The San Salvador rock iguana (Cyclura rileyi rileyi) is a critically endangered lizard restricted to a single island and its islets in The Bahamas. As part of a translocation project, 21 San Salvador rock iguanas were captured for physical examinations, complete blood counts (CBC), plasma biochemical analyses, fecal and hematologic endoparasite analyses, and nutrition evaluations. All San Salvador rock iguanas appeared to be healthy based on weight, activity, and physical examination. Blood samples were collected in lithium heparin to determine CBC, hemoparasite, and biochemistry results, including vitamin and mineral analyses. The CBC results indicate that San Salvador rock iguanas have relatively higher levels of lymphocytes and monocytes and lower levels of heterophils and azurophils compared with other West Indies Cyclura species. Biochemistry values were similar to other Cyclura species, with wide ranges noted in cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatine phosphokinase. There were no hemoparasites seen. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed for parasites and bacteria (culture). Oxyurids were the only fecal parasite seen. Fecal bacterial culture was consistent with previously reported findings in other iguanid species. This information serves as baseline reference data for future health assessments of the San Salvador iguana and provides valuable information toward managing the translocation program for this endangered species.
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3 March 2020
Hematologic and Biochemical Ranges and Health Assessments of Free-Ranging San Salvador Iguanas (Cyclura rileyi rileyi) in a Translocation Program
Jennifer Kishbaugh,
Devin Tunseth,
Nancy P. Lung,
Katharine Hope,
William K. Hayes,
Lee-Ann C. Hayek,
Suzan Murray
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biochemistry
Cyclura rileyi rileyi
health assessment
hematology
San Salvador rock iguana
translocation