Parthenogenesis in Varanus ornatus, the Ornate Nile Monitor.

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Parthenogenesis in Varanus ornatus, the Ornate Nile Monitor."

Transcription

1 Parthenogenesis in Varanus ornatus, the Ornate Nile Monitor. Parthenogenesis in varanids has been reported in two other species of monitor, the Komodo dragon, Varanus komodiensis (Watts et al) and the Argus monitor, Varanus panoptes (Lenk et al). All reported cases had occurred in captivity. That is also the case with our report. As far as we are aware, this is the first reported case of parthenogenesis in Varanus ornatus. The female Varanus ornatus in question is on display in Reptile Village Zoo, Kilkenny, Ireland. Varanus ornatus occur in tropical forest of Central and West Africa. Our female was obtained as a wild caught hatchling in 1998; the exact country of origin is unknown, but most likely Ghana. She had a snout vent length of 110mm. This female was fed on a diet of insects (crickets, locust), snails and fish, progressing to mice and rats, quail eggs, chicks and crab meat as she grew. She was housed alone all her life except for 3 occasions, when we tried to co-habit her with another female Varanus ornatus. This female was also obtained as a hatchling around a year after the first, in All attempts to co-habit the animals ended unsuccessfully, with fighting breaking out within seconds of them being placed into an unfamiliar, larger enclosure. They were separated each time they fought, and were only left in the enclosure for a maximum of 5 minutes each time. Both females in our possession are proven females by the fact that they have both produced unfertile eggs for us on two different occasions each. The only other monitors either has seen or been with are each other. When eggs were laid, it was immediately assumed that they were not viable and so were discarded. Our females are named Nasty and Nice. Both animals are very aggressive with Nice being slightly less aggressive than Nasty. Nice is the female who has reproduced through parthenogenesis.

2 Fig. 1 - Female Varanus ornatus - Nice. Fig 2 Close-up of head of female Nice. On the 4 th June 2008, the monitor in question, Nice, was given a general health check and was weighed and measured. She was 4.48kg in weight and 520mm in SVL and 1310mm in TL. At this point she did not visually appear to be gravid. On the 16 th of July 2008, she laid 21 eggs in the corner of her enclosure. Oviposition took approximately 30 minutes with the female meticulously covering all of her eggs with the bedding in her enclosure. Once she had finished covering

3 her eggs, we began to uncover them and take them from the enclosure. The female was quite defensive of her nest, but was very tired form the strain of egg laying. Normally at this point, we would have discarded the eggs. On this occasion, both because we had a large incubator set up for various other species bred here at the zoo, and because of the incidence of parthenogenesis in varanids, we decided to incubate the eggs. The eggs were placed in containers of vermiculite and incubated at 27 degrees Celsius. The eggs were checked every other day. Within a week, some of the eggs started to decompose. Any eggs which had collapsed and started to grow mould were removed from the incubator and discarded. On the 6 th of November 2008, 113 days after oviposition, only 7 eggs remained with only 4 of those looking good. It was decided at this point to remove all the eggs from the incubator and discard them. Starting with the decomposing eggs, each one was removed and cut open to check the contents. On slicing open one of the better quality eggs, I discovered a half developed embryo inside. Fig 3 Half developed embryo, cut from egg. It was clearly identifiable as a saurian. Colours had begun to form with clear bands marked on the tail. All limbs and digits were fully formed with claws. It had a total length of 130mm and an SVL of 53mm. The remaining 3 good eggs were immediately placed back in the incubator.

4 Fig 4 Half developed embryo, dorsal view. Fig 5 Half developed embryo, ventral view. The remaining 3 eggs remained in the incubator for another 88 days. They were checked on a daily basis. During this time another egg started to decompose and was removed, opened and shown to be unviable and discarded.

5 On the 2 nd of February 2009, 201 days after oviposition, the final 2 eggs started to decompose. One egg had started to grow mould on it and after dissection was shown to be unviable. The final remaining egg, while starting to smell a little, still appeared solid. The decision was made to cut open the egg. On dissection I discovered a dead, fully formed monitor. It had been dead for a day or so and necrosis just started. The egg sac had been fully absorbed, so it would appear that the animal had starved to death in the egg, being unable to hatch. Fig 6 Fully formed monitor. Note depleted egg sac. The animal was fully formed, apart from only developing 3 digits on the front left foot. There may have been further internal abnormalities. It has a total length of 227mm and an SVL of 93mm. The animal was sexed as a male by both probing and candling. This would be consistent with other cases of parthenogenesis in varanids.

6 Fig 7 Dorsal view. Fig 8 Ventral view. It would seem that facultative parthenogenesis is more common in varanids than we realise; isolation from other members of the species, for long periods of time,

7 possibly being the trigger. While this might help fragmented animals in the wild in the short term, it could cause genetic problems over longer periods. At present the 2 specimens are preserved here in Reptile Village Zoo for future DNA work. Our female laid another clutch on the 2 nd of August 2009, again without being introduced to a male. She started to eat the eggs as soon as she laid them. We managed to rescue 11 to incubate them. She ate 3 that we know of, and may have laid and ate more earlier on that morning. The 11 eggs started to decompose within a week. None of which turned out to be viable. References; Lenk P, Eidenmueller B, Staudter H, Wicher R, Wind M. A pathenogenetic Varanus. Amphibia-Reptilia. 2005;26: Watts P.C, Buley K.R, Sanderson S, Boardman W, Ciofi C, Gibson R. Parthenogenesis in Komodo dragons. Nature. 2006;444: Brenneman RA, Barber RC, Huebinger RM, et al. Characterization of ten microsatellite marker loci in the Komodo Monitor (Varanus komodoensis) CONSERVATION GENETICS Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Pages: AUG 2007 Fitch AJ, Goodman AE, Donnellan SC. Isolation and characterisation of microsatellite markers for the Australian monitor lizard, Varanus acanthurus (Squamata : Varanidae) and their utility in other selected varanid species MOLECULAR ECOLOGY NOTES Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Pages: SEP 2005 Ciofi C, Bruford MW Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the Komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis MOLECULAR ECOLOGY Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Pages: Published: JAN 1998

