Some morphological characteristics and neonatal weights of reintroduced gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) in Turkey

Authors: ŞÜKRÜ GÜRLER, FARUK BOZKAYA, DENİZ ÖZÜT, MUSTAFA DURMUŞ

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine birth weights, body measurements, and phenotypic correlations in order to characterize the gazelle population raised in Şanlıurfa Province, Turkey. For this purpose, body measurements of 93 adult gazelles (54 ♀, 39 ♂) and 41 young gazelles (17 ♀, 24 ♂) were carried out, and correlations between the measurements were calculated. Additionally, birth weights of 47 newborn gazelle calves (22 ♀, 25 ♂) were determined. Mean body weights of adult and young females and males were 13.86 ± 0.76 kg and 19.39 ± 0.92 kg (P < 0.001) and 8.83 ± 0.14 kg and 10.74 ± 0.17 kg (P < 0.01), respectively. In all groups highly positive correlations between body weight and chest circumference were detected. Birth weights of female and male newborn calves were found to be 1.84 ± 0.02 kg and 1.95 ± 0.04 kg, respectively. Differences in birth weights of female and male newborn calves were not statistically significant. The results indicated that the gazelles reared in Turkey were similar to both G. s. subgutturosa and G. s. marica. In order to develop an efficient conservation program, further genetic studies are required for determining the taxonomical status of the gazelle population studied.

Keywords: Gazella subgutturosa, birth weight, live weight, body measurements

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