Comparison of Pelophylax bedriagae (Camerano, 1882) (Anura: Ranidae) populations living at different altitudes in terms of age, size and some growth parameters

The body sizes of Pelophylax bedriagae populations at two different altitudes were measured and age was determined by using skeletochronological method. The ages of the individuals were determined by counting the lines of arrested growth (LAG) in the cross-sections taken from the phalanges. Body size (SVL) were ranged between 48.14-90.00 mm in males, 36.47-92.35 mm in females and 27.63-39.57 mm in juveniles. In terms of body size, it was found that the male individuals of the Bozdağ population were larger than the male individuals of the Karacasu population, and this result was found to be statistically significant. It was determined that male and female individuals of both Bozdağ and Karacasu populations reached the sexual maturity at the age of 3 and 4. The maximum age for both populations was 10 years for males and 9 years for females. The mean age of male and female individuals in Bozdağ and Karacasu populations were similar and no statistically significant difference was found. There was a positive and strong relationship between age and SVL in both populations. A male biased sexual size dimorphism for the Bozdağ population and a female biased sexual size dimorphism for the Karacasu population was detected.