natomical and Radiographical Studies of the Skull in Adult European Badger (Meles meles)

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Babak Rasouli ¹
• Mohammadali Adibi ²
• Arad Jahankhani ³
• Omid Zehtabvar ⁴

¹ Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.

² Department of environment of Semnan province, Semnan, Iran.

³ DVM student, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.

⁴ Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.22067/ijvst.2025.88540.1390

Abstract

The European badger (Meles meles) is a powerful animal native to Europe and parts of West Asia. The skull imparts the phylogenetic morphology to the skulls of animal species and functions as a safeguard for vital organs, including the brain and eyes. The aim of our study was to improve the current data by providing a comprehensive investigation of the morphology and dimensions of the cranium and mandible of badgers. This information enhances comprehension of radiological and surgical attributes. We conducted anatomical studies and measured the morphometric features. We received the skulls from naturally occurring carcasses. We employed unpaired t-test for statistical analysis. This study demonstrated that the anatomical features of the skull exhibit no discernible differences between badgers and other wild carnivores, such as tiger and wolf. The presence of a twin jugular foramen in the skull of badgers distinguishes them as a distinct characteristic not found in any other carnivorous animals. Moreover, radiographical studies showed two distinct sinuses and a cavity in the skull of badger which is different from dogs. Males and females differ significantly in some morphometric traits, which is entirely consistent with the behavioral and nutritional traits of the animal. Modern imaging techniques, such as CT scans, are necessary for more thorough studies on the skulls of wild carnivores. 

Keywords

• European badger
• Skull
• Morphology
• Morphometry
• Radiography

Main Subjects

• Anatomy

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