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Ex situ breeding constitutes an important tool for species conservation; however, many reptile species are not managed sustainably under human care due to poor fecundity in ex situ settings. In this study, we tested whether the translocation of a seasonally reproducing species to a different environment results in decoupling of extrinsic signals and intrinsic conditions. The endocrinological patterns of plasma steroid sex hormones, follicular development, and mating behaviour of two female and two male sexually mature Aldabra tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) in a zoological institution in the Northern hemisphere was aligned with enclosure climate data (mean monthly daylight duration, temperature, and precipitation) and compared with respective hormone patterns of wild individuals and climate conditions in the native habitat on the Aldabra Atoll in the Southern hemisphere. Whereas occurrence of mating behaviour was not considered a limiting factor, lack of ovulation and subsequent follicular atresia was the main reason for the lack of reproductive output. While it was impossible to elucidate the triggering factors of ovulation and the multifactorial complexity of reproduction was not fully addressed, this study indicates suboptimal temperature conditions and relative temporal shifts of interacting external triggers (temperature and photoperiod) in the zoo setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3-yr-old female panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) was presented with a history of long-term inactivity, anorexia, and difficulty defecating. Using sonographic examination, we diagnosed preovulatory follicular stasis with suspected ovarian cysts. Surgical management was elected, and the ovaries were intertwined and showed severe torsion and morphologic changes. The colon was caught within the entanglement, resulting in obstipation and urate retention. After ovariectomy, the animal was able to pass feces 17 h postsurgery and regained appetite. Preovulatory follicular stasis, as well as constipation, are commonly seen conditions in reptiles; however, torsions are rarely described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]