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Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-02-16Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:55:58Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 bortolini_z_me_botfmvz.pdf: 834121 bytes, checksum: 3a5ee60ae19ce917f942b4a8dd125dd0 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Os quelônios estão na lista dos répteis mais populares para animais pets. Atualmente a rotina no atendimento destes animais nas clinicas veterinárias vem aumentando consideravelmente. As principais doenças que os acometem estão relacionados ao sistema músculo esquelético. Os exames auxiliares nos diagnósticos das enfermidades centram-se no diagnóstico por imagem, que estão limitadas ao uso da radiografia convencional e da ultrassonografia. Hoje, com o avanço das novas técnicas de diagnóstico por imagem tem-se utilizado protocolos mais avançados como a Tomografia Computadorizada (TC) e a Ressonância Magnética (RM), técnicas que tem como principal vantagem evitar a sobreposição das estruturas anatômicas. A clínica veterinária de quelônios ainda depara-se com a falta de literatura referente à anatomia e anatomia imaginológica normal destes animais, que é a base para análise de comparação para o diagnóstico por imagem das alterações que os acometem. O presente estudo teve como objetivo fornecer descrições anatômicas, anatomotomográficas e radiográficas do esqueleto apendicular do jabuti-piranga (Chelonoidis carbonaria), em animais jovens e adultos, de diferentes tamanhos, idade, sexo e peso, propiciando assim, subsídios para as clinicas veterinárias e zoológicos que necessitam de informações mais precisas para avaliação das possíveis lesões ósseas que os acometem. Os cortes foram remontados utilizando o programa VOXAR 3D® versão 6.3, e demonstrados tridimensionalmente para melhor visualização das estruturas anatômicas, porém, abaixo do rádio e ulna, tíbia e fíbula as estruturas não puderam ser diferenciadas; sendo assim, foram descritas a partir das radiografias e peças anatômicas / The chelonians are among the most popular reptile pets. Nowadays, the number of these animals in veterinary practice is rising considerably. The main diseases affecting chelonians are related to the musculoskeletal system. In the practitioner routine, the diagnosis of these diseases is limited to the use of survey radiographs and ultrasonography. With the progress of the imaging technology, new techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MRI) have been implemented. The main advantage of these techniques is to avoid superimposition of anatomical structures. There is a gap in the literature regardi objective of this study is to perform anatomic, radiographic and tomographic descriptions of the appendicular skeleton of red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) of different age, sex, size and body weight, in order to provide information for the veterinary practitioner and zoos for the accurate evaluation of bone lesions affecting this species. The three-dimensional reconstruction of the CT images was done using the VOXAR 3D® program, version 6.3. The differentiation of the anatomical structures distal to radius and ulna in the forelimb and to the tibia and fibula in the hindlimb was not possible through CT, so the description of the distal structures was achieved using survey radiographs and anatomical parts

The Family Testudinidae (Suborder Cryptodira) is represented by 40 species worldwide and reaches its greatest diversity in southern Africa, where 14 species occur (33%), ten of which are endemic to the subcontinent. Despite the strong representation of terrestrial tortoise species in southern Africa, and the importance of the Karoo as a centre of endemism of these tortoise species, there is a paucity of ecological information for most tortoise species in South Africa. With chelonians being protected in < 15% of all southern African reserves it is necessary to find out more about the ecological requirements, status, population dynamics and threats faced by South African tortoise species to enable the formulation of effective conservation measures. The Leopard Tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) is the largest of the southern African species and has a wide distribution range, occurring in a variety of habitats. There is a paucity of ecological information about Leopard Tortoises in most of these habitats, especially arid and semi-arid regions. The broad aim of the study was to comprehensively investigate the ecology of Leopard Tortoises on farmland in the semi-arid Nama-Karoo biome, and use the ecological information to make recommendations for conservation. An investigation was made to determine the population size, sex and age distributions, density, biomass, and