Boa Constrictor Imperator Research Articles

Molecular characterization of a reptarenavirus detected in a Colombian Red-Tailed Boa (Boa constrictor imperator)

The global decline in biodiversity is a matter of great concern for members of the class Reptilia. Reptarenaviruses infect snakes, and have been linked to various clinical conditions, such as Boid Inclusion Body Disease (BIBD) in snakes belonging to the families Boidae and Pythonidae. However, there is a scarcity of information regarding reptarenaviruses found in snakes in both the United States and globally. This study aimed to contribute to the understanding of reptarenavirus diversity by molecularly characterizing a reptarenavirus detected in a Colombian Red-Tailed Boa (Boa constrictor imperator). Using a metagenomics approach, we successfully identified, and de novo assembled the whole genomic sequences of a reptarenavirus in a Colombian Red-Tailed Boa manifesting clinically relevant symptoms consistent with BIBD. The analysis showed that the Colombian Red-Tailed Boa in this study carried the University of Giessen virus (UGV-1) S or S6 (UGV/S6) segment and L genotype 7. The prevalence of the UGV/S6 genotype, in line with prior research findings, implies that this genotype may possess specific advantageous characteristics or adaptations that give it a competitive edge over other genotypes in the host population. This research underscores the importance of monitoring and characterizing viral pathogens in captive and wild snake populations. Knowledge of such viruses is crucial for the development of effective diagnostic methods, potential intervention strategies, and the conservation of vulnerable reptilian species. Additionally, our study provides valuable insights for future studies focusing on the evolutionary history, molecular epidemiology, and biological properties of reptarenaviruses in boas and other snake species.

The amphibians and reptiles of the Northern Selva Lacandona:

Chiapas harbors significant biological and cultural diversity. The region known as Selva Lacandona is an ideal example to study what is called the “biocultural axiom”. This neotropical region is inhabited by multiple indigenous groups, such as the Tsotziles, Tseltales, Tojolabales, Ch’oles, Kanjobales, Chujes, Mames, Lacandones (Hach Winik), and Zoques. The herpetofaunistic diversity of Chiapas is currently represented by 107 species of amphibians and 223 species of reptiles. In the Selva Lacandona region a total of 35 species of amphibians and 90 reptiles has been documented, with some areas still remaining to be formally explored. Traditionally, the use of natural resources by native indigenous communities has been linked to the selective use of those species that have economical, traditional, and/or magical-religious value. Many of these human groups have a deep traditional knowledge about the environment in which they live, as well as the diversity of plant, fungal, and animal species with which they have coexisted over millennia. The Nahá and Metzabok communities are inhabited by the Maya-Lacandón del Norte culture. The objective of this study is to identify the herpetofaunistic species diversity found within the Flora and Fauna Protection Areas (APFF´s) of Nahá andMetzabok. Additionally, we analyzed whether the Lacandones from the north have a herpetofaunistic ethnical taxonomic classification system. A total of 67 species that are recognized by the Lacandones were recorded for both APFFs. The Lacandones del Norte classify the herpetofauna into six groups, i.e., Ak (Turtles), Kan (Snakes), Ayim (Crocodiles), Torok (Lizards), Xut (Frogs), and Be’p (Toads). For Metzabok, the three most frequently mentioned species are Bothrops asper, Boa imperator, and Crocodylus moreletii. For Nahá, the three species of most importance are Basiliscus vittatus, Boa imperator, and Kinosternon leucostomum. The differenceslie in the fact that for the Lacandones of Metzabok, the most important animals are those that are represented in their oral narratives, while for the Nahá community; the most important species are those that they usually find on a daily basis when walking along the trails in the jungle.