Husbandry and Reproduction of Varanus glauerti in Captivity

Husbandry and Reproduction of Varanus glauerti in Captivity Biawak, 4(3), pp. 103-107 2010 by International Varanid Interest Group Husbandry and Reproduction of Varanus glauerti in Captivity MARTIJN DE ZEEUW Hazerswoude-Dorp, The Netherlands E-mail: Martijn@odatria.nl

More information

ARTICLES. Observations on Parthenogenesis in Monitor Lizards. Ralf Wiechmann Langenstücken Lüneburg, Germany

ARTICLES. Observations on Parthenogenesis in Monitor Lizards. Ralf Wiechmann Langenstücken Lüneburg, Germany ARTICLES Biawak, 6(1), pp. 11-21 2012 by International Varanid Interest Group Observations on Parthenogenesis in Monitor Lizards Ralf Wiechmann Langenstücken 137 21335 Lüneburg, Germany E-mail: R_A_Wiechmann@gmx.de

More information

THE KOMODO DRAGON. endangered species L ARCHE PHOTOGRAPHIQUE CHARACTERISTICS. Animal Phylum. Kingdom

THE KOMODO DRAGON. endangered species L ARCHE PHOTOGRAPHIQUE CHARACTERISTICS. Animal Phylum. Kingdom L ARCHE PHOTOGRAPHIQUE ACTIONS FOR BIODIVERSITY CHARACTERISTICS It looks like a dragon from legend. Moreover, the Komodo dragon is the biggest and heaviest lizard in the world, and it is also known as

More information

Corn Snake Care Sheet

Corn Snake Care Sheet Corn Snake Care Sheet Temperament With the odd exception, Corn Snakes are calm, docile, placid snakes that are hardy and thrive very well in captivity. Due to their temperament Corn Snakes are a recommended

More information

THE HERPETOLOGICAL JOURNAL

THE HERPETOLOGICAL JOURNAL Volume 5, N um her 1 January 1995 ISSN 0268-0130 THE HERPETOLOGICAL JOURNAL Published by THE BRITISH HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Indexed in Current Contents HERPETOLOGICAL JOURNAL, Vol. 5, pp. 189-194 (1995)

More information

NEWS NOTES. GPS to be Used to Study Monitor Lizard Predation on Sea Turtle Nests. Monitors Lead to Discovery of Murder Victim

NEWS NOTES. GPS to be Used to Study Monitor Lizard Predation on Sea Turtle Nests. Monitors Lead to Discovery of Murder Victim NEWS NOTES GPS to be Used to Study Monitor Lizard Predation on Sea Turtle Nests Researchers from the University of Queensland will begin tagging monitor lizards with GPS devices to study their effect on

More information

Species Fact Sheets. Order: Gruiformes Family: Cariamidae Scientific Name: Cariama cristata Common Name: Red-legged seriema

Species Fact Sheets. Order: Gruiformes Family: Cariamidae Scientific Name: Cariama cristata Common Name: Red-legged seriema Order: Gruiformes Family: Cariamidae Scientific Name: Cariama cristata Common Name: Red-legged seriema AZA Management: Green Yellow Red None Photo (Male): Red-legged seriemas are identical in plumage although

More information

Sheikh Muhammad Abdur Rashid Population ecology and management of Water Monitors, Varanus salvator (Laurenti 1768) at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve,

Sheikh Muhammad Abdur Rashid Population ecology and management of Water Monitors, Varanus salvator (Laurenti 1768) at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Author Title Institute Sheikh Muhammad Abdur Rashid Population ecology and management of Water Monitors, Varanus salvator (Laurenti 1768) at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore Thesis (Ph.D.) National

More information

Husbandry and Breeding of the Crocodile Monitor Varanus salvadorii Peters & Doria, 1878 in Captivity

Husbandry and Breeding of the Crocodile Monitor Varanus salvadorii Peters & Doria, 1878 in Captivity Biawak, 7(2), pp. 56-62 2013 by International Varanid Interest Group Husbandry and Breeding of the Crocodile Monitor Varanus salvadorii Peters & Doria, 1878 in Captivity ÁLVARO CAMINA 1,3, NICOLÁS SALINAS

More information

BEFORE Scarlet and military macaws received during the March confiscation

BEFORE Scarlet and military macaws received during the March confiscation SCARLET MACAW CONSERVATION PROJECT UPDATE, August, 2010 BEFORE Scarlet and military macaws received during the March confiscation AFTER two months of care at the Rescue Center. Good work Fernando, Alejandro

More information

Animal Study: Adelaide Zoo

Animal Study: Adelaide Zoo Animal Study: Adelaide Zoo Name: Animal: 16 1 Is this animal a social animal? Give reasons for your answer. Reflect on what you have learned about the animal you studied. If you were designing an enclosure

More information

Breeding White Storks( Ciconia ciconia at Chessington World of Adventures Paul Wexler

