Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Mika’s Revision > Exotics > Flashcards

Exotics Flashcards

1
Q

Captive Breeding Programs:
Assuming decline is already well under way: what do you do?

A

• remove threats (harvest regulation, development etc)
• enhance natural reproduction: improve habitat (conspecific (same species) attraction, food supplementation etc)
• translocation individuals to increase variation
• captive breed for short term to provide stock for translocation
• captive breed for long term to have stock ready for periodic use
• captive breed indefinitely

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the purpose of captive breeding programs?

A

• conservation of threatened species
- objective to restore wild populations (no wild individuals left)
- objective to supplement wild populations that have declined or are threatened
• captive maintenance of threatened species
- habitat is completely lost
- threats to extinction cannot be overcome

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the stages in a captive breeding program?

A

• decline of wild population, genetic consequences
• choice of founder population
• growing and maintaining captive population
• reintroducing individuals
• managing reintroduced populations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the issues with captive propagation?

A

• source of founder population(s)
• space requirements in captivity/space availability in zoos
• courtship/mating behaviour
• isolation of sub-populations
• availability of wild populations as sources of new variations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the rules for captive propagation?

A

• founding the population - minimise genetic and phenotypic change
- collect random sample of founders
- collect data on locality, habitat of origin
- collect genetic data from founders
- keep sub-populations isolated
• maintaining the population
- maximise N and Ne (maximise sex ratio)
- maintain equal family sizes
• minimise loss of genetic variation
- maximise N and Ne (maximise sex ratio)
- maintain equal family sizes
- periodically check variability, compare with wild populations
• minimise behavioural changes
- minimise duration of captivity (maximise generation time)
• minimise inbreeding
- conduct pedigree analysis/management
- outcross populations with new individuals

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the 5 welfare needs?

A

• to be free from pain and suffering
• to be with or without other animals
• to live in a suitable environment
• to have access to food and water
• to be able to express natural behaviours

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the definition of an exotic animal?

A

“A non-indigenous species of animal that is less commonly kept as a pet or is kept in an animal collection”

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What does indigenous/non-indigenous mean?

A

Originating/occurring naturally in a particular place; native
(Vice versa for non-indigenous)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What does vertebrate mean?

A

The animal has a spine.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What does invertebrate mean?

A

The animal lacks a spine.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

(Places where animals live) What does terrestrial mean?

A

The animal lives on dry land.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

(Places where animals live) What does arboreal mean?

A

The animal lives in trees.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

(Places where animals live) What does Fossorial mean?

A

The animal lives in a burrow.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

(Socialising) What does Gregarious mean?

A

The animal is social.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

(Socialising) What does solitary mean?

A

The animal is not social.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

(Circadian rhythms) what does diurnal mean?

A

The animal is active during the daytime.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

(Circadian rhythms) what does nocturnal mean?

A

The animal is active during the nighttime.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

(Circadian rhythms) What does crepuscular mean?

A

The animal is active during dawn and dusk.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is a secondary infection?

A

An infection as a result of an injury.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Name 5 reasons for the decline in wild exotics:

A
  1. Loss of habitat (e.g. declining rainforests)
  2. Retail/pet trade
  3. Introduction of predators to the wild (e.g. cane toads in Australia to control pest beetles. They are linked to the decline of many native predators. Their toxin is strong enough to kill most native animals that normally eat frogs or frog eggs, including birds, other frogs, reptiles and mammals.)
  4. New infections (e.g. Chytric fungus in amphibians)
  5. Global warming/climate change
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Needs: Hunger and Thirst

What kind of deficiencies can under-nutrition cause?

A

• energy
• protein
• mineral
• vitamin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Needs: Hunger and Thirst

How is Malnutrition caused?

A

An unbalanced diet.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Needs: Hunger and Thirst

What ratio must Calcium:Phosphorus be?

A

2:1

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Needs: Hunger and Thirst

What can overfeeding cause?

A

Obesity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Needs: Hunger and Thirst

What forms can water be given in?
(These are a few examples, if you know more then note them down :) )

A

• droplets
• tarantulas must stand over their water
• iguanas defecate in their water
• waterfalls
• bowls (different heights/depths?)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Needs: Discomfort

What can cause discomfort in an animal’s enclosure?

