Abstract
The taxonomic status of Eryx jaculus is contentious. E. jaculus was known as a polytypic species in the past with the subspecies E. j. jaculus, E. j. turcicus, E. j. familiaris. However, some researchers suggested E. jaculus as a monotypic species. The aim of this study was to contribute to the understanding of the taxonomic status of the species through morphological data from Anatolian populations. A total of 25 specimens were collected and examined during field studies conducted between 2004 and 2019, and nine additional photographic materials obtained from local people and herpetologists were also assessed. These localities have filled the gaps within the previously known distribution range of the species. The taxonomy of the species has been discussed in light of the relevant literature data and it was concluded that E. jaculus should be considered as a monotypic species.
Acknowledgements
This study was conducted within the framework of the National Biodiversity Inventory and Monitoring Project coordinated by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks. We would like to thank M. Gül for his assistance in preparing the distribution map. We are also grateful to B. Akman, N. İğci, D. Yalçınkaya, M. Karış, M. A. Oğuz, E. (A) Yağmur, D. Şener, (B) Sarıkaya, M. A. Bozkurt, Ş. Karadağ, E. Sami, Ö. Adızel, and E. Bulum for their valuable support during fieldwork and photographic documentation. Finally, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude and respect to the late Prof. Dr. Bayram Göçmen, who passed away on March 22, 2019, for his lifelong contributions to herpetology and his inspirational guidance.
Funding
This study was funded by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit at Dicle University under project number TIP.25.042.
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Yıldız, M.Z., Altunışık, A., Üçeş, F. et al. Taxonomic reevaluation of Eryx jaculus in Anatolia with a monotypic perspective.
Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-57012-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-57012-4
Keywords
- Anatolia
- Biodiversity
- Javelin Sand Boa
- Monotypic
- Snake
- Systematics
Source: Ecology - nature.com
