): SUR L'AGAMA TOURNEVILLEI LATASTE, DU SAHARA ALGÉRIEN -- Bull. Soc. zool. France 44: 111 - 115--

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Boulenger, G.A. (1928): ÉTUDE sur les BATRACIENS et les REPTILES rapportes par M. Henri Qadeau de Kerville de son voyage zoologique en Asie-Mineure. pp.: 135 - 144 in: -- VOYAGE ZOOLOGIQUE D'HENRI GADEAU DE KERVILLE EN ASIE-MINEURE ( AVRIL- MAI 1912)--

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Boulenger, G.A. (1923): ETUDE SUR LES BATRACIENS ET LES REPTILES rapportés par M . Henri Gadeau de Kerville de son voyage zoologique en Syrie -- Voyage zoologique d'Henri Gadeau de Kerville en Syrie (avril-juin 1908) 4: 41 - 55 + pl.--

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Bozkurt, M.A. (2018): SANLIURFA KIZILKUYU YABAN HAYATI KORUMA VE GELISTIRME SAHASININ HERPETOFAUNASI (in Turk. with Engl. summ.) -- MSc thesis, Harran Üniversitesi, Turkey; 153 pp-- read abstract HERPETOFUANA OF SANLIURFA KIZILKUYU WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AREA -- This study was aimed to determine the amphibian and reptilian species of Sanliurfa Kizilkuyu Wildlife Conservation and Development Area. For this study, Ad?yaman University Zoology Museum (ZMADYU) samples as well as the results of the field survey that was carried out between 2016 November-2018 May, were evaluated. As a result of the relevant literature and field studies; 1 chelonian species (Testudo graeca), 3 anuran amphibians species (Bufotes variabilis, Pelophylax ridibundus and Hyla savignyi), 11 lizards (Stellagama stellio, Mediodactylus heterocercus, Eublepharis angramainyu, Heremites auratus, H. vittatus, Chalcides ocellatus, Eumeces schneideri, Ophisops elegans, Apathya cappadocica, Trapelus lessonae and Varanus griseus) and 11 snake species (Malpolon insignitus, Platyceps najadum, Eirenis eiselti, E. occidentalis, Xerotyphlops vermicularis, Myriopholis macrorhyncha, Letheobia episcopus, Eryx jaculus, Macrovipera lebetina and Walterinnesia morgani) totally 26 herptil species were determined in the study area. L. episcopus is an endemic species to Sanl?urfa among these species. The E. angramainyu is known only from ?anl?urfa in Turkey. According to IUCN data; 1 species is in Critical (VU), 10 species are in least concern (LC), 3 species are data deficient (DD) and 12 species are in not evaluated (NE) state. According to the BERN Conservation 5 species are in appendix II and 21 species are in appendix III. Also, according to the CITES Conservation 3 species are in appendix II and 23 species are not included in the appendix lists. 48 amphibian and reptilian species have been determined in Sanliurfa until now. As a result of the present study, it was determined that Sanliurfa Kizilkuyu Wildlife Conservation and Development Area, consist os 54.17’% of the herpetofauna of Sanliurfa province.

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Bradshaw, D., J. Bradshaw & F. Lachiver (1976): Quelques observations sur l'Ecophysiologie d'Agama mutabilis Merrem, dans le sud Tunisien -- C. R. Acad. Sc. Paris, t. 282, Série D: 93 - 96-- read abstract Le lézard Agama mutabilis étudié sur le terrain au mois de juin dans le sud tunisien, présente un taux de renouvellement d'eau très faible [3,37 ml (100 g.jour) et se maintient en balance hydrique. Ces données, ainsi que l'étude du comportement thermorégulateur suggèrent que cette espèce est mieux adaptée à la vie désertique qu'Amphibolurus inermis, lézard australien qui vit dans un habitat très comparable.

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BRITO, J.C., H. REBELO, P.-A. CROCHET & P. GENIEZ (2008): Data on the distribution of amphibians and reptiles from North and West Africa, with emphasis on Acanthodactylus lizards and the Sahara Desert -- Herp. Bulletin 105: 19 - 27--

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Brito, J.C., P. Tarroso, C.G. Vale, F. Martinez-Freiria, Z. Boratynski, J.C. Campos, S. Ferreira, R. Godinho, D.V. Goncalves, J.V. Leite, V.O. Lima, P. Pereira, X. Santos, M.J. Ferreira da Silva, T.L. Silva, G. Velo-Anton, J. Verissimo, P.-A. Crochet (2016): Conservation Biogeography of the Sahara-Sahel: additional protected areas are needed to secure unique biodiversity -- Diversity and Distributions, (Diversity Distrib.) (2016) 1–14. DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12416. incl. 53 pp suppl.-- read abstract Aim: Identification of priority conservation areas and evaluation of coverage of the current protected areas are urgently needed to halt the biodiversity loss. Identifying regions combining similar environmental traits (climate regions) and species assemblages (biogroups) is needed for conserving the biodiversity patterns and processes. We identify climate regions and biogroups and map species diversity across the Sahara-Sahel, a large geographical area that exhibits wide environmental heterogeneity and multiple species groups with distinct biogeographical affinities, and evaluate the coverage level of current network of protected areas for biodiversity conservation. -- Location: Sahara-Sahel, Africa. -- Methods: We use spatially explicit climate data with the principal component analysis and model-based clustering techniques to identify climate regions. We use distributions of 1147 terrestrial vertebrates (and of 125 Sahara-Sahel endemics) and apply distance clustering methods to identify biogroups for both species groups. We apply reserve selection algorithms targeting 17% of species distribution, climate regions and biogroups to identify priority areas and gap analysis to assess their representation within the current protected areas. -- Results: Seven climate regions were identified, mostly arranged as latitudinal belts. Concentrations of high species richness were found in the Sahel, but the central Sahara gathers most endemic and threatened species. Ten biogroups (five for endemics) were identified. A wide range of biogroups tend to overlap in specific climate regions. Identified priority areas are inadequately represented in protected areas, and six new top conservation areas are needed to achieve conservation targets. -- Main conclusions: Biodiversity distribution in Sahara-Sahel is spatially structured and apparently related to environmental variation. Although the majority of priority conservation areas are located outside the areas of intense human activities, many cross multiple political borders and require internationally coordinated efforts for implementation and management. Optimized biodiversity conservation solutions at regional scale are needed. Our work contradicts the general idea that deserts are uniform areas and provide options for the conservation of endangered species.

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Bunyatova, S.N., S.B. Ahmedov & A.R. Jafarov (2012): ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF REPTILES (TESTUDINIDAE, SAURIA, SERPENTES) IN TALYSH (in Russian language with english summary) -- News of the Samara scientific centre of Russian Academy of Sciences 14(1): 144 - 149-- read abstract In the paper are given information about distribution of reptiles on the landscapes of the Talysh. Based literature sources and field investigation of authors’ distribution and number of reptiles are studied.

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Burriel-Carranza, B., P. Tarroso, J. Els, A. Gardner, P. Soorae, A.A. Mohammed, S.R.K. Tubati, M.M. Eltayeb, J. Nazeer Shah, H. Tejero-Cicuendez, M. Simo-Riudalbas, J.M. Pleguezuelos, D. Fernandez-Guiberteau, J. Smıd & S. Carranza (2019): An integrative assessment of the diversity, phylogeny, distribution, and conservation of the terrestrial reptiles (Sauropsida, Squamata) of the United Arab Emirates -- PLoS ONE 14(5): e0216273. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0216273. 36 pp.-- read abstract In the present study we use an unprecedented database of 5,535 distributional records to infer the diversity, ecological preferences and spatial distribution of the 60 species of terrestrial reptiles of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and use the 57 native species to test the effectiveness of the protected areas’ network in conserving this unique vertebrate fauna. We infer a time-calibrated phylogeny with 146 species of squamates and 15 genes including all UAE terrestrial reptile species to determine the phylogenetic diversity (PD) and evolutionary distinctiveness (ED) of the native species and to compare it with the distribution of the hotspots of native species richness. The results of this study indicate that the sampling effort is remarkable, covering 75% of the country’s territory representing nearly the entire climatic space of the UAE defined by the mean annual temperature and the total annual precipitation, as well as the multivariate climatic space defined by a principal component analysis (PCA). Species richness is highest in the northeast of the country, in a transitional area from sandy desert to the mountainous terrain of the Hajar Mountains. The highest PD of a single square cell of 10 arc-minutes grid is of 2,430 million years (my) of accumulated evolutionary history and the strong correlation between PD and species richness suggests that the raw number of species is a good surrogate to quantify the evolutionary history (i.e., PD). The species with the highest values of ED are those in families represented by only one species in the UAE. Finally, the assessment of the UAE protected areas shows that, despite their relevance in protecting the terrestrial reptiles, they do not offer adequate protection for some threatened species. Therefore, a reassessment of some of the protected areas or the creation of species specific conservation action plans are recommended in order to ensure the preservation of the unique diversity of UAE terrestrial reptiles.

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Böhme, W. (1973): Erstnachweis zweier Eidechsengattungen für die Türkei -- Bonner zoologische Beiträge 24 (4): 394-398-- read abstract Two lizard species, belonging to genera not known from Turkey, are recorded first time for the Turkish fauna: Phyllodactylus elisae and Acanthodactylus boskianus. Some aspects of their distribution, taxonomy and ecology are stressed.

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Calabresi, E. (1923): Missione Zoologica del Dr. E. FESTA in Cirenaica. Anfibi e Rettili -- Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. comp.R. Univ. Torino, nov. ser. 7(38): 1 - 28--

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CAMARASA S., J. FERRER, M. AIT HAMMOU, W. DAHMANI, M'h. MAATOUG, D. SANUY & A. DELLAL (2015): Étude de l´herpétofaune de la région de Tiaret et zones avoisinantes -- Revue Ecologie-Environnement (11): 1 - 12-- read abstract The study that we present has two objectives: to expand our knowledge of the herpetofauna in the region of Tiaret and bordering areas, with a primary focus on distribution and update the threats that will affect this group, to propose solutions to protect and conserve the species of these areas. In spring 2014, we identified in this study, 6 species of amphibians and 22 species of reptiles. In some cases, we collected biological samples for later analysis. The majority of locations where prospected between May 22 and June 7, has a high biodiversity of herpetofauna, which shows how important it is, to preserve this species.

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CANDAN, K ., E. YILDIRIM CAYNAK, Y. KUMLUTAS, Ö. ÖZENDER & Ç. ILGAZ (2020): Meke Maari (Konya) civarinin herpetofaunasi -- J. BAUN Inst. Sci. Technol., 22(2): 448-459-- read abstract Herpetofauna of the vicinity of Meke Maar (Konya) -- In this study, the amphibian and reptile species distributing the vicinity of Meke Maar were determined and it is tried to provide missing information about herpetofauna of the region. A total of 15 species including 1 anuran, 1 tortoise, 7 lizards and 6 snakes were identified as a result of the field studies.

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CAPOCACCIA, L. (1977): MAMMIFÈRES DU JEBEL UWEINAT, DÉSERT DE LIBYE par Xavier MISONNE; RETTILI DEL GEBEL UWEINAT (reptiles part): -- KONINKLIJK MUSEUM VOOR MIDDEN AFRIKA — TERVUREN, BELGIE ANNALEN — Ser. 8, ZOOLOGISCHE WETENSCHAPPEN 217: 36 - 43--

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Casimir, M.J. (1970): Zur Herpetofauna des Iran und Afghanistans -- Die Aquarien- und Terrarien-Zeitschrift (DATZ) 23: 150 - 154--

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Castilla, A.M., D.J. Al-Kubaisi, C. Davies, A. Mushtak, W. Jaber Al-Marri, S. Al-Naimi, E.A. Al-Obaidli, A. Valderon, E.O.H. Saifelnasr, M. Al-Yafei, A.J. Alkuwari & H.E. Ahmad Amer Mohd Al Hemaidi (2016): The Lizards living in Qatar -- the Qatar Ministry of Environment. 362 pp.--

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Chabanaud, M.P. (1924): REPTILES RECUEILLIS PAR M. Th. MONOD EN MAURITANIE ET AUX ILES DU CAP-VERT -- BULLETIN DU MUSÉUM NATIONAL D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE 30: 54 - --

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Chabanaud, P. (1917): SUR DIVERS REPTILES DE KEBILI (SUD-TUNISIEN) RECUEILLIS PAR M. LE COMMANDANT VIBERT -- Bull. Mus. nat. Hist. nat. Paris 22 (1916): 226 - 227--

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Chernov, S.A. (1948): Reptiles — Reptilia [in Russian]: -- Pavlovsky, E.N. & Vinogradova, B.S. (Eds.) (1948): The Animals of the USSR. Vol. 2. The desert zone [in Russian].- USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow-Leningrad --

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Chirio, L. (1995): BIOGEOGRAPHIE DES REPTILES DE L'AURES -- thesis. ECOLE PRATIQUE DES HAUTES ETUDES. Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, 168 pp.--

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Chirio, L. & C.P. Blanc (1977): Statut et distribution des Reptiles dans le massif de l'Aurès (Algérie) -- Journ. African Zool. 111(3): 205 - 233-- read abstract Taxonomy and distribute of Reptiles in the Aures massif (Algeria). - Field survey over the whole Aures massif (213 sampling stations) allowed us to prove the occurrence of 41 reptilian taxa including two tortoises, 28 lizards and 11 snakes. Geographical distributions and soil, vegetation, altitude range and bioclimate of the biotope of all taxa have been provided, together with their relative densities and the morphological characteristics of some of them. Fourteen other species reported in the litterature have not been observed during our survey: eight should be discarded and six deserve further field investigations.

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Chirio, L. & C.P. Blanc (1997): ANALYSE DE LA DISTRIBUTION DES REPTILES DANS LE MASSIF DE L'AURÈS (ALGÉRIE) -- Écologie, 28(4): 281-292-- read abstract Distribution analysis of the reptiles in the Aures massif (Algeria). -- Analysis of herpetofauna distribution in the Aures massif is based on the mapping of its 17 ecological habitats. Relationships between saurian ecological communities are related to natural and disturbed plant communities. Highest biodiversities were found in the open vegetal formations without climatical constraints. More than 50% of reptilian biocenoses are made of 9-10 lizards; the variability of the number of snakes is mainly due to sampling chance. Mediterranean, Saharan or tropical bio geographical origins or the reptile species explain differences in the structure of the herpetological biocenoses on the northern and southern sides and on the top of the Aures massif

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Clark, R. (1991): CONTRIBUTION TO THE REPTILE FAUNA OF NORTHERN IRAN -- Brit. Herp. Soc. Bull. 35: 35 - 46-- read abstract Reptiles were observed and collected in Northern Iran in February and May 1968 on the way to and on the return journey from Afghanistan (Clark 1990). A report on this trip is long overdue and is justified owing to the scarcity of first-hand accounts in recent times on the herpetofauna of this country which is now virtually inaccessible to the ordinary traveller. For this reason I present detailed ecological observations, full descriptions of the lizards and snakes found as well as selected data on measurements and pholidosis. These latter details are either presented in the text or in tabular form in the case of the lacertid lizards. In addition I am including a fully detailed account of the itinerary, weather conditions experienced and a zoo-geographical analysis so that as clear a picture as possible will be given to the reader. Some taxonomic discussion is also allowed in some cases but in the main I refrain from making judgments in areas of uncertainty. Here can be mentioned the Eremias genus and the position of Lacerta strigata which is currently under review. 23 species are here considered: 16 lizards and 7 snakes. In addition Testudo horsfieldi was found in the Mashad region. Rana ridibunda was seen along the Caspian Sea coast. Most species were collected within 60 kilometers from the nearest town or village. Heights were measured using an aneroid altimeter and are given in meters: viz. 1060 m. Dates are given as day and month viz: 19/2, 25/5. All descriptions of the animals were made on freshly killed material or on living specimens and are as in life. In the text T/B indicates ratio of tail to body length. In the Tables the body length of juveniles is omitted. The collection was donated to the Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt for permanent accession.

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Clark, R.J. & E. Clark (1966): Report on two small collections of reptiles from Iran -- Occ. pap. Calif. Acad. Sci. No. 55. 9 pp.--

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Clark, R.J. & E. D. Clark (1973): Report on a collection of Amphibians and Reptiles from Turkey. -- Occ. Pap. Calif. Acad. Sci. 104: 1 - 62.-- read abstract During a collecting trip to Turkey between April 1, and June 12, 1967, the authors captured and examined 1,164 specimens, including 968 lizards (30 species), 5 amphisbaenians (1 species), 105 snakes (18 species), and 86 frogs (6 species). Four species of turtles were identified in the field. The bulk of this collection has been deposited in the California Academy of Sciences, the authors retaining a small representative collection for their own future reference. While more detailed taxonomic treatment of several of the species collected is in progress, a preliminary report describing the route traveled and environmental conditions under which the animals were collected seems warranted, as this represents the largest single collection of reptiles and amphibians from Turkey in a U.S. institution.

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Clark, R.J., E. Clark & S.C. Anderson (1966): REPORT ON TWO SMALL COLLECTIONS OF REPTILES FROM IRAN -- Occ. papers Calif. Acad. Sci. 55: 9 pp.--

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Cogalniceanu, D., A.M. Castilla, A. Valdeón, A. Gosá, N. Al-Jaidah, A. Alkuwary, E.O.H. Saifelnasr, P. Mas-Peinado, R. Richer & A.A. Mohd Al-Hemaidi (2014): A preliminary report on the distribution of lizards in Qatar -- ZooKeys 373: 67–91 -- read abstract We have updated the list of the lizard species present in Qatar and produced the first distribution maps based on two field surveys in 2012 and 2013. We used the QND95/Qatar National Grid with a grid of 10 × 10 km squares for mapping. Our results show the occurrence of 21 lizard species in Qatar, from the 15 species indicated in the last biodiversity report conducted in 2004. The most abundant family found in Qatar is Gekkonidae with nine species (Bunopus tuberculatus, Cyrtopodion scabrum, Hemidactylus robustus, H. flaviviridis, H. persicus, Stenodactylus arabicus, S. slevini, S. doriae, Pseudoceramodactylus khobarensis), followed by Lacertidae with four species (Acanthodactylus schmidti, A. opheodurus, Mesalina brevirostris, M. adramitana), Agamidae with three species (Trapelus flavimaculatus, Uromastyx aegyptia, Phrynocephalus arabicus), Scincidae with two species (Scincus mitranus, Trachylepis septemtaeniata), and Varanidae (Varanus griseus), Sphaerodactylidae (Pristurus rupestris) and Trogonophiidae (Diplometopon zarudnyi) with one species each. The species richness fluctuated largely across Qatar between one and eleven species per grid square. We believe that the lizard fauna records in Qatar are still incomplete and that additional studies are required. However, our study here fills a gap concerning lizard biodiversity knowledge in the Gulf Region.

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CONDORELLI-FRANCAVIGLIA, M. (1896): SOVRA DIVERSE SPECIE DI RETTILI (SAURII ED OFIDII) RACCOLTI PRESSO TRIPOLI -- Bollettino della Societa romana di Zoologia 5: 30 - 48--

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Cox, N.A., D. Mallon, P. Bowles, J. Els & M.F. Tognelli (compilers) (2012): THE CONSERVATION STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF REPTILES OF THE ARABIAN PENINSULA -- Cambridge, UK and Gland, Switzerland: IUCN, and Sharjah, UAE: Environment and Protected Areas Authority--

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Crochet, P.A. (1997): HERPETOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS IN SOUTHERN ISRAEL -- British Herpetological Society Bulletin. No.60: 13 - 24-- read abstract One species of amphibian and 25 species of reptiles were seen in Israel (mainly around Elat in the southern 'Arava valley) during October, 1994. Psammophis schokari is reported for the first time from southern 'Arava, where only Psammophis aegyptius had been found until now. Cytropodion scaber is recorded for the third time from this country. Both Tropiocolotes steudneri and T nattereri were found, although not in the same area. A full list of localities is given for every species. During a one-month stay in southern Israel, several species of reptiles and amphibians were observed, mainly in the southern 'Arava valley but also in Sede Boqer (Negev). An exhaustive list of these data is given. Most observations agree with the already known distribution of the taxa as published by Werner (1988) and modified by subsequent papers, although additional information is given for some species. Ecological and behavioural data are given as well since little has been published except in Hebrew on most of these species. The field work took place between 30, September and 29, October 1994. The best prospected area is constituted by the immediate surroundings of Elat. Several trips were made to the Elat mountains and the 'Arava valley between Yotvata and the Red Sea. Casual observations were made every day during bird or reptile oriented trips. Around Elat, I tried to visit as many different habitats as possible, both at day and at night Only day-time visits were made to more distant areas. This results in an unequal coverage of the prospected area..

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Damadi, E., R. Karamiani, N. Rastegar-Pouyani & A. Gholamifard (2017): A checklist of lizards from southeastern part of the Sistan and Baluchestan Province in southeastern Iran -- Iranian Journal of Animal Biosystematics (IJAB) 13(1): 67-76-- read abstract During herpetological fieldwork from April 2013 to March 2014 on the herpetofauna of the counties of Saravan, Sib and Suran, Zaboli, Sarbaz, and Chabahar in south east of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Southeastern Iran a total of 97 specimens of lizards belonging to 19 species and five subspecies, 16 genera, and six families were collected and identified as follows: Calotes versicolor, Laudakia nupta nupta, L. n. fusca, Phrynocephalus scutellatus, Trapelus agilis agilis (Agamidae); Agamura persica, Bunopus tuberculatus, Cyrtopodion scabrum (Gekkonidae); Acanthodactylus blanfordii, A. micropholis, Eremias fasciata, E. persica, Mesalina watsonana, Ophisops elegans (Lacertidae); Ablepharus grayanus, Eumeces schneiderii zarudnyi, Ophiomorus brevipes, O. tridactylus (Scincidae); Uromastyx asmussi (Uromastycidae); and Varanus griseus caspius (Varanidae). The most diverse families of the present collection are the Lacertidae with six species, followed by Agamidae and Scincidae each with four species. Detailed information of each lizard species was also provided

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Damas-Moreia, I., B. Tome, D.J. Harris, J.P. Maia & D. Salvi (2014): Moroccan herpetofauna: distribution updates -- Herpetozoa 27(1/2): 96 - 102--

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Davydova, K.H. (1898): Material to learn the Fauna of reptiles southeastern Palestine [in russ. language] -- Annuaire Mus. Zool. Acad. Imp. Sci. St. Petersb. 3: 136 - 154--

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Dawydow, K.N. (1898): Matériaux pour une faune herpetologique de la Palastine sud-est. -- Ann. M. Zool.Acad. Imp. Sci. St. Pétersbourg 3: 136-154--

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De Filippi, F. (1864): Riassunto del Catalogo degli Animali vertebrati delle Provincie caucasiche e della Persia occidentale. -- Atti. Soc. Ital. Sci. Nat. 1864(September): 184 - 186--

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de Pous, P., W. Beukema, M. Weterings, I. Dümmer & P. Geniez (2011): Area prioritization and performance evaluation of the conservation area network for the Moroccan herpetofauna: a preliminary assessment -- Biodivers Conserv 20: 89–118-- read abstract The integration of spatial area prioritization algorithms and species distribution modelling has shown great promise in conservation planning in recent years. However, despite the fact that reptiles and amphibians have the highest threat status of all terrestrial vertebrates, these species are often under-represented in conservation planning. The Kingdom of Morocco possesses the richest and most varied herpetofauna in the Maghreb and the western Mediterranean, and is characterized by high species richness, endemism and number of European relict species. Despite the fact that Moroccan reptiles and amphibians have been the subject of numerous studies by a large number of international herpetologists since the beginning of the 20th century, few or none of these concerned their conservation. This study had three main objectives: (1) to identify those areas that harbour the highest species richness; (2) to evaluate the existing and proposed future ‘important biological and ecological sites’ (SIBES) conservation area network (CAN) with respect to their ability to protect the herpetofauna adequately; and (3) to identify priority areas into which the existing protected areas can be augmented. We used maximum-entropy species distribution modelling to run distribution models for 11 amphibian and 86 reptile species (27.6% endemics and 12.4% threatened) for which we had 2,170 single geographic records. A total of 97 models were used to create a richness map of the Moroccan herpetofauna and thereby detect both areas of high species richness and the distribution patterns of individual species. This map was subsequently used as a basis for performance evaluation of the CAN and area prioritization using the ConsNet conservation planning software initialized by ‘‘Rarity’’ first, while using representation targets of 5% and 10%. Additionally, the proposed future Moroccan CAN (SIBES) was evaluated in terms of its overlay and proximity with ConsNet solutions using visual interpretation and distance measurements in a GIS. Our results show that Moroccan herpetofauna is poorly protected under the existing and future CAN. Prioritization of areas shows that a major increase in conservation area is required to guarantee the persistence of individual herpetofauna species even with a global minimum representation target of only 10%. An increase of the existing CAN is especially needed along parts of the Atlantic coast, in the north-western Mediterranean region, on the north-eastern Moroccan coast, as well as in several areas in the Sahara, notably vast proportions of the Vallee du Haut and Bas Draa.

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Dehghani, A., R. Karamiani, N. Rastegar-Pouyani & S.M. Banan-Khojasteh (2017): The lizard fauna of Arasbaran protected area, East Azerbaijan, Iran (in Farsi with engl. summ. and maps/pictures) -- Journal of Experimental Animal Biology, 39 (4). 10 pp-- read abstract The Arasbaran Protected Area is a forested and mountainous area, which is located in northern part of East Azerbaijan province and bordered to the north by Armenia and Azerbaijan and southern Aras River of the Iranian Plateau confined to 38°40' to 39°08'N and 46°39' to 47°02'E. A study on the status of Sauria in this area was carried out from June to September 2011 and 2013. A total of 141 specimens were collected and identified, which represented four families, 11 genera, and 12 species and subspecies, including collected Agamidae: Paralaudakia caucasia, Phrynocephalus persicus, Trapelus lessonae, Anguidae: Pseudopus apodus, Lacertidae: Darevskia raddeii, Iranolacerta brandtii, Eremias strauchi, Lacerta media, Lacerta strigata, Ophisops elegans and Scincidae: Eumeces schneideri Ablepharus bivittatus. The Lacertidae with six species, showed the highest diversity among the families represented here. In this study a new locality was found for Lacerta strigata 30 km north of kalibar, in the Arasbaran.

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Disi, A.M. (2011): Review of the lizard fauna of Jordan (Reptilia: Sauria) -- Zoology in the Middle East, Supplementum 3, 2011: 89–102. -- read abstract The lizard fauna of Jordan is very diverse and forms 55.5% of the terrestrial herpetofauna of the country. Lizard species of Arabian origin form the highest percentage (43%) of the lizards, followed by Saharo-Sindian (35%), Palaearctic (20%) and only 2% with Afrotropical affinities. 69.1% of the lizard species inhabit two ecozones: Badia (Eastern Desert); and Wadi Araba and Wadi Rum. The Badia may form the focal point for the evolution of certain Acanthodactylus species. Jordan forms the southernmost limit of the distribution of some Palaearctic species (i.e. Lacerta media, L. laevis, Pseudopus apodus) and they inhabit the Mediterranean ecozone. The presence of diverse habitats in Jordan allowed certain allopatric congeneric species of the genus Ptyodactylus to live in isolation from one another. Southern Jordan and Wadi Rum are part of the Levantine land bridge and act as a “biogeographical filter”. Most of the species found in Wadi Rum are of Arabian affinities and their distribution does not extend towards the west.

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Disi, A.M. (1991): A Contribution to the Herpetofauna of Jordan 4. Lizards of Jordan -- Zoology in the Middle East 5: 25 - 35-- read abstract Systematics, distribution and ecology of 4 lizards of Jordan were studied: Uromastyx aegyptius microlepis, Lacerta laevis kulzeri, Lacerta trilineata israelica and Chalcides guentheri. All these species are new for Jordan. A revised list of the lizards of Jordan is given as an appendix

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Disi, A.M. (1996): A contribution to the knowledge of the herpetofauna of Jordan. VI. The Jordanian herpetofauna as a Zoogeographic indicator -- HERPETOZOA 9 (1/2): 71 - 81-- read abstract Zoogeographically, the Jordanian herpetofauna is heterogeneous, originating from four biogeographical regions (Oriental, Palearctic, Saharo-Sindian, and Afrotropical) and occupying four different ecozones. Ninetythree species and subspecies of amphibians and reptiles are recorded from Jordan, showing different distribution patterns. The Mediterranean ecozone harbours the highest number (35) of recorded species, followed by the Sudanian Tropical penetration zone (16), and the Badyiah ecozone (12), respectively. Jordan is not separated by natural boundaries from the surrounding countries, which prevents the operation of isolation mechanisms, and seems to result in the absence of endemism. There are, however, three areas of endemism within the Eastern Mediterranean region taken as one whole unit: the Badyiah shared by Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, the northern part of the Mediterranean ecozone shared by Lebanon, Israel, Syria and Jordan, and southwest Jordan, Israel and Sinai. Some Palearctic species such as Coluber schmidti and C. ravergieri are relicts of the postglacial period and continue to survive in refiigal enclaves with delicate ecological patterns. The distribution of some species, such as Bufo viridis, Mauremys caspica rivulata, Natrix tessellata, Coluber ventromaculatus, C jugularis asianus, Walterinnesia aegyptia, and Vipera palaestinae, has been greatly influenced by climatic as well as anthropogenic changes

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DISI, A.M., Z.S. AMR & H. MARTENS (2004): On a collection of amphibians and reptiles made by J. KLAPPERICH in Jordan -- HERPETOZOA 16(3/4): 141-150-- read abstract A total of 548 specimens of reptiles and amphibians were collected from Jordan during 1961-1970 by J. KLAPPERICH. They belong to 35 species and subspecies of reptiles and amphibians (three anurans, 28 lizards and four snakes) for which record localities are given.

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Disi, A.M., Z.S. Amr & N. Hamidan (2014): DIVERSITY, THREATS, AND CONSERVATION OF THE TERRESTRIAL AND FRESHWATER HERPETOFAUNA OF JORDAN -- Russian Journal of Herpetology 21(3): 221 – 233-- read 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.

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DlSI, AS.M., D. MODRY, F. BUNIAN, R.M. AL-ORAN & Z.S. AMR (1999): Amphibians and reptiles of the Badia region of Jordan -- HERPETOZOA 12(3/4): 135 -146-- read abstract 40 species of amphibians and reptiles are reported to occur in the Badia region (Syrian Desert) of eastern Jordan. These species represent 13 families (Bufonidae, Ranidae, Gekkonidae, Chamaeleonidae, Lacertidae, Agamidae, Scincidae, Varanidae, Leptotyphlopidae, Boidae, Colubridae, Elapidae, and Viperidae). Locality records of the specimens collected and a rough ecological description of the study area are provided. Differences in the composition of the psammophilous reptile faunas of the areas of Al-Hazim and Wadi Rum are described.

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Donaire, D., J.A. Mateo, M. Hasi & Ph. Geniez (2000): NUEVOS DATOS SOBRE LA FAUNA REPTILIANA DE LA HAMADA DE TINDUF (ARGELIA) (sic!) -- Boll. Asoc. Herp. Esp. 11(1): 8 - 12--

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Doronin, I.V. (2008): DATA ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF RARE AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF A WEST CAUCASUS AND PREDKAVKAZIYE [in Russ. with Engl. summ.] -- THE PROBLEMS OF HERPETOLOGY. Proceedings of the 3th Meeting of the Nikolsky Herpetological Society 2006: 105 - 111-- read abstract As a result of field researches in 2002—2006-s and analysis of zoological collections of Stavropol State Museum-reserve named G. N. Prozriteleva and G. K. Prave and Zoological Department’s Museum of Stavropol State University, was got new data and specified old information about the spreading of 16 rare and threatened amphibians and reptiles of Karachaevo-Cherkesia and Stavropol Region

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Doumergue, F. (1901): ESSAI SUR LA FAUNE ERPÉTOLOGIQUE DE L'ORANIE AVEC DES TABLEAUX ANALYTIQUES ET DES NOTIONS POUR LA DÉTERMINATION DE TOUS LES REPTILES & BATRACIENS DU MAROC, DE L'ALGÉRIE ET DE LA TUNISIE -- Bulletin de la Société de Géographie et d'Archéologie d'Oran T. XIX á XXI. 461 pp.--

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Doumergue, F. (1897): CONTRIBUTIONS A LA FAUNE ERPÉTOLOGIQUE DE LA PROVINCE D ORAN. -- Comp. Rend. 25. sess. (Carthago) Ass. Franc. Avanc. Sci. 1896, 2nd part: 477 - 478--

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Drew, C.R., S.S. Al Dhaheri, I. Barcelo & C. Tourenq (2005): THE TERRESTRIAL MAMMALS, REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS OF THE UAE – SPECIES LIST AND STATUS REPORT -- ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH & WILDLIFE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY P.O. Box 45553 Abu Dhabi; 23 pp.--

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Dujsebayeva, T.N. (2012): Review of amphibian and reptilian fauna of Mangistau District -- Selevinia 20: 59 - 65-- read abstract The article contains the notes on history of herpetological study in Mangishlak Peninsula and Ustyurt Plateau and the checklist of amphibians and reptiles known for these regions at present. It includes a classification of species based on spatial peculiarities of their ranges and species abundance, short zoogeographic description, data on level of endemism, zonal distribution and basic ecology of amphibians and reptiles

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Dumeril, A.M.C. & G. Bibron (1837): Erpetologie generale ou Histoire des Reptiles. Tome IV. -- Libraire Encyclopedique de Roret, Paris; 598 pp.--

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DZUKIC, L. TOMOVIC, M. ANDELKOVIC, A. UROSEVIC, S. NIKOLIC & M. KALEZIC (2017): THE HERPETOLOGICAL COLLECTION OF THE INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH “SINIŠA STANKOVIC”, UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE -- Bulletin of the Natural History Museum, 10: 57-104.--

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Ebrahimi, M., F. Ahmadzadeh, H. Mostafavi, A.R. Mehrabian, A. Abdoli & A.S. Mahini (2013): The Ecological Associations of Surface-Dwelling Lizards in Qom Province in the Northwest of Central Plateau of Iran -- PLoS ONE 8(12): e83890. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0083890. 10 pp.-- read abstract We used pitfall trapping to investigate the effects of elevation, plant density and soil structure on species diversity and the impact of these habitat factors on lizard habitat selectivity in the Qom Province in the Central Plateau of Iran. From a total of 12 1-ha plots, we captured 363 individuals of 15 species of lizards (six species of Lacertidae, five species of Agamidae, two species of Gekkonidae, one species of Varanidae and one species of Scincidae). A generalized linear model (GLM) determined that elevation was the most important factor impacting species diversity. The highest species diversity was at the intermediate elevation (1289 m). Abundance of 6 out of 15 species showed strong relationships with some habitat factors. These relationships were demonstrated by habitat selectivity index (Ivlev's index). Our result supports other surveys that showed that elevation plays an important role in determining lizard species diversity.

