To gain an overview of crocodile species held in zoos, the number of individuals kept, and the number of keeping institutions, we analyzed collection information from the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) database. Our analysis performed from June to July 2016 revealed that there were 24 species of crocodiles kept globally in 451 zoos, with 22 species kept in 185 European zoos. Two globally-kept species were lacking in European zoo holdings according to ZIMS. Of the 27 currently recognized species of crocodiles, one (Mecistops sp.) is not held in zoos at present. In addition we have opposed ZIMS data with information available from European studbooks and, based on literature evaluation, analyzed the development of crocodile collections in Europe during the last 40 years. Although ZIMS data is not complete, there is a trend discernible that only a few species are widely kept by the zoo community, whereas most species are represented in smaller numbers. We further discuss the importance of “Regional Collection Plans”, viz. long-term crocodile collection planning, and provide recommendations for population management such as considering a shift from very commonly kept species towards species that are in greater need of conservation support through zoo husbandry efforts.
Abnormal behaviours are common in captive environments that not supply the physical and psychological needs of animals. There are animals, like brown bears, more susceptible to develop abnormal behaviours due to their seasonal biology related to food, hibernation or reproduction. The two brown bear Ursus arctos females from Barcelona Zoo, Spain, showed two different patterns of abnormal behaviours. The old ♀ displayed episodes of biting a tree trunk while the young ♀ carried out head-tossing events. The studied period was from March to December 2004 divided into seasonal periods: autumn, spring and summer. A total of 63 hours of observations were recorded using a multi-focal continuous method. The time invested on abnormal behaviour was higher in spring followed by summer and autumn in both females. The other variables related to the abnormal behaviour studied were duration, intensity, occurrence and space use which also showed statistically significant differences among seasonal periods. The old ♀ space use during abnormal behaviour was in the same zone meanwhile the young ♀ showed statistically significant differences among seasonal variations and zones of the enclosure. These results should be taken into account to improve the management of bears in zoological institutions.
An attempt is made to provide a survey of the African Forest Elephants kept in various zoological gardens between 1882 and the present. Due to the very mixed quality and reliability of sources, and the difficult question which elephants from the northern part of their range may have been hybrids, I do not offer the data as a table. The two main areas of origin were today‘s Gabon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, specifically the elephant training stations at Api and Gangala-na-Bodio or Wando and Aru. In the elephant training centers, four calves were born in 1930, of which three survived. From Gangala-na-Bodio, Forest Elephants, Savannah Elephants and hybrids between both have been exported. There are also exports for which data are available, but not on their final destination.
A few specimens of two extinct emu forms formerly distributed on King Island and Kangaroo Island both south of Australian mainland were brought to France by the Baudin expedition in the beginning of 19th century. Two individuals lived in Paris until 1822. Partly different information and opinions about number and identity of the emus loaded on board by the expedition on the named islands and about the whereabouts of the remains of these birds in European museums have been published in both historical and modern literature. This paper contains description, comparison, analysis, and assessment of the different stances and gives an overview about the current scientific knowledge about the subject.
This paper provides some information on the life history and development data of the female sand tiger shark from its birth in Japan in 2001 to its removal from the Berlin Zoo Aquarium to the Ozeaneum in Stralsund in 2012. Within a period of ten and a half years, the length of the shark doubled from 1 to 2 meters and its weight increased from 12 to 200 kilograms.
Is the Zoo of Zurich an institution that imparts knowledge or educational benefit? The primary objective of the referenced master thesis was to analyse and seek to quantify certain parameters of this premise. In order to attain this objective, and in collaboration with Zoo Zurich, a broadly based evaluation via survey and analysis of the knowledge acquired and retained by visitors to the zoo was conducted. Applying 16 scientifically designed questionnaires, each developed for a specific sub-area (or animal enclosure) of Zoo Zurich, the majority of the zoo's available educational offerings could be included in the survey. The questions developed for the survey were based on six knowledge domains, all considered relevant and categorised in terms of change in attitude and behaviour by visitors to the zoo. The interviews carried out, encompassed 1’273 pre or ‘entrance’ and 1’234 post or ‘exit’ interviews, for a total sample size of 2’507 interviews.
In Osnabrück zoo, the opening of a new Sumatran tiger enclosure, an extension to the former tiger facility, took place in March 2014. Installed in the new enclosure were two young tigers and they were observed in the first weeks after their arrival. The focus was on the use of the enclosure and the tigers approach to each other. In addition, their general behaviour was recorded and examined to see whether they developed any stereotypical behaviour types.
Woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha) are impressive characteristic species of Southern America. Thus, their keeping and breeding at Dortmund Zoo between 1960-1974 and 1979-1988 should be contemplated in a retrospective and concluding way. Seven births plus one putative abort occurred. Births were distributed over the year as follows: February (1), May (2), June (1), November (2), and December (1). Two woolly monkeys reached a remarkable age assumed between 16 and 19 years for a female and between 18 and 21 years for a male. Gravidity lasts only about five months. The data presented here are of historic interest but unfortunately the set is too small to provide meaningful statistical results.
Giraffes are browsing ruminants, for which in zoological gardens, an appropriate food range is important to show natural behavior patterns. In a breeding group of ten Rothschild giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) in the ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen, Germany, we examined the influence of two different feeds on the activity budgets, behavior and mean fecal particle size. Giraffes, which received Alfalfa hay ad libitum spent 29%, receiving, however, fresh foliage they spent 55% of their daily activity with feeding. But in the first case, giraffes were looking for alternative food sources for a considerable time (28%) feeding on debarked branches in their enclosure. The values for other activities (rumination, observing, stereotypes) were largely similar. The mean particle sizes in the feces were 1.47mm during Alfalfa feeding and 0.40mm during leaf feeding. Our observations show again that feeding of giraffes in the zoo will have a significant influence on the daily activity and the average fecal particle size and, thus, on the use of nutrients. Further, they show that branches and twigs in their enclosure may be used as “feeding enrichment” to generate natural behaviour. Through the evasiveness shown, in the search for alternative sources of food, we conclude that in the zoo should be used as a so-called feeding enrichment for giraffes to generate a natural feeding stimulus.
Is the Zoo of Zurich an institution that imparts knowledge or educational benefit? The primary objective of the referenced master thesis was to analyse and seek to quantify certain parameters of this premise. In order to attain this objective, and in collaboration with Zoo Zurich, a broadly based evaluation via survey and analysis of the knowledge acquired and retained by visitors to the zoo was conducted. Applying 16 scientifically designed questionnaires, each developed for a specific sub-area (or animal enclosure) of Zoo Zurich, the majority of the zoo's available educational offerings could be included in the survey. The questions developed for the survey were based on six knowledge domains, all considered relevant and categorised in terms of change in attitude and behaviour by visitors to the zoo. The interviews carried out, encompassed 1’273 pre or ‘entrance’ and 1’234 post or ‘exit’ interviews, for a total sample size of 2’507 interviews.In a first step, the data analysis focused on the knowledge imparted during a single visit to the zoo. Via hypothesis testing, it was possible to prove with a 99% level of significance, that a single visit to Zoo Zurich can provide a significantly positive educational effect.Statements regarding the level of retention of such knowledge transfer were not yet possible with these insights gained. For this reason in a second step, a multiple regression (31 significant variables, R2 = 0.22) was calculated, for which the results obtained from the interviewees constituted the dependent variable. The conclusion attained was again positive: A single visit to the zoo has a significantly positive educational effect, and which accounted for approx. 5 percentage points within the questionnaires. In addition it was now possible to establish, that an increasing number of visits to Zoo Zurich translate into materially higher results (99% significance). Thus for example, the average knowledge or educational advantage attributable to frequent visitors (three or more visits per year) is 3.5 percentage points higher than other visitor groups. Consequently, the knowledge or educational effect gained at Zoo Zurich rather than merely temporary, instead indicates a certain level of sustainability or permanence of retention. This was also shown by the fact that the reduction or loss of knowledge due to lack of knowledge brush-up through a renewed visit to the zoo, did not occur rapidly but rather over several years.Next to these findings, particularly in focus also was the notable impact of children on the level of knowledge transfer by the Zoo Zurich. Thus, as became visible from the multiple regression, visitor groups with toddlers achieved significantly lower results in knowledge transfer or educational benefit versus those groups without children or visitors with adolescent children. As a result, the current potential for knowledge transfer at Zoo Zurich is, to a considerable extent, impaired. This given amongst the visitor groups questioned, that 63% were accompanied by children on average being five years of age.In a further step, the data were analysed as to whether the demonstrated transfer of knowledge or educational effect occurred across the entire Zoo Zurich, or if differences were verifiable amongst the selected 16 sub-areas or animal enclosures. The results revealed that four of the examined 16 sub-areas had a significantly positive educational effect. Allowing for expansion of the level of significance applied to 90%, an educational effect became visible in a further five sub-areas of Zoo Zurich. However, further study is needed to