New data on the distribution of <em>Darevskia pontica</em> (Lantz and Cyrén, 1919) (Reptilia: Lacertidae) in Romania: filling a significant gap

The distribution of the meadow lizard, Darevskia pontica, in Romania is still inadequately documented. In the light of new distribution data reported here and gleaned from the literature, the species is more widely distributed in the country. The distribution seems to be continuous in southern Romania, even if fragmented and associated with extant woodland patches. The present distribution pattern could be the result of extensive deforestation process in the area, which isolated this forest lizard to remnant patches, as already indicated in the literature

New data on the distribution of Darevskia pontica (Lantz and Cyrén, 1919) (Reptilia: Lacertidae) in Romania: filling a significant gap

The distribution of the meadow lizard, Darevskia pontica, in Romania is still inadequately documented. In the light of new distribution data reported here and gleaned from the literature, the species is more widely distributed in the country. The distribution seems to be continuous in southern Romania, even if fragmented and associated with extant woodland patches. The present distribution pattern could be the result of extensive deforestation process in the area, which isolated this forest lizard to remnant patches, as already indicated in the literature

Molecular data confirm recent fluctuations of northern border of dice snake (Natrix tessellata) range in Eastern Europe

Herein we present the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) based phylogeography of the dice snake (Natrix tessellata) in Eastern Europe and The Balkans. Eight haplotypes were identified. Phylogenetic reconstruction has showed 3 major clades: 1) Greece, 2) Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe, 3) Eastern Europe (Ukraine and Russia only). Our data are in concordance with the results of other studies of the species' phylogeography. The northernmost isolated population of the dice snake in Lipetsk province, Russia have no differences from neighboring Ukrainian populations and seems to be the result of recent colonization during the Holocene climatic optimum.Ministry of education and science of Republic of Serbia [173025

Molecular data confirm recent fluctuations of northern border of dice snake (Natrix tessellata) range in Eastern Europe

Herein we present the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) based phylogeography of the dice snake (Natrix tessellata) in Eastern Europe and The Balkans. Eight haplotypes were identified. Phylogenetic reconstruction has showed 3 major clades: 1) Greece, 2) Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe, 3) Eastern Europe (Ukraine and Russia only). Our data are in concordance with the results of other studies of the species' phylogeography. The northernmost isolated population of the dice snake in Lipetsk province, Russia have no differences from neighboring Ukrainian populations and seems to be the result of recent colonization during the Holocene climatic optimum.Ministry of education and science of Republic of Serbia [173025