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Ebrahimipour, F., E. Rastegar-Pouyani & B. Ghorbani (2016): A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE REPTILE’S FAUNA IN NORTHWESTERN YAZD PROVINCE, IRAN -- Russ. J. Herpetol. 23(4): 243 – 248-- read abstract We have studied the terrestrial reptile fauna of the northwest Yazd province (Iran) and present here some of the characters that we examined for common species in the region. In total, 50 specimens from eight families (six lizard families and two snake families) were collected from the region. The collected lizards belonging to 13 species were Laudakia nupta, Phrynocephalus maculatus, Phrynocephalus scutellatus, and Trapelus agilis (Agamidae); Agamura persica and Bunopus crassicaudus (Gekkonidae), Teratoscincus bedriagai (Sphaerodactylidae); Eremias fasciata, Eremias persica, Mesalina watsonana, and Ophisops elegans (Lacertidae); Varanus griseus (Varanidae), and finally Uromastix asmussi belonging to the Uromastycidae. The two species of snakes were Spalerosophis diadema schiraziana (Colubridae) and Psammophis schokari (Lamprophiidae). Based on these results, Agamidae and Lacertidae are the families with highest number of genera and the genera Eremias and Phrynocephalus had the most species. Among the collected lizards, Trapelus agilis, Mesalina watsonana, and Bunopus crassicaudus were the most abundant species in the northwest Yazd province.

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Eichwald, E. (1841): Fauna Caspio-Caucasia. nonnullis observationibus novis -- Nouv. Mem. Soc. Imp. Nat. Moscou VII: 300 pp. + 29 Amphibians and reptiles plates (Tome XIII)--

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Eichwald, E. (1851): Naturhistorische Bemerkungen über Algier und den Atlas (reptiles & amphibians part) -- Nov. Mem. Soc. Imp. Nat. Moscou IX: 414 - 444--

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Eichwald, E.v. (1851): Amphibian and Reptiles part (Algeria). pp. 414 - 444. In: -- Naturhistorische Bemerkungen, als Beitrag zur vergleichenden Geognosie auf einer Reise durch die Eifel, Tyrol, Italien, Sizilien und Algier. Moscow. Stuttgart, in comm. by Schweizerbart.--

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Eissa, S.M. & Y.S. El-Assy (1975): RECORD OF CERTAIN REPTILIAN SPECIES FOUND IN KUWAIT -- J. Univ. Kuwait (Sci.) 2:-- read abstract This report represents a record of certain species of reptiles inhabiting Kuwait. Many reptilian specimens have been collected from the desert and water of Kuwait, examined and identified. The authors found 28 species of reptiles from Orders Chelonia and Squamate. The authors described the characteristics, behaviour, colour and localities of these species

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El-Sherif, G. & A. Saud AI-Thani (2000): Record, Histological and Enzyme Histochemical Demonstration of Qatari Reptiles in Relation to Seasonal and Environmental Variations -- University of Qatar. 68 pp--

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Ergül Kalayci, T. (2021): First Data on DNA Barcoding of the Agamidae (Reptilia: Squamata) from Anatolia, Turkey -- Acta Zool. Bulg., in press (early view) 9 pp-- read abstract Species delimitation tests were applied to the Anatolian agamid species (Stellagama stellio, Paralaudakia caucasia, Phrynocephalus horvathi and Trapelus ruderatus) for the first time. Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene region (564 bp) was used for DNA barcoding. Automatic Barcoding Gap Discovery (ABGD), Poisson-Tree-Processes (PTP), Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescence (GMYC) and Refined Single Linkage (RESL) analysis were used for determining the operational taxonomic units (OTU). The number of OTUs varied from 4 to 7 among these methods. The interspecific genetic distance within the Agamidae ranged from 16.60% to 20.8%. The COI sequences were also compared with the Barcode of Life (BOLD) data system. This initial attempt indicated the validity of COI barcodes for Anatolian agamids in delimiting species and contributing to the growing library of DNA barcodes of animal species of the world. Our results might be useful in tackling taxonomic problems, understanding species distribution and resolving nomenclature conflicts associated with the Anatolian agamids.

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Eskandarzadeh, N., N. Rastegar-Pouyani, E. Rastegar-Pouyani & L. Zinati (2015): SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN Trapelus agilis agilis (OLIVIER, 1807) (SAURIA: AGAMIDAE) FROM TABAS REGION, NORTHEASTERN IRAN -- Russ. J. Herpetol. 22(2): 123 - 127-- read abstract In order to investigate the patterns of sexual dimorphism in Trapelus agilis (Olivier, 1807) from Tabas region, northeastern Iran, we collected 24 samples (15 males and 9 females) and 17 characters including 13 morphometric and 4 meristic were examined. The results show that males and females are different significantly in six morphometric and one meristic character which cause differences in body, tail and head shape. In addition, the differences can be seen in color pattern and the presence of callose preanal scales and preanal pores. We discuss the differences in shape, size and color pattern in relation to differences in habitat use and their role in reproductive processes.

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Essghaier, M.F.A., I.M. Taboni & K.S. Etayeb (2015): The diversity of wild animals at Fezzan Province (Libya) -- Biodiversity Journal 6(1): 245–252-- read abstract Fezzan province (Libya) is a segment of true Sahara, is characterized by diverse habitats that are utilized as shelters and feeding ground for many desert wildlife species. Oases with water table near the surface are the most prominent feature in the Libyan desert. The diversity in habitats resulted in diversity in wildlife, as well as the plant cover (trees and bushes) is the most effective factor for the existence and the abundance of wild animals, in particular bird species. This study observed many species of reptiles, birds and mammals. In the study is also reported the rock hyrax Procavia capensis Pallas, 1766 (Hyracoidea Procaviidae) a rare and endemic species at the area.

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Esterbauer, H. (1992): Die Herpetofauna des östlichen Golan- und Hermongebietes. Funde und Bemerkungen zur Systematik und Ökologie -- Zool. Middle East 7: 21 - 54-- read abstract The author studied the herpetofauna of the border area between Syria, the Lebanon and Israel during two stays of 6.5 and 8 months. South-west Syria, in particular the eastern Golan heights and Mount Hermon, was rather well surveyed. 6 species of Amphibia and 33 species of Reptilia were found and they are listed here together with their localities, habitats, diets, and special features.

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Esterbauer, H. (1985): Zur Herpotofauna Südwestsyriens -- herpetofauna (Weinstadt) 7(38): 23 - 34-- read abstract The amphibians and reptiles occuring in the Southwest of Syria have had relatively little attention. This area has been exposed to increasing change and deterioration during the last decades. The herpetofauna can at best be surveyed using secondary information on the distribution in the bordering countries Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon. Therefore, in the following list only those specimens ae considered, which the author collected himself, or which he got from acquaintances. In the latter cases, the locality data were checked thoroughly.

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Eversmann, E. (1834): Lacertae Imperii Rossici variis in iternibus meis observatae -- Nov. Mem. Soc. Imp. Nat. Moscou, III: 339 - 369 + 4 plates--

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FATHINIA, B. & N. RASTEGAR-POUYANI (2011): Sexual dimorphism in Trapelus ruderatus ruderatus (Sauria: Agamidae) with notes on the natural history -- Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 5(1):15-22.-- read abstract We studied sexual dimorphism and some aspects of natural history and behavior of the Persian agama (Trapelus ruderatus ruderatus) from a population in Dehloran Township, Ilam Province, southwestern Iran. Findings were obtained by personal observations and using SPSS 13 statistical package. Based on the analyses, some characters show differences between males and females. All findings for T. ruderatus in this paper are reported for the first time.

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FATHINIA, B., R. KARAMIANI, H. DARVISHNIA, N. HEIDARI & N. RASTEGAR-POUYANI (2011): A new species of Carinatogecko (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Ilam Province, western Iran -- Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 5(1):61-74.-- read abstract A new keel-scaled gecko, Carinatogecko ilamensis sp. nov. (Squamata: Gekkonidae), is described from the western foothills of the Zagros Mountains in the Zarinabad region, Dehloran Township, Ilam Province, western Iran. It is a large Carinatogecko (snout-vent length exceeds 35 mm) which has distinct differences from other species of Carinatogecko: 1) postmentals absent, 2) dorsal crossbars broad and equal to, or wider than, interspaces; broader than dorsal crossbars of the three other Carinatogecko species. Some information about the habitat of the new taxon and the role of the Zagros Mountains in isolation and subsequent evolution of Carinatogecko is provided. Comparisons with other species of Carinatogecko and Bunopus tuberculatus, as representative of the genus Bunopus, are presented. An updated key to the genus Carinatogecko is given.

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FATHNIA, B., N. RASTEGAR-POUYANI, M. SAMPOUR, A.M. BAHRAMI & G. JAAFARI (2009): The lizard fauna of Ilam province, Southwestern Iran -- Iranian Journal of Animal Biosystematics (IJAB) 5(2): 65-79-- read abstract Western Iran in general and Ilam province in particular, has unique geographical and climatic conditions that support a rich flora and fauna. In view of the lack of in-depth studies of lizards of the region, an investigation was initiated in most areas of Ilam Province for an inventory of lizard species and their habitats. A total of 189 specimens were collected and identified from May 2005 to August 2009. Twenty one species belonging to 18 genera and 8 families were represented, including Agamidae: Laudakia nupta, Trapelus lessonae (formerly T. ruderatus), Trapelus ruderatus (formerly T. persicus); Eublepharidae: Eublepharis angramainyu; Gekkonidae: Bunopus tuberculatus, Cyrtopodion scabrum, Cyrtopodion heterocercum, Hemidactylus persicus, Stenodactylus affinis, Tropiocolotes helenae; Lacertidae: Acanthodactylus boskianus, Apathya cappadocica, Mesalina brevirostris, Ophisops elegans; Phyllodactylidae: Asaccus elisae; Scincidae: Ablepharus pannonicus, Eumeces schneiderii, Trachylepis aurata, Trachylepis vittata; Uromastycidae: Uromastyx loricatus; Varanidae: Varanus griseus griseus, Varanus griseus caspius. Comparing this list to the data provided by Anderson (1999), several lizards are reported for the first time in this region. With six species represented, gekkonids have the highest species diversity in the area.

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Fellous, A., T. Wacher, K. De Smet & P. Comizzoli (2009): Inventaire de la faune sauvage des zones désertiques d’Algérie. -- Sahara Conservation Fund (SCF) 42 pp.-- read abstract A first survey of the Saharan wildlife of the north eastern part of the Eastern Great Erg in Algeria was carried out during this mission. Most of the habitat types could be explored and thus essential data could be obtained about the distribution and relative abundance of the wildlife and more specific of the slender horned gazelles. At the same time we used the standard method of the transects to evaluate the type of vegetation and its abundance and so the food resources available all along our route. An evaluation was also carried out for the rest of the Saharan wildlife. At the same time the distribution of human activities and their possible effects on wildlife and more specific on slender horned gazelles was mapped. During the trip the Algerian partners were trained in the utilization of wildlife inventory techniques. A comparison of the data about the distribution of the slender horned gazelles on both sides of the Algero-Tunisian border was carried out in order to evaluate the distribution and relative abundance of the existing gazelles populations in the Eastern Great Erg.

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FERRER, J., W. DAHMANI, M. AIT HAMMOU, S. CAMARASA, M. MAATOUG & D. SANUY (2016): Contribució al coneixement de l’herpetofauna del nord d’Algèria (regions de Tiaret i Chlef) -- Butll. Soc. Catalana Herpetologia, 23: 44-63.-- read abstract The main work was done in spring 2014, between May 22 to June 7. Two areas where prospected, Tiaret region and Chlef region, which have a very different characteristics, bioclimatic condition, geomorphology and vegetation’s, for each one. So, a total of 28 species where identified, 6 Amphibians and 22 Reptiles. Also, we collected biological samples for later analysis (DNA analysis). The two areas prospected had a high biodiversity of herpetofauna. We made a first distribution and update the threats that will affect this group, for the conservation of the species of these areas, which made the two regions more important to be preserved.

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Filippi, F. de (1865): XX. Prime linee d'una Fauna della Persia occidentale. 341 - 375 -- Note di un viaggio in Persia nel 1862. Vol. 1. Deaelli & Editori, Milano. 38 pp.--

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Flower, S.S. (1933): Notes on the Recent Reptiles and Amphibians of Egypt, with a List of the Species recorded from that Kingdom. -- Proc. Zool. Soc. London. 1933: 735 - 851--

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Foley, H. (1922): Contribution à l'Etude de la Faune Saharienne -- Bull. Hist. nat. Afr. Nord (Alger) 13: 70 - 76--

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Forcart, L. (1950): Amphibien und Reptilien von Iran. -- Verh. Naturforsch. Ges., Basel 61: 141 - 156.--

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Fowler, H.W. (1914): FISHES AND REPTILES FROM ASSUAN, EGYPT -- Copeia 1914(8): 2 pp--

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FRANKENBERG, E. & Y.L. WERNER (1992): EGG, CLUTCH AND MATERNAL SIZES IN LIZARDS: INTRA-AND INTERSPECIFIC RELATIONS IN NEAR-EASTERN AGAMIDAE AND LACERTIDAE -- HERPETOLOGICAL JOURNAL. 2: 7 - 18-- read abstract We provide daia on the fecundity of locally common Israeli reptiles, and use these data to examine current ideas on the reproductive ecology of lizards. Our methodology was selected in consideration of the acute problems of nature conservation in Israel. In the museum collections of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University we used radiography to locate the shelled oviductal eggs of 164 female lizards, belonging to eleven species (Agamidae and Lacertidae). Each sample sums the species' variation over its range and over different years. Female body size, egg number and egg volume were determined. Specific clutch volumes, relative to maternal body lengths, resembled those reported in iguanid lizards from tropical America. Clutch size varied intraspecifically and. in most species, correlated to maternal size. In others, egg size was more influenced by maternal size. We argue that the latter species oviposit in more stable environments than do the majority.

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Franzen, M. & J.F. Schmidtler (1993): Erwiderung zu: „Bericht über Reptilienfunde in der Türkei" von DIETMAR MANTEUFFEL -- Salamandra 29(1): 92 - 95 -- read abstract Reply to: „Bericht über Reptilienfunde in der Türkei" by DIETMAR MANTEUFFEL. Errors concerning taxonomy and locality records in MANTEUFFEL'S (1993) paper on distributional data of Turkish reptiles are corrected.

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FRYNTA, D., J. MORAVEC, J. CIHAKOVA, J. SADLO, Z. HODKOVA, M. KAFTAN, P. KODYM, D. KRAL, V. PITULE & L. SENJA (1997): Results of the Czech Biological Expedition to Iran. Part 1. Notes on the distribution of amphibians and reptiles. -- Acta Soc. zool. Bohem. 61: 3 - 17-- read abstract Preliminary results of herpetological research carried out by the Czech Biological Expcdition „Iran 96" to Western and Central Iran are presented. The expedition took place between April 20 and May 20, 1996. Material was collected in 34 localities distributed in 11 provinces of Iran and in a single locality in Eastern Turkey (the Kars vilayet). The localities were characterized by 30 environmental variables and grouped into following four distinct habitat types: (I) true deserts of Persian Gulf, (2) true deserts of Central Iran, (3) xerophilous woodlands including secondarily desertified landscapes, (4) mesophilous Hyrcanian woodland. A good correspondence between the habitat types and species composition of the herpetofauna is shown. We recorded 5 species of amphibians, 3 species of turtles, 34 species of lizards (8 agamids, 10 gekkonids, 10 lacertids, 4 scincids and 2 anguids) and 26 species of snakes. Habitat requirments and distribution of individual species are discussed.

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GARCÍA-CARDENETE, L., J.M. PLEGUEZUELOS, J.C. BRITO, F. JIMÉNEZ-CAZALLA, M.T. PÉREZ-GARCÍA & X. SANTOS (2014): Water cisterns as death traps for amphibians and reptiles in arid environments -- Environmental Conservation 41(4): 341–349-- read abstract Arid regions are increasingly being anthropogenically altered. In the north-western Sahara, a growing road network facilitates the use of habitats adjacent to roads. In regions where livestock is the traditional and main economic resource, local people are currently building numerous water cisterns for watering livestock, leading to an increase in the extent of pasturing of domestic livestock. Cisterns may attract desert vertebrates and act as death traps for species with already sparse populations in these arid areas. This paper is the first to examine the impact of cisterns as lethal traps for amphibians and reptiles in the Sahara, using a survey of 823 cisterns in south-western Morocco to identify and quantify species affected. Four amphibians and 35 reptiles were trapped in cisterns, some of which were listed as threatened.At least 459 017 individual amphibians and reptiles were trapped annually within the study area. The low productivity and low population densities of terrestrial vertebrates in this arid region suggest cisterns have a substantial impact upon amphibian and reptile species. As cistern construction is increasing, management actions are required to mitigate this impact on the herpetological community.

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GARCIA-CARDENETE, L., M.V. FLORES-STOLS & S. YUBERO (2017): New cases of syntopy between viperid snakes (Viperidae) in the Atlantic Sahara -- Go-South Bull. 14: 139-141-- read abstract Five species of viperid snakes inhabit the northwest of the Sahara desert, with different distributions, origins and ecology. To date, just one case of syntopy has been described between a Saharan and a Mediterranean species (Cerastes cerastes and Daboia mauritanica), which was eased by a man-made structure. Two other cases are presented, this time between two Saharan species, C. cerastes and Cerastes vipera. First, sharing the same circumstances as in the case already described: trapped in the sedimentation chamber in a water cistern ('matfiya'); secondly, both species were found in a four-kilometer stretch on a road, where they had been run over.

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Gardner, A.S. (2004): The reptiles of Jebel Hafeet -- In: Aspinall, S. & P. Hellyer (eds) (2004): Jebel Hafit: a Natural History. - Emirates Natural History Group, Abu Dhabi. pp. 149-168--

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Gardner, A.S. (1999): The Reptiles and Amphibians of Oman: Herpetological History and Current Status -- Fisher, M., S. Ghazanfar, A. Spalton (eds.): The Natural History of Oman: A Festschrift for Michael Gallagher. Chapter 4: 65 - 88-- read abstract A brief history of herpetology in Oman from the 18th century to the present day is presented. 89 species of reptiles and amphibians have been recorded from Oman. Only two species of amphibians are found, both of them toads of the genus Bufo. The reptiles are represented by five species of sea turdes, 53 species of lizards, 28 species of snakes and one species of amphisbaenid. A checklist of the species is provided, and regionally and nationally endemic species arc indicated. There are six national endemics in Oman (all of them lizards), and a further 32 species are endemic to Arabia. All locality records have been collated in a database, which allows distribution maps to be prepared. These indicate areas in which the herpetofauna has been well collected or sighted and also those areas where more survey work is required. Such maps are vital for conservation planning and for the assessment of the Red List status of the species. Distribution maps are provided for the six nationally endemic lizard species, and suggestions for future herpetological studies are given.

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Gardner, D. (2005): The Emirates - a natural history: terrestrial reptiles -- In: Peter Hellyer & Simon Aspinall (Eds.): The Emirates - a natural history; Trident Press, 428 pp.: 229 - 241-- read abstract THE TERRESTRIAL REPTILES OF THE UAE COMPRISE the lizards, snakes and a single species of amphisbaenian or worm lizard. There are no extant native crocodiles, tortoises or freshwater terrapins. Lizards, snakes and amphisbaenians are all classified under the reptilian order Squamata, in the suborders Sauria, Serpentes and Amphisbaenia respectively. Characterised by their dry, scaly skin, which protects them from drying out, and by their reliance on external heat sources to maintain their body temperatures, reptiles are well-suited to hot and arid areas. In Arabia, reptiles are a major component of the desert and mountain ecosystems and a total of at least 54 species of terrestrial reptile are found in the UAE. So far, a comprehensive handbook covering all of the UAE reptiles in detail is not available. The Handbook to Middle East Amphibians and Reptiles (Leviton et al. 1992) does not cover the species of the mountains or Northern Emirates and gives little information on natural history. Useful general sources of information are Wild about Reptiles (Jongbloed 2000) and Terrestrial Reptiles of Abu Dhabi (Baha El Din 1986).

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Gardner, D. (2008): THE TERRESTRIAL REPTILES OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: HERPETOLOGICAL HISTORY, ZOOGEOGRAPHY AND CONSERVATION. -- In: Perry, R.J. (Ed.). Chapter 7. Terrestrial Environment of Abu Dhabi Emirate. Environmental Agency -Abu Dhabi. (preprint 18 pp., no pictures)-- read abstract Although the first reptile specimen collected from the United Arab Emirates was described in 1874, almost all the current knowledge of the terrestrial herpetofauna dates from the last forty years. The current list of confirmed terrestrial herpetofauna stands at 53 reptile species and 2 species of amphibians, illustrating the high biodiversity of this group of animals. The history of herpetological collection and study in the UAE is outlined. The majority of taxa are typical of the Saharo-Sindian sub-region, but there are significant faunistic links with the northern side of the Arabian Gulf. While there are no nationally endemic reptile species, at least ten species can be considered regional endemics. Conservation issues are addressed, with Leptien’s spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx leptieni) and the skink gecko (Teratoscincus scincus) considered the most vulnerable species.

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Gasco, F. (1876): Rettili. pp. 105 - 121 -- F. Gasco (ed.) VIAGGIO IN EGITTO DEI SOCII P. PANCERI E F. GASCO nell' anno 1873 - 1874. parte seconda.- Trani (Milano).--

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Gauthier, R. (1967): ECOLOGIE ET ETHOLOGIE DES REPTILES DU SAHARA NORD-OCCIDENTAL (RÉGION DE BÉNI-ABBÈS) -- Ann. Konink. Mus. Midden-Afrika. Zool. Wetensch. 157: 1 - 93--

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Gemel, R., G. Gassner & S. Schweiger (2019): Katalog der Typen der Herpetologischen Sammlung des Naturhistorischen Museums Wien – 2018 -- Ann. Naturhist. Mus. Wien, B 121: 33–248-- read abstract In this catalogue, all type specimens of amphibians and reptiles of the Herpetological Collection of the Natural History Museum Vienna are listed. The types are arranged systematically and listed in alphabetical order. The collection contains valuable historical material among which, those from the collection of Steindachner.

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GENIEZ, M. & Ph. GENIEZ (1993): NOUVELLES OBSERVATIONS SUR L'HERPÉTOFAUNE MAROCAINE, 4: LE SAHARA OCCIDENTAL, 2 -- Bull. Soc. Herp. Fr. 67-68: 1-10-- read abstract Observations were made in 1992 in Western Sahara, an area with little known herpetofauna. The list follows an earlier one (Geniez M. et al., 1992).

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GENIEZ, M., P.-C. BEAUBRUN & Ph. GENIEZ (1992): NOUVELLES OBSERVATIONS SUR L'HERPÉTOFAUNE MAROCAINE, 3: LE SAHARA OCCIDENTAL -- Bull. Soc. Herp. Fr. 63: 7-14-- read abstract The authors list and comment on amphibians and reptiles observed in Western Sahara during recent years.

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Geniez, P. (2013): Comparaison entre les herpétofaunes de deux pays aux extrémités de la Méditerranée : Jordanie et Maroc -- Bull Soc. Herp. Fr. 145-146: 49-60-- read abstract A comparison between herpetofaunas of Jordan and Morocco, two very distant countries. -- A comparison between Morocco and Jordan herpetofaunas is proposed. Both countries were chosen because they are respectively at the western and eastern extremities of the Mediterranean basin and because I had the opportunity to visit both countries several times. Despite the fact that these countries are 3 700 km away, they reveal several herpetofaunistic affinities, due especially to comparable geographical configurations. Nevertheless, isolation of Atlantic plains of western Morocco by the Atlas Mountains and the strong oceanic climate allowed the persistence of endemic relict species and the differentiation of distinct species on each side of the Atlas Mountains. At the opposite, no endemic species are known in Jordan. At last, Morocco is eight times bigger than Jordan, an important fact when considering the specific richness of a country. 119 species of amphibians and reptiles are recorded from Morocco, 100 from Jordan. In the present taxonomical knowledge, 13 species are recognized to be the same in both countries, but most of them are represented by well differentiated subspecies or strongly divergent lineages. Thirty-two genera are known in both countries, mainly taxa from arid and desert areas because these areas are not separated by important ancient natural barriers. Inversely, 27 genera recorded from Morocco are unknown in Jordan and 24 from Jordan are unknown in Morocco. In these cases, dissimilarities are especially strong in Mediterranean species and some Afro tropical species expand the specific richness of Morocco. Several examples of vicariant species are given, with numerous pictures taken in both countries. The genus Mesalina has been focused on, with two new species in Jordan: Mesalina bahaeldini and M. microlepis.

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GENIEZ, Ph., J.A. MATEO & J. BONS (2000): A checklist of the amphibians and reptiles of Western Sahara (Amphibia, Reptilia) -- HERPETOZOA 13 (3/4): 149 - 163-- read abstract The list of the amphibians and reptiles of Western Sahara includes 46 species (4 amphibians and 42 reptiles), while 13 further species unknown in this area could conceivably be discovered there. Among the important facts, we exclude Tarentola boehmei from the fauna of Western Sahara, and report on the effect of the Jbel Ouarkziz which acts as a biogeographical boundary, separating the herpetofaunal elements from Morocco (north of the Jbel Ouarkziz) and from Western Sahara. The herpetofauna of Western Sahara is composed as follows: 10 species can be considered as being of Mediterranean affinities, 2 as North Saharan, 19 as purely Saharan, 7 as being of Sahelian affinities, 4 are tropical relicts and 4 are limited to the oceanic fringe of the Sahara and can be considered as "continental Macaronesian endemics". This confirms that the herpetofauna of Western Sahara is mainly of Saharan origin but that this area is, in spite of its apparently uniform landscape, a biogeographical cross-roads for Amphibians and Reptiles. This can be related to the wide latitudinal amplitude of Western Sahara and by the climate contrast between the oceanic fringe, comparatively humid and temperate, and the remaining of the country, subject to a dry Saharan climate with strongly contrasted temperature.

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Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, I. (1827): DESCRIPTION DES REPTILES QUI SE TROUVENT EN ÉGYPTE -- In: DESCRIPTION DE L'ÉGYPTE, OU RECUEIL DES OBSERVATIONS ET DES RECHERCHES QUI ONT ÉTÉ FAITES EN ÉGYPTE PENDANT L'EXPÉDITION DE L'ARMÉE FRANÇAISE, PUBLIÉ PAR LES ORDRES DE SA MAJESTÉ L'EMPEREUR NAPOLÉON LE GRAND. HISTOIRE NATURELLE. Tome I (1827): 115 - 160 + 13 plates--

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Ghaleb, M.R., N. Rastegar-Pouyani, R. Karamiani & F. Abbas Rhadi (2017): Sexual Dimorphism in Trapelus ruderatus ruderatus (Olivier, 1804) (Sauria: Agamidae) in Southern Iraq -- Iranian Journal of Animal Biosystematics (IJAB) 13(1): 23-31-- read abstract Sexual dimorphism was studied in 45 (27 males, 18 females) specimens of Trapelus ruderatus ruderatus which collected from three localities: Bahr AL-Najaf, AL-Najaf Province; Albedhan village, Said dekheel county, Dhi-Qar Province and Khor AL-Zubair, AL-Basra Province, southern Iraq. Of 23 studied characters in males and females, statistical analysis using SPSS software version 20.00 showed significant differences in 11, out of 23, characters (male-biased): SVL, TL, HW, HH, DCC, RP, NP, CT, VL, AbnL and LHS. In comparison to females, males had different color pattern, much darker and more developed gular folds and darker ventral regions.

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Ghigi, A. (1913): MATERIALI PER LO STUDIO DELLA FAUNA LIBICA -- Mem. R. Acad. Sci. Inst., Bologna 6(10): 253 - 296--

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Ghigi, A. (1920): VERTEBRATI DI CIRENAICA -- Mem. R. Acad. Sci. Inst., Bologna 7(7): 197 - 212--

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Gholamifard, A., N. Rastegar-Pouyani & H.R. Esmaeili (2012): Annotated checklist of reptiles of Fars Province, southern Iran -- Iranian Journal of Animal Biosystematics (IJAB) 8(2): 155-167-- read abstract The revised checklist of reptiles for Fars Province, southern Iran, comprises of 63 species in 41 genera, 17 families and two orders (Squamata and Testudines). The most diverse suborder is the Sauria with 38 species or 60.31% of the herpetofauna, followed by Serpentes (23 species, 36.5%) and the Testudines (2 species, 3.17%). The most diverse families are the Colubridae and Gekkonidae with 15 and 14 species (23.8% and 22.2%), respectively, followed by Agamidae (9 species, 14.3%), Lacertidae and Scincidae each with five species or 7.9% of the herpetofauna, and Viperidae (four species, 6.35%). Eleven families have only one species each. The Fars Province is the type locality of several endemic species, as a new species has recently been described as well as several newly recorded species.

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Goodman, S.M. & J.J. Hobbs (1994): THE DISTRIBUTION AND ETHNOZOOLOGY OF REPTILES OF THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THE EGYPTIAN EASTERN DESERT -- J. Ethnobiol. 14(1):75-100-- read abstract In this paper we review the occurrence and distribution of reptiles known from the northern portion of the Egyptian Eastern Desert and the ethnozoology of these animals as viewed by a local Bedouin tribe, the Khushmaan Ma'aza. Particular emphasis is placed on reptile folklore, local names, taxonomy, use as medicine, and natural history as conceived by the Khushmaan; this information is contrasted with Western scientific thought. In most cases these two views are congruent with one another. The major exception is that the Bedouins consider several reptiles venomous which are not known to be so by herpetologists.

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GORMAN, G.C. & D. SHOCKAT (1972): A TAXONÒMIC INTERPRETATION OF CHROMOSOMAL AND ELECTROPHORETIC DATA ON THE AGAMID LIZARDS OF ISRAEL WITH NOTES ON SOME EAST AFRICAN SPECIES -- HERPETOLOCICA 28: 106 - 112.-- read abstract Electrophoretic mobilities of several protein systems were compared among representatives of the six species of agamid lizards of Israel. Preliminary observations were made on chromosome cytology. The karyotypes and electrophoretic mobilities of a single enzyme system in three species of east African Agama were also examined. Agama savignii and Agama pallida are closely related. They have indistinguishable karyotypes and share identical electrophoretic mobilities for hemoglobin, serum albumin, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzymes. Agama stellio and Agama sinaita have common LDH's but differ from each other at all other biochemical loci and in karyotypes. The latter two species share none of the examined characters in common with the first pair. Uromastyx aegyptiius and U. ornatus have electrophoretically identical hemoglobin, serum albumin, and LDH. They differ from Agama at virtually all loci examined. The karyotype was incompletely analyzed but resembles that of A. stellio. Agama atricollis from Tanzania has a karyotype similar to A. stellio and is indistinguishable from A. stellio in the electrophoretic mobility of the LDH isoenzymes. Agama agama from Uganda and Agama planiceps from Tanzania differ from each other and all other species examined in karyotypes but show similarities to A. savignii and A, pallida. These two African species are identical to the two Israeli species in LDH mobility.

