On the distribution of Triturus vittatus ophryticus in Northern Anatolia

Abstract

On a reed-stem, collected in April 1992 in Lake Köycegiz (SW Turkey), numerous gemmules of Spongilla alba were found on and between the tubes of the marine polychaete Ficopomatus enigmaticus.     

On Mertensiella luschani helverseni populations in Southwestern Anatolia

Abstract

The leech family Barbronidae is distinguished from the Salifidae and Erpobdellidae by the presence of two accessory copulatory pores, and by the ventral nerve cord with 19 free ganglia and 9 ganglia fused to form the posterior ganglionic mass. Some characteristics of Barbronia assiuti are revised, such as the presence of stylets and the annulation.     

On the occurrence of the Bittern,Botaurus stellaris,in Turkey

Abstract

This paper reviews 53 records of the Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) in Bulgaria (1912–1989) from published and unpublished sources. The phonology, distribution, ecology and behaviour of these migrants are described and discussed. Attention is drawn to “pale” Whimbrels which may belong to the rare subspecies albuaxillaris.     

On a historical occurrence of the Lion,Panthera leo,in Turkey

Abstract

The distribution of the Indian Crested Porcupine Hystrtx indica in Iraq is described, with 19 additional new localities. The population has apparently has been declining during the last twenty years. Preganancy was recorded between April and September, suggesting at least two litters per year. The mean number of embryos was 2.3 per female. 98–100% of the stomach content consisted of plant material.     

The White-breasted Kingfisher,Halcyon smyrnensis,in Turkey: On the occurrence of an endangered species

Abstract

The size of the Turkish population of the White-breasted Kingfisher is estimated to be about 100–150 pairs of which approx. 75% are concentrated in five localities. This makes the species vulnerable. A distribution map is given.     

On the distribution of the Fire-bellied Toad,Bombina bombina,in Turkey

Abstract

The Lake of Köyceg¯iz (Köyceg¯iz Gölü) in southwest Turkey is influenced by several external factors such as sulfuric springs, :Mediterranean seawater and a relatively strong changing wind. These give rise to an exceptional hydrochemistry and hydrophysics, which are reflected in the phyto and zooplankton. The complicated layer structure of the lake is determined more by chemical gradients than by temperature. The water body is divided in two layers of differing hydrology. The upper layer is subject to full circulation while the lower one is strictly stratified by chemical gradients caused by the sulfuric sources and an influx of-Mediterranean water. The lake can be classified as meromictic. Subsurface freshwater springs may well influence the system, but to a lesser degree. Phyto- and zooplankton are characterized by a limited number of species and a low biomass. ’This is due to a very thin euphotic zone as well as the brackish character of the lake water.     

On the historical distribution and present situation of Gazelles,Gazella spp., in Turkey

Abstract

Panthera tigris strayed at least once (1887) as far south as Mossul Liwa, Iraq. The relationship of this with neighbouring occurences is mapped.     

Occurrence of the Brown-necked Raven,Corvus ruficollis,at Cizre in Eastern Turkey

An adult male of Maynard's Longnose Sand Snake (Lytorhynchus maynardi) was collected on 24 July 2009 from the east of Sistan and Baluchistan Province in south-eastern Iran. The new locality is the westernmost record of this species in western Asia, and the first record for 42 years from Iran. Information on the geographic distribution of the genus Lytorhynchus Peters, 1863 in Iran, comparative morphology and some ecological data are presented here.     

On the distribution of the Slow Worm,Anguis fragilis,and the European Glass Lizard,Ophisaurus apodus,in Turkey

Abstract

The two subspecies of Ophisaurus apodus represent different ecotypes: thracicus is a coastal type, which occurs in Turkey along all coasts (but only local along the Black Sea coast), whereas nominate apodus is an inland type which is found in Turkey only in the extreme east. Anguis fragilis is confined to areas in which the monthly mean precipitation is above 20 mm.     

Lesser Sandplover,Charadrius mongolus,in Turkey

Sagittal otoliths are widely used to determine taxon, age and size of the teleost fishes, and are useful tools for studies of prey-predator relationships, population dynamics and ichthyo-archaeology. They can also be used to estimate the size of the prey. We examined the relationships between otolith measurements (length, height and weight) and fish size (total length and weight) for two species of Argentinidae (Argentina sphyraena and Glossanodon leioglossus) from the Southern Aegean Sea, Turkey. Length, height and mass of sagittae were shown to be good indicators for the length and weight of fish in both species. Glossanodon leioglossus has relatively larger sagittae than Argentina sphyraena. Linear and exponential functions provided the best fit for relations between otolith and fish measurements. No significant differences were found between left and right otolith sizes.     

Grey-headed Woodpecker,Picus canus,in north-eastern Turkey

Abstract

A new record of the Grey-headed Woodpecker in north-eastern Turkey shows, together with published results, that the species apparently is distributed in low density over the whole Black Sea region of Turkey.     

Egyptian Mongoose,Herpestes ichneumon,in southern Turkey

Abstract

Foot-prints and direct observations showed that the Egyptian Mongoose is relatively common in the Çukurova region of southern Turkey. Droppings contained approx. 65% birds.     

Red-rumped Wheatear,Oenanthe moesta,in Turkey

Abstract

Even in areas with a rich insect life inhabited by several species of swallows and swifts, different preferences and species assemblages during aerial hunting can be observed. Geographical differences in distribution and abundance, different habitat preferences, time of season and day as well as different range of hunting flights will influence local species assemblages and coexistence during aerial hunting.     

Paddyfield Warbler,Acrocephalus agricola,at Van Gölü, eastern Turkey

Abstract

A Paddyfield Warbler was mist-netted at Van in eastern Anatolia on 8.5 1987. This is the second record for Turkey.     

The Eregli Marshes: A new nesting site for the Greater Flamingo,Phoenicopterus ruber,in Turkey

Abstract

35–40 old Flamingo nests were found in the Ere?li Marshes in 1987. Successful breeding probably did not take place. A review of Flamingo breeding in Turkey is given.