Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

College shocked at rare asexual snake birth
The birth is an extremely rare phenomenon known as parthenogenesis.
Ronaldo the Brazilian rainbow boa gave birth to 14 snakelets.

Ronaldo, a 13-year-old Brazilian rainbow boa, has given birth to 14 baby snakelets – despite previously being thought to be male.

Staff and students at the City of Portsmouth College, where the six-foot snake lives, were especially shocked since Ronaldo had not been in contact with other snakes in at least nine years.

The birth is believed to be an extremely rare phenomenon called parthenogenesis. Parthenogenesis, a natural form of asexual reproduction, occurs when embryos develop without fertilisation.

Although it takes place in other animals and plants, this is only the third documented case in a captive Brazilian rainbow boa.

The birth was discovered by a student at the college, as part of a routine vivarium check. With Ronaldo previously declared male by a veterinary surgeon, staff thought that the student was mistaken.

After seeing the 14 snakelets, the college called in Pete Quinlan, a reptile specialist who had been caring for Ronaldo. The snake had been in Mr Quinlan’s care for the past nine years, after being adopted from the RSPCA.

Mr Quinlan has now started working out what sex the snakelets are, and is setting up 14 vivaria for the new arrivals. Once they are grown, the snakes will be rehomed.

The college hopes that the unexpected arrival will provide students with an opportunity to learn about the development of baby snakes.

Mr Quinlan said: “I’ve been breeding snakes for 50 years and I’ve never known this happen before. Effectively the babies are clones of their mother although their markings are all slightly different.

“Ronaldo had been looking slightly fatter than usual, like he’d eaten a big meal, but we never thought for a moment that he, or should we say she, was pregnant.”

Image © City of Portsmouth College

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.