The distribution pattern of Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758) and Bufo verrucosissimus (Pallas, 1814) species

In the Anatolian biogeography, toads belonging to the genus Bufo are represented by two species, Bufo bufo and Bufo verrucosissimus. Although the distribution pattern of these species has been confused in previous studies, this has become clear with the latest molecular study. However, the fact that the distribution area of B. verrucosissimus is fragmented and shows allopatricity with B. bufo species reveals the necessity to investigate the causes of this distribution. With this thesis study, the distribution pattern of B. bufo and B. verrucosissimus species was investigated using environmental variables and ecological niche modeling. While the annual precipitation for B. verrucosissimus and the precipitation of the driest month contributed the most to the formation of the model, the temperature seasonality variable came to the fore for B. bufo. The most suitable habitats for B. verrucosissimus species has been observed throughout the Caucasus and the Black Sea in Turkey's northern line, and additionally in the eastern Mediterranean and the Levant region have been reached the conclusion that there are areas with limited suitability. The B. bufo species, on the other hand, showed very suitable habitats from the north to west and south of Anatolia, and even these habitats extended to the Levent region. The results revealed that the B. verrucosissimus species has a more limited level of suitable habitat in Anatolia, in contrast to the B. bufo species. The similarity in species distribution is that the Central Anatolia and Eastern Anatolia regions are restricted to habitats that are not suitable for both species. Considering that Anatolia has a barrier effect in this sense, it is seen that there is the same effect on B. bufo and B. verrucosissimus species.