Osteological description of the taruca (Hippocamelus antisensis, D'Orbigny, 1834): I. Appendicular skeleton

Abstract

The descriptive study of the appendicular skeleton of the taruca (Hippocamelus antisensis) is presented. The appendicular skeleton of four specimens (2 females and 2 males) were used according to authorization N^o 158-2015-SERFOR-DGGSPFFS. The appendicular skeleton was obtained according to the anatomical technique and the anatomical terms followed the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria. The morphological structures of the appendicular skeleton have similarities to domestic ruminants, such as sheep and goats. The taruca presents particularities at the level of the acromion and coracoid process that is hooked at the level of the scapula, a proximal interosseal hole between the radius and ulna, and the presence of distal vestiges of the second and fifth metacarpal with their respective phalanges. The coxal bone is characterized by a thin and pointed sacral tuberosity, the rough and triangular ischial tuberosity, the presence of a notch in the obturator foramen, and an undulating edge in the acetabulum. It is also characteristic of this species the trochanter-femur’s head relationship and the characteristics of the extensor notch in the case of the tibia, the longitudinal dorsal groove of the slightly excavated metatarsal, and the presence of the rudimentary phalanges of fingers II and V of the foot.