DOCSLIB.ORG

Alligator Mississippiensis): a Cutaneous Manifestation of West Nile Virus Javier G

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Alligator Mississippiensis): a Cutaneous Manifestation of West Nile Virus Javier G Louisiana State University LSU Digital Commons LSU Doctoral Dissertations Graduate School 2007 Lymphohistiocytic Proliferative Syndrome of Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis): a cutaneous manifestation of West Nile virus Javier G. Nevarez Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations Part of the Veterinary Medicine Commons Recommended Citation Nevarez, Javier G., "Lymphohistiocytic Proliferative Syndrome of Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis): a cutaneous manifestation of West Nile virus" (2007). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 3521. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/3521 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at LSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in LSU Doctoral Dissertations by an authorized graduate school editor of LSU Digital Commons. For more information, please [email protected]. LYMPHOHISTIOCYTIC PROLIFERATIVE SYNDROME OF ALLIGATORS (ALLIGATOR MISSISSIPPIENSIS): A CUTANEOUS MANIFESTATION OF WEST NILE VIRUS A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in The Interdepartmental Program in Veterinary Medical Sciences through the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences by Javier G. Nevarez B.S., Louisiana State University, 1998 D.V.M., Louisiana State University, 2001 May 2007 To the gators. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This project would not have been possible without the efforts of multiple individuals and organizations that supported me either intellectually, spiritually, or financially. The end product is a prime example of what can be accomplished when people from different backgrounds work together towards a common goal. I would like to thank my mentor and friend for over 11 years, Dr. Mark A Mitchell, who has guided my professional and personal growth. This project was just one of many amazing opportunities I had to work with a unique reptile species alongside Dr. Mitchell. I will always be indebted to him for his guidance, patience and understanding. I also have to thank Dr. Thomas N. Tully for his friendship and mentorship. Dr. Tully has also contributed to my professional and personal growth by opening a world of opportunities for me within the exotic animal service at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. I will always consider both of them the two most influential people in my veterinary career. In addition, I would like to thank the other members of my committee, Drs. John Hawke, Gary Sod, and Lane Foil. Their diverse background and expertise was instrumental in making this project a successful one and making me consider all angles of a research project. Thank you for your mentorship, and know that I am a better person and a better veterinarian thanks to your teachings. Other major contributors to this project include Drs. Timothy Morgan, Michael Garner, April Johnson, Dr. Peter Jowett and Alma Roy. Dr. Roy and her staff at the Louisiana Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Laboratory, Rob Poston, Tarra Harden, Heather Lampinen, Dr. Alejandra Baudena, Dr. Kim Bowles, and Durriya Sarkar, were one of the most professional groups of people I have had the opportunity to work with during the project. Their hard work, commitment, and proficiency are acknowledged and appreciated. An additional group that revealed the professionalism that is present at the university was the histology laboratory iii personnel, Mr. Hal Holloway, Cheryl Crowder, and Julie Millard. Their input and guidance was also instrumental in ensuring a sound research project. I would also like to thank the administration and faculty from the department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, and more specifically Dr. David Senior, Mrs. Jackie Bourgeois, Mrs. Jackie Murray for their hard work and support. A special thanks to Shelly Lyles, Randy Nehlig, and Marlana Roundtree for their assistance during certain phases of the project. I must express a special gratitude to Dr. April Johnson who in the middle of her own dissertation project graciously performed the WNV ELISA tests so needed for this project. This project would not have been possible without the financial support of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Fur and Refuge Division. Mr. Noel Kinler and Mrs. Ruth Elsey provided knowledge and support that was indispensable for making this project a reality. The Louisiana Alligator Council, the Louisiana Alligator Association, and all the Louisiana Alligator producers also contributed significantly to this project. I would like to thank Mr. Jeff Donald, Dane Ledet, and Jerry Savoie for their support. It