The Experts below are selected from a list of 315 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Cristina Sainz-borgo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Margarita Chiaraviglio - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Landscape changes influence the reproductive behaviour of a key ‘capital breeder’ snake (Boa Constrictor occidentalis) in the Gran Chaco region, Argentina
    Biological Conservation, 2008
    Co-Authors: Gabriela Cardozo, Margarita Chiaraviglio
    Abstract:

    Abstract Many wild reptile species are threatened by habitat loss. However, the way in which changes in landscape patterns influence intraspecific ecological processes is not completely understood. Boa Constrictor occidentalis is an endangered species and has a special conservation value since it is endemic of dry forests in the Gran Chaco region. Because the Gran Chaco is largely threatened due to habitat loss it is necessary to know how landscape changes influence this species. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of forest loss and landscape composition on the reproductive life-history parameters. Landscape changes were assessed by analyzing satellite imagery and reproductive parameters were determined by ultrasound images of the reproductive structures. The obtained results indicate that habitat loss may affect body condition, clutch size and testicular volume of the Argentine Boa Constrictor. We also found that the spatial pattern of vegetation influences the distribution of females and males in the landscape. Matting aggregations are scarce in shrublands. Therefore, our study shows that forest loss could enhance vulnerability to extirpation through constraints placed on reproduction. We encourage resource managers to evaluate sensitive reproductive life-history parameters as well as habitat deterioration to asses the conservation status of the populations of the Argentine Boa Constrictor. Since the Gran Chaco forest, a key habitat to the species’ reproduction, is largely threatened, strong conservation action is needed to halt and reverse forest loss in this region.

  • Sperm motility parameters to evaluate the seminal quality of Boa Constrictor occidentalis, a threatened snake species.
    Research in veterinary science, 2006
    Co-Authors: Maximiliano Tourmente, Gabriela Cardozo, Héctor Alejandro Guidobaldi, Laura Cecilia Giojalas, M. Bertona, Margarita Chiaraviglio
    Abstract:

    Semen quality analysis constitutes a powerful tool to evaluate the fertility potential of males in threatened species. The Argentine Boa Constrictor or lampalagua (Boa Constrictor occidentalis) is a threatened snake species and has been included in Appendix I of CITES. The objective of this work is to characterize the sperm of B. c. occidentalis on the bases of dynamic parameters to improve this species conservation. Dynamic parameters were measured in sperm samples using videomicroscopy and image analysis software. The sperm population showed a high degree of heterogeneity in velocity parameter values and 95% of the cells showed a linear pattern of movement. Studies in other species indicate that the number of motile spermatozoa and their movement speed is directly correlated with fertilization success. This work will help to establish basic parameter values for the evaluation of the reproductive potential of populations of B. c. occidentalis and to resolve questions referred to its reproductive strategies.

  • THE EFFECTS OF REPRODUCTIVE CONDITION ON THERMOREGULATION IN THE ARGENTINA Boa Constrictor (Boa Constrictor OCCIDENTALIS) (BOIDAE)
    Herpetological Monographs, 2006
    Co-Authors: Margarita Chiaraviglio
    Abstract:

    ABSTRACT Various hypotheses suggest that the benefit of viviparity lays in the acquisition of an appropriate range of temperatures during incubation, as this phenomenon has evolved from egg laying in many lineages of lizards and snakes, apparently in response to extreme climates. I examined the effects of reproductive condition on thermoregulation in the Argentina Boa Constrictor (Boa Constrictor occidentalis) to offer an insight into the selective forces acting on the critical phase of its life history. Thermal ecology and activity during the mating season were investigated using radiotelemetry. A differential thermoregulatory behavior was manifested. Body temperatures of reproductive females were significantly higher than those of both reproductive males and non reproductive females. Regression analysis showed that reproductive females had a lower slope and a higher Y-intercept than reproductive males and non reproductive females, suggesting that the reproductive females are better thermoregulators.

  • Sex-biased dispersal and high levels of gene flow among local populations in the argentine Boa Constrictor, Boa Constrictor occidentalis
    Austral Ecology, 2006
    Co-Authors: Paula C. Rivera, Cristina N. Gardenal, Margarita Chiaraviglio
    Abstract:

    Abstract  The knowledge of dispersal is essential to understand the ecology of any species, since population dynamics, spatial distribution and genetic structure are closely tied to patterns of movement. In this paper we estimate dispersal patterns in natural populations of the endangered snake Boa Constrictor occidentalis (Serpentes, Boidae), using allozymes as genetic markers. Blood samples were obtained from a total of 120 adult individuals of nine localities from two areas, Sobremonte and Pocho, in Argentina. Only four out of a total of 24 loci were polymorphic: 6-Pgdh-1, Cat-1, Ldh and Hp. The values of expected and observed mean heterozygosities, the percentage of polymorphic loci and mean number of alleles per locus for each population confirm the low levels of genetic variability in this snake. FST and Nem mean values were 0.0089 and 46.1 for Sobremonte and 0.0379 and 7.46 for Pocho, indicating important levels of gene flow. A comparison of FST between genders in both areas suggests a male-biased dispersal, which could be explained by the characteristics of the mating system: males carry out an active mate search of receptive females, and philopatry could be selected in females due to the benefits of the familiarity with the natal area in the use of local resources.

