Craniometria e radiografia do crânio de gatos mourisco (Herpailurus yagouaroundi)

Abstract

The focus animal of this study, the jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), is a vulnerable felid species threatened primarily by deforestation and fragmentation of its natural habitat. These factors drive it closer to urban areas, often resulting in fatalities due to vehicular accidents. This study highlights the importance of preserving Brazil's fauna and flora. Craniometry is a morphometric study focused on the structures present in animal skulls. Radiography, an established and reliable technology, is widely used in veterinary medicine, proving indispensable for diagnosing bone conditions and differentiating various alterations. It is generally quick to perform and minimally invasive. The aim of this work is to designate and describe craniometric points and measurements made on five (5) adult jaguarundi skulls of undetermined sex, provided by the teaching collection of the Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory of the Veterinary University Hospital Unit at the Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Realeza Campus. Measurements were taken manually using a precision caliper and from radiographic images with the aid of specific software. Both methods and their distinctions were then compared. Nine (9) craniometric points, seventeen (17) craniometric measurements, and six (6) craniometric indices adapted from available literature were used to conduct a comprehensive morphometric study of these animals. Findings indicated that the caliper method tends to be more precise; however, it may be challenging to apply with a large number of samples. The radiographic method may be more practical for analyzing a large quantity of skulls, but it showed greater data variability, suggesting the need for careful handling, standardized software use, and consistent radiographic acquisition to minimize errors.