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Gray, J.E. (1831): A synopsis of the species of Class Reptilia. Agama part -- In: Griffith, E & E. Pidgeon: The animal kingdom arranged in conformity with its organisation by the Baron Cuvier with additional descriptions of all the species hither named, and of many before noticed. -- V Whittaker, Treacher and Co., London--

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Guibe, J. (1950): LES LEZARDS DE L'AFRIQUE DU NORD (ALGERIE, TUNISIE, MAROC) -- LA TERRE ET LA VIE 1950(1): 16 - 38--

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Guibe, J. (1966): REPTILES ET AMPHIBIENS RÉCOLTÉS PAR LA MISSION FRANCO-IRANIENNE -- Bull. Mus. nat. hist. Nat. Paris 38(2): 97 - 98--

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GUZMÁN, J.L., F. CEACERO & E. GARCÍA-MUÑOZ (2007): Nuevas citas de anfibios y reptiles en Marruecos -- MUNIBE (Suplemento/Gehigarria) 25: 82-87 -- read abstract New records of amphibians and reptiles from Morocco. -- The current study shows 96 records for 30 species of amphibians and reptiles in 49 different localities of Morocco. These localities start in Tangier, in the north of the country with Mediterranean climate, and they end in Merzuaga, near the Algerian border with Saharan climate.

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Günther, A.C.L.G. (1864): Description of Trapelus megalonyx. pp. 159 + plate XIV. In: -- The Reptiles of British India (Hardwicke)--

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Haas, G. (1957): Some amphibians and Reptiles from Arabia -- Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 4th ser., 29(3): 47 - 86--

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Haas, G. (1952): Two Collections of Reptiles from Iraq, with Descriptions of Two New Forms -- Copeia 1952(1): 20 - 22--

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Haas, G. (1943): On a Collection of Reptiles from Palestine, Transjordan, and Sinai -- Copeia 1943(1): 10 - 15--

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Haas, G. (1951): THE HERPETOFAUNA OF PALESTINE - ON THE PRESENT STATE OF OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE HERPETOFAUNA OF PALESTINE -- Bulletin of the Research Council of Israel, 1: 67 - 95-- read abstract A summary of research on the Reptile Fauna of the Territory between the Mediterranean Sea and the Syrian Desert including the Sinai Peninsula, with special consideration of the area now occupied by the states of Israel and Jordan. About 90 species are briefly reported. The bulk of new data on dispersal and new species concerns material in the Collection of the Hebrew University, Jerusalem. Several dubious or erroneous statements in the older literature are discussed. Since Flower's paper on "The Reptiles and Amphibia of Egypt", approximately 10 new species have been added for this region.

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Haas, G. & J.C. Battersby (1959): Amphibians and Reptiles from Arabia -- Copeia 1959(3): 196 - 202--

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Haas, G. & Y.L. Werner (1969): Lizards and snakes from southwestern Asia, collected by Henry Field -- Bulletin of The Museum of Comparative Zoology 138: 327-405-- read abstract The squamate reptiles (428 specimens; 63 species and subspecies) collected by Dr. Henry Field in Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and West Pakistan (Peabody Museum-Harvard Expeditions, 1950 and 1955) are described. Each form is treated under the following headings: material examined (and localities), pholidosis, measurements, coloration, and remarks. Emphasis is put on the relatively abundant material of the genera Agama, Acanthodactylus, Ophisops and Eremias. The meristic variation of large series is summarized in histograms and statistical tables. Two new forms are described: Agama persica fieldi and Eremias brevirostris fieldi. Several probable novelties are pointed out. The concluding discussion begins with a brief presentation (with map) of the two main views on the zoogeographical subdivision of Southwestern Asia: according to Bodenheimer, the Mediterranean Sub-region of Wallace is composed of three Sub-regions, Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, and Saharo-Sindian, which together occupy a greater area than Wallace's Mediterranean. Regional species lists (of the above material) follow.

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Habeeb I. N. (2018): Check list lizards of Iraq -- Mesop. environ. J. 4(4): 25-33-- read abstract In this study the Check list lizards of Iraq were investigated. by reviewing the old and new data as well as carrying out field work and study of material in the Natural history Museum of Iraq as well as many departments and colleges in various universities, are discussed.Further, various relevant websites in the Internet specialized lizards. I found in this study 7 families, 27 genera and 50 species distribution in the different parts of Iraq. During this study I found Asaccuss affinae (Afrasiab & Mohamad, 2009) the first time in Shera Swar Cave in the Saffine Mountain near Erbil, Kurdistan and the first record new species in Iraq and found Ptyodactylus puiseuxi (Boutan, 1893) the first time in same are . Also found Carinatogecko heteropholis (Minton, S. Anderson, and J. A. Anderson, 1970) Which is one of the endemic species in western Iran in the Erbil western Zagros foothills in Erbil. Trapelus ruderatus (Olivier, 1804) found in the central of Iraq. Cyrtopodion scaber (Heyden, 1827) Previously found in southern Iraq But recently also recorded in the center and northern Iraq. Varanus nesterovi (Bohme, Ehrlich, Milto, Orlov & Scholz, 2015) new species in the northern of Iraq. Lacerta media (Lantz & Cyren, 1758) found newly in central and northern of Iraq and Timon kurdistanicus, Apathya cappadocica (Werner, 1902) (Suchow, 1936) northern of Iraq. I note the two families were finding Previously in Iraq and they did not record any new genus and species in Iraq.

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HARRIS, D. J., M.A. CARRETERO, J.C. BRITO, A.KALIONTZOPOULOU, C. PINHO, A. PERERA, R. VASCONCELOS, M. BARATA, D. BARBOSA, S. CARVALHO, M. FONSECA, G. PEREZ-LANUZA & C. RATO (2008): Data on the distribution of the terrestrial herpetofauna of Morocco: records from 2001-2006 -- Herpetol. Bull. 103: 19 - 28--

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Hart, H.C. (1891): Reptilia. pp. 209 - 211 in -- Hart, H.C. (1891): SOME ACCOUNT OF THE FAUNA AND FLORA OF SINAI, PETRA, AND WADY 'ARABAH.- THE COMMITTEE OF THE PALESTINE EXPLORATION FUND--

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Hartert, E. (1913): Expedition to the central Western Sahara. V. Reptiles and Batrachians -- Nov. zool. 20: 76 - 84-- read abstract Description of Rana esculenta var. saharica = Pelophylax saharicus by Boulenger

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Hartmann, R. (1865): Thierwelt -- Naturgeschichtlich-medicinische Skizze der Nilländer.- Schulze(Berlin): 185 - 208--

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HARTMANN, U.-K. & J. RUTSCHKE (1994): Die Sahara: Herpetologische Eindrücke aus einem kalten Land unter heißer Sonne. Teil 2: Beobachtungen zur Lebensweise einzelner Amphibien- und Reptilienarten -- herpetofauna 16 (91): 11 - 18-- read abstract Between 1979 and 1992 both authors undertook altogether eight journeys through the neighbouring states of the Sahara, Marocco, Algeria, Tunesia, Egypt and Mali . From their observations there, the habits of some amphibian and repfile species of these areas, is described.

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Hassan, H.A. (1996): Chromosomal Studies of Four Egyptian Lizards of the Families Agamidae and Scincidae -- Cytologia 61: 443 - 455-- read abstract Chromosomal analysis of the four Egyptian species, Agama savignii, Agama stellio, Utomastix aegyptius (Family Agamidae) and Eumeces schneideri (Family Scincidae) have been studied. The diploid chromosome number and fundamental number (FN) of A. savignii is 2n= 46 and FN = 46. The karyotype of this species have 12 pairs of uniarmed macrochromosomes and 11 pairs of microchromosomes. The diploid chromosome number and FN of A. stellio and U. aegyptius are 2n = 36, FN = 48 and 2n= 34, FN = 46, respectively. The karyotype of each species is composed of 6 pairs of biarmed macrochromosomes and either 12 pairs of microchromosomes as in A. stellio or 11 pairs of U. aegyptius. The diploid chromosome number and FN of E. schneideri is 2n= 32 and FN = 46. The karyotype consists of 10 pairs of biarmed macrochromosomes, 2 pairs of acrocentric macrochromosomes and 4 pairs of microchromosomes. No clear differences were observed in the sex chromosomes of both sexes. Comparison of the karyotypic data of these species had been discussed.

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HEIDARI, N. & H.G. KAMI (2009): Lizards of the Gando Protected area in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, southeastern Iran -- Iranian Journal of Animal Biosystematics (IJAB) 5(2): 57-64-- read abstract We report observations on the natural history of lizards in the Gando Protected Area, within the Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran. The identity of the lizards is recorded, along with remarks on some meristic characteristics. Brief descriptions of their habitats are also given with a distribution map. Lizards (n = 132) were collected and photographed in 2008-09. Twelve species belonging to 9 genera and five families were found: Agamidae: Laudakia melanura lirata, Trapelus agilis, Laudakia fusca; Gekkonidae: Bunopus tuberculatus, Cyrtopodion scabrum, Hemidactylus persicus, Hemidactylus flaviviridis; Lacertidae: Mesalina brevirostris, Mesalina watsonana, Acanthodactylus blanfordi; Scincidae: Eumeces schneiderii zarudnyi; Varanidae: Varanus griseus caspius. This is the first record of Mesalina brevirostris in southeastern Iran.

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Hellmich, W. (1959): Bemerkungen zu einer kleinen Sammlung von Amphibien und Reptilien aus Süd-Persien -- Opuscula Zoologica 35: 9 pp.--

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Hellmich, W. (1969): Bemerkungen zur Tiergeographie und Ökologie des Vansee-Beckens in Ost-Anatolien -- Veröff. Zool. Staatssamml. München 13: 143—154 + 5 pl.--

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Hertz, P.E. & E. Nevo (1981): THERMAL BIOLOGY OF FOUR ISRAELI AGAMID LIZARDS IN EARLY SUMMER -- ISRAEL JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, 30: 190-210 -- read abstract The agamid lizard genera Agama and Stellio differ in thermal biology during early summer in Israel. Species of Agama (A. pallida, A. savignii, and A. sinaita) are small, live in hot desert habitats, and frequently use thermoregulatory behaviors that foster convective cooling. Individuals in local populations maintain body temperatures within a narrow range (within and among species), and body temperatures are only slightly higher than air and substrate temperatures. In contrast, Stellio stellio is of moderately large size, occupies cooler habitats, and frequently uses behaviors which tend to increase rates of heat gain. Body temperatures for Stellio are lower than those of Agama, but are more elevated above environmental temperatures. In two Stellio populations at high altitudes, body temperatures were extremely variable. In the laboratory, A. savignii was more tolerant of high temperatures than any of four populations of Stellio, but tolerance of low temperatures did not vary among any of these five populations. Differences in thermal biology between the two genera may influence their geographical distribution in Israel.

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Hertz, P.E., Huey, R.P. & E. Nevo (1983): HOMAGE TO SANTA ANITA: THERMAL SENSITIVITY OF SPRINT SPEED IN AGAMID LIZARDS -- Evolution, 37(5): 1075-1084-- read abstract The evolution of thermal sensitivity of sprint speed was examined in five samples of two species of agamid lizards, Agama savignyi and Stellio stellio, from Israel. Integration of results from field and laboratory studies indicates that Stellio at high elevations and Agama savignyi at low elevations are sometimes active at body temperatures that result in suboptimal sprint performance. Impaired sprint performance could reduce predation success and increase the risk of being captured by predators, thereby fostering selection for local adaptation of thermal physiology. Despite these expectations, we found no variation in the thermal sensitivity of sprint speed among five populations. Experimentally determined optimal temperatures (i.e., the body temperatures at which lizards run fastest) and thermal performance breadths (i.e., the range of temperatures over which lizards perform well) for sprint speed do not differ among samples even though field activity temperatures vary interspecifically and along an altitudinal gradient. These data suggest that thermal physiology may be evolutionarily conservative in these species. Neither the optimal temperature nor the thermal performance breadth for sprint speed changes ontogcnetically. Maximum speed, however, increases with body size in S. stellio. Sprint speed is relatively independent of body temperature in all species of lizards examined to date. This result may reflect selection for thermal insensitivity of this ecologically important, whole-animal activity.

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Highfield, A.C. & J.R. Bayley (2007): FOLKLORE, MYTH AND EXPLOITATION OF REPTILES IN MOROCCO AND TUNISIA -- Http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/exploit.html. 4 pp.--

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Hillmann, B. (2003): Herpetologische Eindrücke aus dem Iran -- elaphe 11(4): 61 - 71-- read abstract Den Iran als Urlaubsziel zu wählen, dies dürfte wohl den wenigsten Deutschen einfallen. Dabei verfügt dieses riesige Land über eine reichhaltige Kultur und ist auch unter herpetologischen Gesichtspunkten sehr interessant. Andererseits bietet der Iran fast keine touristische Infrastruktur und ist dem Tourismus auch nicht wirklich aufgeschlossen - angefangen dabei, dass Kreditkarten nicht akzeptiert werden, bis hin zur Kopftuchpflicht für alle Frauen, egal welcher Nationalität oder Glaubensrichtung sie angehören. Dies alles schreckte uns jedoch nicht davon ab, per Fahrrad ca. 3600 Kilometer von Istanbul bis nach Tehran zu fahren, weitestgehend entlang der alten Seidenstrasse.

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Hornby, R. (1996): A checklist of Amphibians and Reptiles of the UAE -- Tribulus 6: 9-13--

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Hosseinian Yousefkhani, S.S. & M. Yousefi (2016): Comparison of reptile sampling in Iran with pitfall versus double-ended funnel traps -- Zoology in the Middle East, 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09397140.2016.1144278. 5 pp.-- read abstract In north Khorasan province, Iran, we compared the effectiveness of two types of traps for collecting reptiles: funnel traps and pitfall traps. Three stations were monitored over three 10-day periods and in total 544 individuals (including 200 recaptures) belonging to 5 species and 4 families of lizards (Lacertidae) were collected. Funnel traps with 280 captures were more efficient than pitfall traps with 264 captures, but the differences between the two traps are not significant. Three species were captured most often in the three different stations respectively: station 1, Bunopus crassicauda (22% relative frequency); station 2, Eremias fasciata (29% relative frequency); and station 3, Trapelus agilis (32% relative frequency). Shannon species richness indices were higher for pitfall than funnel traps (i.e., 1.45 vs. 1.40), but the difference was not significant. Pitfall traps were better for capturing species that search widely for food, while the funnel traps preferentially captured species that climb plants, such as Trapelus agilis. We recommend using both types of trap to capture the various types of species in any one region.

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HOSSEINIAN YOUSEFKHANI, S.S., O. MIRSHAMSI, Ç. ILGAZ, Y. KUMLUTAS & A. AVCI (2016): Ecological Niche Divergence between Trapelus ruderatus (Olivier, 1807) and T. persicus (Blanford, 1881) (Sauria: Agamidae) in the Middle East -- Asian Herpetological Research 7(2): 96–102-- read abstract Modeling the potential distribution areas for a given species is important in understanding the relationship between the actual distribution and the most suitable habitat for a species. In this study, we obtained all available records of Trapelus ruderatus and Trapelus persicus from museums, literature and fieldwork and used them with environmental layers in the Maximum Entropy algorithm to predict highly suitable habitat areas. The distribution model of T. ruderatus and T. persicus showed excellent performance for both models (T. ruderatus AUC = 0.964 ± 0.001 and T. persicus AUC = 0.996 ± 0.003), and predicted suitable regions in Iran, Turkey, Iraq and Syria. Niche overlap was measured between the two groups by ENMtools and 13% overlapped. We used a niche identity test to determine differences between the niches of the two species. Finally, by comparing our null hypothesis to the true niche overlap of the two species, we were able to reject our null hypothesis of no difference between the niches. Due to the sympatric distribution pattern of these species, we do not need a background test for niche divergence.

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HRAOUI BLOQUE, S. (1981): Les reptiles du Liban. 1) nomenclature et note écologique -- Ecologia Mediterranea 7(2): 93 - 100-- read abstract 36 species of Lebanese Reptiles are mentionned : 17 species of Lizards, 17 species of Snakes and 2 species of Turtles. The repartition of all these species is presented and also first elements of their ecology

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Hraoui-Bloquet, S., R. A. Sadek, R. Sindaco & A. Venchi (2002): The herpetofauna of Lebanon: new data on distribution -- Zoology in the Middle East 27, 2002: 35-46.-- read abstract This paper reports more than 400 original data on the Lebanese herpetofauna (covering 5 amphibians and 44 reptiles), deriving from museum collections and recent field observations. The most interesting data concern: (a) Cyrtopodion amictopholis, a species known only from Mt. Hermon, reported for the first time from Mt. Lebanon Range; (b) Lacerta fraasii, previously considered endemic to the Mount Lebanon Range, also recorded from Antilebanon; (c) the occurrence of Macrovipera lebetina is confirmed with certainty from two localities in the north. New records are given for many species known in Lebanon only on the basis of very few and often old reports. Kurzfassung. In dieser Arbeit werden über 400 unveröffentlichte Daten zu 5 Amphibien- und 44 Reptilien-Arten des Libanon mitgeteilt, die auf Museumssammlungen und eigenen Feldbeobachtungen basieren. Die Daten umfassen, unter anderem, folgende interessante Feststellungen: (a) Cyrtopodion amictopholis, eine Art, die bisher nur vom Mt. Hennon bekannt ist, wurde erstmals im Gebiet des Mt. Lebanon gefunden; (h) Lacerta fraasii, die bisher als endemisch für das Gebiet des Mt. Lehanon angesehen wurde, wurde nun auch im Antilibanon festgestellt; (c) das sichere Vorkommen von Macrovipera lebetina wird an zwei Stellen im Norden des Landes bestätigt. Für viele Arten, die auss dem Libanon nur aufgrund sehr weniger und häufig alter Zitate bekannt sind, werden neue Nachweise gemeldet.

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Hubrecht, A.A.W. (1880): On a Collection of Reptiles and Amphibians from Baluchistan - with a Note by W. T. Blanford, F.Z.S. -- Proc. zool. Soc., London 1880: 620 - --

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Hussein, H.K. & A.D.M. Darwish (2001): A Survey of the Herpetofauna of Bisha District, South of Saudi Arabia -- OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences 1 (8): 728-730-- read abstract A survey of the herpetofauna was made in different localities of Bisha district, south of Saudi Arabia. Out of 293 specimens 12 amphibians and 281 reptiles were collected. Lizards were the most collected reptilian species (86.69 %), while Amphisbaenians comprised the little group of the sample. The snakes belonged to three families; most of them were colubrid species. Only one bufonid species (Amphibia) and one species of turtle were collected.

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Ibrahim, A. & I. Ineich (2005): ADDITIONAL RECORDS TO THE HERPETOFAUNA OF NALUT PROVINCE, LIBYA -- African Herp News 38: 2 - 9-- read abstract A total of 23 herpetofaunal species, including 2 frogs, 15 lizards, 5 snakes and one tortoise were reported from Nalut, Al-Jomayyel and Wazen provinces in Libya during the period November 2003- June 2004. Of these, 2 frogs and 16 reptile species were added to Nalut herpetofauna. This study confirms the occurrence ofScincopus fasciatus in Libya (Sindaco, 1995) and suggests the prevalence of Uromastyx acanthinura in the Libyan west. In contrast, some species such as Mesalina rubropunctata was rare in western Libya

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Ibrahim, A.A. (2001): The reptile community of the Zaranik Protected area, North Sinai, Egypt with special reference to their ecology and conservation -- Proceedings of the First International Conference of the Egyptian British Biological Society (EBB Soc) Egyptian Journal of Natural History, 2001, Vol. 3, pp. 81-92-- read abstract The structure of the reptile community in the Zaranik Protected Area was analyzed. Nine stations were chosen to represent the whole protected area and to involve all available habitats. A total of 21 reptile species was recorded. Lizards represented 66.7% of the total number of species, snakes 19%, tortoises 4.8% and the sea turtles 9.5%. Species showed a high variety in their spatial distribution. The most common species in the community were the sand skink Sphenops sepsoides and the lacertid lizards Acanthodactylus scutellatus and A. longipes followed by Mesalina olivieri. The most endangered species was the Egyptian tortoise Testudo kleinmanni and the most rare species Stenodactylus sthenodactylus. A population of the Fan-toed gecko Ptyodactylus h. hasselquistii was confined to the salt factory in the protectorate and recorded for the first time in North Sinai. Trapelus savignyi is an important species in Zaranik, since it is restricted only to North Sinai. The only venomous snake is the sand viper Cerastes vipera that is distributed in all loose sandy areas. No amphibians are known in Zaranik. However, more than one species is expected to occur in the future. Species were distributed throughout different kinds of habitats in Zaranik, with the largest number being in the area of the Visitor's Center and Abul Hussein village stations. Except for the endangered and rare species, the mean density for terrestrial species was 21.2 ha ± 44 (range 2-24 ha).

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Ibrahim, A.A. (2013): The Herpetology of the Suez Canal Zone, Egypt -- Vertebrate Zoology 63(1): 87 - 110-- read abstract The banks of the Suez Canal were surveyed for herpetofauna between 1999 and 2012. A total of 33 species from the west bank, 22 from the east and a sea turtle from the Suez Canal were recorded, with five and 18 new records from the west and east sides respectively. Natrix tessellata, inhabiting freshwater canals east of Bitter Lakes, is the first record for the Sinai Peninsula. The new records of amphibians and reptiles of the Suez Canal area are, in fact, a result of recent main changes to habitat. These new environmental changes have resulted in some cases, in more invasive herpetofaunal taxa expanding their ranges into new territories over the past three decades. The number of species occurring on the west bank was greater than on the east bank; this is presumably due to greater variety of habitat, increased urbanization, and a huge web of irrigation canals which have allowed several species to move from River Nile to the Canal zone. This study suggests the Suez Canal acts as passage for herpetofauna from west to east. Individuals of Trapelus savignyi on the west bank were patternless and juveniles had smooth ventrals. This phenotype was not previously known for the species.

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Jan, G. (1865): XX. Prime linee d'una fauna della Persia occidentale (reptiles and amphibians part; pp. 342 - 357). In: -- De Filippi (1865): Note di un Viaggio in Persia nel 1862. Vol. I.- G. Daelli & C. Editori (Milan)--

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Jan, G. (1857): INDICE SISTEMATICO DEI RETTILI ED ANFIBI ESPOSTI NEL MUSEO CIVICO DI MILANO -- Cenni sul Museo Civico di Milano, pp. 29 - 61--

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Joger, U. (1981): Zur Herpetofaunistik Westafrikas -- Bonn. zool. Beitr. 32(3-4): 297 - 340-- read abstract 1. Three journeys through 10 West African countries (supplemented by some material from other collectors) resulted in a herpetological collection of about 93 species. As far as known, ecological data and observations are provided. 2. The known distribution of the following species is extended to new territories: Agama boueti and Agama paragama — Niger Republic; Dicroglossus occipitalis and Hemidactylus brooki — Air mountains; Bufo xeros — Nigeria; Cnemaspis spinicollis — Togo; HjperoJius occidentalis — Senegal; Lacerta lepida — Algerian central Sahara. 3. For several closely related species which have been regarded conspecific in the past the status as true species is confimed by sympatric records. These are: a) Bufo xeros/B. regularis: Chutes du Felou (western Mali); b) Bufo regularis/B. maculatus: between Onishere and Ore (southern Nigeria), Ngolodougou (northern Ivory Coast); c) Tarentola annularis/T. ephippiata: Dakar-Yoff (western Senegal). 4. Bufo cristiglans Inger & Menzies from Sierra Leone appears to be conspecific with B togoensis Ahl. Five toads from Togo fit well to either of the two diagnoses. 5. Some taxonomical problems demand more intensive studies: a) Most species of the genus Arthroleptis and some Phrynobatrachus could not be determined with the available literature. Generic revisions are necessary. b) Hemidactylus brooki from the Air mountains is morphologically distinct from the savanna populations. The definition of a subspecies may be justified. c) A specimen of Hemidactylus fasciatus from northern Togo, far north of the known distribution area, is conspicuous by its enormous size and unusual coloration. d) The systematic position of central Saharan Uromastyx appears to be in need of a revision. Besides U. geyri from the Hoggar and Air mountains, there are populations of U. acanthinurus in the Tassili-n'Ajjer and further to the north-west, differing in their scalation and in the more or less jet-black coloration of the adults. At least one population is arboricolous. e) Three Echis from western Mali are neither E. ocellatus nor E leucogaster. Possibly they represent a third endemical West African species.

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Joger, U. (1991): A Molecular Phylogeny of Agamid Lizards -- Copeia, 1991(3): 616-622 -- read abstract A phylogenetic tree, based on albumin immunological distances, is presented for the Agamidae, with emphasis on the western genera. The Chamaeleonidae appear as the sister group of the Agamidae, which are monophyletic. Uromastyx and Leiolepis represent early sidebranches. The remaining agamids separated into a western and one or more eastern clades during the lower Tertiary. Within the western clade, Trapelus and Agama s.s. are monophyletic, but Stellio is diphyletic. The Palaearctic Stellio s.s. is the sister group of Phrynocephalus, whereas the Ethiopian Stellio atricollis group seems to be more closely related to Pseudotrapelus. Judging from branch lengths in the best fitting Wagner tree, a uniform average evolutionary rate of albumin can be attributed to most lineages, except Acanthosaura, Calotes, and Gonocephalus, which show a marked increase in their albumin evolution, and Uromastyx, which has a comparatively slowly evolving albumin.

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Joger, U. (2003): Reptiles and amphibians of southern Tunisia -- Kaupia, Darmstädter Beiträge zur Naturgeschichte 12: 71-88 -- read abstract Collections and observations of reptiles and amphibians assembled during 15 years in southern Tunisia (few from other Tunisian regions) are reported and commented. Special attention was laid on two national parks, Bou Hedma in the pre-saharian steppe and Djebil in the Great Eastern Erg. The existing herpetofaunal list of Bou Hedma is corrected and considerably enlarged. True Mediterranean species are already absent from this semi-arid region, while some desert species reach the northernmost limit of their distribution range here. The dominant species of this region do not occur in the desert nor in the humid mountain areas of the Mediterranean zone. One still undescribed gecko species of the genus Tarentola is apparently endemic for south-central Tunisia. A species inventory for Djebil National Park is presented for the first time. Its fauna is a typical northern Saharan dune community.

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Joger, U. (1987): An Interpretation of Reptile Zoogeography in Arabia, with Special Reference to Arabian Herpetofaunal Relations with Africa -- Krupp, F., W. Schneider & R. Kinzelbach (Eds.): Proceedings of the Symposium on the Fauna and Zoogeography of the Middle East - BEIHEFTE ZUM TÜBINGER ATLAS DES VORDEREN ORIENTS, Reihe A (Naturwissenschaften) Nr. 28: 257 - 271-- read abstract The Afrotropical element in the Arabian herpetofauna is concentrated in the southwestern mountainous region, whereas everywhere else in the peninsula the reptile fauna is Saharo-Sindian. There is a high degree of correspondence between the reptile faunas of the Yemens and Somalia. A remarkable faunistic resemblance also exists between the relict faunas of SW Arabia and Morocco. Three evolutionary levels can be distinguished among Ethiopian taxa in Arabia and are interpreted as evidence of different times of faunal contact: 1. Old relicts (genus level) of a Palaeogene (precontinental drift) Arabian/North African fauna (Pristurus, Trogonophidae); 2. Endemic species closely related to East African species (most probably Miocene); 3. Species distributed on both sides of the Bab al-Mandab (Pleistocene). Contrary to the Saharo-Sindian faunal elements, there is good evidence that groups 2 and 3 used a landbridge across the Bab al-Mandab for faunal exchange: the Miocene closure of the southern outlet of the Red Sea and a Pleistocene land connection due to eustatic sea level change

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Joger, U. & M.R.K. Lambert (1996): Analysis of the herpetofauna of the Republic of Mali, I. Annotated inventory, with description of a new Uromastyx (Sauria: Agamidae) -- Journ. Afr. Zoology 110(1): 21 - 51-- read abstract At least 33 anuran, 7 chelonian, 3 crocodilian, 42 lizard and 54 snake species have been recorded in or at the borders of Mali. Uromastyx maliensis, a new species found between the Niger River and the Tanezrouft desert, is described. New country records from recent collections and museum material comprise Bufo pentoni, B. maculatus, Ptychadena aequiplicata, Phrynobatrachus perpalmatus, Tomopterna sp., Afrixalus weidholzi, Trionyx triunguis, Hemidactylus mabouia, Agama paragama, Acanthodactylus guineensis, Mesalina pasteuri and Echis leucogaster (Tomopterna and Trionyx are genera new to Mali).

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Joger, U. & W. Bischoff (1989): Erste Ergebnisse einer herpetologischen Forschungsreise nach Nordwest-Afrika. -- Tier und Museum 1(4): 99 - 106.-- read abstract A report is presented on a herpetological expedition to Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, from April to June 1988. Preliminary scientific results are presented. The most noteworthy result is the discovery in the High Atlas of a new species of Podarcis (Lacertidae), which will soon be scientifically described.

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Karatas, A. & K. Çiçek (2022): The reptiles of Türkiye: An etymology -- Journ. Wildlife & Biodiverity Volume 7(X-X): X-X (2023) 23 pp-- read abstract Here, we present the etymology of the Latin binomials of all reptile genera and species in Türkiye. According to our results, the names are mostly given according to the characteristics of the species or in honor of a person. Reviewing the etymologies of the Latin names of reptile species living in Türkiye, and compiling information and heritage will be very useful, especially for Turkish herpetology.

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Kashchenko (Kastschenko), N.F. (1909): Les reptiles et amphibiens, pris par les expeditions 1902—6, 1908 du prof. Y. Y. Saposnikov dans l'Asie centrale (in russ. language) -- Ann. Mus. Zool. Acad. Imp. Sci. St.-Petersbourg, 14: 119 - 130--

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KAYA, N. & O. ÖZULUG (2017): THE HERPETOLOGICAL COLLECTION OF ZOOLOGY MUSEUM, ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY -- Anadolu University Journal of Science and Technology C- Life Sciences and Biotechnology 6(2): 55 - 63 -- read abstract Amphibia and Reptilia collections at the Zoological Museum, University of Istanbul (ZMUI) were studied and revised. The samples were collected from 1921 until today. The localities of most species are found in the different regions of Turkey. The collection have 75 species of which 21 species are amphibians and 54 species are reptiles. With this study a zoological collection belong to ZMUI was given for the first time.

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Kazemi, S.M., E. Rastegar-Pouyani, S.A. Shafiei Darabi, M. Ebrahim Tehrani, M.S. Hosseinzadeh, A. Mobaraki & M. Mashayekhi (2015): Annotated checklist of amphibians and reptiles of Qom Province, central Iran -- Iranian Journal of Animal Biosystematics (IJAB) 11(1): 23-31-- read abstract The updated checklist of amphibians and reptiles of Qom Province, Central Iran is presented. Totally 46 species, 35 genera and 17 families of reptiles and amphibians are reported in the area. The most diverse suborder is serpentes with 19 species or 41.3% of the reptile species richness of the region. The most specious families with high diversification are ranked respectively: Colubridae with 11 species (23.91%), Agamidae (seven species, 15.21%), Lacertidae and Gekkonidae (each of which with five species, 10.86%), Scincidae (four species, 8.69%), Natricidae and Viperidae (each of which with two species, 4.3%), Bufonidae, Ranidae, Geoemydidae, Testudinidae, Anguidae, Varanidae, Typhlopidae, Erycidae, Lamprophiidae and Psammophiidae with a single species of each.

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Kennedy, W.P. (1939): SOME ADDITIONS TO THE FAUNA OF IRAQ. -- Journ. Bombay nat. hist. Soc. [1938] 39(3/4): 745 - 749--

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Khalaf, K.T. (1960): NOTES ON A COLLECTION OF LIZARDS AND SNAKES FROM IRAQ -- lraq Natural History Museum Publication 18: 12 - 18--

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Khalaf, K.T. (1959): REPTILES OF IRAQ with Some Notes on The Amphibians -- Published by a Grant from the Ministry of Education of Iraq. Ar-Rabitta Press, Baghdad. 96 pp--

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Khan, M.S. (2002): Key and checklist to the lizards of Pakistan -- HERPETOZOA 15 (3/4): 99 - 119-- read abstract During recent years several lizard taxa were added to the faunal list of Pakistan. Descriptions and new records are scattered in different publications in the herpetological literature. 'The present paper puts the information together, and provides a comprehensive list of recent publications on the lizards of Pakistan. In den vergangenen Jahren wurden der Liste der Eidechsen Pakistans verschiedene Taxa hinzugefügt, wobei die zugrundeliegenden Beschreibungen und Neunachweise weit über die herpetologische Literatur verstreut sind. Die vorliegende Arbeit stellt diese Informationen zusammen und liefert eine umfangreiche Bibliographie neuerer Publikalionen über die Eidechsen von Pakistan.

