Pavithra Rajkumar, Thunnisa Abu Muhsina, Vasanthakumari Dhayanithi, Udhayan A
Training & Education), Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (Research, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Department of Biological Sciences, SRM University AP, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Naturwissenschaften. 2025 Jan 7;112(1):4. doi: 10.1007/s00114-024-01957-x.
Eurybiomic big cats are facing significant threats from poaching, which is driven by recreation, taxidermy and wildlife trade. Species identification and age estimation are important for effective conservation management and enforcement of wildlife protection regulations. In this study, we present novel comprehensive morphometric methods for species identification and age estimation in leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) using canine and claw, the major trade articles. The study included 42 canines and 135 claw samples from five known age groups collected during post-mortem examination from all over the state of Tamil Nadu in south India. The samples were visually examined, and key morphological traits were accurately examined. Radiographic assessment of canines revealed the chronological age estimation, and tooth wear observation afforded supportive insight and evidence for the standards. Micro-feature observations of canine and claw samples using a scanning electron microscope ascertained the credibility of the samples. Multi-dimensional assessment of species and age of the samples by morphometric method led to the development of a reliable and accessible tool for dealing with confiscated specimens or samples with limited DNA quality. Notably, our novel methodology demonstrates efficacy in identifying illegally traded leopard canines and claws without causing any damage to the sample, thereby fortifying legal efforts against wildlife trafficking. In conclusion, this research introduces a sophisticated framework for species discrimination and age stratification in Panthera pardus fusca, merging cutting-edge technologies with classical morphometric analyses. The derived insights not only advance our understanding of leopard ecology but also furnish critical tools for conservationists and law enforcement agencies combating the illicit wildlife trade.
大型猫科动物正面临着来自偷猎的重大威胁，偷猎是由娱乐、标本制作和野生动物贸易驱动的。物种识别和年龄估计对于有效的保护管理和野生动物保护法规的执行至关重要。在本研究中，我们提出了新颖的综合形态测量方法，用于使用犬齿和爪子（主要的贸易物品）对豹（Panthera pardus fusca）进行物种识别和年龄估计。该研究包括从印度南部泰米尔纳德邦各地尸检期间收集的来自五个已知年龄组的42颗犬齿和135个爪子样本。对样本进行了目视检查，并准确检查了关键形态特征。犬齿的放射学评估揭示了按时间顺序的年龄估计，牙齿磨损观察为标准提供了支持性的见解和证据。使用扫描电子显微镜对犬齿和爪子样本进行微观特征观察确定了样本的可信度。通过形态测量方法对样本的物种和年龄进行多维度评估，开发出了一种可靠且易于使用的工具，用于处理DNA质量有限的没收标本或样本。值得注意的是，我们的新方法在识别非法交易的豹犬齿和爪子方面显示出有效性，且不会对样本造成任何损坏，从而加强了打击野生动物贩运的法律力度。总之，本研究引入了一个用于豹（Panthera pardus fusca）物种鉴别和年龄分层的复杂框架，将前沿技术与经典形态测量分析相结合。所得见解不仅推进了我们对豹生态学的理解，还为保护主义者和执法机构打击非法野生动物贸易提供了关键工具。
