Hostname: page-component-7479d7b7d-pfhbr Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-10T04:31:57.907Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Radiological studies on endangered Mascarene fauna

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2009

J. E. Cooper
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, Royal College of Surgeons of England, 35–43Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN, UK.
C. D. West
Affiliation:
Division of Comparative Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3UJ, UK.
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

When managing small populations of endangered species, in the wild and in captivity, the premature death of even one individual may give cause for concern. The authors carried out whole-body radiographs (X-rays) on dead specimens of endangered Mascarene fauna—three species of birds, three species of reptiles and one bat species. They found skeletal problems indicating traumatic injuries and nutritional abnormalities. The authors suggest that the technique has a role to play in the investigation of deaths in populations of endangered species, and may provide information that leads to improved management of the species in question.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Fauna and Flora International 1988

References

Cooper, J.E., Amold, L. and Henderson, G.M. 1982. A developmental abnormality in the Round Island skink (Leiohpisma telfairii). Dodo, Journal of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, 19, 7881.Google Scholar
Cooper, J.E. and Jones, C.G. 1986. A reference collection of endangered Mascarene specimens. The Lirtnean, 2, 3237.Google Scholar
Cooper, J.E., Jones, C.G. and Owadally, W. 1981. Morbidity and mortality in the Mauritius kestrel (Falco punctatus). In: Recent Advances in the Study of Raptor Diseases (Eds Cooper, J. E. and Greenwood, A.G.). Chiron Publications, Keighley.Google Scholar
Darby, P.W.H., Jeggo, D.F. and Redshaw, M.E. 1984. Breeding and management of the Rodrigues fody, Foudia flavicans. Dodo, Journal of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, 21, 109126.Google Scholar
Durrell, G. and Durrell, L.M. 1980. Breeding Mascarene wildlife in captivity. International Zoo Yearbook, 20, 112119.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Registry of Comparative Pathology. 1981. Directory– Resources of Biomedical and Zoological Specimens. Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington D.C.Google Scholar
Tonge, S. 1985. The management of juvenile Telfair's skinks Leiolopisma telfairii with particular reference to the role of ultraviolet light. In: Reptiles: Breeding, Behaviour and Veterinary Aspects. (Eds Townson, S. and Lawrence, K.). British Herpetological Society, London.Google Scholar