C. Schiffmann, M. Clauss, P. Fernando, J. Pastorini, P. Wendler, N. Ertl, S. Hoby, J. Hatt
{"title":"Body condition scores in European zoo elephants (Elephas maximus and Loxodonta africana): status quo and influencing factors","authors":"C. Schiffmann, M. Clauss, P. Fernando, J. Pastorini, P. Wendler, N. Ertl, S. Hoby, J. Hatt","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V6I3.355","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V6I3.355","url":null,"abstract":"Obesity is a common problem in captive elephants. Therefore, physical state monitoring presents a critical aspect in preventive elephant healthcare. Some institutions lack the equipment to weigh elephants regularly, so body condition scoring (BCS) is a valuable alternative tool. As yet, the BCS of both elephant species has not been assessed comprehensively for the European captive population. Using a previously validated visual BCS protocol, we assessed 192 African (Loxodonta africana) and 326 Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) living in European zoos (97% of the living European elephant population). The majority of elephants scored in the upper categories with 56% of adults assessed in the range 7–10 out of 10. Adult Asian elephants had significantly lower BCS (males: mean 6.2 ± 1.0, median 6.0, range 4–8; females: mean 6.6 ± 1.3, median 6.0, range 3–9) than African elephants (males: mean 6.7 ± 0.7, median 6.0, range 6–8; females: mean 6.9 ± 1.2, median 6.0, range 1–9). Comparison with samples of free-ranging populations (163 Asian elephants and 121 African elephants) revealed significantly lower scores in free-ranging elephants independent of species, age and sex category. Compared to previous reports from captive populations, the European zoo elephant population is \u0000nevertheless less obese. In adult Asian elephant females, BCS was significantly correlated to their breeding status with lower scores in current breeders; however, breeding status was also correlated to group size, enclosure size, and a diet with less vegetables. Further attention to zoo elephant weight management is recommended with regular longitudinal monitoring by body condition scoring.","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"6 1","pages":"91-103"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2018-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49419112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mitochondrial DNA haplotype diversity and origin of captive sand tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus)","authors":"R. Wynne, C. Wilding","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V6I3.348","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V6I3.348","url":null,"abstract":"The sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) is listed as globally vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with geographically isolated and separated global populations with little or no gene flow between them. Captive-breeding of these sharks in aquaria would reduce the need to populate displays with wild-caught individuals; however, sand tigers are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity. In this study we analysed 520bp of the mitochondrial D-loop to assess the haplotype diversity of 19 captive sand tiger sharks from aquaria in the UK and US. Genetic material was sampled in a non-invasive fashion through DNA extracted from shed teeth. Data obtained were compared to known, geographically mapped wild haplotypes to establish whether individuals from different global populations are being housed together. Results identified the haplotype of a minimum of 10 of the 19 sharks, detecting four different haplotypes, and identifying a previously undescribed haplotype (haplotype K). A major genetic subdivision between the haplotypes of the North West Atlantic and those of other global populations has been previously shown from population genetic analyses. Our results indicate that captive sharks can be from either side of this subdivision and occasionally these can be co-housed in the same aquarium. Since sharks with highly divergent genetic ancestry are being kept together, these findings have implications for conservation efforts regarding the individual needs of sand tiger shark populations and for captive-breeding program success rates.","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"6 1","pages":"74-78"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2018-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47436335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Filter-foraging strategies of captive American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) in relation to food type, density and distribution in the water column","authors":"Bart Briek, E. Stamhuis, D. Worst","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V6I3.316","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V6I3.316","url":null,"abstract":"The American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) forages using ram filter-feeding to feed on (mainly) zooplankton throughout the water column. It makes an ontogenetic transition from buccal pumping to ram ventilation feeding in the first year. In wild conditions plankton is often distributed unevenly in time and space, however this does not always apply to captive conditions. In the study presented here two paddlefish were fed on a range of diets and supply methods to see if they would alter their foraging strategy. Insight in influencing foraging strategies could be beneficial for zoos and aquariua for display purposes or for improving welfare conditions. The paddlefish were studied during foraging and foraging strategy, bout length and usage of the aquarium space were recorded. Three foraging strategies can be distinguished: foraging while swimming in straight lines, foraging while swimming in circulatory paths and particulate foraging. Although these strategies appear to not have a fixed switch-point, a significant difference can be found between the foraging strategies for starting a certain strategy and ending it in relation to food density (p=<0.003). Mean time spent on a strategy differs in duration from 1 to 60 seconds. When negative buoyant food sources (e.g. Mysis) were used, the paddlefish foraged in the lower parts of the aquarium. Neutrally buoyant food sources (e.g. Daphnia pulex) caused the paddlefish to forage throughout different depths of the aquarium. (p=<0.001).","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"6 1","pages":"68-73"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2018-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44925906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anthony Caravaggi, A. Plowman, D. Wright, Charles M. Bishop
