USING PELVIS MORPHOLOGY TO IDENTIFY SEX IN MOOSE SKELETAL REMAINS

Authors

  • Jason Duetsch Colorado Division of Wildlife
  • Rolf Peterson Michigan Technological University

Keywords:

Alces alces, anatomy, moose, pelvis, Isle Royale, sex, tuberosity, ungulate, ischiatic arch

Abstract

The only published method for sex determination in even-toed ungulates (i.e., Cervidae) through the use of skeletal remains (excluding the skull) is pelvic suspensory tuberosity presence/absence in white-tailed (Odocoileus virginianus) and black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus). Tuberosities are not easily distinguishable on moose (Alces alces) pelvises, even when a large number are available for comparison. Unlike in horses (Equus caballus) with similar skeletal structure as moose, pelvic inlets of moose show no distinctive sex characteristics on an individual level. Several linear angular (n = 5) and linear (n = 3) measurements were made on Isle Royale moose pelvises (n = 35). Results showed statistically significant differences between male and female pelvises for all angles, with unambiguous data collected from the angle created by the ischiatic arch (ventral brim of the ischium). As a rule of thumb, males and females exhibit an ischiatic arch angle of <90° and >90°, respectively. Two of the length measurements were also statistically different; however, overlap of these measurements would prevent their practical use. Learning more about sexing techniques will increase our forensic, archeological, and anatomical knowledge of moose anatomy and benefit sex determination in the field when only headless, scavenged, or partial carcasses remain.

Author Biographies

Jason Duetsch, Colorado Division of Wildlife

Department of Natural Resources, District Wildlife Manager

Rolf Peterson, Michigan Technological University

School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science

Research Professor

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Published

2012-06-22

How to Cite

Duetsch, J., & Peterson, R. (2012). USING PELVIS MORPHOLOGY TO IDENTIFY SEX IN MOOSE SKELETAL REMAINS. Alces: A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose, 48, 1–6. Retrieved from https://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/90

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