Python Reticulatus Research Articles

Commercial Trade and Conservation: DNA Barcoding of Wild Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus) (Schneider, 1801) for Sustainable Management

Abstract The reticulated python, scientifically known as Malayopython reticulatus, is a prominent member of the Pythonidae family, exhibiting a wide geographic distribution across Southeast Asia. Like most python species, it is listed on Appendix II of CITES, allowing for regulated harvest and commercial export. However, inadequate monitoring of snakeskin origins within Malaysia has facilitated illegal trade, exacerbating concerns over population declines. Thus, this study aims to document the DNA barcoding of M. reticulatus in Pantai Penyabong, Johor, utilizing the COI gene marker of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Observations revealed 11 reticulated pythons, with two successfully captured for blood sample extraction and amplification. Sequences obtained exhibited a high identity percentage in the NCBI GenBank database, supported by similar topologies in phylogenetic trees. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of molecular identification techniques in combating illegal wildlife trade. Governments and law enforcement agencies can enforce conservation laws and protect wild populations by verifying mislabeled python species. This study highlights the crucial role of DNA barcoding in wildlife forensics and conservation management, offering a rapid and reliable method for species identification and monitoring in the face of escalating threats.

Clinical diagnosis and therapeutic approach for stomatitis in an albino-reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) at Gembira Loka Zoo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Clinical diagnosis and therapeutic approach for stomatitis in an albino-reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) at Gembira Loka Zoo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Study of Histological Skin Structure of Python reticulatus and Varanus salvator

Reptile skin is covered with scales that form a protective barrier, making it waterproof and enabling life on land. The present study investigated the histological structure of the skin of the Python reticulatus and Varanus salvator. The samples used were Python reticulatus and Varanus salvator skin taken from the dorsal region. Preparations were made using the hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining method which was carried out at the Microbiology of the leather processing technology, Politeknik ATK Yogyakarta. The results showed that the histological structure of Python reticulatus skin consisted of two layers, epidermis and dermis. The epidermis was composed of stratum corneum, stratum granulosum, and stratum basale. The dermis consists of an outer layer called the stratum laxum (stratum spongiosum) and an inner layer called the stratum compactum. Meanwhile, the histological skin structure of Varanus salvator skin consists of epidermis which included oberhautchen, α-keratin layer, β-keratin layer, supra basale layer, and basale layer. The dermis consists of superficial dermis and deep dermis. There are differences between Python reticulatus skin that is distinguished by its ability to ecydis (skin shedding) the epidermis and Varanus salvator skin have osteoderm (OD) within their dermis layer

Structure of reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) tongue using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy

Abstract. Marina M, Saragih GR, Kustiati U, Budipitojo T, Wijayanto H, Pangestiningsih TW, Ariana, Wendo WD, Budiariati V, Kusindarta DL. 2024. Structure of reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) tongue using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Biodiversitas 25: 1596-1604. Reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) is the longest snake in the world. It belongs to order Squamata, suborder Serpentes, family Pythonidae, and genus Malayopython. The size of this snake can reach up to 6-8 m, which makes it the largest member of Pythonidae family. The tongue of Malayopython reticulatus (Schneider, 1801) is unique in that it serves the chemosensory process by capturing and carrying airborne chemical particles to Jacobson's or vomeronasal organs, so it would be very interesting to know the morphology of the lingual papillae of the tongue of M. reticulatus. This research aimed to determine the morphological and histological structures of M. reticulatus tongue via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining. Macroscopically, the tongue was divided into the apex, corpus, and radix. This organ is elongated with bifurcation. The dorsal anterior part tends to be blackish, whereas the posterior part tends to be lighter to reddish in color. SEM observation showed that the reticulated python tongue has microfacets and micropores on the dorsal side but lack papillae and taste buds. Histological results (HE staining) revealed that the tongue is divided into a mucosal layer and a muscular layer. The mucosal layer consists of lamina epithelial mucosa and lamina propria mucosa. Melanin exists in the lamina propria mucosa. The muscular layer comprises longitudinal, transverse, and vertical muscles and also lack papillae and taste buds.

