Licht-im-Terrarium: Literaturdatenbank
Licht-im-Terrarium: Literaturdatenbank |
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Hernandez, B. (2019). Detecting metabolic bone disease through serum biochemistry values of illegally trafficked and rescued central american iguanas. Unpublished masters thesis, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Added by: Sarina (2020-02-23 13:03:10) Last edited by: Sarina (2021-04-27 07:58:27) |
| Resource type: Thesis/Dissertation BibTeX citation key: Hernandez2019 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: Englisch = English Keywords: Echsen = Lizards, Reptilien = Reptiles, Vitamin D = Vitamin D Creators: Hernandez, Žamžickienė Publisher: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences |
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| Abstract |
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This research describes the rapidly growing illegal wildlife trade of reptiles in Central America with focus on species belonging to the Iguana family together with the effects and consequences of the industry. Moreover, it also follows how the consequences can be related, and traced all across the world to our most common reptile-disease presented in veterinary clinics; Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). The scientific investigation was carried out by drawing blood from confiscated illegallytraded iguanas, with the aim of detecting indicative signs of MBD by serum biochemistry values and clinical symptoms. The working process of this master thesis was overall performed at two sites; Natwa animal rescue center in Costa Rica and at border customs between Guatemala and El Salvador, in collaboration with authorities of rescue teams directed by the Ministry of Environment (MARN) and the environmental division of the national civil police (PNC). In total, 34 reptiles belonging to the Iguana and Ctenosaura genus were confiscated and inspected. The focal point of parameters observed consisted of blood-calcium and phosphorus levels together with typical MBD symptoms. The obtained data and available information regarding MBD and the ongoing illegal trade, was used to determine whether the trade could have a potential effect on the presence of the disease and current issues in European pet iguanas. Subsequently to the research, signs of MBD was detected in 10 ± 3 confiscated individuals (38,2%) versus a total of 20 ± 1 iguana reptiles (61,8%) lacking sufficient evidence indicating MBD (p<0.001). Additional comparisons were made between young and adult iguanas. The analysis did however, not find size, sex nor age to be a factor of importance for the presenting frequency of MBD between samples. This was due to the high contrast between young and adult sample-group sizes. Evidence of the investigation suggested that green iguanas (iguana iguana) were found affected by MBD with a higher frequency, rather than any other confiscated iguana by 20,6% (p<0.05). Further on, the high frequency of evidence suggesting MBD in confiscated iguanas aimed to be sold across countries resulted having a strong evidence of statistical significance (p<0.001). In view of the increasing number of globally threatened species, protection and conservation demands more attention than ever before. Perhaps by getting the awareness it deserves, it may potentially decrease the accidental purchase of illegally traded iguanas already affected with MBD.
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