MORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE AXIAL SKELETON OF THE WEST AFRICAN GIRAFFE (GIRAFFA CAMELOPARDALIS PERALTA).

The Skeletal system of any animal contributes largely to its morphology and conformation, at the same time, playing a major role in its physiology. To this end, this study was aimed at investigating the morphology and number of bones on the axial skeleton of the West African Giraffe ( Giraffa Camelopardalis peralta ). Two (2) adults obtained as carcass at different times after post-mortem examination were used. Bone preparation was achieved via cold water maceration after proper defleshing to reveal morphological features that showed differences and similarities to domesticated animal species. The skull presented unique and specific features peculiar to this mammal such as a highly convex dorsal surface of the frontal bone, spiral shaped superficial grooves radiating from the supraorbital foramen, short nasal bone with its valley shaped double pronged rostral projection and large irregular shaped frontal sinuses. The parietal bone was unpaired and caudally situated while the interparietal bone was absent. The Vertebral segments presented a formula C7 T14 L5 S4 C15-18. Evidence of neck lengthening was observed in the obvious elongated appearance of the cervical vertebra which resulted in the presence of peculiar features and absence of recognized features. The average total number of bones making up the axial skeleton was accounted to be 82. In conclusion, this study has provided a baseline data for further biological and archeological studies.