High-Voltage Toxin'Roll: Electrostatic Charge Repulsion as a Dynamic Venom Resistance Trait in Pythonid Snakes.

The evolutionary interplay between predator and prey has significantly shaped the development of snake venom, a critical adaptation for subduing prey. This arms race has spurred the diversification of the components of venom and the corresponding emergence of resistance mechanisms in the prey and predators of venomous snakes. Our study investigates the molecular basis of venom resistance in pythons, focusing on electrostatic charge repulsion as a defense against α-neurotoxins binding to the alpha-1 subunit of the postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Through phylogenetic and bioactivity analyses of orthosteric site sequences from various python species, we explore the prevalence and evolution of amino acid substitutions that confer resistance by electrostatic repulsion, which initially evolved in response to predatory pressure by Naja (cobra) species (which occurs across Africa and Asia). The small African species Python regius retains the two resistance-conferring lysines (positions 189 and 191) of the ancestral Python genus, conferring resistance to sympatric Naja venoms. This differed from the giant African species Python sebae, which has secondarily lost one of these lysines, potentially due to its rapid growth out of the prey size range of sympatric Naja species. In contrast, the two Asian species Python brongersmai (small) and Python bivittatus (giant) share an identical orthosteric site, which exhibits the highest degree of resistance, attributed to three lysine residues in the orthosteric sites. One of these lysines (at orthosteric position 195) evolved in the last common ancestor of these two species, which may reflect an adaptive response to increased predation pressures from the sympatric α-neurotoxic snake-eating genus Ophiophagus (King Cobras) in Asia. All these terrestrial Python species, however, were less neurotoxin-susceptible than pythons in other genera which have evolved under different predatory pressure as: the Asian species Malayopython reticulatus which is arboreal as neonates and juveniles before rapidly reaching sizes as terrestrial adults too large for sympatric Ophiophagus species to consider as prey; and the terrestrial Australian species Aspidites melanocephalus which occupies a niche, devoid of selection pressure from α-neurotoxic predatory snakes. Our findings underline the importance of positive selection in the evolution of venom resistance and suggest a complex evolutionary history involving both conserved traits and secondary evolution. This study enhances our understanding of the molecular adaptations that enable pythons to survive in environments laden with venomous threats and offers insights into the ongoing co-evolution between venomous snakes and their prey.

Python farming as a flexible and efficient form of agricultural food security

Diminishing natural resources and increasing climatic volatility are impacting agri-food systems, prompting the need for sustainable and resilient alternatives. Python farming is well established in Asia but has received little attention from mainstream agricultural scientists. We measured growth rates in two species of large pythons (Malayopython reticulatus and Python bivittatus) in farms in Thailand and Vietnam and conducted feeding experiments to examine production efficiencies. Pythons grew rapidly over a 12-month period, and females grew faster than males. Food intake and growth rates early in life were strong predictors of total lifetime growth, with daily mass increments ranging from 0.24 to 19.7 g/day for M. reticulatus and 0.24 to 42.6 g/day for P. bivittatus, depending on food intake. Pythons that fasted for up to 4.2 months lost an average of 0.004% of their body mass per day, and resumed rapid growth as soon as feeding recommenced. Mean food conversion rate for dressed carcasses was 4.1%, with useable products (dressed carcass, skin, fat, gall bladder) comprising 82% of the mass of live animals. In terms of food and protein conversion ratios, pythons outperform all mainstream agricultural species studied to date. The ability of fasting pythons to regulate metabolic processes and maintain body condition enhances food security in volatile environments, suggesting that python farming may offer a flexible and efficient response to global food insecurity.

