Skeletochronology in long tubular bones of the Javan water monitor lizard, Varanus salvator bivittatus in the juvenile stage (Lacertilia: Varanidae)

Age estimation of the juvenile stage Varanus salvator bivittatus using limb bones, namely big long tubular bones (femur, tibia, humerus) and small (fibula, radius, ulna, phalanx), was performed skeletochronological method. Samples were from Java Island, Indonesia provided by pet exporters. Lines arrested growth (LAG) present first mark visible on a female with snout-vent length (SVL) 18.8 cm, male SVL 19.3 cm. The process resorption begins in stage, occurs all bones. Inside earlier is more extensive than one individual 25.0 endosteal bone had completely eroded Resorption also occurred bones; however, an remaining still only fibula bone. Linear regression analysis resulted weak correlation, statistically insignificant between diameter marrow cavity (d) bone, while other correlations strong significant (p < 0.005). Among seven rate lowest but very high phalanx Radial osteon formation has smallest 14.4 cm to biggest radial density increases increased SVL. There no any sampled specimen. In general, there differences (D), thickness (MP) both individuals, some influenced body length, not sex.