Abstract:
Modifications to UV irradiance for indoor housed herpetofauna can affect behavior and physiology. Low ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiance can result in vitamin D3 deficiency resulting in calcium metabolism disorders including metabolic bone disease and immune suppression. High UVB can result in skin and eye issues, which can be severe enough to cause shock and death. Using tools available for the assessment of UV light, including Ferguson zones and the UV working tool designed by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria, we redesigned lighting in our indoor komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) habitat to better suit the UV requirements of this species, while studying changes in behavior and physiology. We measured serum vitamin 25-hydroxy D3 values in one male and one female komodo dragon before and after they were housed in indoor and outdoor habitats. We also measured behavior changes in our male komodo as he moved from an outdoor habitat, to an indoor habitat with changing UV irradiance. Our female komodo showed a 98% increase in vitamin D3 values after being moved outdoors, and laid her first clutch of eggs. Our male dragon\'s vitamin D3 remained consistent 200 days after moving inside. He did show increased activity when higher UV irradiance was available. Importantly, we found the UV lamps we used stopped producing desired UV irradiance within 3.5 months of regular use. We suggest all animal care facilities develop UV monitoring programs to research output and longevity of UVB lamps used in indoor herpetofauna habitats.
摘要:
室内爬虫对紫外线辐照度的修改会影响行为和生理。低紫外线B(UVB)辐射可导致维生素D3缺乏,导致钙代谢紊乱,包括代谢性骨病和免疫抑制。高UVB会导致皮肤和眼睛问题,严重到足以导致休克和死亡.使用可用于评估紫外线的工具,包括弗格森区和英国和爱尔兰动物园和水族馆协会设计的紫外线工作工具,我们重新设计了室内科莫多龙(Varanuskomodoensis)栖息地的照明,以更好地适应该物种的紫外线要求,同时研究行为和生理学的变化。我们测量了一只雄性和一只雌性科莫多龙在室内和室外栖息地之前和之后的血清维生素25-羟基D3值。我们还测量了我们的雄性科莫多从户外栖息地移动时的行为变化,改变紫外线辐照度的室内栖息地。我们的女性科莫多在户外移动后显示维生素D3值增加了98%,下了她的第一个鸡蛋。我们的男性龙的维生素D3在室内移动200天后保持一致。当更高的UV辐照度可用时,他确实显示出增加的活性。重要的是,我们发现我们使用的紫外线灯在正常使用3.5个月内停止产生所需的紫外线辐照度。我们建议所有动物护理机构制定紫外线监测计划,以研究室内爬虫栖息地使用的UVB灯的输出和寿命。