PHYSIOLOGICAL BLOOD VALUES FOR HOUSED WEST AFRICAN BLACK MUD TORTOISE (Pelusios niger) DURING THE HUMID SEASON

This study established baseline hematological and serum biochemical values for captive West African Black Mud Tortoises, Pelusios niger, during the humid season in a tropical environment. Species-specific blood reference values are important for evaluating health, nutrition, reproductive status, and physiological adaptation in reptiles maintained under captive conditions. A total of 80 clinically healthy adult tortoises housed at the Tortoise Research Unit were examined between April and October. Blood samples were collected from the dorsal coccygeal vein and sub-carapacial venous sinus following standard reptile-handling procedures. Hematological parameters measured included packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, and differential leukocyte counts. Serum biochemical analyses included total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and aspartate aminotransferase activity. The mean PCV, hemoglobin concentration, and erythrocyte count were 28.45 ± 4.20%, 9.12 ± 1.80 g/dL, and 0.68 ± 0.15 × 10¹²/L, respectively. Lymphocytes were the dominant white blood cell type, comprising 54.0 ± 6.2% of circulating leukocytes. Average total protein and calcium concentrations were 4.6 ± 0.8 g/dL and 11.2 ± 2.8 mg/dL, respectively. Females showed significantly higher calcium and total protein levels than males, indicating reproductive activity associated with vitellogenesis. Low blood urea nitrogen and creatinine values suggested adequate hydration and normal kidney function during the rainy season. These findings provide the first comprehensive blood reference values for captive P. niger during the humid season and offer useful diagnostic and management tools for veterinarians, wildlife researchers, and conservation practitioners