Breeding White Storks( Ciconia ciconia at Chessington World of Adventures Paul Wexler Breeding White Storks(Ciconia ciconia) at Chessington World of Adventures Paul Wexler The White Stork belongs to the genus Ciconia of which there are seven other species incorporated predominantly throughout

More information

COMPARING BODY CONDITION ESTIMATES OF ZOO BROTHER S ISLAND TUATARA (SPHENODON GUNTHERI) TO THAT OF THE WILD, A CLINICAL CASE

COMPARING BODY CONDITION ESTIMATES OF ZOO BROTHER S ISLAND TUATARA (SPHENODON GUNTHERI) TO THAT OF THE WILD, A CLINICAL CASE COMPARING BODY CONDITION ESTIMATES OF ZOO BROTHER S ISLAND TUATARA (SPHENODON GUNTHERI) TO THAT OF THE WILD, A CLINICAL CASE Kyle S. Thompson, BS,¹, ²* Michael L. Schlegel, PhD, PAS² ¹Oklahoma State University,

More information

ACTIVITY #6: TODAY S PICNIC SPECIALS ARE

ACTIVITY #6: TODAY S PICNIC SPECIALS ARE TOPIC What types of food does the turtle eat? ACTIVITY #6: TODAY S PICNIC SPECIALS ARE BACKGROUND INFORMATION For further information, refer to Turtles of Ontario Fact Sheets (pages 10-26) and Unit Five:

More information

Consequences of Extended Egg Retention in the Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)

Consequences of Extended Egg Retention in the Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) Journal of Herpetology, Vol. 37, No. 2, pp. 309 314, 2003 Copyright 2003 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Consequences of Extended Egg Retention in the Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus

More information

Kori Bustard Husbandry. Sara Hallager, Biologist, Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Kori Bustard Husbandry. Sara Hallager, Biologist, Smithsonian National Zoological Park Kori Bustard Husbandry Sara Hallager, Biologist, Smithsonian National Zoological Park Ardeotis kori 2 subspecies [?] Africa s largest flying bird Captive males: 12-19kg Seasonal weight gain up to 4kg Captive

More information

Biology Slide 1 of 50

Biology Slide 1 of 50 Biology 1 of 50 2 of 50 What Is a Reptile? What are the characteristics of reptiles? 3 of 50 What Is a Reptile? What Is a Reptile? A reptile is a vertebrate that has dry, scaly skin, lungs, and terrestrial

More information

Proposal: Aiming for maximum sustainability in the harvest of live monitor lizards in Ghana

Proposal: Aiming for maximum sustainability in the harvest of live monitor lizards in Ghana Proposal: Aiming for maximum sustainability in the harvest of live monitor lizards in Ghana Daniel Bennett mampam@mampam.com Introduction This project aims to improve the quality and sustainability of

More information

Tachyglossus aculeatus. by Nora Preston

Tachyglossus aculeatus. by Nora Preston SHORT-BEAKED ECHIDNA Tachyglossus aculeatus by Nora Preston The Echidna is a Monotreme, an egg laying mammal. The baby echidna is known as a puggle. Other monotremes are the Platypus and the Long-Beaked

More information

Aquarium Department Celebrate, Connect, Care

Aquarium Department Celebrate, Connect, Care Aquarium Department Celebrate, Connect, Care Introduction Gary Violetta Curator of Fishes at SeaWorld Orlando Graduated from Bowling Green State University Major : Marine Science Minor: Chemistry SeaWorld

More information

Captions?????????????????????????????????????????????????? Mad about. monitors

Captions?????????????????????????????????????????????????? Mad about. monitors Mad about monitors They say there is a fine line between passion and obsession when it comes to keeping certain reptiles. Christian Castille caught up with his friend Steve Foo to find out what happens

More information

Females lay between 2 and 15 eggs 30 days after mating. These hatch after approximately 2 months. Deserts and scrublands in Southern Mexico

Females lay between 2 and 15 eggs 30 days after mating. These hatch after approximately 2 months. Deserts and scrublands in Southern Mexico Young snakes eat slugs, earthworms and crickets. Adults eat mainly mice but also occasionally small lizards, birds and their eggs, frogs. Up to 12 years Deserts and scrublands in Southern Mexico Females

More information

Husbandry Manual for

Husbandry Manual for Husbandry Manual for Short Tailed Monitor Varanus brevicauda (Reptilia: Varanidae) Author: Wade Standen Date of Preparation: 20/0811/08 Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, Richmond Course Name and No: Cert

More information

Comprehension and Vocabulary

Comprehension and Vocabulary Read this passage about Komodo Then answer the questions that follow. Komodo Dragons Komodo dragons are monitor lizards. Dragons are scary monsters in stories, legends, and movies. But have you ever wondered

More information

Status of the Nile Monitor in South Florida. Todd Campbell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Department of Biology, University of Tampa

Status of the Nile Monitor in South Florida. Todd Campbell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Department of Biology, University of Tampa Status of the Nile Monitor in South Florida Todd Campbell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Department of Biology, University of Tampa Problem: Large Old World lizards (Varanidae) in the New World Nile monitor

More information

Northern Copperhead Updated: April 8, 2018

Northern Copperhead Updated: April 8, 2018 Interpretation Guide Northern Copperhead Updated: April 8, 2018 Status Danger Threats Population Distribution Habitat Diet Size Longevity Social Family Units Reproduction Our Animals Scientific Name Least

More information

Biology. Slide 1of 50. End Show. Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall

Biology. Slide 1of 50. End Show. Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall Biology 1of 50 2of 50 Phylogeny of Chordates Nonvertebrate chordates Jawless fishes Sharks & their relatives Bony fishes Reptiles Amphibians Birds Mammals Invertebrate ancestor 3of 50 A vertebrate dry,

More information

Pet Care of a Bearded Dragon

Pet Care of a Bearded Dragon Bearded dragons are from the lizard species. They are often referred to as beardies and are one of the most popular lizards in captivity in the UK. Their name comes from the spikey folds of skin around

More information

Husbandry Guidelines Name Species Prepared by

Husbandry Guidelines Name Species Prepared by Husbandry Guidelines Name Species Prepared by 1. ACQUISITION AND ACCLIMATIZATION Status of wild population Status current captive population Sources of birds Acclimatization procedures Weighing Feeding

More information

The captive maintenance and breeding of. Diporiphora winneckei (Cane grass dragon) at the Alice Springs Desert Park.

The captive maintenance and breeding of. Diporiphora winneckei (Cane grass dragon) at the Alice Springs Desert Park. The captive maintenance and breeding of Diporiphora winneckei (Cane grass dragon) at the Alice Springs Desert Park. By Jochem van der Reijden 1 Index 1. Taxonomy 1.1 Nomenclature 2. Natural history 2.1

More information

CAPTIVE HUSBANDRY AND REPRODUCTION OF THE LEOPARD SNAKE ELAPHE SITULA

CAPTIVE HUSBANDRY AND REPRODUCTION OF THE LEOPARD SNAKE ELAPHE SITULA Captive husbandry of Elaphe situla I 123 CAPTIVE HUSBANDRY AND REPRODUCTION OF THE LEOPARD SNAKE ELAPHE SITULA By: Kevin J. Hingley, 22 Busheyfields Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DYl 2LP, England. Contents:

More information

Crocodiles, Lizards & Chameleons

Crocodiles, Lizards & Chameleons Advanced Snakes & Reptiles 1 Module # 3 Component # 1 Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards & Chameleons Introduction to Crocodiles One of the simplest creatures to identify regardless of it's size. Throughout Africa

More information

POLICY INTENTIONS PAPER

POLICY INTENTIONS PAPER POLICY INTENTIONS PAPER The Government of B.C. intends to introduce prevention measures to effectively deal with nonnative aquatic species that can potentially harm B.C. s fish and wildlife resource (see

More information

First reptile appeared in the Carboniferous

First reptile appeared in the Carboniferous 1 2 Tetrapod four-legged vertebrate Reptile tetrapod with scaly skin that reproduces with an amniotic egg Thus can lay eggs on land More solid vertebrate and more powerful limbs than amphibians Biggest

More information

Name Date When you put food away in the kitchen, you sort the food into groups. You put foods that are alike in certain ways into the same

Name Date  When you put food away in the kitchen, you sort the food into groups. You put foods that are alike in certain ways into the same 1 Name Date When you put food away in the kitchen, you sort the food into groups. You put foods that are alike in certain ways into the same group. Scientists do the same thing with animals, plants and

More information

2009 Eagle Nest News from Duke Farms eagle nest Written by Larissa Smith, Assistant Biologist

2009 Eagle Nest News from Duke Farms eagle nest Written by Larissa Smith, Assistant Biologist 2009 Eagle Nest News from Duke Farms eagle nest Written by Larissa Smith, Assistant Biologist July 7 - The youngest chick was gone from the nest this morning but has returned to the nest several times

More information

Breeding the Common Golden-Backed Woodpecker in Captivity Dinopium javanense

Breeding the Common Golden-Backed Woodpecker in Captivity Dinopium javanense Breeding the Common Golden-Backed Woodpecker in Captivity Dinopium javanense Michelene M. O Connor, Zookeeper-Aviary Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens 10001 W. Bluemound Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53226 Sharpbill@aol.com

More information

Four Methods:Preparing to BreedChoosing the Eggs to IncubateLetting the Hen Hatch the EggsIncubating the Eggs Yourself

Four Methods:Preparing to BreedChoosing the Eggs to IncubateLetting the Hen Hatch the EggsIncubating the Eggs Yourself How to Breed Chickens Four Methods:Preparing to BreedChoosing the Eggs to IncubateLetting the Hen Hatch the EggsIncubating the Eggs Yourself Breeding chickens is a great way to create a sustainable flock,

More information

ARTICLES. First F2 Breeding of the Quince Monitor Lizard Varanus melinus Böhme & Ziegler, 1997 at the Cologne Zoo Aquarium

ARTICLES. First F2 Breeding of the Quince Monitor Lizard Varanus melinus Böhme & Ziegler, 1997 at the Cologne Zoo Aquarium ARTICLES Biawak, 4(3), pp. 82-92 2010 by International Varanid Interest Group First F2 Breeding of the Quince Monitor Lizard Varanus melinus Böhme & Ziegler, 1997 at the Cologne Zoo Aquarium THOMAS ZIEGLER

More information

6 Month Progress Report. Cape vulture captive breeding and release programme Magaliesberg Mountains, South Africa. VulPro NPO

6 Month Progress Report. Cape vulture captive breeding and release programme Magaliesberg Mountains, South Africa. VulPro NPO 6 Month Progress Report Cape vulture captive breeding and release programme Magaliesberg Mountains, South Africa VulPro NPO Page Brooder and Incubator room construction 2 Cape Vulture captive bred chick

More information

Members of the broad order

Members of the broad order Breeding and Rearing the Guira Cuckoo at the Houston Zoo By Beth M. Voyles Photos by Matt Schmit Natural History Members of the broad order Cuculiformes, Guira Cuckoos (Guira guira) are grouped with three

More information

Production Basics How Do I Raise Poultry for Eggs?