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Kissling, W.D., A. Blach-Overgaard, R.E. Zwaan & Ph. Wagner (2016): Historical colonization and dispersal limitation supplement climate and topography in shaping species richness of African lizards (Reptilia: Agaminae) -- Scientific Reports | 6:34014 | DOI: 10.1038/srep34014. 14 pp. + 11 pp. suppl.-- read abstract To what extent deep-time dispersal limitation shapes present-day biodiversity at broad spatial scales remains elusive. Here, we compiled a continental dataset on the distributions of African lizard species in the reptile subfamily Agaminae (a relatively young, Neogene radiation of agamid lizards which ancestors colonized Africa from the Arabian peninsula) and tested to what extent historical colonization and dispersal limitation (i.e. accessibility from areas of geographic origin) can explain present-day species richness relative to current climate, topography, and climate change since the late Miocene (~10 mya), the Pliocene (~3 mya), and the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 0.021 mya). Spatial and nonspatial multi-predictor regression models revealed that time-limited dispersal via arid corridors is a key predictor to explain macro-scale patterns of species richness. In addition, current precipitation seasonality, current temperature of the warmest month, paleo-temperature changes since the LGM and late Miocene, and topographic relief emerged as important drivers. These results suggest that deeptime dispersal constraints — in addition to climate and mountain building — strongly shape current species richness of Africa’s arid-adapted taxa. Such historical dispersal limitation might indicate that natural movement rates of species are too slow to respond to rates of ongoing and projected future climate and land use change.

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Kolar, K. (1955): Herpetologisches aus Südalgerien -- Deutsche Aquarien- und Terrarienzeitschrift (DATZ) 1955(3): 75 - 78--

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Kooij, J.v.d. (2000): The Herpetofauna of the Sultanate of Oman (all parts together) -- Pod@rcis 1(3): 70 - 82; Podarcis 1(4): 105 - 120; Podarcis 2(1): 15 - 26; Podarcis 2(2): 54 - 64; Podarcis 2(3): 93 - 102-- read abstract PART 1: In this first instalment of a series of four articles about the herpetology of Oman, two amphibians, one amphisbaenian, all agamas and the single chameleon are treated. Data I collected during two expeditions to Oman in 1999, have been used to give an overview of the distribution of these species. In addition, some data on their ecology are presented. PART 2: This second paper in a series of four on the herpetology of Oman treats the Geckos. All but one of the 26 species known to Oman were recorded during two expeditions in 1999. The collected data on distribution and ecology are given. PART 3: In this third paper on the herpetofauna of Oman, three families are treated: eleven Lacertidae, six Scincidae and one varanid. New records, notes on ecology and localities are combined with data from literature. PART 4: All nineteen terrestrial snake species have been treated in this fourth article in the series of the herpetofauna of Oman. Eleven species have been recorded and/or photographed. Some records, especially the record of Coluber thomasi and the records for Naja haje arabica and Bitis arietans can be considered as valuable new data. The first species is only known from very few records and this new locality extends its recorded distribution by 47 km to the east. Also the few previously known records of N. h. arabica and B. arietans have been confirmed and extended during the expeditions. More research needs to be done. For example the status of the burrowing asp, Atractaspis microlepidota needs to be investigated. Due to the very few and infrequent encounters with this burrowing snake it will be difficult to collect sufficient data. As suggested above, the geographic and taxonomic division between E carinatus sochureki and the closely related E pyramidum needs to be investigated more thoroughly.

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Kral, B. (1969): Notes on the Herpetofauna of Certain Provinces of Afghanistan -- ZOOLOGICKE LlSTY 18(1): 55 - 66-- read abstract This paper comprises, the collections made in four northern provinces of Afghanistan (Mazar-i-Sharif, Herat, Malmana, Kataghan) and In the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar which is separated from the Central Asiatic Subregions by the mountain range of Hindu-Kush. In all, 135 Individuals belonging to 34 species were determined. The herpetofauna of the northern provinces was compared with that of Nangahar. In this province 9 species, [ymnodactylus sp. (kachhensis ssp. nov.?), Calores versicolor, Uromastyx hardwicki, Varanus bengalensis, Oligodon arnensis, Fowleya piscator, Psammophis leithiand Bungarus coeruleus], typical of the Oriental Region, were fund but the forms typical of the Turanian zone are missing here. This specific structure of the herpetofauna arranges the -Nangahar provinces [the drainage area of the Kabul River in the environs of Jalad-Abad] to the Oriental Region. In the Nangarhar province a new form belonging to Gymnodactylus kachhensis was found. Its taxonomy was not solved.

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Krasnov, B.R & G.I. Shenbrot (1998): Structure of communities of ground-dwelling animals at the junction of two phytogeographic zones -- Journal of Biogeography 25: 1115–1131-- read abstract Changes in the structure of tenebrionid beetle, lizard and rodent communities along the aridity gradient that determines the position of a phytogeographic province boundary were studied to test: (1) whether there are two different species assemblages on either side of the boundary (2) the extent of their differentiation and (3) if they are composed of different or the same faunal elements. Several ordination methods were tested for their capacity to reflect community structure, and discriminant function analysis was selected as the primary method of ordination. Each of the ordination axes reflected a complex environmental gradient. The latter was different for each taxon. The gradient of productivity cross-cuts ecological space for each animal group in an individual manner. Revealed spatial assemblages of species were related to the level of productivity. There was one assemblage of species at high productivity and one or two assemblages occurred at low productivity in each taxon. The a-diversity curve of rodents changed weakly along the productivity gradient, whereas those of lizard and beetle communities were distinctly unimodal and had maxima near the middle of the gradient. P-diversity curves of rodents had a concave shape, but those of lizard and beetle communities increased from low productivity values to the middle of the gradient and after that weakly declined to the upper (productive) end of the gradient. Seven types of ranges or areographic groups of species were distinguished. Each species assemblage was composed of different faunal elements. Comparison of the results of ecological and areographic analyses demonstrated that two assemblages of rodents and lizards represent different guilds within the same community rather than different communities. The phytogeographic border for these taxa is an ecological rather than a geographical boundary. The difference between the two tenebrionid assemblages appears to be zoogeographical rather than ecological, and coincides with the phytogeographic boundary.

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Kurnaz, M. (2020): Species list of Amphibians and Reptiles from Turkey -- Journal of Animal Diversity 2(4): 10 - 32-- read abstract Turkey is biogeographically diverse and consequently has a rich herpetofauna. As a result of active herpetological research, the number of species has steadily increased in recent years. I present here a new checklist of amphibian and reptile species distributed in Turkey, revising the nomenclature to reflect the latest taxonomic knowledge. In addition, information about the systematics of many species is also given. In total 35 (19.4%) amphibian and 145 (80.6%) reptile species comprise the Turkish herpetofauna. Among amphibians, 16 (45.7%) anurans and 19 urodelans (54.3%) are present. Among reptiles, 11 (7.6%) testudines, 71 (49%) saurians, 3 (2.1%) amphisbaenians and 60 (41.3%) ophidians are considered part of the herpetofauna. The endemism rate in Turkey is considered relatively high with a total of 34 species (12 amphibian species – 34.3% and 22 reptile species – 15.2%) endemic to Turkey, yielding a total herpetofaunal endemism of 18.9%. While 38 species have not been threat-assessed by the IUCN, 92 of the 180 Turkish herpetofaunal species are of Least Concern (LC), 13 are Near Threatened (NT), 10 are Vulnerable (VU), 14 are Endangered (EN), and 7 are Critically Endangered (CR). In addition, 6 species are in the DD (Data Deficient) category.

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König, A. (1892): Die Kriechthierfauna Tunesiens. -- Verhandlungen des naturhistorischen Vereins der preussischen Rheinlande, Westfalens und des Reg.-Bezirks Osnabrück. 49, 5(9): 3 - 26--

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Lallemant, Ch. (1865): Erpetologie de l'Algerie ou Catalogue synoptique et analytique des Reptiles et Amphibies de la Colonie -- Savy (Paris). 41 pp.--

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Lataste, F. (1881): Liste des Vertebres recueillis par M. le Dr. Andre pendant l'expeditiondes Chotts et determines par M.F. Lataste -- Archives des Missions Scientifiques et Litteraires, Paris, ser. 3(7): 398 - 400.--

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Lataste, F. (1880): DIAGNOSES DE REPTILES NOUVEAUX D'ALGÉRIE. Agama Tournevillei n. sp. -- Le Naturaliste 2(41): 325--

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Lataste, M.F. (1881): LISTE DES VERTÉBRÉS RECUEILLIS PAR M. LE Dr ANDRÉ, PENDANT L'EXPÉDITION DES CHOTTS -- Archives des Missions Scientifiques et Litteraires, 3eme serie, 7: 398 - 400--

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Laurent, P. (1935): Contribution à la connaissance de la faune des Vertébrés du Maroc (Batraciens, Reptiles, Mammifères) -- Bull. Soc. Hist. nat. Afr. Nord 26: 344 - 348--

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Leaché, A.D., Ph. Wagner, C.W. Linkem, W. Böhme, T.J. Papenfuss, R.A. Chong, B.R. Lavin, A.M. Bauer, S.V. Nielsen, E. Greenbaum, M.-O. Rödel, A. Schmitz, M. LeBreton, I. Ineich, L. Chirio, C. Ofori-Boateng, E.A. Eniangm, S. Baha El Din, ............. (2014): A hybrid phylogenetic–phylogenomic approach for species tree estimation in African Agama lizards with applications to biogeography, character evolution, and diversification -- Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 79 215–230-- read abstract Africa is renowned for its biodiversity and endemicity, yet little is known about the factors shaping them across the continent. African Agama lizards (45 species) have a pan-continental distribution, making them an ideal model for investigating biogeography. Many species have evolved conspicuous sexually dimorphic traits, including extravagant breeding coloration in adult males, large adult male body sizes, and variability in social systems among colorful versus drab species. We present a comprehensive time-calibrated species tree for Agama, and their close relatives, using a hybrid phylogenetic–phylogenomic approach that combines traditional Sanger sequence data from five loci for 57 species (146 samples) with anchored phylogenomic data from 215 nuclear genes for 23 species. The Sanger data are analyzed using coalescent-based species tree inference using *BEAST, and the resulting posterior distribution of species trees is attenuated using the phylogenomic tree as a backbone constraint. The result is a time-calibrated species tree for Agama that includes 95% of all species, multiple samples for most species, strong support for the major clades, and strong support for most of the initial divergence events. Diversification within Agama began approximately 23 million years ago (Ma), and separate radiations in Southern, East, West, and Northern Africa have been diversifying for >10 Myr. A suite of traits (morphological, coloration, and sociality) are tightly correlated and show a strong signal of high morphological disparity within clades, whereby the subsequent evolution of convergent phenotypes has accompanied diversification into new biogeographic areas.

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LEACHÉ, A.D., R.A. CHONG, T.J. PAPENFUSS, P. WAGNER, W. BÖHME, A. SCHMITZ, M.-O. RÖDEL, M. LEBRETON, I. INEICH, L. CHIRIO, A. BAUER, E.A. ENIANG & S. BAHA EL DIN (2009): Phylogeny of the genus Agama based on mitochondrial DNA sequence data -- Bonner zoologische Beiträge 56(4): 273–278 -- read abstract We present a preliminary phylogeny for 19 species of African Agama lizards based on a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis of 1,181 bp of mitochondrial DNAsequence data. Monophyletic radiations of species in East, South and West Africa are supported, as well as a clade containing two species (A. doriae and A. sankaranica) distributed across the Sahel region. West African populations of A. agama are paraphyletic with respect to A. finchi from westernmost Kenya, providing further evidence for a biogeographic corridor between West and East Africa. Populations of A. agama form four phylogeographic groups, which suggests that A. agama may be composed of multiple independent evolutionary lineages.

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LEPINEY, J. de & F. NEMETH (1949): NOTES DE ZOOLOCIE MAROCAINE -- Bull. Soc. Sci. Nat. Phys. Maroc (Rabat). 25-27: 227 - 233--

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Leviton, A.E. (1959): Report on a collection of reptiles from Afghanistan -- Proc. Calif. Acac. Sci., 4th ser., 29(12): 445 - 463--

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Leviton, A.E. & S.C. Anderson (1970): The amphibians and reptiles of Afghanistan, a checklist and key to the herpetofauna. -- Proc. Cal.Acad.Sci. XXXVIII(10): 163 - 206.-- read abstract In 1950 the Academy received a collection of reptiles from Afghanistan. Though small, the collection was of considerable interest, having come from a little-visited region of the Dasht-i-Margo desert. It was reported on by Leviton in 1959. Subsequently, significant collections of Afghanistan reptiles have been made, notably by John Gasperetti in 1961 (Leviton and Anderson, 1961a and 1963), Richard and Erica Clark in 1964 and 1968 (Clark. Clark, Anderson and Leviton, 1969, and Clark and Clark, in preparation [ for 1968 collections]), and the William Street Expedition of the Field Museum of Natural History in 1965 (Anderson and Leviton, 1969). These, together with new materials acquired by other museums, some of which we have seen, have formed the basis of the following preliminary attempt at a checklist and key to the herpetofauna of the entire country. The growth of knowledge about the Afghan herpetofauna may be measured by the fact that in 1959 Leviton included 67 nominal species in his checklist. One additional species, Calotes versicolor, an error of omission at that time, should have been included to bring the total to 68. In the accompanying key and checklist. 101 nominal species and subspecies are listed, an increase of 50 percent in the number of species currently known from that country. Of the 33 new additions, five have been described as new since 1960. We believe it safe to say that our knowledge of the Afghan herpetofauna is still very incomplete and we expect that many interesting animals remain to be discovered, especially in the mountains of the Hindu Kush. We must emphasize that problems exist. For example, we are not satisfied with our treatment of the species of Eryx, Cyrtodactylus, or those of the genus Coluber. However, rather than postpone publication of this work indefinitely until all problems are solved, an unlikely event in any case, we beg the indulgence of our colleagues and hope they will find this account useful as a point of departure for extending their own researches. We have included in both the key and the checklist several nominal species whose presence in Afghanistan, though reasonable to expect, has yet to be authenticated. In the key these species are indicated by having an asterisk (*) immediately following the name; in the checklist the asterisk precedes the name.

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Leviton, A.E. & S.C. Anderson (1967): SURVEY OF THE REPTILES OF THE SHEIKHDOM OF ABU DHABI, ARABIAN PENINSULA. PART II. SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNT OF THE COLLECTION OF REPTILES MADE IN THE SHEIKHDOM OF ABU DHABI BY JOHN GASPERETTI -- PROCEEDINGS OF THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 4TH SERIES. 35(9): 157 - 192 -- read abstract see also GASPERETTI, J. (1967) = PDF-3210

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Leviton, A.E. & S.C. Anderson (1961): Further Remarks on the Amphibians and Reptiles of Afghanistan -- THE WASMANN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY 19(2): 269 - 276 --

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Lichtenstein, H. (1856): NOMENCLATOR REPTILIUM ET AMPHIBIORUM MUSEI ZOOLOGICI BEROLINENSIS. Namenverzeichniss der in der zoologischen Sammlung der Königlichen Universität zu Berlin aufgestellten Arten von Reptilien und Amphibien nach ihren Ordnungen, Familien und Gattungen. -- Königl. Akad. Wiss. Belin; 50 pp.--

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Lichtenstein, H. (1823): “Naturhistorischer Anhang,” in: E. Eversmann, Reise von Orenburg nach Buchara nebst einem Wortverzeichniss aus der Afghanischen Sprache begleitet von einem naturhistorischen Anhange und einer Vorrede - Amphibians and reptiles part: 139 - 147 -- E. H. G. Christiani, Berlin--

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Lortet, L. (1883): POISS0NS ET REPTILES DU LAC DE TIBERIADE TE DE QUELQUES AUTRES PARTIES DE LA SYRIE -- Archives du Museum d´Histoire naturelle de Lyon 3: 99 - 189 + 1 plate--

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MACEY, R.J., J.A. SCHULTE, A. LARSON, N.B. ANANJEVA, Y. WANG, R. PETHIYAGODA, N. RASTEGAR-POUYANI & T.J. PAPENFUSS (2000): Evaluating Trans-Tethys Migration: An Example Using Acrodont Lizard Phylogenetics -- Syst. Biol. 49(2): 233–256-- read abstract A phylogenetic tree for acrodont lizards (Chamaeleonidae and Agamidae) is established based on 1434 bases (1041 informative) of aligned DNAbpositions from a 1685–1778 base pair region of the mitochondrial genome. Sequences from three protein-coding genes (ND1, ND2, and COI) are combined with sequences from eight intervening tRNA genes for samples of 70 acrodont taxa and two outgroups. Parsimony analysis of nucleotide sequences identifies eight major clades in the Acrodonta. Most agamid lizards are placed into three distinct clades. One clade is composed of all taxa occurring in Australia and New Guinea; Physignathus cocincinus from Southeast Asia is the sister taxon to the Australia–New Guinea clade. A second clade is composed of taxa occurring from Tibet and the Indian Subcontinent east through South and East Asia. A third clade is composed of taxa occurring from Africa east through Arabia and West Asia to Tibet and the Indian Subcontinent. These three clades contain all agamid lizards except Uromastyx, Leiolepis, and Hydrosaurus, which represent three additional clades of the Agamidae. The Chamaeleonidae forms another clade weakly supported as the sister taxon to the Agamidae. All eight clades of the Acrodonta contain members occurring on land masses derived from Gondwanaland. A hypothesis of agamid lizards rafting with Gondwanan plates is examined statistically. This hypothesis suggests that the African/West Asian clade is of African or Indian origin, and the South Asian clade is either of Indian or Southeast Asian origin. The shortest tree suggests a possible African origin for the former and an Indian origin for the latter, but this result is not statistically robust. The Australia–New Guinea clade rafted with the Australia–New Guinea plate and forms the sister group to a Southeast Asian taxon that occurs on plates that broke from northern Australia–New Guinea. Other acrodont taxa are inferred to be associated with the plates of Afro-Arabia and Madagascar (Chamaeleonidae), India (Uromastyx), or southeast Asia (Hydrosaurus and Leiolepis). Introduction of different biotic elements to Asia by way of separate Gondwanan plates may be a major theme of Asian biogeography. Three historical events may be responsible for the sharp faunal barrier between Southeast Asia and Australia–New Guinea, known as Wallace’s line: (1) primary vicariance caused by plate separations; (2) secondary contact of Southeast Asian plates with Eurasia, leading to dispersal from Eurasia into Southeast Asia, and (3) dispersal of the Indian fauna (after collision of that subcontinent) to Southeast Asia. Acrodont lizards show the first and third of these biogeographic patterns and anguid lizards exhibit the second pattern. Modern faunal diversity may be influenced primarily by historical events such as tectonic collisions and land bridge connections, which are expected to promote episodic turnover of continental faunas by introducing new faunal elements into an area. Repeated tectonic collisions may be one of the most important phenomena promoting continental biodiversity. Phylogenetics is a powerful method for investigating these processes.

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Martens, G. v. (1883): Einige Landschnecken und Reptilien aus der Cyrenaika -- Sitz.Bericht Gesell. naturforsch. Freunde, Berlin 1883(9): 147 - 150--

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Martens, H. (1996): A preliminary survey of the terrestrial reptiles and sea snakes in the Jubail Marine Wildlife Sanctuary -- F. KRUPP, A . H . ABUZTNADA & L A . NADER (eds): A Marine Wildlife Sanctuary for the Arabian Gulf. Environmental Research and Conservation Following the 1991 Gulf War Oil Spill. N C W C D , Riyadh and Senckenberg Research Institute, Frankfurt a.M.: 360 - -- read abstract In January and May 1992 a survey of the terrestrial reptiles and sea snakes of the Jubail Marine Wildlife Sanctuary was carried out. Within the area, 14 lizard, one amphisbaenian, four terrestrial snake and three sea snake species were recorded; comprising about 50 % of the herpetofauna known thus far from eastern Saudi Arabia. Abundances of species and individuals observed were generally low. Three terrestrial herpetofaunal assemblages associated with specific substrate conditions and plant formations were identified. In sea snakes, distributional and ecological patterns teported earlier were confirmed. Winter mortality of Hydrophiidae in the northern Arabian Gulf, due to low water temperatures, appears to be a common but still insufficiently understood phenomenon.

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Martin, T.E., M. Guillemin, V. Nivet-Mazerolles, C. Landsmann, J. Dubos, R. Eudeline & J.T. Stroud (2017): The herpetofauna of central Uzbekistan -- Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 11(1): 93–107-- read abstract The diverse habitats of central Uzbekistan support a rich herpetofaunal community, but distributions and relative abundances of the species comprising this community remain poorly known. Here, we present an annotated species inventory of this under-explored area, with detailed notes on distributions and population statuses. Fieldwork was concentrated in southern Navoi and western Samarkand provinces, although some records were also made in the far north of Navoi province, near the city of Uchkuduk. Data were collected between March and May/June in 2011, 2012, and 2013, with herpetofaunal records being made opportunistically throughout this period. Survey effort was concentrated in semi-desert steppe habitats, especially the Karnabchul steppe area located to the south of the city of Navoi and an expanse of unnamed steppe located to the north of Navoi. Further records were made in a range of other habitat types, notably wetlands, sand dune fields, and low rocky mountains. Total fieldwork equated to approximately 8,680 person-hours of opportunistic survey effort. In total, we detected two amphibian and 26 reptile species in our study area, including one species classified as Globally Vulnerable by the IUCN. We present distributional data supporting the first record of regional range extensions of five species from within our study area. Our results represent the most detailed data concerning reptile and amphibian diversity and distributions produced from Uzbekistan in recent years. We conclude by recommending that further, systemized survey work needs to be conducted within the area to supplement our findings with more robust estimates of species abundances supported by more detailed information on species-habitat relationships.

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Masood, M. F. & A.A. Asiry (2012): Ecological studies on diversity of Herpetofauna in Asir region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. -- Egypt. Acad. J. Biolog. Sci., 4(1): 143-163-- read abstract Conservation of the biological diversity and sustainable use of the resources of earth are enshrined in Islamic low and principles. It is therefore fitting that in 2001 the kingdom of Saudi Arabia became a signatory to the Convention of Conservation on Biological Diversity that seeks to ensure the conservation of species and their habitats for all time. The study was carried out in Asir region, located in the southwest of the country. Topography and biotic elements of the environment were described. The study area is one of the richest regions of the Kingdom in the diversity of animals, where the region is characterized by the presence of a large group of wild animals belonging to different animal families. In this work, diversity of herpetofauna which found in the region was studied. Seven species of tailless amphibians (Anura) were recorded, belonging to three families, firstly Bufonidae which include four species, Bufo tihamicus, B. dhufarensis, B. arabicus and B. viridis, secondly Hylidae represented by only one species, a tree frog Hyla savignyi, and finally Ranidae represented by two species, Rana ridibunda and Euphlyctis ehrenbergii. The results showed that there are 38 species of reptiles; 23 species of lizards belonging to the families Gekkonidae, Lacertidae, Scincidae, Agamidae, Varanidae, and Chamaeleontidae and 14 species of snakes belonging to 5 families: Typholopidae, Leptotypholopidae, Colubridae, Elapidae, and Viperidae. Only one species of Turtles, belongs to family Testudinidae, was recorded. This work was suggested to throw light on the diversity of herpetofauna in Asir region as an important part of the ecosystem that has to be maintained, and to determine species composition of amphibian and reptile communities in different ecosystems as indicators of biodiversity in the study area. It came also to suggest strategies and techniques to determine the abundance of these species.

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Mayet, V. (1903): CATALOGUE RAISONNÉ DES REPTILES ET BATRACIENS DE LA TUNISIE -- EXPLORATION SCIENTIFIQUE DE LA TUNISIE: 5 - 32--

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Mediani, M., J.C. Brito & S. Fahd (2015): Atlas of the amphibians and reptiles of northern Morocco: updated distribution and patterns of habitat selection -- Basic and Applied Herpetology, 29: 81 - 107-- read abstract Observational data collected from bibliography and during herpetological surveys in northern Morocco between 1989 and 2014 were plotted to generate updated distribution maps of amphibians and reptiles using a UTM 5 x 5 km grid system. Eleven amphibians and 53 reptiles were observed, including three amphibians and nine reptiles endemic to Morocco. In both taxonomic groups, three distinct species categories were identified in the area: widely distributed species, species restricted to particular environmental characteristics, and species with small and / or fragmented distributions. For total species richness, 10 areas of high diversity were identified. These areas were common to all taxonomic groups and correspond roughly to Mediterranean-type habitats. Amphibians constitute a relatively homogeneous group according to their habitat selection patterns while reptiles can be grouped in three assemblages: 1) generalist species with broad distributions in northern Morocco; 2) species occupying Mediterranean environments, generally abundant in the north-western region; and 3) species that occupy arid habitats, frequently found in the eastern region. The topographic complexity of northern Morocco apparently creates microenvironmental conditions for each group and is related to high levels of species diversity observed: 78% and 52% of the total number of amphibians and reptiles of Morocco, respectively. These findings strengthen the status of northern Morocco as a priority area for herpetofauna conservation at the national level.

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Meliadou, A. & A.Y. Troumbis (1997): Aspects of heterogeneity in the distribution of diversity of the European herpetofauna -- Acta Oecologica, 18(4): 393-412-- read abstract In the western Palearctic, species richness decreases with increasing latitude for amphibians and reptiles. Hotspots are found in the southermost parts of tile area for reptiles, while for amphibians they are in western middle latitude parts. Rapoport's rule predicts that species range increases with latitude and that hotspots contain many species of small range. Both prediction are upheld in the case of reptiles, but the hotspots for amphibians contain mostly widespread species. Most amphibian species of small range are found in southern areas. The seasonal climatic variation hypothesis that has been proposed as an explanation for Rapoport's rule is not verified for the Palearctic herpetofauna.

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Melnikov, D., E. Melnikova & R. Nazarov (2013): TAXONOMY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY OF ARABIAN LIZARDS (in Russ. language) -- Modern herpetology: problems and ways of their solutions. The first International Conference of the Young Herpetologists of Russia and Neighboring Countries. 111 - 114 --

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Melville, J., J. Hale, G. Mantziou, N.B. Ananjeva, K. Milto & N. Clemann (2009): Historical biogeography, phylogenetic relationships and intraspecific diversity of agamid lizards in the Central Asian deserts of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan -- Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 53: 99–112-- read abstract The Central Asian agamid lizards are ecologically and morphologically diverse, occurring across a broad range of desert environments in this biogeographically important region. It is probable that past climatic shifts have significantly influenced the diversification patterns and distributions of the agamid lizards of this region. To assess this within a phylogenetic framework we sequenced a ~1200 bp region of mitochondrial DNA and a ~1200 bp nuclear gene (RAG-1), incorporating both inter- and intraspecific sampling across Central Asian agamids. Our topology and divergence time estimates support an Eocene origin of the Agaminae subfamily on the Indian subcontinent, coinciding with the collision of India into Eurasia. The onset of aridification in Central Asia during the Late Oligocene, resulting from the retreat of the Paratethys Sea and the intensified uplift of the Tibetan–Himalayan complex, probably played an important role in the diversification of Phrynocephalus, one of the three genera studied. Intensification of aridity and geologic events in the Plio-Pleistocene and Quaternary glacial cycling probably had a significant influence on intraspecific diversification patterns within Phrynocephalus.

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Merrem, B. (1820): Description Agama mutabilis = Trapelus mutabilis -- In: Versuch eines Systems der Amphibien I (Tentamen Systematis Amphibiorum). - Marburg, 400 pp. page 50--

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Mertens R. (1924): Amphibien und Reptilien aus dem nördlichen Mesopotamien -- Abh. Ber. Mus. Magdeburg. 3: 349 - 390 + pl.--

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Mertens, R. (1956): Amphibien und Reptilien aus SO-Iran. -- Jahrh. Ver. vaterl. Naturk. Württ. 1956: 90 - 97.--

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Mertens, R. (1952): Tuerkiye Amfibi ve Reptilleri Hakkinda (Amphibien und Reptilien aus der Tuerkei). -- Istanb. Univ. f. fakult. Mecmuas. B XVII(1): 40 - 75--

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Mertens, R. (1969): Die Amphibien und Reptilien West-Pakistans -- Stuttgarter Beiträge zur Naturkunde Nr. 197: 1 - 96--

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Mertens, R. (1922): Verzeichnis der Typen in der herpetologischen Sammlung des Senckenbergischen Museums. -- Senckenbergiana (1920/21) 4: 162-183--

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Mertens, R. & L. Müller (1929): Zur Nomenklatur einiger Eidechsen und Schlangen Europas -- Zoologischer Anzeiger 84: 295 - --

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Mikaili, P. & J. Shayegh (2011): The lizards of Iran: An etymological review of families Gekkonidae, Eublepharidae, Anguidae, Agamidae -- Annals of Biological Research, 2011, 2 (5) :22-37--

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Mikaili, P. & J. Shayegh (2011): An Etymological Review of the Lizards of Iran: Families Lacertidae, Scincidae, Uromastycidae, Varanidae -- International Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances 3(5): 322-329,--

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MODRY, D., L. RIFAI, M. ABU BAKER & Z. AMR (2004): Amphibians and reptiles of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan -- Denisia 14, zugleich Kataloge der OÖ. Landesmuseen Neue Serie 2: 407-420-- read abstract Jordan has a very diversified morphology, which is reflected also in the diversity of its herpetofauna. A total of 90 amphibian and reptilian species is known to inhabit Jordan. Of those three are amphibians, with the fourth species {Pelobates sriacus) most probably already extinct, 47 are lizard species, 35 are snakes species and five turtle species. The amphibians are represented by three different families, lizards and snakes both by seven families and turtles by four families. The distribution, ecology and systematics for most species are given.

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Mohammad, M.K. & A.A. Al-Zubaidi (2014): Potentials of Geodiversity for Biodiversity at Ga'ara Depression, Iraqi Western Desert -- Adv. Biores., 5(1): 134-142-- read abstract An intrinsic relationship between geological and biological diversity was found at Ga´ara Depression, in the Iraqi Western Desert, about 400 km west Baghdad. Diversity of geologic resources at the studied includes: rock beds, landforms, water resources and soil types that represented in creation of well-diverse landscape of different habitat types. Biodiversity comprises wide range of plants and animals including annual and perennial grasses and shrubs and fungi, mammals, birds, reptiles, arthropods, and mollusks. Present results showed sort of distribution patterns of biotic groups related to geologic features. This correlation was obvious in some species of vertebrate as well as invertebrates.

