Age and Body Size of the Mediterranean Chameleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lacertilia: Chamaeleonidae) Specimens Collected from Adana, Türkiye

Year 2022, , 80 - 84, 30.06.2022

Elif Yıldırım , Nurettin Beşer , Can Yılmaz , Kamil Candan , Yusuf Kumlutaş , Çetin Ilgaz , Elnaz Najafi Majd

https://doi.org/10.31594/commagene.1104020

Abstract

Age structure and body size of the Mediterranean Chameleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon (Linnaeus, 1758) specimens collected from Akyatan, Adana Province (Türkiye) were investigated using the skeletochronology method and the demographic structure was revealed. The mean age was 3.07 years in females and 2.93 years in males. Derived from the LAG configuration, the age at sexual maturity was 1 year in males and 2 years in females. There was no significant correlation between the SVL and age. Moreover, the mean age and SVL were not statistically different between sexes. Results obtained here indicate that C. chamaeleon is one of the short-living lizard species when compared to other lizards.

Keywords

Lizard, skeletochronology, longevity, Türkiye

Supporting Institution

Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi

Project Number

2017.KB.FEN.002.

Thanks

This work was supported by Dokuz Eylül University Scientific Research Coordination Unit. Project Number: 2017.KB.FEN.002.

Adana (Türkiye)’dan Toplanan Chamaeleo chamaeleon (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lacertilia: Chamaeleonidae) Örneklerinin Yaş ve Vücut Büyüklüğü

Abstract

Akyatan (Adana, Türkiye)’dan toplanan Chamaeleo chamaeleon (Linnaeus, 1758)'nin yaş yapısı ve vücut ölçüleri iskelet kronolojisi yöntemi ile araştırılmış ve demografik yapısı ortaya çıkarılmıştır. Ortalama yaş dişilerde 3.07, erkeklerde 2.93 yıldır. Cinsel olgunluk yaşı erkeklerde 1 ve dişilerde ise 2 yıl olarak belirlenmiştir. SVL ile yaş arasında anlamlı bir ilişki mevcut değildir. Ayrıca, ortalama yaş ve SVL cinsiyetler arasında istatistiksel olarak farklılık göstermemektedir. Elde edilen sonuçlar, C. chamaeleon türünün diğer kertenkelelere göre kısa ömürlü bir tür olduğunu göstermektedir.

Keywords

Kertenkele, iskelet kronolojisi, ömür uzunluğu, Türkiye

Project Number

2017.KB.FEN.002.