Production Basics How Do I Raise Poultry for Eggs? Production Basics How Do I Raise Poultry for Eggs? C H U C K S C H U S T E R U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A R Y L A N D E X T E N S I O N C E N T R A L M A R Y L A N D C F S @ U M D. E D U J E S S I E F L

More information

The Diet and Foraging Strategy of Varanus acanthurus

The Diet and Foraging Strategy of Varanus acanthurus ARTICLES Introductory note. The following article is a previously unpublished manuscript by Dennis King (1942-2002). It was slated to appear together with King and Rhodes (1982, Sex ratio and breeding

More information

Introduction to Herpetology

Introduction to Herpetology Introduction to Herpetology Lesson Aims Discuss the nature and scope of reptiles. Identify credible resources, and begin to develop networking with organisations and individuals involved with the study

More information

Avian Reproductive System Female

Avian Reproductive System Female extension Avian Reproductive System Female articles.extension.org/pages/65372/avian-reproductive-systemfemale Written by: Dr. Jacquie Jacob, University of Kentucky For anyone interested in raising chickens

More information

Savannah Monitor. Habitat

Savannah Monitor. Habitat Savannah Monitor The savannah monitor, as one would expect given the common name, is found in the savannahs and grasslands of central Africa. These animals are superbly adapted predators that hunt and

More information

Scholarship 2017 Biology

Scholarship 2017 Biology 93101Q 931012 S Scholarship 2017 Biology 9.30 a.m. Monday 20 November 2017 Time allowed: Three hours Total marks: 24 QUESTION BOOKLET There are THREE questions in this booklet. Answer ALL questions. Write

More information

A description of an Indo-Chinese rat snake (Ptyas korros [Schlegel, 1837]) clutch, with notes on an instance of twinning

A description of an Indo-Chinese rat snake (Ptyas korros [Schlegel, 1837]) clutch, with notes on an instance of twinning 1 2 A description of an Indo-Chinese rat snake (Ptyas korros [Schlegel, 1837]) clutch, with notes on an instance of twinning 3 4 Simon Dieckmann 1, Gerrut Norval 2 * and Jean-Jay Mao 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

More information

An Ancient Reptile by Guy Belleranti

An Ancient Reptile by Guy Belleranti What are their homes like? Tuatara live in underground burrows. Usually they don't dig their burrows, but instead live in burrows made by nesting sea birds. The two might even live in the burrow at the

More information

NOTES ON THE ECOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY OF TWO SPECIES OF EGERNIA (SCINCIDAE) IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

NOTES ON THE ECOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY OF TWO SPECIES OF EGERNIA (SCINCIDAE) IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA NOTES ON THE ECOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY OF TWO SPECIES OF EGERNIA (SCINCIDAE) IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA By ERIC R. PIANKA Integrative Biology University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas 78712 USA Email: erp@austin.utexas.edu

More information

Layer/Egg Breeds. This presentation is sponsored by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program

Layer/Egg Breeds. This presentation is sponsored by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Layer/Egg Breeds This presentation is sponsored by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program These are birds that usually grow slower than breeds for meat and reach a lower body weight, but

More information

NOTES ON THE ECOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY OF CTENOPHORUS CAUDICINCTUS (AGAMIDAE) IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

NOTES ON THE ECOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY OF CTENOPHORUS CAUDICINCTUS (AGAMIDAE) IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA NOTES ON THE ECOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY OF CTENOPHORUS CAUDICINCTUS (AGAMIDAE) IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA By ERIC R. PIANKA Integrative Biology University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas 78712 USA Email: erp@austin.utexas.edu

More information

Frisch s Outreach: Reptiles and Amphibians (Gr.1-3) Extensions

Frisch s Outreach: Reptiles and Amphibians (Gr.1-3) Extensions Frisch s Outreach: Reptiles and Amphibians (Gr.1-3) Extensions At a glance This program will allow students to explore Reptiles and Amphibians and their unique adaptations. Goal This class is designed

More information

Breeding Activity Peak Period Range Duration (days) Laying May May 2 to 26. Incubation Early May to mid June Early May to mid June 30 to 34

Breeding Activity Peak Period Range Duration (days) Laying May May 2 to 26. Incubation Early May to mid June Early May to mid June 30 to 34 Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus 1. INTRODUCTION s have a circumpolar distribution, breeding in Fennoscandia, Arctic Russia, Alaska, northern Canada and northeast Greenland. They are highly nomadic and may migrate

More information

Trunk Contents. Crane Flight Feathers (3)

Trunk Contents. Crane Flight Feathers (3) Trunk Contents Learning occurs not only with the mind, but also with the eyes, the hands the whole child (or adult!). Items contained in the trunk are meant to be examined, handled, and shared with your

More information

Annual Report of the European Studbook (ESB) for the TOMISTOMA Tomistoma schlegellii

Annual Report of the European Studbook (ESB) for the TOMISTOMA Tomistoma schlegellii 2009 2010 Annual Report of the European Studbook (ESB) for the TOMISTOMA Tomistoma schlegellii Compiled by Gonzalo Fernández Hoyo (studbook keeper), Jesús Recuero (assistant) and David García (curator

