Resumo

PINACHO SANTANA, Beatriz et al. Reproductive Parameters of Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) in Captive Conditionsin Oaxaca, Mexico. Rev. cient. (Maracaibo) [online]. 2010, vol.20, n.5, pp.467-472. ISSN 0798-2259.

The objective of this study was to obtain the reproductive parameters of the green iguana (Iguana iguana) in captivity. Seventy one females (669.1 g) and 17 males (652.2 g) were used. The ages of the iguanas were from 1.5 to 7.5 years old which were kept captivity in a 5 x 6 m cages, where the reproductive activities were observed and recorded over three years. Age was considered as an independent variable within the reproductive parameters. Descriptive statistic was determined. The weight of the females was different (P<0.01) according to age. The proportion of female:male intromission was greater (P<0.01) in older females. The periods of estrus, pregnancy and mortality of the females were similar (P>0.05) at all ages. The clutch weight, number of eggs, weight and width of eggs were different (P<0.01) for each female, whereas the length of eggs was similar (P>0.05) in all ovipositions. The successful hatching of the eggs and the enlivening the hatchlings were similar (P>0.05) for each female; however, the relative mass of each clutch was different (P<0.05). It was concluded that in female Iguana iguana raised in captivity, it is possible to select as potential reproductive individuals to those who have a range of 4.5 to 7.5 years of age, since they have the best reproductive parameters.

Palavras-chave : Iguana iguana; reproduction; captivity.