Age structure and growth pattern in two populations of the golden-striped salamander Chioglossa lusitanica (Caudata, Salamandridae)

We studied age structure and growth in two populations of the golden-stripe d salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica, in northern Portugal by cohort analysi s and skeletochronology. Lines of Arrested Growth (LAG) deposited during th e larval phase could be distinguished from LAG deposited after metamorphosi s. One or two LAG were found in larvae, with counts corresponding to age in years as predicted from larval size distributions. Post-metamorphic modal age was 5 to 6 years and longevity was 8 years. Von Bertalanffy growth curv es for males and females from both populations were different from one anot her. Sexual maturity was reached 4 to 5 years after metamorphosis and corre sponded with a snout-vent length of 43-44 mm in both sexes. A tendency was observed for females to be older than males. Mature females were on average larger than mature males. Larval growth was higher in spring than in winte r and differed between populations and years. The population in which larva e grew relatively slowly was characterized by large young adults and vice v ersa, perhaps reflecting contrasting aquatic and terrestrial feeding condit ions. The knowledge here presented is important for the better understandin g of the population dynamics and ecological and conservation requirements o f the golden-striped salamander.