A

• incorrect size and shape of the vivarium - consider if they’re terrestrial, arboreal, or fossorial?
• incorrect vivarium environment
• poor hygiene

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Needs: Pain, injury and disease

What can cause pain, injury and disease by keeping an exotic animal?

A

• burns from unguarded heaters
• trauma from poor handling
• secondary infection due to stress
• ready-made perches
• failure to consult a veterinary surgeon

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Needs: able to behave naturally?

How can an owner of an exotic animal ensure their animal can behave naturally?

A

• prior research on their animal
• know if they’re solitary or gregarious
• know their circadian rhythm
• provide enrichment: furnishings for climbing, burrowing, basking and finding security
• try to simulate natural feeding behaviours but be careful about live feeding and it’s laws
• try to simulate natural exercise - think of taking a reptile on a walk or something similar

This is all important to provide so the animal knows they can behave naturally. Increasing numbers of exotics are bred in captivity so they have no wild experience. This can hinder their ability to exist in the wild in the future if most only know a captive environment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Needs: fear and distress

What can cause fear when keeping exotic animals?

A

• predators and prey in close vicinity - consider if they can see/hear/smell each other
• disturbance
• poor handling/ill treatment
• vivarium design

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Needs: fear and distress

Describe the influence of stress on exotic animals.

A

• over-handling an exotic animal can cause them a lot of stress, which can cause a lot of harm to the animal
• weakens the immune system - secondary infections
• abnormal behaviour
• digestion and absorption adversely effected
• endocrine problems (hormonal)
• breeding problems

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is REPTA?

A

The reptile and amphibian pet trade association.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

(Don’t need to remember but it’s a good fact to know for an exam question)

From 2004 to 2008, how had the numbers of exotic animals being imported into the U.K. been effected?

(A study by REPTA)

A

increased by 188%

2004: 132,385
2006: 295,229
2008: 381,376

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What are the 4 most popular captive bred reptiles that are traded?

A

• Colubrid snakes (e.g. corn snakes)
• Leopard Geckos
• Bearded Dragons
• Mediterranean Tortoises

These animals make up for 75% of retailed reptiles!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

(Don’t need to remember but it’s a good fact to know for an exam question)

How much reptile food was sold in the U.K. over the years?

A

2004: 10 million crickets were farmed
2008: 20 million crickets were farmed
Currently, over 1 million frozen mice are sold each week for snake food.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Sourcing of exotic animals:

What does the abbreviation CF mean?

A

Captive farmed

An animal bred on a farm, generally in its native country but born into captivity.

36
Q

Sourcing of exotic animals:

What does the abbreviation LTC mean?

A

Long term captive

An exotic pet that has been taken from the wild and has been in captivity for a minimum of 3 months.

37
Q

Sourcing of exotic animals:

What does the abbreviation WC mean?

A

Wild caught

Animals which have been collected directly from the wild.

38
Q

Sourcing of exotic animals:

What does the abbreviation CB mean?

A

Captive bred

The breeding of wild animals in controlled environments such as zoos.

39
Q

Breeding terms: what does Oviparous mean? Describe its features.

A

• Producing young by means of eggs which are hatched AFTER they have been laid by the parent.
• Remember: Ovi = eggs
• this is the reproductive method used by most fish, amphibians and reptiles
• amniotic eggs have a hard shell which protects the embryo, and a special membrane - the amnion - to prevent the embryo from drying out
• little to no embryonic development occurs within the mother’s body
• fertilisation can occur either internally or externally
• allantois- an extra embryonic membrane serves as a temporary respiratory organ while it’s cavity stores faecal excretions
• the yolk sac is for nourishment
• the chorion is the outermost membrane around the embryo

40
Q

Breeding terms: what does Ovoviviparous mean?

A

Producing young by means of eggs which are hatched WITHIN the body of the parent. (Some snakes do this e.g. Boa Constrictors).

41
Q

Breeding terms: what does Viviparous mean? Describe its features.

