Search

In this study, the age structure and some life history traits were revealed for the first time in a population of Ommatotriton vittatus, living in Tarsus (mid-south part of Turkey), at the western limit of the species' range. Maximum longevity was recorded to be eight years in both females and males and age at maturity was estimated as three years for males and four years for females. Although mean age did not differ significantly between sexes, males had significantly larger snout-vent length (SVL) than females. Age and body size were positively correlated with each other for both females and males. Since the populations of the Southern Banded Newt in Turkey are in decline, the present study that provides preliminary data on life history traits of this newt could be helpful for future biological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the age structure of an Asaccus barani sample from Şanlıurfa (southeastern Anatolia, Turkey) was determined by skeletochronology for the first time. A total of 17 preserved adults (7♂♂, 10♀♀) were evaluated, and the maximum observed lifespan was recorded as 6 years in males and 5 years in females. The first line of arrested growth was partially eroded by endosteal resorption in 29% of individuals and completely eroded in 18%. The mean age was 3.85 ± 0.50 years in males and 3.80 ± 0.32 years in females; the mean snout-vent length (SVL) was 46.99 ± 2.64 mm (range: 37.78-54.13) in males and 46.89 ± 1.51 mm (range: 40.33-53.19) in females. There was no significant difference between sexes in terms of age and SVL. However, there was a positive correlation between age and SVL in both males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]