morphometrics of Leopard Tortoises in the Nama-Karoo. It was predicted that Leopard Tortoises would either be similar in size to Leopard Tortoises in other habitats or larger in order to buffer the effects of extreme temperatures by decreasing the surface-to-volume ratio. In addition, it was predicted that Leopard Tortoises would have a smaller population size, and occur at a lower density and biomass per hectare than those tortoises in mesic habitats. A total of 92 tortoises were caught, and 3899 observations made on Leopard Tortoises on 5500 hectares of farmland. Fourteen tortoises were radio tracked which allowed for repeated observations throughout the year. The population was skewed towards adults, and indicates a low hatchling recruitment. Female Leopard Tortoises were significantly larger than males with respect to all morphometric measurements. A male to female sex ratio of 1: 1.6 was obtained, which was not significantly different from 1: 1. A population estimate of 57.64 ± 3.99 tortoises for the 5500 ha area was obtained using a mark-recapture sampling method. Density of tortoises was extremely low at 0.017 tortoises.ha ¯¹, with a biomass of 0.002 kg.ha ¯¹. Population size, density, biomass and morphometrics were compared with Leopard Tortoise populations in other areas. Leopard Tortoises were larger in size in the semi-arid Nama-Karoo compared with Leopard Tortoises in other areas, probably a mechanism to reduce the effects of extreme temperature fluctuations, and were found at a much lower density. Knowledge of the home range size, home range overlap and seasonal change in home range is imperative to the understanding and conservation of the Leopard tortoise. Home range size, percentage overlap and mean daily distances moved were investigated for Leopard Tortoises as a function of season, gender and body mass. Home range and movement data were calculated for 36 Leopard Tortoises (22 females, 14 males), 14 of which were telemetered (8 females, 6 males), and 22 of which were recaptured 10 or more times (14 females and 8 males) over a period of two years. Mean (±SE) home range size for adult Leopard Tortoises was 205.41 ± 45.57 ha. Home range size was not significantly different between males and females, however females had larger home ranges than males. Mean home range size of males was 133.27 ± 32.90 ha, and of females was 251.32± 70.56 ha. There was a significant difference in home range size between telemetered tortoises (413.81 ± 89.46 ha), and those recaptured 10 or more times (72.79 ± 18.89 ha). It is suggested that unacceptable variation in home range size estimations occur when radio telemetry is not used to recapture tortoises throughout the year. No significant relationship between home range size and body mass was found for all tortoises or between sexes. Significant seasonal and gender variation existed in the seasonal home range sizes. Females had larger home ranges than males in all seasons except spring. Mean daily distance moved by Leopard Tortoises was 136.13 ± 8.94 m with males moving further overall daily than females (males: 161.10 ± 11.8 m; females: 117.07 ± 12.87), but not significantly so. Mean daily distance moved per season was significantly different between the sexes. Females covered the largest mean daily distance in autumn and males in spring. Considerable variation existed in the amount of home range overlap both within and between sexes. Overlap percentages ranged from 5% to 90%, with home ranges most frequently overlapping by 20%. Home range size and daily distances moved in the Nama-Karoo are larger than for Leopard Tortoises in other habitats. This has strong implications for the size of reserves needed in conservation efforts with regard to this and perhaps other, species in arid or semi-arid areas. Seasonal activity patterns of Leopard Tortoises were investigated as a function of rainfall, sex, time of day, temperature and time after sunrise. It was predicted that due to seasonal rainfall, and the subsequent increase in food available, the activity patterns of Leopard Tortoises would vary greatly between seasons, but that the primary constraint on activity levels within a season, would be ambient temperature. Type of activity, time of day that the activity was performed, and amount of time spent performing each activity, differed significantly between the seasons. There was no overall seasonal significant difference between the sexes and the level of activity, however, in certain seasons and with regard to specific activities, there were significant differences between the sexes. Activity patterns were primarily bimodal in summer and autumn, and unimodal in winter and spring, with non-thermoregulatory activities, for example walking and feeding, being performed primarily in the afternoon. There