A

• Reproduction in which fertilisation and development take place within the mother’s body.
• the developing embryo derives nourishment from the female
• the eggs of viviparous animals lack a hard outer covering or shell
• viviparous young grow in the adult female until they are able to survive on their own outside of her body

E.g. the female Jackson’s Chameleon is one of the few chameleon species that give birth instead of laying eggs. They can have 8 to 30 live young after a 5-6 month gestation period.

42
Q

Breeding terms: what is a gestation period?

A

The time in which an animal is pregnant.

43
Q

Breeding terms: what is external fertilisation?

A

A mode of reproduction in which a male organism’s sperm fertilised a female organism’s egg outside of the female’s body.

44
Q

Breeding terms: what is internal fertilisation?

A

A mode of reproduction in which a male organism’s sperm are introduced via insemination and then combine with an egg inside the body of a female organism.

45
Q

Breeding terms: what is amplexus?

A

The mating position of frogs and toads in which the male clasps the female about the back.

46
Q

Breeding terms: what is parthenogenesis?

A

• The process in which the young are produce from unfertilised eggs.
• a form of asexual reproduction where the growth and development of embryos occurs without fertilisation by a male
• the process occurs in plants, invertebrates, and in some vertebrates like certain lizards, fish and birds. (The New Mexico whiptail)

47
Q

Species specific breeding behaviour: Bearded Dragon

What are the steps and conditions for breeding in bearded dragons?

(Unsure if we need to know this but it might be useful for anyone doing a bearded dragon :) )

A
  1. The males will become very aggressive towards each other and will assert their dominance by inflating their beards and through fast head bobbing.
  2. The male’s beard will puff out and turn black. This is seen as aggression towards any other male and also as a sign of showing off for the females during breeding.
  3. Arm waving gestures are usually shown by the female when put in with a male. This usually signals that she is submissive and is ready to mate.
  4. Females have also been known to do push ups in response to the male dragon’s head bobbing. Most of the time this is seen during breeding season.
  5. The females, once ready to mate, will lift their tails right before the males will start to breed them
  6. The mating process can become quite rough. During mating, the male will hold onto the female with his front legs around her torso preventing her from moving. He will also bite the back of her head, arms and legs. The mating process itself does not take that long.

• bearded dragons usually mate around February just after waking from brumation
• their gestation period is 5-6 weeks
• near the end of this time, the female will become restless and will stop eating
• the female will start looking for a suitable nest spot. Good substrates for this is peat or sand in a deep tray with a lid for the dragon to feel safe
• she will normally lay about 20-40 eggs
• the female can also hold onto sperm for later egg clutches

48
Q

Species specific breeding behaviour: Poison Dart Frog

What are the steps and conditions for breeding in poison dart frogs?

(Unsure if we need to know this but it might be useful for anyone doing a PDF :) )

A
  1. Breeding happens throughout the entire rainy season of the rainforest, from mid-July through mid-September
  2. The males first fight among themselves to establish territories which are then fixed for the remainder of the mating season.
  3. During the mating season, males use vocalisations such as chirps, buzzes, grills and gums to get the attention of females.
  4. They also show off their brightly coloured bodies. Touching communication is also an important part in their breeding.
  5. Once the courtship ritual is completed, the female lays up to 6 eggs in a small pool of water. The eggs are encased in a gelatinous substance for protection.
  6. The female will lay 100-1000 eggs per year and will produce about 2-12 eggs in each clutch
  7. During the two-week development period, the male returns to the eggs periodically to check on them. Once the tadpoles hatch, they climb onto the male’s back and he carries them to a place suitable for further development.
  8. The tadpoles are attached to the male’s back by a mucus secretion which is soluble only in water so that there is no chance of them falling off.
  9. Eggs are known to hatch within 10-14 days. They take an additional 6 weeks to develop into adult frogs.
49
Q

Breeding terms: what is brumation and what are the steps of it?

