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Boa Constrictors found to sense heartbeats
Image: Emily Nowak © 2010
Snake “'feels' the heartbeat of their prey.”

The Boa Constrictor's signature method of killing their prey by wrapping their bodies around a target and squeezing it to death has been demonstrated to be informed by knowledge of the victim's heartbeat. The findings of the research team at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania led by Dr Scott Boback are reported in the Royal Society Journal Biology Letters.

Boa Constrictors can grow up to four metres long, have been known to live for up to 30 years, and hunt a broad variety of prey that includes rodents, wild pigs and even monkeys. The ability to track the prey's heartbeat allows the snake to balance its need for food against the expenditure of energy required to complete the kill, thus preventing energy wastage after incapacitation has been achieved.

Dr Boback's team implanted 'simulated hearts' of water-filled bulbs in dead rats and rigged a small pump that simulated the action of a heart beat. While the fake hearts were kept beating "the boas constricted rats... longer than any previous observation of a snake constricting a prey item - live or dead". However, the snakes reacted differently to the rats when the pumps were turned off – the snakes would 'strike, form their coils, constrict the rat, then gradually ease off".

This previously unknown ability suggests that Boa Constrictors are "capable of things that we did not realise before". The team speculate that the "snakes may utilise this acute tactile sense to coordinate complex movements associated with limbless locomotion."

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.