Changing the habitats of true lizards in southwest caspian region

Abstract

This article provides data on the distribution of lacertid lizards in the region of the Southwest Caspian. The study was performed between 2007 and 2014 in the territory of Jalilabad, Masalli, Yardimli, Lenkoran, Masalli and Lerik administrative districts of the Republic of Azerbaijan. On the basis of field data and the results of studies of museum collections, we noted a change in the range of lizards under the influence of anthropogenic deforestation. In particular, it is noted that there is a narrowing of the distribution of the green belly lizard, Darevskia chlorogaster and the extension of the habitats of Azerbaijani, D. raddei and striped, Lacerta strigata lizards. Because of the fact that the green belly lizard distribution in the region decreased by more than a third, it is proposed that it be included in the Red Data Book of Azerbaijan. Refs 7. Figs 1.