Isolated population of the Middle Eastern Phoenicolacerta laevis from the Georgian Black Sea Coast, and its genetic closeness to populations from southern Turkey

摘要: The Lebanon Lizard (Phoenicolacerta laevis) occurs on the Levantine coast and scattered populations are found in isolated coastal habitats along southern south-western of Turkey. We an but dense population this species at around castle Anaklia Georgia’s Black Sea Coast, near mouth river Enguri. analysis mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence suggests closeness to provinces Kahramanmaras, Adana Icel Turkey, rather than those Israel. It is thought that was introduced from a Turkish region Anaklia, which important trade location eastern until late 18th century. This first established outside Mediterranean area. Climate competition with rock lizards genus Darevskia most likely reasons preventing expansion into neighboring areas Western Georgia.