P.G Department of Life Sciences, S. K. C. G (Autonomous) College, Paralakhemundi– 761200 Gajapati, Odisha, India
195/196, Krishnapuri Near IIIT, Bhubaneswar-751003, Odisha, India
Skeletochronological estimation of age, longevity and age at sexual maturity of male common Asian toad, (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) was reported. Toads (n=67) of different sizes were collected locally during June-November of the year 2015-2016 and brought to the laboratory. After studying their secondary sexual characters, snout-vent length and body weight of each toad was recorded. Fourth phalanx of 4th toe of hind limbs, femur and humerus bones were processed forSkeletochronology. Cross sections of bones and phalanges showed growth zones and LAGs corresponding first growth and arrested growth during summer and winter seasons respectively. Young and immature toads were without LAGs and considered to be less than one years old. Toads with 1 to 5 LAGs were sexually matured and 2 to 6 years old. The results suggest that this toad attains sexual maturity during 2nd year of their life cycle and may live for a maximum of 6 years in their natural population.
Keywords: Amphibia:Bufonidae:Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Lines of arrested growth , Growth rings,Longevity.