An introduction to biology of Keeled- rock gecko (Cyrtopodion scabrum) in Lorestan Province (Kouhdasht city)

Document Type : Biology(Animal)

Authors

Golestan University, Faculty of Science, Iran

Abstract

It was studied meristic, morphometric, sexual dimorphism, behavior and feeding of the Keeled- rock gecko (Cyrtopodion scabrum) from a population in Kouhdasht city, Lorestan Province. It was collected 80 specimens from July 2011 to October 2012 from Kouhdasht city directly by hand. It was investigated 14 morphometric and 13 meristic characters of all specimens. Juveniles and adult specimens were studied separately. Sexes of all adults were determined based on presence of preanal pores in males and absence in females and finally with dissection and observation of their gonads. Data were analyzed by using discriptive analysis, spss18 and T- test univariate statistical package. It was observed little differences in mean of characters between males and females on the basis of descriptive. Based on the analyses, no morphometric characters showed differences between males and females, but two meristic. Characters (preanal pores and scales across head) showed differences between males and females. Activity of this nocturnal species starts usually after sunset and feeds on insects.

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