was a significant positive correlation between the number of tortoises caught and rainfall per season, but activity levels and the percentage of tortoises walking and feeding was not correlated with seasonal rainfall. The time of day that an activity was first performed in each season, was primarily a function of the time after sunrise and only secondarily of temperature. The response of Leopard Tortoise activity to rainfall, time of day, temperature and time after sunrise, is discussed. With Leopard Tortoises being ectotherms, they rely largely on behavioural thermoregulation to moderate the effects of daily and seasonal fluctuations in ambient temperature on body temperature. Extensive use is made of refuges to facilitate this behavioural thermoregulation. The Nama-Karoo experiences wide temperature fluctuations both daily and seasonally, and therefore the types and seasonal use of refuges by the Leopard Tortoise, in addition to the orientation of the exits and of the tortoises within the refuges, was investigated. A wide variety of refuges were used, but Lycium spp., Eberlanziaferox (Doringvygie), Opuntiajicus (American Prickly Pear) and grass clumps were preferred as refuges. There was seasonal variation in the use of these refuges that further depended on whether the refuges were used as forms or shelters. Leopard Tortoises in spring and winter often remained in the same refuge for the entire season, or returned to the same refuge on consecutive nights. There was seasonal and behavioural variation in a) compass direction that the tortoises were facing within a refuge, b) compass direction that exits of the refuges were open to, and c) portion of the shell of each Leopard Tortoise within a refuge that was exposed to sun radiation. Tortoises in winter and spring used these three factors to maximise the amount of solar radiation received on their carapace, while tortoises in summer and autumn used them to minimise solar radiation received. Therefore, using a combination of refuge type, exit orientation and tortoise orientation, Leopard Tortoises were able to passively thermoregulate and further control temperature fluctuations experienced in an extreme environment. Leopard Tortoises on farmland in the Nama-Karoo had lower densities, larger body sizes and much larger home ranges than Leopard Tortoises in other habitat types. This is an important aspect to take into account when planning for the conservation of Leopard Tortoises in semi-arid areas, and may hold further implications for other arid or semi-arid tortoise species. Activity patterns and patterns of thermoregulation allow for further understanding of the interactions between tortoises and their environment, habitat, and climate in the wild. In addition, it further aids in the understanding of the methods used by ectotherms to thermoregulate and manipulate body temperatures, especially when living in regions of unpredictable rainfall and extreme temperatures. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.

Orientador: Luiz Carlos Vulcano / Banca: Carlos Roberto Teixeira / Banca: João Batista da Cruz / Resumo: Os quelônios estão na lista dos répteis mais populares para animais pets. Atualmente a rotina no atendimento destes animais nas clinicas veterinárias vem aumentando consideravelmente. As principais doenças que os acometem estão relacionados ao sistema músculo esquelético. Os exames auxiliares nos diagnósticos das enfermidades centram-se no diagnóstico por imagem, que estão limitadas ao uso da radiografia convencional e da ultrassonografia. Hoje, com o avanço das novas técnicas de diagnóstico por imagem tem-se utilizado protocolos mais avançados como a Tomografia Computadorizada (TC) e a Ressonância Magnética (RM), técnicas que tem como principal vantagem evitar a sobreposição das estruturas anatômicas. A clínica veterinária de quelônios ainda depara-se com a falta de literatura referente à anatomia e anatomia imaginológica normal destes animais, que é a base para análise de comparação para o diagnóstico por imagem das alterações que os acometem. O presente estudo teve como objetivo fornecer descrições anatômicas, anatomotomográficas e radiográficas do esqueleto apendicular do jabuti-piranga (Chelonoidis carbonaria), em animais jovens e adultos, de diferentes tamanhos, idade, sexo e peso, propiciando assim, subsídios para as clinicas veterinárias e zoológicos que necessitam de informações mais precisas para avaliação das possíveis lesões ósseas que os acometem. Os cortes foram remontados utilizando o programa VOXAR 3D® versão 6.3, e demonstrados tridimensionalmente para melhor visualização das estruturas anatômicas, porém, abaixo do rádio e ulna, tíbia e fíbula as estruturas não puderam ser diferenciadas; sendo assim, foram descritas a partir das radiografias e