Age structure and growth features of the Tajikistan toadhead agama Phrynocephalus sogdianus (Reptilia, Agamidae)

The paper presents the results of age and growth studying Tajikistan toadhead agama Phrynocephalus sogdianus by skeletochronology. A total 29 adult individuals (14 females 15 males) from vicinity Uchkyzil (Termez district, Surkhandarya region, Uzbekistan) were studied. All animals, on section tubular bones had a birth (hatching) line appearing shortly after lizards hatching. majority sample consisted one-year-old two-year-old specimens (89.7%). males varied between 1–3 years, averaging 1.53 1.71 respectively. expected calculated life expectancy for one wintering was 2.25 2.06 years. Females did not differ in body length. length males’ depended their age. Males aged two years statistically significantly differed size among themselves. authors note that P. has very high rates (growth coefficient k is 2.84 1.40 males), exceeding other agamas.