Sex Determination in Reptiles: A Review
Reptile biodiversity is rapidly declining, with over 11,733 recognized species across 1226 genera being documented, many of which are endangered. Captive breeding programs play a crucial role in conservation; however, effective management requires accurate sex determination, especially due to the fa...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-01-01
|
| Series: | Animals |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/2/168 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1832589344924237824 |
|---|---|
| author | Alessandro Vetere Michele Capasso Francesco Di Ianni |
| author_facet | Alessandro Vetere Michele Capasso Francesco Di Ianni |
| author_sort | Alessandro Vetere |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Reptile biodiversity is rapidly declining, with over 11,733 recognized species across 1226 genera being documented, many of which are endangered. Captive breeding programs play a crucial role in conservation; however, effective management requires accurate sex determination, especially due to the fact that many reptile species exhibit minimal or no sexual dimorphism. When present, sexual dimorphism manifests as differences such as size, coloration, and morphological features influenced by evolutionary pressures and hormones. Various sex determination techniques are employed due to the lack of external sexual characteristics in many species. These methods include probing, hydrostatic eversion, popping, ultrasound, CT, radiography, contrast radiography, endoscopy, and genotypic sex determination. Accurate sex determination is crucial for the success of captive breeding programs and the conservation of reptile species. Advanced imaging and molecular methods offer promising non-invasive alternatives but may not be universally accessible or effective. An understanding of the unique reproductive anatomy and the use of appropriate sexing techniques are fundamental to establishing breeding groups, preventing aggressive behaviours among groups, and ensuring the long-term survival of endangered reptile populations. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-97d5ba6a3505413591596cd1c6a1573b |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2076-2615 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Animals |
| spelling | doaj-art-97d5ba6a3505413591596cd1c6a1573b2025-01-24T13:17:52ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152025-01-0115216810.3390/ani15020168Sex Determination in Reptiles: A ReviewAlessandro Vetere0Michele Capasso1Francesco Di Ianni2Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Napoli, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, ItalyReptile biodiversity is rapidly declining, with over 11,733 recognized species across 1226 genera being documented, many of which are endangered. Captive breeding programs play a crucial role in conservation; however, effective management requires accurate sex determination, especially due to the fact that many reptile species exhibit minimal or no sexual dimorphism. When present, sexual dimorphism manifests as differences such as size, coloration, and morphological features influenced by evolutionary pressures and hormones. Various sex determination techniques are employed due to the lack of external sexual characteristics in many species. These methods include probing, hydrostatic eversion, popping, ultrasound, CT, radiography, contrast radiography, endoscopy, and genotypic sex determination. Accurate sex determination is crucial for the success of captive breeding programs and the conservation of reptile species. Advanced imaging and molecular methods offer promising non-invasive alternatives but may not be universally accessible or effective. An understanding of the unique reproductive anatomy and the use of appropriate sexing techniques are fundamental to establishing breeding groups, preventing aggressive behaviours among groups, and ensuring the long-term survival of endangered reptile populations.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/2/168reptilessex identificationsex determinationendoscopycloacoscopycystoscopy |
| spellingShingle | Alessandro Vetere Michele Capasso Francesco Di Ianni Sex Determination in Reptiles: A Review Animals reptiles sex identification sex determination endoscopy cloacoscopy cystoscopy |
| title | Sex Determination in Reptiles: A Review |
| title_full | Sex Determination in Reptiles: A Review |
| title_fullStr | Sex Determination in Reptiles: A Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Sex Determination in Reptiles: A Review |
| title_short | Sex Determination in Reptiles: A Review |
| title_sort | sex determination in reptiles a review |
| topic | reptiles sex identification sex determination endoscopy cloacoscopy cystoscopy |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/2/168 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT alessandrovetere sexdeterminationinreptilesareview AT michelecapasso sexdeterminationinreptilesareview AT francescodiianni sexdeterminationinreptilesareview |