Magazine of Zoo Outreach Organisation Vol. XXVII No. 3, March 2012
ISSN 0971-6378 (Print); 0973-2543 (Online)
Leaping Ahead of Amphibian Extinction‌.a celebration of good news for amphibians in 2012 in South Asia coordinated by Zoo Outreach Organisation. See Pp. 12-15 for some programme reports.
Date of Publication: 22 March 2012
Magazine of Zoo Outreach Organisation Vol. XXVII No. 3, March 2012
ISSN 0971-6378 (Print); 0973-2543Online)
Contents Feature articles - Climate Change as new challenge for conservation of Crocodiles, Lala A. K. Singh, Pp. 1-3 - Note on Environment Enrichment for Better Thermoregulation by Crocodiles in Captivity, Lala A. K. Singh, P. 3 - 2nd IUCN SSC Chairs’ Meeting, 23-27 February 2012, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Report, B.A. Daniel and Sanjay Molur, Pp. 4-6 - Meeting of the IUCN SSC Invertebrate Conservation Sub-Committee ICSC, Abu Dhabi, B.A. Daniel, Pp. 7-9 - National Workshop for Zoo Educators on Conservation Education, 27 February-1 March 2012, Van Vihar National Park/Zoo, Bhopal, R. Marimuthu, Pp. 10-11 - Amphibian Awareness Programme, Gayathri Selvaraj and Mittal Gala, Pp. 12-13 - Indian Zoo Educators leaping for Amphibian Conservation at Bhopal Workshop, R. Marimuthu, P. 14 - Leap Day programme conducted with kindergartens of HLC (Headstart Learning Centre) International School, Chennai, Mittal Gala, P. 15 - Measurable impacts of HECx education programmes in HEC areas of Kanchanapuri, Thailand, B.A. Daniel, Pp. 16-18 - - SPECIES FUTURES: What zoos and other organisations are doing for climate change with the CBSG /WAZA Climate Change Task Force, Pp. 19-20
Indrella ampulla (Ariophantidae). Photo: Aravind Madhyastha Meeting of the IUCN SSC Invertebrate Conservation SubCommittee ICSC held in Abu Dhabi, See Pp. 7-9
Technical articles - Nocturnal Terrestrial Mammals of Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary, Bangladesh, Mohammed Mostafa Feeroz, Md. Kamrul Hasan and M. Ibrahim Khalilullah, Pp. 21-24 - Incidence of Helminthic Infection in captive Carnivores of Sidhharth Municipal Zoo, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, S.S. Ghoke, B.S. Naikwade, K.S. Thorat, N.K. Jogdand4 and P.S. Kalaskar, Pp. 25-26 Announcement - UFAW Animal Welfare Conference “Recent advances in animal welfare science III”, 21st June 2012, P. 24 - Tails to Trails: a Reptile and Amphibian workshops from 4th to 9th June 2012, P. 26 - Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, P. 27 - TRAFFIC helps to claw back illegal parrot trade in India, P. 28 - International Aquarium Congress 9-14 September 2012, Cape Town, Back cover
National Workshop for Zoo Educators on Conservation Education held at Vanvihar National Park/Zoo, Bhopal, Pp. 10-11
Participants at the IUCN SSC Chairs Meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE. See Pp. 4-6 for the report
Climate Change as new challenge for conservation of Crocodiles Lala A. K. Singh* Global changes in temperature predicted during the 21st century are likely to affect the crocodilian fauna sooner than we anticipate. It may perhaps give a fresh challenge to success achieved in conservation of Indian crocodiles since 1974. Crocodile Conservation is a Trend Setter By 1974 the Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) was facing imminent extinction, the Estuarine Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in India were left in just three pockets with heavy pressure on their mangrove habitat, and the Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) was depleting faster than it could reproduce. All the three Indian Crocodilians got a new lease of life because of the country-wide conservation programmes implemented with international collaboration during 1974-1982. The Crocodile Conservation Project of Government of India is considered as one of the most successful projects of the UNDP and FAO of the United Nations. The states which participated in the programme are Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Bihar, Gujarat, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. In many respects the crocodile conservation programme is a forerunner in conservation of wetland fauna and flora, and the trend setter for research and training in wildlife. Populations of all the three species have got secured in captivity. A vast array of technical knowledge have got built up on Indian crocodilians for captive rearing, breeding, possible farming and management of crocodilians with other ecological associates in wetland habitats. At least 38 wetlands were identified as crocodile sanctuaries. The recognition given to marine turtle resource of Odisha coast was incidental to activities in Bhitarkanika, but over the years it has developed into a full fledged Turtle Conservation Project. The freshwater turtles and avian fauna which share the wetland habitats with crocodiles were identified, protected and studied for their conservation and scientific value. Training curriculums for Wildlife and Sanctuary Management with thrust on wetlands were developed and implemented for the first time with international collaborations at the erstwhile Central Crocodile Breeding and Management
Mugger hatchery - Tikarpada
Mugger Pool Palm cover on ground - 1
Mugger Pool Palm cover on ground -
* Former Senior Research Officer, Government of Orissa, Forest and Environment Department, Orissa
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Training Institute, Hyderabad. This training nucleus with international experience and infrastructure joined with the Wildlife Division of the Forest Research Institute at Dehra Dun and founded the Wildlife Institute of India, currently a premier institution in the region. To be specific about Odisha, the first three wildlife sanctuaries of the state were declared with intentions for conservation of crocodiles. Bhitarkanika Sanctuary (1975) stands as the best example in the country for conservation of the estuarine crocodile. The Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary (1976) was primarily meant for conservation of Gharial, and it developed as a site encompassing management of forest and wetland under the umbrella of Project Tiger. Another progarmme focused its attention in rebuilding population of Mugger Crocodile in Similipal forests from where several perennial rivers like the Salandi (Hadgarh Sanctuary, 1977) have taken origin. With so much to the credit of crocodile conservation programme, it is now feared that the impending changes in climate may adversely affect wetlands where crocodiles inhabit. Climate change will interfere normal crocodile behaviour as this group of animals do not have a system to physiologically regulate or maintain their body temperature as do birds or mammals. Temperature Controls Crocodilian Behaviour Change in climate and rise in temperature affect the behaviour and survival of crocodiles. When the ambient temperature goes below 150C mugger crocodiles in Ramatirtha on the outskirt of Similipal go off-feed and become dormant. In nature crocodiles adopt means to prevent loss of heat by remaining in a warmer surrounding like warm deep water. As ectothermic animals the Crocodiles rely largely on external heat such as sunlight energy to achieve a full working temperature. Normally they bask in the early morning and afternoon, and avoid scorching sun during mid-day. Basking in the sun is necessary to regain body temperature that is lost during cool hours of the night or for getting ready for stay in cool water. During basking a crocodile may keep its mouth open as a mean of thermoregulation. Additionally, it may keep its limb or tip of the tail dipped in water. This act like a ‘temperature sink’ and allow longer hours of exposure to sunlight that help in getting rid of algae and ecto-parasites from skin-folds. Scorching sun would prevent a crocodile from getting other
Mugger Pool Palm cover on ground - 3
Mugger Pot used as winter retreat
Winter cover Katerniaghat
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advantages of a long-duration basking and it would have to keep moving between water and the basking site. At the onset of winter, mugger crocodiles start digging tunnels or repair and use the tunnel of the previous year. They spend most of the winter in it until basking in sun appears beneficial. In places like Similipal, sighting of Mugger is rare until middle of February. At Tikarpada gharial pools, during winter the roof used to be kept covered with transparent polythene-- that allows sunlight during the winter, and retains heat inside for the night, as the sides are covered with strawpolythene-straw boards. Impact of Climate Change Prolonged or a dry summer would destabilize the nest temperature and there will be skewed sex ratio in young crocodiles, as the sex of crocodiles is dependent on the temperature at which eggs are incubated in the nest. Incubation temperature below 300C produces more of females and above it more of males. Crocodiles do not incubate their eggs. They leave it to the nest temperature that is largely stabilized by the nestmaterial, its humidity and ambient temperature. Increase in temperature and drying up of freshwater bodies will reduce breeding success. Higher nest temperature leading to desiccation of eggs will produce young with a large number of congenital deformities. With respect to impact of climate change on crocodilian survival various aspects have not been quantified but the impacts can be summarized as logical conclusions from decades of studies and understanding of related ecology and behaviour of the crocodilians. During summer when a marshy habitat dries up, Mugger crocodiles can walk on land for five to seven kilometers. With fast disappearance of marshes and small wetlands suitable for supporting Crocodiles, Muggers are getting confined to rivers and reservoirs. When they have to share the habitat with Gharial the latter is a loser, as evident in Satkosia Gorge of River Mahanadi in Odisha. The original Gharial Sanctuary appears like a Mugger Sanctuary. It is argued in general that climate change may lead to change in salinity of oceans and the estuaries. This would affect the mangrove forests and associated biodiversity which support the Estuarine Crocodile for its nesting
habitat, food supply and retreat in general. The crocodiles may move away in the upstream of river to avoid higher salinity. That kind of situation may lead to an increase in mancrocodile interface.
impacts of climate change on flora and
Survival of all three species of Indian crocodilians and maintenance of the
Winter screen gharial pool, Tikarpada
integrity of their wetland habitats have always been under various threats resulting from anthropogenic activities. Additional range of threats seems to be linked with imminent climatic changes. At present most of the probable
impacts of climate change on flora and fauna appear hypothetical or fictional, and carry educational messages, but climate has a heavy impact on some group of animals like crocodilians.