References

• Akani, G.C., Ogbalu, O.K., & Luiselli, L. (2001). Life-history and ecological distribution of Chameleons (Reptilia, Chamaeleonidae) from the rain forests of Nigeria: Conservation implications. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 24, 1-15.
• Andreone, F., & Guarino, F. M. (2003). Giant and long-lived? Age structure in Macroscincus coctei, an extinct skink from Cape Verde. AmphibiaReptilia, 4, 459-470. https://doi.org/10.1163/156853803322763927
• Andreone, F., Guarino, F.M., & Randrianırina, J.E. (2005). Life history traits, age profile, and conservation of the Panther Chameleon, Furcifer pardalis (Cuvier 1829), at Nosy Be, NW Madagscar. Tropical Zoology, 18, 209-225. https://doi.org/10.1080/03946975.2005.10531221
• Altunışık, A., & Eksilmez, H. (2018). Demographic life history traits in a population of a critically endangered species, Darevskia dryada (Darevsky & Tuniyev, 1997). Animal Biology, 68, 27-37. https://doi.org/10.1163/15707563-17000092
• Arakelyan, M., Petrosyan, R., Ilgaz, Ç., Kumlutaş, Y., Durmuş, S.H., Tayhan, Y., & Danielyan, F. (2013). A skeletochronological study of parthenogenetic lizards of genus Darevskia from Turkey. Acta Herpetologica, 8, 99-104. https://doi.org/10.13128/Acta_Herpetol-10568
• Baran, İ., Kasparek, M., & Öz, M. (1988). On the occurrence and status of the Chamaleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, in Turkey. Zoology in the Middle East, 2, 52-56. https://doi.org/10.1080/09397140.1988.10637558
• Baran, İ., Avcı, A., Kumlutaş, Y. Olgun, K., & Ilgaz, Ç., 2012. Türkiye Amfibi ve Sürüngenleri. İzmir, Palme Yayınevi, 223 s.
• Beebee, T.J.C., & Griffiths, R.A. (2000). Amphibians and Reptiles: A Natural History of the British Herpetofauna. London, HarperCollins, 2000 pp.
• Bergmann, P.J., Lessard, S., & Russell, A.P. (2003). Tail growth in Chamaeleo dilepis (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae): Functional implications of segmental patterns. Journal of Zoology, 261, 417-425. https://doi.org/10.1017/S095283690300428X
• Blasco, M., Romere, J., Sanchez, M., & Crespillo, E. (1985). La biología alimentaria y reproductiva del camaleón común, Chamaeleo chamaeleon (L.). (Reptilia, Chameleonidae) del la Península Ibérica. In: Blasco et al. (eds.) El camaleón común, Chamaeleo chamaeleon (L.) en la Península Ibérica, ICONA-Monograph, 121-148.
• Burmeister, E.G. (1989). Eine Walzenspinne (Solifugae, Galeodidae) als Nahrung des Gemeinen Chamäleons (Chamaeleo chamaeleon Linnaeus, 1758). Herpetofauna, 11, 32-34.
• Burrage, B.R. (1973). Comparative ecology and behavior of Chamaeleo pumilus pumilus and C. namaquensis (Sauria, Chamaeleonidae). Annals of the South African Museum, 61, 1-158.
• Bülbül, U., Kurnaz, M., Eroğlu, A.İ., Koç, H., & Kutrup, B. (2016). Age and growth of the Red-Belied Lizard, Darevskia parvula. Animal Biology, 66, 81-95. https://doi.org/10.1163/15707563-00002489
• Caetano, M.H., & Castanet, J. (1993). Variability and microevolutionary patterns in Triturus marmoratus from Portugal: Age, size, longevity and individual growth. Amphibia-Reptilia, 14, 117-129.
• Castanet, J., & Smirina, E. (1990). Introduction to the skeletochronological method in Amphibians and Reptiles. Annales des Sciences Naturelles Zoologie et biologie Animale, 11, 191-196.
• Castanet, J. (1994). Age estimation and longevity in reptiles. Gerontology, 40, 174-192. https://doi.org/10.1159/000213586
• Cooper, W.E., & Vitt, L.J. (1987). Deferred agonistic behavior in a long-lived scincid lizard Eumeces laticeps: Field and laboratory data on the roles of body size and residence in agonistic strategy. Oecologia, 72, 321-326. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00377558
• Cooper, W.E., & Greenberg, N. (1992). Reptilian coloration and behavior. In: Gans C., Crews D. (eds) Biology of Reptiles. hormones, brain and behaviour. Chicago University Press, Chicago, 187-311.
• Cox, R.M., Buttler, M.A., & John-Alder, H.B. (2007). The evolution of sexual size dimorphism in reptiles. In: Fairbairn DJ, Blanckenhorn WU, Székely T (eds.) Sex, size and gender roles: Evolutionary studies of sexual size dimorphism. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 38-49.
• Cuadrado, M., & Loman, J. (1997). Mating behaviour in a chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) population in southern Spain: effects of male and female size. Herpetologia Bonnensis, 1997, 81-88.
• Cuadrado, M., & Loman, J. (1999). The effects of age and size on reproductive timing in female Chamaeleo chamaeleon. Journal of Herpetology, 33, 6-11. https://doi.org/10.2307/1565536
• Cuadrado, M., Molina-Prescott, I., & Flores, L. (2003). Comparison between tail and jugular venipuncture techniques for blood sample collection in common chamaeleons (Chamaeleo chamaeleon). The Veterinary Journal, 166, 93-97. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1090-0233(02)00253-8
• Cumhuriyet, O., Bayrakçı, Y., Ayaz, D., & Çiçek, K. (2018). Notes on the reproduction of Mediterranean Chameleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon (L., 1758) from Southwestern Anatolia, Turkey. Biharean Biologist, 12, 116-117.
