Study on Morphology of Principal Bones of the Thoracic Limb in Caracal (Caracal Caracal) and Mongoose (Herpestes Edwadsii)

Caracaland mongoose are both species from suborder of Feliformia that live in different regions of Iran. The shape and size of bones of the fore limb have an important role to the state of the body conformation and balance of carnivores and they are also important because of their predilection for bait. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphology of scapula, humerus, radius and ulna in these two species. Investigating and recording of these findings can be helpful as the means of differentiating species, helping wildlife practitioners in various fields of veterinary science and preserving the population of these species. In order to carry out this study, the carcasses of an adult caracal and a mongoose were transferred to anatomical laboratory at Semnan University. After completing the preparation stages, morphological studies and of the bones were performed and also the required images were obtained. In general, it can be concluded that the biggest anatomical differences are in the scapula. This bone in the mongoose is similar to the dog and in the caracal is more like to cat. In the humerus, the most important difference among carnivores is in the distal extremity. Also the most morphological similarities among carnivores, were observed in the radius and ulna.