peças anatômicas / Abstract: The chelonians are among the most popular reptile pets. Nowadays, the number of these animals in veterinary practice is rising considerably. The main diseases affecting chelonians are related to the musculoskeletal system. In the practitioner routine, the diagnosis of these diseases is limited to the use of survey radiographs and ultrasonography. With the progress of the imaging technology, new techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MRI) have been implemented. The main advantage of these techniques is to avoid superimposition of anatomical structures. There is a gap in the literature regardi objective of this study is to perform anatomic, radiographic and tomographic descriptions of the appendicular skeleton of red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) of different age, sex, size and body weight, in order to provide information for the veterinary practitioner and zoos for the accurate evaluation of bone lesions affecting this species. The three-dimensional reconstruction of the CT images was done using the VOXAR 3D® program, version 6.3. The differentiation of the anatomical structures distal to radius and ulna in the forelimb and to the tibia and fibula in the hindlimb was not possible through CT, so the description of the distal structures was achieved using survey radiographs and anatomical parts / Mestre

<p>Tortoises appear to be successful in arid ecosystems, where they depend on primary production for their predominantly herbivorous diets. The low primary production of arid regions is exacerbated by priodic droughts, so that iteroparous species such as chelonians require mechanisms to overcome resource shortages. The smallest of all tortoises, Homopus signatus signatus, occurs in a dry winter rainfall area in northwestern South Africa that is threatened with aridification due to regional climate change. The overall aim of this study is to understand the ecology of H. s. signatus, particularly in reference to the importance of rainfall.</p>

<p>Tortoises appear to be successful in arid ecosystems, where they depend on primary production for their predominantly herbivorous diets. The low primary production of arid regions is exacerbated by priodic droughts, so that iteroparous species such as chelonians require mechanisms to overcome resource shortages. The smallest of all tortoises, Homopus signatus signatus, occurs in a dry winter rainfall area in northwestern South Africa that is threatened with aridification due to regional climate change. The overall aim of this study is to understand the ecology of H. s. signatus, particularly in reference to the importance of rainfall.</p>

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:22:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-02-23Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:08:32Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_tl_me_sjrp.pdf: 1177452 bytes, checksum: 4e65cd703e3bf0672c8211bea11db9d7 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Os répteis sofreram redução do número de espécies desde a época em que dominavam a Terra até os dias atuais. Os quelônios são pouco estudados, principalmente quanto à sua caracterização citogenética e morfológica. O presente projeto teve por objetivo estabelecer a análise das características morfológicas e citogenéticas, efetivas para a diferenciação das espécies Chelonoidis carbonaria e Chelonoidis denticulata, quelônios terrestres representativos de dois biomas brasileiros (Cerrado e Amazônia); avaliar a existência de um morfotipo de Chelonoidis carbonaria, além de descrever o cariótipo das espécies em estudo. Os animais foram coletados no criatório “Reginaldo Uvo Leone”, localizado na cidade de Tabapuã- SP. O presente trabalho possui licença do IBAMA/RAN e aprovação da Comissão de Ética em Experimentação Animal (CEEA) UNESP/IBILCE. Foram realizadas aferições da morfologia externa, avaliando-se as características morfológicas efetivas para a diferenciação das duas espécies de jabutis brasileiras, Chelonoidis carbonaria e Chelonoidis denticulata, dando ênfase à comparação com um grupo de Chelonoidis carbonaria*, que apresenta tamanho e coloração diferenciada do padrão estabelecido para a espécie. As características morfológicas foram avaliadas no intuito de caracterizar as diferenças entre as espécies, além de verificar quais são as características sexualmente dimórficas entre os grupos avaliados. Os dados obtidos permitiram o reconhecimento de um morfotipo de C. carbonaria, que apresentou características morfológicas intermediárias entre as duas espécies clássicas. Os estudos citogenéticos permitiram o reconhecimento do número cromossômico 2n= 52 para os três grupos avaliados. O bandamento G não mostrou boa reprodutibilidade e constância... / The