Cemal Varol Tok

Epizoic Freshwater Algae on Emys orbicularis (Testudinata: Emydidae) from the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey

ABSTRACT We surveyed the epizoic algae growing on Emys orbicularis from several sites in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey during the nesting season (May-August) of 2005. Fifty-three algae species were found on carapaces of thirty-five E. Orbicularis, with considerable variation in the algal communities from different sites.

Morphological characterisation of a population of Rana ridibunda Pallas, 1771 in the Dalaman area, Turkey

Abstract 91 specimens of the Marsh or Lake Frog Rana ridibunda from the vicinity of Kapıkargın Village (Dalaman, Muğla province, Turkey) were investigated morphometrically and from the viewpoint of colouration and colour pattern. While the specimens were found to be identical morphometrically with Rana ridibunda, the venter of 87% of the specimens was more or less covered with fine black or yellow warts, which is not known from elsewhere in Turkey.

A new record of Macrovipera lebetina obtusa (Viperidae) from south-eastern Anatolia

Abstract The viper Macrovipera lebetina obtusa is recorded from Nusaybin, Mardin province of Turkey. Information on morphological features and the biology of this subspecies is given.

Population dynamics of Rana macrocnemis Boulenger, 1885 at Uludağ, Western Turkey

Abstract In a study on the population dynamics of the Uludağ Frog, Rana macrocnemis Boulenger, 1885 at Uludağ, 4,952 individuals were marked with toeclipping, visible implant elastomer and vi alpha tags between 2006 and 2008. 47.1% of the population consisted of males, 39.0% of females and 13.8% of juveniles, and a male-biased sex ratio was observed. According to the formula of Jolly-Seber, the mean population size was calculated for individual study plots as 1,535 in Kirazlıyayla, 1,578 in Sarıalan, 1,481 in the Hotels District, 823 in Lake Kilimli, 742 in Lake Kara, 675 in Lake Aynalı, 658 in Lake Koğukdere, and 151 in Lake Heybeli. The total population size was estimated at 7,643 individuals (3,113 in forest, 4,530 in the subalpine belt) in 1.30 ha areas (0.14 ha in forest, 1.16 ha in the subalpine belt) in study plots of Uludağ ranging between 1,476 to 2,450 m a.s.l. The capture probability ranged from 0.21 to 0.93 and the survival rate ranged from 0.57 to 0.98 among the populations, and the mean population density was calculated as 0.19–2.52 individuals/m2. The age in the population varied between 2 and 11 years, and the median age was calculated as 4 in males, 4.5 in females. The sexual maturity age ranged from 2nd to 6th years depending on altitude (from 1,476 to 2,450 m). It was found that the breeding period commenced in early April upon the melting of the snow and extended until the end of June, depending on altitude. The mean number of eggs in an egg mass was calculated to be 987±326. Spawned eggs hatched in 7 to 32 days depending on weather conditions and metamorphosis was completed in 46 to 130 days.

Population estimate and body size of European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) from Pazarağaç (Afyonkarahisar/Turkey)

Data on population size, adult sex ratio, body size and mass are provided for a population of the turtle Emys orbicularis near Pazarağaç (Afyonkarahisar/Turkey). Using the mark-recapture method (triple catch), a population size of 664 turtles was estimated (95% confidence interval, range 332–996), corresponding to a density of 83 turtles per hectare (range 41.5–124.5). The adult sex-ratio was significantly skewed in favor of males (2.02 males: 1 female; P < 0.001). Almost all recorded specimens were adult (98.1%). Mean straight carapace length (SCL) and body mass (BM) of adult turtles were: SCL = 128.65 mm, BM = 345 g for males (n = 168) and SCL = 135.37 mm, BM = 463 g for females (n = 83).

Morphologic and Serologic Comparison of Two Turkish Populations of Mauremys rivulata and Mauremys caspica

ABSTRACT Two Turkish populations of Mauremys caspica and Mauremys rivulata were compared morphologically, serologically, and ecologically. Morphometric differences were noted among sexes and populations. Electrophoretic patterns demonstrated significant differences between the taxa and supported their status as distinct species.

Comparative morphology of Triturus karelinii populations from western and central Turkey (Amphibia: Urodela)

Abstract Three different populations of Triturus karelinii from the Aegean region (Bozdağ), eastern Anatolia (Koyulhisar), and the Marmara region (İstanbul) are compared in terms of morphometric measurements and ratios, and features of colouration pattern. The Bozdağ population differs from the Koyulhisar population in eight characters, and from the İstanbul population in ten characters. According to the coefficient of difference, males from Bozdağ differ from Koyulhisar males in three characters, whereas the males from İstanbul differ in two characters. Furthermore, females of the Bozdağ population differ from females from Koyulhisar in three characters, whereas they are different from İstanbul females in two characters. These results show the clear separation of the Bozdağ population from the other two populations. However, in our opinion the Bozdağ population should be re-examined with biochemical methods combined with biological, ecological and behavioural approaches.

On Vipera ammodytes transcaucasiana (Viperidae) from Perşembe, Black Sea region of Turkey

Abstract The Transcaucasian Nose-horned Viper Vipera ammodytes transcaucasiana is recorded from Persembe, Ordu province of Turkey. The morphological characteristics of this subspecies have been studied and some biological and ecological characteristics are described.

Shape variability of the head of Ophisops elegans Ménétriés, 1832 (Reptilia: Lacertidae) from Konya, Turkey

Abstract Ophisops elegans is a widely distributed lizard species. Like other lacertids, O. elegans has characteristic head plates. In this paper, the variation of the head plate morphology between sexes was studied in the subspecies Ophisops elegans centralanatoliae. According to our results, both size and shape of the head plates show sexual dimorphism. The most remarkable shape difference between sexes is observed in the parietal region. In addition, the ontogentic allometry of the head plate shapes was investigated.

Borçka-Karagöl Tabiat Parkı (Artvin / Türkiye) ve Çevresinin Kurbağaları

Borcka-Karagol Tabiat Parki ve cevresinde yayilis gosteren kurbaga turleri ve dagilislari, 2003-2006 yillari ile 2015-2017 yillarinda yapilan arazi calismalariyla belirlenmistir. Karagol Tabiat Parki ve cevresinde 5 kuyruksuz [Rana macrocnemis, Pelophylax ridibundus, Hyla orientalis, Pelodytes caucasicus ve Bufo verrucosissimus] ve iki kuyruklu kurbaga [Mertensiella caucasica ve Ommatotriton ophryticus] turu olmak uzere toplam yedi amfibi turunun yasadigi tespit edilmistir. Karogol’de, 1465 metre yukseklikte Rana macrocnemis, Pelophylax ridibundus, Hyla orientalis, Pelodytes caucasicus, Bufo verrucosissimus, Mertensiella caucasica ve Ommatotriton ophryticus turlerinin sintopik olarak yasadigi belirlenmistir. 1465-1750 m arasinda soz konusu turlerden Rana macrocnemis, Pelophylax ridibundus, Hyla orientalis, Pelodytes caucasicus, Bufo verrucosissimus ve Ommatotriton ophryticus birlikte yasamaktadir. 1750 – 2200 m arasinda ise Rana macrocnemis ve Mertensiella caucasica turleri birlikte yasamaktadir. Karagol’de Pelophylax ridibundus baskin tur olarak goze carpmaktayken, Orman ici ve subalpin bolgede Rana macrocnemis baskin tur olarak gozlenmistir.