A
  1. Brumation is similar to hibernation but the reptile can still be a little active during this time
  2. This can happen normally during the winter months but if it doesn’t it can be brought on for breeding purposes
  3. In the winter months, slowly over a couple of weeks begin to turn the heat down to 25-26 degrees Celsius
  4. Allow the lighting period to decrease down to only 8 hours of daylight per day
  5. Before staring brumation, it is important that the animal has defecated and is in good health
  6. Any food in the reptile’s stomach will sit and rot in the lowered temperature
  7. Towards the end of brumation start to slowly turn the heat up to normal temps and increase the daylight hours back to 12
  8. The reptiles will be hungry and ready to mate after brumation
  9. Breeding this way is more natural to most reptiles because it is during this time in their natural habitat that they would need naturally, and most reptile keepers have had more success rate when using the brumation period.
50
Q

(Egg incubators) Home made incubators:

A

• these incubators are cheap and easy to make and can carry a good hatch success rate
• most home made incubators are made from polystyrene boxes with either water in the bottom heated by a water heater or with a heat mat and thermostat
• the eggs must be placed into a tray with some substance that holds moisture. Both vermiculite and perlite are good choices for this

51
Q

(Egg incubators) store-bought incubators:

A

• Hovabators are one of the most commonly used incubators. They are made from polystyrene with a heat cable in the top
• Herp Nursery are another kind. These are a well-insulated cabinet with a built-in thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature
• with all store-bought incubators, the egg still needs to be placed in a moisture-holding substance (either vermiculite or perlite). This is important to help keep humidity levels up.

52
Q

Infertile eggs and eggs in which the developing embryo has ______ to ______ normally begin to _______ and _____ within a few _____ and should be ________ from ________ where the other healthy appearing eggs are. This will help stop the ______ from __________.

A

Infertile eggs and eggs in which the developing embryo has (failed) to (survive) normally begin to (collapse) and (mould) within a few (weeks) and should be (removed) from (containers) where the other healthy appearing eggs are. This will help stop the (mould) from (spreading).

53
Q

Hatchlings will often sit with only their _____ exposed for _____-______ hours before exiting the _________ completely.

A

Hatchlings will often sit with only their (head) exposed for (24)-(48) hours before exiting the (eggshell) completely.

54
Q

The sex of some reptile species is determined by incubation temperature:
What are the temperatures for box turtles?

A

M - 22°C
F - 31°C
Even sex ratio: 26°C

55
Q

The sex of some reptile species is determined by incubation temperature:
What are the temperatures for spur-thighed tortoises?

A

M: 29.5°C
F: 31.5°C
Even sex ratio: 30-31°C

56
Q

The sex of some reptile species is determined by incubation temperature:
What are the temperatures for leopard geckos?

A

M: 32°C
F: 26°C
Even sex ratio: 30°C

57
Q

The demand for live _______ and ________ ______ has increased in recent years and dealing with it has become difficult.
______ ___________ deal with ________ trade through dangerous __________ __________ with animals being __________ like drugs and firearms.

A

The demand for live (animals) and (animal parts) has increased in recent years and dealing with it has become difficult.
(Large businesses) deal with (illegal) trade through dangerous (international networks) with animals being (trafficked) like drugs and firearms.

58
Q

________ _____ is second to _______ __________ in overall threats against species survival.

A

(Illegal trade) is second to (habitat destruction) in overall threats against species survival.

59
Q

What are elephants and rhinos trafficked for?

A

Ivory

60
Q

What are tigers trafficked for?

A

Skin and bones

61
Q

What are marine turtles trafficked for?

A

Meat and eggs.

62
Q

What are primates trafficked for?

A

Pets

63
Q

What are bears trafficked for?

A

Medicine

64
Q

What are pangolins trafficked for?

A

Scales and meat. They are also the most trafficked species in the world.

65
Q

What are some legally traded species? What are they traded for?

A

Fauna and Flora in their tens of thousands are caught or harvested from the wild and sold as food, pets, ornamental plants, leather, tourist ornaments and medicine:
• horses
• dogs
• farm animals
• zoo animals

66
Q

What is the organisation ‘traffic’?

A

The wildlife trade monitoring network.

• a non-government organisation
• global
• covers both animals and plants
• they support biodiversity and sustainable development
• they carry out:
- research
- investigations
- analysis
• they take evidence to governments, businesses and individuals to help ensure that wildlife trade is not a threat to the conservation of nature

67
Q

What does CITES stand for?

