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Zoologisch-Botanische Datenbank/Zoological-Botanical Database

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Zeitschrift/Journal: Herpetozoa

Jahr/Year: 1997

Band/Volume: 10_3_4

Autor(en)/Author(s): Martens Harald

Artikel/Article: A review of "Zoogeography of amphibians and of Syria, with additional new records" (Herpetozoa 9 (1/2), 1996). 99-106 ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

HERPETOZOA 10 (3/4): 99-106 Wien, 30. Dezember 1997

A review of "Zoogeography of amphibians and reptiles of Syria, with additonal new records" (Herpetozoa 9 (1/2), 1996)

Kritische Anmerkungen und Ergänzungen zu "Zoogeographie der Amphibien und Reptilien Syriens, mit neuen Nachweisen" (Herpetozoa 9 (1/2), 1996)

HARALD MARTENS

KURZFASSUNG

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird eine kürzlich publizierte Analyse zur Zoogeographie der syrischen Herpeto- fauna ergänzt und kritisch kommentiert. Danach wären neun Taxa von der Faunenliste zu streichen und sechs andere in diese aufzunehmen. Bei drei Arten ist deren Vorkommen als fragwürdig anzusehen, bei zwei anderen werden der taxonomische und systematische Status diskutiert. Darüber hinaus wird eine Liste weiterer "fragwürdiger" Taxa fur Syrien vorgelegt. Die numerische Faunenanalyse, die ökogeographische Unterteilung des Landes und die Interpreta- tion der zoogeographische Affinitäten werden einer kritischen Analyse unterzogen.

ABSTRACT

A review of a recently published analysis of the zoogeography of the Syrian herpetofauna is presented. Nine taxa are deleted from the faunal list, six subspecies and respectively are added, in three the occurrences are questionable and in two the and systematic^ are discussed; moreover, several additional "doubtful" Syrian reptiles are listed. Critical comments are made on the numerical analysis, the ecozones of the country and the zoogeographical affinities of its herpetofaunal elements.

KEY WORDS

Syria; herpetofauna; faunal list; zoogeography, review.

INTRODUCTION Recently, an updated list of the Syr- questionable or even wrong interpretations ian herpetofauna and a brief discussion on of their own results. In order to avoid that its zoogeographical relationships to adja- future studies will uncritically refer to this cent countries were published by Disi & synopsis I present my comments on the BÖHME (1996). survey of DISI & BÖHME (1996). The authors present an annotated The following abbreviations are used: compilation of the amphibians and reptiles SVL (snout-vent length); BM (British Mu- of the Syrian Arab Republic, including new seum, Natural History, London, United King- records, and some ideas on zoogeographi- dorn); MNHN (Museum National Historie cal affinities and territories in the Near Naturelle, Paris, France); NMP (National East. This survey is the first one of its kind Museum, Prague, Czech Republic); NMW since WERNER'S brief and incomplete list (Naturhistorisches Museum Wien, Austria); of the Syrian herpetofauna (1939). SMF (Natur-Museum und Forschungsinsti- Unfortunately, both misinformation tut Senckenberg, Frankfurt a. M., Germany); and incomplete data are presented by the ZFMK (Zoologisches Forschungsinstitut authors due to uncritical and fragmentary und Museum Alexander Koenig, Bonn, review of the available literature as well as Germany).

Comments on records new to Syria Acanthodactylus opheodurus AR- semblance this species has often been con- NOLD, 1980: Because of its superficial re- fused with A. boskianus (DAUDIN, 1802) in ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