REDATION ATTEMPTS OF THE GRAY FOX (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) AND THE NEOTROPICAL OTTER (Lontra longicaudis) BY THE CENTRAL AMERICAN BOA CONSTRICTOR (Boa imperator) IN THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THE SELVA LACANDONA, CHIAPAS, MEXICO

Predator-prey interactions in the wild are scarcely observed or photo documented. This kind of natural history information is vital to understanding trophic chains and the ecology of the species involved. We present relevant new information regarding the diet of the Mesoamerican Boa (Boa imperator) in the northern region of the Selva Lacandona in Chiapas, Mexico. We expect that this information will be beneficial for the understanding of trophic webs in this multicultural and biodiverse region from southern Mexico.

COMPLETE UNILATERAL MAXILLECTOMY IN A COHORT OF FIVE COLOMBIAN BOAS (BOA IMPERATOR).

Five unrelated adult Colombian boas (Boa imperator) presented with a 1- to 3-mon history of unilateral rostral swelling of the maxilla associated with a chronic rubbing against the enclosure's walls. Moderate to severe gingival inflammation and ulceration of the labial mucosa were present at the level of the swelling with tenderness to the touch. Radiography revealed osteolytic or proliferative lesions of the maxillary bone. Chronic maxillary osteomyelitis was diagnosed. Unilateral maxillectomy was performed on each animal under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia was also achieved by infiltrating lidocaine along the medial and lateral aspect of the maxillary gingiva and at the level of the maxillo-ectopterygoid joint. Using a lateral gingival approach, the maxillo-prefrontal, maxillary-palatine, and maxillo-ectopterygoid attachments were transected, and the maxillary bone removed. Histologic examination revealed pyogranulomatous stomatitis and osteomyelitis in all snakes, and presence of intralesional bacteria (n = 3 snakes). Gram-negative bacteria (Chryseobacterium indologenes and Proteus mirabilis) were cultured from the resected tissue of two snakes. One snake suffered from wound dehiscence 5 d postoperatively. All snakes were fed 15 d postoperatively and ingested dead mice without apparent difficulties. One snake was examined 2 mon and 1 yr after surgery, with no evidence of soft tissue or osseous infection and only minor facial scaring; all other snakes were lost to follow-up 15 d after surgery. Unilateral maxillectomy was performed in a cohort of five Colombian boas suffering from maxillary osteomyelitis. This surgical technique should be considered as an alternative to medical treatment in boid snakes.

First predatory record on Caluromys derbianus by Boa imperator in Costa Rica

Documented predation events regarding Caluromys derbianus as prey are scarce in Central America, only a few wildlife and domestic animals have been reported as predators of this mammal. Herein, we document the first predatory event on this marsupial species by Central American Boa (Boa imperator) in Costa Rica. This record contributes to the ecological knowledge and natural history of this medium-sized mammal.

First report of the Southern Gulf Coast Toad (Incilius valliceps Wiegmann), Common House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus Duméril and Bibron), Schmidt’s Black-Striped Snake (Coniophanes schmidti Bailey), and Cozumel Whiptail (Aspidoscelis cozumela Gadow), on Turneffe Atoll, Belize

Each year from 2012 to 2019, during a 12-day period in November or December, we photographed common herpetofauna on Calabash Caye, a small mangrove-dominated island on the eastern edge of Turneffe Atoll, Belize. Turneffe Atoll is home to the newest, largest, and most biodiverse marine protected area in Belize. Calabash Caye exemplifies the islands on Turneffe’s eastern edge whose elevated beach ridges enable the development of coastal strand plain and littoral forest habitats, which are among the most threatened habitats in the world. As no herpetofaunal survey has been published for Turneffe in over twenty years, and as the herpetofauna is a conspicuous indicator of the health of terrestrial ecological communities on islands, we leveraged our annual field excursions to Calabash Caye to compile a photographic record of the island’s reptiles and amphibians. In multiple years, we documented the presence of five lizards (Anolis sagrei mayensis, Aspidoscelis cozumela, Ctenosaura similis, Phyllodactylus tuberculosus, and the invasive species Hemidactylus frenatus), three snakes (Boa imperator, Leptophis mexicanus hoeversi, and Coniophanes schmidti), and one amphibian (Incilius valliceps). This represents the first report of A. cozumela, H. frenatus, C. schmidti, and I. valliceps on Calabash Caye or on any island in Turneffe Atoll; H. frenatus, C. schmidti, and I. valliceps have never been reported on any of the Belizean cayes. We did not observe four species that have previously been reported on Calabash Caye: Brown Basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus), Mesoamerican Cane Toad (Rhinella horribilis), Mayan Skink (Marisora lineola; formerly Mabuya unimarginata), or a blindsnake, provisionally identified as Indotyphlops braminus. We also include photos of Anolis allisoni, Ctenosaura similis, and Anolis sagrei mayensis obtained during four single-day excursions to Half Moon Caye on Lighthouse Atoll; this represents three of four species reported from that location during the 1990s.

