scholarly journals The effects of two calcium supplementation regimens on growth and health traits of juvenile mountain chicken frogs (Leptodactylus fallax)

2021 ◽  
pp. 18-26
Author(s):  
Christopher Michaels
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Supplementation ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Blood Analysis ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Calcium Stores ◽  
Faecal Analysis ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Initial Dataset ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Radiographic Data

The mountain chicken frog (Leptodactylus fallax) is among the 42 % of amphibians threatened with extinction and is dependent upon ex situ populations to recover in the wild. Amphibian captive husbandry is not fully understood and empirical data are required to optimise protocols for each species in captivity. Calcium metabolism and homeostasis are areas of importance in captive husbandry research and have been identified as a challenge in maintaining ex situ populations of L. fallax. We trialled two frequencies (twice and seven times weekly) of calcium supplementation via dusting of feeder insects in two groups of L. fallax juveniles and measured growth and health effects through morphometrics, radiography, ultrasonography and blood and faecal analysis over 167 days, followed by a further 230 days of monitoring on an intermediate diet informed by the initial dataset. We showed that supplementation treatment did not affect growth or health status as measured through blood analysis, radiography and ultrasonography. More frequent supplementation resulted in significantly more radiopaque endolymphatic sacs and broader skulls. Frogs fed more calcium excreted twice as much calcium in their faeces. The intermediate diet resulted in previously lower supplementation frogs approximating the higher supplementation frogs in morphometrics and calcium stores. Comparison with radiographic data from wild frogs showed that both treatments may still have had narrower skulls than wild animals, but mismatching age class may limit this comparison. Our data may be used to inform dietary supplementation of captive L. fallax as well as other amphibians.

scholarly journals Qualitative description of the submission and agonistic behavior of the Spix’s Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii, Spix 1824), with special reference to the displacement displays

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladislav Marcuk ◽  
Cromwell Purchase ◽  
Donovan de Boer ◽  
Marcellus Bürkle ◽  
Katrin Scholtyssek
Keyword(s):  
Agonistic Behavior ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conflict Behavior ◽  
Behavioral Repertoire ◽  
Video Images ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
First Time

AbstractThe Spix’s Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) represents one of the four avian taxa, in which its global population is entirely captively managed. The species was declared “extinct in the wild” after several attempts failed to rediscover any remaining individuals in the wild since 2000. As an integral part of the ongoing ex situ conservation efforts, a long-term ethological study was conducted at the ACTP facility to investigate the behavioral repertoire of the largest subpopulation of this species in captivity. In this paper we provide an illustrated comprehensive ethogram with detailed description of the submission, displacement and agonistic behavior. The agonistic behavior is categorized in two subcategories, where qualitative aspects for distinct behavior elements for the intimidatory and conflict behavior are given. In addition, displacement displays are described in detail for the first time for a species of the genera. In total, 35 distinct behavior elements of the agonistic, displacement and submission behavioral repertoire are covered. Digital video images related to the article are available at http://www.momo-p.com/index-e.html, movieid:momo200417sm05a, momo200416sm01a, momo200417sm06a, momo200416sm06a, momo200416sm04a, momo200417sm03a, momo200417sm02a, momo200416sm05a, momo200417sm04a, momo200416sm02a, momo200416sm03a, and momo200417sm01a.

Captive propagation of the endangered native Fijian frog Platymantis vitiana: Implications for ex-situ conservation and management

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Narayan ◽  
Ketan Christi ◽  
Craig Morley
Keyword(s):  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Outdoor Enclosure ◽  
Zoological Parks ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Captive Propagation ◽  
One Year ◽  
The University

We present research and management implications for captive propagation of the endangered Fijian Ground Frog Platymantis vitiana to develop methods for supplementing populations in the wild. In 2004, a captive propagation program was instituted at Kula Ecopark, Sigatoka, Fiji. However, there was little success with only a single froglet reared after three years. In 2006, a more intensive programme was undertaken between the University of the South Pacific (USP), Kula Ecopark and the community on Viwa Island. The aim of this programme was to create an outdoor enclosure to mimic natural habitat conditions so the frogs could exhibit natural breeding behaviour. A total of 39 froglets was reared after one year of this programme. We provide information on the methods of captive management, reproductive biology, captive diet varieties, and on problems of rearing froglets in captivity. This research is useful baseline information in guiding captive propagation techniques in zoological parks like the Kula Ecopark and for organizations such as the National Trust of Fiji.