• Diaz-Paniagua, C., Cuadrado, M., Blazquez, M.C., & Mateo, J.A. (2002). Reproduction of Chamaeleo chamaeleon under contrasting environmental conditions. Herpetological Journal, 12, 99-104.
• Dimaki, M., Chondropoulos, B., Legakis, A., Valakos, E., & Vergeropoulos, M. (2015). New data on the distribution and population density of the African Chameleon, Chamaeleo africanus and the Common Chameleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon in Greece. Hyla, 2015, 36-43.
• Eckhardt, F., Kappeler, P.M., & Kraus, C. (2017). Highly variable lifespan in an annual reptile, Labord’s Chameleon (Furcifer labordi). Scientific Reports, 7, 11397. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-11701-3
• Eckhardt, F., Kraus, C., & Kappeler, P.M. (2019). Life histories, demographies and population dynamics of three sympatric Chameleon species (Furcifer spp.) from Western Madagascar. Amphibia-Reptilia, 40, 41-54. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685381-20181039
• Engelmann, W.E., Fritzche, J., Gonther, R., & Obst, F.J. (1985). Lurche und Kriechtiere Europas. Leipzig-Radebeul, Neumann Verlag, 422 pp.
• Eroğlu, A.İ., Bülbül, U., Kurnaz, M., & Odabaşı, Y. (2018). Age and growth of the Common Wall Lizard, Podarcis muralis (Laurenti, 1768). Animal Biology, 68, 147-159. https://doi.org/10.1163/15707563-17000019
• Fitch, H.S. (1981). Sexual size differences in Reptiles. University of Kansas Publications, Museum of Natural History, 70, 1-72.
• Gadsden, H., & Castaneda, G. (2013). Life history of the Marbled Whiptail Lizard Aspidoscelis marmorata from the Central Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico. Acta Herpetologica, 8, 81-91. https://doi.org/10.13128/Acta_Herpetol-11804
• Glaw, F. (2015). Taxonomic checklist of Chameleons (Squamata: Chamaeleonidae). Vertebrate Zoology, 65, 167-283.
• Guarino, F.M., Gia, I.D., & Sindacoi R. (2010). Age and growth of the Sand Lizards (Lacerta agilis) from a high alpine population of North-Western Italy. Acta Herpetologica, 5, 23-29. https://doi.org/10.13128/Acta_Herpetol-8532
• Gül, S., Özdemir, N., Kumlutaş, Y., & Ilgaz, Ç. (2014). Age structure and body size in three populations of Darevskia rudis (Bedriaga, 1886) from different altitudes. Herpetozoa, 26, 151-158.
• Hebrard, J.J., & Madsen, T. (1984). Dry season intersexual habitat partitioning by flap-necked chameleons (Chamaeleo dilepis) in Kenya. Biotropica, 16, 69-72. https://doi.org/10.2307/2387897
• Herrmann, P.A., & Herrmann, H.W. (2005). Egg and clutch characteristics of the mountain chameleon, Chamaeleo montium, in southwestern Cameroon. Journal of Herpetology, 39, 154-157. https://doi.org/10.1670/0022-1511(2005)039[0154:EACCOT]2.0.CO;2
• Hódar, J.A., Pleguezuelos, J.M., & Poveda, J.C. (2000). Habitat selection of the Common Chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) (L.) in an area under development in southern Spain: Implication for conservation. Biological Conservation, 94, 63-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3207(99)00163-9
• İbrahim, A.A., (2013). Some aspects of ecology of the Common Chameleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon musae (Squamata: Chameleonidae) in northern Sinai, Egypt. Russian Journal of Herpetology, 20, 203-212.
• Jenssen, T.A., & Andrews R.M. (1984). Seasonal growth rates in the Jamaican Lizard, Anolis opalinus. Journal of Herpetology, 18, 338-341. https://doi.org/10.2307/1564090
• Karsten, K. B., Andriamandimbiarisoa, L.N., Fox, S.F., & Raxworthy, C.J. (2008). A unique life history among tetrapods: An annual chameleon living mostly as an egg. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105, 8980-8984. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0802468105
• Karsten, K.B., Andriamandimbiarisoa, L.N., Fox, S.F., & Raxworthy, C.J. (2009). Population densities and conservation assessments for three species of chameleons in the Toliara region of southwestern Madagascar. Amphibia-Reptilia, 30, 341-350. https://doi.org/10.1163/156853809788795254
• Keren-Rotem, T., Bouskila, A., & Geffen, E. (2006). Ontogenetic habitat shift and risk of cannibalism in the common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon). Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 59, 723-731. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-005-0102-z
• Keren-Rotem, T., Levy, N., Wolf, L., Bouskila, A., & Geffen, E. (2016). Alternative mating tactics in male Chamaleons (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) are evident in both long-term body color and short-term courtship pattern. PLoS ONE, 11(7), e0159032. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0159032
• Klaver, J.J. (1981). Lung-morphology in the Chamaeleonidae (Sauria) and its bearing upon phylogeny, systematics and zoogeography. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolution Research, 19, 36-58. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0469.1981.tb00231.x
• Kurnaz, M., Bülbül, U., Eroğlu, A.İ., Uzun, F., Koç, H., & Kutrup, B. (2018).Age and growth of the Artvin Lizard, Darevskia derjugini (Nikolsky, 1898), in Turkey (Squamata: Sauria: Lacertidae). Herpetozoa, 30, 147-158.