was Mr. Ledet who originally identified an association between WNV and LPSA in his facility. Without his keen sense of observation it would have taken a longer time to complete the study. Friends and family are always a big part of the support net that one must rely upon to be successful in life. In my case I was lucky to have such a network to guide me through the completion of the project. To my friends Jason Blackburn and Mary-Claire Blackburn, thank you for the meals and lodging during the times of field work. To my family, thank you for always believing in me and supporting my endless educational endeavors. Finally, and most importantly, thank you to my wife Emily for her help during the project and her patience when I was writing and had little patience with those around me. I must also acknowledge all the living creatures in our house, Sophie, Eddie, Soleil, Sid, Daisy, and the Skinks for accepting me iv regardless of my mood and making me laugh when I needed it the most. The success of this work is shared with all of you. v TABLE OF CONTENTS DEDICATION................................................... ............ ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...................................... ............... .iii ABSTRACT............................................ ................... viii INTRODUCTION............................................. ................ 1 LITERATURE REVIEW ............................ ........... ................4 Louisiana Alligator Industry . .4 Taxonomy . ...............................6 Anatomy and Physiology . ...............6 Husbandry . ................... .12 Nutrition.......................................................... 15 Preventive Medicine . ........................... .16 Handling and Restraint . .18 History and Physical Examination . ....................... 19 Diagnostic Testing . 21 Stress and Immunosuppression . ................ ..... .24 BacterialDiseases................................... ..... .26 Viral Diseases . ....................................... .31 FungalDiseases.................................................... 35 Parasitic Diseases . ........................................... 36 NutritionalDiseases................................................. 38 RespiratoryDiseases................................................. 40 NeurologicDiseases................................................. .. ..40 Musculoskeletal Diseases . 41 Gastrointestinal Diseases . .... 42 IntegumentaryDiseases.............................................. 43 Toxicities........................................................ .. 45 Runting........................................................... 46 WestNileVirusHistory.................................... .. .. 46 CHAPTER 1. LYMPHOHISTIOCYTIC PROLIFERATIVE SYNDROME OF ALLIGATORS: PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION .............................. .55 Introduction . ............................... 55 Materials and Methods . 56 Results ............ ..................................... 60 Discussion .............................................. .68 CHAPTER 2. WEST NILE VIRUS IN ALLIGATOR, ALLIGATOR MISSISSIPPIENSIS, RANCHES FROM LOUISIANA....................................... ..........72 Introduction . ................ 72 Materials and Methods . 73 Results ............................ ..................... 79 Discussion .............................................. .81 vi CHAPTER 3. ESTABLISHING AN ASSOCIATION BETWEEN WEST NILE VIRUS SEROPOSITIVITY AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF LYMPHOHISTIOCYTIC PROLIFERATIVE SYNDROME OF ALLIGATORS .......... ....... .......... 85 Introduction . .............. 85 Materials and Methods . 86 Results .............................. ................... 88 Discussion .............................................. .88 CHAPTER 4: LYMPHOHISTIOCYTIC PROLIFERATIVE SYNDROME OF ALLIGATORS: A CUTANEOUS MANIFESTATION OF WEST NILE VIRUS ........................ 90 Introduction...... ....................................... 90 Materials and Methods . 91 Results ................................................. ........... .. .93 Discussion .............................................. .95 CHAPTER: 5 PREVENTION, SURVEILLANCE, AND CONTROL METHODS FOR WNV IN ALLIGATOR RANCHES.......... .... .......... .......... ... .......... .98 Introduction...... ....................................... .98 Prevention ............... ..................... ........ .98 Surveillance................................................. 101 Control ........ ..................................... ... 105 Discussion .............................................. .109 CONCLUSIONS.............................................. 111 REFERENCES.............................................. ............. 118 APPENDIX: LETTER OF PERMISSION
Load more

Recommended publications
  • I What Is a Crocodilian?
