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The objective of this research was to make an inventory of the herpetofaunal community of a Caatinga region from Boa Vista's farm, in Taquaritinga do Norte, Pernambuco state, Brazil. We collected field data from August 2013 to July 2014 using diverse sampling methods: time-limited visual searches, pitfall trapping, record of vestiges and occasional encounters by local people. We could detect the presence of 42 species, 17 amphibians, and 25 reptiles. Rhinella jimi, Tropidurus semitaeniatus and Tropidurus hispidus were apparently the most abundant. The most efficient sampling method was time-limited visual searches, which allowed the record of 34 species. The species composition of the studied community is similar to other Caatinga areas in the state of Pernambuco. We highlight the importance of weirs and similar man-made habitats that provide shelter and reproduction, especially for anurans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Testudines represent a small group that combines primitive and derived aspects, for example, in the skeleton of its members. To describe the ontogeny of the skeleton of the pectoral girdle and thoracic members of Podocnemis unifilis, 66 embryos were cleared. On the other side, the bones were stained to analyze the sequence of formation of their skeleton, which begins by the humerus, radius and ulna bones, by stage 20, all the bones of the pectoral girdle with colored centers of ossification at the end of this stage, in the same period when metacarpals also ossify, first by MCIV and MCIII, followed for bones MCII>MCI>MCV. Between stage 21 and 22, all phalanges have centers of ossification marked with alizarin; first the medial and distal phalanges, and finally the proximal phalanges. Only at the start of stage 24, the carpal ossification begins, first with the intermediate carpal bone, the distal carpal IV and central carpal III, followed by 25 others, where the pisiform is the last to make its center of ossification. The chronology of ontogenic events in different species of reptiles may differ substantially, but the pattern in P. unifilis is similar to the other Testudines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parameters of muscle origin and insertion points in the pectoral girdle and forelimbs of Caiman latirostris were identified by basic anatomical, kinesiological and biomechanical approach. This identification was made with two adults males specimens of C. latirostris, on average, 1.50cm in length, belonging to the collection of the Wild Animal Research Laboratory of the Federal University of Uberlândia/MG, Brazil. In this study, isometric postures intercalated with rotary movements were found, as well as a large cross-sectional area in most of the extensor and stabilizer muscles, giving them greater strength and denoting functional and organizational inferences. Based on the findings, it was possible to recognize and predefine the behavior of the species under investigation, correlating the duration, direction and dimension of the activity levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although electrocardiography is widely used in veterinary practice, this tool still has little application in diagnosing diseases of snakes. This study aimed to characterize the electrocardiographic parameters of Crotalus durissus in captivity, under controlled conditions. For this, 23 snakes were subjected to ECG examination, where the following parameters were analyzed: heart rate, rhythm, cardiac axis, P and T waves, QRS complex, as well as the P-R and S-T intervals in the heart leads DI, DII, DIII, aVF, aVL and aVR The results showed that the technique used was effective to the measurements of cardiac deflections, but the analysis of heart rate and rhythm is generally impaired by a bias-induced stress and its interpretation should be cautious. The electrocardiographic parameters of Crotalus durissus determined in this study were fairly consistent, with minor variations, which seem to allow its use for cardiac disease diagnosis in snakes. The scarcity of electrocardiographic patterns for snakes makes difficult a comparison and interpretation of how the morphological, physiological and ecological data can influence the electrocardiogram, therefore, further research to determine the electrocardiographic pattern of different species will be absolutely necessary to the use of the electrocardiogram as a diagnostic tool in clinical routine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pseudohermaphroditism is an intersex condition that can occur in several animal species, including reptiles. This paper presents a report of pseudohermaphroditism in red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) in Bahia. The animal had a clinical examination with a small penis and prominent glans and during necropsy was observed the presence of internal female gonads with various eggs in stage of vitellogenesis and a egg fully formed. Little is known about the causes of this abnormality in reptiles, but may be related to incubation temperature of eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The swear (Kinosternon scorpioides), is a small turtle Chelonia order Kinosternidae and family. This species has suffered population declines due to indiscriminate hunting and environmental change. Knowledge of the standard normal blood is of great importance for the diagnosis of diseases and to develop appropriate plans for management and conservation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]