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Mohammad, R.G. (2016): Study of the Lizard Fauna of Central and Southern Iraq with Special Reference on Trapelus ruderatus (Sauria: Agamidae) -- PhD thesis, Razi Univ, Iran; 346 pp.-- read abstract Iraq is a country in southwestern Asia that borders Turkey to the North, Iran to the East, Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the southwest, Jordan to the West, and Syria to the northwest, with an area of 437.065 km2, the North-South extents of Iraq’s borders run from 37º 21' N in the Kurdistan region along its northern border with Turkey to 29º 04' N along its southern border with Saudi Arabia. Iraq’s East-West extent spans from 38º 56' E in the Syrian Desert to 48º 36' E in the vicinity of the Shatt al Arab. Iraq has a narrow section of coastline measuring 58 km on the northern Persian Gulf and its territory encompasses the Mesopotamian Alluvial Plain, the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, and the eastern part of the Syrian Desert. Two major rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates, run South through the center of Iraq and flow into the Shatt al Arab near the Persian Gulf. Iraq can be classified basically into four general geographical regions that hold relatively different geographical, climate, and habitat landscape regions: Highlands, Al Jazirah, Desert, and Alluvial Fan. Iraq includes nine to eleven main terrestrial ecoregions, some of which can be classified as key ecoregions that covers larger areas of the country. These ecoregions are: Zagros Mountains Forest Steppe; Tigris-Euphrates alluvial salt marsh; Arabian Desert & East Sahero-Arabian xeric Shrublands; Mesopotamian Shrub Desert; Middle East Steppe; Eastern Mediterranean coniferscerophyllous-broadleaf forest; Red Sea Nubo-Sindian Tropical Desert and Semi-Desert; South Iran Nubo-Sindian Desert and Semi-Desert; Persian Gulf Desert & Semi-Desert. The Freshwater and marine ecoregions of the world are also represented in Iraq including three different freshwater ecoregions (Arabian Interior, Lower Tigris and Euphrates, Upper Tigris and Euphrates), and one marine ecoregion of the Persian Gulf, which is part of the Western Indo-Pacific Realm. The presence of these ecozones resulted in a considerable heterogeneity of the herpetofauna of Iraq. In spite of prevalent species diversity of reptiles in the Iraqi ecosystems, comprising such principal categories including lizards, snakes, tortoises and turtles, but if there is, little current information exists on globally important herpetofauna Iraq in general also these are considered to be the least known of the vertebrate groups. Some of the country’s herpetofauna studied by Boulenger, and checklists of species were carried out extensively during the 1920s when British troops where in Iraq. Other basic studies introduced by: Mertens (1924), Corkill (1932), Angel (1936). Schmidt (1939) studied the herpetological fauna of South-western Asia. Earlier studies have been summarized by Allouse (1955); Khalaf (1959); Reed & Marx (1959); Mahdi & George (1969); Haas &Werner (1969) for amphibians and reptiles, and added little to the understanding of the herpetofauna of Iraq. The last significant series of articles on Iraqi herpetofauna were published in the early 1960s (Khalaf 1960, 1961), further more a detailed bibliography is included in the comprehensive treatise on the reptiles of the Middle East by Leviton et al. (1992), besides several survey studies carried out on most of wetlands of Middle East compiled by Scott (1995). However most of those studies included general accounts without giving exact localities. The present study includes 38 localities visited distribute throughout nine Provinces: Babylon, Holy Karbala, Holy Najaf, Qadisiya, Wasit, Maysan, Dhi-Qar, Muthanna, and Basra. These localities extended between the geographical coordinates 30º 18' N, 47º 53' E and 33º 33'; N, 43º 26' E, and the altitude ranges from 1 m to 344 m above sea level throughout central and southern Iraq. The study was carried out from 20th September 2013 to 3rd November 2015. 400 lizard specimens were collected then preserved in suitable containers, the voucher specimens are deposited in the Razi University Zoological Museum (RUZM) in Kermanshah. Taxonomic status of specimens were identified depending upon dichotomous keys and using biometric measurements (meristic and metric characters), and coloration patterns. Meristic and metric characters were measured for all collected lizard specimens by using digital caliper. Sex determined by using one of the methods Cloacal popping, cloacal probing, and alcohol injection. Data were analyzed using computer software "Statistical Package for Social Sciences" (SPSS) version 20. Maximum, minimum, mean, standard deviation, standard error, Shapiro-Wilk (normality) test, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test, and Independent Sample T test were employed, and the significance level for all the statistical tests was set at (P < 0.05). Also principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determined sexual dimorphic studied species. In total 400 lizard specimens (males, females, sub adults, and juveniles) were collected from the study area including 18 species and subspecies belonging to 11 genera and five families: Family Agamidae: Phrynocephalus maculatus maculatus Anderson, 1872, Trapelus ruderatus ruderatus (Olivier, 1804), and Uromastyx aegyptius microlepis (Blanford, 1845); Family: Lacertidae Ophisops elegans elegans Ménétriés, 1832, Acanthodactylus scutellatus hardyi Haas, 1957, A. robustus F. Werner, 1929, A. orientalis Angel, 1936, and A. grandis Boulenger, 1909; Family: Scincidae: Trachylepis vittata (Olivier, 1804), T. septemtaeniata (Reuss,1834), and Ablepharus pannonicus Fitzinger, 1823; Family: Gekkonidae: Hemidactylus flaviviridis Rüppell, 1840, H. turcicus (Linnaeus,1758) (sensu lato), H. persicus Anderson, 1872, Cyrtopodion scabrum (Heyden, 1827), Stenodactylus doriae (Blanford, 1874), and S. affinis (Murray, 1884) ); and finally from Family Varanidae: Varanus griseus griseus (Daudin, 1803) and their zoogeographical affinities with: 44.44% Palearictic, 33.33% Arabian and 22.22% Saharo-Sindian were estimated. For of sexual dimorphism, the results showed that: males of the agamid lizard Trapelus r. ruderatus have greater values than females for all significant characters by comparison of mean between them. It is often postulated that different selection pressures are responsible for the increase in size of males and females, in other word the evolutionary result of selection acting differently on body size dimorphism (SSD). Presence of dimorphism between males and females are defined by three main forces including sexual, fecundity and natural selection. In general, there are several abiotic and biotic parameters such as temperature, moisture (through rainfall and/or dew), wind speed and vegetation cover are affecting the diversity and ecology of lizard fauna. In an environment which varies in terms of topographical and vegetation structure it would create a mosaic of temperature and humidity within a relatively small area throughout the day. Anthropogenic effects (unmanaged grazing, plowing of lands, infrastructural developments, and clearance of forests) resulted in the decrease in the size of lizard populations and/or their diversity. The two most important resources considered as limiting factors to species biodiversity is the available number of microhabitats (sites for shelter, basking, foraging, oviposition) and food.

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Mohammadi, S. & G. Naderi (2012): SURVEY OF LIZARD FAUNA OF MIRABAD OF SHAH-REZA, ISFAHAN PROVINCE, IRAN -- Trakia J. Sci. Vol. 10, No 1, pp 35-37-- read abstract This study was done in Mirabad of Shah-Reza in May 2009. The objective of this project was collecting and identifying lizards' diversity of this region from different habitat types. The survey revealed a total of 6 lizard species. With considerable walking during day and night 14 specimens belonging to 4 families were collected. The identified species of region are as fallowing: Two species (Laudakia nupta, Trapelus agilis) from Agamidae; Mesalina watsonana belonging to Lacertidae; Varanus griseus from Varanidae; Agamura persica from Gekkonidae.

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MOHAMMED, R.G., N. RASTEGAR-POUYANI, R. KARAMIANI & F. ABBAS RHADI (2015): THE LIZARD FAUNA OF AL-NAJAF PROVINCE, SOUTHERN IRAQ -- Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Science Science Journal (CSJ), 36(6): -- read abstract The AL-Najaf Province in Iraq possesses varied climatic and geographical conditions leading to a rich biodiversity. An investigation on the status of lizards in this Province was carried out from September 2013 to May 2014. A total of 116 specimens were collected and identified. The collected specimens represented six families, eight genera, and 11 species and subspecies, including: Agamidae: Phrynocephalus maculatus maculatus, Trapelus ruderatus ruderatus, Gekkonidae: Cyrtopodion scabrum, Hemidactylus flaviviridis, Hemidactylus turcicus and Hemidactylus persicus; Lacertidae: Ophisops elegans elegans; Scinicidae: Trachylepis aurata septemtaeniata and Trachylepis vittata; Uromasticydae: Uromastyx aegyptius and Varanidae: Varanus griseus griseus.

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Mohammed, R.Gh., F. Abbas Rhadi, N. Rastegar-Pouyani, E. Rastegar-Pouyani & S.S. Hosseinian Yousefkhani (2017): ZOOGEOGRAPHY OF LIZARDS FAUNA FROM CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN IRAQ WITH A CHECKLIST OF IRAQI LIZARD’S FAUNA -- Russian Journal of Herpetology 24(3): 193 – 201-- read abstract There are five terrestrial biomes found in Palearctic realm of Iraq: Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests; Temperate grasslands, Savanas and shrublands; Flooded grasslands and Savannas; Mediterranean forests, woodlands and scrub; deserts and xeric shrublands. The presence of these ecozones resulted in a considerable heterogeneity of the herpetofauna of Iraq. With considering lizards fauna, we collected 400 lizard specimens that classified into 18 species, 11genera and five families, were distributed throughout central and southern Iraq and their zoogeographical affinities about: 44.44% Palearictic, 33.33% Arabian and 22.22% Saharo-Sindian.

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Mosauer, W. & K. Wallis (1927): Macroprotodon cucullatus Geoffr. subspecies nova melanocephala und Tropidonotus (Natrix) viperinus Latr. aberratio nova nigra, zwei Schlangenfunde aus Tunesien. -- Zoolog. Anzeiger 72: 305 - 310--

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MOUANE, A. (2020): Contribution à l'étude de l'écologie de l'herpétofaune du Sahara septentrional Est -- PhD thesis; Université Mohamed Khider –Biskra, Algeria: 172 pp-- read abstract Contribution to the study of the ecology of the herpetofauna of the northern eastern Sahara -- In order to study the composition of the herpetofauna of northern Sahara (Oued Souf and Oued Righ), we chose seven different ecological habitats (low plateau, erg, wadi, palm grove, reg, sebkha, and urban), during a period 6 years (July 2010 - July 2016). The sampling carried out according to three methods namely: method of transects, systematic excavation and finally the method of trapping. We have identified 39 species of amphibians and reptiles (34.8% of the Algerian herpetofauna). They are divided into two orders (Anura and Squamata); 16 families and 26 different genera, including (4 amphibian species, a single Cryptodira species, 23 saurian species and 11 ophidian species). In our sampling we find a new species (Cyrtopodion scabrum) for the first time in Algeria and North Africa. The Saharan and Mediterranean elements are the most dominant elements in our region with respectively 41% and 28.2%. Among the listed species nine are protected in Algeria, by decree N ° 35 of June 10, 2012, according to the official journal of the Algerian republic. From an endemism point of view, 10 species are endemic compared to U.I.C.N. Mediterranean. The number of species in the different categories of the IUCN Red List shows that 37 are considered to be of less concern (LC), one species is considered to be insufficient (Scincopus fasciatus) and one species is threatened (Uromastix acanthinurus). Insectivorous species are the best represented with 51.3% followed by carnivores with 30.8%. A positive relationship between the morphological variable (body length 'SVL', tail length 'VL') and total length (YL), which was positively correlated with all species, are TL and SVL (r = 0.64 ; p = <0.0001: r = 0.98; p = <0.0001 :) and TL and VL (r = 0.72; p = <0.0001; r = 0.98; p = <0 , 0001), the correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between: body length and forelegs (r = 0.66; p = <0.0001: r = 0.98; p = <0.0001) and body length with hind legs (r = 0.42; p = <0.0001: r = 0.99; p = <0.03). Lacertidae is the most abundant family in the reg, the low plateau, the erg and the wadi with rates of 64.4%, 62.7%, 26.7% and 21.4% respectively, while are the Geckonidae and Phyllodactylidae which are most abundant in palm groves and in urban areas. By seasons, Lacertidae and Scincidae are the most abundant and frequent families almost in all seasons. It emerges from this study that the palm grove is the biotope richest in species (32 species). While the three lowland, saline and urban site biotopes are home to few species. The diversity index (H ') varies between 2.3bits (urban site) and 3.7bits (palm grove), the fairness value (E) varies between 0.72 (reg) and 0.97 (wadi) and the Hill index varies between 0.5 (wadi) and 0.8 (palm grove). The summer season is the richest in species since it contains more than 92.3% of the total wealth harvested in the northern Sahara, followed by the spring season with more than 84.6% of the total wealth, the value of the 'Shannon diversity index, the highest Hill index fairness index is noted in the spring season with 4.02 bits, 0.8 and 0.83 respectively. The similarity index (the Jaccard index and the Sorensen index) applied to the different types of habitats shows that the number of species common between the biotopes varies from one habitat to another. The most similar biotopes according to these indices are lowlands and regs, lowlands and urban sites, as well as between wadis and palm groves. By season, we observe that the most significant similarity index is noted between spring and summer.

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Mouane, A., A. Harrouchi, I. Ghennoum, M. Sekour & H. Chenchouni (2024): 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 -- Elem Sci Anth, 12: 1. 23 pp-- read abstract 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.

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MOUANE, A., A. SI BACHIR, I. GHENNOUM & A.'K. HARROUCHI (2014): Premières données sur la diversité de l'Herpétofaune de l'Erg oriental (Région du Souf - Algérie) -- Bull. Soc. Herp. Fr. (2013) [2014] 148: 491-502-- read abstract First data on the diversity of the herpetofauna of the Eastern Erg (Souf region - Algeria). This study, based on observations and in situ captures of reptiles and amphibians, brought together information on the herpetofauna of the Souf region (North-East of Algeria). Homogeneous habitat stations representing the main ecosystems and landscape units in this area were sampled. These are the erg (sand dunes), the reg, a saline (chott), a palm grove, and an urban site. Investigations conducted between July 2008 and July 2009 have identified a total of 20 species, including 18 species of reptiles (one order, 10 families and 14 genera), and two anurans (two families and two genders). When looked by habitat type, Lacertidae form the majority of the assemblage in the erg and the reg, while Gekkonidae are more frequent in palm groves and urban areas.

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Murray, J.A. (1892): The zoology of Beloochistan and southern Afghanistan. (Reptiles and Batrachia). 66 - 73 -- Bombay--

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Müller (Mueller), F. (1882): Erster Nachtrag zum Katalog der herpetologischen Sammlung des Basler Museums. Mit Anmerkungen und 1 Tafel. -- Verhandlungen der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft Basel 7(1): 120 – 165--

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MÜLLER (Mueller), F. (1878): Katalog der im Museum und Universitätskabinet zu Basel aufgestellten Amphibien und Reptilien nebst Anmerkungen -- VERHANDL. NATURF. GES., BASEL 6: 558 – 709 + 3 pl.--

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Nasrabadi, R., E. Rastegar-Pouyani, S.S. Hosseinian Yousefkhani & A. Khani (2017): A checklist of herpetofauna from Sabzevar, Northeastern Iran -- Iranian Journal of Animal Biosystematics (IJAB) 12(2): 255-259 [2016]-- read abstract The reptile's fauna of Sabzevar was investigated during 10 years (2003-2013). In total 42 species belonging to 29 genera, 13 families and two orders (Squamata and Testudines) were collected and identified. The most diverse group in the area is lizards with 23 species, followed by snakes with 18 species and the testudines with one species. The most diverse families are Colubridae, Lacertidae with 8 and Gekkonidae with 5 species respectively, followed by Agamidae with 4 species, Viperidae, Boidae and Scincidae with 3 species each, Lamrophiidae and Spherodactylidae with 2 species and 4 families Elapidae, Thyphlopidae, Varanidae and Testudonidae with only one species each.

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Nasrabadi, R., J. Danish, N. Rastegar -Pouyani & H. Ejtehadi (2008): Survey of lizard fauna of Salehabad of Torbat-e-Jam, Razavi Khorasan province (in Farsi with engl. summ.) -- Biology Journal (Iran). 21: 8 pp-- read abstract This study was done in Salehabad of Torbat-e-Jam in 30°22' to 30°07' of latitude and 60°40' to 61°17' of longitude. The objective of this project was collecting and identifying the lizards of this region from eight different stations which was done during May until September of 2005, with considerable walking during day and night. 160 specimens include 11 species belonging to 8 genera and 6 families were collected. The 11 identified species of region are as fallowing: Three species (Laudakia caucasia, Laudakia erythrogastra, Trapelus agilis) from Agamidae; four species (Eremias persica, Eremias velox, Eremias lineolata, Mesalina watsonana) belonging to Lacertidae; Varanus griseus from Varanidae; Eumeces schneiderii from Scincidae; Pseudopus apodus from Anguidae and Cyrtopodion caspius from Gekkonidae

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NASRABADI, R., N. RASTEGAR-POUYANI, E. RASTEGAR-POUYANI & A. GHARZI (2017): A revised key to the lizards of Iran (Reptilia: Squamata: Lacertilia) -- Zootaxa 4227(3): 431–443-- read abstract During recent years several lizard taxa have been added to the faunal list of Iran. Descriptions and new records are scattered in different publications in the herpetological literature. We here present species accounts for 152 species belonging to 43 genera and 10 families up to July 2016. The most diverse family is Lacertidae with 9 genera, 49 species and 2 subspecies, followed by Gekkonidae with 13 genera and 43 species, Agamidae with 5 genera, 18 species and 4 subspecies, Scincidae with 7 genera, 18 species and 2 subspecies, Phyllodactylidae with 1 genus and 10 species, Sphaerodactylidae with 2 genera and 4 species, Varanidae with 1 genus, 3 species and 2 subspecies, Uromastycidae with 2 genera and 3 species, Eublepharidae with 1 genus and 3 species, and Anguidae with 2 genera and 2 species. The current paper provides a dichotomous key including all of the currently recognized lizards of Iran.

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NATHAN, R. & Y.L. WERNER (1999): REPTILES AND BREEDING BIRDS ON MT. HERMON: PATTERNS OF ALTITUDINAL DISTRIBUTION AND SPECIES RICHNESS -- ISRAEL JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, 45: 1-33-- read abstract We review and analyze the altitudinal distribution of reptiles (from museum collections) and breeding birds (from literature records and a recent field sampling project) on Mt. Hermon (latitude ca. 33°30'N), over the range 300- 2814 m. Species richness was greater in breeding birds (n = 86--90) than in reptiles (n = 34), declining with increasing altitude in both groups, but more steeply so in birds. We suggest that the simplification of vegetation structure with increasing altitude may explain this difference, because birds probably better use the three-dimensionality of densely-vegetated habitats that dominate low elevations. But in both taxa the overall decline was nonlinear; species richness actually increased from low to mid-elevations, forming a hump-shaped pattern. Standardization of species richness for surface area, across altitudinal belts of 100 m up to 1,900 m, revealed the area effect as both significant and unpredictable. It did not affect the overall decline, but contrary to a general expectation of a linear trend turning hump-shaped, the humpshaped curve became concave, i.e., from low to mid-elevations the number of species per unit area declined sharply, and at higher elevations it remained fairly stable. In a comparison with other mountains in the Mediterranean Basin (between latitudes 35°00' and 42°30'N), the very same reptile species reached higher maximum elevations on Mt. Hermon, while the same bird species reached similar elevations in both areas. This difference may reflect lesser ability of reptiles, compared to birds, to inhabit high elevations at higher latitudes, but their altitudinal distribution on Mt. Hermon showed no evidence for such a physiological difference. In general, in contrast with other reports, we found no positive correlation between the extent of altitudinal range of the species and their position on the altitudinal gradient, as would have been implied by Rapoport's altitudinal rule. Future mapping of local distributions of the Mt. Hermon biota, required for efficient conservation, should derive from planned, extensive field sampling, augmented with museum records for clarification of taxonomic uncertainties

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Neruchev, V.V. & N.F. Vasil'ev (Vasilev) (1978): REPTILE FAUNA IN THE NORTH-EASTERN CASPIAN AREA -- Vestnik Zool. 1978(6): 36 - 41-- read abstract Data collected for 1962-1976 are presented on the landscape-territorial distribution of 27 reptile species in the North-Eastern Caspian area. Heterogeneity of the fauna is marked. It is represented by elements from different zonal complexes; herpetofauna is analyzed according to the zonal character and ways of its formation under the effect of quaternary transgressions of the Caspian Sea are considered

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Nikolskij, A.M. (1905): Herpetologia Rossica (in russ. language) -- MEM. DE L'ACADEMIE IMPERIALE DES SCIENCES DE ST.-PETERSBOURG. VIII. ser. Vol. 17(1): 524 pp.--

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Nikolsky, A. M. (1897): Reptiles, amphibies et poissons, recueillis par Ms. N. Zaroudny dans le Perse orientale. (in Russian language). -- Ann. Mus. zool. Acad. Sci, St. Petersbourg 2: 306 - 348 + 3 plates--

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Nikolsky, A.M. (1907): Reptiles et amphibies recueillis par MS. N. Zaroudny en Perse en 1903 - 1904.(in Russia). -- Ann. Mus. zool. Acad. Imp. Sci. St. Petersbourg 10: 260 - 301--

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Nikolsky, A.M. (1915): Faune de la Russie et des Pays Limitrophes. Reptiles, Vol. I (Chelonia et Sauria). (in Russian language) -- Petrograd, 584 pp.--

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Nikolsky, A.M. (1908): Materiaux pour l'herpetologie du Turkestan Russe (in Russ. language) -- Annuaire du Musée Zoologique de l’Académie Impériale des Sciences de St. Pétersbourg 13: 336 - 344--

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Nilson, G. & C. Andren (1981): Die Herpetofauna des Kawir- Schutzgebietes, Kavir- Wueste, Iran. -- Salamandra 17(3/4): 130 - 146.-- read abstract Seventeen species of reptiles and one species of amphibians have so far been reported from the Kavir Protected Region in the Kavir desert of Iran. These are Agamura persica, Agama a. agilis, Phrynocephalus scutellatus, Phrynocephalus maculatus, Varanus griseus caspius, Eremias andersoni, Eremias persica, Mesalina guttulata watsonana, Eumeces schneiderii princeps. Qphiomorus nuchalis, Coluber k. karelinii Coluber rhodorhachis ladacensis, Psammophis schokari. Spalerosopbis diadema schirazianus, Echis carinatus, Pseudocerastes p. persicus and Bufo kavirensis. A species of Uromastyx, probably U. asmussi, is also registrated from the area. Agama b. blanfordi, Phrynocephalus helioscopus persicus and Ophisops e. elegans are reported from areas south and west of the Kavir Protected Region but might as well occur inside it. Some taxonomic questions are discussed and data concerning habits and distribution are presented.

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Nóbrega Alves, R.R., W.L. Silva Vieira, G. Gomes Santana, K. Silva Vieira & P.F. Guedes Pereira Montenegro (2013): Chapter 7. Herpetofauna Used in Traditional Folk Medicine: Conservation Implications. pp. 109 - -- In: R.R.N. Alves & I.L. Rosa (eds.) Animals in Traditional Folk Medicine. Implications for Conservation.- Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg-- read abstract This chapter provides an overview of the global use of herpetofauna in traditional folk medicine and the implications for conservation. The results indicate that 331 species (284 reptiles and 47 amphibians) are used in traditional folk medicine around the world. Among the species recorded, 182 reptiles and 42 amphibians are listed in the IUCN Red List. Additionally, 93 reptiles are in some of the appendices of CITES. These numbers demonstrate the importance of understanding such medicinal uses in the context of reptile conservation as well as the need for considering sociocultural factors when establishing management plans directed toward the sustainable use of these reptiles.

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Noori, S., O. Hawlitschek, J. Oldeland, H. Rajaei, M. Husemann & M. Simões (2021): Biodiversity modelling reveals a significant gap between diversity hotspots and protected areas for Iranian reptiles -- J Zool Syst Evol Res. 59: 1642–1655-- read abstract The global struggle to conserve as many species as possible with limited resources requires an improvement of our knowledge on the distribution of biodiversity. In Iran, the state of knowledge is poor for most groups of organisms, except few vertebrate groups and vascular plants. Reptiles are one of the best known, most diverse vertebrate groups in Iran, with a high rate of endemism (ca. 29%), but distribution patterns and related environmental drivers remain poorly understood. In the present study, based on a large publicly available dataset, we use general additive modelling (GAM) to identify explanatory variables for species richness of reptiles in Iran. Results indicate heterogeneity parameters (range +entropy) as the variables with the highest explanatory values. Based on the grid cells of the predicted environmental richness, using hotspot analysis, we suggest seven hotspots of reptile diversity (HRDs) across the country. Our results corroborate the previously recognized HRDs and detect three additional ones, located alongside the major mountain ranges around the central deserts plateau, particularly in the Zagros Mountains. Four of the largest HRDs (ca. 90%) situate within the Irano-Anatolian and Caucasus global biodiversity hotspot. In addition, our results reveal a large gap between identified HRDs and the current network of protected areas (PAs) in the country. While three of the detected HRDs in this study are partially touched (ca. 18%) by the PA network, overall, these areas are only covered by less than 10%. Therefore, the effectiveness of the current PAs for the protection of the reptile diversity of Iran is questionable

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NOUIRA, S. & Ch.P. BLANC (1986): Le peuplement en Reptiles au sud du Chott El Djérid -- Archs Inst. Pasteur Tunis, 1986, 63 (4), 553-566-- read abstract Twenty species of Reptiles divided into 14 genus and 7 families have been identified from 21 samples of the south of Chott El Djerid. The specific richness seems to decrease on the surroundings of the Chott. The log-normal model shows best the abundance of the distribution observed. In the relation with the pedologic caracteristics of the environment, Reptiles share out themselves between four unities.

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NOUIRA, S., C.P. BLANC, P.-A. CROCHET, T. FRÉTEY, P. GENIEZ, I. INEICH, J.-C. DE MASSARY, A. OHLER, W. TLILI & J. LESCURE (2022): Nouvelle liste taxinomique de l’herpétofaune de Tunisie [New taxonomic checklist of the herpetofauna in Tunisia] -- Bull. Soc. Herp. Fr. 180: 05-26-- read abstract A new taxonomic checklist is established for the Amphibians and “Reptiles” of Tunisia. In addition to international zoological scientific names, a French scientific name is attributed to each taxon. The Tunisian herpetofauna presently contains seven species of Amphibians and 62 of “Reptiles”.

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Novosolov, M. & S. Meiri (2013): The effect of island type on lizard reproductive traits -- J. Biogeography 2013: 519 pp.-- read abstract Aim. The origins of islands influence island colonization and radiation dynamics, thus exerting differential selection pressures on the species that inhabit them. The occurrence of lower numbers of predator and competitor species on islands than the mainland selects for ‘slow’ life-history attributes (the ‘island syndrome’). Animals colonizing, and radiating on, oceanic islands probably face more novel environments than do those inhabiting continental fragment and land-bridge islands. We hypothesized that oceanic island endemics will show the slowest life histories, whereas land-bridge island species will resemble mainland species the most. We predicted that species on old, small and isolated islands will also have slow life histories. Location. World-wide. Methods. We assembled life-history data for 540 mainland and 319 insular endemic lizard species. We tested whether clutch size, brood frequency, hatchling mass and productivity differed between islands of different origin and between islands and the mainland. We controlled for female size, for latitude and for phylogenetic relationship using the R package . In addition, we tested the influences of island age, area and isolation on species life histories. Results. Oceanic island endemics have the smallest clutches and the largest offspring, and, together with continental fragment island endemics, lay most frequently. Clutch size, brood frequency and productivity increase with increasing island age. Isolation and area have little effect on lizard life history. Main conclusions. Our findings support the proposition that selection pressure differs across island type. The predator-poor environments on oceanic islands select for few, large offspring, while the predator-rich environments of the mainland and land-bridge islands select for many, small offspring. Island geological origin creates the environment within which evolution takes place, and thus plays a major role in life-history evolution. As islands grow older, lizards adapt by increasing their yearly reproductive effort.

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Olivier, E. (1894): Herpetologie Algerienne. ou catalogue raisonne des reptiles et des batraciens observes jusqu'a ce jour en Algerie. -- Mem. Soc. zool. France 7: 98 - 130--

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Olivier, E. (1896): MATÉRIAUX POUR LA FAUNE DE LA TUNISIE. I. CATALOGUE DES REPTILES -- Rev. sci. Bourbonnaise et Centre de la France 9: 117 - 128--

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Olivier, G.A. (1804): description of Agama agilis = Trapelus agilis -- In: VOYAGE DANS L'EMPIRE OTHOMAN, L'EGYPTE ET LA PERSE. Tome IV: 394 - 395 + plate --

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Olivier, G.A. (1804): description of Agama ruderata = Trapelus ruderatus -- In: VOYAGE DANS L'EMPIRE OTHOMAN, L'EGYPTE ET LA PERSE. Tome IV: 395 + plate --

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Orlowa (Orlova), W.F. (1981): Agama sanguinolenta (Pallas 1814) - Steppenagame -- Böhme, W. (ed.): Handbuch der Reptilien und Amphibien Europas. Band 1. Echsen (Sauria) I.- Akad. Verlagsges. (Wiesbaden): 149 - 160--

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Padial, J.M. (2006): COMMENTED DISTRIBUTIONAL LIST OF THE REPTILES OF MAURITANIA (WEST AFRICA) -- Graellsia, 62(2): 159-178-- read abstract This is the first comprehensive review of the reptiles of Mauritania. It includes distributional information and comments. Mauritania harbors 86 species of reptiles belonging to 21 families. Among these families, Colubridae and Lacertidae are the most diverse, with 14 and 13 species respectively. Other families, such as Agamidae, Gekkonidae, Scincidae or Viperidae are also well represented. Among the 80 continental species, 47.5% are Saharan, 33.8% Afrotropical, 16.2% Sahelian and 2.5% Mediterranean. The marine turtles form another important group, with six species. Eight species are excluded from the country list because of old identification errors, there is not enough evidence of their presence or due to changes in political borders. Among the species expected to occur in Mauritania, at least nine may occur in Saharan environments, 13 in the Sahel savannah and two may have been introduced.

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Pallas, P.S. (1814): Description of Lacerta sanguinolenta (= Trapelus sanguinolentus). pp. 23 - 24. In: -- Zoographia Rosso-asiatica Sisten Omnium Animalium in Estenso Imperio Rossico et Adjacentibus Maribus Observatorum Recensinem, Domicilia, Mores et Descriptiones, Anatomen atque Icones Plurimorum. St. Petersboug "1831"--

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Papenfuss, T.J. (1969): Preliminary Analysis of the Reptiles of Arid Central West Africa -- The Wasmann Journ. of Biology 27(2): 249 - 325--

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Parker, H.W. (1931): Some reptiles and amphibians from S.E. Arabia. -- Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Series 10(8): 514-522.--

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Parker, H.W. (1938): Reptiles and Amphibians from the Southern Hejaz -- Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 11(5): 481 - 492--

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Parker, H.W. (1933): Reptiles -- In: Philby, J.B. (1933): The empty Quarter. beeing a description of the Big South Desert of Arabia known as Rub' al Kali. pp. 397 - 398--

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Parker, H.W. (1931): REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS. In: Thomas, B.: A CAMEL JOURNEY ACROSS THE RUB' AL KHALI -- The Geographical Journal 78(3): 228 - 230--

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Parker, H.W. (1926): APPENDIX III. REPTILIA AND BATRACHIA from Hasa, Jafura, and Jabrin in eastern and central Arabia Collected by Major R. E. Cheesman in 1923-1924 and presented to the British Museum. pp. 389 - 395 -- Cheesman, R.E. (ed.): In unknown Arabia.- MacMillan (London)--

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Parker, H.W. (1926): APPENDIX III. REPTILIA AND BATRACHIA FROM HASA, JAFURA, AND JABRIN IN EASTERN AND CENTRAL ARABIA. & REPTILIA OF THE PERSIAN GULF pp.: 389 - 395 in: -- Cheesman, R.E. (1926): IN UNKNOWN ARABIA.- MacMillan, London--

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Pellegrin, J. (1909): REPTILES ET BATRACIENS RÉCOLTÉS PAR M. CH. ALLUAUD EN EGYPTE ET AU SOUDAN ÉGYPTIEN -- Bull. Soc. zool. France 43: 203 - 205--

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Pellegrin, J. (1930): REPTILES, BATRACIENS ET POISSONS DE LA RÉGION DU HOGGAR (SAHARA CENTRAL) -- Assoc. France Avanc. Scien. Comp. Rend. 54e session, Algier: 583 - --

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Pellegrin, J. (1931): Reptiles, batraciens et poissons du Sahara Central, recueillis par le Pr. Seurat. -- Bull. Mus. nation. Hist, nat., Paris, Sér. 2, 3: 216-218.--

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Pellegrin, J. (1926): Reptiles, Batraciens et Poissons du Maroc oriental recueillis par M. P. PALLARY -- BULLETIN DU MUSÉUM NATIONAL D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE 32: 159 - 162--

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Pellegrin, J. (1910): MISSION EN MAURITANIE OCCIDENTALE. III. PARTIE ZOOLOGIQUE. REPTILES -- Actes Soc. Linn. Bordeaux 64: 21--

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Pellegrin, J. (1934): REPTILES, BATRACIENS ET POISSONS OU SAHARA CENTRAL -- Mem. Soc. Hist. Nat. Afrique Nord 4 (Etudes Zoologiques sur le Sahara Central): 50 - 54--

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Pellegrin, J. (1927): LES REPTILES ET LES BATRACIENS DE L'AFRIQUE DU NORD FRANÇAISE -- Comp. rend. 51. sess., Assoc. Franc. Avanc. Sci. (Constantine): 260 - 264--

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Pellegrin, J. (1936): Reptiles -- Mission au Tibesti. Zoologie. Etude preliminaire de la faune du Tibesti. Mémoires de l'Académie des sciences de l'Institut de France 62: 50 - 53--

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Pellegrin, J. (1935): REPTILES (Tibetsi, Algeria) -- Mémoires de l'Académie des sciences de l'Institut de France 62: 50 - 52--

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Peracca, M.G. (1894): Viaggio del D.r E. FESTA in Palestina, nei Libano e regioni vicine. VI. RETTILI ED ANFIBI -- BOLLETTINO DEI Musei di Zoologia ed Anatomia comparata della R. Universita del Torino IX(167): 21 pp.--

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Peters, W. (1862): Über die von dem so früh in Afrika verstorbenen Freiherrn von Barnim und Dr. Hartmann auf ihrer Reise durch Ägypten, Nubien und dem Sennar gesammelten Amphibien. -- Ber. k. preuss. Akad. Berlin, 1862: 271 - 279 + 1 plate--

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Peters, W. (1880): Über die von Hrn. Rohlfs und Dr. A. Stecker auf der Reise nach der Oase Kufra gesammelten Amphibien. -- Monatsber. Akad. Wiss. Berlin 1880: 305 - 309--

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Pola, L., V. Hejduk, T. Winkelhöfer, A. Zíka, M.A. Abu Baker & Z.S. Amr (2020): Recent Observations on Amphibians and Reptiles in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan -- Jordan Journal of Natural History, 7: 11 - 29-- read abstract The herpetofauna of Jordan has been extensively studied over the past few decades not only by local herpetologists but by foreign ones as well. Additional information on the current status, distribution, and ecology of amphibians and reptiles is indeed crucial for the conservation authorities as it enables them to take an inventory of certain areas together with some protection and conservation actions. Herein, this study reports observations of three amphibians and thirty-two reptile species along with some distributional and ecological notes

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Popov, G.B. (1961): Lizards of Aden and the Protectorate (very bad copy) -- Port of Aden Annual 1960-61: 44 - 47--

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Procter, J.B. (1921): Further Lizards and Snakes from Persia and Mesopotamia -- Journ. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 28: 251 - 253 + 1 plate--

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Procter, J.B. (1923): "Lacertilia"; pp. 120 - 127. -- In: Ingoldby, C. M. & Procter, J. B. (1923): Notes on a collection of Reptilia from Waziristan and the adjoining portion of the N.W. Frontier Province. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 29: 117 - 135.--

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Rahemo, Z.I,F. & S.I. Mohammed (2020): Vertebrate Specimens Deposited at Kurdistan Natural History Museum -- Jordan Journal of Natural History, 7: 30 - 36-- read abstract The Kurdistan Natural History Museum (KNHM) at Salahaddin University is a recognized Iraqi university-based museum. It serves as an important resource for undergraduate and graduate education, with the aim of collecting and studying the biodiversity in Iraq especially of vertebrates (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) since 2003. A total of 106 specimens of vertebrates were collected from the Kurdistan region, including Erbil, Duhok, and Sulaimaniyah provinces and northeastern Iraq. The specimens included nineteen species of fishes belonging to four families, four amphibians belonging to four families, forty-one reptiles belonging to nine families, twenty-five bird species belonging to fourteen families, and nineteen species of mammals belonging to eleven families. All specimens were preserved, or taxidermed in a standard method followed by international museums. Some suggestions are listed to improve and increase the number of museum specimens

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Rahemo, Z.I.F. & S.I. Mohamad (2014): Lizards biodiversity of arid regions in Iraq -- Journal of Genetic and Environmental Resources Conservation, 2(1): 46-53-- read abstract Arid region in Iraq are extensive, as such lizards have been adapted to different substrates. Certain Iraqi lizards are adopted for life in or on eolian sand dunes, or at least on sandy soils and more or less restricted to such zones. Among the abundant species are species of Acanthodactylus, Scincus, Phrynocephaluss. Members of genus Scincus and to lesser extent species of Phrynocephalus, are adapted both for burrowing in soft sand and for sand running. Furthermore, the species of Laudakia, such as L. nupta appear to be restricted to areas such as limestone outcrops and rocky cliff faces where both basking surfaces and deep crevices even in mountains of Kurdistan for retreat are provided. Species of Trapelus, such as T. agilis, T. persicus, T.ruderatus occur on plains, valleys, and alluvial fans, on sandy, loam, clay, and gravel soils. These lizards are usually found in the vicinity of small rock piles, such as those erected by local inhabitants to mark the boundaries of grain fields in a dried region of Mosul city (near Syrian boundies). They retreat into these piles for shelter. Species of Phrynocephalus show distinct preference for particular soil types some species prefer open clay and gravel plains, while others usually found on sandy plains and steppes. Species which are rock-inhibiting able to negotiate the rough vertical surfaces of rock outcrops and montane habitats. These include species of Laudakia and several species of Lacerta. These lizards utilize the many angles and shadows of this environment for temperature regulation by asking and make use of the many crevices for retreat from predators and temperature extremes. The gecko, Cyrtopodion usually are found on rocky slopes and cliff faces, in crevices and caverns, and in about human habitation particularly C. scrabum. Moreover, Asaccus elisae is found in caverns in gypsum deposits and limestone. Species of Uromastix are confined in their local distribution to well-drained alluvial soils wherein they are able to excavate their burrows, for instance U. lorcatus prefers silty-clay soils. As regards, Varanus spp. inhabiting the most continuously distributed substrate. From above biodiversity of lizard habitat. It can be conclude that the evolution of lizards may be correlated with this specific affinity for substrate type.

