Estudio de la metodología aplicada para el cálculo del peso seco del cristalino como criterio de edad en la liebre ibérica (Lepus granatensis Rosenhauer, 1856).

Abstract

The influence of handling and preservation processes on the physical appearance and dry weight of hare’s eye lenses as an age criterion was studied in Lepus granatensis. A methodological protocol is proposed as a conclusion. In total, 341 lenses were removed from 217 individuals collected in Navarra province. Two main storage treatments were employed: previously frozen or fresh; and two physical appearances were distinguished: shiny surface or undamaged, and dull surface or damaged. Lenses were dried and weighed following a standardised protocol and the effect of storage treatment on the physical appearance of the lenses was studied as well as the effect of this physical appearance on the final dry weight of lenses. No significant differences in dry weight between lenses from the same individual were found regardless of whether the lens was frozen or fresh. Freezing had a clear effect on the final physical appearance of lenses, and thus we suggest rejecting those samples presenting a dull surface after the preservation process. At the same time, there was a significant correlation between the time lenses had been kept frozen and the difference in dry weight compared to those preserved fresh.