[Skeletochronological study in Bufo bufo in Brittany].

Abstract

This study on common toad (Bufo bufo), demonstrates the identity of structure between femur and phalange of a same individual. That allowed us to use skeletochronology without killing animals, and to study the same population. The periodicity of the lines of arrested growth (LAG) is annual. The absolute age is determined in 96.2% of males and 87.8% of females. The endosteal resorption shows a sexual dimorphism, more important for females. The highest longevity recorded in the sample is 12 years for males and 9 years for females. We have determined of the precise age at which individuals have obtained their sexual maturity for 92.9% of the males and 85.4% of the females. The number of lines of arrested growth (LAG) resorbed does not increase with age after adulthood.