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Biometrical characteristics of European Glass (Pseudopus apodus, Pallas 1775) in the area of Split and island of Cres
Vanja Lovrić
; Aleja pomoraca 13/10, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
European glass lizard (Pseudopus apodus Pallas 1775) is the largest representative of the family Anguidae. It is widespread in the Balkans, the Caucasus and parts of Asia. In Croatia, besides the slow worm, it is the only legless and the largest lizard that inhabits the coastal area, which is at the same time the northwestern limit of glass lizard’s distribution. For the purpose of the research the animals were captured in the surroundings of Split (at Klis) and on the island Cres, and I have determined their biometrical characteristics with slide rule, rope and dynamometer. The results show a significant difference in the body size of animals in these two populations. The animals captured on the island Cres are significantly larger and heavier than those captured in the surroundings of Split. The males are characterized in larger dimensions of head and larger body circumference in regard to females in both populations. I believe that this difference is the result of the difference in predatory pressure, diet, and competition within and among species. The later would be a proof of character displacement within one and not exclusively several different species.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
114395
URI
Publication date:
10.1.2014.
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