scholarly journals In-Situ and Ex-Situ status of the Javan Gibbon and the role of zoos in conservation of the species

2006 ◽  
Vol 75 (03-04) ◽  
pp. 161-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Nijman
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Captive Breeding Programme ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Hylobates Moloch ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Javan Gibbon

The Javan gibbon Hylobates moloch is confined to the last remnants of rainforest on the island of Java, Indonesia. As of 2002, the species has been recorded in 29 forest areas, and the wild population is conservatively estimated at 4100-4500 individuals. Over 95% of the gibbons are in populations of >100 individuals, and the four largest areas support populations of >500 individuals each. In 2003, 56 Javan gibbons were maintained at eight Indonesian zoos, 15 at four Indonesian wildlife rescue centres, with five potential breeding pairs. There is no evidence that the species has bred successfully in captivity in Indonesia. Outside the range country, 48 Javan gibbons were maintained at ten institutions in nine countries, with six breeding pairs. The total ex-situ population is some 120 individuals, the majority of which is wild-caught. At present most initiatives relating to the conservation of the Javan gibbon have targeted small isolated forest areas and the ex-situ population, whereas in-situ protection of the largest populations in the wild has been largely ignored. Significant populations are currently found in unprotected forests. The large captive population of Javan gibbons within Indonesia allows, with improved co-operation, to set up an integrated captive- breeding programme. This should, not be seen, however, as a means to improve the conservation status of the wild Javan gibbons, which needs to be achieved through protection of remaining habitat, but could be used for improving the prevailing low levels of conservation awareness in Java.

scholarly journals Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Two Endangered Neotropical Parrots Inform In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation Strategies

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 386
Author(s):  
Carlos I. Campos ◽  
Melinda A. Martinez ◽  
Daniel Acosta ◽  
Jose A. Diaz-Luque ◽  
Igor Berkunsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Genetic Management ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Genetic Signatures

A key aspect in the conservation of endangered populations is understanding patterns of genetic variation and structure, which can provide managers with critical information to support evidence-based status assessments and management strategies. This is especially important for species with small wild and larger captive populations, as found in many endangered parrots. We used genotypic data to assess genetic variation and structure in wild and captive populations of two endangered parrots, the blue-throated macaw, Ara glaucogularis, of Bolivia, and the thick-billed parrot, Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha, of Mexico. In the blue-throated macaw, we found evidence of weak genetic differentiation between wild northern and southern subpopulations, and between wild and captive populations. In the thick-billed parrot we found no signal of differentiation between the Madera and Tutuaca breeding colonies or between wild and captive populations. Similar levels of genetic diversity were detected in the wild and captive populations of both species, with private alleles detected in captivity in both, and in the wild in the thick-billed parrot. We found genetic signatures of a bottleneck in the northern blue-throated macaw subpopulation, but no such signal was identified in any other subpopulation of either species. Our results suggest both species could potentially benefit from reintroduction of genetic variation found in captivity, and emphasize the need for genetic management of captive populations.

scholarly journals CAPTIVE BREEDING AND REINTRODUCTION OF BLACK FRANCOLIN, GREY FRANCOLIN AND CHUKAR PARTRIDGE (2015-2020) IN DISTRICT DIR LOWER, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Syed Fazal Baqi Kakakhel ◽  
NaveedUl Haq ◽  
Ejaz Ul Haq
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ◽  
Breeding Center ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Depth Study ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Chukar Partridge

