Identification of Big Cats' Skulls by Palatine Bones

The skulls of big cats are highly prized trade items and are often traded illegally. This study examines two morphological characters on the palatine bone in the skulls of nine species of big cat: Acinonyx jubatus , Neofelis nebulosa , N. diardi , Panthera leo , P. onca , P. pardus , P. tigris , P. uncia and Puma concolor . Both characters, the shape of the caudal margin of the palatine bone and the greater palatine foramen ratio, are clearly visible on the ventral side of the skull and can be distinguished in photographs. The study found that species differ significantly in these characters. When combining these characters with a few other easily recognisable morphological characters, an identification key was created to be used by frontline people (e.g., wildlife inspectors, customs and police officers etc.) in practical situations to discriminate between the skulls of big cats.