Age determination of european harbour seal,Phoca VitulinaL.

Dentine and cementum layers have been used with success in age determinations of many species of pinnipeds, but so far no reliable method has been described for age determination of European harbour seals Phoca vitulina vitulina L. The present study describes and validates the preparation of the cementum for examination of incrementallayers. Decalcified thin longitudinal sections of the teeth stained with toluidine blue provided a readable display of cement deposition. As shown in other studies the present investigation revealed annual growth layer groups of one opaque and one translucent band which are deposited in the cementum throughout the life of harbour seals.