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Ramos, J.J. & M.Á. Diaz-Portero (2008): Aportaciones al conocimiento de la herpetofauna del Jebel Saghro (Antiatlas Oriental, Marruecos) -- Bol. Asoc. Herpetol. Esp. 19: 90 - 93--

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Rastegar-Pouyani, N. (1999): Two New Subspecies of Trapelus agilis Complex (Sauria: Agamidae) From Lowland Southwestern Iran and Southeastern Pakistan -- Asiatic Herpetological Research Vol. 8, pp. 90-101-- read abstract Based on conducting long-term excursions and carrying out extensive field work in various parts of the Iranian Plateau and studying preserved (museum) material including the syntypes of Olivier's Agama agilis, and paralectotypes of Boulenger's Agama isolepis, two new subspecies of the wide-ranging Asian ground agamid Trapelus agilis complex are described from the lowland southwestern Iran and southeastern Pakistan (and adjoining northwestern India) respectively. The former of the new subspecies has conventionally been considered as belonging to T. a. agilis, and the latter to T. a. isolepis. They are distinguishable from the other subspecies of T. agilis complex by having several distinctive morphological characteristics. The distinctiveness of both subspecies is confirmed according to the author's previous extensive studies on this complex using uni- and multivariate analyses of morphological characters. Both subspecies mainly occur as geographical isolates in the periphery of the main range of the complex, and both have mainly been separated from the central continuum (= T. a. agilis) by eco-geographical barriers and are almost entirely restricted in distribution to the lowlands, desert and semi-desert regions with high annual temperature. A taxonomic and biogeographic account as well as a key to subspecies of T. agilis complex are presented.

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Rastegar-Pouyani, N. (1999): Analysis of geographic variation in the Trapelus agilis complex (Sauria: Agamidae) -- Zoology in the Middle East 19: 75-99.-- read abstract Based on an examination of about 1000 specimens from all over its range, and employing univariate statistics, geographic variation in the ground agamid Trapelus agilis complex is discussed. A morphological analysis revealed considerable variation among various populations and showed that all populations are sexually dimorphic. Some of the conventional subspecies of this complex are questioned. The syntypes of Olivier's Agama agilis, and the paralectotypes of BOULENGER'S Agama isolepis were examined and their taxonomic status reevaluated. Most peripheral populations have undergone intensive change and speciation. All populations of the T. agilis complex are divided into four distinctive forms for which an ANOVA-based pairwise comparison shows that in most morphological characters these forms are significantly different. The name "'agilis" is retained for the central Iranian Plateau as well as southern Afghan and western Pakistani populations (T2) as the central core of the complex and the subspecific name "sanguinolentus" is retained for the Central Asian populations (T4). The distinctiveness of the lowland south-western Iranian (Tl) as well as south-eastern Pakistani populations (T3) warrants their separate taxonomic recognition.

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Rastegar-Pouyani, N. (1998): SYSTEMATICS AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE IRANIAN SPECIES OF Trapelus (SAURIA: AGAMIDAE): A REVIEW -- Russian Journal of Herpetology 5(2): 127 – 146-- read abstract The agamid genus Trapelus, as one of the least studied genera of the Agamidae, consists of about six species complexes widely distributed throughout the desert and semi-desert regions of north Africa, Middle East, and Central Asia. Of these, three species complexes occur on the Iranian Plateau: T. agilis, T. persicus, and T. ruderatus. The systematic status as well as distribution of this well defined monophyletic genus is anecdotal and there are still many controversies and uncertainties in this relation. In order to explain and clarify various ideas and researches done, so far, and as a starting point for a comprehensive taxonomic, phylogenetic, and biogeographic work on this genus, in this paper systematics and distribution of the Iranian species of Trapelus, mainly by a historical perspective, based on all the available relevant literature (since 1804 when Olivier collected and described Agama agilis and A. ruderata as the first described species of the genus), as well as my own preliminary studies have been reviewed. As well, the type series of these species have been examined, their relevant type localities have been questioned and, partly, restricted and the traditional subspecific (or specific) status of their different populations has been evaluated and criticized. Also, the distribution of the genus Trapelus and a key to the Iranian species are provided.

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Rastegar-Pouyani, N. (2000): Taxonomic status of Trapelus ruderatus (Olivier) and T. persicus (Blanford), and validity of T. lessonae (De Filippi) -- Amphibia-Reptilia 21: 91 - 102-- read abstract The systematic status of the ground agamids (conventional) Trapelus ruderatus and Trapelus persicus is re-evaluated based on material collected by the author on the Iranian Plateau and material from various museum collections, including the type specimens of Trapelus ruderatus (Olivier). T. megalonyx Günther, T. lessonae (De Filippi, T. persicus (Blanford) and T. ruderatus baluchianus (Smith). In conclusion, the holotype of Trapelus ruderatus is a subadult (conventional) T. persicus and that of T. lessonae is a typical (conventional) T. ruderatus ruderatus. Furthermore, T. megalonyx is a well-established species and T. r. baluchianus is not a valid taxonomic entity, being a junior synonym of T. megalonyx. So, some major nomenclatural changes are inevitable: Since T. lessonae is the oldest available name, it is revived for all populations of the (conventional) T. r. ruderatus, and the specific name "ruderatus" is, in turn, assigned for all populations of the (conventional) T. persicus (because of priority). Thus, the specific name "persicus" comes under the synonymy of "ruderatus" and is no longer available.

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Rastegar-Pouyani, N., G. Eftekharzadeh, A. Imani & S. Hosseini (2013): Sexual dimorphism in Trapelus lessonae (De Filippi, 1865) (Sauria: Agamidae) from western Iranian Plateau -- Iranian Journal of Animal Biosystematics (IJAB) 9(2): 125-133-- read abstract We collected 60 adult males and 85 adult females of Trapelus lessonae De Filippi, 1863 in early May 2008 from central Iranian plateau to study sexual dimorphism in morphological traits as well as female reproductive traits. Size-related sexual dimorphism occurred in all the compared body dimensions. The largest female was 83.88 mm in snout-vent length, and the largest male was 73.12 mm. As well, adult males were larger in head size and tail length, whereas females were larger in body size and abdomen length. Males and females also presented differences in color pattern, and in the presence of preanal pores. The results suggest that, in Trapelus lessonae, sexual dimorphism in size is determined by sexual selection, competition between males and fecundity selection, fecundity advantage for large female size. A pattern generated by fecundity advantages enjoyed by large females.

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RASTEGAR-POUYANI, N., H.G. KAMI, M. RAJABZADEH, S. SHAFIEI & S.C. ANDERSON (2008): Annotated Checklist of Amphibians and Reptiles of Iran -- Iranian Journal of Animal Biosystematics (IJAB) 4(1): 7-30-- read abstract An updated checklist of the herpetofauna of Iran is presented based on records of amphibian and reptile species whose presence has been confirmed in Iran as a result of extensive field expeditions, examination of herpetological collections, literature review, and personal communications from researchers. The herpetofauna of Iran consists of 13 species and five subspecies of frogs and toads belonging to five genera and four families, eight species of salamanders belonging to four genera and two families, nine species and six subspecies of turtles, terrapins and tortoises belonging to nine genera and six families, one species of crocodile, one species of amphisbaenian, more than 125 species of lizards belonging to 36 genera and eight families as well as 79 species of snakes belonging to 37 genera and six families.

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Razmjo, M., A. Bahrami, E. Hosseini & A.M. Bahrami (2013): The first report of lizard and turtle ticks from Ilam, Western Province of Iran -- Adv. Biores., 4(3): 118-122-- read abstract Ticks are one of the most significant ectoparasites of animals and man, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Approximately 10% of 899 tick species take role in transmission of more than 200 pathogens. Ilam province is located in western of Iran, close border with Iraq. A total of 129 lizard (Trachylepis vittata, Trachylepis a. transcaucasica, Trapelus lessonae and Laudakia nupta) and 25 tortoise specimens (Testudo graeca) were collected during May 2008 to August 2010. Out of 129 lizards species 78 (60.46%) cases had infestation with ticks (Hyalomma aegyptium, Haemaphysalis spp and Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Prevalence of Hyalomma aegyptium, Repicephalus sanguineus and Haemaphysalis spp were 39.53%, 13.95% and 17.05% respectively. Hyalomma aegyptium was found to be the most frequent tick species. In this study, 62 of specified ticks were male and 67 were female. Prevalence of ticks in male lizards was 61.29% and in female one was 53.73%. Out of 25 turtle, one of them was infested only by one tick. Hyalomma aegyptium were recognized on and attachment site were on the front leg of the Testudo graeca turtle. Our observation on the lizard in this study shows that reptiles live in their own area and they do not go far away from their territory. It can be concluded that if reptiles represents any ticks, it will be limited on their territory. However there are some concerns about tick born diseases, which could affect other animals and man.

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Reed, C.A. & H. Marx (1959): A Herpetological Collection from northeastern Iraq. -- Trans. Kans. Acad. Sci. 62(1): 91 - 122.--

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Reuss, A. (1834): Zoologische Miscellen. Reptilien. Saurier. Batrachier. -- Museum Senckenbergianum. Abhandlungen aus dem Gebiete der beschreibenden Naturgeschichte. 28 - 62 + plate III--

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Robson, G.M. & M.R.K. Lambert (1980): Observations on the insect food of some semi-desert lizards in southern Morocco -- Journal of Arid Environments 3: 141-151-- read abstract Seven species of lizards, including Acanthodactylus boskianus asper (Audouin), were collected in the semi-desert region of Ouarzazate, southern Morocco, in three habitat types: oued, hamada and bare ground. Measurements of head and body size established that mouth width limits the size of insect prey ingested. Dissections were made of the stomachs of lizards taken both in the morning and the afternoon. In all habitats, Orthoptera represented the largest volume (18 per cent) of the food of mature Acanthodactylus. A mean of one insect per stomach was found at anyone time. Ants and termites formed the majority of individual insects in the diet (56 per cent) of juvenile Acanthodactylus, and also a prominent proportion of the food of other species. A mean of over seven termites was found in Eremias g. guttulata (Lichtenstein) while ants constituted up to 98 per cent of the prey of Agama spp. Mature lizards tended not to eat to capacity. Uromastix acanthinurus Bell contained only plant remains.

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ROITBERG, E.S., L.F. MAZANAEVA, E.V. ILYINA & V.F. ORLOVA (2000): Die Echsen Dagestans (Nordkaukasus, Russland): Artenliste und aktuelle Verbreitungsdaten (Reptilia: Sauria: Gekkonidae, Agamidae, Anguidae, Scincidae et Lacertidae) -- FAUNISTISCHE ABHANDLUNGEN Staatliches Museum für Tierkunde Dresden Band 22 Nr. 8: 95 - 116-- read abstract The lizards of Daghestan (North Caucasus, Russia): species list and actual data on distribution (Reptilia: Sauria: Gekkonidae, Aganiidae, Anguidae, Scincidae, and Lacertidae). - The lizard fauna of Daghestan (SE North Caucasus, Russia) includes 17 species which belong lo nine genera of five families (Gekkonidae - l, Agamidae - 4, Anguidae - 2, Scincidae - l, and Lacertidae - 9 species). For each species, detailed data on the geographic distribution within Daghestan (50 300 km2) are presented. Some remarks on the habitats, occur-rence, and local population decline are also given. Kurzfassung. Die Echsenfauna Dagestans (südöstlicher Nordkaukasus, Russland) umfaßt 17 Arten, welche neun Gattungen in fünf Familien angehören (Gekkonidae - l, Agamidae - 4, Anguidae - 2, Scincidae - l und Lacertidae - 9 Arten). Für jede Art wurden detaillierte Verbreitungskarten mit Katastern in Dagestan (50 300 km2) erstellt. Einige Angaben zu den Habitaten, zur Häufigkeit sowie über die lokale Arealdynamik werden ebenfalls mitgeteilt.

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Rosado, D., D.J. Harris, A. Perera, B. Tome, I. Damas-Moreira, I. Tavares, H. Estrela, A. De Sousa, A. Pereira, M. Mantovani & D. Salvi (2016): Moroccan herpetofauna distribution updates including a DNA barcoding approach -- herpetozoa 28(3/4): 171 - 178--

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Rosen, N. (1905): List of the Lizards in the Zoological Museum of Lund with Descriptions of new Species. -- Ann. Mag. Nat.Hist. 7(16): 129 - 142 + pl. VII--

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Rotem, G., Y. Gavish, B. Shacham, I. Giladi, A. Bouskila & Y. Ziv (2015): Combined effects of climatic gradient and domestic livestock grazing on reptile community structure in a heterogeneous agroecosystem -- Oecologia, DOI 10.1007/s00442-015-3435-y (early view) 12 pp-- read abstract Grazing plays an important role in shaping ecological communities in human-related ecosystems. Although myriad studies have explored the joint effect of grazing and climate on plant communities, this interactive effect has rarely been studied in animals. We hypothesized that the effect of grazing on the reptile community varies along a climatic gradient in relation to the effect of grazing on habitat characteristics, and that grazing differentially affects reptiles of different biogeographic regions. We tested our hypotheses by collecting data on environmental characteristics and by trapping reptiles in four heterogeneous landscapes experiencing differing grazing intensities and distributed along a sharp climatic gradient. We found that while reptile diversity increased with grazing intensity at the mesic end of the gradient, it decreased with grazing intensity at the arid end. Moreover, the proportion of reptile species of differing biogeographic origins varied with the interactive effect of climate and grazing. The representation of species originating in arid biogeographic zones was highest at the arid end of the climatic gradient, and representation increased with grazing intensity within this area. Regardless of the climatic context, increased grazing pressure results in a reduction in vegetation cover and thus in changes in habitat characteristics. By reducing vegetation cover, grazing increased habitat heterogeneity in the dense mesic sites and decreased habitat heterogeneity in the arid sites. Thus, our results suggest that the same direction of habitat alteration caused by grazing may have opposite effects on biodiversity and community composition in different climatic contexts

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Rouag, R. (2012): BIODIVERSITE DE L’HEPETOFAUNE ALGERIENNE -- MINISTÈRE DE L’AMÉNAGEMENT DU TERRITOIRE ET DE L’ENVIRONNEMENT. Office National de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable: 104 pp--

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RUTSCHKE, J. & U.-K. HARTMANN (1994): Die Sahara: Herpetologische Eindrücke aus einem kalten Land unter heißer Sonne.Teil 1: Anpassung der Reptilien an die lebensfeindlichen Bedingungen in der Sahara -- herpetofauna 16(90): 23 - 31-- read abstract In the Sahara, the world greatest desert, hostile living conditions exist all over the year. The reptiles have developed numerous strategies to adapt themselves and to survive water-shortage, extreme sunlight, heat, variation of temperature, lack of cover, want of nourishment and special ground conditions in the sandy desert. Special mechanisms in morphology and single organs of desert reptiles are described as wel l as corresponding behaviour.

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Rüppell, E. (1835): Neue Wirbelthiere zu der Fauna von Abyssinien gehörig. Amphibien (Amphibians and Reptiles) -- Schmerber, Frankfurt, 1 - 18 + 6 plates--

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Sabbaghzadeh, A. & M. Mashayekhi (2015): Survey of Reptiles Fauna of Nazmabad of Arak, Markazi Province, Iran -- African Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences 7(2): 101-108-- read abstract Study Reptiles each region and take appropriate measures to preserve and protect them as valuable species for recovery and balance of natural ecosystems, the priorities of each country's significant biodiversity. Iran is a very active geographic area for any animals and more especially for reptiles, due to its wide range deserts and ecology. Markazi Province in the northern Iran possesses varied climatic and geographical conditions that led to rich biodiversity. This study was done in Nazmabad of the southern Arak and in 34° 34' 38"of latitude and 49° 43' 39"of longitude. In this research, many reptiles were observed from different zones of Nazmabad area during March 2013 to Novamber 2013. Pictures were taken of the samples and then were released without any harm. Identified samples belong to 15 species and 7 families including: Typhlops vermicularis from the family Tiphlopidae; Psammophis schokri, Coluber najadum, Hemorrhois ravergieri, Coluber r.ladacensis, Eirenis persicus and Hierophis andreanus from the family Colubridae; Vipera lebetina from the family Viperidae; Ophisops elegans from the family Lacertidae; Laudakia caucasia and Trapelus ruderatus from the family Agamidae; Ablepharus pannonicus, Ablepharus bivittatus and Eumeces schneideri princeps from the family scincidae and Testudo graeca from the family Testudinidae. With five species represented, Colubrids the highest species diversity in the area.

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SABER, S.A. & M.F. MASOOD (2011): ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF THE HERPETOFAUNA OF EL OMAYED PROTECTED AREA, EGYPT -- Al-Azhar Bulletin of Science 22(1): 93 - 114-- read abstract This study was carried out in El Omayed Protected Area at the Western Coastal Desert of Egypt. The present survey of the herpetofauna comprise 30 species (one amphibian species and 29 reptilian species) belonging to 25 genera and 11 families. Bufo viridis viridis was the only recorded amphibian species. From reptiles, 18 species of lizards, 9 species of snakes, and 2 species of Testudines were recorded. No endemic species were found in the study area. About half of the recorded species (43%) are threatened by different degrees and in argent need of special management; Threats to the populations of herpetofauna of the study area and conservatory recommendations were listed.

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Safaei-Mahroo, B. & H. Ghaffari (2021): Chapter 44. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Euphrates and Tigris Basin -- Jawad, L.A. (ed.).Tigris and Euphrates Rivers: Their Environment from Headwaters to Mouth.- Aquatic Ecology Series, Volume 11: 975 - 1005-- read abstract This chapter focused on Amphibians and Reptiles of Euphrates and Tigris River Basin that is confined to Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey as a main part of Mesopotamia. The Mesopotamian terrestrial biome has an area of approximately 700,000 km2, divided into ten main ecoregions. Herpetofauna of the basin includes 10 species of amphibians in 8 genera and 4 families in two orders of Caudata and Anura, furthermore 134 species of reptiles in 64 genera and 21 families, 4 turtle species, 71 species of lizards, 57 species of snakes and 2 species of amphisbaenians. Predominant vegetation along the Euphrates and Tigris River and their tributaries provide food, refuge, and breeding ground for many semiaquatic and aquatic species. The main threats to the survival of amphibians and reptiles in this region are human overexploitation, dam construction, water pollution, illegal fishing methods, ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation, wars, and political conflicts.

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SAFAEI-MAHROO, B., H. GHAFFARI, H. FAHIMI, S. BROOMAND, M. YAZDANIAN, E. NAJAFI MAJD, S.S. HOSSEINIAN YOUSEFKHANI, E. REZAZADEH, M.S. HOSSEINZADEH, R. NASRABADI, M. RAJABIZADEH, M. MASHAYEKHI, A. MOTESHAREI, A. NADERI & S.M. KAZEMI (2015): The Herpetofauna of Iran: Checklist of Taxonomy, Distribution and Conservation Status -- Asian Herpetological Research 6(4): 257–290-- read abstract We present an annotated checklist for a total 241 reptiles and 22 amphibians including 5 frogs, 9 toads, 7 newts and salamanders, 1 crocodile, 1 worm lizard, 148 lizards, 79 snakes and 12 turtles and tortoises, includes the most scientific literature up to August 2014 and also based on several field surveys conducted in different Provinces of Iran from 2009 to 2014. We present an up-to-dated checklist of reptiles and amphibians in Iran. We provide a comprehensive listing of taxonomy, names, distribution and conservation status of all amphibians and reptiles of Iran. This checklist includes all recognized named taxa, English names for classes, orders, families, species, subspecies along with Persian names for species, including indication of native and introduced species. For the first time we report two non-native introduced reptiles from natural habitats of Iran. Of the total 22 species of amphibians in Iran, 6 (27.2%) are endemic and of the total 241 species of reptiles, 55 (22.8%) are endemic. Of the 22 amphibians species in Iran, 3 (13%) are Critically Endangered, 2 (9%) are Vulnerable and of the 241 reptile species 3 (1.2%) are Critically Endangered, 4 (1.6%) are Endangered and 10 (4.1%) are Vulnerable. Accordingly, this paper combines significant aspects of taxonomy, common names, conservation status and distribution of the Iranian herpetofauna.

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Salman, N.A. (2019): A Review of Southern Iraq Herpetofauna -- Biol. Appl. Envir. Res. 3(1): 61 - 71-- read abstract The present review discussed the species diversity of herpetofauna in southern Iraq due to their scientific and national interests. The review includes a historical record for the herpetofaunal studies in Iraq since the earlier investigations of the 1920s and 1950s along with the more recent taxonomic trials in the following years. It appeared that, little is known about Iraqi herpetofauna, and no comprehensive checklist has been done for these species. So far, 96 species of reptiles and amphibians have been recorded from Iraq, but only a relatively small proportion of them occur in the southern marshes. The marshes act as key habitat for globally endangered species and as a potential for as yet unexplored amphibian and reptile diversity. Despite the lack of precise localities, the tree frog Hyla savignyi, the marsh frog Pelophylax ridibunda and the green toad Bufo viridis are found in the marshes. Common reptiles in the marshes include the Caspian terrapin (Clemmys caspia), the soft-shell turtle (Trionyx euphraticus), the Euphrates softshell turtle (Rafetus euphraticus), geckos of the genus Hemidactylus, two species of skinks (Trachylepis aurata and Mabuya vittata) and a variety of snakes of the genus Coluber, the spotted sand boa (Eryx jaculus), tessellated water snake (Natrix tessellata) and Gray's desert racer (Coluber ventromaculatus). More recently, a new record for the keeled gecko, Cyrtopodion scabrum and the saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus sochureki) was reported. The IUCN Red List includes six terrestrial and six aquatic amphibian species. It includes also 23 terrestrial and one aquatic reptile species. The list of herpetofauna of southern Iraq of the present review consists of six amphibian species belonging to one order (Anura) which includes three families as well as 32 reptilian species belonging to two orders (Squmata and Testudines) which include 15 families.

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Salvador, A. & S. Peris (1975): Contribución al estudio de la fauna herpetológica de Río de Oro. -- Boletín de la Estación Central de Ecología. Madrid 4 (1974): 49–60.-- read abstract A new subspecies, Rona ridibunda riodeoroi, is described from northern Rio de Oro. Also is studied a small collection of reptiles from this territory, discussing the taxonomic status of some species.

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Sánchez-Vialas, A. & M. Calvo-Revuelta (2018): COMMENTED CATALOGUE OF THE HERPETOLOGICAL COLLECTION FROM MOROCCO IN THE MUSEO NACIONAL DE CIENCIAS NATURALES (MADRID, SPAIN), WITH EMPHASIS ON THE MATERIAL COLLECTED DURING HISTORICAL EXPEDITIONS -- Graellsia, 74(2): 1 - 14-- read abstract A catalogue of the amphibians and reptiles from Morocco held at the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales de Madrid (MNCN-CSIC) is presented. We highlight the valuable contributions of two historical expeditions in Morocco. In both expeditions a total of 31 species were collected, mainly from Essaouira, Tánger, Ketama and surroundings. The presence of the specimens which represented the first records of Cerastes vipera and Scincus albifasciatus for Morocco is confirmed. Also, the MNCN collection held the type series of Rana ridibunda riodeoroi, Psammodromus algirus ketamensis and Salamandra algira tingitana. Historical collected specimens held in scientific collections could provide valuable information for identify changes in biological communities and planning biodiversity conservation measures.

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Sanchooli, N. (2017): Ecological variables determining the presence of lizards in the Sistan region, Eastern Iran -- Ecol Res DOI 10.1007/s11284-017-1514-8 (early view) 5 pp.-- read abstract Climate condition is an important key affecting species presence, especially for reptiles. Precipitation and temperature are especially important environmental factors to consider. In the present study, I collected as many presence records as possible for seven lizard species from the Sistan region and analyzed them in relation to environmental variables using the maximum entropy algorithm. According to the analysis, temperature seasonality affected the distributions of three species (Eremias fasciata, Ophiomorus tridactylus, Teratoscincus bedriagai) and precipitation affected the presence of four species (Ablepharus pannonicus, Bunopus tuberculatus, Cyrtopodion scabrum, Trapelus agilis). The most important variable affecting E. fasciata and O.tridactylus (23% of contribution) is isothermality. For T. bedriagai, temperature seasonality was more important (32% contribution). Annual precipitation was the most highly contributed variable for A. pannonicus. Precipitation of the wettest month has a high contribution for the other species, representing 49, 48, and 54% for B. tuberculatus, C. scabrum and T. agilis, respectively.

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Sanchooli, N. (2018): Notes on the lizard’s fauna of Sistan region in eastern Iran -- Iranian Journal of Animal Biosystematics (IJAB) 14(1): 37-42-- read abstract To evaluate the lizard fauna of the Sistan region, field work was conducted from 2014 to 2015 in five sampling locations as Zabol, Zahak, Hirmand, Nimrooz and Hamoon towns. Field work was done during both day and night at all sites. In total, 196 specimens were collected and identified using available identification keys. Collected lizards belong to six families: Agamidae, Lacertidae, Gekkonidae, Sphaerodactylidae, Scincidae and Varanidae. A total of 10 genera and 15 species of lizards were represented. Gekkonidae was the most diverse family with four genera and four species.

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Sarayev F.A. & M.V. Pestov (2010): On the cadastre of the reptiles of Northern and Northeastern Caspian Sea Regions (in russ. with engl. summ.) -- Herpetologische Studien in Kasachstan und den Nachbarländern (Almati): 172 - 191-- read abstract The paper presents a summary of literature and original authors’ data on distribution of reptiles in the Northern and Northeastern Caspian Sea Regions (Atyrau District and bordering areas of Aktyubinsk, Mangystau and West-Kazakhstan districts of the Republic of Kazakhstan). It contains the complete for today cadastre maps and exact geographical coordinates of sites where 21 reptile species were ever found. An inhabitance of three more species previously recorded for this region was not confirmed.

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Schleich, H.-H. (1987): Contributions to the Herpetology of Kouf National Park (NE-Libya) and Adjacent Areas -- SPIXIANA 10(1): 37-80-- read abstract Herpetological surveys were carried out by RESETAR (1981) between September 25, 1981 and December 12, 1981 and by myself from April 1, 1983 to August 30, 1983. In this final report all species of amphibians and reptiles collected in Kouf National Park and its adjacent areas are mentioned and the data, descriptions and wildlife observations, together with the distributional maps of the herptiles of the park area, are compiled. - In the proposed 100,000 ha park area 2 amphibian, 3 turtle, 10 lizard and 7 snake species were found and described. For the adjacent areas, surrounding the region of the watershed, 1 further turtle species (Testudo [P.] kleinmanni), 2 further lizard species (Stenodactylus sthenodactylus sthenodactylus, Eumeces schneideri algeriensis) und 2 further snake species (Spalerosophis diadema, Cerastes sp.) could be added. General descriptions and information on the park are given, and ecological data summarize the information on the biology of the species mentioned.

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Schleich, H.H. (1979): Feldherpetologische Beobachtungen in Persien, nebst morphologischen Daten zu den Agamen Agama agilis, A. caucasica und A. erythrogaster -- Salamandra 15(4): 237 - 253-- read abstract Three habitats are described and their ecological aspects discussed for short: one site, where lizards had been observed and collected, in NW Persia at the Turkish/Persian border (Bazargan), both the other sites in NE Persia near Mash'had. Several data on the temperature are listed as well as an analysis of faeces of the collected lizards. In addition, more detailed characteristics for the separation of Agama caucasica and A. erythrogaster are given.

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Schmidt, K. P. (1939): Reptiles and amphibians from southwestern Asia. -- Zool. Ser. Field Mus. nat. hist. 24(7): 49 - 91.--

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Schmidt, K.P. (1953): AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF YEMEN -- FIELDIANA ZOOLOGY 34(24): 253 - 261--

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Schmidt, K.P. (1930): REPTILES OF MARSHALL FIELD NORTH ARABIAN DESERT EXPEDITIONS, 1927-1928 -- FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. ZOOLOGICAL SERIES VOL. XVII, No. 6: 223 - 230 + 1 plate--

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Schmidt, K.P. (1941): Reptiles and Amphibians from Central Arabia -- Zool. Ser. Field Mus. nat. Hist. 24(16): 161 - 165--

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Schmidt, K.P. (1955): AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES FROM IRAN -- Videnskabelige Meddelelser fra Dansk naturhistorisk Forening I Kobenhavn, 117: 193--

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Schmidt, K.P. (1952): Fauna collected by the Expedition (amphibians & reptiles part) -- In: Field, H. (1952): Contributions to the Anthropology of the Faiyum, Sinai, Northern Sudan and Kenya. University of California Press: 339 - 341--

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Schmidt, K.P. & H. Marx (1956): THE HERPETOLOGY OF SINAI -- Fieldina, zool. Ser. 39(4): 21 - 40--

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Schätti, B. (1989): Amphibien und Reptilien aus der Arabischen Republik Jemen und Djibouti -- Rev. suisse zool. 96(4): 905 - 937-- read abstract Amphibians and reptiles from the Yemen Arab Republic and Djibouti. -- Field observations and some systematic comments on the material collected during two herpetological expeditions in the Yemen Arab Republic in 1986 and 1988 are presented and a few amphibians and reptiles from Djibouti are dealt with. Five reptile species (Ablepharus pannonicus, Mesalina adramitana, Pristurus collaris, Tropiocolotes scortecci and Uromastyx benti) are reported for the first time from the Y. A. R. Most remarkably, apparently new forms of the genera Ophisops and Varanus were found.