Snakes on the menu: A predation attempt by a Central American Indigo Snake (Drymarchon melanurus) on a Central American Boa (Boa imperator) and remains of a Mexican Parrot Snake (Leptophis mexicanus) identified in feces on Utila Island, Honduras

Snakes on the menu: A predation attempt by a Central American Indigo Snake (Drymarchon melanurus) on a Central American Boa (Boa imperator) and remains of a Mexican Parrot Snake (Leptophis mexicanus) identified in feces on Utila Island, Honduras

Multiple cutaneous mast cell tumours in a Boa imperator

Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are common in dogs and cats, but are only rarely reported in reptiles. This case documents the clinical and pathomorphological results from a Boa imperator with...

Cytogenetic Analysis Did Not Reveal Differentiated Sex Chromosomes in Ten Species of Boas and Pythons (Reptilia: Serpentes).

Homologous and differentiated ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes (or derived multiple neo-sex chromosomes) were often described in caenophidian snakes, but sex chromosomes were unknown until recently in non-caenophidian snakes. Previous studies revealed that two species of boas (Boa imperator, B. constrictor) and one species of python (Python bivittatus) independently evolved XX/XY sex chromosomes. In addition, heteromorphic ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes were recently revealed in the Madagascar boa (Acrantophis sp. cf. dumerili) and putatively also in the blind snake Myriopholis macrorhyncha. Since the evolution of sex chromosomes in non-caenophidian snakes seems to be more complex than previously thought, we examined ten species of pythons and boas representing the families Boidae, Calabariidae, Candoiidae, Charinidae, Pythonidae, and Sanziniidae by conventional and molecular cytogenetic methods, aiming to reveal their sex chromosomes. Our results show that all examined species do not possess sex-specific differences in their genomes detectable by the applied cytogenetic methods, indicating the presence of poorly differentiated sex chromosomes or even the absence of sex chromosomes. Interestingly, fluorescence in situ hybridization with telomeric repeats revealed extensive distribution of interstitial telomeric repeats in eight species, which are likely a consequence of intra-chromosomal rearrangements.

Deciphering Geographical Affinity and Reconstructing Invasion Scenarios of Boa imperator on the Caribbean Island of Cozumel

Invasive species represent a major threat for biodiversity. The numbers of independent introductions, introduced propagules, and introduction episodes are critical aspects for invasion success. Here, we traced the source(s) of introduction and determined the historical route of invasion in order to understand the main stages of the invasion process. However, we often must rely on indirect information when studying invasive species (i.e., not knowing where the invasive population originated), hence requiring robust analytical methods to solve those questions. The invasive population of the snake Boa constrictor in the Mexican Caribbean (Cozumel Island) has been studied ecologically and genetically, but, despite several lines of evidence suggesting its invasive nature, a full account of its invasive history is lacking. Here, we aimed to reconstruct the boa's invasion history by deciphering the original source(s) of the Cozumel population, routes of invasion, likely number of propagules, and estimation of historical genetic and demographic parameters, based on a comprehensive set of analytical tools including tree topology-based methods and Approximate Bayesian Computational algorithms. The phylogenetic relationship of the Cozumel boa within the Boa constrictor complex was unknown; hence, to identify the source populations, we first needed to clarify its genealogical relationships. We used mitochondrial and nuclear sequences and nuclear microsatellites, together with the widest geographic sampling along the species' entire continental distribution. With our genetic approach, we demonstrate that the Cozumel population was derived from an admixture of individuals from different geographic localities. Moreover, our demography results allowed us to successfully confirm both anecdotal and previous genetic information, concordant with a scenario in which a likely small number of propagules were released on the island about 50 years ago. Notably, national law hinders the possibility of performing any control protocols for the boa, hence our results highlight a rather unique conservation paradox, where the Cozumel boa has a novel endangered protected species status as B. imperator, but it is also an invasive exotic predator threatening the critically endangered endemic and native biota of Cozumel. Therefore, any conservation decisions should consider that boas in Cozumel are invasive, opening the possibility to legally allow implementing control or eradication programs.

