A skeletochronological analysis of a population of the Anatolia Newt, Neurergus strauchii (Steindachner, 1887) (Caudata: Salamandridae), in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey

Yakin B. Y., ÇİÇEK K., KOYUN M., GÜRKAN M., HAYRETDAĞ S., TOK C. V.

ZOOLOGY IN THE MIDDLE EAST, vol.61, no.4, pp.332-338, 2015 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 61 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2015
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/09397140.2015.1101926
  • Journal Name: ZOOLOGY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.332-338
  • Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study presents data on age, growth and longevity of a population of Neurergus strauchii in Eastern Anatolia (Bingol, Turkey) based on skeletochronological data. The phalangeal diaphyseal cross-sections of 54 individuals studied (12o, 42f) showed that females are on average older than males: the ages ranged from 6 to 14 years, with an average age of 8.8 years in males and 10.9 years in females. Sexual maturity is reached at an age of 4-5 years in both sexes. The slow growth and the longevity make the species vulnerable.