A Rare Case of Tail Bifurcation in Ophisops elegans from Western Anatolia

Tail autotomy is a common and highly effective defensive mechanism observed in many lizard species, allowing individuals to escape predators by shedding a portion of their tail. This behavior, while beneficial for survival, can sometimes result in typical outcomes during tail regeneration. One such rare disorder is tail bifurcation often due to incomplete or misdirected regenerative processes. On June 23, 2025, during fieldwork in the rural areas of Afyonkarahisar Province, a female snake-eyed lizard (Ophisops elegans), belonging to the Lacertidae family, was observed with a clearly bifurcated tail. The specimen was captured and examined briefly, and morphometric, biotic, and environmental data were recorded. Photographs were taken to document the anomaly, and the specimen was subsequently released in its habitat. This field observation contributes to the growing number of bifurcated tail reports in Lacertidae and emphasizes the value of in situ herpetological monitoring. Observations in this study enhance our understanding of caudal autotomy and tail regeneration and also provide insights into developmental biology, wound healing, and ecological implications of tail malformations in natural populations.