Age and Sex Determination in the Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius, Rodentia, Arvicolinae) Based on Measurements of the Pelvic Limb Bones

Abstract

A method was developed for determining the age and sex of the water vole (Arvicola amphibius L.) based on the measurements of the pelvic limb bones. The material was obtained from captive-bred animals of a known age. By using discriminant analysis, classification functions were found for dividing the animals of the sample analyzed (n = 56) by sex and age with an accuracy equal to one year. Testing the control group (n = 34) showed that the age of 90.0% of males and of 92.9% of females was determined correctly. The correctness of the classification by sex is 100%.