Morphometry as a tool to monitor animal growth: research on the effect of different diets administered to Costa Rican newborn and juvenile wild opossums.

This thesis explores the role of animal morphometry in understanding growth patterns and improving care for rescued neonatal wildlife. While morphometric studies have historically focused on adult animals, research on newborns remains scarce, especially in relation to their developmental stages and nutritional needs. This study addresses this gap by examining the growth of six neonatal opossums (Didelphis marsupialis and Caluromys derbianus) rescued in Costa Rica. Over two months, detailed morphometric measurements were collected, with a focus on understanding how different diets affect growth rates. The opossums were divided into two groups, each fed a diet with a distinct protein source, to evaluate the influence of nutrition on growth trajectories. The study aims to establish baseline data on opossum growth and contribute to the development of standardized morphometric protocols for wildlife care. This research highlights the importance of integrating growth monitoring into rescue center practices to improve the rehabilitation and rearing of rescued animals.