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Bone maceration technique, gross anatomical and morphometrical studies of scapula, humerus, radius and ulnar bones of melanistic leopard (Panthera pardus)

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Authors

Muhamad Syafiq Bin Ahmad Zahari
Natural History Museum, Department of Museums Malaysia, Jalan Damansara 50566, Kuala Lumpur
Mohd Ridhuan Bin Akhiruddin
Natural History Museum, Department of Museums Malaysia, Jalan Damansara 50566, Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

Abstract

Records on animal morphology are valuable additions to documenting natural history especially within zoological collection. In this research, bone maceration is an important technique to be recorded as it serves as preliminary works for bones articulation intended exhibition, research and documentation, and collection management. The observed differences and variation in the morphometric measurements of the bones from a melanistic leopard, Panthera pardus (Linnaeus, 1758) contribute significantly to the documen-tation record held at the Natural History Museum. Such measurements revealed minor asymmetries between the left and right bones with ranges of 0.1 cm – 0.5 cm upon measured from the cranial view, caudal view, median view, and lateral view.

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