Examination of different blood parameters in Testudo marginata after the hibernation

Abstract

During this experiment the author hoped to find a trend in some haematological parameters before and after hibernation in Testudo marginata species which would give some indication on the sex of the animal. Using external characteristics, 14 animals were studied and determined to be male or female. Blood samples were collected two successive times after the end of hibernation and the parameters were analyzed and compared between the sexes. In this way the author hoped to find an emerging trend that would help in the recognition of the sexes of tortoises using scientific methods, and thus avoid the subjective method of relying on external features.