We present the first data collected in situ on clutch and egg size for the Mountain Chameleon (Chamaeleo montium). In addition, we examine within and among clutch variation and its relationship with female body size. We caught wild females from January to June 2003 and held them until egg deposition. We collected morphometric data on females and clutches immediately post-egg deposition. Of the 49 reproductive females, the smallest measured 65 mm snout–vent length (SVL), the largest 90 mm SVL (mean = 75.4 mm). Clutch size varied from 3–12 (mean = 6.5) and mean relative clutch mass = 40%. Female post partum mass was positively correlated with clutch mass and egg number. Female mass (in grams) was not significantly related to relative clutch mass but was weakly correlated with egg volume. There was consistent size uniformity of eggs within and among clutches.
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1 March 2005
Egg and Clutch Characteristics of the Mountain Chameleon, Chamaeleo montium, in Southwestern Cameroon
Patricia A. Herrmann,
Hans-Werner Herrmann
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