100 H. MARTENS other countries of the Middle East, the lat- between the Mediterranean Sea and the ter being widespread in Syria (e. g. SAL- Syrian Desert from the Amanus and Tau- VADOR 1982). Only two of the characteris- rus mountains in the north to the Sinai tics listed with the new records of A. Peninsula in the south (for details see e. g. opheodurus from Syria are generally con- WIRTH 1971). It is obvious that many sidered as diagnostic features (1. number of questionable records of species from dorsalia, 2. SVL), all the remaining ones "Syria" lacking exact localities are attrib- show no differences or largely overlapping uted to the misinterpretation of their geo- ranges between the two species (cf. SAL- graphical origin (see also below). VADOR 1982; ARNOLD 1986). However, the The two A. schreiben syriacus were number of dorsal scales can only be used to collected in times - 1886 and 1927 respec- distinguish specimens from the Arabian tively - when "Syria" included also parts of Pensinsula sensu strictu (A. opheodurus I the modern states of Israel and Lebanon. A. boskianus: 25-38 versus 18-30, rarley Accordingly, reptile species e. g. from Bei- 36; ARNOLD 1986) while A boskianus from rut were commonly treated as "Syrian" by Iraq, Syria and Jordan - sometimes consid- contemporary herpetologists (e. g. BOETT- ered as a distinct subspecies A b. euphrati- GER 1877; WERNER 1939). Today, A. schrei- cus BOULENGER, 1919 - have smaller scales ben syriacus occurs both in Israel and and thus higher numbers of dorsalia (36- Lebanon mainly in sand dune areas along 55: SALVADOR 1982; SMF 75335-6, 75584- the Mediterranean coast up to Beirut (ZIN- 7, 75630, NMP 34863/1-5, 34864/1-2, SVL NER 1967; HRAOUI BLOQUET 1981; SAL- 71,8-87,8 mm, pers. unpubl. data). The VADOR 1982; Y. WERNER 1988), whereas SVL of a single specimen (62 mm; Disi & no records of this conspicuous taxon were BÖHME 1996), too, is no clear indication to ever published for Syria proper. The only any of the two species (A. opheodurus: up recent report of this subspecies from south- to 62 mm, A. boskianus: up to 95 mm; ern Syria (Mzeirib; KATTINGER 1970) is ARNOLD 1986). Accordingly, scale counts based on a misidentified Ophisops elegans and measurements presented do not only ehrenbergii WIEGMANN, 1835. For all fall within the ranges of A. opheodurus these reasons it is unlikely that the two A. (DISI & BÖHME 1996) but also within those schreiben were once collected in the terri- of A. boskianus. Since data on other exter- tory of the Syrian Arab Republic. nal diagnostic characteristics are lacking Pseudotrapelus sinaitus (HEYDEN, (SALVADOR 1982: pectination of the eyelid 1827), Uromastyx aegyptia microlepis BLAN- and 4th toe; ARNOLD 1986: back pattern, FORD, 1874: Both species were already re- colouration of the tail) the identification of corded by VESELY (1991) from the Syrian the two Syrian specimens must be consid- basalt desert east of Jebel ed Drouz. Later, ererd as highly doubtful unless a more de- WILMS (1995) published a photograph of a tailed examination is presented. specimen of U. aegyptia from Abu Kemal Acanthodactylus schreiben syriacus in eastern Syria. Probably the first one who BOETTGER, 1879: Two individuals of this listed the two species from Syrian territory species originating from "Syria" and "Syri- was OPPENHEIM (1899) although he did not en" respectively are listed as new records indicate the scientific names. However, he for the Syrian Arab Republic. Apart from mentioned the "Dabb" (Dornschwanz) in a the fact that records lacking an exact local- list of occurring in the Syrian ba- ity should always be treated with care the salt desert and described the second distinct interpretation of the origin "Syria" requires lizard from the oasis of Ruhbe: "Besonders particular caution. schön war eine schon auf dem Nemara- The modern state of Syria represents Hügel gesehene, etwa 25 cm grosse Ei- a rather new political entity; its borders as dechse, mit kleinen, aber starken Schup- depicted and considered by DISI & BÖHME pen, breitem Kopf, ziemlich hohen Beinen, (1996) were established during the Second von zierlicher Figur und braunroter Fär- World War only. Before that, the term bung, die etwa von der Mitte des Leibes an "Syria" was used in various historical, geo- nach dem Kopf zu und besonders auf der graphical or political senses and thus was Bauchseite in ein intensives schillerndes referring to different parts of the region Blaugrün übergeht." ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

Review of Zoogeography of Syrian herpetofauna 101

Leptotyphlops macrorhynchus (JAN, species occurs in Syria considering its en- 1861): According to the authors a single tire distribution range (see e. g. HAHN specimen was collected "...5 km sudi. Har- 1978) a first record of L. macrorhynchus ran/Syr., S. Türkei (Syrische Steppe)...". from this country is still lacking. Despite the misleading abbreviation "Syr." Coluber rogersi (ANDERSON, 1893): the collecting site can be easily identified The authors claim that this species is re- as a locality within the Turkish territory ported for the second time from Syria. (and is indicated as such), about 15 km However, there already exist two published north of the Syrian border town Tell records of C. rogersi from this country Abyad. Even if it seems most likely that the (SCHMIDT 1939; MARTENS 1993).

