[NHCOLL-L:3191] total length measurement of mammals

[Teresa Kearney]

This posting follows a query raised by staff at a local Zoological Gardens.
In putting together procedures on external measurements to take from the zoo
specimens they wondered how a total length measurement is made.

In "The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion" (1983) by Reay Smithers
it indicates the measurement is made "between pegs from the tip of the nose
to the end of the vertebrae of the tail", with the specimen "laid out on its
side in a natural position". I'm sure at some time in the past I've also
observed a measurement being taken from mongoose-size animals along the
midline of the dorsal surface, from nose to tail, following the curvature of
the body using a soft tape measure or string.

What method is followed by others taking this measurement?

Much appreciated
Teresa Kearney

Curator, Mammals
Transvaal Museum
PO Box 413
Pretoria
0001

Phone +27 12 3227632
Fax +27 12 3227939