Inclusion Body Disease-associated Necrotizing Vascular Lesions in a Boa Constrictor Imperator

Inclusion Body Disease-associated Necrotizing Vascular Lesions in a Boa Constrictor Imperator

Percepción social y encuentros con serpientes en Costa Rica: un análisis a través de la red social Facebook

Las serpientes están entre los animales más afectados por el desconocimiento que tienen muchas personas hacia la vida silvestre. En Costa Rica, se han realizado pocos esfuerzos por conocer cómo son afectadas por causa de las acciones humanas. En el presente estudio se utiliza información suministrada a la página Serpientes de Costa Rica de la red social Facebook para responder: ¿cuáles especies se reportan con mayor frecuencia?, ¿cuáles de estas sufren mayor cantidad de muertes? y ¿qué capacidad para reconocerlas tienen quienes envían los reportes? Se obtuvieron un total de 484 reportes, de los cuales en 389 ocasiones fueron serpientes no venenosas y 95 venenosas, identificándose 66 especies, las más frecuentes fueron Ninia maculata, Senticolis triaspis, Leptodeira rhombifera, Boa imperator, Bothrops asper, Bothriechis schlegelii y Mastigodryas melanolomusy los géneros con mayor mortalidad fueron Mastigodryas, Bothrops, Senticolis, Geophis y Leptodeira. Se pudo concluir que las personas mataban una de cada cuatro serpientes sin importar si era o no venenosa. Las especies de los géneros Mastigodryas, Geophis, Senticolis, Ninia y Leptodeira fueron de las menos identificadasy las mejor identificadas fueron B. imperator, B. asper y B. schlegelii. Solo una de cada cinco personas pudo reconocer correctamente si una serpiente era o no venenosa. Los reportes se dieron con un grupo reducido de especies, por lo que la educación para la conservación de estos animales puede iniciar con estas que parecen ser más frecuentes, y así paulatinamente, las personas pueden reconocer y proteger mejor a estos animales.

Cover

Front cover: The cover image of a Boa constrictor in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico where they are an invasive species, is based on the Original Article The role of the environment on the genetic divergence between two Boa imperator lineages, DOI: 10.1111/jbi.13006. Photo Credit: Ella Vázquez-Domínguez.

Detection of Enrofloxacin After Single-Dose Percutaneous Administration in Python regius, Boa constrictor imperator, and Acrantophis dumerili

In this study, the blood concentrations of enrofloxacin administered transdermally to 3 different reptilian species, Python regius, Acrantophis dumerili, and Boa constrictor imperator, at 50mg/kg was determined. The formulation used was a transdermal commercial vehicle, Pentravan cream, a hydrophilic base emulsion that uses the liposomal technique to penetrate the skin. The enrofloxacin was incorporated at 5wt% in the Pentravan cream, and the plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the detected amounts of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin (0.33 and <0.15µg/mL, respectively) were below the limit of quantification. Enrofloxacin was detected in P. regius and B. constrictor, while ciprofloxacin was detected only in A. dumerili. Although the values were unquantifiable, this study confirms the absorption of enrofloxacin. Therefore, these findings suggests that enrofloxacin may be a candidate for treatment using the transdermal route in certain reptile species.

