Teeth eruption pattern in Cantabrian chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica parva

Abstract

A teeth eruption pattern for Cantabrian chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica parva (Cabrera 1911) was presented (Cantabrian Mountains, North of Spain; Permanent teeth eruption order was as follows: (M1M1) M2 M2 I1 M3 M3 (PM2 PM3) (PM1 PM1 PM2 PM3 I2) I3 I4. The eruption time was: M1 and M1 at 2-3 months, M2 and M2 between 9 and 13 months, M3 and M3 between 22 and 25 months. Lower and upper premolars and I2 emerged at 25- 29 months. I3 emerged at 36-37 months, and the last tooth erupting was I4, between 36 and 46 months. The early eruption in Cantabrian chamois in relation to other chamois subspecies was discussed, and it was suggested that possible advantages relate to chewing efficiency and a wider age- related use of vegetation.