Note on Environment Enrichment for Better Thermoregulation by Crocodiles in Captivity. Lala A. K. Singh* This short article is about environmental enrichments we have practiced in captivity so that crocodiles, particularly the hatchlings and small juveniles are able to better adjust to the changing temperature in their rearing pools. Deep water and access to basking are two prime clues for providing better scope for thermoregulation by crocs in captivity. But to prevent mortality due to cold nights certain enrichments are done in captivity. The arrangements include: (a) sun-shade mosaic effect by planting creepers and other small plants, (b) artificial tunnel for mugger hatchlings; (c) large palm-leaves left on ground so that the hatchling mugger congregate underneath; (d) maintain full water in pools, etc. In Tikarpada we used to cover up the entire roof and sides of the rearing pen with specially designed boards having a layer of polythene between straw bound on bamboo frames. These 'winter covers' are installed before sunset and taken out after about an hour of sunrise. These were natural and better ways for thermoregulation than providing electric heaters with reflectors to raise the ambient temperature. Sometimes I had to shift a sick gharial or mugger hatchling to the warmer temperature in my bedroom at Tikarpada. For captive rearing a few crocs these were alright and the approaches can be improved in captivity under any other conditions. But drastic and large climatic changes in natural habitat towards hot or cold may create a challenge for crocodilians. The behavioural adaptations evolved over centuries or learnt through years may not be adequate to overcome the impact of greater disaster anticipated because of climate change. * Former Senior Research Officer, Government of Orissa, Forest and Environment Department, Orissa Email: laksinghindia@gmail.com
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2nd IUCN SSC Chairs’ Meeting, 23-27 February 2012, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Report B.A. Daniel1 and Sanjay Molur2 IUCN SSC, with the generous support of the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi and the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, organised the second IUCN SSC Chairs’ meeting at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE from 23-27 Feb 2012. The five-day event was attended by the host Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, MBZSCF Abu Dhabi, IUCN President, SSC steering committee members, subcommittees, Specialist Group Chairs, Task Force Chairs, Red List Authority Focal Points, Specialist Group Programme Officers, other IUCN Commission Chairs, IUCN Regional Office Staff, Headquarters Staff, Member Organisations, Red List Partner Organisations and UN Global Species Programme. The purpose of the meeting was to aquaint SSC leaders to with one another for better development of collaborations, partnerships with IUCN commissions’ programmes and their staff; learning about new products and tools that would help complete plans for SSC’s work in 2013-2016, which include developing major new global and regional initiatives; planning the 2015 World Species Congress as well as developing policies guidelines and standards; thank SSC Chairs for their hard work and to convey gratitude and recognition as SSC Chairs dedicate their time and expertise to SSC and to advancing species conservation efforts globally. The event began with Ashok Khosla, President IUCN, addressing multiple global crises such as poverty, population, pollution, climate change and biodiversity losses. He urged attention to the need of credible science for solutions to save environment and biodiversity. Simon Stuart, Chair of SSC outlined the structure and working relationships of SSC within the broader IUCN family. He gave a report on progress and highlights for the 2009-‐2012 quadrennium and introduced the agenda. Russell Mittermeier, SSC Steering Committee member and Chair of the Primate SG, presented a detailed history of 50 years of SSC. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary General of Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi (EAD), who hosted the meeting welcomed the gathering and reiterated that EAD is proud to support this meeting which will set the global species conservation agenda for the next four years. The biodiversity team of the EAD presented a series of field research and conservation activities in the UAE outlining some of UAE’s key flora and fauna and the efforts to protect them.
Communication strategy, branding overview, communicating the work of the Commission, and making the most of social media, which was very useful for all the delegates. Later the delegates worked in parallel sessions on a variety of themes such as promoting engagement in international species related conventions: CITES, World Heritage, CMS and Ramsar. Virtual planning environments, Capturing, Managing and disseminating species population and range data using online tool, Red List tools, Writing successful funding proposals and, Wildlife Disease Risk Analysis and surveillance were covered in separate workshops. SSC Sub-‐ Committee Chairs gave brief reports with examples of their work, and to encourage further collaboration. An excursion was arranged on the third day for the delegates. Day four began featuring existing funding mechanisms available for species conservation efforts, with emphasis on Save Our Species and the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. The Red List assessment process was reviewed including some of the tools and resources available, and the latest developments in SIS and GIS. Commissions and disciplinary Specialist Group Chairs presented reports and encouraged collaboration. CBSG Chair Onnie Byers gave a brief report of the SG activities. The last day featured a report from the Red List Committee on the evolving strategies to guide priorities and activities around the Red List over the next IUCN quadrennium and opportunities for building relationship between the ex situ and in situ communities. SSC Chair Simon Stuart announced the names of winners of various conservation awards such as Harry Messel Awards, George Rabb Award for conservation and Sir Peter Scott Award. Our colleague, Robert C. Lacy, former Chair of the IUCN SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group was given the George Rabb Award for Conservation Innovation. Onnie Byers, current Chair of CBSG accepted the award on his behalf. Sanjay Molur, Red List Authority Focal Point for invertebrates, B.A. Daniel and Md. Ather Rafi, the IUCN SSC South Asian Invertebrate Specialist Group Co-Chairs attended the event. Following is a photo gallery of some high points and people at this seminal meeting.
Later, the new IUCN programme and the Species Strategic Plan for the next quadrennium 2013-2016 were introduced. The conference included various parallel programmes and discussions of global conservation initiatives, e.g., Action Asia, Conservation of Island Biodiversity, A regional recovery effort for the Gulf of Mexico, Inter-‐tidal wetlands in East Asia, Amphibian Survival Alliance, Arctic Conservation, IUCN Red List vis-a-vis. Forestry Sector and Organizing SSC at Regional and National Levels: A Latin America focus. The second day Simon Stuart reported initial deliberations of the Working Group on the World Species Congress. Jane Smart and Dena Cator gave a presentation on the
1 Chair, 2Red List Focal Point, South Asian Invertebrate Specialist Group. Email: badaniel@zooreach.org, herpinvert@gmail.com
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Photo Gallery of the SSC Chairs Meeting
Participants at the IUCN SSC Chairs Meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dr. Ashok Khosla founded Development Alternatives, New Delhi in 1982. It was a major step toward fulfilling his dream for sustainable development. He worked tirelessly to demonstrate the theory and practice of sustainable development. He created the Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, New Delhi. He has worked continuously toward the development of effective environmental management systems and the design and advocacy of appropriate policies and institutions both in India and internationally. Dr. Khosla is the current President of IUCN. He was awarded the prestigious WWF Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Medal at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his outstanding, life-long service to the environment.
Dr. Simon Stuart is the Chair of the IUCN SSC for the current quadrennium. He resigned as the Head of the SSC before winning the elections for the current position in Barcelona, Spain in October 2008. Simon has spear-headed several innovations and activities in the SSC, such as the Global Amphibian Assessment in 2004 and earlier, the refinement of the quantitative criteria of the Red List Categories in 1998-1999.
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The SSC established a new award in honor of Dr. George Rabb, Chair of SSC from 1989 to 1996, for outstanding innovation and creativity in species conservation. It is given to individuals in recognition of delivering transformational advances in conservation theory and practice. Recipients are decided by the SSC Steering Committee. The first two awards, with a prize of US $5,000 each generously provided by Dr George Rabb, were presented at the closing ceremonies of the SSC Specialist Group Chairs’ meeting in Abu Dhabi. The first of these was presented to our own Bob Lacy, “In recognition of his pioneering work in the development of Population and Habitat Viability Assessment as a practical conservation tool, and his exceptional leadership as Chair of the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group”. Bob was not present to receive the award but Onnie accepted it on his behalf. The second award was conferred on another conservation tool wizard, Dr. Resit Akcacaya of the RAMAS suite fame. CONGRATULATIONS, Bob! Extremely well deserved!
Simon Stuart presented Sanjay Molur, CBSG South Asia Co-convenor, with the SSC Chair’s Certificate of Excellence. Sanjay was recognized for his “extraordinary commitment to promoting the work of many SSC Specialist Groups in South Asia, and to advancing the Red List process nationally, regionally and globally”.
Dr. Fred Launay wears many hats, the most relevant to the SSC IUCN is his current position as the Chair of the Reintroduction SG since 2000. He was a member of the Steering Committee of the SSC. He is currently the Director General of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, and the Senior Advisor to the Secretary General of the Environmental Agency at Abu Dhabi. He worked as the CEO of the Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort for several years until 2010.
