Behavioral Comparisons Between Hydrodynastes gigas Supplied With Different Heating Sources.

All reptiles need external heat to thermoregulate, allowing the body to perform a variety of critical life functions. Reptiles can be observed performing species-specific basking behaviors under heat sources such as the sun. This study is being conducted to see if there is a significant difference in behavior between two groups of juvenile False Water Cobras (Hydrodynastes gigas) provided with different heat sources. Thirty-four H. gigas, housed individually in identical enclosures, have been divided into two even groups, with each group receiving a different source of heat. Group 1 receives ventral heat via heat pad and dorsal heat via overhead heating element and Group 2 receives ventral heat via heat pad only. Observational images were taken daily in three hour intervals, from 8:00 to 17:00 to see what behaviors, physical positions and thermal positions the study subjects were displaying. After performing preliminary statistical calculations, it has been determined there is a significant difference between the two heat sources during certain times of the day. If the previous trends continue throughout this study, then it is expected that these statistical differences will cement the idea of a possible preference in heat source based on behaviors observed. Additional research related to this project might include growth and behavioral comparisons over extended periods of time as well as stress levels during the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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