Purpose: The ex-situ conservation aims to discover new populations or supports the populations that yet survive in the wild. To breed animals in captivity and release them in their natural control habitats is one of the conservation methods. Amongst other species partridges also breed in captivity and can be release in the wild but presently data lacking, need to examine. Chukar partridge, Black francolin and Grey francolin are used for sports hunting in Pakistan. The available record on captive breeding of Chukar partridge, Black francolin and Grey francilin and their release in the wild for the years 2015-2020 was reviewed using a developed questionnaire. Methodology: Review record of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department Pakistan through a developed questionnaire Findings: It was found that the maximum number of chukar partridge breed was 36, Black francolin (6) and Grey francolin (24). Out of the breeding stock, Chukar partridges (44) and Grey francolin (28) were released in the wild to its natural habitat by hard release technique. Unique contribution to the theory, practice and policy: The researchers recommended decrease in dissimilarity of habitat quality between breeding center environment and the release habitat besides providing a pre-release training to the release experts so as to improve habitat selection and survival of captive-bred. This study will help researchers for further in depth study in the area and will also facilitate conservation organization in making captive breeding of partridges as a successful program. Key words: Partridges, Captive breeding, Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

scholarly journals The effect of captivity on the skin microbial symbionts in three Atelopus species from the lowlands of Colombia and Ecuador

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e3594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra V. Flechas ◽  
Ailin Blasco-Zúñiga ◽  
Andrés Merino-Viteri ◽  
Valeria Ramírez-Castañeda ◽  
Miryan Rivera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Community ◽  
Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Skin Bacteria ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Microbial Symbionts

Many amphibian species are at risk of extinction in their natural habitats due to the presence of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). For the most highly endangered species, captive assurance colonies have been established as an emergency measure to avoid extinction. Experimental research has suggested that symbiotic microorganisms in the skin of amphibians play a key role against Bd. While previous studies have addressed the effects of captivity on the cutaneous bacterial community, it remains poorly studied whether and how captive conditions affect the proportion of beneficial bacteria or their anti-Bd performance on amphibian hosts. In this study we sampled three amphibian species of the highly threatened genus, Atelopus, that remain in the wild but are also part of ex situ breeding programs in Colombia and Ecuador. Our goals were to (1) estimate the diversity of culturable bacterial assemblages in these three species of Atelopus, (2) describe the effect of captivity on the composition of skin microbiota, and (3) examine how captivity affects the bacterial ability to inhibit Bd growth. Using challenge assays we tested each bacterial isolate against Bd, and through sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, we identified species from thirteen genera of bacteria that inhibited Bd growth. Surprisingly, we did not detect a reduction in skin bacteria diversity in captive frogs. Moreover, we found that frogs in captivity still harbor bacteria with anti-Bd activity. Although the scope of our study is limited to a few species and to the culturable portion of the bacterial community, our results indicate that captive programs do not necessarily change bacterial communities of the toad skins in a way that impedes the control of Bd in case of an eventual reintroduction.

scholarly journals Reproductive biology of the Rote Snake-necked Turtle Chelodina mccordi (Rhodin, 1994) in Oelsonbai Captivity, Kupang

2021 ◽  
Vol 948 (1) ◽  
pp. 012021
Author(s):  
Kayat ◽  
G S Saragih
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Carapace Length ◽  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Carapace Width ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Female Size ◽  
Egg Hatchability ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild

Abstract The Rote snake-necked turtle (Chelodina mccordi Rhodin, 1994) or Kura-kura Leher Ular Rote is an endangered species endemic to Rote Island, East Nusa Tenggara. It is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. However, based on surveys in recent years, C. mccordi was presumed extinct in the wild. Ex-situ conservation is one alternative to conserve C. mccordi. The purpose of this paper is to describe the reproductive biology of the Rote snake-necked turtle in captivity. Three (one male and two female) C. mccordi were observed in Oelsonbai captivity, Kupang, from 2009 to 2020 to obtain data on the species’ reproductive biology. The first mating behaviour was observed when the turtles were six years old. Hatches occurred two or three times a year, with clutch size varied from five to twenty eggs. Egg hatchability was 75-100 percent, with an incubation period of 76 to 102 days. Female size when mature straight-line carapace length (SCL) 178 mm, carapace width 145 mm, and plastron length 142 mm. Male size straight-line carapace length (SCL) 190 mm, carapace width 150 mm, and plastron length 143 mm.

scholarly journals On the modulation and maintenance of hibernation in captive dwarf lemurs