  • SEASONAL CHANGES IN TESTICULAR ACTIVITY OF THE PROTECTED CITES I Boa Constrictor OCCIDENTALIS (SERPENTES: BOIDAE): AN HISTOLOGICAL STUDY
    South American Journal of Herpetology, 2006
    Co-Authors: Nora R. Ibargüengoytía, M. Bertona, Margarita Chiaraviglio
    Abstract:

    Abstract The general features of testes change with reproductive maturity and in many species of reptiles show a seasonal pattern reflected in macroscopic and microscopic gonadal changes. In previous studies the sexual maturity and reproductive cycle of Boa Constrictor occidentalis (Boidae, Appendix I of CITES, 1997) have been determined by testes and epididymis macroscopic differences using ultrasound scanning on live individuals. In this study, the gametogenic activity is studied histologically and the correspondence with previous studies analysed. Our results corroborate the age classification based on morphological features and support the reproductive cycle described for B. c. occidentalis based on live individuals.

Krebber Mogollón, Héctor Rolf - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Amblyomma dissimile en Boa Constrictor en cautiverio del Centro de Atención y Valoración de Fauna Silvestre de Montería (Córdoba, Colombia)
    Ediciones Unisalle, 2017
    Co-Authors: Krebber Mogollón, Héctor Rolf, Mestra Pineda Alberto, Herrera Benavides, Yonairo Manuel, Causil Vargas Luis
    Abstract:

    El objetivo del estudio fue identificar garrapatas extraídas en ejemplares de Boa Constrictor llevadas al Centro de Atención y Valoración de Fauna Silvestre (CAV), en Montería (Córdoba, Colombia). Para ello se obtuvo un total de 199 garrapatas de 27 ejemplares de la serpiente. Los ectoparásitos fueron conservados en alcohol al 70 % y posteriormente se identificaron mediante diversas claves taxonómicas. El 100 % de las garrapatas fue identificado como Amblyomma dissimile, de las cuales el 58,4 % correspondió a machos y el 41,6 %, a hembras. Se pudo comprobar que la garrapata de mayor prevalencia en Boa Constrictor es Amblyomma dissimile como ectoparásito de este reptil

  • Amblyomma dissimile en Boa Constrictor en cautiverio del Centro de Atención y Valoración de Fauna Silvestre de Montería (Córdoba, Colombia)
    2017
    Co-Authors: Krebber Mogollón, Héctor Rolf, Mestra Pineda Alberto, Herrera Benavides, Yonairo Manuel, Causil Vargas, Luis Alfonso
    Abstract:

    This study aimed to identify ticks removed from specimens of Boa Constrictor taken to the Wildlife Attention and Valuation Center (CAV) in Montería (Córdoba, Colombia). To this effect, a total of 199 ticks were obtained from 27 snake specimens. The ectoparasites were preserved in 70% alcohol and later identified using various taxonomic codes. 100% of the ticks were identified as Amblyomma dissimile, 58.4% of which were males and 41.6% females. The study was able to evidence that the tick of greatest prevalence in Boa Constrictor is Amblyomma dissimile as an ectoparasite of this reptile.O objetivo do estudo foi identificar carrapatos extraídos em exemplares de jiboias levadas ao Centro de Atenção e Avaliação da Fauna Silvestre (CAV), em Montería (Córdoba, Colômbia). Para isso obteve-se um total de 199 carrapatos de 27 exemplares da serpente. Os ectoparasitas foram conservados em álcool ao 70 % e posteriormente se identificaram mediante diversas chaves taxonômicas. O 100 % dos carrapatos foram identificados como Amblyomma dissimile, das quais o 58,4 % eram machos e o 41,6 %, fêmeas. Pôde-se comprovar que o carrapato de maior prevalência em jiboias-constritoras é Amblyomma dissimile como ectoparasita deste réptil.El objetivo del estudio fue identificar garrapatas extraídas en ejemplares de Boa Constrictor llevadas al Centro de Atención y Valoración de Fauna Silvestre (CAV), en Montería (Córdoba, Colombia). Para ello se obtuvo un total de 199 garrapatas de 27 ejemplares de la serpiente. Los ectoparásitos fueron conservados en alcohol al 70 % y posteriormente se identificaron mediante diversas claves taxonómicas. El 100 % de las garrapatas fue identificado como Amblyomma dissimile, de las cuales el 58,4 % correspondió a machos y el 41,6 %, a hembras. Se pudo comprobar que la garrapata de mayor prevalencia en Boa Constrictor es Amblyomma dissimile como ectoparásito de este reptil

