engleski

Age determination in stone martens: radiographic and morphologic characteristics of the teeth

Age determination is important part of population research and a base for proper management and conservation of wild species. Theoretically, teeth can provide us with several characteristics which are more or less suitable for accurate age estimation. In this paper we evaluate accuracy of age estimation based on radiographs of lower canines in situ. Mandibles are collected from four stone martens (Martes foina), and adjacent teeth were subjected to radiographic analysis (pulp to tooth ratio, corrected with date of capture), histological analysis (periodic growth lines) and macroscopis examination (tooth wear). Obtained results point out the radiographic analysis of lower canines as suitable method for age estimation of live stone martens.

age determination; stone martens; teeth characteristics; radiographic analysis

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