MONITORAMENTO DE BOA CONSTRICTOR PROVENIENTES DE DIFERENTES AMBIENTES DO SUDESTE GOIANO

Abstract

The cerrado is a Brazilian biome of great ecological importance and biodiversity, home to several snake species, including the Boa constrictor, whose hematological parameters are essential for the management and conservation of the species. The objective of this study was to analyze the hematological and biochemical parameters of B. constrictor rescued in the region of Catalão, Goiás, with a focus on contributing these data to conservation strategies. Thirteen boa constrictors were studied, with blood samples obtained by venipuncture of the paravertebral venous sinus. Hematological parameters analyzed included erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and biochemical analyses such as ALT, AST, creatinine, and uric acid. The results showed significant inter-individual variation, highlighting the physiological diversity of the species. The leukocyte count showed a wide range, with heterophils and lymphocytes standing out, while the biochemical parameters indicated variations in liver and kidney function, possibly influenced by environmental and individual factors. These data are essential to fill knowledge gaps about the health of boa constrictors in the cerrado and to support management and conservation efforts aimed at preserving the species and the integrity of the biome.