Morphological variability without geographical structuring in the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra, Salamandridae) from the Central Balkans

Abstract

In order to establish patterns of phenotypic variability, 15 quantitative and 3 qualitative body traits of 74 populations grouped in 14 geographic areas from the Central part of the Balkan Peninsula were examined. Although results of our multivariate analysis indicate existence of significant differences among populations belonging to different geographical groups, clear patterns of variation have not been found. Reason for the absence of geographical structuring of morphological variation in the fire salamander could be due to palaeogeographic situation of the Balkan Peninsula during Pleistocene.