 | mobile - desktop |
|
| mobile - desktop |
|
 |
 Contact Sales! |
News & Events:
|
Posted by EBolian on December 07, 2002 at 18:40:48:
I am currently doing a research project on determining the gender of juvenile iguanas based on external physical characteristics. I am a reptile enthusiast with over 12 years experience with iguanas. Through examination of a test group of 33 animals, I took several measurements of each and developed a multiple logistic regression model that has been over 80% effective in sexing the specimens in the test group. Having developed the equation, I am now looking to verify its effectiveness for iguanas of different sizes and ages. The iguanas that made up the test group were all from the same clutch, hatch in July 2001. Lengths ranged from 2.5 feet to almost 4 feet. I feel that the ability to accurately determine the sex of a juvenile iguana is extremely valuable. If new iguana owners are able to purchase the gender of their choice at a pet store they can make the decision based on their interests and limitations. They could decide to acquire a female and understand the risks involved with egg laying or select a male, knowing the potential for breeding season temperament. Knowledge of the gender of multiple iguanas that are kept together can be informative to the owner who will know whether or not expect breeding. Sexing based on external physical characteristics is obviously preferable to any surgical operation and could decrease the risk of iguanas becoming egg-bound or having to be adopted due to unexpected temperament. In my opinion these findings can help by increasing awareness about iguanas in captivity and help owners make wiser decisions. In order for this to work, the findings from my study need to be made at least somewhat universal. Optimally, I would like to correlate the conclusions to hatchlings for optimal use in the pet industry.
This is where I would like the help of the members of this board. I have frequently read postings here and they are all very positive and knowledgeable. I would greatly appreciate it if you would be willing to provide me with some measurements of your lizards. Here are the ones that are needed for the study:
The length of the head from the nose to the first spine
The weight of the iguana, preferably in grams but can be converted
The circumference of the base of the tail approximately half an inch from the hind legs
The circumference of the upper hind leg (either one) at the largest point
Tips for measurement:
For the length of the head a ruler was sufficient for me during the study. The weight can be from virtually any scale, please be sure to account for any container that is used when weighing. I used Rubbermaid tubs and subtracted the weight of the tub from the final amount. For the circumferences, I used a string and wrapped it around the area then measured the string against a ruler.
Also, for my records and analysis of the results I would appreciate the following information:
The owner’s name (optional)
Gender
How gender was determined
The iguana’s age and source of acquisition if possible
The total length, head to tail
Any other information regarding care and health
At this point, I can only use animals of known gender. Whether the animal is male or female must be included for the measurements to be used. Also please provide the method of sex determination used (i.e. breeding, egg-laying, seminal plugs, endoscopy, etc.) At some point in the near future, when and if the equation is proven to be accurate for animals outside of the test group, I will post it and describe how to use it. It is very long and fairly complicated. Therefore, if you know the gender of your iguana, please contact me with the information requested above. I appreciate your time and assistance and look forward to hearing from as many of you as possible.
Ways to contact me:
E-mail to: MrEdnumber40@aol.com
or to: tbolian@bellsouth.net
Please use subject: Iguana Measurements
Thanks again for your help.
Sincerely,
Ed Bolian
