Updated distribution and diversity of lacertid lizards (Squamata, Lacertilia) in Montenegro

Abstract

The southern part of Montenegro has been pointed out as an area with outstandingly richcomposition of herpetofauna. However, the systematic studies of distribution and diversitypatterns of reptiles at the national level were lacking. Such studies are paramount in identifyingareas of high conservation priority and planning conservation actions. The increased habitat lossand degradation due to rapid urbanization and tourism-related infrastructure development makestudying and protecting biodiversity in Montenegro an urgent matter. So, in order to systematizethe current knowledge base, we gathered a large dataset consisting of literature data and ourpreviously unpublished records to assess distribution and diversity patterns of lacertid lizards inMontenegro. All data were mapped on 10 x 10 km national UTM grid. We found that elevenlacertid lizard species inhabit Montenegro (one treated as a species complex) and one additionalspecies may be present. Six of eleven species are Balkan endemics, six reach margins of theirdistribution in Montenegro and three species have fragmented ranges. Lacertids were the mostdiverse in the Maritime biogeographic region of Montenegro, while areas of low diversity werealong the state borders in the Mountain-valley region. The observed distribution is at least partlyinfluenced by sampling bias, with areas in central parts and along the north-eastern border beinglargely data deficient. The eastern mountainous subregion had a distinct species compositioncompared to all other parts of the country. The East-Mediterranean chorotype was the mostdominant represented by six species. The great diversity of lacertid fauna of Montenegro can beattributed to its specific topographic position with high influence of Mediterranean climate,heterogeneity of biomes, complex geological history and diverse relief. The Maritime region withits high species richness and eastern subregion of Montenegro with the most unique speciescomposition are areas are of high conservation priority.