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Meeting of the IUCN SSC Invertebrate Conservation Sub-Committee ICSC, Abu Dhabi B.A. Daniel* The Invertebrate Conservation SubCommittee ICSC meeting Chaired by Prof. Michael Samways was organized from 20-21 February before the Specialist Group Chairs’ meeting at Abu Dhabi. The Sub-Committee is composed of the Focal Point of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Invertebrate Red List Authority, 10 invertebrate SG Chairs/Deputy Chairs, and 1 Regional FP. The SG chairs gave a general report on the progress of the ICSC and its SGs for the period 2011. A summary of updates of ICSC activities and its Specialist Groups are given below: Report of the ICSC Michael Samways, Chair of the ICSC • Formation of the new Bumblebee SG, under chairing of the Paul Williams and Sarina Jepson to address the global bumblebee decline. • Full prioritization of invertebrate groups for conservation focus, spearheaded by Justin Gerlach, under the aegis of TIRLA. • Development of a globally applicable strategy for invertebrate conservation using a set of operational scales from species to landscape. • The Butterfly SG, Dragonfly SG, Freshwater Crab and Crayfish SG, Grasshopper SG, Mollusc SG and South Asian Invertebrate SG have made great progress in influencing policy. Success stories • African Freshwater Assessment and Conservation Management recommendations for Dragonflies, Molluscs and Freshwater Crabs and Crayfish. • Completion of assessments of European Saproxylic beetles, and of Dragonflies. • Great restoration success stories in southern Africa and Seychelles. Future goals • Continued global assessment of various invertebrate taxa, including dragonflies. • Prioritization and encouragement of new SGs, with Hoverflies now a priority. • Development of methods for prioritization of taxa to be used in area assessments for their biodiversity worth. • Further assessment of the functional
Sternocera laevigata. Photo: Shriraj Jakhalekar
value of invertebrates in various contexts, so as the align with the 2020 targets on maintenance of ecosystem services while maintaining ecological integrity. Report of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Invertebrate Red List Authority Justin Gerlach: Chair • Development of priorities for terrestrial and freshwater invertebrate Red Listing. • Establishment of a network of specialists willing to review assessments. Success stories • Development of priority list. • Support for the establishment of new invertebrates Specialist Groups (SGs). Future goals • The primary aim of this RLA is to increase the number of assessed invertebrates. • A major step in achieving the primary aim will be to reduce the number of species covered by the RLA though the creation of new SGs. Report of the Bumblebee Specialist Group Paul and Sarina: (Reported by Scott Hoffman Black) • The IUCN Bumblebee Specialist Group (BBSG) was formed during in early 2011. • The group is in the process of
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inviting members and coordinating a worldwide status assessment of bumblebees. 11 individuals from 9 Geographic Regions have agreed to serve as Regional Coordinators for the BBSG. Membership lists from 5 regions have been identified and members are currently being invited. Focal points for red listing, wildlife health, and trade have been appointed. A Scientific Advisor was appointed. A Conservation Genetics subcommittee was formed. A website for this group has been developed.
Future goals • The primary initial goal of this group is to accomplish a status assessment of the c.250 species of bumblebees worldwide using the Red List Categories and Criteria. • Once accomplished, species that are considered imperiled (EW, CR, EN, VU, NT) can be added to nations’ and states’ respective threatened and endangered species lists and prioritized for conservation action. Report of the Butterfly SG Scott Hoffman Black, Chair • The IUCN Butterfly Specialist Group (BSG) was formed in late 2010. The group has formed an initial steering committee. * Chair, IUCN/SSC South Asian Invertebrate Specialist Group. Scientist, ZOO. Email: badaniel@zooreach.org
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We have identified over 150 people who are interested in being involved in the BSG. As an initial task of this group, the Xerces Society and several members of the new-identified steering committee developed a survey of butterfly conservation needs.
Success stories • The BSG is just gearing up. We have had initial success with response to the survey of butterfly needs and identifying people who want to be engaged. • Over 161 people from 39 counties have filled out the survey. (For the full survey go to: http:// www.xerces.org/iucnssc-butterfly-specialistgroup/) Future goals • The next step will be for the steering committee to develop a needs and opportunity-based plan that will allow us to direct resources to areas with the greatest need and highest potential for our efforts to make a meaningful impact. • Develop communication strategies to ensure that all partners are included and engaged. • We need to raise funds for managing this effort and for projects identified through our planning. Report of the Dragonfly SG Viola Clausnitzer, Chair • Start of assessments in New Zealand, Australia, Arabia. • Publication of results from the pan-Africa freshwater assessment. • Participation of members at various meetings (global and regional scale), e.g. LIFE meeting in England, IPBES meetings in Bonn and Nairobi, IUCN/SSC workshops in England and the USA. • Generating knowledge on global and regional dragonfly diversity and the threat status according to the IUCN Red List. Success stories • Assessment and mapping of all African dragonflies, point locality database (far over 90,000 entries by now). • Representative global assessment of dragonflies within the RLI project. • Awarded “Highly cited Author 2008-2011” for the paper: “Odonata enter the biodiversity crisis debate: The first global assessment of an insect group” by Biological Conservation. Future goals • Complete global dragonfly assessment. • Elimination of DD status of species. • Establishing dragonflies as indicator organism for ecosystem health (“guardians of the watershed”) in tropical areas. • Focused conservation actions for Critically Endangered species. Report of the Freshwater Crab and Crayfish Neil Cumberlidge, Chair • Arranged for the design of the logo for the FCCSG which is now in use. • Appointed Red List Authority Focal Points for the FCCSG • Completed and distribution maps for many of the assessed species of freshwater crabs, now available on the IUCN Red List website. • Compiled a list of all of the new species of freshwater crabs described since the last global Red Listing in 2009
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with the aim of making conservation assessments for these taxa. Prepared an IUCN report on the conservation status of the freshwater crabs of the Indo-Burma region that is currently in the process of completion. Met with the Chair of the Invertebrate Conservation SubCommittee to discuss future plans for the FCCSG. Began initial discussions within the FCCSG to identify suitable threatened species or groups of species of crayfish and freshwater crabs that could be the focus of a Species Conservation Strategy. The work of the FCCSG makes allows the inclusion of invertebrates in the Red List (which has long been dominated by vertebrates) and contributes large numbers of species to the CBD targets.
Success stories
• Co-organizer of an international conference on the Freshwater Decapods in Frankfurt, 2010; keynote address at the conference on Freshwater Decapod Conservation: Recent Progress And Future Challenges to be published in the conference proceedings (2011). • Initiation of a new initiative to use the newly published world species list of the freshwater shrimps for a global Red List assessment of this species. • A Project has been identified and funding has been secured for this assessment. Future goals
• To arrange for first-time Red List assessments of all of the new species of freshwater crabs and crayfish which have been described since the last global assessments of these two groups. • To complete distribution maps for the remainder of the assessed species of freshwater crabs and make them available on the IUCN Red List website. • To work with the IUCN SSC Invertebrate Conservation Sub- Committee on Strategic Conservation Planning to develop a Species Conservation Strategy for one or more threatened species of crayfish and freshwater crabs.
Report of the Grasshopper SG Axel Hochkirch, Chair • European Red Listing of Orthoptera (ERO), coordinated by Baudewijn Odé, Roy Kleukers and Luc Willemse; 17 pre-assessments completed; currently assessments of all Canarian Orthoptera; Red Listing workshop planned for spring 2012. • South African Red-Listing Initiative (SARLI), coordinated by Corinna Bazelet; currently collection records are georeferenced. • Prionotropis hystrix rhodanica project, coordinated by Antoine Foucart and Laurent Tatin; the complete population will be mapped in 2012; habitat destruction by the French army must be feared IUCN World Conservation Congress: Klaus Riede organizes a session called “Bioacoustics for species monitoring - a new tool for Red List assessment?” Success stories
• Roberto Battiston rediscovered Apteromantis aptera in Morocco. He was funded by the Mohammed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and accompanied by a film team. Future goals
• The Red List assessment of European Orthoptera is
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planned to be finished until 2015.
• Orthoptera are useful indicators to identify hotspots of biological diversity. Their geographic ranges are usually even smaller than in plants. In the Cape Floral Region (South Africa), we want to test how Orthoptera diversity is covered by the existing reserves. • Cover tropical regions in our Red List assessments. A first candidate area might be East Africa, where a lot of data exist. Report of the Mollusc SG Mary Seddon, Chair • Completion of Pan-African Project on Freshwater Molluscs. 23% of Freshwater species threatened. • Completion of European Project on Status of Non-Marine Molluscs. 43% of Freshwater species threatened, 20% land-snails threatened. • Completion of Eastern Himalayas project, 1% Threatened, 36% DD. • Indoburma project midpoint 32% Threatened, 21% DD. • Cephalopoda project midpoint >30% species done. • Conference sessions on Threatened Species in Europe, Vitoria, Spain. • First marine mollusc assessment workshops on Conus species and Reefbuilding Molluscs. • Report for EU on updating the protected species lists and emphasising the need to implement the Water Framework Directive. • Issues of our Newsletter Tentacle (2011/2012) can be downloaded from our website. Success stories
• Big vote of thanks for Howard Peters who brought together shell dealers with scientists for the Conus workshop – really effective
combination!
• Adding nearly 2000 species assessments in last 4 years, thanks to: MSG members and contributors; IUCN FBU & RL units for EU, African and Asian project: Nadia, Monika and Ben and the ZSL SRLI team of interns on the Freshwater SRLI and Cephalopoda Assessments.
the work of SAsISG. • Designed education plans for invertebrate pollinator conservation. Success stories
Future goals • Finalising assessments for Oceania, Indoburma, Cephalopoda, New Zealand, and Arabian Peninsula. • New assessment projects in South America and Japan. • Moving onto conservation actions in EU, Africa and Asia. • Find funding to survey for Data Deficient species. • Working out how to use the legislation in Europe to benefit Freshwater Molluscs. • A programme of small conservation projects to aid CR range restricted species. Report of the South Asian Invertebrate SG B.A. Daniel, Co Chair • Contributed for the assessment of Eastern Himalayas freshwater invertebrates: molluscs and Odonates. • Contributed for the assessment of Western Ghats freshwater invertebrates: molluscs and Odonates. • Represented Invertebrate Conservation Sub-Committee and SAsISG at the Global Entomology Congress, Thailand in February 2011. • Membership for SAsISG from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka. • Liaised with other SGs in promoting
Indrella ampulla (Ariophantidae). Photo: Aravind Madhyastha
• 803 invertebrates (Odonates 541; Molluscs 262) assessed.