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Scortecci, G. (1934): RETTILI RACCOLTI NEL DESERTO LIBICO PALLA MISSIONE DESIO DELLA REALE ACCADEMIA D' ITALIA and RETTILI RACCOLTI NEL DESERTO LIBICO DAL PROF. LODOVICO DI CAPORIACCO -- Museo civico di Storia naturale XIII: 185 - 190 and 191 - 194--

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Scortecci, G. (1935): RETTILI RACCOLTI NEL DESERTO LIBICO DALLA MISSIONE DESIO DELLA REALE ACCADEMIA D'ITALIA -- Atti della Società Italiana di Scienze Naturali e del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale in Milano 74(1-2): 185 - 190--

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Scortecci, G. (1937): RELAZIONE PRELIMINARE DI UN VIAGGIO NEL FEZZAN SUD OCCIDENTALE E SUI TASSILI -- Atti Soc. Ital. Sci. Nat., Mus. Civ. Stor. Nat. Milano 76: 105 - 194 + 4 plates--

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Seifan, M., Y. Zohar & Y.L. Werner (2016): Reptile distribution may identify terrestrial islands for conservation: the Levant’s ‘Arava Valley as a model -- JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY, 2016 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2016.1205154. 19 pp. + 17 pp suppl.-- read abstract Widely accepted major criteria for biodiversity hotspots that deserve conservation include species richness, endemism and threat. Proving that a taxon is endemic to a given area is more diffcult, and therefore expensive, with animals than with plants because of the diffculty to prove absence outside the known distribution. Seeking a cost-eficient practical method to show animal endemism while funds necessary for conventional demonstration of endemism are lacking, we argued that when the known distribution of a suspected endemic taxon coincides with an ecogeographically isolated area, e.g. island, its exclusivity to that area is more credible. We selected a model site containing suspected endemics, the ‘Arava depression (altitude - 400–0 m) between arid southern Israel and southern Jordan. A search of the literature and collections found at least 23 animal taxa endemic to the ‘Arava, to the adjacent Dead Sea basin sharing the depression, or to both. We assessed the level of isolation of the ‘Arava depression by statistically analysing the geographical distribution of taxa (species or subspecies) of one selected well researched model group, Squamata (lizards and snakes). In northern Israel and Jordan the squamate faunas of the two countries are very similar. In contrast in the south where the ‘Arava intervenes, the two faunas greatly differ. The ‘Arava both constitutes a partial barrier and is partly isolated. Hence its apparent endemics are likely real endemics, inviting conservation of the area. The more so since the ‘Arava is also an arena of much research and education. Our methodology may serve worldwide to identify semi-isolated terrestrial areas for conservation.

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SEUFER, H., T. KOWALSKI & H.J. ZILGER (1999): Herpetologische Impressionen einer Reise in den Oman -- herpetofauna 21 (119): 24 - 34-- read abstract Zusammenfassung Der Bericht handelt von einer lOtägigen herpetologisch und botanisch geprägten Reise in den Oman, mit Schwerpunkt auf der südlichen Provinz Dhofar. Uber die Verbreitung und Lebensweise der beobachteten Amphibien und Reptilien wird hingeweisen, wobei seltene Beobachtungen in zuvor überschwemmten Gebieten (Wadis) gemacht werden konnten. Für Pristurus minimus konnte eine beträchtliche Verbreitungslücke geschlossen und der Erstnachweis von Asaccus platyrhynchus für den Wadi Misdal erbracht werden. Außerdem konnte nachgewiesen werden, daß die vermutlich eingeschleppte Blutsaugeragame (Calotes versicolor) inzwischen weiträumig in den Bergen der Provinz Dhofar verbreitet ist. Abstract This article reports of a 10 day expedition to the Oman with herpetological and botanical aspects , wit h special emphasis on the southern province Dhofar. It is reported about the distribution and life of the examined amphibians and reptiles, in addition to which rare observations could be made of previously flooded areas (Wadis). The distribution area of the Pristurus minimus was extended considerably. First records of the Asaccus platyrhynchus for the Wadi Misdal could be proven. In addition it could be proved that the Blood sucker (Calotes versicolor), which is assumed to be imported, is meanwhile widely distributed i n the mountains of the province of Dhofar.

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Seurat, L.-G. (1928): Reptiles -- Mem. Soc. Hist. Nat. Afrique Nord 4 (Etudes Zoologiques sur le Sahara Central: 22 - 23--

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Shahamat, A.-A., E. Rastegarpouyani, N. Rastegar-Pouyani, S.S. Hosseinian Yousefkhani & M. Wink (2020): Molecular phylogeny and intraspecific differentiation of the Trapelus agilis species complex in Iran (Squamata: Agamidae) inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequences -- PeerJ 8:e8295 http://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.8295; 14 pp.-- read abstract Background. Trapelus agilis consists of different morphotypes with restricted distributions in the Iranian Plateau. The phylogeny of the species complex has not been resolved so far, but recently Trapelus sanguinolentus were elevated from this complex into a full species. Other populations of the species complex need to be evaluated taxonomically. Methods. In the present study, several populations of this species complex along with specimens of its closely related taxa in Iran, T. sanguinolentus, T. ruderatus and T. persicus, were examined using partial nucleotide sequences of two mitochondrial genes (cytb and ND2) (total length 1,322 bp). Result. Populations of T. sanguinolentus clustered within the T. agilis species complex, thus indicating its paraphyly, but T. sanguinolentus was previously determined to be a species based on morphological features. The T. agilis species complex forms two distinct major clades, each of which is represented by several local populations on the Iranian Plateau. At least five distinct taxa can be identified within this traditional group. Our biogeographic evaluation of the molecular dataset suggested that the Trapelus complex originated in the Late Oligocene (30 mya) and subsequently diversified during the early to middle Miocene (22–13 mya). At first, the predominantly western clade of Trapelus ruderatus diverged from the other clades (22 mya). Afterward, Trapelus persicus diverged around 18 mya ago. The broader T. agilis complex started to diverge about 16 mya, forming several clades on the Iranian Plateau and in Central Asia. The different lineages within this species complex appear to be the result of vicariance events and dispersal waives. The corresponding vicariance events are the formation of the Zagros and Kopet Dagh basins (16–14 mya), and consequently, the aridification of the Iranian Plateau in the late Miocene (11–6 Mya).

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Shai Meiri, S., A. Belmaker, D. Berkowic, K. Kazes, E. Maza, G. Bar-Oz & R. Dor (2019): A checklist of Israeli land vertebrates -- Israel Journal of Ecology & Evolution, 2019, http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/22244662-20191047; 28 pp-- read abstract Faunal lists are important tools in ecology, biogeography, and conservation planning. Such lists can identify gaps in our knowledge of the distribution and taxonomy of regional faunas, and highlight issues needing further study. We present an up to date list of all land vertebrates occurring in Israel. We identify 786 species, of which 551 are birds, 130 are mammals, 97 are reptiles and eight are amphibians. Of these 369 species breed in Israel (including reintroductions), 199 (mostly birds) are regular visitors and 182 are accidental. Fourteen other species are invasive, and 22 species are extinct. We identify issues with the taxonomy and status of several species, and note recent developments in our understanding the Israeli land vertebrate fauna.

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SHCHERBAK, N.N. (1994): 19. Zoogeographic Analysis of the Reptiles of Turkmenistan. pp: 307 - 328, in: -- Fet, V. & K.I. Atamuradov (eds.) Biogeography and Ecology of Turkmenistan (MONOGRAPHIAE BIOLOGICAE VOLUME 72 (1994) Series Editors: .J. Dumont and M.J.A. Werger)-- read abstract The reptilian fauna of Turkmenistan includes 80 species (3 spp. of turtles, 27 spp. of lizards, and 50 spp. of snakes). Rooted in the Neogene, and formed under desert conditions since the Pliocene, this fauna approached its modern composition by the Holocene. Turkmenistan was the place of endemic origin for the Turanian sand desert fauna and, partially, for the Asian mountain fauna, with important connections to the Steppe, Caucasian, and Irano-Afghan faunal centers. Modern distribution of the herpetofauna is strongly influenced by human activity. The habitat diversity in Turkmenistan promoted the evolution of several ecological complexes of reptiles: psammophiles (10 spp.) and sclerobionts (7 spp.) in the lowlands, a large mountain complex (35 spp.), the species found next to the water (5 spp.), as well as widespread reptiles (6 spp.). Other species can occupy various combinations of different habitats. The reptiles of Turkmenistan can be divided into three groups according to their activity patterns: diurnal (51 spp.), nocturnal (16 spp.), and species with mixed or changing activity (13 spp.). Although the majority of reptiles feed on insects, some snakes feed on vertebrates. The reproductive period of reptiles in Turkmenistan is longer than that of the species from higher latitudes. Clay desert species begin reproduction earlier than do sand desert ones. Compared to the lowland species, mountain reptiles tend to have a longer maturation period, a higher longevity, a lesser number of eggs and clutches, and a shorter period of reproduction. The fauna of reptiles of Turkmenistan is highly endemic (10 endemic species and subspecies). Twenty-three species found here are subendemic to Middle Asia. The core fauna consists of the Turanian species (36 spp.) as well as of the Irano-Afghan/Southwest Asian ones (17 spp.). Other groups are comprised of the Saharo-Sindian, Indian, Caucasian-Anatolian, European-Mediterranean, Kazakhstan-Mongolian, Mountainous Asian, and East Palearctic species. Twenty species of reptiles from Turkmenistan have been included in the Red Data Book of the former USSR; current efforts toward the conservation of reptiles in Turkmenistan are not sufficient.

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Shenbrot, G. & B. Krasnov (1997): Habitat relationship of Lizard fauna in the Ramon erosion cirque, Negev Highlands (Israel).- -- J. zool London 1997: 429 - 440.--- read abstract Lizards were censused in the Ramon erosion cirque (Central Negev, Israel) in 1994 on 24 one-ha plots. Fifteen quantitative habitat variables, describing soil and vegetation structure, were measured at 25 points of each plot. Data were analysed to examine a classification of habitat types based on lizard species composition and the sets of environment variables influencing density of each lizard species. Three hundred and fifty three individuals of 14 lizard species were recorded on the sampling plots. Of these species, only one (Acanthodactylus boskianus) was abundant, eight (Ptyodactylus guttatus, Stenodactylus sthenodactylus, Mesalina guttulata, M. olivieri, Ophisops elegans, Ablepharus kitaibellii, Chalcides ocellatus, Eumesces schneiderii) were common, and five (Laudakia stellio, Pseudotrapelus sinaitus, Trapelus pallidus, Hemidactylus turcicus, Tropiocolotes steudneri) were rare. Four main habitat types and two sub-types were distinguished: wadis among loess hills (I); rock outcrops among loess hills (II); rock outcrops among gravel plains (III); wadis among gravel plains (IVa); open gravel plains (IVb), and sand dunes (IVc). Lizard density and biomass were greatest (15-19 ind. /ha; about 200 g/ha) in IVb, and IVc, and least (3. 7 ind. /ha; 38 g/ha) in III. Lizard species richness and diversity were low (three species) in IVc and higher and similar (6-10 species) in all other habitat types. Among common and abundant species, densities of three (A. boskianus, O. elegans, A. kitaibelii) were highly (30-60% of density dispersion) affected by habitat variables and densities of six (P. guttatus, S. sthenodactylus, M. guttulata, M. olivieri, C. ocellatus, E. schneiderii) were weakly (13-30% of dispersion) affected. Densities of S. sthenodactylus, A. boskianus, and M. guttulata were determined mainly by soil structure, of M. olivieri and O. elegans mainly by structure of annual vegetation, and of C. ocellatus, A. kitaibellii, and E. schneiderii mainly by the structure of shrub vegetation. Density of P. guttatus was determined by both soil and annual vegetation structure.

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Sillero, N., J. Campos, A. Bonardi, C. Corti, R. Creemers, P.-A. Crochet, J. Crnobrnja Isailovic, M. Denoël, G.F. Ficetola, J. Gonçalves, S. Kuzmin, P. Lymberakis, P. de Pous, A. Rodríguez, R. Sindaco, J. Speybroeck, B. Toxopeus, D.R. Vieites & M. Vences (2014): Updated distribution and biogeography of amphibians and reptiles of Europe -- Amphibia-Reptilia 35: 1-31-- read abstract A precise knowledge of the spatial distribution of taxa is essential for decision-making processes in land management and biodiversity conservation, both for present and under future global change scenarios. This is a key base for several scientific disciplines (e.g. macro-ecology, biogeography, evolutionary biology, spatial planning, or environmental impact assessment) that rely on species distribution maps. An atlas summarizing the distribution of European amphibians and reptiles with 50 × 50 km resolution maps based on ca. 85 000 grid records was published by the Societas Europaea Herpetologica (SEH) in 1997. Since then, more detailed species distribution maps covering large parts of Europe became available, while taxonomic progress has led to a plethora of taxonomic changes including new species descriptions. To account for these progresses, we compiled information from different data sources: published in books and websites, ongoing national atlases, personal data kindly provided to the SEH, the 1997 European Atlas, and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Databases were homogenised, deleting all information except species names and coordinates, projected to the same coordinate system (WGS84) and transformed into a 50 × 50 km grid. The newly compiled database comprises more than 384 000 grid and locality records distributed across 40 countries.We calculated species richness maps as well as maps of CorrectedWeighted Endemism and defined species distribution types (i.e. groups of species with similar distribution patterns) by hierarchical cluster analysis using Jaccard’s index as association measure. Our analysis serves as a preliminary step towards an interactive, dynamic and online distributed database system (NA2RE system) of the current spatial distribution of European amphibians and reptiles. The NA2RE system will serve as well to monitor potential temporal changes in their distributions. Grid maps of all species are made available along with this paper as a tool for decision-making and conservation-related studies and actions. We also identify taxonomic and geographic gaps of knowledge that need to be filled, and we highlight the need to add temporal and altitudinal data for all records, to allow tracking potential species distribution changes as well as detailed modelling of the impacts of land use and climate change on European amphibians and reptiles.

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SINDACO, R. - N. FEDRIGHINI & A. VENCHI (1995): Contribution to the herpetology of Jordan -- Boll. Mus. reg. Sci. nat. Torino 13(2): 389 - 405-- read abstract The authors report the data collected in two herpetological surveys during summer 1990 and spring 1994; moreover Jordan specimens conserved in the herpetological collections of the "Dipartimento di Biologia Animale dell'Universita di Torino" and of "Museo di Zoologia dell'Universita La Sapienza" (Rome) are examined. Coluber sinai is reported for the first time in Jordan and, together with Ablepharus kitaibelii, is added to the Arabian fauna. New localities are provided for Bunopus tuberculatus, Tenuidactylus scaber, Pristurus rupestris, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Acanthodactylus opheodurus, all of them previously known in Jordan from very few localities. Some specimens are depicted in colour photographs.

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Sindaco, R., G. Serra & M. Menegon (2006): New data on the Syrian herpetofauna, with a newly-recorded species of snake -- Zoology in the Middle East 37, 2006: 29-38.-- read abstract New data on Syrian amphibians and reptiles collected between 1990 and 2004 are given. The most important findings are the Elapid snake Walterinnesia aegyptia, here reported for the first time from Syria; Zamenis hohenackeri and Vipera xanthina, previously known only from Mount Hermon; and the very rare and poorly known Telescopus nigriceps and Lytorhynchus kennedyi. Other species were previously known from only a very few Syrian localities. Kurzfassung. Es werden neue Daten über syrische Amphibien und Reptilien mitgeteilt, die zwischen 1990 und 2004 gesammelt wurden. Die wichigsten Funde stellen Walterinnesia aegyptia dar, die hier zum ersten Mal aus Syrien gemeldet wird; Zamenis hohenackeri und Vipera xanthina, die bisher nur vom Mount Hermon bekannt waren, und die sehr seltenen und wenig bekannten Arten Telescopus nigriceps und Lytorhynchus kennedyi. Für andere Arten waren bisher oft nur Einzelnachweise bekannt.

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Sindaco, R., R. Nincheri & B. Lanza (2014): Catalogue of Arabian reptiles in the collections of the “La Specola” Museum, Florence -- Scripta Herpetologica. Studies on Amphibians and Reptiles in honour of Benedetto Lanza: 137-164-- read abstract A catalogue of the Arabian reptiles in the collection of “La Specola” Museum in Florence is presented. The collection includes more than 1000 specimens, belonging to 83 taxa (species and subspecies), 43 genera and 13 families.

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Sivan, N. & Y.L. Werner (1992): SURVEY OF THE REPTILES OF THE GOLAN PLATEAU AND MT. HERMON, ISRAEL -- ISRAEL JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, 37: 193-211-- read abstract Examination of 637 reptile specimens from the Golan Plateau and Mt. Hermon yielded 37 species. Of six species virtually restricted to high Mt. Hermon, one is endemic to that mountain, another to the Hermon and Lebanon ranges and four have Anatolian affmities. The other 31 species occur also in northern Cisjordan, and most are known also in Transjordan and Syria-Lebanon. Typhlops simoni is a new marginal record for the physical-geographical area of Syria. The nearby occurrence of Agama ruderata reflects the proximity of the Syrian desert. Within the Golan, the number of species observed declines from north to south, presumably for both ecological and methodological reasons. A few additional species of northern Cisjordan and Transjordan may yet be discovered on the Golan in the future.

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SMÍD, J., J. MORAVEC, P. KODYM, L. KRATOCHVÍL, S.S. HOSSEINIAN YOUSEFKHANI, E. RASTEGAR-POUYANI & D. FRYNTA (2014): Annotated checklist and distribution of the lizards of Iran -- Zootaxa 3855: 1 - 97-- read abstract We present a comprehensive summary of the distribution of the lizards of Iran accompanied by an annotated checklist. The updated maps of distribution of all 146 species of 41 genera of 11 families are based on all available bibliographic records, catalogues of museum collections and our own field observations. The final dataset used for the distribution maps contains 8525 georeferenced records and cover 41% of the country when plotted on a grid of 0.25° × 0.25° resolution. The dataset is publicly accessible through GBIF portal (http://www.gbif.org/dataset/7db4f705-61ae-4c6e-9de2-06674e7d46b2). Following the latest biogeographic division of the country, ~53% of the species (76 species) inhabit the Iranian Province, ~41% (60 species) the Western Asian mountain transition zone, ~9% (13 species) the Turanian Province, and ~18% (27 species) the Arabian Province. In addition, ~2% (3 species) reach Iran from the Indo-Malay biogeographic region and ~2% (3 species) are believed to have been introduced to Iran by humans. Endemic species (46) represent ~32% of the known species diversity. The most species-rich family of lizards in Iran is Lacertidae with 47 species, followed by Gekkonidae (41), Agamidae (18), Scincidae (15), Phyllodactylidae (10), Sphaerodactylidae (4), Eublepharidae and Uromastycidae (3), Anguidae and Varanidae (2), and Trogonophidae with one representative.

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Smid, J., R. Sindaco, M. Shobrak, S. Busais, K. Tamar, T. Aghová, M. Simó-Riudalbas, P. Tarroso, P. Geniez, P.-A. Crochet, J. Els, B. Burriel-Carranza, H. Tejero-Cicuéndez & S. Carranza (2021): Diversity patterns and evolutionary history of Arabian squamates -- Journal of Biogeography. 2021; 00: 1–17 (early view)-- read abstract Aim: Deserts are generally perceived as areas of low diversity, and hence receive little attention from researchers and conservationists. Squamates are the dominant group of vertebrates in arid regions, and as such represent an ideal model to study biodiversity patterns in these areas. We examine spatial patterns of diversity, evolutionary history and endemism of terrestrial squamates of the Arabian Peninsula and test hypotheses on the role of topography and history of isolation so as to identify possible environmental drivers of diversification. - Location: The Arabian Peninsula. - Taxon: Squamate reptiles (Squamata; lizards and snakes). - Methods: We generated distribution maps for all Arabian squamate species (including yet undescribed) and reconstructed their phylogenetic relationships using existing and newly produced genetic data for nearly all the species. We assessed patterns of the distribution of species richness, phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic endemism across the peninsula to identify areas that could be considered evolutionary or endemicity hotspots for squamates. We evaluated community turnover across the peninsula and assessed the possible environmental drivers affecting the diversity of Arabian squamates in a regression framework. - Results: The main hotspots of Arabian squamate diversity are mostly along the mountains that rim the peninsula while the most arid, central regions support a low diversity of species. The distribution of the phylogenetic diversity mirrors that of the species richness. Phylogenetic endemism is also highest in the mountains, especially when only endemic species are analysed. The deserts of northern Arabia are poor in terms of species richness and they show low connectivity to the peninsular communities. Topographic heterogeneity is the strongest predictor for Arabian squamates, followed by elevation. There is no correlation between richness and temperature. - Main conclusions: The mountains of Arabia support rich and unique squamate communities that are dominated by local radiations of closely related and narrow-ranging species. In particular, the Asir Mountains of SW Arabia, Dhofar Province of Oman and the Hajar Mountains of northern Oman and UAE show unprecedented levels of squamate endemism and phylogenetic endemism. While many generalist species range across Arabia, a low number of species is shared between the peninsula and mainland Asia, indicating an effective isolation of the Arabian fauna. Squamate richness is highest in heterogeneous, topographically complex habitats

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Smith, M.A. (1940): Contributions to the Herpetology of Afghanistan. -- Annals and Magazine of Natural History. ser. 11(5): 382 - 384--

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Sohail, S. & E.M.E. Mohallal (2016): THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA RECORDED FROM NORTHEASTERN SINAI, EGYPT -- Egyptian J. Desert Res., 66(1): 35-55 -- read abstract The vertebrate fauna was surveyed in ten major localities of northeastern Sinai over a period of 18 months (From September 2003 to February 2005, inclusive). A total of 27 species of reptiles, birds and mammals were recorded. Reptiles are represented by five species of lizards: Savigny's Agama, Trapelus savignii; Nidua Lizard, Acanthodactylus scutellatus; the Sandfish, Scincus scincus; the Desert Monitor, Varanus griseus; and the Common Chamaeleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon and one species of vipers: the Sand Viper, Cerastes vipera. Six species of birds were identified during casual field observations: The Common Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus; Pied Avocet, Recurvirostra avocetta; Kentish Plover, Charadrius alexandrines; Slender-billed Gull, Larus genei; Little Owl, Athene noctua and Southern Grey Shrike, Lanius meridionalis. Mammals are represented by 15 species; Eleven rodent species and subspecies: Flower's Gerbil, Gerbillus floweri; Lesser Gerbil, G. gerbillus, Aderson's Gerbil, G. andersoni (represented by two subspecies), Wagner’s Dipodil, Dipodillus dasyurus; Pigmy Dipodil, Dipodillus henleyi; Sundevall's Jird, Meriones crassus; Negev Jird, Meriones sacramenti; Tristram’s Jird, Meriones tristrami; Fat Sand-rat, Psammomys obesus; House Mouse, Mus musculus and Lesser Jerboa, Jaculus jaculus. Three carnivores: Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes; Marbled Polecat, Vormela peregosna and Common Badger, Meles meles and one gazelle: Arabian Gazelle, Gazella gazella.

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Solovyeva, E.N., N.A. Poyarkov, E.A. Dunayev, R.A. Nazarov, V.S. Lebedev & A.A. Bannikova (2014): Phylogenetic Relationships and Subgeneric Taxonomy of Toad-Headed Agamas Phrynocephalus (Reptilia, Squamata, Agamidae) as Determined by Mitochondrial DNA Sequencing -- Doklady Biological Sciences, 455: 119–124--

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SOORAE, P.S., M. AL QUARQAZ & A.S. GARDNER (2010): AN OVERVIEW AND CHECKLIST OF THE NATIVE AND ALIEN HERPETOFAUNA OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES -- Herpetological Conservation and Biology 5(3):529–536. -- read abstract This paper provides an updated checklist of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) native and alien herpetofauna. The UAE, while largely a desert country with a hyper-arid climate, also has a range of more mesic habitats such as islands, mountains, and wadis. As such it has a diverse native herpetofauna of at least 72 species as follows: two amphibian species (Bufonidae), five marine turtle species (Cheloniidae [four] and Dermochelyidae [one]), 42 lizard species (Agamidae [six], Gekkonidae [19], Lacertidae [10], Scincidae [six], and Varanidae [one]), a single amphisbaenian, and 22 snake species (Leptotyphlopidae [one], Boidae [one], Colubridae [seven], Hydrophiidae [nine], and Viperidae [four]). Additionally, we recorded at least eight alien species, although only the Brahminy Blind Snake (Ramphotyplops braminus) appears to have become naturalized. We also list legislation and international conventions pertinent to the herpetofauna.

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Sow, A.S., F. Martínez-Freiría, H. Dieng, S. Fahd & J.C. Brito (2014): Biogeographical analysis of the Atlantic Sahara reptiles: Environmental correlates of species distribution and vulnerability to climate change -- Journal of Arid Environments 109: 65 - 73-- read abstract Habitat loss and climate change are eroding global biodiversity. Identification of environmental correlates between species richness and climate factors is essential to understand the main drivers of richness distribution and species potentially vulnerable to climate change. Deserts allow testing influences of climatic factors on biodiversity distribution given that anthropogenic habitat change is usually reduced. This study combines reptile presence data (1 1 km scale) with environmental factors to derive distribution models for individual species and richness. Relationships are tested in a coastal desert area of the Atlantic Sahara in Mauritania that covers a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park. Five environmental clusters were identified and two reptiles exhibited strong selection for the cluster of smallest area. Maximum entropy modelling identified one climatic and two habitat-related factors (temperature, sandy and bare areas) as main predictors of species occurrence. Consistent negative relationships observed between temperature and species distributions suggest that global warming may affect reptile richness. Despite lack of information on species abilities to face climate change, 14 reptile species should be targeted for population monitoring. Hotspots of reptile richness were identified within the Parc National du Banc d'Arguin but also in unprotected areas currently subjected to increasing human activities.

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Speybroeck, J., W. Beukema, C. Dufresnes, U. Fritz, D. Jablonski, P. Lymberakis, I. Martínez-Solano, E. Razzetti, M. Vamberger, M. Vences, J. Vörös & P.-A. Crochet (2020): Species list of the European herpetofauna – 2020 update by the Taxonomic Committee of the Societas Europaea Herpetologica -- Amphibia-Reptilia 41: 139-189-- read abstract The last species list of the European herpetofauna was published by Speybroeck, Beukema and Crochet (2010). In the meantime, ongoing research led to numerous taxonomic changes, including the discovery of new species-level lineages as well as reclassifications at genus level, requiring significant changes to this list. As of 2019, a new Taxonomic Committee was established as an official entity within the European Herpetological Society, Societas Europaea Herpetologica (SEH). Twelve members from nine European countries reviewed, discussed and voted on recent taxonomic research on a case-by-case basis. Accepted changes led to critical compilation of a new species list, which is hereby presented and discussed. According to our list, 301 species (95 amphibians, 15 chelonians, including six species of sea turtles, and 191 squamates) occur within our expanded geographical definition of Europe. The list includes 14 non-native species (three amphibians, one chelonian, and ten squamates).

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Steindachner, F. (1897): BERICHT ÜBER DIE VON FR. ESCHERISCH IN DER UMGEBUNG VON ANGORA GESAMMELTEN FISCHE UND REPTILIEN -- Denkschr. Akad. Wiss. Math.-naturw. Kl. Wien 64: 685 - 699 + 4 plates--

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Steindachner, F. (1905): Eidechsen, Schlangen und Batrachier. In: Penther, A. & E. Zederbauer: Ergebnisse einer naturwissenschaftlichen Reise zum Erdschias-Dagh (Kleinasien). -- Annln naturhist. Mus. Wien, 20: 307-309.--

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Steindachner, F. (1869): Reptilien. -- In: B. VON WÜLLERSTORF-URBAIR: REISE DER ÖSTERREICHISCHEN FREGATTE NOVARA UM DIE ERDE IN DEN JAHREN 1857, 1858, 1859. ZOOLOGISCHER THEIL. ERSTER BAND. (WIRBELTHIERE.). 98 pp + 3 plates --

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Steindachner, F. (1917): Über eine längsgestreifte Farbenvarietät von Agama isolepis Blgr. aus Mesopotamien. -- Sitz.Berichte Akad. Wissensch., Wien 31: 147 - 149 + 1 plate--

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Stemmler, O. (1972): Bericht über eine zweite herpetologische Sammelreise nach Marokko im Juli und August 1970. -- Monit. Zool. Ital. Suppl. IV(6): 123 - 158.-- read abstract The present report on a herpetological expedition to northern, western, and southern Morocco in July and August, 1970, gives a taxonomic survey of the collected specimens, lists the localities and their geographical coordinates, and mentions the various biotopes and the distribution of the forms collected within these biotopes.

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Stemmler, O. (1971): Herpetologische Beobachtungen in Marokko X: Im Lebensgebiet der Dornschwänze -- Aqua-Terra, Biberist. Vol. 8: 108 - 115--

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Stemmler, O. (1971): Herpetologische Beobachtungen in Marokko XI. In den Dünen des Tafilalt -- Aqua-Terra, Biberist. Vol. 8: 124 - 127--

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Stemmler, O. P. (1971): Herpetologische Beobachtungen in Marokko X: Im Lebensgebiet der Dornschwänze. -- AquaTerra 8/10: 108 - 115.--

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Strauch, A. (1862): Essai d'une erpétologie de l'Algérie. -- Mémoires de l'Academie Impériale des Sciences de St. -Pétersbourg, 4: 1-85 --

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Terentjev, P.V. & S.A. Chernov (1940): BRIEF SUMMARY AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF THE USSR -- STATE EDUCATIONAL PEDAGOGICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE; 188 pp.--

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Thilenius, G. (1898): Herpetologische Notizen aus Süd-Tunis -- Zool. JB. 10: 219 - 237 + 1 plate--

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Thilenius, G. (1897): Der Farbenwechsel von Varanus griseus, Uromastix acanthinurus und Agame inermis -- Schwalbes Morphologische Arbeiten 7: 515 - 545 + 2 plates--

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Tilbury, C.R. (1988): AN ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF SOME OF THE COMMONER REPTILES OCCURRING AROUND RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA. -- J. Herp. Assoc. Afr. 34: 25 - 34--

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Torki, F. (2007): Der Einfluss der Winterruhe auf den Testikularzyklus und dessen Auslösung bei Trapelus lessonae (Reptilia: Agamidae) während des Ruhezustands .- Übersetzung der Arbeit „FARHANG TORKI (2007) : The role of hibernation on the testicular cycle and its activation in Trapelus lessonae (Reptilia: Agamidae) during dormancy. - Salamandra, Rheinbach, 43(4): 245-248". -- DER SALAMANDER 3(4) : 245-248, -- read abstract Frei lebende Trapelus lessonae wurden während ihrer Winterruhe untersucht . Hierzu wurden Hoden entfernt und zu verschiedenen Zeitpunkten der Winterruhe histologisch analysiert . Die Ergebnisse zeigen zwei Phasen während der Winterruhe auf: (1) eine Ruhephase und (2) eine Aktivierungsphase.

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Torki, F. (2011): Influence of climatic gradient on spermatogenesis timing of Trapelus lessonae (Sauria, Agamidae) in the Zagros Mountains, Iran -- Herpetological Bulletin 118: 25 - 29-- read abstract Spermatogenesis is a complicated process with various factors that influence and control it. i collected a number of male specimens of Trapelus lessonae in three latitudes (during biological activity) that were different in climate. i removed testes for histological survey. H and e staining techniques were used. the results of screening showed three phases of spermatogenesis during biological activity for three different latitudes. Spermatogenesis timing differed in the three latitudes. timing of spermatogenesis differed in low elevation populations and began earlier than in higher elevation populations.

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Torki, F. (2006): Spermatogenesis in the agama Trapelus lessonae (Agamidae: Reptilia) in the Central Zagros Mountains, Iran -- Zoology in the Middle East 38: 21–28-- read abstract Spermatogenesis in a population of the agama Trapelus lessonae was studied in the Zagros Mountains, Iran, at 1900 m a.s.l. The species spends at least five months (October to February) in hibernation. Based on histological studies, three phases of the life cycle can be distinguished: (1) an active phase that occurs after hibernation, (2) a resting phase that occurs before hibernation, and (3) a transitional phase that occurs between the two other phases. The number of spermatocyte layers decreases continuously from March to August. As active spermatogenesis and mating are synchronous, the species can be assigned to those with an associated reproductive cycle.

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Tristram, H.B. (1885): THE SURVEY OF WESTERN PALESTINE. THE FAUNA AND FLORA OF PALESTINE. Reptiles and Amphibians part -- THE COMMITTEE OF THE PALESTINE EXPLORATION FUND; 534 pp. (pages 140 - 161)--

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Tuck, R.G. (1979): NOTES ON THE TURAN BIOSPHERE RESERVE HERPETOFAUNA, NORTHEASTERN IRAN -- Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society 15(4): 95 - 123-- read abstract One species of amphibian, the green toad (Bufo viridis oblongus), and 20 species of reptiles, Comprising the Afghan tortoise (Agricnemys horsfieldi), 4 agamid lizards (Agama agilis, A. n. nupta (?), Phrynocephalus mystaceus galli, Ph. scutellatus), 4 gekkonid lizards (Agamura persica, Cyrtodactylus caspius, Teratoscincus bedriagai , T. scincus) , 4 lacertid lizards (Eremias fasciata (?), E. persica, E. v. velox, Meislina guttulata watsonana) , 1 varanid lizard (Varanus griseus caspius), 1 boiid snake (Eryx tataricus), 4 colubrid snakes (Coluber karelini , C. rhodorhachis ladacensis, Psammophis lineolatus, Spalerosophis diadema schiraziana) , and a single viperid snake (Pseudocerastes p. persicus), are documented from the Turan Biosphere Reserve. Collecting data, ecological information, measurements, and relevant observations are given for those forms within the Reserve, and a tentative zoogeographic analysis of the Turan herpetofauna is attempted.

