Study of the anatomy and histology of the female reproductive system of the Asian snake-eyed skink, Ablepharus pannonicus (Sauria: Scincidae)

Abstract

This study examines and contrasts the anatomy and histology of the female reproductive system in Ablepharus pannonicus, a member of the Scincidae family, across the spring and autumn seasons. Female specimens of A. pannonicus were collected from the northern slopes of the Shorkhah Dizah village (34°23’49.1”N 46°03’15.1”E), located 125 km west of Kermanshah Province in western Iran. After anaesthesia, the specimens were dissected in the laboratory, and their reproductive systems were processed for tissue analysis, using serial sections stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin for detailed histological examination. The findings indicate that during the spring, the ovaries of A. pannonicus contain all stages of follicular development, including primordial, mature, and ovulation-ready follicles. In contrast, the autumn samples predominantly exhibit primordial or preovulatory follicles, with a notable absence of mature follicles. These observations suggest a seasonal reproductive pattern in female A. pannonicus, characterized by significant morphological changes and heightened activity within the ovaries and genital tracts during spring. As the ambient temperature drops and the reproductive season concludes, gonadal size and activity decrease, leading to the absence of reproductive activity in autumn. It is hypothesized that during this period, the animals engage in feeding and fat storage in preparation for hibernation.