NEW OBSERVATIONS ON THE ELAPHE SNAKES FROM AMORGOS (CYCLADES, GREECE)AND THE VALIDITY OF ELAPHE-RECHINGERI WERNER AS AN ENDEMIC SPECIES

Three specimens of Elaphe quatuorlineata (Lacepede) and three referabl e to the disputed taxon Elaphe rechingeri Werner were caught on the Cy cladean island of Amorgos in April 1993. Analysis of this and earlier material collected by the author reveals the taxa are non-synonymous a nd separable chromatically, morphologically and in head scalation. A n ew definition of E. rechingeri is given. The status of E. quatuorlinea ta is discussed but no decision taken pending the need for further res earch. The study is presented against past debate on the Amorgos Elaph e snakes, island physiography, sympatric herpetofauna and the urgency for conservation measures.