reptiles were reduced in number of species since the time that they ruled the earth until nowadays. The tortoises are poorly studied, particularly regarding its morphological and cytogenetics features. This project aimed to establish the analysis of morphology and cytogenetics, effective to differentiate the species Chelonoidis carbonaria and Chelonoidis denticulata, terrestrial tortoises representative of two biomes (Cerrado and Amazonia), to evaluate the existence of a possible Chelonoidis carbonaria morphotype, and describe the karyotype of the studied species. The animals were collected in the Reginaldo Uvo Leone breeding farm, located in Tabapuã-SP. This work is licensed by IBAMA/RAN and approval by the Ethics Committee on Animal Experiments (ECAE) UNESP/IBILCE. We conducted measurements of external morphology, in order to evaluate the morphological characteristics effective for the differentiation of two species of Brazilian tortoises Chelonoidis carbonaria and Chelonoidis denticulata, emphasizing the comparison with a Chelonoidis carbonaria* group, which differ in color and size patterns established for the species. The morphological characteristics were evaluated in order to characterize differences between species, and check which characteristics are sexually dimorphic between the groups. The data obtained allowed the recognition of a C. carbonaria morphotype, which showed morphological characteristics intermediate between the two classic species. Cytogenetic studies led to the recognition of the chromosome number 2n= 52 for all three groups. The G-banding did not show good reproducibility and consistency in the banding patterns. In Chelonoidis carbonaria males, the C banding technique revealed the presence of constitutive heterochromatin in two microchromosomes and in two centromeric region of macrochromosomes, in females only two microchromosomes showed... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Ph.D. / South Africa has the highest biodiversity of tortoises in the world with possibly an equivalent diversity of apicomplexan haematozoans, which to date have not been adequately researched. Prior to this study, five apicomplexans had been recorded infecting southern African tortoises, including two haemogregarines, Haemogregarina fitzsimonsi and Haemogregarina parvula, and three haemoproteids, Haemoproteus testudinalis, Haemoproteus balazuci and Haemoproteus sp. A. The taxonomy of all of these species was questionable, and therefore one goal of this study was to examine at least some in great detail with the view to resolving taxonomic issues. This involved using a number of techniques such as light microscopy and image analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and molecular analysis. Outcomes were the transfer of one Haemogregarina species (Haemogregarina fitzsimonsi) to the genus Hepatozoon, the suggestion that the genus Hemolivia might be more appropriate for another haemogregarine (Haemogregarina parvula), the synonymisation of two known species of Haemoproteus (Haemoproteus balazuci with Haemoproteus testudinalis), and the naming of a third haemoproteid (Haemoproteus natalensis Cook, Smit and Davies, 2010). In addition, a likely new species of haemogregarine (Haemogregarina sp. A.) was described. To achieve all this, 367 tortoises were collected representing 62% of the species and all five genera, of South African tortoises. Tortoises were both wild (287) and captive (80), with these being both live (270) and dead (97) when taken. They were located in four different provinces, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Northern and the Western Cape, and in four different biomes (semi-arid grassland, Kalahari desert, subtropical thorn bushveld, and coastal endemic fynbos). Light photomicroscopy examination of Giemsa stained peripheral blood smears prepared from the subcarapacial vessels of live tortoises allowed for descriptions and comparisons of the observed haematozoans. Of the live tortoises, 14.8% had haemogregarines, including 13.3% with H. fitzsimonsi, 0.7% with H. parvula, and 0.7% with a previously unknown, intraleucocytic, Haemogregarina sp. A. A further 1.1% had haemoproteids, including 0.7% with Hp. testudinalis/Hp. balazuci and 0.4% with Haemoproteus sp. A. The host and locality records of previously described haematozoan species were increased and records for likely new species provided. Subtropical areas (KwaZulu-Natal) compared to arid regions (Northern Cape) presented with a higher diversity of apicomplexans, along with a higher prevalence of ticks, possible vectors of the tortoise blood parasites. Overall, male tortoises had the highest haematozoan and tick prevalences compared to females and juveniles,

