Evaluation of the eye lens method for age determination in roe deerCapreolus capreolus

摘要: Eye lens weight curves were obtained from a sample of 522 male and 171 female free-living roe deerCapreolus capreolus (Linnaeus, 1758), collected during the regular annual harvest 1998/99–2005/06 (May–January) in 12 different field hunting grounds Vojvodina (North part Serbia). We found no significant differences eye between males females within same age class (except 1). Thus, data for both sexes pooled further analyses. The rate increase declined at relatively early age, but lenses continued to through 9. However, there was considerable overlap ranges weights all classes, which restricted usefulness this method. estimate precision method determining evaluated by comparison “known age” (cementum layer technique) predicted (eye technique). examined model validity on 78 deer not used previously construct regression line. lack correspondence two techniques evident among individuals older classes. percentage correctly determined rapidly already 4 (<30%).