Comparison of the body size and age structure of Lebanon lizard, Phoenicolacerta laevis (GRAY, 1838) at different altitudes in Turkey

ÜZÜM N., ILGAZ Ç., AVCI A., CANDAN K., Guler H., KUMLUTAŞ Y.

VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY, vol.68, no.1, pp.83-90, 2018 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 68 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Journal Name: VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.83-90
  • Keywords: Lacertidae, Phoenicolacerta laevis, age, size, sexual dimorphism, skeletochronology, Turkey, SQUAMATA LACERTIDAE, SEXUAL-DIMORPHISM, GROWTH, POPULATIONS, RACERUNNER, PATTERN, RECORD, AGILIS
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, comparison of a life history traits (e.g. body size, age at maturity, longevity) of two populations of Phoenicolacerta laevis from different altitudes is being carried out (Anamur, 22 m a.s.l.; Andirin, 1.083 m a.s.l.) for the first time. We applied phalangeal skeletochronology to obtain the age of juveniles and adults. Age was determined by counting the lines of arrested growth (LAGs) in cross-sections. Males in both populations were the larger of the two sexes and a male biased sexual dimorphism was determined for both populations. Body size (SVL) was similar in both sexes and populations. Age of maturity was calculated to be 3 years of age for males and females in both populations. The average age of males and females was calculated as 6.62 +/- 0.37 (Mean +/- SE) and 6.11 +/- 0.26 years in Anamur, and 6.15 +/- 0.51 and 5.26 +/- 0.24 years in Andirin. There was statistically significant variation between sexes, but no significant difference in populations was found in relation to age. For both populations, a significant positive correlation was found between age and SVL in males and females.