M.Sc. / Research into blood protozoans (haematozoans) infecting African tortoises is scanty with only a few records published, many during the early part of the last century. Little research had been done on the blood parasites of tortoises examined in this study namely, Kinixys lobatsiana, K. belliana belliana, K. natalensis, Geochelone pardalis pardalis, G. pardalis babcocki and Chersina angulata. The study therefore aimed to: 1) examine apicomplexan haematozoan parasites infecting several of South Africa’s indigenous tortoises and compare them with published species descriptions, especially from neighbouring Mozambique; 2) provide host details (identity, ectoparasites, host weight and gender, effects of blood parasites on host cells) and locality records in different seasons for described and new apicomplexan species; 3) describe new and recorded parasites using morphometrics and, if possible, ultrastructural characteristics 4) attempt apicomplexan DNA extraction, amplification and, if feasible, purification; and 5) establish a basis for future research as a result of the acquired knowledge. During the current study, 154 tortoises of six species in three genera, both captive and wild, and from four South African provinces (Gauteng, North West, Kwazulu-Natal and Western Cape) were sampled. Giemsa stained blood smears and use of image analysis enabled morphometric analysis of the apicomplexans and their effects on host cells, while some blood preserved in Karnovsky’s and Todd’s fixatives received detailed examination by transmission electron microscopy. Lastly, blood preserved in lysis buffer during collection, and with the highest parasitaemias, was subjected to parasite DNA extraction and amplification. Comparisons between a published account of apicomplexans recorded from K. b. belliana in Mozambique, and those found in the current study, identified two haemogregarine species. In the present research, Haemogregarina fitzsimonsi Dias, 1953 infected 2/27 (7%) wild North West K. lobatsiana, 2/3 (66%) captive Kwazulu-Natal K. natalensis, 7/14 (50%) captive Kwazulu- Natal K. b. belliana, 3/6 (50%) captive Kwazulu-Natal G. p. pardalis, 2/41 (5%) wild G. p. babcocki and 13/37 (35%) captive Gauteng G. pardalis. In addition, Haemogregarina parvula Dias, 1953, infected 2/14 (14%) captive K. b. belliana and 1/10 (10%) captive G. p. pardalis. An unknown species of haemogregarine, possibly also H. fitzsimonsi occurred in 6/16 (38%) Chersina angulata from the Western Cape. As well as haemogregarines, two haemoproteids were identified: Haemoproteus balazuci Dias, 1953 infected 2/27 (7%) wild North West K. lobatsiana, 2/2 (100%) captive Gauteng K. lobatsiana and 1/41 (2%) wild North West G. p. babcocki; Haemoproteus sp., a likely new species, was found in 1/3 (33%) captive K. natalensis. Infections with Haemogregarina and Haemoproteus were not concurrent in this study, but were found to occur concurrently in Dias (1953) findings, and only the two Haemogregarina spp. occurred together in captive Kwazulu-Natal G. p. pardalis tortoises, which do not occur naturally in the region. Haemogregarina fitzsimonsi did not appear region or host specific, since it infected 5/6 species of tortoises from all provinces sampled. Haemogregarina parvula apparently existed only in tortoises from Kwazulu-Natal. Furthermore, captive Gauteng female tortoises were found to have a higher rate of infection than males and heavier tortoises showed a lower intensity infection than lighter and younger tortoises. On average season appeared to have a slight affect on parasite prevalence, with a higher prevalence during the summer rather than the winter, possibly a result of the activity of the assumed vector, which may be the tick species Amblyomma marmoreum (found on G. pardalis) and/or Amblyomma hebraeum (found on C. angulata). For the new Haemoproteus sp., the small sample size meant that meaningful data on host-specificity and range was not gathered, but Hp. balazuci occurred in K. lobatsiana in the drier regions of the North West and Gauteng. Although DNA extraction was possible for H. fitzsimonsi, the technique requires further refinement and samples with greater parasitemias before it can be used with additional material, and sequencing can be attempted. Thus, new localities, hosts, host data and possible vectors (ticks) were recorded for the apicomplexan species identified by Dias (1953) and they were re-described using modern techniques. Also, possibly new Haemogregarina and Haemoproteus spp. were recorded, but their identity requires confirmation by DNA analysis. It is anticipated that these, and future results, will increase the knowledge of the ecology and biodiversity of apicomplexan haematozoans parasitising chelonian hosts in South Africa, with possible application to the conservation of these and other tortoise species around the world.