• Generated funds for education and awareness of the threatened freshwater biodiversity of Western Ghats. • Identified partners for future handson training programmes. • Freshwater biodiversity network for south Asia. Future activities
• Assess all butterflies of South Asia. • Follow up conservation education activities of freshwater biodiversity of India for Odonates and Molluscs. • Organise hands on training on pollinators and pollinator education. • Strengthen sub network: Freshwater Invertebrates. • Conference on freshwater invertebrates of South Asia. Jürgen, The European Focal Point reported about the ongoing citizen science project on Odonate conservation. As part of the meeting the group went through the Strategic plan for the quadrennium 2013-2016 and each group committed to take up projects of their priority. The South Asian Invertebrate SG committed to assess all butterflies of South Asia, selected spiders and millipedes of South Asia. The Chair of ICSC invited suggestions from other members to suggest activities so as to include South America and East Asia. Identifying interested people from these regions will may help to build up the network in these areas. Rachel Roberts invited all the members to contribute for the Amazing species programme. Also requested interested people to use the IUCN web page template to build up their SG web sites. A skype conference was arranged with Annabelle Cuttelod, Programme Officer, Conservation planning, who explained about Key Biodiversity Area Projects. The Chair proposed to have the next ICSC meeting in India however, it will be finialised at a later date.
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National Workshop for Zoo Educators on Conservation Education 27 February-1 March 2012, Vanvihar National Park/Zoo, Bhopal R. Marimuthu* The Central Zoo Authority has been organizing different kinds of capacity building training programmes for zoo professionals. CZA arranged a first workshop in Bhopal in 2010. Now CZA has a plan to organize this workshop every two years. The objective of the workshop is to infuse Indian Zoo Educators with the most contemporary zoo education techniques, also giving an opportunity to meet, share and discuss their work with others. They invited resource persons from India and abroad. The second “National Workshop for Zoo Educators on Conservation Education” was held at Vanvihar National Park from 27 February-02 March 2012. Twenty-four participants from 22 zoos across the country participated in the workshop many of whom were educators who were hired very recently also attended. Mr. Sartaj Singh, Forest Minister of Madhya Pradesh, inaugurated the workshop. Dr. H.S. Pabla, PCCF & CWW, Mr. T. R. Sharma & Mr. Dharmendra Sharma Addl. PCCF (WL), Mr. B.S. Bonal, MS, CZA and Mr. B.P.S Parihar, Director, Van Vihar National Park were among the dignitaries.
Mr. Sartaj Singh, Forest Minister of Madhya Pradesh inaugurated the workshop
After the inaugural the participants introduced each other through an animal game. Then the first technical session was started. In this session Mr. M. S. Bonal delivered an extensive overview of the importance of zoo education to India, CZA’s vision and CZA’s commitments to education. Mr. Stephen Mckeown of Chester Zoo, UK followed with the talk on “Effective Communication using plain English” explaining why we have to use simple English in zoo education so that it gets the point across to all levels of visitors. Ms. May Lok of Singapore zoo shared various activities carried out by Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which manages Singapore zoo, night and river safaris. In the second technical session, as a first presentation R. Marimuthu of Zoo Outreach Organization talked about conservation education strategy. Mr. P.C. Tyagi, Faculty of WII gave a lecture on “Conservation education programmes for schools and Colleges in zoos”. Ms. Meena Nareshwar of CEE talked about the manual which they developed for zoo educators. After the presentations were over, the participants were divided into four working groups with an assignment,
The evaluation group evaluating one of the enclosure at Van Vihar Zoo
which have to be carried out in the zoo the next day. The topic of their assignment and facilitators were: Group: 1 - Visitor Profile at the Van Vihar National Park/Zoo facilitated by Ms. Meena Nareshwar Group: 2 - Signage Facilitated by Dr. Stephen Mckeown Group: 3 - Enclosure types and enrichment facilitated by Dr. Naim Akhtar Group: 4 - Evaluation, facilitated by R. Marimuthu
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On 28 February the third technical session started with Mr. Stephen Mckewon sharing the conservation education activities of Chester Zoo. Ms. Meena Nareshwar spoke on the effectiveness of signage, design and interpretation. R. Marimuthu gave two presentations, one on developing education materials and another on active learning tools that can be used in zoo education programmes giving
* Education Officer, Zoo Outreach Organization. Email: marimuthu@zooreach.org
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examples from ZOO workshops. Ms. May Lok then talked about their upcoming new facility River Safari. In the afternoon each group toured the zoo with a facilitator. They all worked on the assignments given to them very genuinely until evening and made a presentation the next day.
The visitor profiling group interviews visitors
On 29 February in the fourth technical session, Dr. B.C. Choudhury of WII gave two lectures, one on the ways to interpret biodiversity conservation in zoos and another one on vandalism and its management in zoos. After the talks, the zoo educators celebrated Leap Day 2012, an event launched by Amphibian Ark and coordinated by ZOO in South Asia, learning about the current amphibian crisis and active learning methods for teaching kids about it. The last day of the workshop (1 March), in fifth technical session Mr. Moin Ahmed, Regional Coordinator of ISIS shared how the zoo educators could use the ISIS data effectively in their literature and teaching. Dr. Naim Akhtar of CZA presented how wildlife facts can be used in the zoo education programmes. To teach the participants the effective usage of drama in conservation education, a drama session was conducted. The participants were divided into two groups. Two drama themes were selected from ZOO’s educator’s manual and one was about human elephant coexistence and another one about dancing bears. Drama instructions were given and drama kits also provided. They were given 45 minutes for preparation and rehearsal. Both the groups performed the drama very well.
Signage group doing their evaluation exercise at the zoo
As a last part of the workshop, the participants were invited to give a short presentation of their work. All the participants shared their zoo education activities with others. At the valedictory the participants and resource persons were awarded with certificates and memento by Dr. H.S. Pabla, PCCF (WL) of Madhya Pradesh.
A drama depicting how Kalandars getting and training dancing bears
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Amphibian Awareness Programme Gayathri Selvaraj and Mittal Gala* Amphibian awareness programme was held on the 25th of Feb 2012 at the Vadanemelli Village Panchayat School close to Madras Crocodile Bank Trust. The medium of education is Tamil and the total number of children studying in this school is 25. The school is situated in a small scrub area where there are lot of small pools and water bodies are abundant with tadpoles and frogs. The idea of the programme in the school was to introduce the concept of amphibians as a part of their daily environs and the role of amphibians and people together in an ecosystem. We started with an interactive session with the children to assess how much they know about amphibians. This was followed by a presentation. Since the children were between the age group of 4-9, a presentation was made with lot of colourful pictures and cartoons, used mainly to get and hold their attention. The ideas used for preparing this presentation was taken from ‘Frogs are a part of our biodiversity’ package sent to us by the Zoo Outreach Organization.
Pre-discussion before the presentation
Although the presentation was in English it was translated and delivered in Tamil. The kids were told about what amphibians are, the different kinds of amphibians, how are they different from reptiles. We explained that amphibians are unique and important animals as they are older than dinosaurs. Similarities and distinguishing characteristics between frogs and toads were discussed. Life cycle of a frog was discussed and kids were shown how a tadpole looks and how they breathe through gills. The amphibian’s skin and permeability was discussed in detail. Children were told that permeability relates to how easily a gas or liquid molecule can pass back and forth from the environment into animals or from the animals into the environment. In the presentation there were different slides of close-up views of skins of various animals from birds to reptiles and mammals. They were then told how an amphibian’s skin is very different and unique because it is more permeable to substances, which can be helpful and harmful at the same time. This concept was supported with a small experiment to understand the concept of permeability.
Slide - Amphibians are older than dinosaurs
Materials used: Two boiled eggs (prepared 24 hours prior); Food colouring agent (we used bright red colour); Air-tight Container; Knife Procedure: • Two eggs were boiled on the previous day of the activity. We called it as Egg#1 and Egg#2.
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1 tea spoon of red food colour was added to a container filled with water.
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Of the two hard-boiled eggs, Egg#1 was peeled & soaked in the coloured water, while Egg#2 was left unpeeled and soaked in the same water.
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Next day both the eggs were carried to the school with the container holding coloured water.
The children were gathered and were shown both the eggs. They could see that the Egg# 2 had food colour coated all around it whereas Egg# 1 there were very light stains on the shell. Egg# 1 was peeled in front of the kids. Both the eggs were cut into halves and presented in front of the children.
* Program Manager, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, Chennai, Email: program.manager.mcbt@gmail.com
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Results: • It was observed that the Egg#2 was white inside just like any hardboiled egg and the food colour could not penetrate through the shell.
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Difference in Egg #1 and Egg#2 ; Inset Egg1 peeled in front of class, Egg-2 Food colour penetrated till the egg white
Egg#1 however was not only orange from the outside but the colour had penetrated inside.
The kids were asked question like:What animal do they think would be more affected by water pollution, a frog or lizard? Why? What will happen to frogs if harmful chemicals like pesticides are used by humans? What will happen to the tadpoles if we pollute the water? The kids could answer the above questions correctly and understood the concept of permeability. The idea of the experiment was taken from the AZA site. Please see the link below. http://www.aza.org/uploadedfiles/ conservation/ commitments_and_impacts/ amphibian_conservation/ amphibian_resources/soak_it_up.pdf The presentation on amphibians continued with more slides on how useful the frogs are and some of the points explained were; • Frog eat bugs and act as natural pest controllers • They act as bio-indicators • Tadpoles feed on algae and keep the water system clean • They are an important part of the food chain
Frog and Toad colouring pages from ‘Amphibian- An Art Aark
From ‘Amphibian – An Art Aark (Coloring book by Zoo Outreach Organization) we made copies of Marbled Toad, Bi-coloured Frog and Small tree frog for the colouring activity and distributed it to kids explaining them about each species Towards the end of the programme, the kids were assembled in the playground and were asked to participate in a hopping race, which they readily agreed. The poster on South Asian Amphibians was left with the teachers for the class.
