engleski

LEARNING FROM CAPTIVE CARE

The aim of this work was to share experiences related to teaching on integrated under-graduate and graduate courses in veterinary medicine, in elective course Physiology of Amphibians and Reptiles. For academic year 2020/2021 we redistributed three hours of lectures to three hours of practical work for the purpose of improving the subject. We introduced new teaching unit regarding captive care and feeding of reptiles that include observation of live animals in their terrariums. Proper captive care can prevent the onset of many diseases and is often used for conservation of endangered species. Reptiles used were: bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), Cuvier’s dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosu), leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) and veiled chameleon (Chameleon calyptratus). We divided students into five groups. Each group had a task to study materials regarding captive care for one of five reptile’s species and to make a research regarding feeding of a particular species. Then each group of students observed terrariums and checked the following: terrarium dimensions, humidity (day time, night time), temperature (day time, night time, basking), water, lighting and hydration cycle, UV index, terrarium substrate, percentage of water and dry surface, environment enrichment. Students made a report regarding observed condition and captive care of animals with emphasis to positive and negative keeping conditions plus possible suggestions in condition approvement. Student reports showed that Cuvier’s dwarf caiman did not have appropriate terrarium dimension and substrate for bearded dragon had to be replaced with more suitable one. As a result, Cuvier’s dwarf caiman was moved to bigger enclosure. Students expressed satisfaction by being able to see and observe live animals as well as by contribution to better captive conditions. In conclusion, having live animals in preclinical courses is obligatory for students to become familiar with animal’s physiology and to collect more knowledge that will be of use in clinics.

live animals ; students ; integrated under-graduate and graduate courses ; veterinary medicine

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