    I WHAT IS A CROCODILIAN? Crocodilians are the only living representatives of the Archosauria group (dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and thecodontians), which first appeared in the Mesozoic era. At present, crocodiliams are the most advanced of all reptiles because they have a four-chambered heart, diaphragm, and cerebral cortex. The extent morphology reflects their aquatic habits. Crocodilians are elongated and armored with a muscular, laterally shaped tail used in swimming. The snout is elongated, with the nostrils set at the end to allow breathing while most of the body remains submerged. Crocodilians have two pairs of short legs with five toes on the front and four tows on the hind feet; the toes on all feet are partially webbed. The success of this body design is evidenced by the relatively few changes that have occurred since crocodilians first appeared in the late Triassic period, about 200 million years ago. Crocodilians are divided into three subfamilies. Alligatorinae includes two species of alligators and five caiman. Crocodylinae is divided into thirteen species of crocodiles and on species of false gharial. Gavialinae contains one species of gharial. Another way to tell the three groups of crocodilians apart is to look at their teeth. II PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS A Locomotion Crocodilians spend time on land primarily to bask in the sun, to move from one body of water to another, to escape from disturbances, or to reproduce. They use three distinct styles of movement on land. A stately high walk is used when moving unhurried on land. When frightened, crocodilians plunge down an embankment in an inelegant belly crawl.
    [Show full text]
  • Bibliography
    BIBLIOGRAPHY I. ADAMS, A. L., The Wanderings of a Naturalistin India. Edinburgh, 1867. 2. ANDERSON, A., "An Account of the Eggs and Young of the Gavial (G. gangeticus)," Proc. Zool. Soc., 1875, p. 2. 3. BALFOUR, F. M., Comparative Embryology, vol. 2. 4. BATTERSBY, J., "Crocodile's Egg with Solid Shell," Nature, vol. 48, no. 1237, p. 248. 5. BISCHOFF, "Ufber den Bau des Crocodilherzens, besonders von C. lucius," J. Miller's Archiv, 1836. 6. BOAKE, BANCROFT, "The Nest of the Crocodile," Zodlogist, vol. 5, 1870, pp. 2002-4. 7. BOETTGER, O., Katalog d. Reptilien-Samml. im Museum d. Sencken- bergischen Gess., Frkft., 1893. 8. BOUTAN, Louis, Le Crocodile des Marias (C. palustus), Mission Scientifigue Permanente d'Exploration en Indo-China Decades Zoologique, Hanoi, 1906. 9. BRANDT, ," Sur le ductus caroticus du Caiman," Bull. Acad. St. Petersburg,vol. 17, p. 307, 1872. Io. BREHMS, Thierleben, vol. 4, pp. 498-572, 1912. II. BRONN, H. G., Klassen und Ordnungen des Thier-Reichs, vol. 63, "Reptilien 2, Eidechsen und Wasserechsen." 12. BRtHL, C. B., Das Skelet der Krokodiliner, dargestelltin 2o Tafeln, 1862. 12a. BUTLER, G. W., "On the Subdivision of the Body Cavity in Liz- ards, Crocodiles, and Birds," Proc. Zo6l. Soc., London, pt. 4, 1889. 13. BUTTMANN, H., De musculis Crocodili, Diss. inaugur., Halle, 1826. 14. Cambridge NaturalHistory (Gadow), vol. on A mphibia and Reptiles, pp. 430-472, 1901. 15. CHAFF ANJON, M. J., "Observations sur 1'Alligator Mississippi- ensis," Ann. de la Soc. Linn. de Lyon, vol. 28, pp. 83-96, I88i. 16. CLARKE, S. F., " The Nest and Eggs of the Alligator, A.
