Reproductive Biology And Diseases Of Captive Reptiles

This extensively revised and expanded new edition offers concepts, principles and applied information that relates to the wellbeing of reptiles. As a manual on health and welfare in a similar vein to volumes addressing the sciences of anatomy, behaviour or psychology, this book thoroughly examines the biology of reptile welfare and is about meeting biological needs. The editors, acknowledged experts in their own right, have once again drawn together an extremely impressive international group of contributors. Positive and negative implications of general husbandry and research programs are discussed. In addition to greatly revised original content are nine new chapters offering readers novel insight into: • sensory systems • social behaviour • brain and cognition • controlled deprivation and enrichment • effects of captivity-imposed noise and light disturbance on welfare • spatial and thermal factors• evidential thresholds for species suitability in captivity • record keeping as an aid to captive care • arbitrary husbandry practices and misconceptions The authors have adopted a user-friendly writing style to accommodate a broad readership. Although primarily aimed at academic professionals, this comprehensive volume is fundamentally a biology book that will also inform all involved in captive reptile husbandry. Among others, zoo personnel, herpetologists, veterinarians, lab animal scientists, and expert readers in animal welfare and behavioural studies will benefit from this updated work.

Offering coverage of a wide range of topics on snake reproduction and phylogeny, this comprehensive book discusses everything from primordial germ migration in developing embryos to semelparity (death after reproduction) in the aspic viper. Beginning with a review of the history of snake reproductive studies, it presents new findings on development, placentation, spermatogenesis, male and female reproductive anatomy, hormonal control of reproduction, reproductive cycles, sex pheromones, and parental care. An indispensible reference, this book offers comparative chapters on snake phylognetics examining morphological characteristics alongside strictly molecular concerns. It is rife with illustrations and color plates.

South America is one of the few areas of the world that includes vast areas of as yet undisturbed natural habitats. These areas are home to as many as half the world's species of plants and animals. Many of the animals inhabit ing these areas are of direct and immediate economic importance, while others are of unknown potential value. With economic development of these areas, there is a coincident disruption of natural habitats that have a direct impact on the reproductive capabilities of the affected species. Re production is central to the survival of all species and, regardless of the environmental stresses imposed on them, scientific attention must be fo cused on reproductive biology as a way to deal with these pressures. It is vitally important to gather as much research data as possible on the repro ductive biology of the species on this continent in order to provide gov ernmental agencies and scientists with the most accurate information on which to base decisions regarding development. This volume is intended to draw attention to these pressing matters by gathering a wide representation of scientists actively engaged in reproduction research relating to South American vertebrates. It is intended that this volume will serve as a re source for individuals and organizations interested in reproductive biology and species survival. An additional benefit is that economically important species, as well as potentially important ones such as sharks, will be dis cussed.

Infectious Diseases and Pathology of Reptiles, Second Edition provides definitive information on every aspect of the anatomy, pathophysiology, and differential diagnosis of infectious diseases affecting reptiles. It features stunning high-quality color photos of normal anatomy and histology, as well as gross, light, and electron microscopic images of infectious diseases of reptiles. Editor Elliott Jacobson draws on his own photography collection, and his wealth of experience spanning over 40 years in the research of infectious diseases and veterinary care of reptiles. Already a comprehensive reference, a new volume covering noninfectious diseases of reptiles has now been added to create a two-volume set, Diseases and Pathology of Reptiles. Beginning with a thorough review of the biology, anatomy, and histology of reptiles, Volume 1 covers all major systems and provides the most complete single source for color images of reptile histology, hematology, and cytology. Volume 1 addresses the mechanism of reptile immunology and the response to pathogens, and explains how immunological response is key to differential diagnosis. It provides an overview of electron microscopy, complete with electron micrographs of reptile pathogens, and introduces the necessity of molecular methods for diagnosis. Finally, this volume devotes several chapters to the viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases known to reptiles, and methods for isolating these pathogens. With up-to-the-minute data, an array of sharp and high-quality images, and a panel of expert contributors, this new edition of Infectious Diseases and Pathology of Reptiles is the definitive resource for veterinary pathologists, zoo or wildlife veterinarians, and the increasing number of private practice veterinarians seeing reptiles kept as exotic pets. It is also ideal reading for veterinary students specializing in exotics, candidates for ACZM accreditation, and private breeders and hobbyists.

Collects much of the current information regarding the care and use of these alternative animal models; intended only as an introduction to these species. Authors have selected sample articles that typify recent research. Each animal group has a section of articles and books pertaining to its use in biomedical research followed by a section on its care and use. 371 articles included. Index. Information resources section.