gland development Harderian gland development GO:0070384 biological_process Note that the Harderian gland is found in all terrestrial vertebrate groups, including amphibia, reptiles, birds, and mammals. However, it appears to be absent in certain mammals such as bats, cows, horses, and higher primates. Though largely absent in the adult human, it is present in the fetal and neonatal stages. The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the Harderian gland over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The Harderian gland is an anterior orbital structure usually associated with the nictitating membrane, and produces and secretes a variety of substances to the eye, depending upon the species.