Over the last two decades, the use of DNA barcodes has transformed our ability to identify and assess life on our planet. Both strengths and weaknesses of the method have been exemplified through thousands of peer-reviewed scientific articles. Given the novel sequencing approaches, currently capable of generating millions of reads at low cost, we reflect on the questions: What will the future bring for DNA barcoding? Will identification of species using short, standardized fragments of DNA stand the test of time? We present reflected opinions of early career biodiversity researchers in the form of a SWOT analysis and discuss answers to these questions.

Hemidactylus turcicus is a member of one of the most species-rich reptile genera and is known as an invasive species closely associated with humanized environments. Its phylogeography is often interpreted to be the result of recurrent human-mediated introductions. Çanakkale is the place that acts as a species corridor for the Anatolia peninsula. Farther, this place is connected with an adjacent island. Here, we tender the genetic structure of H. turcicus from both islands (Bozcaada) and the mainland of Çanakkale using mtDNA (Cyt b and COI gene regions). We used molecular tools to assess species identity and compare our sequences to a database containing various expertly identified species. We also applied DNA barcoding to report and release our data to the public. DNA barcoding is a reliable way to identify and store data on invasive species. Not surprisingly, specimens from Çanakkale genetically resemble other Mediterranean conspecifics from Italy, Greece, and Albania. Albeit, we found quite genetic differences between samples from Çanakkale and Adana. Not all cryptic lineages have been investigated taxonomically in H. turcicus. Researchers should implement genetic monitoring of specimens from its all-distributed area.

Five specimens of Rana tavasensis from Atlıdere, Muğla Province were collected in September 2014 during fieldwork in western Anatolia. The results of this study, including metric measurements of specimens, are compared with the data given in the previous literature. The phylogenetic position of the newly recorded specimens was approved previously. Together with this new record, known natural habitat of R. tavasensis expanded to 30 km north from the last declared location (Lake Girdev, Muğla). Protected area must be reevaluated for this endangered endemic species.

Longevity and age of sexual maturity are key life history trait factors directly linked to ecological and evolutionary aspects. In this study, we determined age structure of Parvilacerta parva individuals from Sivas (Turkey) using skeletochronology. The maximum age was found to be seven years for females and six years for males of P. parva. A significant relationship was found between age and body size in individuals whose head length, head width and body length were measured. Additionally, it was seen that there is a significant relationship among body length, head length and head width.

Caucasia is a global biodiversity hotspot, rich in amphibians, including several endemic species. We sequenced samples from Parsley frogs (genus Pelodytes) across their Anatolian range to generate a barcode reference database and to assess patterns of genetic diversity in the species. Different species delimitation methods (ABGD, ASAP, GMYC and PTP) were applied to assess species diversity in the genus Pelodytes based on published and newly obtained mtDNA sequences. A majority of the species delimitation tests (ABGD, GMYC and ASAP) recovered four taxonomic units corresponding to currently accepted taxonomy (P. atlanticus, P. caucasicus, P. ibericus and P. punctatus). PTP, on the other hand, recovered only two taxonomic units, one combining the three Iberian taxa (P. atlanticus, P. ibericus, and P. punctatus), and the other, P. caucasicus. In Anatolia, individuals from Giresun and Trabzon were found to be genetically closer to each other compared to those from Rize and Artvin, based on genetic distances and phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses.