We studied mandible growth of juvenile roe deer up to age of 6 months and analysed differences in mandible growth and size among regions of Slovenia. Males had larges mandible sizes then females, but we did not observe any differences in growth dynamic between the sexes. Mandibles were largest in roe deer from eastern Slovenia and smallest in Primorska region and the Alps. Regional differences in mandible size are probably related to differences in habitat suitability between the regions. Data on growth dynamic is needed for the use of mandible length as an indicator in the control method (adaptive management). Knowledge of regional differences is important for understanding of effects of various habitat factors, which are further discussed in this paper.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3442854
We estimated reliability of the macroscopic (ocular) assessment of the age of red deer, which is performed by hunters based on the tooth wear. We validated this approach by cutting the first lower molar (M1) and counting annuli in tooth cementum. Considerable errors in ocular assessment for both sexes were observed. As much as one third of estimates for stag mandibles were incorrect compared to annuli counting method. This raises doubts about reliability of stag categorization into three age categories in hunting-management planning. Because of the age-specific responses of animals to their environment measured through various indicators, reliable age determination is crucial for successful adaptive management. Especially questionable is the usefulness of older categories (2+), for which ocular age estimation is least reliable.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3486374