The Unique Sympatric Population of Uzzell’s Lizard (Darevskia uzzelli, Lacertidae, Squamata) Reveals Clonal Diversity and Urgent Conservation Value

OpenAlex · English

The identification of the parthenogenetic Uzzell’s lizard, Darevskia uzzelli (Darevsky & Danielyan, 1977), in Armenia represents the first record of this species in the country. Before this discovery, D. uzzelli was considered an endangered species endemic to a small region of northeastern Türkiye. Genetic and morphological analyses have confirmed that the Armenian lizards are indeed D. uzzelli, consistent with specimens from Türkiye. Morphological and genetic data also firmly discriminate D. uzzelli from the closely related parthenogenetic species D. unisexualis. Our results reveal significant morphological variation in this parthenogen among populations. Notably, the sympatric area in Armenia where D. uzzelli has been identified is unique for hosting the richest known assemblage of parthenogenetic lizards. Here, D. uzzelli coexists with three other parthenogenetic species already known to inhabit the region: D. unisexualis, D. armeniaca, and D. dahli. This exceptional population requires continuous study and protection due to its high scientific value.