More information

Bearded Dragon GUIDE TO. Introduction. Types of Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragon GUIDE TO. Introduction. Types of Bearded Dragon GUIDE TO K E E P I N G Bearded Dragon Introduction Buying any pet is a big decision but there are several things you may want to consider first to make sure that a Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is

More information

Bald Eagles in the Yukon. Wildlife in our backyard

Bald Eagles in the Yukon. Wildlife in our backyard Bald Eagles in the Yukon Wildlife in our backyard The Bald Eagle at a glance Both male and female adult Bald Eagles have a dark brown body and wings with a white head, neck and tail. They have a yellow

More information

A Sea Turtle's. by Laurence Pringle illustrated by Diane Blasius

A Sea Turtle's. by Laurence Pringle illustrated by Diane Blasius A Sea Turtle's by Laurence Pringle illustrated by Diane Blasius It was a summer night on a Florida beach. A big, dark shape rose out of the ocean and moved onto the shore. It was Caretta, a loggerhead

More information

Ernst Rupp and Esteban Garrido Grupo Jaragua El Vergel #33, Santo Domingo Dominican Republic

Ernst Rupp and Esteban Garrido Grupo Jaragua El Vergel #33, Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Summary of Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) Nesting Activity during the 2011/2012 Nesting Season at Loma del Toro and Morne Vincent, Hispaniola Introduction and Methods Ernst Rupp and Esteban

More information

TURTLE PATROL VOLUNTEER REFERENCE GUIDE

TURTLE PATROL VOLUNTEER REFERENCE GUIDE TURTLE PATROL VOLUNTEER REFERENCE GUIDE Intro to Loggerhead turtles and the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch Program This program is a private and non-profit program using volunteers to monitor the nesting of

More information

Big Dogs Little Dogs

Big Dogs Little Dogs Level 11 Book g Washed Away Inside Games Dragons Don t Eat Meat Written by Toni Hallett Level 11 Word Count 240 Text Type Information report High Frequency Word/s Introduced Ted and Lee s Book School Blog

More information

HeroRATs. Written by Jenny Feely

HeroRATs. Written by Jenny Feely HeroRATs Written by Jenny Feely Contents Introduction 4 Chapter 1: Meet Bart Weetjens 6 The problem of landmines 8 Thinking about the problem 10 Chapter 2: The right rat for the job 12 Training HeroRATs

More information

Philippines Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis ) - the effects of temperature on sex determination.

Philippines Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis ) - the effects of temperature on sex determination. % of females Introduction: The Philippines Crocodile is a critically endangered species found in a small range of islands in the Philippines. The species is under threat from habitat destruction and practices

More information

1. On egg-shaped pieces of paper, ask students to write the name of an animal that hatched from an egg.

1. On egg-shaped pieces of paper, ask students to write the name of an animal that hatched from an egg. Chickens Aren t The Only Ones (GPN # 38) Author: Ruth Heller Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap Program Description: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? In this program, LeVar visits a chicken farm and

More information

Reptile Round Up. An Educator s Guide to the Program

Reptile Round Up. An Educator s Guide to the Program Reptile Round Up An Educator s Guide to the Program GRADES: K-3 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This guide provided by the Oklahoma Aquarium explores reptiles and their unique characteristics. The Reptile Round Up

More information

Crested Gecko GUIDE TO. Introduction. Types of Crested Gecko

Crested Gecko GUIDE TO. Introduction. Types of Crested Gecko GUIDE TO K E E P I N G Crested Gecko Introduction Buying any pet is a big decision but there are several things you may want to consider first to make sure that a Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is

More information

All about snakes. What are snakes? Are snakes just lizards without legs? If you want to know more

All about snakes. What are snakes? Are snakes just lizards without legs? If you want to know more Novak.lisa@gmail.com Day 83 12/29/2017 All about snakes What are snakes? Are snakes just lizards without legs? If you want to know more keep reading to find out the answers to the question. The purpose

More information

DATE: The Komodo Dragon

DATE: The Komodo Dragon Question: Have you ever seen a lizard? How big was it? Read the article below and then answer the questions. The Komodo Dragon Have you ever seen a small lizard in a garden? How about a giant lizard? In

More information

*Using the 2018 List. Use the image below to answer question 6.

*Using the 2018 List. Use the image below to answer question 6. Herpetology Test 1. Hearts in all herps other than consists of atria and one ventricle somewhat divided by a septum. (2 pts) a. snakes; two b. crocodiles; two c. turtles; three d. frogs; four 2. The food

More information

Each copy of any part of a JSTOR transmission must contain the same copyright notice that appears on the screen or printed page of such transmission.

Each copy of any part of a JSTOR transmission must contain the same copyright notice that appears on the screen or printed page of such transmission. Additional Instances of Multiple Egg-Clutch Production in Snakes Author(s): Bern W. Tryon Source: Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science (1903-), Vol. 87, No. 3/4 (1984), pp. 98-104 Published by:

More information

4 Many species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish 940L. Source 1 Habitats

4 Many species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish 940L. Source 1 Habitats Source 1 Habitats 1 American Alligators can be found in fresh water environments like rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps and marshes. They also like to live in areas that are brackish, which means the water

More information

Monday 20 June 2016 Morning

Monday 20 June 2016 Morning Oxford Cambridge and RSA H Monday 20 June 2016 Morning GCSE ENVIRONMENTAL AND LAND-BASED SCIENCE B682/02 Plant Cultivation and Small Animal Care (Higher Tier) *6407122052* Candidates answer on the Question

