mohamad ali adibi

Mongoose and caracal are predatory and carnivorous animals that live in parts of Iran, and maintaining the population of these species is very important. There were no significant anatomical studies on the hind limb bones of these two animals. On the other hand, the role of anatomical studies in therapeutic processes such as surgery and radiology for veterinary interventions and maintaining the population of these species is undeniable. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the morphological differences of the bones of the pelvic limb. In this study, it was found that the most morphological differences among the examined bones between these two species and other carnivores are related to the hip bone, which are respectively in the wing of the ilium, obturator foramen, iliac crest, iliac spines and ischiatic arch. Next, the femur has significant differences between these two species and other carnivores, which are the shape of the greater trochanter, the position of the lesser trochanter, and the difference in the size of the condyles. Finally, we reach the tibia and fibula bones, where the least differences were seen with other carnivores, and differences were seen only in the area of ​​the tibial tuberosity.

Reptiles are important components of natural ecosystems but because of limited dispersal ability they are sensitive to habitat destruction, road development and climate change. However, very little is known about their diversity and distribution in protected areas of Iran. In this study, reptiles of Touran Biosphere Reserve were collected, photographed and identified from 2014 to 2021. Results showed that 36 reptile species including 20 lizards, 15 snakes and 1 tortoise are living in the Touran Biosphere Reserve. Families Agamidae and Gekkonidae where the most diverse families among the lizard species and family Colubridae was the most diverse family among the snake species. Testudo horsfieldii and Varanus griseus are species with conservation concern thus they need special conservation programs.