Abstract
Few studies investigating metabolic rate of Arabian Peninsula were done especially those concerning snakes. This study was designed to determine the association of metabolic rate of the snake, Eryx jayakari, during resting and activity states with aerobic and anaerobic respiration under different temperature zones. A total number of 25 immature specimens of E. jayakari was collected from Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. Oxygen consumption rate and total lactate production for resting and active snakes were determined at 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees,30 degrees, and 35 degrees C. The results showed that resting and active oxygen consumption and aerobic scope increased gradually with rising temperature. The differences in oxygen consumption between resting and active states were significant (P <= 0.05). The highest Q10 value was obtained at 30 degrees-35 degrees C. There was a proportional relationship between elevated temperature and production of lactic acid either in resting or active snakes. The value of Q10 during anaerobic scope was the highest at 25 degrees-30 degrees C. There was a proportional increase in ATP molecules (mu moles/g/2min) during aerobic or anaerobic respiration as well as total metabolic scope with the increase in ambient temperature.