attain certainty for these five sub-areas. In seven sub-areas, on average, an educational effect could not be ascertained.In a closing step toward completeness of the insights gained, a final question was considered: What type of knowledge does the educational effect of Zoo Zurich encompass? To this end, the transfer of knowledge was individually tested for the six pivotal knowledge domains. The analysis showed a significantly positive educational effect in three of the six knowledge domains. Thus, zoo visitors exhibited an enhanced knowledge regarding appearance, names, and geographical distribution of the animal species observed. For the remaining knowledge domains of biotopes, behaviour & characteristics, and threats & protection, a visit to Zoo Zurich did not result in a change of knowledge.The question formulated at the beginning can, given the evaluations completed, be answered with a Yes: The Zoo of Zurich does impart knowledge. However, this knowledge transfer does not include all sub-areas of Zoo Zurich, nor all as pivotal defined knowledge domains.(The complete article in English relating to this abstract is available from the author via email: [email protected])
The dynamics of species accumulation of African terrestrial vertebrates over time remains underexplored in comparison with those in the New World, despite Africa hosting about 25% of the world’s avian diversity. This lack of knowledge hampers our understanding of the fundamental processes that drive biodiversity and the dynamics of speciation. To begin to address this gap, we reconstructed species-level phylogenies of two unrelated clades of African woodpeckers (12 species of Geocolaptes/Campethera and 13 species of Chloropicus/Mesopicos/Dendropicos/Ipophilus) that diverged from their closest Indo-Malayan relatives at similar times. Our results demonstrate that the current taxonomy is misleading: three (Campethera, Dendropicos and Mesopicos) out of four polytpic genera/subgenera are not monophyletic. Our results also show that current estimates of diversity at the species level are significantly understated, as up to 18 species for the ‘Campethera clade’ and 19 for the ‘Dendropicos clade’ could be recognized. The first splits within both clades involve species that are largely restricted to the Guineo-Congolian biogeographic regions, followed by later adaptations to particular habitats (forest versus savannah) and colonization of other regions (e.g. Southern Africa), each of which occurred multiple times in both clades. Assuming a conservative species delimitation scheme, our results indicate that diversification rates are decreasing through time for both clades. Applying a more extreme species recognition scheme (18 and 19 species for the Campethera and Dendropicos clades, respectively), our results support a decrease in diversification rates only for the Dendropicos clade and thus underline the importance of the number of species included in our diversification analyses. Greater ecological diversity of the Campethera clade where multiple species exhibit either an arboreal or terrestrial foraging strategy might explain the constant diversification rates through time we found under the eighteen species scheme.
The present paper reviews available data concerning the capture and exhibition of live Mediterranean monk seals in Italian zoos and other scientific institutions. Hopefully this may provide further data concerning monk seals management and on the extent of past human exploitation that may be valuable for the conservation of this unique species.
The welfare of animals under human care has become a major concern in many parts of the world over the last several decades. The public's concern for the welfare of animals in zoos and aquariums has perhaps evolved more recently than its concern for laboratory and farm animals. However, professionals working in zoos and aquariums have been concerned with the welfare of animals for a long time, as efforts to develop and improve husbandry for an astonishing array of animal species has been undertaken. Using interviews and gathering of information from the literature and zoological community, we trace the evolution of the zoological profession's focus on animal welfare in the United States and draw comparisons to how a welfare focus developed in U.S. laboratories and on farms. We also discuss the zoological profession's elaboration of and role in the field of wildlife welfare science. We assert that the welfare focus in U.S. zoos and aquaria has largely been driven internally and is characterized by unique challenges and solutions. Zoos and aquaria are also leading the science of captive wildlife welfare with relatively little contribution from universities, governments, or non-government organizations.
Since 2008 the commercial trade of Laotriton laoensis has been prohibited in Laos. This is to be welcomed although protection in practice is hardly to be monitored. According to IUCN the species is listed as “Endangered EN”. The species is still threatened by local people by poisonous fishing. The newts are used for food in Laos. Even more problematic is the use in traditional medicine, which can become a serious threat in the medium term despite the trade ban. They are used for example as drugs against respiratory diseases and arthritis. The importance for the international animal trade was repeatedly discussed. Due to the diurnal activity the newts are easily captured. Its size and attractiveness make the newts to a desirable species for the pet trade. However, the report presented here shows that coordinated offspring management is a good way to counter the threats. All possible keepers who are interested in keeping this species should refrain from acquiring wild caught animals.