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina B. Blanco ◽  
Lydia K. Greene ◽  
Robert Schopler ◽  
Cathy V. Williams ◽  
Danielle Lynch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Restriction ◽  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Biological Rhythms ◽  
Food Ingestion ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Cheirogaleus Medius ◽  
Save Energy ◽  
Metabolic Strategies

AbstractIn nature, photoperiod signals environmental seasonality and is a strong selective “zeitgeber” that synchronizes biological rhythms. For animals facing seasonal environmental challenges and energetic bottlenecks, daily torpor and hibernation are two metabolic strategies that can save energy. In the wild, the dwarf lemurs of Madagascar are obligate hibernators, hibernating between 3 and 7 months a year. In captivity, however, dwarf lemurs generally express torpor for periods far shorter than the hibernation season in Madagascar. We investigated whether fat-tailed dwarf lemurs (Cheirogaleus medius) housed at the Duke Lemur Center (DLC) could hibernate, by subjecting 8 individuals to husbandry conditions more in accord with those in Madagascar, including alternating photoperiods, low ambient temperatures, and food restriction. All dwarf lemurs displayed daily and multiday torpor bouts, including bouts lasting ~ 11 days. Ambient temperature was the greatest predictor of torpor bout duration, and food ingestion and night length also played a role. Unlike their wild counterparts, who rarely leave their hibernacula and do not feed during hibernation, DLC dwarf lemurs sporadically moved and ate. While demonstrating that captive dwarf lemurs are physiologically capable of hibernation, we argue that facilitating their hibernation serves both husbandry and research goals: first, it enables lemurs to express the biphasic phenotypes (fattening and fat depletion) that are characteristic of their wild conspecifics; second, by “renaturalizing” dwarf lemurs in captivity, they will emerge a better model for understanding both metabolic extremes in primates generally and metabolic disorders in humans specifically.

scholarly journals Previously unknown behavior in parasitic cuckoo females: male-like vocalization during migratory activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Swetlana G. Meshcheryagina ◽  
Alexey Opaev
Keyword(s):  
Vocal Communication ◽  
Harmonic Spectrum ◽  
Common Cuckoo ◽  
Neck Extension ◽  
Migratory Activity ◽  
Call Production ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Combined Features ◽  
Female Call

Abstract Background In the last decade, enigmatic male-like cuckoo calls have been reported several times in East Asia. These calls exhibited a combination of vocal traits of both Oriental Cuckoo (Cuculus optatus) and Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) advertising calls, and some authors therefore suggested that the enigmatic calls were produced by either Common × Oriental Cuckoo male hybrids or Common Cuckoo males having a gene mutation. However, the exact identity of calling birds are still unknown. Methods We recorded previously unknown male-like calls from three captive Oriental Cuckoo females, and compared these calls with enigmatic vocalizations recorded in the wild as well as with advertising vocalizations of Common and Oriental Cuckoo males. To achieve this, we measured calls automatically. Besides, we video-recorded captive female emitting male-like calls, and compared these recordings with the YouTube recordings of calling males of both Common and Oriental Cuckoos to get insight into the mechanism of call production. Results The analysis showed that female male-like calls recorded in captivity were similar to enigmatic calls recorded in the wild. Therefore, Oriental Cuckoo females might produce the latter calls. Two features of these female calls appeared to be unusual among birds. First, females produced male-like calls at the time of spring and autumn migratory activity and on migration in the wild. Because of this, functional significance of this call remained puzzling. Secondly, the male-like female call unexpectedly combined features of both closed-mouth (closed beak and simultaneous inflation of the ‘throat sac’) and open-mouth (prominent harmonic spectrum and the maximum neck extension observed at the beginning of a sound) vocal behaviors. Conclusions The Cuculus vocalizations outside the reproductive season remain poorly understood. Here, we found for the first time that Oriental Cuckoo females can produce male-like calls in that time. Because of its rarity, this call might be an atavism. Indeed, female male-like vocalizations are still known in non-parasitic tropical and apparently more basal cuckoos only. Therefore, our findings may shed light on the evolution of vocal communication in avian brood parasites.

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