Cytochrome oxidase I DNA barcodes of crocodilians meat selling in Hong Kong

The crocodilians include true crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharial, and the trade of crocodilian products is regulated in accordance with the Convention of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Hong Kong does not have her own wild crocodilians; thus, all crocodilians meat available is presumably imported with proper license. Here, we obtained a dataset of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene markers of 114 crocodilian meat samples (including frozen and dried crocodilian meat products) available in the contemporary market. We have also validated these barcodes in a phylogenetic approach with other data deposited on the GenBank, and detected 112 samples belonging to four crocodile species Crocodylus siamensis, C. porosus, C. niloticus and Alligator mississippiensis, and 2 samples belonging to snake Malayopython reticulatus. The dataset generated in this study will be useful for further studies including meat inspection, illegal trading, and enhancement of international and local legislations on illegal reptile importation.

Characteristics of sleeping sites and sleeping trees selected by Celebes crested macaques (Macaca nigra) in Tangkoko, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Qomariyah IN, Perwitasari-Farajallah D, Iskandar E, Berthier JM. 2023. Characteristics of sleeping sites and sleeping trees selected by Celebes crested macaques (Macaca nigra) in Tangkoko, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6200-6208. Research on the selection of sleeping sites is imperative in providing information on the fitness and survival of a species. We investigated the characteristics of the sleeping sites and the sleeping trees selected by wild Celebes crested macaques (Macaca nigra Desmarest 1822) in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, as well as their spatial and temporal use. The study was conducted in two groups of macaques for nine months (187 study days) from September 2020 to June 2021. These macaques avoided using the same sleeping site on consecutive nights. Two predator encounters (Python reticulatus Schneider 1801) were recorded near the sleeping sites, but pythons caught no monkeys during the study period. The macaques used 58 trees from 13 species as sleeping trees, of which 79% of the sleeping trees were also food trees. M. nigra chose sleeping trees with higher diameter, height, and a bigger Important Value Index than the surroundings. The average distance between sleeping trees and feeding trees in the morning and evening were 203 m and 127 m, respectively. These results suggest that optimal foraging strategy and predator avoidance are important factors in selecting sleeping sites, providing a broader understanding of the habitat preferences of the Critically Endangered M. nigra.

Bacterial Stomatitis in Wild Reticulated Pythons (Malayopython reticulatus) in Malaysia

Bacterial stomatitis is a common clinical form of upper alimentary tract disease in reptiles. The current study aimed to isolate and identify the common aerobes in the oral cavities of wild reticulated pythons and to profile their antimicrobial susceptibility. The need to conduct the current research was deemed in parallel with the increasing demand for snakes as pets and the growing emergence of multiple-drug-resistant organisms. A total of 40 fresh carcasses of the wild-caught reticulated pythons were assessed for the presence or absence of stomatitis. Oral swabs were obtained and cultured on blood and MacConkey agar media. The colony and cellular morphologies of the isolates were evaluated, followed by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial identification. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method against selected antibiotics, namely gentamicin (GEN), amoxicillin (AMX), cephalexin (LEX), azithromycin (AZM), tetracycline (TET), and ciprofloxacin (CIP), commonly used to treat bacterial infection in reptiles. Results indicated that the prevalence of stomatitis was 77.5%. Among 153 isolates identified, 76.47% of bacteria were identified from pythons with stomatitis lesions, while 23.53% of bacteria were identified from pythons without stomatitis. Of 153 isolates, Gram-negative bacteria were shown to be predominant (94.77%). The three most isolated bacterial species were Aeromonas spp. (14.38%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.76%), and Alcaligenes faecalis (8.5%). Meanwhile, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (4.58%) and Corynebacterium spp. (0.66%) were the only isolated Gram-positive aerobes. Most isolates were observed to be equally susceptible to GEN and CIP (at 95.8%) but highly resistant to AMX (83.3%) and LEX (75.0%). In conclusion, bacterial stomatitis in wild-caught reticulated pythons was highly prevalent and often seen as a mixed bacterial infection (96.8%). The isolated bacteria consistently show susceptibility towards GEN and CIP and thus could be considered the primary line of antibiotics in treating this disease.

