Selection of indices for the identification of hair from the pelts of voile and silver foxes

The scientific article presents the findings of a study on the variability of specific hair parameters across different categories in relation to blue fox (Vulpes lagopus) breeds. Key differences and breed-specific characteristics of the hair coat were identified, confirming the validity of the analyzed parameters for the comprehensive identification of hairs from veil and silver foxes. To enhance animal hair identification databases, it is recommended to incorporate the following metrics: the length of topographic regions of guard, awn, and transitional hair shafts, as well as the thickness of all hair categories in blue fox pelts. These parameters exhibit statistically significant variations depending on the hair’s morphological classification, topographic region, and pelt color type.