Age structure and some growth parameters of Mertensiella caucasica (urodela: salamandridae) populations

Body size and weight of Mertensiella caucasica (Caucasian salamander) from 3 populations (Şalpazarı, Zigana and Hayrat) inhabiting at different altitudes in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey were measured and the age of the salamanders was estimated by skeletochronological method. Some growth parameters such as age structure, minimum and maximum life span, age at maturity and the relationship between body size and age of the populations were revealed. No significant difference was found between the body size, mass and age of male and female individuals in all populations. The maximum age was determined as 10 years for males and 11 years for females in the Şalpazarı population; 13 years for males and 15 years for females in the Zigana population and 14 years for males and 16 years for females in the Hayrat population. The age at maturity in Şalpazarı population was 4-5 years for both females and males and 5-6 years for both sexes in Zigana and Hayrat populations. A significant positive correlation was found between age and body size in all populations. It is seen that individuals living at low altitudes reach sexual maturity earlier because they grow faster, while individuals at higher altitudes tend to reach sexual maturity later and maximize their life span.