engleski

Selection of applicable morphometric parameter for age estimation in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) from Eastern Croatia

Population of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), living in the selected hunting estates in the Eastern Croatia has been studied. Specimens were collected at locations in hunting estates: Osijek, Podunavlje, Spačva and Kunjevci, which differs in habitat composition and characteristics of roe deer's populations. Aim of the study was to determine the most applicable parameter among size of the body parts for classification of live individuals into age groups. Total of 161 individuals was measured. The most pronounced body measures: head length and body length have linear increase in relation to age. Continuous growth throughout age classes was significant for the head length and for the body length. The lowest values of measured parameters were confirmed for Podunavlje and Kunjevci, the significantly higher values were in Osijek, while the values were intermediate in Spačva. Based on the results, a recommendation for the age estimation in live roe deer is to observe head length and eye position in relation to snout.

roe deer ; age estimation ; morphometric parameters ; Croatia

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