Mehmet Zülfü YILDIZView profile
Professor
Mehmet Zülfü YILDIZ is a Professor of Biology at Adıyaman University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. He has held academic positions at Harran University and has served as an editorial board member or editor for journals including Kommagene Biology Journal , Biharean Biologist , and Acta Biologica Turcica . His research focuses on herpetology, ecology, and vertebrate systematics with emphasis on population dynamics, biodiversity conservation, and venom research. Received his BSc from Harran University in 2001 (top 3 rank) Completed MSc at Harran University in 2004 with thesis on antioxidant effects in experimental retinal ischemia Obtained PhD from Ege University in 2010 under Prof. Bayram Göçmen, focusing on population dynamics of a frog species Completed 8-month postdoctoral research at University of Kentucky in 2012 Recipient of the Uluslararası Yayın teşvik (International Publication Incentive) award His research interests span herpetofaunal biodiversity of Turkey, particularly in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions. He investigates venom properties of Anatolian snakes, population genetics of threatened species, and ecological impacts of environmental factors such as microplastics. Major contributions include studies on Rana holtzi , Macrovipera lebetina , and Neurergus barani . Over 68 peer-reviewed articles and 34 completed projects reflect his work in Rana holtzi population studies, snake venom cytotoxicity, and biodiversity inventories. Notable projects include species action plans for endangered reptiles like the Van Lizard and Desert Varan , and ecological assessments for natural protected areas in southeastern Anatolia. He has advised numerous projects including the National Biodiversity Inventory and Monitoring Project for Ağrı and Van provinces, and served as principal investigator for venom research and conservation initiatives funded by institutions like TANAP and YÖK. Active in laboratory work involving vertebrate systematics and molecular phylogeny, he teaches courses on herpetology, ecology, and vertebrate anatomy at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His work combines field surveys with molecular techniques to advance conservation strategies for Turkey's unique herpetofauna.










