Ministry to monitor endangered reptile, amphibian species

Photos: AA

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The Ministry of Environment and Urbanization will monitor reptiles and amphibians, especially chameleons, turtles, limbless skinks and Luschan's salamanders as part of a new project.

Microchips will be implanted in 500 animals to track them via satellite.

The project will be carried out in Belek and Kekova-Kaş in Antalya, Fethiye-Göcek and Köyceğiz-Dalyan in Muğla and in five environmental protection areas in Çaykara, Trabzon.

This will be the most detailed work on these species to date, according to the ministry.

The aim of the project is to make the habitats of the reptiles to be monitored more reliable, healthy and protected based on scientific studies, the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) reported, citing the ministry. With the data to be obtained, ecological corridors will also be determined in the protected areas.

After two years of work, strategies to protect the endangered species will be determined, the ministry said. (TP/VK)