    [Show full text]
  • Crocodiles As a Resource For" the Tropics
    SF Managing 7topical Animal Resources .C7S ~~~3 'Ocodiles as aResource for the 'Ilopics 1 l:oogk - .'. ~ d ..Nationa[ Acadt11!..~ Press The National Academy Preu was created by the National Academy of Sciences to publish the reports issued by the Academy and by the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council, all operating under the charter granted to the National Academy of Sciel\ces by the Congress of the United States. REFERENCE COpy .FOR LIBRARY USE ONi.Y Managing Tropical Animal Resources Crocodiles as a Resource for" the Tropics : Report of an Ad Hoc Panel ~f the Advisory Committee on Technology Innovation Board on Science and Technology for International Development Office of International Affairs National Research Council In Cooperation with the Division ofWildlife, Department of Lands and Environment, Papua New Guinea .', ;''': .~ " I : PROPERTY OF NAS-NA~ JUL ti 1983 LIBRARY: NATIONAL ACADEMY PRESS Washington, D.C. 1983 NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the Councils of the National Academy ofSciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the commillee responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance. This report has been reviewed by a group other than the authors acc;ording to the pro­ cedures approved by a Report Review Commillee consisting of members of the National Academy ofSciences, the National Academy ofEngineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The National Research Council was established by the National Academy of SCiences in 1916to associate the broad community of science and technology with the Academy's pur­ poses of furthering knowledge and of advising the federal government.
    [Show full text]
  • Using Environmental DNA to Detect Estuarine Crocodiles, a Cryptic
    Human–Wildlife Interactions 14(1):64–72, Spring 2020 • digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi Using environmental DNA to detect estuarine crocodiles, a cryptic-ambush predator of humans Alea Rose, Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0909, Australia Yusuke Fukuda, Department of Environment & Natural Resources, Northern Territory Govern- ment, P.O. Box 496, Palmerston, Northern Territory 0831, Australia Hamish A. Campbell, Research Institute of Livelihoods and the Environment, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0909, Australia [email protected] Abstract: Negative human–wildlife interactions can be better managed by early detection of the wildlife species involved. However, many animals that pose a threat to humans are highly cryptic, and detecting their presence before the interaction occurs can be challenging. We describe a method whereby the presence of the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), a cryptic and potentially dangerous predator of humans, was detected using traces of DNA shed into the water, known as environmental DNA (eDNA). The estuarine crocodile is present in waterways throughout southeast Asia and Oceania and has been responsible for >1,000 attacks upon humans in the past decade. A critical factor in the crocodile’s capability to attack humans is their ability to remain hidden in turbid waters for extended periods, ambushing humans that enter the water or undertake activities around the waterline. In northern Australia, we sampled water from aquariums where crocodiles were present or absent, and we were able to discriminate the presence of estuarine crocodile from the freshwater crocodile (C. johnstoni), a closely related sympatric species that does not pose a threat to humans.
    [Show full text]
  • APPLIED NUTRITIONAL STUDIES with ZOOLOGICAL REPTILES by KYLE SAMUEL THOMPSON Bachelor of Science in Animal Science California S
    APPLIED NUTRITIONAL STUDIES WITH ZOOLOGICAL REPTILES By KYLE SAMUEL THOMPSON Bachelor of Science in Animal Science California State University Fresno Fresno, California 2006 Master of Science in Animal Science Oklahoma State University Stillwater, Oklahoma 2011 Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate College of the Oklahoma State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY May, 2016 APPLIED NUTRITIONAL STUDIED WITH ZOOLOGICAL REPTILES Dissertation Approved: Dr. Clint Krehbiel Dissertation Adviser Dr. Gerald Horn Dr. Scott Carter Dr. Lionel Dawson ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." -Anatole France First and foremost, I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He has always provided a light for me during times of discouragement. Secondly I would like to give a very big thank you to my advisor and mentor Dr. Clint Krehbiel who has been very patient and caring all these years. Thank you for all the guidance and giving me the freedom to pursue my dreams. I also want to extend a thank you to Donna Perry, Diana Batson, and Debra Danley for always being there for me to comfort and laugh. I would like to send a special thank you to the San Diego Zoo Nutrition Services team, Dr. Mike Schlegel, Edith Galindo and Michele Gaffney. Thank you for your guidance and patience and continued friendship. Further thank you is needed to Dr. Schlegel for accepting me in 2009 and opening my eyes to the world of zoo and captive wildlife nutrition.