More information

Remarks on Osteological Deformities in a Captive-bred Emerald Tree Monitor, Varanus prasinus

Remarks on Osteological Deformities in a Captive-bred Emerald Tree Monitor, Varanus prasinus Biawak. 2008. 2(2): 72-79 2008 by International Varanid Interest Group Remarks on Osteological Deformities in a Captive-bred Emerald Tree Monitor, Varanus prasinus ROBERT W. MENDYK Center for Science Teaching

More information

Feeding Behavior of a Dog, Betta Fish, and Leopard Gecko. Shannon Hutchison

Feeding Behavior of a Dog, Betta Fish, and Leopard Gecko. Shannon Hutchison Feeding Behavior of a Dog, Betta Fish, and Leopard Gecko Shannon Hutchison 05/07/2018 Background The feeding behavior for dogs is greatly influenced by the feeding habits of their wild ancestors. Most

More information

DIFFERENT BREEDS DEMAND DIFFERENT INCUBATION MEASURES

DIFFERENT BREEDS DEMAND DIFFERENT INCUBATION MEASURES CONCERNING POULTRY One can be puzzled by noticing that, from the same batch, in the same incubator, some of the chicks hatch normally, while others die before breaking the shell. Reading the following

More information

Maturity and Other Reproductive Traits of the Kanahebi Lizard Takydromus tachydromoides (Sauria, Lacertidae) in Mito

Maturity and Other Reproductive Traits of the Kanahebi Lizard Takydromus tachydromoides (Sauria, Lacertidae) in Mito Japanese Journal of Herpetology 9 (2): 46-53. 1981. Maturity and Other Reproductive Traits of the Kanahebi Lizard Takydromus tachydromoides (Sauria, Lacertidae) in Mito Sen TAKENAKA SUMMARY: Reproduction

More information

REPTILES. Scientific Classification of Reptiles To creep. Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Class: Reptilia

REPTILES. Scientific Classification of Reptiles To creep. Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Class: Reptilia Scientific Classification of Reptiles To creep Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Class: Reptilia REPTILES tetrapods - 4 legs adapted for land, hip/girdle Amniotes - animals whose

More information

3. Chicks weigh 86 grams when they hatch and gain 100 grams a day until they are about 50 days old when they are ready to take care of itself.

3. Chicks weigh 86 grams when they hatch and gain 100 grams a day until they are about 50 days old when they are ready to take care of itself. Did You Know? Direct Observation 1. The average nest has 200 rocks. 2. It takes between 30-35 days for an Adélie Penguin egg to hatch. 3. Chicks weigh 86 grams when they hatch and gain 100 grams a day

More information

Ciccaba virgata (Mottled Owl)

Ciccaba virgata (Mottled Owl) Ciccaba virgata (Mottled Owl) Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls) Order: Strigiformes (Owls) Class: Aves (Birds) Fig. 1. Mottled owl, Ciccaba virgata. [http://www.owling.com/mottled13.htm, downloaded 12 November

More information

Owl Pellet Dissection A Study of Food Chains & Food Webs

Owl Pellet Dissection A Study of Food Chains & Food Webs NAME Owl Pellet Dissection A Study of Food Chains & Food Webs INTRODUCTION: Owl pellets are masses of bone, teeth, hair, feathers and exoskeletons of various animals preyed upon by raptors, or birds of

More information

A Reading A Z Level R Leveled Book Word Count: 1,564. Sea Turtles

A Reading A Z Level R Leveled Book Word Count: 1,564. Sea Turtles A Reading A Z Level R Leveled Book Word Count: 1,564 Sea Turtles SeaTurtles Table of Contents Introduction...4 Types of Sea Turtles...6 Physical Appearance...12 Nesting...15 Hazards....20 Protecting Sea

More information

Taxonomy. Chapter 20. Evolutionary Development Diagram. I. Evolution 2/24/11. Kingdom - Animalia Phylum - Chordata Class Reptilia.

Taxonomy. Chapter 20. Evolutionary Development Diagram. I. Evolution 2/24/11. Kingdom - Animalia Phylum - Chordata Class Reptilia. Taxonomy Chapter 20 Reptiles Kingdom - Animalia Phylum - Chordata Class Reptilia Order Testudines - turtles Order Crocodylia - crocodiles, alligators Order Sphenodontida - tuataras Order Squamata - snakes

More information

Beginning of Life. 4-H School Enrichment Project

Beginning of Life. 4-H School Enrichment Project Beginning of Life 4-H School Enrichment Project About the Project Science Based, Hands-on Extension provides educational resources for the project Leaders Manual Suggested Activities Youth Activity sheets

More information

HERPETOLOGY. Name: School:

HERPETOLOGY. Name: School: HERPETOLOGY November 4 th Scrimmage Name: School: Directions: DO NOT open the packet until prompted to. You will have 50 minutes for the test. Please answer each question to the best of your ability. Spelling

More information

Group Editor: John F. Taylor (The Herp Father) Managing Editor: Dr. Robert G. Sprackland Exec. Director & Design: Rebecca Billard-Taylor

Group Editor: John F. Taylor (The Herp Father) Managing Editor: Dr. Robert G. Sprackland Exec. Director & Design: Rebecca Billard-Taylor Group Editor: John F. Taylor (The Herp Father) Managing Editor: Dr. Robert G. Sprackland Exec. Director & Design: Rebecca Billard-Taylor This ezine article is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.

