Conservation Activities of Endangered Marmaris Salamander (Lyciasalamandra flavimembris) from Muğla, Turkey I

10 Feb 2017 Marmaris, Turkey, Asia Amphibians

Dilara Arslan


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19 Dec 2018

Conservation Activities of Endangered Marmaris Salamander (Lyciasalamandra flavimembris) from Muğla, Turkey II

We’ll determine distribution, population parameters and potential threats of the species. We’ll also create key conservation activities for sustainability of populations.

L. flavimembris, Marmaris.

L. flavimembris, Marmaris.

Lycian salamanders are one of the endangered terrestrial salamander group that distribute in Mediterranean Turkey (Muğla and Antalya provinces) and some adjacent islands. The Marmaris salamander (Lyciasalamandra flavimembris) is an endangered endemic species and restricted from Marmaris to the center of Muğla along 35 km the south-western Anatolia up to 600 m a.s.l. The species is facing with decline due to habitat loss, forest fires, urbanization, and climate change.

During the planning stage of the project, a 2-3 days preliminary study on February - May, 2016 was conducted in Marmaris. We observed the species in its habitat and talked with local people regarding the species. There is a lack of awareness among the local people.

Since the first description-identification of species in 1995, several systematical and phylogenetic studies were conducted on the species. But there is no study on the population status or any conservation activity up to now. Therefore, this project is intended to obtain recent status of the population of Marmaris salamander. The study will provide a scientific resource for decision makers to using future habitat management plans. Besides creating a scientific resource, we are aiming to raise awareness among both the tourists and the local community.

This study focused on two main sections; obtaining data on ecology and population status and awareness activities of species.

These are:

1- To understand ecological requirements; we will determine population status and habitat requirements. The duration of the sampling period, we will use the capture-recapture method to estimate population parameter in 10km UTM grids. The individuals will be marked with Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE). To measuring habitat preferences of Marmaris salamander, we will apply transects methodology at UTM grids where the salamander exist and examine main habitat cover objects.

2- We'll continue with social studies and awareness-raising activities simultaneous with ecological studies. In social studies, we choose to perform face to face interviews with locals with a questionnaire. Then, we'll arrange a festival for salamanders to catch local’s and tourist’s attention. We'll organize workshops with public authorities and NGOs. After these workshops, a draft management plan will be prepared with contributions from all stakeholders.

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