List of amphibians and reptiles from Syria: Remarks, additions and deletions

Although DISI & BÖHME (1996) men- listed for this region (cf. GÜNTHER 1990; tion several museum collections and pres- LEVTTON&al. 1992). ent a list of publications dealing with Syr- Mauremys caspica caspica (GMELIN, ian species they unfortunately failed to 1774): To be added. Beside the western specify the sources they referred to in list- subspecies listed by DISI & BÖHME (1996) ing a taxon. Consequently, it cannot totally the nominate form M. caspica caspica has be excluded that the listing of a species or been recorded from the rivers Euphrates subspecies is based on an unpublished rec- and Khabur in Syria, too (EISELT & SPIT- ord. However, since I checked several hun- ZENBÉRGER 1967: Meskene; KRUPP 1992: dred of publications concerning the Syrian Ras al Ain). herpetofauna, studied specimens from vari- Ptyodactylus hasselquistii (DONN- ous museum collections (BM, MNHN, DORF, 1798): To be deleted. Within its Near NMP, NMW, SMF, ZFMK) and collected Eastern range this species only occurs in almost 700 specimens in all parts of Syria, southernmost Israel and southern Sinai the deletions of nine taxa from the list of (HEIMES 1987; WERNER & SIVAN 1993). DISI & BÖHME (1996) seem to be justified. The listing for Syria may be attributed to Moreover, six species mentioned in the lit- the confusing systematics of P. hassel- erature but overlooked by the authors are to quistii, P. gut ta tus HEYDEN, 1827 and P. be added, the occurrences of three have to puiseuxi BOUT AN, 1893 the latter two once be considered as questionable and the tax- recognized as subspecies of the former (for onomy and systematics of two others are details see WERNER & SIVAN 1993). discussed. Laudakia stellio stellio (LINNAEUS, Salamandra salamandra (LINNAEUS, 1758): The intraspecific systematics of L. 1758): According to JOGER & STEINFARTZ stellio is still subject to controversial dis- (1995) the Levantine fire salamanders rep- cussions (see e. g. DAAN 1967; BEUTLER resent a distinct species, S. infraimmacula- 1981; Y. WERNER 1988; LEVITON & al. ta (MARTENS, 1885). 1992). According to a recent view regard- Rana cf. ridibunda PALLAS, 1771: To ing the populations of the eastern Mediter- be added. As noted by the authors the dis- ranean region (BÖHME & WIEDL 1994) the tinctness of the water frogs from western Levant is inhabited by the subspecies L. Syria has still to be demonstrated (R. le- stellio brachydactyla (HAAS, 1951). How- vantina SCHNEIDER, SINSCH & NEVO, 1992 ever, this view is no longer maintained by and R. bedriagae WERNER, 1912, respec- the senior author in his current list for tively). However, even if Rana specimens Syria without giving any explanation (DISI from the Syrian Levant will prove to be- & BÖHME 1996). In order to avoid further long to one of these taxa those from Meso- confusion Syrian populations should be in- potamia most probably will not. For hydro- dicated as L. stellio ssp. (except for L. stellio geographic and biogeographic reasons (see picea (PARKER, 1935)) unless detailed e. g. POR 1989) it appears justified to con- studies on the morphological heterogeneity sider the populations of the Euphrates of Levantine L. stellio are carried out. drainage as a distinct taxon tentatively as- Acanthodactylus opheodurus ARNOLD, signed to the species which is commonly 1980: Occurence questionable (see above). ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

