Zoo Med NatureSun® - Manual (Page 9)

Reptiles | 9
as a potential cause of amphibian decline. Indeed,
too much UVB is harmful to any animal, and
different species have differing tolerances for
safe UVB exposure. As amphibians have become
the focus of intensive captive-breeding projects,
many zoos and breeders have found that low
levels of UVB are necessary in order to maintain
and breed various species. Breeders of dart frogs
regularly use UVB lamps, and breeding projects
involving the endangered Panamanian golden
frog (Atelopus zeteki) also employ the use of UVB
lamps with great success.
Even though many snakes can be raised
and bred in captivity without the aid of UVB,
the fact remains that most snakes receive UVB
exposure in nature. There are many reports of
snake activity when the sun is still out for species
that are considered nocturnal. Some snakes,
including rattlesnakes, racers, gopher and bull
snakes, and garter snakes, are strongly diurnal
and expose themselves to strong levels of UVB.
Previously, the majority of the UVB studies on
reptiles dealt mainly with lizards, but a recent
study on corn snakes (Elaphe guttata) revealed
that they, too, appear to have the ability to
synthesize vitamin D upon exposure to UVB
(Acierno et al., 2008).
As discussed earlier, UVA and UVB are
also important in vision, behavior, reproduction
and immune response. Due to the abundance
of snakes bred in captivity, and their popularity
as pets, they would seem to be an important
group for future studies involving UVB and UVA
radiation in the fi eld of photoherpetology.
Reptiles | 9
Aquatic turtles should be
provided with UVB and a
heat source to promote
vitamin D3 synthesis and
calcium metabolism.
Courtesy Kirby Spencer / Zoo
Med Laboratories