More information

TURTLE TIMES. Turtle Foundation SEPTEMBER 2016 Protecting sea turtles and their habitats TURTLE TIMES SEPTEMBER 2016

TURTLE TIMES. Turtle Foundation SEPTEMBER 2016 Protecting sea turtles and their habitats TURTLE TIMES SEPTEMBER 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 On this edition. MAVA visits TF Rescued Hatchlings Community and Education And much more MAVA Foundation visits Boa Vista This month we had a very important group coming to visit TF in Boa

More information

Short-term Water Potential Fluctuations and Eggs of the Red-eared Slider Turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Short-term Water Potential Fluctuations and Eggs of the Red-eared Slider Turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) Zoology and Genetics Publications Zoology and Genetics 2001 Short-term Water Potential Fluctuations and Eggs of the Red-eared Slider Turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) John K. Tucker Illinois Natural History

More information

The Rat Lungworm Lifecycle

The Rat Lungworm Lifecycle Hawaii Island Rat Lungworm Working Group Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy University of Hawaii, Hilo The Rat Lungworm Lifecycle Rat Lungworm IPM RLWL-3 It is important to understand the lifecycle of

More information

RATE OF SCUTE ANNULI DEPOSITION OF EASTERN BOX TURTLES (TERRAPENE CAROLINA CAROLINA) HELD IN CAPTIVITY AND IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT

RATE OF SCUTE ANNULI DEPOSITION OF EASTERN BOX TURTLES (TERRAPENE CAROLINA CAROLINA) HELD IN CAPTIVITY AND IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT Ana Maria Caputo December 4, 2007 RATE OF SCUTE ANNULI DEPOSITION OF EASTERN BOX TURTLES (TERRAPENE CAROLINA CAROLINA) HELD IN CAPTIVITY AND IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT Eastern box turtles (terappene Carolina

More information

Rainforest. These are some tree in the rain forest. By: Ben, Aslam, Demetrius

Rainforest. These are some tree in the rain forest. By: Ben, Aslam, Demetrius Rainforest These are some tree in the rain forest By: Ben, Aslam, Demetrius Table of contents Rain forest habitat...3 Snakes...8 Ants...15 Authors page...28 Glossary...31 Animals that live in the rainforest

More information

Seven Nests of Rufescent Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)

Seven Nests of Rufescent Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum) Seven Nests of Rufescent Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum) Steven Furino and Mario Garcia Quesada Little is known about the nesting or breeding behaviour of Rufescent Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum). Observations

More information

Section 6. Embryonic Development and Hatchery Management Notes

Section 6. Embryonic Development and Hatchery Management Notes Section 6 Embryonic Development and Hatchery Management Notes Slide 2 A well run hatchery is critical for any integrated poultry company whether it be a primary breeder company or a commercial meat company.

More information

CHARACTERISTIC COMPARISON. Green Turtle - Chelonia mydas

CHARACTERISTIC COMPARISON. Green Turtle - Chelonia mydas 5 CHARACTERISTIC COMPARISON Green Turtle - Chelonia mydas Green turtles average 1.2m to 1.4m in length, are between 120kg to 180kg in weight at full maturity and found in tropical and sub-tropical seas

More information

Animal Life Cy. Name:

Animal Life Cy. Name: Animal Life Cy cles Use an Adelaide Zoo map and information in this booklet to learn more about life cycles There are six locations marked in the booklet Choose an area or areas to visit There are a variety

More information

Chameleons: Biology, Husbandry and Disease Prevention. Paul Stewart, DVM. Origin: Africa (40% of species) and Madagascar (40% of species)

Chameleons: Biology, Husbandry and Disease Prevention. Paul Stewart, DVM. Origin: Africa (40% of species) and Madagascar (40% of species) Chameleons: Biology, Husbandry and Disease Prevention By Paul Stewart, DVM Number of Species: 150 identified Size: From 3.3 cm to 68 cm in length Origin: Africa (40% of species) and Madagascar (40% of

More information

Dipsas trinitatis (Trinidad Snail-eating Snake)

Dipsas trinitatis (Trinidad Snail-eating Snake) Dipsas trinitatis (Trinidad Snail-eating Snake) Family: Dipsadidae (Rear-fanged Snakes) Order: Squamata (Lizards and Snakes) Class: Reptilia (Reptiles) Fig. 1. Trinidad snail-eating snake, Dipsas trinitatis.

More information

3 4 The Egyptian plover is a type of bird that will eat parasites and bits of meat from the skin and teeth of the Nile crocodile. The bird can often b

3 4 The Egyptian plover is a type of bird that will eat parasites and bits of meat from the skin and teeth of the Nile crocodile. The bird can often b 1 2 A newly-hatched baby cuckoo is in the nest of a warbler bird. A mother cuckoo bird laid her egg in the warbler's nest, which also contained a warbler egg. The warbler egg has a longer incubation time

More information

PROTECTING MANLY S PENGUINS

PROTECTING MANLY S PENGUINS PROTECTING MANLY S PENGUINS NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICES VOLUNTARY PENGUIN WARDEN PROGRAM CONFERENCE PRESENTATION WEDNESDAY JULY 23 RD 2008 BACKGROUND: LITTLE PENGUINS EUDYPTULA MINOR o Manly s

More information

Leopard Gecko GUIDE TO. Introduction. Types of Leopard Gecko

Leopard Gecko GUIDE TO. Introduction. Types of Leopard Gecko GUIDE TO K E E P I N G Leopard Gecko Introduction Buying any pet is a big decision but there are several things you may want to consider first to make sure that a Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)

More information