Zoo Med NatureSun® - Manual (Page 8)

8 | Reptiles
adequate dosages of light suffi cient to induce such
responses as reported for birds and mammals.”
In this article, Brattstrom describes the
observation of a desert banded gecko (Coleonyx
variegatus variegatus) during the late afternoon
when the sun was still above the horizon. I, too,
have observed this species active during the late
afternoon in Phoenix.
The important message is that nocturnal
species occasionally expose themselves to UVB
on purpose, and that this limited exposure to
UVB may be enough to support a healthy vitamin
D condition. Nearly 50 years after Brattstrom’s
observation, a study on house geckos revealed
that this nocturnal/crepuscular species is
extremely effective at synthesizing vitamin D with
very little UVB exposure (Carman et al., 2000).
Based on these fi ndings, it seems that
for nocturnal and crepuscular species of reptiles,
it is logical to recommend the use of lamps that
provide low levels of UVB comparable to the
levels found at dusk. In addition to providing a
proper photoperiod, the lamps can also provide
necessary UVB for vitamin D synthesis. Even if
they only expose themselves to the light for short
periods of time, that doesn’t mean that animals
don’t benefi t from the light. We use a toothbrush
for only a few minutes each day, but imagine
living without one!
What About Snakes
and Amphibians?
With amphibians, UVB has often been the
subject of controversy as it has been implicated
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subjec o co o e sy as as bee p ca ed
8 | Reptiles
Courtesy Shane Bagnall
The author’s gopher snake
habitat contains UVB
lighting, an undertank
heater and a shelter to
allow for photoregulation.
This snake moves
throughout the entire
habitat and often exposes
himself to UVB.