    [Show full text]
  • Cardiovascular Function in Ectotherm Sauropsids
    Cardiovascular Function in Ectotherm Sauropsids Dissertation der Fakultät für Biologie de Ludig‐Maiilias‐Uiesität Mühe Ulrike Campen München, September 2017 Cardiovascular Function in Ectotherm Sauropsids Diese Dissertation wurde angefertigt unter der Leitung von Prof. Dr. J. Matthias Starck/ Prof. Dr. Gerhard Haszprunar im Bereich von Biologie: Systematische Zoologie/ Zoologie a de Ludig‐Maiilias‐Uiesität Mühe Erstgutachter/in: Prof. Dr. Gerhard Haszprunar Zweitgutachter/in: Prof. Dr. Dirk Metzler Tag der Abgabe: 21. September 2017 Tag der mündlichen Prüfung: 28. Mai 2018 ERKLÄRUNG Ich versichere hiermit an Eides statt, dass meine Dissertation selbständig und ohne unerlaubte Hilfsmittel angefertigt worden ist. Die vorliegende Dissertation wurde weder ganz, noch teilweise bei einer anderen Prüfungskommission vorgelegt. Ich habe noch zu keinem früheren Zeitpunkt versucht, eine Dissertation einzureichen oder an einer Doktorprüfung teilzunehmen. München, den 09. Juni 2018 Ulrike Campen 2 Cardiovascular Function in Ectotherm Sauropsids Coduted ithi the faeok of the Gaduate Shool Life Siee Muih. Supported by a Graduiertenstipendium nach dem Bayerischen Eliteförderungsgesetz (BayEFG) des Bayerischen Staatsministeriums für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst. 3 Cardiovascular Function in Ectotherm Sauropsids Previous publications of parts of this thesis Parts of this thesis have already been published in Campen R. and Starck J.M. 2012. Cardiovascular circuits and digestive function of intermittent-feeding sauropsids. Pp. 133-154. Chapter 09 in:
    [Show full text]
  • Summary Report of Freshwater Nonindigenous Aquatic Species in U.S
    Summary Report of Freshwater Nonindigenous Aquatic Species in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4—An Update April 2013 Prepared by: Pam L. Fuller, Amy J. Benson, and Matthew J. Cannister U.S. Geological Survey Southeast Ecological Science Center Gainesville, Florida Prepared for: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region Atlanta, Georgia Cover Photos: Silver Carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix – Auburn University Giant Applesnail, Pomacea maculata – David Knott Straightedge Crayfish, Procambarus hayi – U.S. Forest Service i Table of Contents Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................... ii List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ v List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................ vi INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 1 Overview of Region 4 Introductions Since 2000 ....................................................................................... 1 Format of Species Accounts ...................................................................................................................... 2 Explanation of Maps ................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Crocodiles Alter Skin Color in Response to Environmental Color Conditions
    www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN Crocodiles Alter Skin Color in Response to Environmental Color Conditions Received: 3 January 2018 Mark Merchant1, Amber Hale2, Jen Brueggen3, Curt Harbsmeier4 & Colette Adams5 Accepted: 6 April 2018 Many species alter skin color to varying degrees and by diferent mechanisms. Here, we show that Published: xx xx xxxx some crocodylians modify skin coloration in response to changing light and environmental conditions. Within the Family, Crocodylidae, all members of the genus Crocodylus lightened substantially when transitioned from dark enclosure to white enclosures, whereas Mecistops and Osteolaemus showed little/no change. The two members of the Family Gavialidae showed an opposite response, lightening under darker conditions, while all member of the Family Alligatoridae showed no changes. Observed color changes were rapid and reversible, occurring within 60–90 minutes. The response is visually- mediated and modulated by serum α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), resulting in redistribution of melanosomes within melanophores. Injection of crocodiles with α-MSH caused the skin to lighten. These results represent a novel description of color change in crocodylians, and have important phylogenetic implications. The data support the inclusion of the Malayan gharial in the Family Gavialidae, and the shift of the African slender-snouted crocodile from the genus Crocodylus to the monophyletic genus Mecistops. Te rapid alteration of skin color is well known among a wide assortment of ectothermic vertebrates and inver- tebrates1. Adaptive skin color changes may occur for a variety of reasons, including communication, thermal regulation, and crypsis1. Te modifcation of skin pigmentation is achieved by either physiological or morpho- logical mechanisms1.
