Observação do uso de espaço e comportamento de período de Boa constrictor Linnaeus (1758) prenhas em semi-liberdade - Estudo de caso

Abstract

The study of animal welfare (BEA) is multidisciplinary with contributions from different professionals. The BEA considers five freedoms, among which it includes freedom from discomfort and expression of natural behavior. The growing trade in snakes as pets shows how little information there is on how to maintain these animals in captivity with a quality of life. Boa constrictor is one of the species popularized in this trade because they are non-venomous and easy to handle. In this way, we seek to analyze, through citizen science, the linear use and period of activity of two pregnant adult females in semi-free conditions. In most of the observations, both were active, female “A” used more quadrants 3 and 4, which had exposed soil, while female “B” used quadrants 1 and 2, whose area is concrete and with shelter available. The most observed body position for both females was “semi-stretched”. When sun and shade were available, female “A” used the shaded environment more often while female “B” used direct sun more often. Therefore, both the period of activity, use of the enclosure and use, as well as sun exposure, may be related to thermoregulation, as snakes are ectothermic animals and need external heat to maintain the ideal temperature. Considering the most frequent position, this may be related to the availability of physical space to stretch and being pregnant, as pregnant females spend less time curled up.