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Larson, S.E.
Taxonomic re-evaluation of the jaguar
1997 Zoo Biology (16): 107-120
The purpose of this report is to re-examine jaguar (_Panthera onca_) subspecies using morphometric skull characters and multivariate statistical methods to analyze differences. Eleven skull characters used historically to define jaguar subspecies were measured on 170 specimens in U.S. natural history museums. Relationships among the eight recognized subspecies of jaguar were examined, using Multigroup Discriminant Analysis (MDA) and univariate statistics. Discriminant analyses of these skull characteristics does not indicate distinct groups, supporting the null hypothesis. This analysis was conducted to add to systematic studies such as DNA analysis to assist the Felid Taxon Advisory Group (Felid TAG) and the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) establish valid taxonomic differences in the jaguar.
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