Different precursors were evaluated for the generation of reference spectra and correction of the background caused by SiO molecules in the determination of Sb in facial cosmetics by high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry employing direct solid sample analysis. Zeolite and mica were the most effective precursors for background correction during Sb determination using the 217.581 nm and 231.147 nm lines. Full 23 factorial design and central composite design were used to optimize the atomizer temperature program. The optimum pyrolysis and atomization temperatures were 1500 and 2100 °C, respectively. A Pd(NO3)2/Mg(NO3)2 mixture was employed as the chemical modifier, and calibration was performed at 217.581 nm with aqueous standards containing Sb in the range 0.5–2.25 ng, resulting in a correlation coefficient of 0.9995 and a slope of 0.1548 s ng−1. The sample mass was in the range 0.15–0.25 mg. The accuracy of the method was determined by analysis of Montana Soil (II) certified reference material, together with addition/recovery tests. The Sb concentration found was in agreement with the certified value, at a 95% confidence level (paired t-test). Recoveries of Sb added to the samples were in the range 82–108%. The limit of quantification was 0.9 mg kg−1 and the relative standard deviation (n=3) ranged from 0.5% to 7.1%. From thirteen analyzed samples, Sb was not detected in ten samples (blush, eye shadow and compact powder); three samples (two blush and one eye shadow) presented Sb concentration in the 9.1−14.5 mg kg−1 range.
The selection and the use of antiparasitic remedies in the animals in zoological gardens and those bred in captivity present one of the challenges to the wildlife veterinarians. The latter have to be flexible enough in the choice of medicines and schemes of treatment of the animals they take care of. The present study is aimed at adding more information in that respect. A number of cases of ivermectin treating of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish bred in captivity are presented in it. The tolerance to the drug in the different animals, species of the parasites influenced by it, dosages, schemes of applying and some other peculiarities in the system animals – diseases – anthelmintic treatments are discussed.
The Crocodile lizard Shinisaurus crocodilurus, the only living representative of the family Shinisauridae, is a habitat specialist adapted to remote freshwater habitats within evergreen broadleaf forests. Its current distribution is restricted to few small and isolated remnant occurrences in South China and North Vietnam. Multiple anthropogenic threats such as massive habitat destruction and unsustainable over-collection for the international pet trade brought the species to the brink of extinction. We herein employed an integrative taxonomic approach including comprehensive molecular comparisons based on fragments of mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b, partial ND6, and partial tRNA-Glu) in concert with in-depth morphological and ecological analyses in order to determine the status of the extant populations. Based on molecular, morphological, and ecological differences, we herein describe a new subspecies, Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis ssp. n., from Vietnam. Our findings emphasize the importance of improved in situ conservation measures in both countries, as both China and Vietnam harbor unique Crocodile lizard forms. We also recommend additional ex situ conservation measures, i.e., separate conservation breeding management of the subspecies in order to maintain genetic integrity and adjust husbandry conditions according to detected differences in ecological niche occupation.
The Me Linh Station for Biodiversity in northern Vietnam, which borders Tam Dao National Park, was established in 1999 by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology for the purpose of rescuing, keeping, studying and breeding Vietnamese plant and wildlife species in an in-country ex situ facility. The Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, which runs the station, has pleased the Cologne Zoo to improve existing facilities at the Me Linh Station and to develop new ones, in particular for amphibians and reptiles, for the keeping and breeding of confiscated, endangered and selected rare or poorly known species from Vietnam for studying husbandry parameters and natural history, to build up captive assurance populations for potential future release or restocking programs, and to improve services for environmental and conservation education for visitors, school children and students. This report summarizes our joint efforts at the Me Linh Station for Biodiversity from 2012 until today. Focus is laid on the construction of indoor and outdoor amphibian facilities, but we also report about the development and buildup of crocodile lizard, monitor lizard, python and turtle enclosures, as well as of primate facilities. We also built up offspring enclosures for amphibians and reptiles, a feeder animal breeding, and created a quarantine section. Preliminary recommendations for a veterinary management are provided. Furthermore we document our joint approaches in improving the station management, developing research programmes, and report about first public awareness measures. With this article we also aim to show how facilities, breeding programs and husbandry systems can be improved and built up in a tropical country within the framework of an international cooperation.