102 H. MARTENS

Acanthodactylus pardalis (LlCHTEN- im Nahen Osten nehmen eine Zwischen- STEIN, 1823): To be deleted. This listing stellung zwischen der Balkan / Kaukasus- obviously refers to a few misidentified Gruppe und den afrikanischen Gruppen Acanthodactylus specimens collected in ein."; TOKAR & OBST 1993). Syria (PERACCA 1894; BOULENGER 1918; Coluber jugularis asianus (BOETT- ANGEL 1936; WERNER 1939). According to GER, 1880): To be added. This subspecies SALVADOR (1982) and ARNOLD (1983) A. is a common herpetofaunal element of the pardalis is restricted to Israel and Jordan Levant and was reported for Syria e. g. by within its Near Eastern range. With the ex- BOULENGER (1923), ANGEL (1936), WER- ception of a few Jordan localities (see also NER (1939), ZINNER (1972) and SIVAN & Y. WERNER 1991) "..reports from Jordan WERNER (1992). Additional voucher speci- and Syria are .... incorrect owing to confu- mens are deposited e.g. in the collections of sion with other species...", e. g. A. grandis the ZFMK (no. 30533, 30538). BOULENGER, 1909 (SALVADOR 1982). modestus (MARTIN, 1838): To Acanthodactylus schreiben syriacus be deleted (see E. levantinus). BOETTGER, 1878: To be deleted (see Eirenis levantinus SCHMIDTLER, 1993: above). To be added. The first Syrian records of Acanthodactylus scutellatus (AUDOU- this species were published by SCHMIDTLER IN, 1829): To be deleted. Apart from some (1993) together with the description of the historical records (BOULENGER 1918, 1923) new taxon. According to the author all Le- referring to "Syria" (see above) there are no vantine dwarf south of the Amanus published records from the territory of the mountains formerly recognized as E. mo- Syrian Arab Republic. The nearest collect- destus (MARTIN, 1838) have to be assigned ing sites of this species associated with to the new species or to a closely related but soft-sand habitats are located in central yet undescribed taxon (see also SCHMIDT- Iraq and at the northern coast of Israel LER&BARAN 1993). (SALVADOR 1982; ARNOLD 1983). Natrix natrix persa (PALLAS, 1814): Blanus strauchi aporus WERNER To be added. The Grass was repor- 1884: To be added. This species is recorded ted from Lake Horns by PERACCA (1894). from Latakia (LORTET 1883; ALEXANDER At this site and in the Syrian Orontes val- 1966) and Qal'at el Hosn (BISCHOFF & ley the species has been recently rediscov- SCHMIDTLER 1994). ered (MARTENS 1996). Leptotyphlops macrorhynchus (JAN, Walterinnesia aegyptia LATASTE, 1860): To be deleted (see above). 1887: To be deleted. Although this species Typhlops si moni (BOETTGER, 1879): is commonly listed for Syria (e. g. WELCH Occurrence questionable. Although this 1983; JOGER 1984; GRUBER 1989; LEVITON species is commonly listed for Syria (e. g. & al. 1992) I am not aware of any pub- WELCH 1983; GRUBER 1989) no records lished record or museum specimen from with exact localities have been published so the Syrian Arab Republic (see also GAS- far. Recently, however, SIVAN & WERNER PERETTI 1988). It can be assumed that the (1992) presented distribution maps of rep- listing is attributed to the misinterpretation tiles of the Golan plateau and Mt. Hermon of the term "Syria" (see above) since the including T. simoni. Unfortunately, no lo- species is reported from Israel and Jordan calities were given for this species but one (e.g. HAAS 1951; Y. WERNER 1988; Disi & dot apparently symbolizes a collecting site al. 1988). in Syrian territory north of the Lake Cerastes cerastes (LINNAEUS, 1758): Genezareth. To be deleted. According to GASPERETTI Eryx jaculus (LINNAEUS, 1758): No- (1988), WERNER & al. (1991) and WERNER minate form to be deleted. According to the & SIVAN (1992) the northern distribution most recent revision of this species (TOKAR limits of Cerastes {cerastes) gasperettii LE- & OBST 1993) the populations east of VITON & ANDERSON, 1967 are extending Egypt have to be assigned to the subspecies from Israel via Jordan and Saudi Arabia to E. j. turcicus (OLIVIER, 1801) although Iraq but do not reach the territory of the some uncertainty regarding their taxo- Syrian Arab Republic where no suitable nomic status still exists ("Die Populationen habitats for this psammophilous taxon are ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

