On the problem of specific identification in triploid (Bufotes baturae) and tetraploid (B. pewzowi) green toads (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae) of Central Asia by morphometric characteristics

Abstract

The paper presents the results of using multiplicative indices for species identification of polyploid green toads of Central Asia. Live adult individuals of Bufotes baturae (24 females and 17 males) from the territory of Tajikistan and B. pewzowi (14 females and 24 males) from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan were studied. The animals were caught in nature, measured and immediately released. The species belonging of the studied green toads was established by cytogenetic methods. According to the results of discriminant analysis, six proportionality indices were significant for the species identification of females. The females of B. batura and B. pewzowi formed separate non-overlapping clusters in the discriminant function space, and the level of their reliable classification was 100%. For the identification of B. batura and B. pewzowi males, four significant body proportionality indices were identified using discriminant analysis. The clusters of these two species in the space of discriminant function touched, and the level of correct classification was 97.6%. As a result of our research, one multiplicative index common to males and females was identified for highly reliable identification of B. baturae and B. pewzowi, as well as one multiplicative index separately for males and females of the studied species. The authors conclude that multiplicative indices based on standard morphometric indicators can be used for the practical determination of polyploid green toads.