Leap Race
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Madras Crocodile Bank Trust/Centre for Herpetology would like to sincerely thank the Zoo Outreach Organization and Amphibian Ark team for providing us with the Amphibian packages and all the support to make this program a fun and successful event. We would also like to thank ‘Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA), in providing ideas, which made the programme interesting and educative.
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Indian Zoo Educators leaping for Amphibian Conservation at Bhopal Workshop R. Marimuthu* The Second “National Workshop for Zoo Educators on Conservation Education” was held at Bhopal from 27 Feb-1 March 2012. Twenty-four participants from 22 Indian zoos participated in the training workshop. Most of them were education staff and a few other staff holding education subject as well. Since 29 February fell in between the workshop dates, we arranged a Leap Day 2012 to promote successes in the conservation of amphibians in situ and ex situ entitled “Leaping Ahead of Extinction”. AArk is the joint effort of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums WAZA, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, SSC/IUCN CBSG and Amphibian Specialist Group ASG, SSC/IUCN. Zoo Outreach Organization has strong links with all. Though South Asian Zoos in general don’t keep amphibians in captivity for conservation breeding, ZOO promoted this activity in South Asian region to create awareness among public why we have to conserve amphibians by publishing and supplying education materials. Materials demonstrated at the CZA training were AArk leap day poster, South Asian Amphibian poster, colouring book, amphibian packets and masks to the organizers of the programme in this region. Among ZOO’s educator contacts, sixteen institutions/persons conducted programmes for large groups of visitors in order to to create awareness on amphibian conservation. In the CZA Educators workshop, ZOO Education Officer gave a presentation on amphibians. It included kinds of amphibians, their habitats, their importance to ecosystems. He also included the global amphibian crisis, the chytrid fungus, and Global Amphibian Assessments using the Red List. In 2008 a leap day activity was organised and again this leap year which he used as a platform for demonstrating how to capture the interest of children. ZOO’s various amphibian education materials and activities since 2007 were demonstrated, e.g., how to use these materials at their own zoo to teach about amphibian conservation in a variety of audiences. Subsequently they participated in amphibian exercises and learned new techniques, including how to be part of international environmental activities.
ZOO's amphibian education materials explained to the participants
Indian Zoo Educators leaping ahead for saving amphibians
Participants with AArk logo mask
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* Education Officer, Zoo Outreach Organization. Email: marimuthu@zooreach.org
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Leap Day programme conducted with kindergartens of HLC (Headstart Learning Centre) International School, Chennai Mittal Gala* On the 29th of Feb 2012, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust/ Centre for Herpetology conducted a Leap Day amphibian awareness programme for 20 kids of lower kindergarten. The package provided by Zoo Outreach Organization was used for the programme. The package contained: 1) Amphibian masks 2) Colouring books for distribution as prizes 3) South Asian amphibian poster 4) Sample kit on ‘Frogs a part of Biodiversity’ The programme started with a power point presentation which covered topics like: • What are amphibians? What does the word ‘AMPHIBIAN’ mean? • Different kinds of amphibians. Amphibian Morphology and life cycle of a frog and adaptation with respect to their habitats • Difference between Frogs and Toads • How do they breathe? Why do frogs call and how? • Why are amphibians important? Threats, why are they vanishing? • How to save them and how can you help?
Children taking a frog leap to celebrate Leap Day
To make it fun-learning and interesting for the kids, the presentation was made very simple by adding lots of cartoons, pictures and video-clips. The presentation was based mainly on the sample kit from the package ‘Frogs are part of Biodiversity’. To ensure that every child received a complete package of items and
Global Warning- Put amphibians on the Map
activities, 20 Amphibian Activity Packs were made using material provided in the package like masks and re-producing materials like ’word search’, mazes, arts and crafts from Zoo Outreach’s Helping Herps booklet. Every kid got a Global Warning- patch to color and stick on a candy stick, idea taken from the Zoo Outreach Amphibian Ark-2008’ and ‘Amphibian art and craft activities for kids’.
Amphibian Word Search
The children and the teachers not only enjoyed this presentation, but learnt about amphibians and why we should protect them. The program was concluded with the children wearing frog and toad masks and doing a frog leap to celebrate the Leap Day and the
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cause of Amphibian Conservation The poster on South Asian Amphibians poster was left with the teachers for the classroom and library along with 2 Amphibian Colouring books. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust/ Centre for herpetology would like to sincerely thank The Zoo Outreach Organization and Amphibian Ark team for providing us with the Amphibian packages and all the support to make this program a fun and successful event.
* Program Manager, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, Chennai, Email: program.manager.mcbt@gmail.com
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Measurable impacts of HECx education programmes in HEC areas of Kanchanapuri, Thailand B.A. Daniel* ZOO and ECN with the support of USFWS, Columbus Zoological Gardens and Koln Zoo organized a series of workshops in August 2011 to train educators from human elephant conflict areas and to introduce the concept of Human elephant coexistence HECx with active learning methodology. As a follow up of this a refresher cum assessment workshop was organized after six months in Kanchanaburi from 15-16 February 2012. This two-day refresher course was orgainsed by ZOO in collaboration with Elephant Conservation Network, inviting selected participants from August 2011 workshops. Refresher objectives are to determine attitudinal and/or behavioural changes among the trainees after the HECx training programme, to get a feedback about the Teaching guide and the ele-kit packet – its utility and usefulness, to provide an opportunity for the trainees / participants of the August workshop to share there experience about HECx programmes that they organized, to teach new games and activities and to build an educator network for the region.
Participants filling up a questionnaire during the workshop
Impact of the training on Peoples’ attitude A total of 23 participants took part in the refresher course. Prior to the workshop, a questionnaire was prepared comprising of factual knowledge questions, attitude tests and a measure of behavioural intent. The survey was to find out if the training and the programme had any impact to change their behaviour or attitude towards the problem elephants and helped them to coexist with the animal. Interestingly they shared many points and observations that demonstrated attitudinal change amongst self as well with their audience. Some major comments shared by the participants are:
• I organized programmes in HEC areas for villagers. Before my programme, people were afraid when the elephants visit them. After the education programme, since they expect that elephants may visit their village at any time, they allow the elephants to come to their village. They have no fear for elephants and they know what to do when they are there in their vicinity. • In my place, the villagers used to drive the elephants themselves when they come to the village but now they report to the forest department and seek their help.
SWOT analysis to understand better and plan
• People in my area understand that the elephants learn fast and react to our action. • Now they understand why the methods that they have been trying to keep off the elephants did not work after a point of time. So now people change the methods once in ten days to keep elephants off from their area. Now the villagers can see the difference and they are happy. • I am from the forest department. Before I initiated HEC mitigation
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education programmes for the villages, no one from the village come forward to help us to handle the HEC issue. After some education programmes they set up a group of villagers to help with the forest department officials. We achieved and sensitized through education activities. • A report from a teacher: officials now help the people by way of right * Educator, Zoo Outreach Organization. Email: badaniel@zooreach.org
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action, and teach us ways to behave when elephants are there. • I am a teacher from Saiokh and did many programmes in my area. This programme has brought change and interest among officials, soldiers, military who live in my area about HEC issue and they are alert now. Earlier they were not much bothered about this. • People in my area realize that they too have the responsibility with regard to HEC issues. • In my village people have stopped planting crops like banana planting it close to their house. They understood that having banana
plantation next to their home will attract elephants and it will be a trouble, not only for then but also for their neighbourhood. • Two people both from protected areas said: they had a feeling that they have been working on this issue all alone and felt uncomfortable since there was no one to support our activities against HEC mitigation. Now somebody is backing up … like ECN and also ZOO with some module and supporting education materials and so this is an encouragement for me to take up more responsibilities. Otherwise I was feeling all-alone.
• In my place not every one agrees
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Fishing game to learn sustainable utilization
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An educator’s feedback about the ‘Ele-kit’ packet
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with coexistence. I got this impression when I started working with people. This experience helped me to think and work more on this issue in my area. May be we have to work together instead of working alone in my place. Earlier people did not understand the need for elephant conservation but now they realize the need for it. People are not willing to hear from the officials about HEC and HECx. I realized that people should get a feel individually for conservation. People are not liked to be told by an official. Communication between rangers and community has improved a lot and it is mainly because of this programme which brought them together. Attitude of both the groups have changed. They talk with each other and now understand each other. Earlier it was not so. The reason could be, there is no fear among them. Two trainees from the forest department reported that a few farmers in their area have opted to cultivate alternative crop. Earlier they have been cultivating plantain, cassava but now they cultivate chili, pepper still get money as usual. However, they experience that elephants walk inside their cultivable area and damage. However they are happy. In some other area farmers are cultivating Onion and Taro (like a potato). Elephants that come from other province eat vegetables and food crops. Hence this village group is now trying to plant for elephants outside the village area at Salakpara. Now children are asking ‘why elephants are killed?’ A forest personnel helped the villagers to create an area for elephants by way of planting wild grass and bananas, thus people stopped teasing elephants. People used to chase elephants when they visit their village with their calf. Now a days they stopped chasing it. Villagers let them eat and go. Elephants visit in cold season and not during rain.