Os médicos veterinários que trabalham com répteis frequentemente são indagados pelos proprietários sobre os tipos de doenças que estes animais podem transmitir, bem como sobre as medidas profiláticas que devem ser implementadas para prevenir a transmissão de doenças. Desta forma, o conhecimento sobre os patógenos que estes animais albergam passa a ser importante para orientação dos proprietários quanto aos cuidados adequados que devem ser adotados com estes animais. Os microrganismos que compõem a microbiota podem se tornar patogênicos para seus hospedeiros quando os mesmos encontram-se debilitados, bem como a eliminação contínua destes microrganismos (pelas fezes, por exemplo) por répteis aparentemente saudáveis ou mesmo doentes, pode representar um importante problema para pessoas que tenham contato com eles. Crianças, idosos e indivíduos imunossuprimidos ou imunocomprometidos são bastante suscetíveis às infecções após manipulação de répteis criados como pet. Considerando-se que os répteis participam de forma crescente do mercado de animais criados como pet, suas características microbiológicas devem ser pesquisadas, visando evitar que eles adoeçam ou venham a óbito devido à ocorrência de doenças infecciosas e não transmitam zoonoses para aqueles que os manipulam. Este trabalho teve como objetivos o estudo da microbiota bacteriana e fúngica presente na cloaca de jabutis (Geochelone carbonária) criados em domicílio e análise do potencial risco a saúde humana. Foram realizados exames microbiológicos de swabs de cloaca de 100 jabutis-piranga visando a pesquisa de bactérias aeróbias, anaeróbias facultativas e fungos filamentosos e leveduras. Foram isolados 18 gêneros de bactérias, 06 gêneros de leveduras e 03 gêneros de fungos filamentosos. Os gêneros de microrganismos isolados com maior freqüência foram: Escherichia sp. (67%), Klebsiella spp. (54%), Bacillus spp. (42%), Candida spp. (42%), Citrobacter spp. (33%), Staphylococcus spp. (29%), Corynebacterium spp. (15%) e Aeromonas spp. (15%), dentre outros com menor freqüência. A freqüência de isolamentos de E. coli (67%) foi semelhante à de Klebsiella spp. (54%) e maior (P<0,05) do que as frequências de isolamentos de todos os outros microrganismos. Todos os microrganismos isolados podem representar risco para a saúde humana, devendo-se atentar para os cuidados com répteis criados como animais pet, particularmente quanto aos aspectos de higiene relacionados aos mesmos, visando assim a prevenção destes riscos. / Veterinarians who work with reptiles are frequently asked by owners about diseases that these animals can transmit, as well about the preventative measures that should be taken to prevent the transmission of diseases. Therefore, knowledge about pathogens that inhabit these animals and represent a potential zoonotic risk are very important in order to allow veterinarians to give proper recommendations about husbandry and preventative methods. Children, elderly people, and imunocompromised individuals are increasingly susceptible to infections after reptile pet manipulation. The microorganisms which form the microbiota can become pathogenic for their host if the host is debilitated. Transmission of these microorganisms from healthy or sick reptiles can be hazardous for people that have contact with them. Considering that reptiles are increasing obtained as pet, their microbiota should be investigated in order to prevent transmission of disease to people who manipulate them. The purposes of this paper were to evaluate the bacterial and fungal microbiota in the companion tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria) and to analyze the potential public health risk. One hundred samples of feaces from cloaca were obtained from jabutis-piranga and microbiological examinations were made for the presence of aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts. Eighteen genus of bacteria, six genus of yeasts, and three genus of fungi were identified. The most frequently isolated genus were: Escherichia sp. (67%), Klebsiella spp. (54%), Bacillus spp. (42%), Candida spp. (42%), Citrobacter spp. (33%), Staphylococcus spp. (29%), Corynebacterium spp. (15%) and Aeromonas spp. (15%). The number of isolated E. coli (67%) was similar to that of Klebsiella sp. (54%), and was greater than (P<0.05) the total number of other species isolated. All isolated microorganisms present a public health risk. Therefore, care should be taken when obtaining these reptiles as pets, especially with regards to husbandry and proper hygiene in order to prevent the risk of contamination with the microbiota.