Data from: Forelimb indicators of prey-size preference in the Felidae

The forelimbs, along with the crania, are an essential part of the
prey-killing apparatus in cats. Linear morphometrics of the forelimbs were
used to determine the morphological differences between felids that
specialize on large prey, small prey, or mixed prey. We also compared the
scaling of felid forelimbs to those of canids to test whether prey capture
strategies affect forelimb scaling. Results suggest that large prey
specialists have relatively robust forelimbs when compared with smaller
prey specialists. This includes relatively more robust humeri and radii,
relatively larger distal ends of the humerus, and relatively larger
articular areas of the humerus and radius. Large prey specialists also had
relatively longer olecranon processes of the ulna and wider proximal paws.
These characters are all important for subduing large prey while the cat
positions itself for the killing bite. Small prey specialists have
relatively longer distal limb elements for swift prey capture, and mixed
prey specialists had intermediate values with relatively more robust
metacarpals. Arboreal felids also had more robust limbs. They had
relatively longer proximal phalanges for better grip while climbing, and a
relatively short brachial index (radius to humerus ratio). Additionally,
we found that felids and canids differ in forelimb scaling, which
emphasizes the dual use of forelimbs for locomotion and prey capture in
felids. This morphometric technique worked well to separate prey-size
preference in felids, but did not work as well to separate locomotor
groups, as scansorial and terrestrial felids were not clearly
distinguished.