Early waking from hibernation in some amphibian and reptile species from Gümü？hane Province of Turkey

It is a fact that the amphibians and reptiles respond to unfavourable weather conditions by searching a refuge for living underground during winter. The current literature has shown that some species of reptilian and amphibian may have been active before their known hibernate periods, especially in the lowland areas. In the present study, we reported that the changing weather conditions can cause similar effects on some species of amphibian and reptile that share the same habitats, in a highland area. The early activity of Lacerta media, Bufo bufo and Rana macrocnemis in Gümü？hane Province of Turkey were reported in this study. One of the reasons of the early activity before their known hibernate periods in some amphibian and reptile species may be highly sensitive to the altered temperatures. Effects of global warming on amphibians and reptiles are clearly seen, and they can be active during winter. Our findings bring to mind that L. media, B. bufo and R. macrocnemis can be active as long as air temperatures allow them at the highland areas