    [Show full text]
  • Master of the Marsh Information for Cart
    Mighty MikeMighty Mike:Mike: The Master of the Marsh A story of when humans and predators meet Alligators are magnificent predators that have lived for millions of years and demonstrate amazing adaptations for survival. Their “recent” interaction with us demonstrates the importance of these animals and that we have a vital role to play in their survival. Primary Exhibit Themes: 1. American Alligators are an apex predator and a keystone species of wetland ecosystems throughout the southern US, such as the Everglades. 2. Alligators are an example of a conservation success story. 3. The wetlands that alligators call home are important ecosystems that are in need of protection. Primary Themes and Supporting Facts 1. Alligators are an apex predator and, thus, a keystone species of wetland ecosystems throughout the southern US, such as the Everglades. a. The American Alligator is known as the “Master of the Marsh” or “King of the Everglades” b. What makes a great predator? Muscles, Teeth, Strength & Speed i. Muscles 1. An alligator has the strongest known bite of any land animal – up to 2,100 pounds of pressure. 2. Most of the muscle in an alligators jaw is intended for biting and gripping prey. The muscles for opening their jaws are relatively weak. This is why an adult man can hold an alligators jaw shut with his bare hands. Don’t try this at home! ii. Teeth 1. Alligators have up to 80 teeth. 2. Their conical teeth are used for catching the prey, not tearing it apart. 3. They replace their teeth as they get worn and fall out.
    [Show full text]
  • Alligator Species • Caiman Species • Anatomical Features • Nesting • Habitat and Behaviors • Bibliography • Additional Readings
    Alligator - AccessScience from McGraw-Hill Education Page 1 of 4 (http://www.accessscience.com/) Alligator Article by: Cash, W. Ben Department of Biology, Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee. Campbell, Howard W. National Fisheries and Wildlife Laboratory, Gainesville, Florida. Publication year: 2014 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.024200 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.024200) Content • Alligator species • Caiman species • Anatomical features • Nesting • Habitat and behaviors • Bibliography • Additional Readings A large aquatic reptile of the family Alligatoridae. Common usage generally restricts the name to the two species of the genus Alligator. The family also includes three genera (five species) of caiman. With the crocodiles and gharial (also spelled gavial), these are survivors of archosaurian stock and are considered close to the evolutionary line which gave rise to birds. Alligator species The two living species have a disjunct subtropical and temperate zone distribution. The American alligator (A. mississippiensis) ranges throughout the southeastern United States from coastal North Carolina (historically from southeastern Virginia) to the Rio Grande in Texas, and north into southeastern Oklahoma and southern Arkansas (see illustration). http://www.accessscience.com/content/alligator/024200 10/21/2015 Alligator - AccessScience from McGraw-Hill Education Page 2 of 4 Half-submerged American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). (Photo courtesy of W. Ben Cash) Poaching and unregulated hunting for the valuable hide decimated the alligator populations until the animal was placed on the U.S. Endangered Species List in 1967. The species has responded well to protection and has become abundant in many areas in its range, particularly in Florida and parts of Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas, where it is now a common sight in the freshwater habitats, including swamps, marshes, lakes, rivers, and even roadside ditches.