Sarcocystis sp. shed by the common boa snake (Boa constrictor) in Brazil

The genus Sarcocystis contains around 200 species and 25 of these infect snakes. Two Sarcocystis spp. shed by snakes have called special attention of the scientific community. S. nesbitti, which is shed by scrub pythons (Simalia amethistina), causes myopathy in humans that consume water or food contaminated with the parasite. Sporocysts of S. singaporensis, excreted by reticulated pythons (Malayopython reticulatus), is letal for rats and was successfully tested in the biological control of these rodents. A high biodiversity of snakes is found in Brazil, however, scarce information is available about Sarcocystis spp. in Brazilian snakes. Herein, we investigated Sarcocystis sp. in feces of the common boa (Boa constrictor) from Salvador, as it is widely distributed in Brazil and it is also bred in other countries. Feces of 65 boas were examined, and Sarcocystis sp. was found in 1/65 (1.53%) snakes. All snakes were alive, and for this reason, intestinal scrapping, which is the most sensitive method to detect the parasite, was not performed. Morphometric evaluation of sporocysts showed significant differences in their sizes. PCR and multilocus sequencing of four genetic markers (cox1, 18S, ITS1, and 28S) revealed that sporocysts corresponded to a new Sarcocystis species. Sequences of cox1 and 18S had identities of 100% and higher than 98%, respectively, with sequences obtained from the rodent Lagostomus maximus in Argentina. ITS1 and 28S sequences did not match with any known Sarcocystis sp. No ITS1 and 28S sequences were available for the Sarcocystis sp. found in the Argentinian L.maximus. Bioassay using the boa sporocysts was conducted in three mouse lineages and in Rattus norvegicus, but no parasitic stages were detected in these rodents. We concluded that the common boa is probably the definitive host of a new species of Sarcocystis sp. that has L. maximus or related rodents as intermediate hosts.

The potential role of herpetofauna species diversity on palm oil agro-ecosystems: a case study in the plantation of PT BSM South Sumatra

The palm oil industry is one of the national strategic industries that must gradually apply the concept of green economy where the use of biodiversity (to reduce the use of chemicals in increasing land fertility and controlling pests/diseases) should be optimized in various aspects of management. Therefore, the potential for species diversity and the role of biodiversity in palm oil agro-ecosystems needs to be investigated, one of which is herpetofauna diversity. Data collection on the diversity of herpetofauna species was carried out simultaneously on seven types of land cover for PT BSM’s palm oil plantations using the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method. The results showed that the number of herpetofauna species varied according to land cover type with a total of 26 species. The highest number of species and individuals was found in shrubs (12 species and 18 individuals). While the lowest number of species and individuals was found in smallholder palm oil plantations 1 (5 species and 9 individuals). Based on the list of herpetofauna species in the study area, nine of these species have potential roles for the oil palm agro-ecosystem. These roles as biological control (predators, parasitoids, pathogens) include Takydromus sexlineatus, Eutropis multifasciata, Chalcorana chalconota, Occydoziga sumtrana, Malayopython reticulatus, Bungarus candidus, and Naja sumatrana, as well as decomposition controllers, Varanus salvator. The Shrubs land cover has a complete composisition of the roles of herpetofauna, while in the others land cover, have one individuals that play a role in the oil palm agroecosystem.

