Veterinar, Vol. 61 No. 1, 2023.
Professional paper
Methods for Age Estimation in Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus L.)
Viktorija Turk
Miljenko Bujanić
; Faculty of Veterinary medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
*
Nikolina Škvorc
; Faculty of Veterinary medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Dean Konjević
; Faculty of Veterinary medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Krešimir Krapinec
; Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology University of Zagreb, Croatia
Clémentine Gibert
; École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, France
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Determining the age of wild animals more precisely
is extremely important for understanding the age
structure and vitality of populations, the correctness
of creation and implementation of management plans,
as well as the assessment of trophy animals. In the
case of the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.), several
age estimation methods are available, based on external
characteristics as well as dental features, antler
size, epiphyses, and bone sutures. However, wild animals
are skittish, and it is generally not easy to get
close enough to observe these features for accurate
assessment. Additionally, some methods require capturing
and chemical immobilization of the animal to
assess its age. Another issue is that many of these
methods are influenced by various external factors,
such as different dietary components (e.g., sand) that
can lead to abrasion of teeth, making the individual
appear older than it actually is. Other problems arise
due to irregularities in dental patterns (e.g., malocclusion)
or as a result of various pathological conditions
like enamel hypoplasia/mineralization, tooth fractures
etc. For these reasons, some of these methods are
highly unreliable, despite being frequently applied by
field practitioners.
Keywords
roe deer; age evaluation; tooth characteristics; pedicle diameter
Hrčak ID:
321267
URI
Publication date:
2.9.2024.
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