New distribution data of the Mosor rock lizard (Dinarolacerta mosorensis): a review of its range and conservation status

By

Burić, Ivona
Lauš, Boris
Merdan, Saudin
Kranželić, Daria
Gvozdenović Nikolić, Slađana
Iković, Vuk
Ćurić, Ana
Lisičić, Duje

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-7-25

Original Publication

Herpetozoa

Volume

38

Pages

173--186

Subjects

Area of occupancy , Dinaric Alps , endemic species , extent of occurrence , petrophilous , Protected areas , threats

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e153017

 

Abstract

The Mosor rock lizard, Dinarolacerta mosorensis (Kolombatović, 1886), is an understudied lacertid species. It is geographically isolated within the Dinaric Alps and is categorized as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Historical and newly collected records were evaluated to assess the distribution, range, and conservation status of the Mosor rock lizard. Our results show that most range localities and suitable habitats are found in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, whereas Croatia comprises less than 2% of the total global range. We extended the species’ range further north and reconfirmed its presence west of the Neretva River. In total, we identified 33 localities—encompassing mountains, canyons, and plateaus—of which nine are new. The maximum elevation at which the species has been documented is 2,031 m a.s.l., with 91% of records occurring above 1,000 m a.s.l. The Area of Occupancy (AOO), calculated using 2 × 2 km grids, is 528 km², whereas the Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is estimated at 18,725.34 km². Despite significant variation in protected area coverage among countries, 44% of the species’ known AOO is within protected areas. Given that global climate change is the main threat to this species, there is an urgent need for targeted data collection and improved management strategies to ensure its long-term protection.