A record of the Lebanese Lizard (Phoenicolacerta laevis) in northern Türkiye: Evidence of possible human-mediated dispersal

The Lebanese Lizard (Phoenicolacerta laevis), primarily native to the Levant region, has recently been discovered in isolated populations well beyond its known distribution. This study presents the first confirmed record of P. laevis along the Black Sea coast of northern Türkiye, specifically in the city of Karadeniz Ereğli, Zonguldak Province. Mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) sequence analyses revealed a high degree of genetic similarity (>99%) between the Karadeniz Ereğli specimens and those from both Andırın, Kahramanmaraş (within the species' native range in southern Türkiye) and Anaklia on Georgia's Black Sea coast, suggesting a shared origin. We propose that the presence of P. laevis in Karadeniz Ereğli is likely the result of human-mediated introduction, possibly via maritime trade, as the lizards were found restricted to the walls of a single building near a major port. A comparable introduction scenario has previously been suggested for the Anaklia population. The highly localized occurrence and absence of the species in neighboring areas indicate a recent introduction; however, the factors inhibiting further spread within the urban landscape remain unclear. This finding contributes to the broader understanding of species distribution dynamics and underscores the significant role of anthropogenic activity in facilitating the range expansion of non-native reptiles.