A

The convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora.

68
Q

What does CITES do?

A

• set up in 1973 and launched in 1975 to regulate international wildlife trade for conservation purposes
• it is an agreement, not legislation
• zoos must have permits for the movement of animals (or their parts/tissues) belonging to species listed by CITES as endangered or threatened
• they have a list of species that may be at risk or extinction due to trading

69
Q

What signs must you recognise in an animal when determining its health?

A

• behaviour
• weight
• body condition
• appearance
• posture
• heart rate
• hydration status
• respiratory rate
• urine/faecal output
• locomotion

70
Q

What are the 4 steps after recognising an illness?

A
  1. Recognise and report
  2. Identify appropriate treatment
  3. Monitor
  4. Record
71
Q

What is biosecurity?

A

Procedures or measures designed to protect the population against harmful biological/bio-chemical substances.

72
Q

What is quarantine?

A

• A state, period or place of isolation in which people or animals that have arrived from elsewhere are placed
• Animals which have been exposed to infectious or contagious disease will be quarantined

73
Q

What is isolation?

A

• Cause or place to remain alone or apart from others
• Identify and examine something and deal with it separately

74
Q

What is prevention in terms of ill health in animals?

A

• Keep something from happening or arising
• Preventative measures

75
Q

What is control in terms of ill health in animals?

A

Actions and/or activities that are to taken to prevent or reduce the occurrence of something you have identified as a problem

76
Q

Common parental care for viviparous species:

A

• bi-parental care
• mating season is between February—April
• monogamous
• litter size: 6-7
• males take active role in care/raising
• females nurse pups
• lactation lasts 45-60 days
• pups will take food at 3-4 weeks
• pups are fully grown at 4.5 months

77
Q

Common parental care for oviparous species:

A

• bi-parental care
• courtship behind when male feeds female
• clutch contains 4-6 eggs
• incubation: 22-25 days
• up to 24 hours for offspring to hatch
• both parents feed offspring
• both parents protect the nest

78
Q

Common parental care for ovoviviparous species:

A

• mating ritual between parents mimics threat ritual
• copulation across 11 days
• gestation lasts 190 days
• young delivered one at a time
• still surrounded by gelatinous egg sac
• remain asleep until egg sac touches substrate
• independent from this point

79
Q

Equipment considerations for breeding:

A

• water
• food
• calcium
• supplements
• climate
• temperature
• light
• humidity

80
Q

What are the general principles of handling exotics?

A

• be aware of how the animal can be injured and how they can injure you
• hold them so that both the animal and you are comfortable
• hold them so that they cannot escape
• carry out the procedure swiftly and efficiently
• always approach small mammals from the sides and low levels to avoid mimicking the swooping action of a bird of prey

81
Q

Encourage owners to _____ their pets daily to ________ them to a safe, gentle restraint.

A

Encourage owners to (handle) their pets daily to (habituate) them to a safe, gentle restraint.

82
Q

How should you handle a large lizard?

A

• use two hands
• one hand around the pectoral girdle and the other around the pelvic girdle
• clasp the limbs against the tail to hold it still and prevent struggling - the limbs should be help near the top: if held down by the feet, violent struggling could result in a fracture, especially if the lizard has MBD
• wear gauntlets for this procedure to prevent scratch wounds

83
Q

What is MBD?

A

Metabolic bone disease

84
Q

How do you handle a small lizard?

A

• cupped in the hand
• control the head by holding between the index finger and thumb to prevent biting

85
Q

Restraint devices:

A

• gauntlets may be advisable especially for large lizards such as iguanas - their claws are capable of nasty injuries
• clear plastic containers (geo tanks) are beneficial for examining nervous species or species capable of rapid movement such as geckos
• the vasovagal reflex may also assist with restraint
- subdue a fractious lizard
- involves applying gentle but firm pressure to both eyes using clean, dry cotton wool
- a bandage is then wrapped around the head to hold the cotton wool in place

86
Q

What are the names for the top and bottom of a tortoise shell and the shapes on it?

A

Top - carapace
Bottom - plastron
Shapes - scutes

Mika’s Revision (5 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions