Habitat preferences and population estimates of the European glass lizard Pseudopus apodus (Pallas, 1775) in the Gediz Delta, Western Anatolia
Makaleler > Tam Makale · 2025
Yazarlar: Muhammet Ertem, Kerim ÇİÇEK
Biodiversity, Uluslararası, Scopus, 2025, cilt 27, ss 136-144
DOI: 10.1080/14888386.2025.2569897
Özet
Here, we studied the habitat preferences and some population parameters (morphology, sex ratio, population size and capture rate) of the European glass lizard (Pseudopus apodus, [Pallas 1775]) in Sazlıgöl, Gediz Delta, Izmir, Türkiye in 2022. During the fieldwork, we captured 20 individuals and 3 were recaptured in Sazlıgöl. The species has been observed to be more active on cool, humid, cloudy and windless days. Individuals were mostly observed in or around shrubs such as Sarcopoterium spinosum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Origanum onites and Asparagus acutifolius. In open areas, it was detected on the move in areas with herbaceous vegetation such as Asphodelus aestivus and Stipa sp. Although the GLM analysis revealed that habitat variables did not have a statistically significant effect on the species’ microhabitat selection, observational data support the preference for shrublands. According to the data obtained from the capture-recapture method, the population size was 52 individuals, and the capture probability was 0.074. Male-biased (4:1) sex ratio was detected. It was determined that various human-induced pressures such as urban development, agricultural activities, road mortality, pesticide use and drought due to climate change, are threatening P. apodus in the Delta. It was suggested that habitat integrity be ensured, pollutants be reduced, pesticide use be limited and local people be made aware for the protection of the species. In addition, it was emphasized that the population should be monitored for the long term and these studies should be integrated into the Gediz Delta Management Plan.