Utility of the education materials During the two day programme feedback was obtained to know about the utility and usefulness of the ‘Teaching Guide’ and the ele-kit packet used and distributed during the training programmes. The manual has five units and many activities in each unit. To know how useful these activities were they were asked to tell two most interesting activities that they tried from the manual. We came to know that ‘Know your elephant’
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which introduces the basics of elephant’s biology the difference between Asian and African elephants was the most used activity by the trainees. Visual aids such as masks and some of the illustrations given in the teaching guide were used. This is the first time that their audience got to know that two kinds of species exist. Some of the educators used this activity to introduce the HEC issues. The highest number of reach was 300 secondary school children during wildlife camp programme. The second most widely used activity among the trainees was drama. Drama was tried with school children, during camp fire and also for the tourists at Saiohk to teach about HEC and HECx. Though they used the drama themes given in the teaching guide, they also went to the extent of developing new stories incorporating scenes to appreciate nature. The next widely used activity was Ele- Dos and don’ts. A teaching community in Saiokh prepared power point presentations and explained to their students in detail. The trainees utilized the manual in a variety of ways. Some general comments from the participants about its utility: Some of the activities from the teaching guide were modified for the needs, for example, Illustrated content survey, an assessment activity was used as a tool to introduce basic information with a group rather than using it as an assessment tool. ‘The country chapter has plenty of information’, a forest personnel said, ‘however it requires updating’. This helped to tell about the importance of elephants and the reasons why elephant visit villages. Also they could understand the drawbacks of fencing and its impact on elephants. With this I could explain what we should do to prevent entry of elephants. People should give up something and elephants as well. If we cultivate plants like cassava the elephants will keep visiting and they will eat all our crops. It helped me to make local people understand the issue and win their cooperation. A teacher said, ‘I talked about HEC issues in schools and at some organizations working on environment. I took children to HEC areas and showed them the crop damage by the elephants. I also discussed how to prevent crop damage. Lights attract elephants. Turning off lights at night do not attract elephants. They also come to eat banana planted close to the house so do not plant banana close to the house. Children were also introduced to some organizations working with elephants. A teacher reported and said, I did programmes with the help of ECN. I covered four districts so far. When I talk to people they do not accept it. But later they understand the ECN and other organizations are involved who did some research work and hence the information that I give are acceptable and so they listen to it’.
A trainee who is the head and director of a school said, as an individual I have nothing to do with elephants but involve in teaching science and hence these activities are very useful and interesting. I first teach my colleagues and the students follow them. When we tell children all facts they pass the information to others including adults. Finger puppets are very popular since they are very attractive. They used with teachers first and then with children. Some activities were done during the prayer during school gathering in the morning. The children in different groups after practice performed selected activities from the teaching guide so that all could see. All programmes cannot be used so some activities were picked up. Just did some programmes with kids. Suggestions from the trainees: Get community people and leaders understand to achieve our target. Training should not stop with this; it should continue. More and more educators should be created. The programmes should target community leaders instead of just officials and the target group has to be prioritized. Working to achieve anything is not that easy. Constraints in carrying out conservation education programmes: During the training they were asked to list out hurdles that they face while planning their education programmes. They listed 54 distinct problems. Some of the main problems are listed here: very poor community, lack of experienced collaboration, many nationalities live near the border and hence very difficult, no cooperation or interest from planters / investors/ officials (they should work together), want to have regular training and more knowledge update, not enough continuous of support and funds. With these barriers in mind the group did SWOT analysis and understood the strengths and opportunities through which they could strengthen the education activities in their area. As part of the programme the participants learned new games and teaching methods that will help them to keep up the spirit of their activities in their respective places. Thanks to ECN team for coordinating this programme.
A Ranger from Salakpara commented that his group is interested in education activities. However, they have not used all activities in the manual. Their audience is the students from Kanchanaburi. They see elephants in the town also. He said, ‘I teach them how to behave in front of elephants when they see them. At one point of time I saw a man with coconut on the roadside in an elephant area. I remembered the coconut story that I learned during the training in August, where the elephant broke the man but he was still proud for winning the coconut, which is foolish. I enlarged the illustration of the man holding the coconut but hospitalized and used it during my education programme. While teaching I also explained ‘keep yourself in their cage’ situation.
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SPECIES FUTURES: What zoos and other organisations are doing for climate change with the CBSG /WAZA Climate Change Task Force The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and Conservation Breeding Specialist Group CBSG responded to the dramatic threat of climate change with a wide and varied array of actions. WAZA and CBSG formed a Climate Change Task Force to integrate and coordinate ideas and activities of their member communities. There has been an overwhelming response to their request for solutions and help for this staggering challenge to the world over the last few years. Now a dynamic electronic document is being created which will appear on the WAZA website soon after 30 March 2012 to collect all manner of documents, reports etc. from all manner of organisation and institutions and covering the technical and educational needs of all ages and levels of human beings. Zoo Outreach Organisation has contributed to the need for Climate Change material on three levels : Training, Education and Network. Recently we sent our succinct contributions to WAZA for their web based project. The review below is reflective of those activities with a more detailed overview of the last 3 years of climate change actions. The following is the story of ZOO’s involvement with climate change and our attempts to assist a wide range of age and education levels of people to understand the gravity of the problem without losing hope. Editor In 2008 the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria WAZA and the IUCN SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group CBSG created a Task Force to better respond to the threats to wildlife that climate change poses. ZOO and WILD organisations support 10 regional taxon and thematic networks. ZOO integrated people from both organisations and networks in yet another network, the ZOO Climate Change Network. Our Network cannot solve all problems of wildlife and climate change but it can increase the knowledge, interest and effectiveness of many people who may be working alone. The goals and activities of the Network below are focused specifically on South Asian Wildlife.
ZOO’s Climate Change Educational materials
The South Asia Climate Change Network is based on the success of other thematic and taxon networks. Climate Change as a theme is difficult because it requests human beings to change their habits. We can’t survive climate change if we continue on the road to disaster of the last few decades.
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ZOO has been communicating various climate change publications, announcements, education tools etc., to its network members regularly since 2009, covering literally thousands of people of all ages. Climate Change Education International Year of Biodiversity ZOO developed educational literature combining IYB and Climate Change for kids which have been distributed to more than 100 institutions and supplied 7000 packets and other items which were used in Indian Wildlife Week since 2009 and again for the 2011 World Environment Day and Wildlife Week (International year of Forests). •
Booklets : The Greenhouse Gasses and the Greenhouse Ghost, Live More Simply (links biodiversity with
View the activities of ZOO, WILD and SAZARC through their Climate Change Network, CC Education and CC Training.
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climate change), What you can do to live more simply Activities and games : Five Kingdoms of Life Cards, Climate Change Gameboard, climate change mask, climate change commitment bracelet Drama items : Drama card, Masks, placards, Climate change glasses Climate Change Education reports from South Asian zoo and wildlife educators using above mentioned materials.
Training in Climate Change SAZARC works on Climate Change South Asian Zoo Association Regional Cooperation Conference 2010 participants at Nepal formed countrybased climate change working groups who assessed animals in their own zoo collections to ascertain which species were more vulnerable to climate change with a focus on education and conservation. Dr. Wendy Foden, Programme Manager for the IUCN SSC Climate Change Group, delivered three lectures during SAZARC 2010 conference held at Nepal on climate change and monitored country-based working groups on species susceptibility to climate change.
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How are Biodiversity and Climate change related? a short note by B.A. Daniel. It has been accepted by scientists that climate change and biodiversity are interconnected and climate change is a new threat to biodiversity. If our biodiversity is adversely affected, it will bring negative impacts for human well-being all over the world. Managing and conserving biodiversity has now become essential since biodiversity also contributes to climate change mitigation through its ecosystem services. For example, forests (if conserved) can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus helping to address climate change by storing carbon.
Students pledge on climate change wearing climate change mask
Climate change will affect different areas of the world to different degrees. Some species can adapt to climate change while many species are susceptible to climate change. It all depends on a variety of biological traits including the species life history, ecology, behaviour, physiology and genetic makeup. Predicted aspects of climate change Frequent storms Frequent droughts Frequent floods Frequent fire Increased Carbon dioxide in atmosphere Increased Carbon dioxide in Ocean Extreme rainfall Change in rainfall pattern Temperature extremes Sea level rises Changes in seasons leads to
Dr. Wendy Foden discusses species susceptibility with the Afghans and Pakistans
Effects on species Changes in species distribution ranges Loss of habitats Death of species due to increased stress Changes in birth rate – change in population structure Changes in sex ratios Changes in competitive ability Impact on migration and dispersal Disconnection of prey predator relationship Emerging new pathogens Problem with invasive species The present cause of Climate change is man-made. Excess use and over-exploitation of natural resources through industrialization, and use-pattern, deforestation, large scale farming of domesticated animals, etc., are the main causes of global warming that leads to climate change
Participants fascinated with Dr. Wendy Foden’s presentations on climate change
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Nocturnal Terrestrial Mammals of Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary, Bangladesh Mohammed Mostafa Feeroz1, Md. Kamrul Hasan2 and M. Ibrahim Khalilullah3 Abstract Camera traps were used at six sites over a period of 36 days to identify nocturnal terrestrial animals of Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary in Bangladesh. A total of 10 nocturnal species were recorded. These are Jackal (Canis aureus), Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), Large Indian Civet (Viverra zibetha), Small Indian Civet (Viverricula indica), Indian Porcupine (Hystrix indica), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Hog-Badger (Arctonyx collaris), Greater Bandicoot Rat (Bandicota indica), Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) and Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus). Among these species, large Indian civet is very common while Hog-Badger is very rare in Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary. The presence of Hog-Badger (Arctonyx collaris) has been confirmed and photographed for the first time in Teknaf, Bangladesh. Introduction From the zoo-geographical point of view, Bangladesh is in the HimaloChinese sub-region of the Oriental Region. Because of its geographic location at the eastern end of the Indian subcontinent, Bangladesh is a transitional zone for the flora and fauna of the subcontinent and that of Southeast Asia (Stanford 1991). Bangladesh is one of the few countries where the species of two biogeographic realms (Indian and Malayan) overlap. The country has diverse ecosystems that are appropriate for a wide range of resident and migratory wildlife. During the last four decades survey of wildlife have been conducted by many researchers (Green 1978, Gittins and Akonda 1982, Khan 1981, 1982, , 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, Khan and Ahsan 1986, Feeroz 2001, Hasan 2003, Khan 2008). The Red Data Book (IUCN Bangladesh, 2000) describes status of wildlife of Bangladesh. However, very little information is available on elusive and nocturnal mammals of Bangladesh. Among the 110 terrestrial mammals found in Bangladesh, most of the nocturnal mammals are recorded as Data deficient in (IUCN Bangladesh, 2000). Increased human population pressure with increased demand for fuel wood is wiping off the vegetal cover and forest of the country, resulting rapid
Image1. Camera trapping activities in Teknaf wildlife sanctuary
degradation of wildlife habitat. Most of the mammals, specifically the nocturnal ones, are under constant threats for their survival and very little information is available about their status in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the status of the nocturnal terrestrial mammals in the Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS) in Bangladesh. Study Site Teknaf ‘Game Reserve’ was established in 1983 and was designated as a ‘Wildlife Sanctuary’ in 2010 under the Bangladesh Wildlife Act 1974. The wildlife sanctuary is located in the southeastern corner of Bangladesh (20o52’–21o09’ N and 92o08’–92o18 ΄ E.), about 450 km from Dhaka and consists of 11,615ha of hill forest in
the Teknaf peninsula. It is situated in the Teknaf and Ukia Upazilla of the Cox’s Bazar district, under the jurisdiction of Cox’s Bazar South Forest Division. The sanctuary consists of three Forest Ranges viz. Teknaf, Whykong and Shilkhali, and divided into 11 forest beats. It lies between the Naf River on the eastern side and Bay of Bengal on the western side while on the north and south it is bounded by Wrykong Bazar and Teknaf town respectively. The continuous hilly range that forms the backbone of Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary reach an altitude of 700 m and run from north to south through the central part of the peninsula, with a north-south length of nearly 28 km and an east-west width of 3-5 km.