Review of Zoogeography of Syrian herpetofauna 103

found (for desert types in Syria see e. g. looked by the authors which actually need ZOHARY 1973). Even recent listings for to be discussed in a faunal synopsis. Due to "Syria" (e. g. LEVITON & al. 1992) are not limited space I only list these taxa and supported by published records and may be specify the references; a detailed discussion attributed to the misinterpretation of the including a complete checklist of the Syr- geographical origin (see above) or to misi- ian herpetofauna will be presented else- dentified Pseudocerastes persicus fieldi where (MARTENS, in MS): SCHMIDT, 1930. - Testudo leithü = Testudo klein- Vipera ammodytes (LINNAEUS, 1758): manni LoRTET, 1883: BOULENGER 1889 Occurrence questionable. Many herpetolo- - Laudakia nupta nupta (DE FlLlPI, gists have discussed the (possible) occur- 1843): LEVITON & al. 1992 rence of V. ammodytes in the Levant (e. g. - Uromastyx ocellatus ornatus HEY- BOETTGER 1880; HAAS 1951; JOGER 1984; DEN, 1827: BOULENGER 1885, WERNER NILSON & ANDREN 1986). However, no 1939, WERMUTH 1967, WELCH 1983, AR- convincing explanations of the origin of NOLD 1986, GROOMBRIDGE 1988, LEVITON three specimens supposed to be collected in & al. 1992 the Near East were ever given. According - Phrynocephalus maculatus ANDER- to TRISTRAM (1894) the first individual SON, 1872: WERMUTH 1967, WELCH 1983, stems ".. from the lower slopes of Leba- ARNOLD 1986 non." This find was listed by BOULENGER - Bunopus crassicauda NlKOLSKY, (1896) who indicated "Syria" as the distri- 1907: ANGEL 1936 bution range of V. ammodytes in the Near - Platydactylus mauretanicus = Ta- East. Later, he reported on two additional rentola mauritanica (LINNAEUS, 1758): TRI- "Syrian" specimens of unknown origin STRAM 1884 listed beside the individual from "Lebanon" - Lacerta taurica = Podarcis tauri- (BOULENGER 1913). Subsequent authors ca (PALLAS, 1814): LORTET 1883 have suspected that "Syrian" V. ammodytes - Ablepharus pannonicus FrrziN- may be attributed to misidentified material GER, 1823: WELCH 1983 of V. (xanthina) bornmuelleri (WERNER - Periops algira = Coluber florulen- 1939; HAAS 1951) or to a mistaken origin tus (GEOFFROY, 1827): LORTET 1883, TRI- from the Greece island of Syra (NILSON & STRAM 1884 ANDREN 1986). - Tropidonotus viperinus = Natrix Apart from the questionable records maura (LINNAEUS, 1758): CAMERANO 1891 mentioned for "Syria" by Disi & BÖHME - Echis cannata = Echis pyrami- (1996) there are several additional species dum (GEOFFROY, 1809): FLOWER 1933, listed in the literature but obviously over- HAAS 1951, JOGER 1984. Remarks on the faunal and zoogeographical analysis of Syria Considering the numerous additions in the capture the illustration on the faunal and deletions proposed above, it is impos- relationships refers to the number of sub- sible to comment on every detail of the species rather than species, at least as far as analysis of DISI & BÖHME (1996). How- Syria is concerned. The numbers indicated ever, I would like to draw the reader's at- in the map - 7 (Amphibia), 6 (Testudines), tention to some major aspects which should 48 (Sauria), and 38 (Ophidia) - are almost be carefully reexamined before the synopsis identical to those of the subspecies listed by is considered for discussions on the herpe- DISI & BÖHME (1996; table 2: 7, 7 (sic!), tology and biogeography of Syria. 48, and 38 respectively) but are clearly Faunal analysis: It is diffi- different from the species' numbers ( 7, 7, cult to trace back the details of the faunal 44, and 37 respectively). This analysis on analysis for the Near East since the data the subspecific rather than specific level, base for Syria's neighbouring countries is too, was apparently carried out for Israel not specified. A spot check of the figures, when comparing the figures of DISI & BÖH- however, reveals some unintelligible de- ME (7, 10, 43, and 40 respectively) to the tails. herpetofaunal list compiled by Y. WERNER 1. Contrary to the information given (1988: 7, 11, 43, and 41 respectively; spe- ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