Samuel V Brito - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Potentiation of aminoglycoside antibiotic activity using the body fat from the snake Boa Constrictor
    Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, 2011
    Co-Authors: Felipe Silva Ferreira, Samuel V Brito, Waltécio De Oliveira Almeida, Nalba L. G. Silva, Edinardo F.f. Matias, Francisco G. Oliveira, José Galberto Martins Da Costa, Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho, Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega Alves
    Abstract:

    Boa Constrictor is widely used in traditional communities in many different folk remedies and products derived from it are sold in public markets throughout northeastern Brazil and as its body fat has many different therapeutic indications as a folk remedy. The present work evaluates the antibacterial activity of the body fat from the snake Boa Constrictor when employed either alone or in combination with antibiotics and discusses the ecological implications of the use of this traditional remedy. Oil (OBC) was extracted from body fat located in the ventral region of B. Constrictor using hexane as a solvent. The antibacterial activity of OBC was tested against standard as well as multi-resistant lines, either alone and in combination with antibiotics. OBC did not demonstrate any relevant antibacterial activity against standard or multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. OBC showed synergistic activity when combined with the aminoglycoside antibiotics. Our results indicate that the body fat of Boa Constrictor does not possess bactericidal activity, from the clinical point of view, but when combined with an antibiotic, the fat demonstrated a significant synergistic activity.

  • porocephalus species pentastomida infecting Boa Constrictor boidae and lachesis muta viperidae in northeastern brazil
    Biotemas, 2008
    Co-Authors: Waltécio De Oliveira Almeida, M C Guarnieri, Felipe Silva Ferreira, Samuel V Brito
    Abstract:

    Especies de Porocephalus (Pentastomida) infectando Boa Constrictor (Boidae) e Lachesis muta (Viperidae) na Regiao Nordeste do Brasil.  O Brasil possui uma grande diversidade de cobras, mas ha poucos trabalhos realizados sobre parasitismo destas por pentastomideos. No intuito de investigar o parasitismo pulmonar por pentastomideos em grandes cobras na regiao nordeste, foram examinados seis especimes de Boa Constrictor e duas de Lachesis muta pertencentes a colecao do Serpentario da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco–UFPE, todos coletadas em localidades de mata umida (Mata Atlântica). Apenas um especime de B. Constrictor estava infectado por Porocephalus sp. (intensidade de infeccao 5,0). Apenas um especime de L. muta estava infectado por P. stilesi (intensidade de infeccao 15,0).

  • Porocephalus species (Pentastomida) infecting Boa Constrictor (Boidae) and Lachesis muta (Viperidae) in northeastern Brazil
    Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 2008
    Co-Authors: Waltécio De Oliveira Almeida, M C Guarnieri, Felipe Silva Ferreira, Samuel V Brito
    Abstract:

    http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2008v21n2p165 Espécies de Porocephalus (Pentastomida) infectando Boa Constrictor (Boidae) e Lachesis muta (Viperidae) na Região Nordeste do Brasil.  O Brasil possui uma grande diversidade de cobras, mas há poucos trabalhos realizados sobre parasitismo destas por pentastomídeos. No intuito de investigar o parasitismo pulmonar por pentastomídeos em grandes cobras na região nordeste, foram examinados seis espécimes de Boa Constrictor e duas de Lachesis muta pertencentes à coleção do Serpentário da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco–UFPE, todos coletadas em localidades de mata úmida (Mata Atlântica). Apenas um espécime de B. Constrictor estava infectado por Porocephalus sp. (intensidade de infecção 5,0). Apenas um espécime de L. muta estava infectado por P. stilesi (intensidade de infecção 15,0)

Herbert Weissenböck - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Diphtheroid colitis in a Boa Constrictor infected with amphibian Entamoeba sp.
    Veterinary parasitology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Barbara Richter, Anna Kübber-heiss, Herbert Weissenböck
    Abstract:

    A female Boa (Boa Constrictor) from a zoological collection was submitted for necropsy after sudden death. Prominent pathological findings included a diphtheroid colitis, endoparasitism, focal pneumonia and inclusion bodies typical for inclusion body disease (IBD). In the colon entamoebae were identified, which differed in size and distribution from Entamoeba invadens. Gene sequence analysis of the 18S ribosomal RNA revealed 100% similarity with an Entamoeba species from the African bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus), probably Entamoeba ranarum. The snake was possibly immunosuppressed, and the source of infection remains unclear. This is the first report of an infection with an amphibian Entamoeba species associated with colitis in a snake.