Keanekaragaman Subordo Serpentes Di Kawasan Pantai Sendangbiru Kabupaten Malang Provinsi Jawa Timur

The diversity of the Suborder Serpentes has an important role in the ecosystem and is used as a parameter of environmental quality. The high diversity of the Suborder Serpentes in Indonesia is not matched by adequate research and publications. The Sendangbiru beach area is a Nature Reserve area which has the potential to become a natural habitat for all types of animals, especially the Serpentes Suborder because it has a stable temperature and many unspoiled habitats. This study aims to find out what types of snakes are in the area and how the diversity, level of abundance, and dominance of the Suborder Serpentes are. This research method uses a descriptive explorative method by exploring the routes on Sendangbiru beach area. The suborder Serpentes found will be measured for morphometry, namely by measuring the snake's body which includes body length, tail length, total length, number of scales, and sex. This study found 6 species of snakes. The six species found consisted of the Aglypha, Solenoglypha, and Ophistoglypha snakes. The snake species that have been found belong to the Colubridae family as many as 4 species from 3 different genera, namely the species Dendrelaphis pictus of the genus Dendrelaphis, the species Ahaetulla nasuta and Ahaetulla prasina of the genus Ahaetulla, and the species Chrysopelea paradisi of the genus Chrysopelea. While the other 2 species are the Viperidae family with the species name Cryptelytrops albolabris, the genus Cryptelytrops, and the Pythonidae family, with the species name Malayopython reticulatus, the genus Malayopython. The diversity index (H') in the Sendangbiru beach area is 1.79 with a moderate diversity value, an evenness value (E) 1 and indicates that the suborder found on Sendangbiru beach area has an even value and stable community, and a dominance value (C ) 0.17 with a low dominance value.

Friction measurement of modified Polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS) surfaces inspired by Malayopython Reticulatus

The lack of limbs on snakes enables its ventral scales to be in almost constant contact with the substrate. Their skin is presumably adapted to generate high and low friction to slither. This frictional characteristics in snakes were hypothesized to be contributed by the be tooth-shaped or denticle-like microstructures found on the snake ventral scales. The frictional properties of the microstructures found on snake ventral scales was studied and its feasibility as an inspiration for surface modifications was observed. This study was carried out to analyze the frictional anisotropy exhibit by the snake ventral scale microstructures and also how it changes the frictional properties of the PDMS surface when the microstructures are replicated on to it. The PDMS embedded-elastomeric stamping method was used in this experiment to replicate the snake ventral scales onto the PDMS. Based on the data collected the microstructures on the snake ventral scales does exhibit frictional anisotropy. The PDMS with replicated snakeskin microstructures displays higher COF compared to PDMS with smooth surface. When sliding on most types of surfaces, the COF of real snakeskin and replicated snakeskin is higher if the surface is semi wet. Whereas for smooth PDMS the COF is lower when the surfaces are semi wet. Generally, from both experiments, when the replicated snakeskin is sliding on the surface in the lateral direction, it is observed that the COF is the lowest followed by the caudal then the rostral direction.

Gender and Age, but Not Visual Context, Impact Wildlife Attitudes and Perceptions of Animals in Zoos

People’s attitudes toward wildlife may impact their behaviors in support of conservation. We surveyed people in the United States to determine if gender, age, or visual contexts commonly seen in zoos impacted wildlife attitudes and perceptions of animals in zoos. After viewing an image of a two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) or reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) in one of six different contexts, respondents indicated their agreement with statements designed to reveal their wildlife attitudes. We categorized attitude types, determined factors influencing attitudes, and investigated perceptions of animals in zoos. Analyses revealed both positive and negative wildlife attitudes. Attitudes were not influenced by the context in which animals were portrayed but were highly impacted by gender and age. Similar factors influenced perceptions of animals in zoos. Zoological facilities should consider how attitudes are shaped by gender and age when designing animal exhibits, educational programs, and media offerings to promote conservation mindedness.

