Ecological niche differentiation in the Anatolian rock lizards (Genus: Anatololacerta) (Reptilia: Lacertidae) of the Anatolian Peninsula and Aegean Islands

The genus Anatololacerta is distributed in the eastern Mediterranean region including Asia Minor and some east Aegean islands. Recent phylogenetic studies suggested that this displayed cryptic diversity was divided into five species: A. anatolica, pelasgiana, ibrahimi, finikensis danfordi. ecological niche differentiations of these species have not been studied so far. Our aims for study were to predict potential suitable habitats nested Anatololacerta, examine overlaps via identity background tests. occurrence data obtained from literature our own field surveys. Occurrence records rarefied assessed a 30 arc-second resolution layer, compatible with several bioclimatic topographic variables. Species distribution analyses performed using maximum entropy approach pairwise comparisons evaluated by results demonstrated delimitation among only affected geographic isolation but also precipitation temperature influenced habitat suitability species. Predicted usually well matched actual distributions. Moreover, overlap (identity test) verified allopatric show clear differentiations. However, between parapatric pelasgiana finikensis, confirmed It has could be more microclimatological parameters than others. are agreement latest within genus.