Contribution to age determination of pikas (Lagomorpha, Ochotonidae, Ochotona).

Lissovsky A.A.

P. 43-48

The possibility of age determination of pikas using tooth row condition, development of crests on the angular process of the dentary, ossification of the skull and development of the skull crests, as well as condition of the reproductive system is discussed. Age variability of the features above is described. The methods allow determining individual age of pikas up to about four months old. Subsequently, morphological differences between specimens born this year and over wintered ones become obscured, but some difference in skull proportions may be retained for some time.DOI: 10.15298/rusjtheriol.3.1.07

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