Animals ethnozoology as traditional medicine in the Dayak Tamambaloh Tribe, Labian Ira'ang Village, Kapuas Hulu District, Indonesia

Abstract. Supiandi MI, Syafruddin D, Gandasari A, Mahanal S, Zubaidah S. 2023. Animals ethnozoology as traditional medicine in the Dayak Tamambaloh Tribe, Labian Ira'ang Village, Kapuas Hulu District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 26-33. The Dayak Tamambaloh community in Labian Ira'ang Village, Kapuas Hulu District, Indonesia, is a community that has traditional knowledge of the use of fauna. However, at this time this knowledge has been reduced or relegated by the times and the use of animals and has never had a written document. This study aimed to obtain the types of animals used by the Dayak Tamambaloh people for treatment. The method used was a survey. Data was collected through literature studies, semi-structured interviews, and field observations. Data on using animals as traditional medicine was obtained from main informants, key informants, and recommendation informants. Data analysis was descriptive and qualitative, including data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusions. The results obtained 13 types of animals in 13 families that are used as traditional medicine by the Tamambaloh Dayak people. The types of animals used in traditional medicine were wanyi (Apis cerana), asu (Canis lupus familiaris), kandalak (Channa striata), panang (Clarias sp.), bunsok (Gekko gecko), dingkawat (Hipposideros larvatus), lati loman (Lumbricus terrestris), tangkiling (Manis javanica), takiung (Sulcospira testudinaria), manuk (Gallus gallus domesticus), ular sawa (Malayopython reticulatus), lundung (Monopterus albus), and beruang (Ursus thibetanus). Animal families used as traditional medicine were Apidae (1 spesies), Canidae (1 spesies), Channidae (1 spesies), Clariidae (1 spesies), Gekkonidae (1 spesies), Hipposideridae (1 spesies), Lumbricidae (1 spesies), Manidae (1 spesies), Pachychilidae (1 spesies), Phasianidae (1 spesies), Pythonidae (1 spesies), Synbranchidae (1 spesies), and Ursidae (1 spesies). The Dayak Tamambaloh people use meat, bile, scales, shells, egg whites, wax, and all parts of animals for traditional medicine.

Snakebite Envenomation, Attitudes, and Behavior toward Snakes in Banten, Indonesia.

Simple SummaryGlobally, snake populations are in decline, with conservation efforts hindered by negative attitudes. Meanwhile, snakebite envenomation has been recognized as a serious public health issue, particularly in rural areas where humans and snakes coexist. This study reports the results of a survey conducted in Banten, Indonesia, with the aim of exploring relationships between respondents’ experiences, attitudes towards snakes, and behaviors towards snake populations. Our results indicate that snakebite envenomation presents a real threat in our study area, and that venomous snakes are regarded as highly dangerous. Individuals who had heard of others experiencing venomous snake bites were more likely to want populations of venomous snakes to decrease, and those with negative attitudes towards snakes were also more likely to engage in anti-conservation (“try to kill”) behavior. Women were more fearful than men, and women and those with lower education levels were more negative toward non-venomous pythons, suggesting that tailoring snake conservation efforts to specific groups based on experiences, education level, and attitudes may increase effectiveness. We propose that greater community knowledge of snakes and increases in local resources and preparedness can also contribute to accomplishing both snake conservation and improved public safety through prevention of snakebite envenomation.Snakes are commonly associated with feelings of anxiety or disgust, and snake conservation is often hindered by negative attitudes and perceptions. Although global snake populations are generally in decline, snakebite envenomation (SBE) continues to be recognized as a serious public health issue, particularly in rural areas of tropical and subtropical countries. Data on SBE, a neglected tropical disease, are lacking, and Indonesia, a hotspot of venomous snake diversity, has no snake bite reporting system. We analyzed 127 survey results in Banten, Indonesia with the aim of documenting SBE and exploring the relationships between respondents’ experiences, attitudes, and behaviors toward snakes. Nine percent of respondents had experienced SBE, and knowledge of SBE incidents was associated with negative attitudes toward snake populations, with negative attitudes toward snakes associated with a higher likelihood of anti-conservation behavior. Women were more fearful than men, and women and those with lower education levels were more negative toward pythons (Malayopython reticulatus), suggesting that increased knowledge may aid in snake conservation efforts. Universally negative risk beliefs and attitudes toward venomous snakes indicate a need to reduce the threat of SBE in our study area.