    [Show full text]
  • Vocalizations in Two Rare Crocodilian Species: a Comparative Analysis of Distress Calls of Tomistoma Schlegelii (Müller, 1838) and Gavialis Gangeticus (Gmelin, 1789)
    NORTH-WESTERN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 11 (1): 151-162 ©NwjZ, Oradea, Romania, 2015 Article No.: 141513 http://biozoojournals.ro/nwjz/index.html Vocalizations in two rare crocodilian species: A comparative analysis of distress calls of Tomistoma schlegelii (Müller, 1838) and Gavialis gangeticus (Gmelin, 1789) René BONKE1,*, Nikhil WHITAKER2, Dennis RÖDDER1 and Wolfgang BÖHME1 1. Herpetology Department, Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig (ZFMK), Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany. 2. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, P.O. Box 4, Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu 603 104, S.India. *Corresponding author, R. Bonke, E-mail: [email protected] Received: 07. August 2013 / Accepted: 16. October 2014 / Available online: 17. January 2015 / Printed: June 2015 Abstract. We analysed 159 distress calls of five individuals of T. schlegelii for temporal parameters and ob- tained spectral parameters in 137 of these calls. Analyses of G. gangeticus were based on 39 distress calls of three individuals, of which all could be analysed for temporal and spectral parameters. Our results document differences in the call structure of both species. Distress calls of T. schlegelii show numerous harmonics, whereas extensive pulse trains are present in G. gangeticus. In the latter, longer call durations and longer in- tervals between calls resulted in lower call repetition rates. Dominant frequencies of T. schlegelii are higher than in G. gangeticus. T. schlegelii specimens showed a negative correlation of increasing body size with de- creasing dominant frequencies. Distress call durations increased with body size. T. schlegelii distress calls share only minor structural features with distress calls of G. gangeticus. Key words: Tomistoma schlegelii, Gavialis gangeticus, distress calls, temporal parameters, spectral parameters.
    [Show full text]
  • Philippine Crocodile Crocodylus Mindorensis Merlijn Van Weerd
    Philippine Crocodile Crocodylus mindorensis Merlijn van Weerd Centre of Environmental Science, Leiden University, Abel Tasmanstraat 5bis, Utrecht 3531 GR, Netherlands ([email protected]) Common Names: Philippine crocodile (English), buwaya 2009 IUCN Red List: CR (Critically Endangered. Criteria (general Philippines), bukarot (northern Luzon) A1c. Observed decline in extent of occurrence >80% in 3 generations. C2a. Less than 250 adults in the wild, populations highly fragmented and declining; IUCN 2009) (last assessed Range: Philippines in 1996). Taxonomic Status The Philippine crocodile was described in 1935 by Karl Schmidt on the basis of a type specimen and three paratypes from the island of Mindoro (Schmidt 1935, 1938). Schmidt also described the closely related New Guinea freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae) in 1928 and later made a comparison of morphological differences between C. mindorensis, C. novaeguineae and C. porosus, maintaining C. mindorensis as a separate species (1956). However the Philippine crocodile has long been treated as C. novaeguineae mindorensis, a sub-species of the New Guinea crocodile, by other authorities. Hall (1989) provided new evidence of the distinctness of the Philippine crocodile and nowadays C. mindorensis is generally treated as a full species endemic to the Philippines. Figure 1. Distribution of Crocodylus mindorensis. Figure 2. Juvenile C. mindorensis in Dunoy Lake, in Northern Sierra Madre National Park, northern Luzon. Photograph: Merlijn van Weerd. Conservation Overview CITES: Appendix I Ecology and Natural History CSG Action Plan: The Philippine crocodile is a relatively small freshwater Availability of recent survey data: Adequate crocodile. Although much is still unknown, studies at two Need for wild population recovery: Highest captive breeding facilities [Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Potential for sustainable management: Low Conservation Centre (PWRCC), Palawan Island (Ortega Van Weerd, M.
    [Show full text]