The Discovery of XY Sex Chromosomes in a Boa and Python

For over 50 years, biologists have accepted that all extant snakes share the same ZW sex chromosomes derived from a common ancestor [1-3], with different species exhibiting sex chromosomes at varying stages of differentiation. Accordingly, snakes have been a well-studied model for sex chromosome evolution in animals [1, 4]. A review of the literature, however, reveals no compelling support that boas and pythons possess ZW sex chromosomes [2, 5]. Furthermore, phylogenetic patterns of facultative parthenogenesis in snakes and a sex-linked color mutation in the ball python (Python regius) are best explained by boas and pythons possessing an XY sex chromosome system [6, 7]. Here we demonstrate that a boa (Boa imperator) and python (Python bivittatus) indeed possess XY sex chromosomes, based on the discovery of male-specific genetic markers in both species. We use these markers, along with transcriptomic and genomic data, to identify distinct sex chromosomes in boas and pythons, demonstrating that XY systems evolved independently in each lineage. This discovery highlights the dynamic evolution of vertebrate sex chromosomes and further enhances the value of snakes as a model for studying sex chromosome evolution.

Development of behavioural profile in the Northern common boa (Boa imperator): Repeatable independent traits or personality?

Recent studies of animal personality have focused on its proximate causation and ecological and evolutionary significance in particular, but the question of its development was largely overlooked. The attributes of personality are defined as between-individual differences in behaviour, which are consistent over time (differential consistency) and contexts (contextual generality) and both can be affected by development. We assessed several candidates for personality variables measured in various tests with different contexts over several life-stages (juveniles, older juveniles, subadults and adults) in the Northern common boa. Variables describing foraging/feeding decision and some of the defensive behaviours expressed as individual average values are highly repeatable and consistent. We found two main personality axes—one associated with foraging/feeding and the speed of decision, the other reflecting agonistic behaviour. Intensity of behaviour in the feeding context changes during development, but the level of agonistic behaviour remains the same. The juveniles and adults have a similar personality structure, but there is a period of structural change of behaviour during the second year of life (subadults). These results require a new theoretical model to explain the selection pressures resulting in this developmental pattern of personality. We also studied the proximate factors and their relationship to behavioural characteristics. Physiological parameters (heart and breath rate stress response) measured in adults clustered with variables concerning the agonistic behavioural profile, while no relationship between the juvenile/adult body size and personality concerning feeding/foraging and the agonistic behavioural profile was found. Our study suggests that it is important for studies of personality development to focus on both the structural and differential consistency, because even though behaviour is differentially consistent, the structure can change.

The role of the environment on the genetic divergence between two Boa imperator lineages

AbstractAimA fundamental problem in evolutionary biology has been understanding the role of environmental factors in the process of genetic diversification. Our main goal was to define the ecological niches of two Boa imperator lineages, in order to assess if environmental drivers could be associated with the divergence and genetic variation between them. We quantified the environmental niches at two evolutionary and geographical scales: regional‐historical (lineages) and local‐ecological (individuals within lineages).LocationNeotropical region of Mexico and mainland Central America.MethodsWe performed ecological niche modelling (ENM) methods by defining the accessibility area per B. imperator lineage, based on their geographic ranges, to analyse ecological and geographical distributions. We applied statistics of niche overlap, interpredictability, equivalency and similarity. We tested the niche‐centrality hypothesis within lineages by evaluating the relationship between genetic metrics and the distance to ecological and geographical centroids.ResultsTemperature seasonality, precipitation and elevation were the most informative environmental variables (GARP and MaxEnt). Ecological interprediction and niche similarity and equivalency tests revealed a dynamic process of niche evolution, where the niches of the two lineages are not identical but still showed a signature of niche conservatism. Correlation analyses between genetic variability and structure showed negative correlations with distance to ecological and geographical centroids at the local level.Main conclusionsOur results support the role of environmental variables as significant and highly accurate predictors of lineage distribution and divergence, in agreement with the boa's evolutionary history. The niches of the two lineages are not identical, sharing environmental niche space but not all ecological variables. A historically more recent signal of genetic structure within lineages was evident, where the quality of the ecological niche further influences genetic distribution patterns within populations. Our results illustrate how ENM may validate evolutionary patterns from a biogeographical and phylogeographical framework.

