Schneider's Skink blending into an ancient Anatolian landscape

Hidden in Plain Sight: New Discoveries About Schneider's Skink in Western Anatolia

Jordan Keane in Science & Nature September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the secrets of the Eumeces schneideri as new locality records expand its known range, challenging previous assumptions about its distribution and genetic diversity."

The world of herpetology is full of surprises, and sometimes, significant discoveries are made in unexpected places. A recent study focusing on Schneider's Skink (Eumeces schneideri), a widely distributed lizard species, has brought forth exciting new insights into its presence in western Anatolia, Turkey. These findings not only expand the known habitat range of the skink but also prompt a re-evaluation of its genetic diversity and subspecies classification.

Eumeces schneideri, belonging to the family Scincidae, is known for its considerable morphological and ecological diversity across the Holarctic region. Often found in areas spanning from North Africa and the Middle East to parts of Asia, this skink adapts to a variety of elevations ranging from 300 to 1800 meters above sea level. The species has been divided into several subspecies, with three primarily recognized in Anatolia: E. s. princeps, E. s. pavimentatus, and E. s. barani. Each subspecies occupies distinct regions, with E. s. barani previously known only in specific locales such as Pamukkale (Denizli) and Bozdağ (İzmir).

Researchers recently identified two new close localities for Eumeces schneideri in Aydın, western Anatolia. These discoveries, detailed in a study published in the Turkish Journal of Zoology, highlight the importance of continued field research in documenting and understanding biodiversity. The new findings fill a gap in the species' distribution, inviting further scientific exploration and discussion.

Unveiling New Habitats: Where Were the Skinks Found?

Schneider's Skink blending into an ancient Anatolian landscape

During field studies conducted in Aydın Province, researchers encountered adult female E. schneideri specimens in two distinct locations:

The first skink was found in Savcılı village, Buharkent, located at an altitude of 286 meters. This specimen was discovered at the base of sand dunes near a creek, indicating a preference for specific microhabitats within the region. The geographical coordinates for this location are 37.976706°N, 28.772630°E.

Savcılı Village, Buharkent: Positioned at 286 meters above sea level, the skink was found near sand dunes by a creek.
Maiandros Antiokheiası Ancient Ruins, Başaran Village: Situated at 118 meters above sea level, this location highlights the adaptability of the species to areas with historical and archeological significance.

The second specimen was located near the ancient ruins of Maiandros Antiokheiası, close to Başaran village, at a lower elevation of 118 meters. This finding suggests the skink's ability to thrive even in areas marked by human historical activity and archeological remains. The coordinates for this site are 37.869779°N, 28.545458°E. Both skinks were found under stones during the morning hours, with an air temperature of approximately 30°C. Other reptile and amphibian species were also noted in the same biotope, including Bufotes variabilis, Testudo graeca, and Ophisops elegans, indicating a rich and diverse local ecosystem.

Future Research Directions: What's Next for Understanding E. schneideri?

The discovery of Eumeces schneideri in new locations within western Anatolia opens up several avenues for future research. Detailed morphological and genetic studies are essential to fully understand the subspecies status of these skinks. Further investigation could reveal more about their adaptability, ecological roles, and interactions with other species in these diverse habitats. By continuing to explore and document the biodiversity of regions like Anatolia, scientists can gain valuable insights into the complex web of life and inform conservation efforts to protect these species and their habitats.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3906/zoo-1410-5, Alternate LINK

Title: New Locality Records Of Eumeces Schneideri (Daudin, 1802)(Sauria: Scincidae) From Western Anatolia, Turkey

Subject: Animal Science and Zoology

Journal: TURKISH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Publisher: The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK-ULAKBIM) - DIGITAL COMMONS JOURNALS

Authors: Kerim Çi̇çek, Oğuzkan Cumhuri̇yet, Yusuf Bayrakci, Dinçer Ayaz

Published: 2015-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the significance of finding Eumeces schneideri in new locations in western Anatolia?

The discovery of Eumeces schneideri in new locations in western Anatolia is significant because it expands the known habitat range of the species. This finding prompts a re-evaluation of the distribution and genetic diversity of the skink. It also underscores the importance of ongoing field research in documenting and understanding biodiversity, potentially influencing conservation strategies and further scientific investigation into the species' adaptability and ecological roles within its diverse habitats.

What are the key characteristics of Eumeces schneideri, and where is it typically found?

Eumeces schneideri, or Schneider's Skink, is a lizard species known for its morphological and ecological diversity. It belongs to the family Scincidae. This skink is widely distributed across the Holarctic region, including areas from North Africa and the Middle East to parts of Asia. The species is adaptable to various elevations, ranging from 300 to 1800 meters above sea level. In Anatolia, it has been divided into subspecies: E. s. princeps, E. s. pavimentatus, and E. s. barani. These subspecies are known to occupy distinct regions.

Can you describe the specific locations in Aydın, western Anatolia, where Eumeces schneideri specimens were recently discovered?

Researchers found Eumeces schneideri in two specific locations in Aydın, western Anatolia. The first location was Savcılı village, Buharkent, at an altitude of 286 meters, where a skink was found near sand dunes by a creek. The geographical coordinates for this location are 37.976706°N, 28.772630°E. The second specimen was found near the ancient ruins of Maiandros Antiokheiası, close to Başaran village, at a lower elevation of 118 meters. The coordinates for this site are 37.869779°N, 28.545458°E. These findings highlight the species' adaptability to different microhabitats and its presence in areas of historical and archeological significance.

How might these new findings impact the understanding of the subspecies of Eumeces schneideri in Anatolia?

The identification of Eumeces schneideri in new locations in Anatolia necessitates a re-evaluation of its subspecies classification. The discovery could challenge the previously understood distribution of subspecies like E. s. barani, which was known to be restricted to specific locales. Future studies, including detailed morphological and genetic analyses, are required to determine if the newly found populations represent previously unknown subspecies or variations within existing ones. This could lead to refinements in the understanding of the genetic diversity and the geographic boundaries of these subspecies, improving our knowledge of the species' evolutionary history and adaptation.

What are the implications of finding Eumeces schneideri near historical sites and what does it tell us about the species' adaptability?

The discovery of Eumeces schneideri near the ancient ruins of Maiandros Antiokheiası, close to Başaran village, has significant implications for understanding the species' adaptability. This finding suggests that Schneider's Skink can thrive in areas affected by human historical activity and archeological remains. This indicates a remarkable ability to adjust to a variety of environmental conditions, including those influenced by human presence. It implies that the species can utilize different microhabitats and food sources, highlighting a high degree of ecological flexibility. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of considering historical and archeological sites in biodiversity surveys, as they can provide crucial insights into the distribution and adaptability of various species.