Elemental characterization of antlers of various deer species using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF): A tool for forensic examination

Antlers are unique characteristic of males of family Cervidae. It fully regenerates each year in relation to their sexual cycles. It is primarily used as weapons in intra-specific fighting or possibly as organs displaying strength. These are formed by the calcification, beneath the velvet of the fast growing pre-osseous tissue known as velvet antlers. Continuous dividing velvet antlers replace dead antlers every year through shedding. Antlers are composed primarily of minerals, protein, carbohydrates and fatty acids. Calcium and phosphorus, primarily present as hydroxyapatite [Ca5(PO4)3OH] (Chapman 1975). In India there are nine species of deer viz. Kashmir stag (Cervus elaphus), mouse deer (Tragulus meminna), musk deer (Moschus moschiferus), swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii), thamin (Rucervus eldii), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), chital (Axis axis), hog deer (Axis porcinus) and sambar (Rusa unicolor). Mouse deer and musk deer possess only canines and antler is absent in both the deer species. Previously, the export of shed antlers and peacock feathers was allowed in India. Although, antlers are not very extensive in illegal wildlife trade but artifacts of antlers and they are used for traditional medicines for treatment of various diseases in different countries. The problem of illegal trade of antlers is mainly due to the mis-declaration of its quantity. Mostly antlers of chital, sambar and swamp deer are widely traded.