I have encountered several instances of metabolic and physical anomalies among wild specimens, including spinal deformities, unilateral anophthalmia and even dwarfism. I believe bilateral anophthalmia does occur among wild specimens, though I am certain most incurring such rarely make it out of the nest. There is actually some proof that bilateral and unilateral anophthalmia is genetic, as researchers from the Edinburgh genetic unit believe such instances might have their roots in the mutation of a gene. In humans, the gene has been identified as the SOX2 gene.
You are absolutely correct that we have only begun to scratch the surface, in regards to the proper nutritional requirements of captive herpetofauna and it’s encouraging to know that a great deal of work is now taking place in regards to such…

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

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