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Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Care Manual

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Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Care Manual EASTERN MASSASAUGA RATTLESNAKE (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) CARE MANUAL CREATED BY EASTERN MASSASAUGA RATTLESNAKE SPECIES SURVIVAL PLAN® IN ASSOCIATION WITH AZA SNAKE TAXON ADVISORY GROUP Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) Care Manual Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) Care Manual Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in association with the AZA Animal Welfare Committee Formal Citation: AZA Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake SSP (2013). Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) Care Manual. Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Silver Spring: MD. Original Completion Date: July 2013 Authors and Significant contributors: Andrew M. Lentini, PhD, Toronto Zoo Joanne Earnhardt, PhD, Lincoln Park Zoo, Former AZA Eastern Massasauga SSP Coordinator Reviewers: Mike Maslanka, Smithsonian National Zoo Randy Junge, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Jeff Jundt, Detroit Zoo Mike Redmer, US Fish and Wildlife Service Bob Johnson, Toronto Zoo Fred Antonio, Orianne Society AZA Staff Editors: Debborah Colbert, PhD, Vice President, Animal Conservation Candice Dorsey, PhD, Director, Animal Programs & Science Maya Seaman, MS, Animal Care Manual Editor Cover Photo Credits: K. Ardill Disclaimer: This manual presents a compilation of knowledge provided by recognized animal experts based on the current science, practice, and technology of animal management. The manual assembles basic requirements, best practices, and animal care recommendations to maximize capacity for excellence in animal care and welfare. The manual should be considered a work in progress, since practices continue to evolve through advances in scientific knowledge. The use of information within this manual should be in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning the care of animals. While some government laws and regulations may be referenced in this manual, these are not all-inclusive nor is this manual intended to serve as an evaluation tool for those agencies. The recommendations included are not meant to be exclusive management approaches, diets, medical treatments, or procedures, and may require adaptation to meet the specific needs of individual animals and particular circumstances in each institution. Commercial entities and media identified are not necessarily endorsed by AZA. The statements presented throughout the body of the manual do not represent AZA standards of care unless specifically identified as such in clearly marked sidebar boxes. Association of Zoos and Aquariums 2 Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) Care Manual Table of Contents Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 5 Taxonomic Classification ........................................................................................................ 5 Genus, Species, and Status ................................................................................................... 5 General Information ............................................................................................................... 5 Chapter 1. Ambient Environment ............................................................................................ 7 1.1 Temperature and Humidity ............................................................................................... 7 1.2 Light ................................................................................................................................. 8 1.3 Water and Air Quality ....................................................................................................... 8 1.4 Sound and Vibration ......................................................................................................... 8 Chapter 2. Habitat Design and Containment .........................................................................10 2.1 Space and Complexity ....................................................................................................10 2.2 Safety and Containment ..................................................................................................12 Chapter 3. Transport ...............................................................................................................15 3.1 Preparations ....................................................................................................................15 3.2 Protocols .........................................................................................................................16 Chapter 4. Social Environment ..............................................................................................18 4.1 Group Structure and Size ................................................................................................18 4.2 Influence of Others and Conspecifics ..............................................................................18 4.3 Introductions and Reintroductions ...................................................................................18 Chapter 5. Nutrition.................................................................................................................19 5.1 Nutritional Requirements .................................................................................................19 5.2 Diets ................................................................................................................................19 5.3 Nutritional Evaluations .....................................................................................................20 Chapter 6. Veterinary Care .....................................................................................................21 6.1 Veterinary Services .........................................................................................................21 6.2 Identification Methods .....................................................................................................22 6.3 Transfer Examination and Diagnostic Testing Recommendations ...................................23 6.4 Quarantine ......................................................................................................................23 6.5 Preventive Medicine ........................................................................................................26 6.6 Capture, Restraint, and Immobilization ............................................................................28 6.7 Management of Diseases, Disorders, Injuries and/or Isolation ........................................31 Chapter 7. Reproduction ........................................................................................................35 7.1 Reproductive Physiology and Behavior ...........................................................................35 7.2 Assisted Reproductive Technology .................................................................................35 7.3 Pregnancy and Birth ........................................................................................................36 7.4 Birthing Facilities .............................................................................................................36 7.5 Assisted Rearing .............................................................................................................36 7.6 Contraception ..................................................................................................................37 Chapter 8. Behavior Management ..........................................................................................38 8.1 Animal Training ...............................................................................................................38 8.2 Environmental Enrichment ..............................................................................................38 8.3 Staff and Animal Interactions ...........................................................................................39 8.4 Staff Skills and Training ...................................................................................................39 Chapter 9. Program Animals ..................................................................................................40 9.1 Program Animal Policy ....................................................................................................40 Association of Zoos and Aquariums 3 Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) Care Manual 9.2 Institutional Program Animal Plans ..................................................................................41 9.3 Program Evaluation .........................................................................................................42 Chapter 10. Research .............................................................................................................43 10.1 Known Methodologies ...................................................................................................43 10.2 Future Research Needs ................................................................................................44 Chapter 11. Confiscations ......................................................................................................46 11.1 Confiscations .................................................................................................................46 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................47
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