Population ecology and distribution of Pelophylax caralitanus (ARIKAN, 1988), in the Lakes District, southwestern Anatolia, Turkey (Anura: Ranidae)

Abstract

This study provides the external features of Pelophylax caralitanus (ARIKAN, 1988), sampled in five localities in Turkey, estimates its population sizes and presents new distribution sites extending the known range. Pelophylax caralitanus exhibit sexual size dimorphism, females become larger than males. In contrast, morphometric characters and coloration patterns do not differ significantly among sexes or localities/populations. The known distributional range of P. caralitanus was extended to the province of Burdur, where two new populations were detected. The sizes of these populations, estimated using the Capture-Marking-Recapture (CMR) method, were 5,046 individuals in Lake Golcuk, 1,198 individuals in the Beysehir-Kusluca habitat, and 1,211 individuals in a pond at Derebucak. This species was found in natural lakes and ponds but also artificial irrigation channels, pools and ponds. All these habitats were covered with aquatic vegetation.