Morphological abnormalities in Namibian cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)
- January 1, 1997
- by Marker L. L.
Abstract
Extensive genetic studies have shown that cheetahs are genetically homozygous, a condition that makes their survival more vulnerable to enviornmental and ecological changes. Three distinct morphological abnormalities have been observed in the free-ranging Namibian cheetah population. Two dental anomalies, focal palatine erosion (FPE) and crowded incisors, as well as a distinct kink in cheetahs tails.