Hind Limb Skeleton of the Orange Rumped Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758): Structural and Functional Perspective

Abstract

The present study was aimed to document the anatomy of the hind limb skeleton from a structural and functional perspective for the better understanding of locomotor behavior of the orange rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina), a caviomorph rodent on the verge of domestication in Trinidad and Tobago. The study was carried out by collecting bones from 6 adult male and 6 adult female animals. The results showed that several features were indicative of emphasized parasagittal movements and stabilized joints. The well-developed ischial tuber, long and strongly built ilium with wide wing and close grouping of greater and lesser trochanter near the proximal tuberosity of the femur imply that the animal possesses a well developed flexor-extensor muscle set adapted to quick movements (reaction). The rather elongated body of the calcaneus strengthened the good jumping ability of D. leporina. These features along with elongation of the shank and foot indicate that D. leporina exhibits a well-developed cursorial ability with high jumping potential.