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Abstract <p>This study investigates the growth dynamics, age structure, and sexual dimorphism of the Vulnerable Talysh Toad, <i>Bufo eichwaldi</i>, an endemic amphibian species in northern Iran. Using skeletochronology, we confirmed annual growth cycles, with a maximum observed age of 12 years for both sexes. Age distribution ranged from 2 to 12 years, and while females (109.38 ± 15.73 mm SVL, 108.92 ± 39.93 g) were slightly larger in snout-vent length (SVL) and body mass than males (103.00 ± 14.46 mm SVL, 94.27 ± 20.99 g), these differences were not statistically significant. Growth trajectories, modeled using the Von Bertalanffy growth model, indicated sexual dimorphism in maximum size, with females reaching a larger asymptotic SVL (113.59 mm) compared to males (104.96 mm), despite identical growth coefficients (<i>k</i> = 1.00). Sexual maturity was estimated to occur between 2 and 3 years for both sexes, consistent with patterns observed in other amphibians. Our findings provide valuable baseline data for monitoring <i>B. eichwaldi</i> populations and formulating targeted conservation strategies, highlighting the need to address sex-specific ecological requirements and habitat quality to ensure population viability. Future research should involve larger sample sizes, longitudinal tracking, and a more detailed examination of environmental factors influencing life history traits.</p>

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Life History Traits and Growth Patterns of the Vulnerable Talysh Toad (Bufo eichwaldi) in Northern Iran: Implications for Conservation and Management

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月9日

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  • M. R. Jahanshahlou,
  • H. Javanbakht,
  • S. Vaissi

摘要

Abstract

This study investigates the growth dynamics, age structure, and sexual dimorphism of the Vulnerable Talysh Toad, Bufo eichwaldi, an endemic amphibian species in northern Iran. Using skeletochronology, we confirmed annual growth cycles, with a maximum observed age of 12 years for both sexes. Age distribution ranged from 2 to 12 years, and while females (109.38 ± 15.73 mm SVL, 108.92 ± 39.93 g) were slightly larger in snout-vent length (SVL) and body mass than males (103.00 ± 14.46 mm SVL, 94.27 ± 20.99 g), these differences were not statistically significant. Growth trajectories, modeled using the Von Bertalanffy growth model, indicated sexual dimorphism in maximum size, with females reaching a larger asymptotic SVL (113.59 mm) compared to males (104.96 mm), despite identical growth coefficients (k = 1.00). Sexual maturity was estimated to occur between 2 and 3 years for both sexes, consistent with patterns observed in other amphibians. Our findings provide valuable baseline data for monitoring B. eichwaldi populations and formulating targeted conservation strategies, highlighting the need to address sex-specific ecological requirements and habitat quality to ensure population viability. Future research should involve larger sample sizes, longitudinal tracking, and a more detailed examination of environmental factors influencing life history traits.