• Lanuza, G.P., Font, E., & Carazo, P. (2013). Color-assortative mating in a color-polymorphic lacertid lizard. Behavioral Ecology, 24, 273-279. https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/ars164
• Lovich, E., & Gibbons, J. W. (1992). A review of techniques for quantifying sexual size dimorphism. Growth, Development and Aging, 56, 269-281.
• Matthee, C.A., Tilbury, C.R. & Townsend, T. (2004). Phylogenetic review of the African Leaf Chameleons: Genus Rhampholeon (Chamaeleonidae): The role of vicariance and climate change in speciation. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 271, 1967-1975. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2004.2806
• Measey, G.J., Raselimanan, A., & Herrel, A. (2014). Ecology and life history of chameleons. In: Tolley KA, Herrel A. (eds.) The Biology of Chameleons. University of California Press, Berkeley, 85-113.
• Moody, S., & Rocek, Z. (1980). Chamaeleo caroliquarti (Chamaeleonidae, Sauria): A new species from the lower miocene of central Europe. Věstník Ústředního ústavu Geologického, 55, 85-92.
• Necas, P. (1999). Chameleons: Nature’s Hidden Jewels. Krieger Publication Cooperation, 348 pp.
• Olsson, M., & Madsen, T. (1995). Female choice on male quantitative traits in lizards-why is it so rare? Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 36, 179-184. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4601061
• Özdemir, A., Altunışık, A., Ergül, T., Gül, S., Tosunoğlu, M., Cadeddu, G., & Gıacoma, C. (2012). Variation in body size and age structure among three Turkish populations of the Tree Frog Hyla arborea. AmphibiaReptilia, 33, 25-35. https://doi.org/10.1163/156853811x619790
• Raselimanana, A.P., & Rakotomalala, D. (2003). Chamaeleonidae, chameleons. In: Goodman SM, Benstead JP (eds) The natural history of Madagascar. University of Chicago Press, Chicago. 961–969.
• Raxworthy, C.J., & Nussbaum, R.A. (1995). Systematics, speciation and biogeography of the Dwarf Chameleons (Brookesia; Reptilia, Squamata, Chamaeleontidae) of northern Madagascar. Journal of Zoology, 235, 525-558. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1995.tb01767.x
• Reaney, L.T., Yee, S., Losos, J.B., & Whiting, M.J. (2012). Ecology of the flapnecked chameleon Chamaeleo dilepis in Southern Africa. Breviora, 532, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.3099/532.1
• Roff, D.A. (2002). Life History Evolution. Massachusetts, Sinauer Associates, 527 pp.
• Roitberg, E.S., & Smirina, E.M. (2006). Age, body size and growth of Lacerta agilis boemica and L. strigata: A comparative study of two closely related lizard species based on skeletochronology. Herpetological Journal, 16, 133-142.
• Ryser, J. (1998). Determination of growth and maturation in the common frog, Rana temporaria, by skeletochronology. Journal of Zoology, 216, 673-685. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1988.tb02465.x
• Shine, R., & Charnov, E.L. (1992). Patterns of survival, growth, and maturation in snakes and lizards. American Naturalist, 139, 1257-1269. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2462340
• Smith, G.R., & Ballinger, R.E. (1994). Temporal and spatial variation in individual growth in the Spiny Lizard, Sceloporus jarrovi. Copeia, 1994, 1007-1013. https://doi.org/10.2307/1446724
• Stamps J.A. (1983). Territoriality and the defense of predator refuges in juvenile lizards. Animal Behavior, 31, 857-870. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-3472(83)80241-3
• Tessa, G., Glaw, F., & Andreone, F. (2017). Longevity in Calumma parsonii, the world’s largest chameleon. Experimental Gerontology, 89, 41-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2017.01.007
• Tolley, K.A., Raw, R.N., Altwegg, R., & Measey, J.G. (2010). Chameleons on the move: Survival and movement of the Cape Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion pumilum, within a fragmented urban habitat. African Zoology, 45, 99-106.
• Tolley, K., & Menegon, M. (2013). Evolution and biogeography of chameleons. In: Tolley KA, Herrel A. (Eds.) The biology of Chameleons. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, California, 131-151.
• Tolley, K., Townsend, T.M., & Vences, M. (2018). Large-scalephylogeny of chameleons syggests African origins and eocene diversification. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 280, 2013-2084. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2013.0184
• Uetz, P., Freed, P., & Hosek, J. (2021). The Reptile Database. Retrieved From: http://www.reptile-database.org (accessed on: 04.12.2021).
• Vogrin, M., Corto, C., Perez Mellado, V., Sa-Sousa, P., Cheylan, M., Pleguezuelos, J., Baha El Din, S., & Al Johany, A.M.H. (2012). Chamaeleo chamaeleon. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012:e.T157246A743434. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T157246A743434.en.
• Werner, F. (1902). Die Reptilien- und Amphibienfauna von Kleinasien. Akademie der Wissenschaften Wien Mathematic Naturweisen, 111, 1057-1121.