Biometric and Biochemical Characterization of Sandfish Lizards (Scincus scincus) in the Oued Souf Region, Algerian Sahara

Abstract

The Sandfish lizard (Scincus scincus) is well adapted to the harsh desert environment of the Algerian Sahara. This study investigated the effects of season and sex on the morphometric measurements and selected blood biochemical parameters of the Sandfish lizard, including 29 females and 31 males from the El Oued region in the southeastern Algerian Sahara. Morphometric and biochemical parameters were assessed across winter, spring, and summer (2024). The results indicated that males had significantly larger total length (TBL), snout-vent length (SVL), vent-to-tail length (TL), trunk length (TRL), forelimb length (FL), and hindlimb length (HL) compared to females (P < 0.05). However, no significant sex-related differences were found in the blood biochemical parameters. Significant seasonal variations (P < 0.05) were observed in body weight (Wt), hindlimb length (HL), forelimb length (FL), head width (HW), mouth length (ML), and body width (BW). Additionally, highly significant seasonal variations (P < 0.005) were found in all blood parameters except for calcium. These findings suggest that while morphometric characteristics vary significantly by sex, certain physiological parameters are more influenced by seasonal changes, highlighting the Sandfish lizard's adaptability to its environment.