Age structure and growth pattern in an east Anatolian high altitude population of Iranolacerta brandtii (DE FILIPPI, 1863)

Abstract

Information on age structure and growth of Iranolacerta brandtii (DE FILIPPI, 1863), is presented for a high altitude (2,363 m a.s.l.) population from Karadulda Village, District of Calchran, Province of Van, east Anatolia (Turkey). Twenty-three specimens (19 males and four females) were studied using skeletochronological methods. the age ranged from three to six years in males, and from four to five in females, this difference being not statistically significant in the sample studied. Age at sexual maturity was two to three years for both male and female individuals. the mean SVL was significantly (p = 0.029) greater in females (64.27 +/- 1.42 mm) than males (58.41 +/- 1.17 mm).