[A preliminary report on the herpetofauna of northern Cyprus.] (in Turkish)

A total of 506 herpetological specimens collected during the excursions in the period between 1989-1994 and some previously collected samples present in the ZDEU collection are surveyed. Among the species determined are 3 amphibians (Anura), 1 turtle (Testudinata), 10 lizards (Lacertilia) and 7 snakes (Ophidia). These belong to a total of 12 families: Bufonidae, Hylidae, Ranidae, Emydidae, Gekkonidae, Agamidae, Chamaeleonidae. Lacertidae, Scincidae, Typhopidae, Colubridae and Viperidae. Ecological and biological data for the species are given and it is stressed that the taxonomical states of some species (Rana ridibunda, Lacerta laevis, Ophisops elegans and Ablepharus kitaibelii) should be taken into consideration again. Also an old record of a snake supposedly living in Cyprus (1). i.e. Coluber najadum is confirmed after for a long time. On the other hand, the presence of Eryx jaculus and Elaphe situla in Northern Cyprus was reported in the ZDEU collection. However, the occurrence of these species in Cyprus is considered as doubtful since no specimens were encountered during the period of our surveying, the specimens in the ZDEU collection are very old alcohol material and also no previous report is present. Eumeces schnelderi, Natrix natrix, Malpalon monspessulanus and Telescopus fallax species which were previously reported to be found in Cyprus, are not encountered in the our present study. This makes us consider that these reptile species face a serious threat of extinction in the island.