{"title":"The composition of captive ruffed lemur (Varecia spp.) diets in UK zoological collections, with reference to the problems of obesity and iron storage disease","authors":"Anthony Caravaggi, A. Plowman, D. Wright, Charles M. Bishop","doi":"10.19227/jzar.v6i2.301","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/jzar.v6i2.301","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"6 1","pages":"41-49"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2018-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49182691","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Behaviour and enclosure use of captive parma wallabies (Macropus parma): an assessment of compatibility within a mixed-species exhibit.","authors":"Jessica Rendle, S. Ward, W. McCormick","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V6I2.255","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V6I2.255","url":null,"abstract":"The parma wallaby (Macropus parma) is considered to be a species of conservation concern. Collaborative breeding programs for this cryptic animal are in place in many zoos worldwide. Many zoos choose to house parma wallabies in mixed-species exhibits and a successful combination of species can greatly improve breeding prospects. However, there are potential health and welfare concerns and species compatibility requires consideration. This study investigates if a previously unreported housing of the parma wallaby and the Patagonian mara (Doliochotis patagonum), is congruous.Parma wallabies at Dudley Zoological Gardens were observed in two different housing systems; mixed-species (MS) and single species (SS) for nine days. Scan sampling of all individuals, across a range of behaviours previously reported for this species, was carried out at three 30 minute periods across the day. Differences in foraging behaviour were noted with parmas housed in the MS foraging significantly less than the SS group (p<0.01). A novel behaviour, agonistic directional urination, was also observed in the MS enclosure which was not observed within the SS group. Utilisation of the enclosure was analysed using a Spread of Participation Index (SPI); values revealed MS parmas utilised less of their enclosure, with a notable preference for areas not frequented by mara (W27=899.0, p<0.05). The MS parmas appeared to be affected by the presence of the mara, both behaviourally and in their enclosure use, this could be indicative of a negative welfare state. This study provides an indicator of species incompatibility, potentially affecting the welfare of captive parma wallabies and the future conservation of the species, and requires further investigation.","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"6 1","pages":"63-68"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2018-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49340720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J. Craggs, J. Guest, A. Brett, Michelle J. Davis, M. Sweet
{"title":"Maintaining natural spawning timing in Acropora corals following long distance inter-continental transportation.","authors":"J. Craggs, J. Guest, A. Brett, Michelle J. Davis, M. Sweet","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V6I2.317","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V6I2.317","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2018-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48244660","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Lukač, E. Prukner-Radovčić, Ž. Gottstein, M. Damjanović, M. Ljuština, D. Lisičić, D. Tomić
{"title":"Bacterial and fungal flora in faecal samples from the Balkan snow vole (Dinaromys bogdanovi) at the Zagreb Zoo, Croatia","authors":"M. Lukač, E. Prukner-Radovčić, Ž. Gottstein, M. Damjanović, M. Ljuština, D. Lisičić, D. Tomić","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V5I4.293","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V5I4.293","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"5 1","pages":"167-171"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2018-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44014664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Graeme Fox, I. Darolti, Jean-Denis Hibbitt, R. Preziosi, J. Fitzpatrick, J. Rowntree
{"title":"Bespoke markers for ex-situ conservation : application, analysis and challenges in the assessment of a population of endangered undulate rays","authors":"Graeme Fox, I. Darolti, Jean-Denis Hibbitt, R. Preziosi, J. Fitzpatrick, J. Rowntree","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V6I2.299","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V6I2.299","url":null,"abstract":"Genetic data are important and informative in the management of ex-situ populations. Where the risk of inbreeding is particularly great, it is critical that tools are employed that allow for the qu ...","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"6 1","pages":"50-56"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68106229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Haematological and serum biochemistry reference intervals for the Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis)","authors":"Jessica Bodgener, John C. M. Lewis","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V5I4.273","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V5I4.273","url":null,"abstract":"We report the first investigation into sub-species specific haematological and serum biochemistry reference intervals for the Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis). A total of 62 samples were included in this retrospective study. All animals involved were part of the European Endangered species breeding Program. The samples were collected between December 1995 and May 2015. In broad terms the reference intervals reported were consistent with existing available Species 360 data for the species as a whole, albeit with narrower ranges for some parameters. 14 of the 34 amylase results included in the study were found to be unusually high when compared to the Species 360 range. The clinical significance of these values remains unclear, however evidence from the stud book suggests this apparent elevation in amylase levels may be a heritable trait and therefore warrants further investigation. It is hoped the reported reference intervals will not only prove a valuable tool for clinicians dealing with captive animals, but also provide baseline data for any future re-introduction of Amur leopards in the Russian Far East.","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"5 1","pages":"142-150"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2017-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46279194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T. Monreal-Pawlowsky, V. Marco-Cabedo, X. Manteca, Gemma Palencia Membrive, J. Sanjosé, Oriol Fuentes, Elsa Jiménez
{"title":"Environmental enrichment facilitates release and survival of an injured loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) after ten years in captivity","authors":"T. Monreal-Pawlowsky, V. Marco-Cabedo, X. Manteca, Gemma Palencia Membrive, J. Sanjosé, Oriol Fuentes, Elsa Jiménez","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V5I4.303","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V5I4.303","url":null,"abstract":"In June 2006 a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was admitted to a rescue centre on the Mediterranean coast with severe fishing net entanglement in its fore right flipper. The flipper could not be saved and was amputated at shoulder joint level. The animal remained in captivity for 10 years due to concerns over its survival on release back to the wild. In 2016, an environmental enrichment programme was implemented to encourage the performance of wild-type feeding and locomotion behaviours, with the end plan of release. The enrichment programme lasted for two months. The enrichment devices achieved their goals of encouraging wild-type behaviours and avoidance of man-made items. After the enrichment programme had ended, the animal was successfully released back to the wild, its transmitting device showing that it crossed the Strait of Gibraltar four months post release, approached then the island of Madeira and the Azores and started crossing the Atlantic Ocean, where it was still emitting ten months post release. This report indicates that the implementation of an environmental enrichment programme contributed to the successful release of an injured loggerhead turtle back into the wild after a long period in captivity and that environmental enrichment may facilitate the release of other turtles housed in captive environments.","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"5 1","pages":"182-186"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2017-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42809532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}