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Tuck, R.G., jun. (1974): SOME AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES FROM IRAN -- Bull. Maryland Herp. Soc. 10(2): 59 - 65--

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Tuck, R.J., jun. (1971): AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES FROM IRAN IN THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM COLLECTION -- Bulletin Maryland Herpetological Society 7(3): 48 - 85--

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Tuniyev, B., C. Atayev & S. Shammakov (1998): REPORT ON FAUNA OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES FROM EASTERN KOPET DAG IN TURKMENISTAN -- Russ. J. Herpetol. 5(1): 74 – 81-- read abstract First report on herpetofauna of Turkmenian Eastern Kopet Dag is present.

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Tuniyev, B., G. Dusej & B. Flärdh (1999): ZOOGEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE HERPETOFAUNA OF SOUTH-WESTERN TURKMENISTAN -- Russian Journal of Herpetology 6(2): 125 – 142-- read abstract This article gives a complete overview about the reptiles of western Turkmenistan and their zoogeographical relation. The data were obtained by several expeditions during the last years and completed by compilation of the specific herpetological literature about this area. Ten general landscape units are described along a profile from the Central Karakum desert throughout the Malyi Balkhan chains, the Kyurendag Corridor, the Western Kopetdagh to the state border of Iran. The mountain and plain reptile fauna is analyzed. After discussing the faunal element composition of various landscapes, the Western Kopetdagh was included into the South-West Asian province while the Turanian plain and the Malyi Balkhan were included into the Turanian province of the Palearctic

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Tzarewsky, S.Th. (Carevskij, S.F.) (1922): Reptiles et Amphibies, collectionnes par V.J. Lazdin dans le Boukharie meridionale et orientale ansi que dans le partie N.-E. de la Province Transcaspienne en ete 1915. -- Ann. Mus. zool. Acad. Imp. Sci. St. Petersbourg 22: 79 - 90--

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Tölg, F. (1904): Beiträge zur Kenntnis drüsenartiger Epidermoidalorgane der Eidechsen. -- Arbeiten aus dem Zoologischen Institut der Universität Wien und der Zoologischen Station in Triest 15(1): 1 - 36 (119 - 154)--

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Vaillant, M.L. (1882): REPTILES ET BATRACIENS. In: MISSION G. RÉVOIL AUX PAYS ÇOMALIS. FAUNE ET FLORE -- In: GEORGES RÉVOIL: FAUNE ET FLORE DES PAYS COMALIS (AFRIQUE ORIENTALE). Paris. 31 pp.--

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Vaissi, S. (2022): Response of Iranian lizards to future climate change by poleward expansion, southern contraction, and elevation shifts -- Scientific Reports 12: 2348. 21 pp-- read abstract This study explores the relationships between recent Iranian lizard species distributions and the observed climate, as well as potential future distributions of species. For this purpose, an ensemble of seven algorithms was used to forecast the distributions of 30 species for the recent and future (2070) based on the averages of 14 global climate models under optimistic (RCP2.6) and pessimistic (RCP8.5) scenarios. Annual precipitation (n = 16) and annual mean temperature (n = 7) were identified as the most important variables in determining the distribution of 76.66% (23 out of 30) of the species. The consensus model predicts that the ranges of 83.33% of species (n = 25) have the potential to expand poleward at higher latitudes while preserving the majority of their recent distributions (except for four species). Furthermore, the ranges of the remaining species (n = 5) will be preserved at higher latitudes. However, they (n = 22) may contract slightly (n = 13) or excessively (n = 9) in the south of their distribution range at lower latitudes. These results indicate that species (N = 19) situated in mountainous areas such as the Zagros, Alborz, and Kopet Dagh may move or maintain their range at higher elevations as a result of future climate change. Finally, this study suggests that 30% of species (n = 9) may be threatened by future climate change and that they should be prioritized in conservation efforts.

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Vinciguerra, D. (1931): SPEDIZIONE SCIENTIFICA ALL' OASI DI CUFRA (Marzo -Luglio 1931) -- Ann. Mus. civ. stor. nat. Doria 60: 248 - 258--

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Vinciguerra, D. (1927): Risultati zoologici della Missione inviata dalla R. Società Geografica Italiana per l'esplorazione dell'oasi di Giarabub (1926-1927). RETTILI, BATRACI E PESCI -- Ann. Mus. Stor. nat. Genova, 52: 324 - 345--

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Wagner, P. & W. Böhme (Boehme) (2007): A new species of the genus Trapelus Cuvier, 1816 (Squamata: Agamidae) from arid central Africa -- Bonner zoologische Beiträge 55 (2006)(2): 81–87-- read abstract The Saharo-Sindian genus Trapelus contains 14 species, four of which occur in northern Africa. One of these taxa, Trapelus mutabilis, has a very widespread distribution from West to East Africa along the northern Saharan border. It has been identified as a species complex that includes several cryptic taxa. Together with a key of the so far described African species of the genus, the description of the first of these cryptic taxa is presented here.

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WAGNER, P., J. MELVILLE, T.M. WILMS & A. SCHMITZ (2011): Opening a box of cryptic taxa – the first review of the North African desert lizards in the Trapelus mutabilis Merrem, 1820 complex (Squamata: Agamidae) with descriptions of new taxa -- Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 163: 884–912-- read abstract We present a review of the morphology and current taxonomy of North African Trapelus species. The Saharo-Sindian agamid genus contains 15 species, of which five occur in northern Africa. The taxonomy of this complex group continues to provide difficulties for taxonomists because of a lack of consistent morphologically diagnostic characters and relatively high intraspecific morphological variation. In particular, the widespread species Trapelus mutabilis, which occurs from Egypt in the east to Mauritania in the west, has been identified as a species complex and probably represents an artificial grouping of unrelated taxa. This taxonomic uncertainty is exacerbated because a type specimen for T. mutabilis was never designated. In our taxonomic review, we designate a neotype for T. mutabilis, allowing a review of the northern African species, the description of two new taxa, and the compilation of a comprehensive identification key. We present a multivariate analysis of morphology within T. mutabilis and, in addition, we present a molecular phylogenetic analysis incorporating a ~500-bp region of the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene, and a relaxed molecular clock analysis to estimate the ages of clades within Trapelus. Our results demonstrate that these lineages have a deep and complex biogeographical history.

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WAGNER, P., T.M. WILMS & A. SCHMITZ (2008): A second specimen of Trapelus schmitzi WAGNER & BÖHME 2007 (Sauria: Agamidae) and the first record from Algeria -- REVUE SUISSE DE ZOOLOGIE 115 (3): 491-495-- read abstract A second specimen of Trapelus schmitzi WAGNER & BÖHME 2007 (Sauria: Agamidae) and the first record from Algeria. - Trapelus schmitzi Wagner & Böhme, 2007 was described on the basis of a single specimen from the Ennedi Mountains, Chad. Herein the second known voucher is described and the first record of the species from Algeria is documented. A presumed distribution of the taxon is discussed according to the known distribution pattern of other reptile species, which occur in these regions.

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WAGNER, Ph. & P.-A. CROCHET (2009): The status of the nomina Trapelus savignyi Audouin, 1827 and Agama savignii Duméril & Bibron, 1837 and the valid nomen of the Savigny’s Agama (Sauria: Agamidae) -- Zootaxa 2209: 57–64-- read abstract Herein we clarify the status of the nomen Trapelus savignyi Audouin, 1827 and Agama savignii Duméril & Bibron, 1837 by the designation of a lectotype of the former and a neotype of the latter species.

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Warburg, M.R. (1964): OBSERVATIONS ON MICROCLIMATE IN HABITATS OF SOME DESERT VIPERS IN THE NEGEV, ARAVA AND DEAD SEA REGION -- Vie et Milieu 15(4): 1017 - 1041-- read abstract 1) The main difference between the microclimates in the desert and in the coastal region are described. In the desert the temperature and humidity range more widely, and in the coastal region the humidity is rarely as low as in the desert. 2) The difference in microclimates among the three desert stations is more in the relative humidity than in the temperature. At Ein Geddi (St. 3), the relative humidity is somewhat higher than at the other stations, there is also less variability in the climate. The most extreme conditions occur at Yotvata (St. 2). 3) The holes with the smallest temperature ranges have the highest minimum temperature and the lowest maximum humidity. This may be partly due to factors summarized under (4). 4) The process of absorbing and dissipating heat is slow in holes, and therefore the temperature range is small. The relative humidity is dependent on depth, degree of ventilation, and the form of burrow as well as the amount of moisture i n the soil. 5) The microclimates in the burrows differ greatly (especially in temperature) from those of ground and air. 6) The distribution of A. vípera, A. cerastes and E. colorata, appears to be determined mainly by the availability of a suitable substrate, and only then by suitable microclimate.

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Watkins-Colwell, G.J., A. Dornburg, D. Hawlena & J.A. Moore (2010): The Amphibians and Reptiles of the 1962–1965 Yale University Prehistoric Expedition to Nubia -- Bulletin of the Peabody Museum of Natural History 51(2): 179–197-- read abstract The Yale University Prehistoric Expedition to Nubia collected zoological specimens and archeological artifacts from Egypt and the surrounding region from 1962 to 1965. A total of 2486 herpetological specimens were collected during this time, representing 51 species and 13 families. Among the herpetological specimens is a series of 1232 Chalcides ocellatus and a recently described species of spitting cobra (Naja nubiae). Because most of the collection sites are now under Lake Nasser, most specimens represent extirpated populations. Some specimens are of taxa now considered endangered species in Egypt. Although the primary purpose of the YUPEN expedition was to preserve the rich anthropological history south of Aswan, the herpetological specimens that were preserved provide a valuable temporal snapshot into the historical ecosystems that were present in Lower Egypt.

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Weber, N.A. (1960): SOME IRAQ AMPHIBIANS AND REPTIILES WITH NOTES ON THEIR FOOD HABITS. -- Copeia 1960(2): 153 - 154--

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Werner, F. (1902): Die Reptilien- und Amphibienfauna von Kleinasien. -- Sitz.Ber. Akad. Wiss., Wien, math.-nat Cl. 111: 1057 - 1125.--

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Werner, F. (1929): Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse einer zoologischen Forschungsreise nach Westalgerien und Marokko. -- Sitz.Ber. math.-nat.wiss. Kl. 138(1 u. 2): 1 - 34 + IV.--

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Werner, F. (1917): Reptilien aus Persien (Provinz Fars). -- Verh. Zool.-bot. Ges. Wien 67: 191 - 220.--

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Werner, F. (1895): Über eine Sammlung von Reptilien aus Persien, Mesopotamien und Arabien. -- Verh. K.u.k. zool. Bot. Ges. Wien 45: 13 – 21.--

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Werner, F. (1894): Zweiter Beitrag zur Herpetologie von Ost-Algerien -- Verh. zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, 44: 75 - 87--

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Werner, F. (1904): Ueber Reptilien und Batrachier aus West-Asien (Anatolien und Persien) -- Zool. JB. 19: 329 - 345 + 2 plates--

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Werner, F. (1909): Reptilien, Batrachier und Fische von Tripolis und Barka -- Zool. Jahrb. Syst. 27: 595 - 646 + 1 plate--

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Werner, F. (1899): 2. Beiträge zur Herpetologie der pacifischen Inselwelt und von Kleinasien -- Zool. Anzeiger 22: 371 - 378--

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Werner, F. (1893): Herpetologische Nova. I. Eine neue Eidechse aus der Algerischen Sahara, Agama aspera n. sp. -- Zool. Anzeiger 16: 359 - 361--

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Werner, F. (1937): Über Reptilien aus dem Hoggar-Gebirge -- Zool. Anz. 118 (1/2): 31-35--

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Werner, F. (1929): Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Fauna von Syrien und Persien. -- Zool. Anzeiger 81(7/10): 238 - 245--

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Werner, F. (1898): Ueber Reptilien aus Syrien und Südafrika. -- Jahresbericht und Abhandlungen des Naturwissenschaftlichen Vereins in Magdeburg 1898: 126–148.--

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Werner, F. (1895): Ueber sekundäre Geschlechtsunterschiede bei Reptilien -- Biol. Centralblatt 15: 125 - 140--

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Werner, F. (1936): Reptilien und Gliedertiere aus Persien (reptiles part) -- Festschrift zum 60. Geburtstage von Professor Dr. Embrik Strand. Vol. II: 193 - 202--

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Werner, F. (1899): Auf Reptilienjagd in Ägypten. Beobachtungen aus dem dortigen Tierleben -- Zoologischer Garten 40: 277 - 288--

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Werner, F. (1938): Reptilien aus Iran und Belutschistan -- Zool. Anzeiger 121(9/10): 265 - 271--

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Werner, F. (1939): Die Amphibien und Reptilien von Syrien (published post mortem) -- Abh. u. Ber. Mus. Naturk. u. Vorgesch. Magdeburg, 7(1): 211 - 223 + plate--

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Werner, F. (1907): Ergebnisse der mit Subvention aus der Erbschaft Treitl unternommenen zoologischen Forschungsreise Dr. Franz Werner's nach dem ägyptischen Sudan und Nord-Uganda. XII. Die Reptilien und Amphibien -- Sitzungsberichte der Akademie der Wissenschaften Wien, Abt. 1. 116: 1823 - 1926 + 4 pl.--

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Werner, Y.L. (1971): LIZARDS AND SNAKES FROM TRANSJORDAN, RECENTLY ACQUIRED BY THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY) -- Bull. Brit. Mus. (nat. hist.) Zool. 21(6): 213 - 256 + 6 plates-- read abstract A report on 45 lizards and snakes, representing 23 species and subspecies, collected in northern and southwestern Transjordan, mostly during 1963-1965. Taxonomic characters are presented, and compared with data from adjacent areas, mainly Cisjordan. Relevant Transjordanian specimens in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem are also considered, and some identifications are revised. Field observations are cited. Agama pallida haasi ssp. nov. is described (type: BM 1965.800; 18 paratypes in BM, HUJ, FMNH). The only additions, on the species level, to the TransJordanian fauna, are Coluber rhodorhachis Jan and Malpolon moilensis Reuss. The ecological and phytogeographical subdivision of Transjordan into Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, and Saharo-Sindian territories is reviewed. The distribution of reptiles appears to accord with this subdivision. The difference between the herpetofaunas of Trans- and Cisjordan, on the specific and subspecific levels, is greater in the south than in the north. Notably 7 Irano-Turanian and Saharo-Sindian forms of Transjordan do not occur in Cisjordan. It is suggested that the Wadi 'Arava together with the steep mountains bordering it on the east, may constitute a barrier to the distribution of reptiles.

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Werner, Y.L. (1998): The desert herpetofauna in and near Israel: a personal review of advances (1986-1997), with new data (Amphibia; Reptilia) -- Faun. Abhandl. Mus. Tierk. Dresden 21 (Suppl.): 149 - 161-- read abstract Considerations of nature conservation have accelerated the research of herpetological biodiversity in Israel. Here I report or review advances in the knowledge of the desert herpetofauna in Israel and immediate vicinity, since the 1988 summary (in YOM-TOV & TCHERNOV'S Zoogeography of Israel). This is the first report that the Acanthodactylus cf. pardalis of Israel is a distinct new species (being described elsewhere); that the Cerastes gasperettii of the Wadi 'Arava is a distinct new subspecies (being described elsewhere); that Acanthodactyius longipes occurs in Israel, and Eumeces taeniolatus in Jordan; and that the Tropiocolotes of Israel is nattereri and not steudneri. The recent discovery of Trapelus ruderatus in Jordan is confirmed. Briefly reviewed are some significant changes in known distributions; nomenclatural changes; additions to the herpetofaunal lists of Israel, Jordan and Sinai, and also deletions from these lists.

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Werner, Y.L. (1983): Lizards and snakes from eastern Lower Egypt in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem & Tel Aviv University, with range extensions -- Herpetological review 14: 29-31--

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Werner, Y.L. (1980): Preliminery results of the herpetofaunal survey of Sinai (1956-57; 1967-79) with emphasis on the southern mountains -- Isr. J. Zool. 29: 209--

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Werner, Y.L. (1982): Herpetofaunal Survey of the Sinai Peninsula (1967-77), with Emphasis on the Saharan Sand Community. pp. 153 - 161. -- In: N.J. Scott, Jr. (ed.) 1982. Herpetological communities: a symposium of the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles and the Herpetologists' League, August 1977. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildl. Res. Rep. 13. 239 pp.-- read abstract The local interest in biogeography and ecology, and the paucity of data from areas surrounding Israel, led to intensive herpetological collecting in Sinai in 1956-57 and since 1967. Material in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and in Tel-Aviv University together exceeds 1,000 specimens, comprising one species of toad, Bufo viridis, four species of marine turtles, and 50 species of terrestrial reptiles. Of these, one was first reported from Sinai in 1957, nine in 1973, and two, Caretta caretta and Rhynchocalamus melanocephalus, herein. Twenty-two species which occur in contiguous areas of Israel orv Egypt or both, or have been reported from Sinai in the literature, were absent in the collected material. The sand dunes of northern Sinai are inhabited by a "community" of 10 psammophile reptile species of Saharan or Saharo-Arabian distribution. Each represents a different family or a genus of distinctive body size. Resource partitioning between related forms is sometimes indicated. Several other species which are not strict psammophiles (mainly snakes) also occur in these dunes.

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Werner, Y.L. (1987): Ecological Zoogeography of the Saharo-Arabian, Saharan and Arabian Reptiles in the Sand Deserts of Southern Israel. pp. 272 - 295. -- In: Proceedings of the Symposium on the Fauna and Zoogeography of the Middle East, Mainz 1985. F.Krupp, W. Schneider & R. Kinzelbach eds. Beihefte zum TAVO A 23 (1987).-- read abstract Reptiles were surveyed in and around the sand areas in Israel, ha-'Arava Valley (AV), Coastal Plain (CP), Rotem and Yamin Plains (MR) and Northern Negev (NN), from material in the Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University. Distributions of 28 species occurring in at least one sand area were mapped, and their ecological relationships studied zoocartographically. None is endemic. Three distribution patterns emerge: Saharo-Arabian reptiles are euryoecious psammophiles; they tend to occur in all sand areas and their northern limits tend to approximate the desert frontier defined by soils, climate and vegetation. Saharan species are mostly stenoecious psammophiles and tend to be restricted to NN and CP; Arabian species tend to be limited to AV. Species density is higher in NN and AV than in CP and MR. Relevant ecological aspects are treated briefly: adaptations to sand, community composition, vicariance among congeners, resource partitioning, etc. Among the biotic and abiotic factors considered as possibly limiting (or interacting to limit) the distributions of species, the major one appears to be soil ("islands of sand"), the second apparently humidity.

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Werner, Y.L. (1988): Herpetofaunal survey of Israel (1950-85), with comments on Sinai and Jordan and on zoogeographical heterogeneity -- In: Zoogeography of Israel, Ed. Y. Yom-Tov and E. Tchernov, Monographiae Biologicae, 62. W. Junk, Dordrecht. pp. 355-388.-- read abstract Methodical collecting, with mapping, has amassed over 30,000 specimens of amphibians and reptiles from Israel (with the Golan plateau and part of Mt. Hermon) at Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Included are at least 102 species and subspecies: seven amphibians, six marine turtles and 89 land and freshwater reptiles. Taxa described or discovered in Israel since 1950 (review by Haas) comprise 14 desert forms, six Mt. Hermon forms (including the endemic Cyrtodactytus amictopholis Hoofien, 1967), one mesic snake and two marine turtles. A few reptiles once reported from Israel have disappeared, including the Nile crocodile; probably also Discoglossus nigriventer Mendelssohn and Steinitz, 1943. A few others are seriously endangered. Sinai harbours seven additional species. Some comments are also made on the fauna of Jordan. Zoogeographically the Israeli herpetofauna is heterogeneous, showing at least 12 distribution patterns, but most forms are Mediterranean (sensu stricto) or Saharo-Arabian.

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Werner, Y.L. & E. Avital (1980): THE HERPETOFAUNA OF MT. HERMON AND ITS ALTITUDINAL DISTRIBUTION -- ISRAEL JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 29: 192-193--

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Wettstein, O. (1951): Ergebnisse der Österreichischen Iran-Expedition 1949/50. Amphibien und Reptilien. -- Sitzber. nat.math.Kl. Abt. 1, 5(29): 427 - 448.--

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Wettstein, O. (1928): Amphibien und Reptilien aus Palästina und Syrien -- Sitzber. Akad. Wiss. Wien. Math. Nat. Klasse I. 137: 773 - 785--

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Wettstein, O. (1960): Contribution a l’etude de la faune d’Afghanistan. 3. Lacertilia aus Afghanistan. -- Zool. Anz. 165: 58-63--

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Witte, G.F. (1930): MISSION SAHARIENNE AUGIÊRAS-DRAPER, 1927-192. REPTILES ET BATRACIENS -- Bull. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., Paris 2(2): 614 - 618--

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YALCINKAYA, D., M.Z. YILDIZ, E. SAMI, M.A. BOZKURT, F. ÜÇES & A.F. ÖZCAN (2022): Amphibian and reptile diversity of Kahramanmaras (Turkey) province -- Biological Diversity and Conservation 15(1): 10-21-- read abstract In this study, it was aimed to determine the amphibian and reptile species distributed in Kahramanmaras province. Between the years 2016-2018, a total of 52 species (6 amphibians, 4 turtles, 21 lizards and 21 snakes species) belonging to 20 families were determined in Kahramanmaras province during field surveys conducted at 451 localities. The records and their locations are presented in a map and a table. However, Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758), Darevskia valentini (Boettger, 1892), Ablepharus chernovi Darevsky, 1953, Chamaeleo chamaeleon (Linnaeus, 1758), Parvilacerta parva (Boulenger, 1887), Anatololacerta pelasgiana (Mertens, 1959), Elaphe sauromates (Pallas, 1811) and Rhynchocalamus satunini (Nikolsky, 1899) were recorded for the first time from Kahramanmaras.

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YASAR C., K. ÇIÇEK, J. MULDER & C.V. TOK (2021): The distribution and biogeography of amphibians and reptiles in Turkey -- NORTH-WESTERN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 17 (2): 232-275-- read abstract Knowledge on the spatial distribution of taxa is crucial for the decision-making processes in conservation and management of biodiversity that rely on precise distribution data. We present an annotated list for a total of 37 amphibian (20 caudatans and 17 anurans) and 141 reptile species (11 chelonians, 70 lizards, 3 amphisbaenians and 57 snakes) in Turkey, using both available scientific literature up to December 2020 and our own fieldwork data from 1987 to 2020. We provide a comprehensive listing of taxonomy, names, distribution and conservation status of Turkish amphibians and reptiles. The herpetofauna list will be particularly useful for establishing national conservation priorities as well as for placing Turkish fauna into phylogenetic and biogeographic contexts. We compiled information published in books, journals and various web sources and added our personal data. We projected the data in the WGS84 coordinate system and created an overlay grid with cells of 50x50 km2. The database comprises more than 500 grid cells and 11,913 records. As a result, the distribution of Turkish amphibians and reptiles has been extensively mapped with geographical information systems and a database has been created. The obtained data will be useful in planning future studies on taxonomy, ecology and conservation of Turkish amphibians and reptiles

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Yenmis, M., D. Ayaz, W.C. Sherbrooke & M. Vesely (2015): A comparative behavioural and structural study of rain-harvesting and non-rain-harvesting agamid lizards of Anatolia (Turkey) -- Zoomorphology DOI 10.1007/s00435-015-0285-4; 13 pp. ( final 135: 137–148)-- read abstract Some lizards living in arid or semi-arid habitats have developed a specific adaptation to capture and drink water. This adaptation, rain-harvesting, occurs when water is carried through interscalar channels between integumental scales to the mouth, the point where water is ingested. We investigated whether this special waterdrinking adaptation is utilized in four species of agamid lizards living in Turkey Stellagama stellio (Linnaeus, 1758), Paralaudakia caucasica (Eichwald, 1831), Trapelus lessonae (De Filippi, 1865) and Phrynocephalus horvathi (Mehely, 1894). Using histological and scanning electron microscopic methods, we found that P. horvathi has the integumental adaptations to rain-harvest water; however, S. stellio and P. caucasica do not. Determination of the rain-harvesting condition in T. lessonae will require further research. In all four species, honeycomb-shaped microstructures cover dorsal scale surfaces, and in P. horvathi, a complex capillary system involving scale hinges was documented. In experiments with captive animals, which included putting dyed water drops onto the integument, we found that even the species that do not have ability to rain-harvest can collect water on their integuments. But in these species the water does not move into their mouth. Our new findings of rain-harvesting in P. horvathi are compared with published data to show that this specific adaptation has evolved convergently with other agamids and with iguanids. Also water flow within the scale hinge system of P. horvathi is directional, towards the head.

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Yenmis, M., D. Ayaz, W.C. Sherbrooke & M. Vesely (2023): Comparative analyses of micro- and macro-scale surface structures in the convergent evolution of rain-harvesting behaviour in lizards -- Journal of Zoology xx (2023) 1–18 (early view) 18 pp-- read abstract Rain-harvesting behaviour represents an adaptation for water collection that has evolved in some species of iguanian reptiles inhabiting arid environments. To date, such behaviour has been observed only in members of the families Agamidae and Phrynosomatidae. A common set of integumentary features characterizes these rainharvesting species, including scale surface microstructures (SSMs), capillary channels and hinge joints. The influence of variations in these features on rainharvesting has been a subject of discussion for many decades. Nevertheless, a comprehensive comparative study of similarities and differences between harvesting and non-harvesting species on a broader scale remains lacking. In this study, we classify scale surface microstructures into three categories: large hexagons (SSM1), smaller nested hexagons (SSM2) and hinge pits (SSM2H). As the first two SSM types are widespread, they do not appear to be directly linked to the adaptation for rain-harvesting. Conversely, the presence or absence of hinge pits distinguishes harvesters from non-harvesters. Additionally, channel hierarchy, width and structure determine the effectiveness of the rain-harvesting architecture. Only Moloch horridus exhibits distinct integumentary features in comparison to other agamids and rain-harvesting species. Ancestral character state reconstruction suggests that rainharvesting behaviour was likely absent in the ancestor of Iguanians, even though overlapping scales and SSM1 were present. Our findings illustrate that rainharvesting species have independently converged upon similar structural solutions to address their water acquisition challenges, building upon shared pre-existing features.

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Yildiz, M.Z. (2020): Herpetofauna of Kilis Province (Southeast Anatolia, Turkey) -- Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 14(2): 145–156-- read abstract This study aims to determine the amphibian and reptile species distributed in Kilis province, southeast Anatolia, Turkey. A total of four amphibian and 33 reptile species were observed in this study, including one urodelan, three anuran, two chelonian, 16 lizard, and 15 snake species. Five species, Hyla savignyi (Audouin, 1829), Pelophylax bedriagae (Camerano, 1882), Mauremys rivulata (Valenciennes, 1833), Ablepharus budaki Göçmen, Kumlutas, and Tosunoglu, 1996, Natrix tessellata (Linnaeus, 1758), and Chamaeleo chamaeleon (Linnaeus, 1758) were recorded for the first time in Kilis province in the present study. The records and their locations are presented on a map, and in tabular form. In addition, the 12 chorotypes were determined for each of the 37 species.

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YILDIZ, M.Z., B. SARIKAYA & M.A. BOZKURT (2019): Hatay Ilinin Herpetofaunasi (Dogu Akdeniz Bölgesi, Türkiye) [The Herpetofauna of the Province of Hatay (East Mediterranean Turkey)] -- Biological Diversity and Conservation 12(2): 197-205-- read abstract In this research, it is intended to determine amphibian and reptile species distributed in Hatay province (East Mediterranean region, Turkey). For this aim, it is realized herpetological trip to al region of the province of Hatay in March, April, May, July, September and October in 2016 and in March and May in 2017. As a result of this study, it is recorded five anuran, two urodela species belong to five families, six chelonian belong to 5 families, and 17 lizard belong to seven families and 22 snake species belong to four families in the province Hatay (7 amphibians and 45 reptiles in total). As a result of this project; Trapelus lessonae (De filippi, 1865), and Eirenis barani Schmidtler, 1988 were recorded for in the province of Hatay in first. We report the most updated information regarding the herpetofauna of Hatay province.

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Yousefi, M., A. Khani, S.S. Ilanloo & E. Rastegar Pouyani (2013): Lizard's fauna of the Sabzevar with particular emphasis on the syntopic lizard and presentation of a framework for reptile distribution of Iran (in Farsi with engl. summ.) -- Taxonomy and Biosystematics 5(16): 17 pp.-- read abstract Sabzevar is one of the most biologically diverse regions in northeast Iran, with the area of 19500 km2 and an elevational of 950-2977 m. During a long term study of lizards in this area which lasted 3 years, 21 species and subspecies of lizards belonging to 13 genera and 5 families were collected, recognized and reported. The families Anguidae, Eublepharidae and Uromastycidae were not represented in the area. The genus Eremias with 6 species was the most diverse genus in Sabzevar district. More emphasis was given to the syntopic reptiles. This showed that Trapelus agailis with having 18 syntopic species and Cyrtopodion caspium with no syntopic species were in the extreme sides. Due to our little knowledge on the distribution of reptiles in Iran, we designed a framework for providing a reptile's distribution map in Iran.

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YOUSEFKHANI, S.S.H., M. YOUSEFI, E. RASTEGAR-POUYANI & N. RASTEGAR-POUYANI (2013): Lizards from Qeshm Island, Iran -- Herpetological Review 44(3): 486–488.--

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Zadhoush, B., . Mousavi, S.J. Mousavi & M. Rajabizadeh (2022): A preliminary study of the lizard fauna and their habitats in Bafq Protected Area and Darreh-Anjir Wildlife Refuge, Yazd Province, Central Iran -- Journ. Wildlife & Biodivers. Volume 7(X): X-X (2023) 46 pp (early view) = 8(1): 112-157 (2024)-- read abstract Kuh-e Bafq Protected Area and Darreh-Anjir Wildlife Refuge are located in Yazd Province, Central Iran. Although reptiles are relatively diverse in this area, little is known regarding their diversity, distribution, and habitat preferences. The present study was carried out from March 2012 to late June 2013. A total of 55 specimens were collected (or observed) and identified, belonging to six families, 14 genera, and 16 species.

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Zander, A. (1895): Einige transkaspische Reptilien -- Der zoologische Garten 36: 210 – 215; 232 – 238; 297 – 305; 327 – 336; 370 – 380--

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Zarudny (Zaroudnoi), N. (1891): Recherches Zoologiques dans la Contree Trans-Caspienne -- Bull. Soc. Imp. Nat. Moscou; Nov. Ser. 4: 288 - 315--

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Zarudny, N.A. (1897): Notes on reptiles and amphibians of northeastern Persia (in Russ. language) -- Ann. Mus. Zool. Acad. Imp. Sci. St. Petersbourg 2: 349 - 361--

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Zavattari, E. (1924): VERTEBRATI DI CIRENAICA RACCOLTI DAL GENERALE MEDICO PROF. FRANCESCO TESTI -- Atti Soc. Nat. Math. Modena 6(1-2) [LIII e LIV]: 13 - 22--

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Zavattari, E. (1930): Erpetologia della Cirenaica -- Archivio Zoologico Italiano, 14: 253 - 289-- read abstract During the summer of 1929 the author made a very extensive collection of Amphibia and Reptiles in Cyrenaica. Usig this material as a basis, he has revised the existing knowledge about these groups, and finds that only 2 species of tailless Amphibia and 33 species of Reptilia, of which 2 are Chelonia, 19 Sauria and 12 Ophidia, are found in that region. He finds also that the geographical distribution is not uniform since some forms are found exclusively in the coastal region and on the high plateau, white others occur only in the oases of the Sahara. He finally discusses the relationship between the Reptilian and Amphibianfauna of Cyrenaica and that of North Africa and the mediterranean basin in general.

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Zinner, H. (1967): HERPETOLOGICAL COLLECTION TRIPS TO THE LEBANON 1965 AND 1966 -- Isr. J. Zool. 16: 49-58-- read abstract Reptiles were collected and observed in the following areas: 1. Coastal flats and sand dune areas between Tyr (Sour) and Tripoli. 2. Western slope of the High Lebanon up to the Cornet es Sauda (3,000 m above sea level). 3. The deserted northern part of the stony flat of Bekaa, between Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon. Most of the material (22 species of reptiles, about 250 specimens) both alive and preserved, is being worked on at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.