Morphometric characterization of Mesola red deer Cervus elaphus italicus (Mammalia: Cervidae)

摘要: AbstractThe red deer of the Bosco Mesola Nature Reserve (northern Italy) constitute a population with relevance for zoogeography, genetics and conservation. We have analysed morphometrics (body weight, craniometry, stature, antler conformation size) over c. 30 year period (1980–2012), to (i) describe in detail their physical traits, (ii) compare them those other European populations (iii) assess effects conservation actions on biometric measures individuals. were average 15–50% lighter at least 8–15% smaller than deer. The sexual size dimorphism was low significant only adults. Body growth rate also slower that populations. While relative production bone tissue appeared not be different from deer, antlers stags small scarcely branched, short trez tines. Bez tine crown rare present almost excl...