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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Does the rattle of Crotalus durissus terrificus reveal its dietary history?

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Author(s):
Martinez, Melissa Gaste [1] ; Ducatti, Carlos [2] ; Silva, Evandro Tadeu [2] ; St Anna, Savio Stefanini [3] ; Pereira Sartori, Maria Marcia [2] ; Barraviera, Benedito [1, 4, 5]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Sao Paulo State Univ, UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Ctr Study Venoms & Venomous Anim, Botucatu, SP - Brazil
[2] Sao Paulo State Univ, UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu Biosci Inst, Stable Isotopes Ctr CIE, Botucatu, SP - Brazil
[3] Butantan Inst, Lab Herpetol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[4] Sao Paulo State Univ, UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu Med Sch, Botucatu, SP - Brazil
[5] CEVAP UNESP, BR-18610307 Botucatu, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases; v. 20, DEC 9 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 5
Abstract

Background Environmental devastation threatens the survival of many species, including venomous snakes such as the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. This observation is based on the decrease of snakes collected and donated to Brazilian research institutes. Nevertheless, some individuals have managed to survive and procreate. The question is how these snakes are adapting in these new environmental conditions.Methods To answer it, the carbon-13 level of rattlesnakes and their feed (either laboratory or wild mice) was evaluated by isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. Thus, rattle segments from 16 adults and 15 offspring of captive snakes, and of three wild newborn C. d. terrificus were evaluated as well as 17 Mus musculus mice captured in traps, four live feeder mice and the ration offered to mice at animal houses.Results The isotopic exchange time of the captive adult snakes (n = 16) varied between 33 and 37 months and of captive-born animals (n = 15), until reaching a plateau of equilibrium, varied from 18 to 24 months. Regarding the captured Mus musculus (n = 17), 88.23% (n = 15) were from a C4 environment. Of the six rattle rings from offspring of captured C. d. terrificus, five were from a C4environment, whereas of the 170 rattle rings studied, 60% originated from a C3 environment and 40% from a C4. The same carbon-13 values were found in captive snakes.Conclusions Based on the present results, it can be inferred that most C. d. terrificus snakes (60%) fed animals from a C3environment; birds consist of an alimentary alternative for snakes, as well as rodents, small reptiles and amphibians; different venom compositions among snakes from the same region may be related to the food type; the primary rattle of offspring reflects the maternal diet during gestation; and, finally, the different rattle rings indicate the alimentary history of these animals. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 07/05159-7 - Isolation of coagulant serine-proteases from Bothrops neuwiedi pauloensis and Crotalus durissus terrificus venoms: functional and structural characterization
Grantee:Benedito Barraviera
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 08/57411-4 - Environmental stable isotopes in animal science
Grantee:Carlos Ducatti
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants