Zur Morphometrie und Altersstruktur des Kammmolchs (Triturus cristatus) im Raum Halle (Saale) und Ostharz

Abstract

Meyer, S.; Grosse, W.-R.: Morphometry and age structure of the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) in the region Halle (Saale) and Eastern-Harz Mountain. – Hercynia N.F. 39 (2006): 269 – 281.From 2001 to 2003 data about morphometry and age structure of great crested newt populations were surveyed at study sites Halle and East-Harz. Body size ranged from 47,5 mm (pond Beidersee) to 87,5 mm (ponds Roitschmark and Brandberge) for female newts. The mean of respective ponds lied between 64 and 79 mm. The smallest male newt was 46 mm long (pond Beidersee) and the biggest one 90 mm (pond Roitschmark). The mean of respective ponds ranged from 61 to 75 mm. Newts from pond Degenershausen (East-Harz) were bigger with values from 71,5 respectively 55,5 mm to 84,5 respectively 81,5 mm (females respectively males). Means were 77,5 mm for females and 75 mm for males. Newts of ponds Roitschmark and Brandberge had a comparatively low conditional index (KI) of 80 respectively 90 in contrast to newts from East-Harz with a KI of 120. In Halle 62 % of examined individuals belonged to age class II and then decrasing to class III, I and IV (determination of the age with the sceletochronological method). Significant differences between males and females could not be found. The age structure of study site East-Harz differed from that in Halle. Most individuals (54%) belonged to age class III, therefore were between 6 and 8 years old. No newts could assigned to age class I. Here as well no significant difference in age structure of males and females occured. Newts from East-Harz were at an average older than newts from lowlands. For both sexes there were only little correlation of body size and age. No significant differences could be detected in head tail length of individuals within age classes or several ponds. Newts from upland East-Harz were at an average bigger than newts of same age from lowland.