Hematological data of Batrachuperus tibetanus

Intraspecific variation is a common phenomenon in nature, but to date,
research on such variation in hematological traits of urodeles remains
scarce. To compare intraspecific variation in hematological traits among
populations, and explore whether snout-vent length (SVL) and body mass
influence hematological traits, we analyzed hematological parameters and
erythrocyte size in 58 mature Batrachuperus tibetanus specimens belonging
to three populations (Xihe, Meixian and Taibai) in northwestern China.
There were no sexual differences in any hematological trait for all
populations. No hematological traits differed significantly between the
Meixian and Taibai populations, but significantly lower values of
erythrocyte count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), erythrocyte
length (L), and erythrocyte area (A), as well as a significantly higher
leukocyte count (WBC) were observed in the Xihe population compared with
the other two. Linear regression analyses showed that significant
relationships were present between SVL and Hb, RBC, Hct, and L; and body
mass and Hb, RBC, Hct, and L. However, SVL and WBC were negatively
correlated. Only L differed significantly among populations when
accounting for the effects of SVL and body mass. These results indicate
that among-population variation in Hb, RBC, WBC, and Hct possibly
contributes to differences in SVL or body mass, and variation in
erythrocyte size (L and A) is perhaps attributable to differences in lower
Hb, RBC, and Hct. Our results provide a foundation for understanding the
physiological basis of adaptation in urodeles.