Anatomical and radiographical studies of the skull in the adult European Badger (Meles meles)

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology

مقالات آماده انتشار، پذیرفته شده، انتشار آنلاین از تاریخ 13 بهمن 1403   

نوع مقاله: Research Article

شناسه دیجیتال (DOI): 10.22067/ijvst.2025.88540.1390

نویسندگان

Babak Rasouli^{* 1}؛ Mohamad ali Adibi²؛ arad jahankhani³؛ Omid Zehtabvar⁴

¹Semnan university

²محیط زیست استان سمنان

³DVM student, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.

⁴دانشکده دامپزشکی دانشگاه تهران

چکیده

The European badger (Meles meles) is a powerfully built animal native to Europe and parts of West Asia. The skull imparts the phylogenetic morphology to the skulls of animal species and functions as a safeguard for vital organs like the brain and eyes. The aim of our study was to improve the current data collection by providing a comprehensive investigation of the morphology and dimensions of the cranium and mandible of the badger. This information enhances comprehension of radiological and surgical attributes. We conducted anatomical studies on them and measured their morphometric features. We received these skulls from naturally occurring carcasses. Anatomical studies were conducted on them, and measurements of morphometric features were taken. The study employed unpaired t-tests to examine the skulls of the badgers. This study demonstrated that the anatomical features of the skull exhibit no discernible differences between badgers and other wild carnivores such as the tiger and wolf. The presence of a twin jugular foramen in the badger's skull distinguishes it as a distinct characteristic not found in any other carnivorous animal. Also, the radiography studies showed two distinct sinuses and a cavity in the skull of the badger which is different from a dog. Males and females differ significantly in some morphometric traits, which is entirely consistent with the animal's behavioral and nutritional traits. Modern imaging techniques, like CT scans, are necessary for more thorough studies of the skulls of wild carnivores.

کلیدواژه‌ها

European badger؛ Skull؛ Morphology؛ Morphometry؛ Radiography