Identification Mistake
A Brazilian rainbow boa named Ronaldo, previously believed to be male and living alone at the Portsmouth College in England, has astonished staff by giving birth to 14 offspring.
Pete Quinlan, a reptile expert at Portsmouth College, was called to investigate and expressed his surprise at the discovery. "I've kept snakes for 50 years and never seen anything like this," Quinlan said.
Quinlan, who has cared for Ronaldo for nine years, discovered that the boa is female, not male as previously thought. This realization came after the birth of the offspring.
Parthenogenesis
The phenomenon of a snake giving birth without mating is known as "facultative parthenogenesis." This rare form of asexual reproduction occurs without fertilization. Parthenogenesis is seen in certain species of plants, insects, reptiles, and invertebrates. While rare in vertebrates, it has been observed in some snakes, lizards, sharks, and birds.
Conservation Significance
Parthenogenesis can enable certain species to continue their lineage when finding a mate is challenging. The case of Ronaldo is the third recorded instance of parthenogenesis in Brazilian rainbow boas in captivity.
Brazilian Rainbow BoaS
Brazilian rainbow boas (Epicrates cenchria) are non-venomous reptiles known for their iridescent scales. This unique appearance makes them popular pets.
Native to Central and South America, these boas occupy tropical rainforests, riparian zones, and savannas. They are arboreal and adept swimmers. Brazilian rainbow boas have a docile temperament and are easily tamed. Their primary diet consists of small animals such as rodents, birds, and lizards.
Summary
Ronaldo the boa's unexpected birth has provided a valuable learning opportunity for students at Portsmouth College. It also highlights the potential evolutionary advantages of parthenogenesis, which allows certain species to reproduce without the need for a mate.