Reptiles

Question 1

What does a herpetologist do?

Answer 1

breed for conservation - do their research on genetics and habitat location

Question 2

Why do herpetologists believe that reptiles should not be kept as pets in many cases?

Answer 2

Habituation NOT domestication
Pet trade is anti-conservation
Can't really captive breed
Many kept without proper knowledge of pet
People want them for the wrong reason

Question 3

What are some health concerns that result from human - reptile interactions?

Answer 3

They are dangerous animals

Avian salmonellosis
Fungal cryptococcosis
Ectothermal exoparasites

Question 4

What should you do if bit by a snake?

Answer 4

call an ambulance

Question 5

What are some factors that are important to consider when picking a pet reptile species that’s right for you?

Answer 5

Education/knowledge of animal
Capability to supply needs
Life span commitment
Sources of the animal - where are you getting them from

Question 6

What are some physical characteristics to avoid when choosing a pet reptile?

Answer 6

Emaciated
Scales - wrinkled/raised
Sores/lumps
Eyes dull or matted
Wheeze sound
Oral / nasal discharge
Fecal Material analysis
movement

Question 7

What are some concerns due to being an ectotherm that we need to think about with reptiles? What are issues that arise in digestion due to this?

Answer 7

Ectotherms need to get warm to increase digestion

Question 8

What do the terms oviparous, ovoviviparous, and viviparous mean? How do these relate to reptile reproduction strategies?

Answer 8

oviparous - eggs are laid then hatched (most reptiles)

Ovoviviparous - eggs are hatched in the mom then released (some snakes)

Viviparous - embryo develops in mom

Question 9

What are the benefits of a 3 chambered heart?

Answer 9

requires less oxygen - more efficient

Question 10

What are some concerns with ecdysis?

Answer 10

ecdysis - shedding of skin

make sure to limit handling and keep environment moist