Advances in Husbandry Science and Reintroductions for the Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Herpetology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 3309

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
Interests: clinic veterinary; exotic animals; lizard reproduction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
Interests: veterinary; reptiles; exotic animals; lizard reproduction; reptile surgery; pathology of reptiles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to focus on the innovative use of reproductive technologies for the conservation of amphibians and reptiles, species that are increasingly at risk due to environmental threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and disease. We aim to delve into the latest advancements in sex identification, breeding in captivity, and artificial insemination, showcasing how these techniques are adapted to support conservation efforts for these vulnerable species.

Sex identification techniques are crucial for effective breeding programs, allowing for the selection of optimal breeding pairs and the management of sex ratios within captive populations. Breeding in captivity provides a controlled environment to enhance reproductive success and increase population numbers, while artificial insemination enables controlled reproduction, overcoming challenges like low population densities and natural mating difficulties.

By exploring the integration of these advanced reproductive technologies, this Special Issue aims to highlight their crucial role in sustaining and recovering endangered populations. These efforts contribute significantly to the broader goals of biodiversity conservation, ensuring the survival of amphibians and reptiles for future generations.

Prof. Dr. Francesco Di Ianni
Dr. Alessandro Vetere
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • reptiles
  • amphibians
  • reproduction
  • assisted fertilization
  • sex identification
  • conservation

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

21 pages, 15458 KiB  
Review
Sex Determination in Reptiles: A Review
by Alessandro Vetere, Michele Capasso and Francesco Di Ianni
Animals 2025, 15(2), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15020168 - 10 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2957
Abstract
Reptile biodiversity is rapidly declining, with over 11,733 recognized species across 1226 genera being documented, many of which are endangered. Captive breeding programs play a crucial role in conservation; however, effective management requires accurate sex determination, especially due to the fact that many [...] Read more.
Reptile biodiversity is rapidly declining, with over 11,733 recognized species across 1226 genera being documented, many of which are endangered. Captive breeding programs play a crucial role in conservation; however, effective management requires accurate sex determination, especially due to the fact that many reptile species exhibit minimal or no sexual dimorphism. When present, sexual dimorphism manifests as differences such as size, coloration, and morphological features influenced by evolutionary pressures and hormones. Various sex determination techniques are employed due to the lack of external sexual characteristics in many species. These methods include probing, hydrostatic eversion, popping, ultrasound, CT, radiography, contrast radiography, endoscopy, and genotypic sex determination. Accurate sex determination is crucial for the success of captive breeding programs and the conservation of reptile species. Advanced imaging and molecular methods offer promising non-invasive alternatives but may not be universally accessible or effective. An understanding of the unique reproductive anatomy and the use of appropriate sexing techniques are fundamental to establishing breeding groups, preventing aggressive behaviours among groups, and ensuring the long-term survival of endangered reptile populations. Full article
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