Sahin, Mehmet Kursat; Kurnaz, Muammer; Bayram, Çağatay

The seasonal dynamics of reptile species and their responses to fluctuations in environmental temperature play a crucial role in their overall ecological functions. Reptiles are ectothermic organisms, meaning their activity levels are largely influenced by external temperatures. While most reptile species in temperate regions enter a state of hibernation during colder months, some exceptions may occur due to environmental changes. In this study, an unusual instance of winter activity was documented for Montivipera xanthina (Ottoman viper) in the Karalan-Eskişehir region of Turkey. A single individual was observed on November 2, 2024, at an ambient temperature of 18.6°C. This observation provides significant insights into the winter behaviors of reptiles, which are generally considered inactive during this period. A review of existing literature reveals no prior records of Montivipera xanthina exhibiting activity in November or any other winter months. Therefore, this study presents the first known documentation of winter activity in this species, raising questions about the potential effects of climate change on reptilian seasonal behaviors. Rising temperatures and shifting seasonal patterns may be altering the hibernation strategies of reptiles, leading to extended activity periods. Such changes could have ecological consequences, affecting predator-prey interactions, reproductive cycles, and overall species distributions.

Bayram, Çağatay; Çelebi, Turan Meriç; Çevik, Emre; Kuyucu, Arda Cem; Kurnaz, Muammer; Şahin, Mehmet Kürşat

Tail autotomy is a common and highly effective defensive mechanism observed in many lizard species, allowing individuals to escape predators by shedding a portion of their tail. This behavior, while beneficial for survival, can sometimes result in typical outcomes during tail regeneration. One such rare disorder is tail bifurcation often due to incomplete or misdirected regenerative processes. On June 23, 2025, during fieldwork in the rural areas of Afyonkarahisar Province, a female snake-eyed lizard (Ophisops elegans), belonging to the Lacertidae family, was observed with a clearly bifurcated tail. The specimen was captured and examined briefly, and morphometric, biotic, and environmental data were recorded. Photographs were taken to document the anomaly, and the specimen was subsequently released in its habitat. This field observation contributes to the growing number of bifurcated tail reports in Lacertidae and emphasizes the value of in situ herpetological monitoring. Observations in this study enhance our understanding of caudal autotomy and tail regeneration and also provide insights into developmental biology, wound healing, and ecological implications of tail malformations in natural populations.