Correlation Between Age Estimates for Elk, Cervus Elaphus, Using Tooth Wear/Eruption Patterns and Counts of Annuli in Tooth Cementum

Authors

  • Rick Rosatte Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Wildlife Research and Development Section, Trent University, DNA Building, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8
  • Andrew Silver Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Wildlife Research and Development Section, Trent University, DNA Building, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8
  • Mark Gibson Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Wildlife Research and Development Section, Trent University, DNA Building, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8
  • Bruce Chisholm Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6
  • Norm Cool Parks Canada, Elk Island National Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta T8L 2N7

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v121i2.451

Keywords:

Elk, Cervus elaphus, age estimates, annuli, cementum, tooth wear

Abstract

Two different techniques, (1) tooth wear, tooth eruption patterns and other attributes and (2) counting annuli and seasonal growth zones in the cementum of incisor teeth, were used to estimate the age of Elk, Cervus elaphus, that were relocated from Alberta to Ontario, Canada. Age estimates for Elk ranged from 2 to 20 years, and a significant relationship was found between the ages acquired by the two methods. Critical to acquiring accurate age estimates for Elk were staff with extensive skill with respect to the aging technique utilized.

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Issue

Vol. 121 No. 2 (2007)

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Notes

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