Authors: Oskyrko, Oleksandra; Jablonski, Daniel ;

Reliable maps that depict the current distribution of species are an important component in conservation-related research, especially for reptiles. Ukraine is one of the least studied countries in Europe for reptiles. In this study, we report on the first comprehensive study on the distribution of reptiles in the Southern Bug eco-corridor located within the steppe zone, Mykolaiv Oblast (province), Ukraine. Our study provides distribution data for 12 species of reptiles in this area. We compiled 935 records from published literature (324), from public databases (68), and from 12 field surveys we made 2016–2020 (543). We present new distributional data for Podarcis tauricus. For all the other species, our records add new localities that fall within areas where these reptiles were previously reported. The studied oblast is inhabited by reptiles that are locally abundant (Lacerta viridis, Dolichophis caspius), or rare (Coronella austriaca, Vipera renardi). Additionally, the local population of Zamenis longissimus is the only one known in the steppe zone of Ukraine. Species richness and Shannon’s H’ index show that herpetofauna diversity was higher in the areas along the Southern Bug River. The results of this study show that southern Ukraine is an important territory for conservation activities in Europe.