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Determination of Age and Longevity of Road Mortal Indian Common Toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus by Skeletochronology

Suresh Mallappa Kumbar, Swapnali B. Lad

Abstract


Age and longevity of road mortal Indian common toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus (N = 93) inhabiting Sangli District (17°09’ N 74°45’ E) Western Maharashtra, Southern India was determined by skeletochronology. The Phalangeal Histology studies revealed no LAGs in 25.86% of the toads, whereas nine LAGs were observed in 1.07% followed by one LAG in 30.10%, two LAGs in 23.65%, three LAGs in 13.98%, and four LAGs in 5.38% of toads. Back Calculation indicated that the innermost peristeal LAG was partially eroded in nine (9.67%) individuals due to endosteal resorption. These results suggest that this species might live more than ten years in natural population.

Keywords


Amphibia; Anura; Duttaphrynus melanostictus; age; longevity; skeletochronology

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2017-24-3-217-222

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