Tres serpientes albinas de Nicaragua

Albinistic specimens are reported in for the first time in two snakes, Boa constrictor imperator Daudin (Boidae) and Leptodeira annulata rhombilera Gunther (Colubridae). A previously, reported albinistic Crotalus durissus durissus Linnaeus was reexamined to verify its status. We support the opinion of Hoge that the type of Crotalus pulvis Ditmars ( = Crotalus durissus unicolor van Lith de Jeude) was probably not collected 20 miles inland from Managua, Nicaragua thus unicolor should be removed from any list of Nicaraguan forms.

Hepatic Encephalopathy in a Red-Tailed Boa (Boa Constrictor Imperator)

A 5-year-old female red-tailed boa (Boa constrictor imperator) was presented for abnormal neurologic behavior. Ultrasound examination revealed an enlarged liver, with rounded margins and hypoechoic areas. A complete snake virus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) profile was performed together with diagnostic blood testing. The snake virus PCR profile results were negative. Supportive treatment for the patient consisted of fluid therapy and nutritional support, supplemented with carnitine. Lactulose was administered orally every 24 hours. The snake died 3 weeks after the initial presentation. Histopathological examination of the liver showed extensive necrotic degeneration with hepatocytic centrilobular organization and cholestasis. Histopathology of the central nervous system (CNS) revealed a degenerative pattern of neurons, and a hyperplastic aspect of the microglial cells, morphologically similar to Alzheimer type II astrocytes. The postmortem examination results indicate that the neurological signs were a consequence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Reptiles with hepatic disease may show a wide variety of clinical signs. The last stage of liver diseases is often HE. Diagnostic procedures include hematology, serum/plasma biochemistry, echography, and biopsy. The prognosis for a patient that is presented with clinical signs of HE is guarded at best. Recommended treatment for reptile patients that are diagnosed with HE is fluid support and more specific hepatic therapeutic agents, including lactulose, silymarin, and carnitine.

Traditional use and perception of snakes by the Nahuas from Cuetzalan del Progreso, Puebla, Mexico

BackgroundIndigenous cultures are the result of their adaptation to the natural surroundings, in such a way that, amongst their main features is a set of knowledge, technologies and strategies for the appropriation of nature. In Cuetzalan del Progreso, Puebla, Mexico snakes represent 71.1% of the total local herpetofauna; and in addition to this, different groups of Nahuas have shown to have information of their use of various snake species in many ways. This study was conducted to investigate the traditional uses of snakes in this cultural group.MethodsFormal and informal interviews were conducted with the inhabitants of the communities. During these interviews, 30 images of the different species of snakes present in the area were presented to the subjects, so that they would recognize them and reveal information about the knowledge they possess on them. A usage analysis was applied to each species considering the following categories: food purposes, medicinal, artisanal and magical-religious. Likewise, the frequency, the diversity and the value of use was estimated for these snakes.ResultsA total of 51 interviews were carried out. The individuals recognized 18 out of 30 images of snakes that were presented. The total of usage categories was five; we found that the magic-religious use was the most mentioned by 32 personas. Boa imperator and Antropoides nummifer were the species with the highest value of use. More than half of the interviewees mentioned killing snakes because they’re poisonous and aggressive. In the magic-religious aspect the “Danza de los Negritos” is highlighted; this is a local festival, brought by Africans, and alludes to snakes.ConclusionsThis study revealed that snakes are still very important for the culture in Cuetzalan del Progreso, finding that the magical-religious and the medicinal use stand out. On the other hand, the fear and misperception on the toxicity of snakes might represent a potential threat for their conservation. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a long-term monitoring of the ethno-zoological activities, and develop a sustainable management plan compatible with the cultural characteristics of the natives of the region.