Craniological Characteristics of Wild Boars from the Region of Sarnena Sredna Gora Mountain, Bulgaria

V. DOYCHEV1, E. RAYCHEV1 and D. KOSTOV2
1 Trakia University, Faculty of Agriculture, BG - 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
2 Trakia University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, BG - 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Abstract

DOYCHEV, V., E. RAYCHEV and D. KOSTOV, 2012. Craniological characteristics of wild boars from the region of Sarnena Sredna Gora Mountain, Bulgaria. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 18: 971-979

Craniological analysis of 18 male wild boar skulls has been conducted at completed growth (fully-grown third molar tooth). 44 craniological measurements have been made characterizing both the basic skull shapes and proportions (length, height, width and profile line), and the shape and proportions of the various skull parts (facial and cerebral) and of the various bones (lacrimal, palatal, etc.). The values found have been compared to the ones obtained by other authors. Based on the
values found a classification analysis has been made to establish the population appurtenance of wild boars inhabiting in the region of Sarnena Sredna Gora Mountain.
It has been found out that male boars from the region of Sarnena Sredna Gora Mountain have an extended, relatively narrow and low skull, with a straight profile line. The lacrimal bone is extended, with a trapezoid shape. Concerning their craniological characteristics, male wild boars from the region of Sarnena Sredna Gora Mountain are attributed to the wild boar population inhabiting North Bulgaria. The basic skull dimensions characterizing its length, height and width are in positive correlation.

Key words: wild boars, craniology, lacrimal bone, palatal bone, correlations

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