104 H. MARTENS cies numbers for comparison: 7, 9, 37, and Y. WERNER (1988) different results are 39 respectively). Probably, the same applies achieved e.g. in Chamaeleo chamaeleon to the remaining countries Jordan, Iraq and musae STEINDACHNER, 1900 depending on Turkey. whether the subspecific (Saharo-Arabian), 2. As can be seen from the numbers specific (Mediterranean, i.e. western Pale- indicated the Mt. Hermon endemics Cyrto- arctic) or generic level (Afrotropical) is podion amictopholis, Elaphe hohenackeh, considered. This problem is also mani- and Vìpera bornmuelleri are regarded both fested in the faunal list of DISI & BÖHME in the faunal lists of Syria and Israel. How- (1996). Although the zoogeographical af- ever, according to the definition of the po- finity is indicated for each subspecies or litical borders by Disi & BÖHME (1996) species several inconsistencies with refer- they represent Syrian herpetofaunal ele- ence to the taxonomic level are obvious. ments only. For example, Ch. chamaeleon recticrista is 3. The numbers of Testudines given recognized as an Afrotropical faunal ele- for the Near East countries include also ment which would be conclusive if the ge- marine turtle species. It is completely in- neric rather than the subspecific level is comprehensible why these reptiles are con- considered since this taxon is distributed in sidered in an analysis of terrestrial faunal the eastern Mediterranean region only (e.g. regions. BÖHME & WIEDL 1994). On the other hand, Biogeographical zones: e. g. Trapelus ruderatus is regarded as a It should be noted that in the list of so- Palearctic faunal element according to its called biogeographical zones prepared by current distribution but the genus Trapelus DISI & BÖHME (1996) the eastern regions of is classified as Saharo-Sindian (JOGER the Syrian Arab Republic are disregarded 1987). The zoogeographical affinities of since AT ALLAH (1977: 248) considered the the following (sub-)species, too, do not Syrian territory west of Palmyra only. This match with the respective ranges (for com- author himself stated clearly: "Only the parison the affinities according to DISI & western two-thirds of Syria are incorpo- BÖHME (1996) versus the distributions are rated in this study....", thus, excluding e. g. indicated in parentheses): Ptyodactylus pui- the Mesopotamian plains and the hilly area seuxi (Arabian vs. southern Levant, mainly of the northern Khabur. Moreover, it must Mediterranean and steppic regions), Lau- be emphasized that these zones were de- dakia stellio picea (Palearctic vs. basalt scribed as physiographic but not as bio- hammadas of the Syrian Desert), Acantho- geographical units. Accordingly, ATALLAH dactylus tristrami (Arabian vs. steppic re- (1978) referred to the phytogeographical gions of the southern Levant), Chalcides regions identified by ZOHARY (1973) when guentheri (Arabian vs. southern Mediter- grouping the mammals of the eastern ranean Levant), Eumeces schneiderii pavi- Mediterranean region in his zoogeographi- mentatus (Saharo-Sindian vs. eastern Me- cal analysis. For more useful information diterranean region), Mabuya vinata (Saha- on the zoogeographical and ecogeographi- ro-Sindian or Arabian? vs. southern and cal situation in the Syrian Arab Republic eastern Mediterranean region and northern e. g. the following publications should be steppic regions of the Middle East), Colu- consulted: FREY & KÜRSCHNER 1989; KER- ber rogersi (Palearctic vs. semideserts and BE 1989; POR 1975, 1987, 1989; SÒERBAK deserts of Northern Africa and the Middle 1982; Y. WERNER 1987; WIRTH 1971. East). It is evident that the analysis of DISI Zoogeographical analysis: & BÖHME (1996) is based not only on Y. WERNER (1988) presented a very useful chorological but also on phylogenetic con- discussion on the difficulties in the con- siderations and thus represents a non- ventional zoogeographical analysis of Near uniform interpretation of the current herpe- Eastern herpetofaunas. Among three major togeographical situation in Syria. For this aspects he raised one deserves particular reason and others discussed by Y. WERNER attention in this context: The interpretation (1988) I agree to this author's conclusion: of the zoogeographical affinity of a taxon is "...to render conventional zoogeographical clearly linked with the taxonomic level the analysis, in terms of elements of sub- zoogeographer is referring to. According to regions, very dubious. Hence I prefer to re- ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

Review of Zoogeography of Syrian herpetofauna 105

strict myself to describing the zoogeo- merely in terms of the diversity of the ac- graphical composition of the herpetofauna tual distributions of the species."

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am grateful to Mrs. Monika LAUDAHN, SMF, for her help with the literature.

REFERENCES

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DATE OF SUBMISSION: March 3rd, 1997 Corresponding editor: Heinz Grillitsch AUTHOR: Harald Martens, Wormser Straße 17,60598 Frankfurt/M., Deutschland