TEMUAN KLINIS DAN IDENTIFIKASI BAKTERI PADA DELAPAN ULAR SANCA DENGAN GANGGUAN RESPIRASI DI BALI

The study was aimed to identify bacteria associated with upper respiratory disorders in pythons. Epiglottis-tracheal swabs were collected aseptically from eight pythons (Malayopython reticulatus, Python bivittatus, and Python regius) with respiratory disorders. Common clinical signs were presented with frothy nasal discharge, nasal discharge, wheezing, mild coughing, crackle sound and star-gazing. Samples were cultured and sub-cultured on Blood Agar (BA) and MacConkey Agar (MCA). Colonies were identified by performing Gram staining, standard biochemical and phenotypic tests procedures. One colony was identified using API 20NE kit. Of all seven different colonies that were previously isolated, Neisseria sp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp., Klebsiella sp., and Burkholderia cepacia were identified. We suggest that bacterial infections among captive pythons could be closely related to the immune system because of the commensal flora becoming pathogenic.

Yolk Binding Treatment for Reticulated Python in House of Pet Clinic

Yolk binding is a condition where the egg yolk as food reserves while the snake still in the egg phase is not completely absorbed in the snake’s body when the snake has become neonatal. This study aims to determine the handling of cases of yolk binding in Python reticulatus. A 3-month-old female Python reticulatus was brought by the owner to the vet with complaints of not defecating after ten days from the last feeding on and the presence of a ¼ lump from the caudal. The results of the stool examination showed the number of protozoa. The x-ray results, show the air-filled medial with radiolucent color intensity and a mass with radioopaque color intensity. Based on the signals, history, physical examination, and investigations, a diagnosis of yolk binding was obtained. The treatment given is surgery, drug therapy, and post-operative care. After being brought home, five days after surgery snake died.

Capillaria spp. in a Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus) in Banyuwangi Reptile Community

Reptiles as exotic pets become more commonly desired by society, one of which is the reticulated python. Pythons kept as pets also have a risk of disease infection including helminthiasis. Worm parasite infects snake by the oral route. Some snake feed including frogs and mice can act as an intermediate host for worm parasites. A male reticulated python was kept by a member of the Banyuwangi reptile community and was presented with healthy and normal eating habits. This case study was to determine the worm parasite in the wild-caught reticulated python kept as an exotic pet. Fresh fecal samples were stored in a container with 70% alcohol added as a preservative. The sample was then evaluated in the laboratory and examined using the native method, floatation method, and simple sedimentation method. As result, under the microscope to be the Capillaria spp. the egg was observed.

Younger generations are more interested than older generations in having non-domesticated animals as pets.

The trade and private ownership of non-domesticated animals has detrimental effects on individual animals and their wild populations. Therefore, there is a need to understand the conditions that motivate and dissuade interest in non-domesticated pet ownership. Past research has demonstrated that the way in which non-domesticated animals are portrayed in images influences the public's perception that they are suitable as pets. We conducted an online survey of people residing in the United States to investigate how viewing images that could be realistically captured in the zoo and broader tourism industries impact the degree to which people report interest in having that animal as a pet. We focused on two species, reticulated pythons (Malayopython reticulatus) and two-toed sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni), and presented each species in six different visual contexts. After viewing an image, respondents reported interest in pet ownership on a four-point Likert scale. Each species was studied separately in a between-subjects design and results were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression models. Thirty-nine percent of respondents reported interest in sloth pet ownership, and 21% reported interest in python pet ownership. However, contrary to our hypotheses, we found that viewing these species in different visual contexts did not significantly affect survey respondents' reported interest in having either species as a pet. Generation was a significant predictor of interest in both sloth and python pet ownership, with younger generations reporting more interest in having these species as pets. Male respondents reported more interest in python pet ownership, whereas there were no significant differences between genders regarding interest in sloth ownership. We consider how modern media exposure to animals in unnatural contexts may relate to the generational effect and discuss priorities for future research to better understand the development of individual interests in non-domesticated pet ownership.