Age determination of triturus karelinii (Strauch 1870) (Urodela: Salamandridae) populations in Türkiye: Comparison of the populations in terms of growth, age and size

AGE DETERMINATION OF TRITURUS KARELINII (STRAUCH 1870)(URODELA: SALAMANDRIDAE) POPULATIONS IN TÜRK YE:COMPARISON OF THE POPULATIONS IN TERMS OF GROWTH, AGEAND SIZENazan ÜZÜMSUMMARYBody size of newts from five populations of Triturus karelinii in Türkiye wasmeasured and the age of the newts was estimated using skeletochronological method.Age was determined individually by counting the number of restling lines (LAG) incross-sections taken from phalanges. A metamorphosis line (generally in thejuveniles), and single or double (aestivation and hibernation) lines of arrested growth(LAG) per year were determined in the cross sections. Body size (SVL) which wasranged from 54.44 to 80.80 mm for males and 52.46 to 83.70 mm for females was inthe range of observed lengths in other related species. Males are significantly smallerthan females except in Reşadiye population. The age of males and females wassimilar and did not significantly differ. Age at maturity was estimated 3-5 years forboth males and females. Maximum age or longevity was not differ significantlybetween sexes and ranged from 8 to 11 years in males and 8 to10 years in females.Growth was investigated according to von Bertalanffy?s growth equation andsignificant correlation was determined between body size and age in males andfemales (r2> 0.90). The growth coefficients (K) of males were greater than femalesin Klaros, Arifiye and Reşadiye populations.In this study, it was determined that there was significant difference between thestudied populations of T. karelinii in terms of age and body size. However, it wasdifficult to say that this differences resulted from geographic positions or altitudes oflocalities. For this reason the variation observed may have been effected fromanother ecological factors such as duration of metamorphosis, predation,competitors, food etc.