Чирикова М., Зима Ю. Морфологическая изменчивость серого варана (Varanus griseus) в Казахстане

Институт зоологии, Казахстан, г. Алматы, e-mail: m.chirikova@mail.ru

Abstract

Annotation. The paper presents data on the morphological variability of the desert monitor (Varanus
griseus) from the South and South-East Kyzylkums (Southern Kazakhstan, 16 females, 14 males, 7 semiadults and 7 juveniles). We observe sexual dimorphism: males have larger body, head and tail sizes.
Analysis of age-related changes in body size showed that with age, the relative head length decreases:
the Lc / L index in juvenile 0.25, the half-adult 0.20, and in adults 0.17 and 0.18. A direct positive correlation was revealed between body length and tail length. Four size adjusted groups were distinguished
in the investigated sample: 1) individuals with body length up to 15 cm, 2) individuals – from 30 to 38
cm, 3) from 40 to 48 cm and 4) from 50 cm and above. We presented the peculiarities of pattern of
upper side of the body of desert monitor from the territory of Southern Kazakhstan. According to the
occurrence of different pattern types, there is some difference between the sample from the south of the
Kyzylkum (west bank of the Syrdaria River) and from the vicinity of the Darbaza mountains (east bank of
the Syrdaria River). Our data suggest similarities in pattern variations of individuals from Southeast and
Western Kyzylkums.
Key words: Varanus griseus, Kazakhstan, morphological variability, sexual dimorphism, body size.