BLOOD VALUES IN FREE-RANGING PANCAKE TORTOISES (MALACOCHERSUS TORNIERI)

Abstract

Samples from 34 free-ranging healthy pancake tortoises (Malacochersus tornieri) at two localities in Tanzania were evaluated for packed cell volume, hemoparasites, plasma biochemicals, a- and 7-tocopherols, retinol, and fecal parasites. Cholesterol, calcium, a-tocopherol, and retinol values were significantly higher in females than in males. Glucose values were higher in males. Gamma-tocopherol was significantly higher in animals from one location than the other, indicating possible dietary differences. There was a strong correlation between cholesterol and a-tocopherol