Road mortality of amphibians and reptiles in the Anatolian part of Turkey

Abstract

The amphibian and reptile specimens, crushed due to vehicle traffic, were recorded during herpetological trips to various regions of Anatolia between 2005 and 2009. In total, 183 individuals were detected, representing 28 species from 4 amphibian [Salamandridae (1), Ranidae (3), Bufonidae (2), and Hylidae (2)], 3 turtle [Testudinidae (1), Emydidae (1), and Geoemydidae (2)], 3 lizard [Agamidae (1), Anguidae (2), and Lacertidae (5)] and 2 snake [Colubridae (6) and Viperidae (2)] families. The measures required for decreasing herpetofaunal mortalities due to traffic are emphasized.