Journal article
The use of body condition and haematology to detect widespread threatening processes in sleepy lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) in two agricultural environments
Royal Society Open Science, Vol.1(4), Article 140257
2014
Abstract
Agricultural practices, including habitat alteration and application of agricultural chemicals, can impact wildlife resulting in their decline. Determining which of these practices are contributing to declines is essential if the declines are to be reversed. In this study, the health of two geographically separated sleepy lizard (Tiliqua rugosa) populations was compared between a rangeland environment and cropping environment using linear body size index (LBSI) and haematology. Animals in the cropping site were smaller, suggesting genetic differences as the result of geographical isolation. The animals in the cropping site had a lower LBSI and many were experiencing a regenerative anaemia. The anaemia was postulated to be the cause of the low LBSI. The anaemia appeared to be the result of haemolysis and was likely to be caused by exposure to agricultural chemicals applied in the cropping site but not the rangeland site. Elevated white blood cell counts in lizards in the rangeland site suggested that they were experiencing an inflammatory disease of possible ecological significance. Together, these results demonstrate the value of combining physical and haematological parameters when studying the impact of agricultural practices on wildlife. They also show that reptiles may be useful as sentinel species for livestock and humans.
Details
- Title
- The use of body condition and haematology to detect widespread threatening processes in sleepy lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) in two agricultural environments
- Authors/Creators
- A.K. Smyth (Author/Creator) - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationE. Smee (Author/Creator) - The University of SydneyS.S. Godfrey (Author/Creator) - Flinders UniversityM. Crowther (Author/Creator) - The University of SydneyD. Phalen (Author/Creator) - The University of Sydney
- Publication Details
- Royal Society Open Science, Vol.1(4), Article 140257
- Publisher
- The Royal Society Publishing
- Identifiers
- 991005540279107891
- Copyright
- © 2014 The Authors.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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Source: InCites
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.35 Zoology & Animal Ecology
- 3.35.683 Reptile Ecology
- Web Of Science research areas
- Multidisciplinary Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Plant & Animal Science