1&2 Professor, Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, E-mail: feerozmm@yahoo.com, hasan_wildlifeju@yahoo.com(corresponding author) 3 Research Associate, Biotrack, Arannyak Foundation supported project, E-mail: nomanwild@yahoo.com
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vegetation along the River Naf to the east and sandy beaches along the Bay of Bengal bordering the sanctuary to the west. Amid these diverse habitats TWS supports 290 species of plants, 55 species of mammals, 286 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles and 13 species of amphibians (NSP 2006).
Image 2. Camera trap photos of nocturnal terrestrial mammals of Teknaf Wildlife sanctuary
Numerous streams flow down to Naf River in the east and Bay of Bengal in the west. Most of the streams are seasonal and dry up during winter, and some of the streams are regularly inundated by tide from the River Naf and the Bay of Bengal. TWS is broadly
known for its evergreen and semievergreen rain forest. Different habitat types found in TWS comprise of natural forests, cliffs and steep hills, cultivated fields, plantations (monoculture of exotics), wetlands, grasslands and bamboos, tidal mudflats, mangrove
Methods A total of 36 days were spent for camera trapping in Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary between November 2010 and April 2011. Systematic camera trapping was conducted in six sites inside Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary (Map 1). Two Moultrie I60 and 4 Bushnell Trophy Cam (2010) camera traps were used in this study (Image 1). One camera in each site was used continuously for six nights in each month for camera trapping. Photos from the camera were transferred in the early morning. Each camera was set with time, date and moon phase and all photos were recorded with this information printed on it. Cameras were set for three photos per trigger in 5 seconds interval. So the numbers of animals visiting a site were carefully separated and calculated from the total pictures taken. Attempts were made to identify individuals of the same species captured in the same camera at the same site. Size, shape and body
Table 1. Nocturnal terrestrial mammals of Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary Common Name
Local Name
Scientific Name
Status as per IUCNBangladesh, 2000
Global Status as per IUCN, 2010
Status as per CITES appendices
Status as per Bangladesh Wildlife Protection Act, 1974
Status in Teknaf WS (present study)
Jackal /Asiatic Jackal/Golden Jackal Fishing Cat
Pati Shial/ Shial
Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758
Vulnerable
Least Concern
Excluded
Excluded
Common
Mechho Biral/ Mechho Bagh
Prionailurus viverrinus (Bennett, 1833)
Endangered
Endangered
Appendix-II
3rd Schedule
Rare
Hog-Badger
Gor khodok
Arctonyx collaris F. Cuvier, 1825
Data Deficient
Near Threatened
Excluded
Excluded
Very Rare
Large Indian Civet
Bagdash
Viverra zibetha Linnaeus, 1758
Endangered
Near Threatened
Excluded
3rd Schedule
Very Common
Small Indian Civet
Khatash/ Gandho Gokul
Viverricula indica (Desmarest, 1817)
Vulnerable
Least Concern
Excluded
3rd Schedule
Rare
Asian Elephant/ Indian Elephant
Hati
Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Appendix-I
3rd Schedule
Rare
Wild Boar
Buno Shukar/ Shuar/ Bonnya Maya Harin
Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758
LR/LC
Least Concern
Excluded
1st Schedule
Common
Muntiacus muntjak
Endangered
Least Concern
Excluded
3rd Schedule
Rare
Bandicoot Rat/ Greater Bandicoot Rat
Bara Indur/ Dhari Indur
Bandicota indica (Bechstein, 1800)
LR/LC
Least Concern
Excluded
3rd Schedule
Common
Indian Crested Porcupine/Indian Porcupine
Shojaru
Hystrix indica Kerr, 1792
Endangered
Least Concern
Excluded
3rd Schedule
Rare
Barking Deer
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marking was used for individual identification, but in most cases, it was very difficult to identify individuals. Hence, only the occurrence was estimated on the basis of the proportion of photos captured for a species during the whole study period. Camera traps were placed near permanent water bodies, wildlife trails, human trails, specific feeding sites (under fruit tree), behind human settlement and on remote forest floor. On the basis of photos captured during the whole study period, different species were categorized in to four categories for their status in the TWS. The categories were, very rare (recorded only once), rare (recorded less than 10 times), common (recorded 11 to 25 times), very common (recorded more than 25 times). Results and Discussion Ten species of nocturnal terrestrial mammals were recorded from Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary (Image 2). On the basis of 390 photos (1 photo from each trigger) captured during this study period, one species was recorded as very common, 3 species were recorded as common, 5 species as rare and one species was very rare (Table 1). Among these 10 species, globally 2 species are endangered, 6 are Least concern and 2 are Near Threatened (IUCN 2010). While locally seven of these species are under different categories of threats, two species are ‘Not Threatened’ and one species belongs to the category of Data Deficient (IUCNBangladesh, 2000). The presence of Hog-Badger in Bangladesh was mentioned by Khan (1987) from Teknaf Game Reserve but later recorded as Data Deficient (IUCNBangladesh, 2000). During this study presence of HogBadger has been confirmed in Teknaf and photographed for the first time. The different nocturnal species recorded during this study are as follows.
Map 1. Camera trapping sites in Teknaf wildlife sanctuary
(1) Jackal (Canis aureus): Nocturnal, rarely sighted during day. Carnivorous, part time scavenger and occasionally eats fruits. Widely distributed in Bangladesh and found in all habitat types. Major threats are habitat loss and killing as a poultry pest by villagers or just for sports. This species is not included in CITES Appendix and BW(P)(A)A 1974. (2) Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus): Nocturnal, solitary, carnivorous, preys upon on almost everything in its surrounding from snails to fishes and frogs to small mammals. Widely distributed in all types of forests, swamps and marshy areas of the country. Habitat destruction, hunting and poaching are the major threats for this species and included in CITES Appendix II; 3rd Schedule of BW(P)(A)A 1974. (3) Hog-Badger (Arctonyx collaris): Very little is known about this species. Doubtful occurrence of this species was recorded from Teknaf (Khan 1987) but present study provides photographic evidence for the first time to confirm its presence in Teknaf, Bangladesh. This species is recorded as very rare in TWS. IUCN Bangladesh recorded this species as Data Deficient but it is neither included in CITES Appendices or the Schedules of BW(P)(A)A 1974. (4) Large Indian Civet (Viverra zibetha): Nocturnal, solitary and found in all habitat types of Bangladesh. Among the ten species of nocturnal terrestrial mammals found in Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary, this species is very common and recorded in all camera trap sites almost in every night indicating its presence in all diverse habitat. This species is included in 3rd Schedule BW(P)(A)A 1974. (5) Small Indian Civet (Viverricula indica): Strictly nocturnal and good climber; mainly preys on rats, squirrels, small birds, lizards, insects and poultry. This species is rarely found in the study site. They avoid heavy forest areas and recorded from long grass and scrub areas of TWS. Habitat loss and indiscriminate killing are the major threats for this species. This species is included in 3rd Schedule of BW(P) (A)A 1974. (6) Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus): Forage both in day and night. Mostly raids crop fields at night and feed inside forest during day time. Habitat destruction due to various anthropogenic activities leads to increasing conflict with local people. TWS is known for its elephant population. There are 30 to 35 elephants (IUCN-Bangladesh, 2004). (7) Wild Boar (Sus scrofa): Adult males are usually solitary in non-breeding season but females and their offspring live in groups. This species is found in almost all the forested areas of Bangladesh. They are omnivorous and feed on almost anything including grass, nuts, carrions, roots, tubers, insects and small reptiles. It was recorded as a common species in Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary. (8) Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak): Solitary, nocturnal but mostly active during twilight, forages in forests and thickly wooded areas. This species is recorded as rare in Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary during the study period. It is included in 3rd Schedule BW(P)(A)A 1974. (9) Greater Bandicoot Rat (Bandicota indica): It is widely distributed and a common rodent in almost all the forest areas. They are mostly found at the edge of the forest.
