Ultrasonographic and radiographic evaluation of gestation in golden lanceheads (Bothrops insularis) in ex situ breeding programs

The golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) is a critically endangered snake endemic to Queimada Grande Island, southeastern Brazil. Captive breeding programs are vital for the conservation of this species. This study evaluates the gestation of two females golden lanceheads using radiography and ultra...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Zoo biology 2023-07, Vol.42 (4), p.577-581
Main Authors: Garcia, Viviane Campos, Amorim, Lígia Grazziely dos Santos, Esteves, Rhaiza Gama, Carvalho‐e‐Silva, Ana Maria Paulino Telles, Almeida‐Santos, Selma Maria
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bothrops insularis
Breeding
Captive breeding
Captivity
diagnostic imaging
Embryogenesis
Embryonic growth stage
Endangered species
Females
Gestation
Museums
Neonates
Ovulation
Radiography
reproduction
Vitellogenesis
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Summary:The golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) is a critically endangered snake endemic to Queimada Grande Island, southeastern Brazil. Captive breeding programs are vital for the conservation of this species. This study evaluates the gestation of two females golden lanceheads using radiography and ultrasonography. The first female was collected on the island while reproductively active (late vitellogenesis or early pregnancy) and kept in captivity. This female gave birth to five neonates after an 8‐month gestation period, which is longer than estimates based on specimens preserved in museums. The second female copulated in captivity in July and probably ovulated in October. In this case, no embryonic development was detected, and the female deposited 14 undeveloped eggs approximately 6 months after ovulation. (1) The golden lancehead pitviper is in island, (2) Ultrasound image of the embryo in gestation, (3) Radiography image of the embryo in gestation, and (4) A postparturient female with neonates.
ISSN:0733-3188
1098-2361
DOI:10.1002/zoo.21764