Broad-Snouted caiman growth (Caiman latirostris) under different periods of UV radiation (UVA-UVB) exposition.

LUCÍA FERNANDEZ, ALBA IMHOF AND PABLO SIROSKI

Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Congreso; XIX Working Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG/SSC/UICN); 2008

Crocodile Specialist Group

UV radiation is necessary in many vital processes; all organisms depend directly or indirectly on UV radiation.  In natural conditions, quantity and quality of radiation received by organisms depends on numerous factors. Under artificial conditions, it is possible to regulate UV exposure in order to estimate how long broad-snouted caiman would have to be exposed to affect specific biological processes. This study will allow us to evaluate Caiman latirostris growth, as well as serum calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, under different periods of artificial UV radiation, as well as make an estimation of the effects and implications of a possible greater environmental radiation exposure. Growth, and serum phosphorous and calcium concentrations, were measured in 72 broad-snouted caiman (6 month old) maintained with diurnal cycles of 8 or 16 hours of UVR (UVA-UVB) exposure, and another control group maintained in complete darkness during 90 days with controlled temperature.