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Polydactyly in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

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Abstract

Supernumerary digits on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) have been recorded over many decades in Germany. The case described in this communication is believed to be only the second documented example from the UK. A right hind foot of a buck had three equally developed digits arising from a metatarsal that trifurcated.

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Acknowledgements

I am grateful to William Perrie who shot the buck and allowed me to examine the abnormal foot, and to Hugh Rose for delivering it. I am especially indebted to Professor H. Hartwig and Dr. W. Lutz for providing many of the references from the German hunting literature and Valerie Dörling for assistance with translation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Larkmead, Barton Mills, Suffolk, IP28 6AA, UK

    Norma G. Chapman

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  1. Norma G. Chapman
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Correspondence to Norma G. Chapman.

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Chapman, N.G. Polydactyly in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Eur J Wildl Res 52, 142–144 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-005-0021-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-005-0021-3

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