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They feed on grains and vegetables and act as a severe agricultural pest in Bangladesh. (10) Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica): Nocturnal, solitary and burrower, found in bushy forested areas. Hunting for meat and traditional medicine are the major threats for this species. It is included in 3rd Schedule of BW(P)(A)A 1974. References Feeroz, M.M. (2001). Species diversity and population density of non-human primates in north-east and southeast of Bangladesh. Ecoprint 8(1):53–57. Gittins, S.P. & A.W. Akonda (1982). What survives in Bangladesh? Oryx. 16(3): 275–281. Green, K.M. (1978). Primates of Bangladesh: A preliminary survey of population and habitat. Biol. Conserv. 13(2): 141–160. Hasan, M.K. (2003). Hoolock gibbon of Bangladesh: Status, distribution and ecology. M.Sc. thesis (unpubl.), Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. IUCN Bangladesh (2000). Red Book of Threatened Mammals of Bangladesh. IUCN-The World Conservation Union. 294 pp + xii. IUCN Bangladesh (2004). Conservation of Asian Elephants in Bangladesh. IUCN Bangladesh Country Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh. IUCN (2010). IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.4. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Khan, M.A.R. (1981). The non-human primates of Bangladesh. Tigerpaper. 8 (1):12–15. Khan, M.A.R. (1982). Wildlife of Bangladesh- A Checklist. Bangladesh: Dhaka University. Pp iv + 174. Khan, M.A.R. (1984). Endangered mammals of Bangladesh. Oryx.18 (3): 152–156.
Khan, M.A.R. (1985). Mammals of Bangladesh- a field guide. Dhaka: Nazma Khan. 92pp. Khan, M.A.R. (1986). Wildlife in Bangladesh mangrove ecosystem. J. Bombay Nat. Hist Soc. 83 (1): 32–48. Khan, M.A.R. (1987). Bangladesher Bonnyaprani ({in Bengali}: Wildlife of Bangladesh). Vol.1-3. Dhaka: Bangla Academy. Pp vol.-1: xvi + 169, vol.-2: xiii + 174 and vol.-3: x + 136. Khan, M.A.R. & M.F. Ahsan (1986). The status of Primates in Bangladesh and a description of their forest habitats. Primate Conservation. 7 (2): 102–109. Khan, M.M.H. (2008). Protected Areas of Bangladesh- A Guide to Wildlife. Nishorgo Support Program, Bangladesh Forest Department. 304 pp. NSP (2006). Management Plan for the Teknaf Game Reserve. Nishorgo Support Project. Pp. 1–116. Stanford, C.B. (1991). The capped langur in Bangladesh: behavioural ecology and reproductive tactics. Contributions to Primatol. Vol. 26:1–179. Acknowledgement This paper is the outcome of the project ‘Biodiversity monitoring in Protected forests of Bangladesh’, commonly known as BioTrack, funded by Arannayk Foundation and implemented by Wildlife Research Group of the Dept. of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University. Apart from using camera trap of BioTrack, we also use some other camera trap provided by "SPECIES, at Life Scape International" and we are grateful to them. We would like to thank Forest Department of Bangladesh for permitting us for the study and for constant help in the field. The authors are also grateful to the WRC and the BioTrack Team especially to Mominul Islam Nahid, Rajib Miah, Md. Iftekhar Hossain and Ibrahim Khalil for helping fieldwork during this study. We would also like to thank Sharmin Akhter and SM Robiul Alam for their constant help during the study period.
ANNOUNCEMENT: UFAW Animal Welfare Conference “Recent advances in animal welfare science III”, 21st June 2012 Animal welfare is a cross-disciplinary area of science that is attracting increasing interest and funding and is being widely employed to guide and inform legislation and practice relating to the use of animals. Much, however, still remains to be understood. As part of its commitment to improving the way we understand and care for animals, the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare is holding the third of a series of one-day conferences on ‘Recent advances in animal welfare science’ on 21st June 2012. There will be a poster session during the lunch break which will feature over 50 presentations. Further details, including the full programme of speakers and a registration form, can be found on the UFAW website http://www.ufaw.org.uk/conference2012.php. Registration is from 8.30, with talks starting at 9.30 and ending at 17.10. Other details: UFAW intends these regular conferences provides a forum at which the broad community of scientists, veterinarians and others concerned with animal welfare can come together to share knowledge and practice, discuss advances and exchange ideas and views. As part of this commitment, and to ensure that the meeting is accessible to widest range of those with an interest in animal welfare, UFAW aims to keep the registration fee to attend the conferences low, this year it is just £25. Note: This price includes refreshments but delegates will need to make their own arrangements for lunch. Venue: The conference is being held in York, in the medieval Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, Fossgate YO1 9XD. Located next to the pedestrianised centre of York and built in 1357, the timbered Hall and Undercroft make up one of the best preserved medieval guild halls in the world. Background to UFAW: UFAW, the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, is an internationally-recognised, independent, scientific and educational animal welfare charity. The organization promotes high standards of welfare for farm, companion, laboratory and captive wild animals and those with which we interact in the wild. Contact Details: Stephen Wickens, Development Officer, UFAW, The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire, AL4 8AN, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1582 831818; Fax: +44 (0) 1582 831414; Website: www.ufaw.org.uk; Email: wickens@ufaw.org.uk
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Incidence of Helminthic Infection in captive Carnivores of Sidhharth Municipal Zoo, Aurangabad, Maharashtra S.S. Ghoke1, B.S. Naikwade2, K.S. Thorat3, N.K. Jogdand4 and P.S. Kalaskar5 Introduction In nature, practically no animal is free from parasitic infection. Looking into captive animals coming from wild is more vulnerable to parasitic infection. Confined areas in zoo enclosure makes captive animals more prone to different parasitic infection. Despite proper attention to feeding, water and maintenance of hygiene in captivity, it is impossible to completely eliminate parasites (Parsani et al., 2001). In the present study, efforts were made to record the incidence of helminthic infection in various captive carnivores of Sidhharth Municipal Zoo, Aurangabad. Material and Methods Qualitative examinations of 18 freshly voided fecal samples from different carnivores were done by using direct and floatation method as per the techniques described by Thienpout (1929) and Georgi (1985). Samples were collected at random from two foxes, one jackal, two hyena, four each (Royal Bengal and White tiger), two lion, two leopards and a bear. The samples were examined for presence of ova of different helminthics. The severity of parasitic infection in carnivores was assessed by quantitative examination of fecal samples by estimating eggs per gram (EPG) using Stollâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technique. The level of severity were graded into three categories viz; below 500, between 500 to 1000 and more than 1000. Result and Discussion Out of 18 samples of different carnivora processed, 7 (43.75%) were found positive for mixed infection. Of which, 4(57.14%) had cestodes, 2(28.57%) had nematodes and 1(14.28%) showed trematodes. Among endoparasitic infection, 6 carnivores (85.71%) were found to have mono infection with one species of parasites while one (14.28%) found positive for more than one species of parasites (mixed/multiple infection) (Table 1). In the present study, two foxes, one lion out of two were found positive for Dipyllobothrium spp. while one leopard out of two were found positive for mixed infection of Dipyllobothrium spp. and Spirometra spp. One Jackal was found positive for Ancylostomum spp. while one tiger was found positive for Paragonimus spp. infection. Gaur et al
Table 1. Species and parasite wise infection in captive carnivores Name of Animal (Carnivore) Fox
No. of No. of Sample positive 02
02
Jackal
01
Hyena Tiger (White)
Type of endoparasitic infection Cestode
Nematode
Trematode
-
-
01
Dipyllobothrium spp. -
Ancylostomum spp.
-
02 04
00 00
-
-
-
Tiger (Bengal)
04
01
-
-
Paragonimus spp.
Lion
02
01
Leopard
02
01
Dipyllobothrium spp. Dipyllobothrium spp and Spirometra spp.
-
Table 2. Species wise EPG level in captive carnivores Name of Animal (Carnivore) Fox
No. of positive
< 500
02
Jackal
01
400 300 -
Hyena
00
-
Tiger (White)
00
Tiger (Bengal)
01
Lion
EPG Level > 500 but less than 1000 -
> 1000 -
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
600
-
01
400
-
-
Leopard
01
-
700
-
Bear
01
300
-
-
(1979), Chauhan et al (1973) have found Ancylostomum infection in captive carnivore that was kept in unhygienic condition in enclosures. Patel et al (2003) had found 80.06% and 18.94% of nematode and cestode infection in different carnivore species in zoos of Gujarat respectively. Heavy Dipyllobothrium and Paragonimus infection has been reported by Varathrajan and Pythal (1999). Severity of endoparasite load in carnivore was measured by EPG level. Three species; fox (2), lion (1) and Bear (1) has EPG level well below 500 whereas 3 other species; jackal (1), tiger (1) and leopard (1) has level between 500 and 1000. No species was found to have level more than 1000 (Table 2). Level above 500 and below 1000 was considered as severe infection and requires immediate treatment. EPG level detection in various species of carnivore has not been attempted or cited. In order to measure the severity of parasitic infection, EPG level is must and will be helpful in knowing the amount of infection animal is suffering from.
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Conclusion In comparison to domestic animals, captive animals do not show any alarming signs of parasitic disease (Parsani et al., 2001). Parasitism especially endoparasitic infection produces ill effects like weakness, emaciation and predisposes the animal for various potential pathogens. Therefore it is important to prevent parasitic diseases by employing effective control measures and prevent recurrences of infection. On this line, a long term study is essential covering all season to know the implication of parasitism.
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Udgir, Maharashtra (corresponding author) 2 Director, Sidharth Municipal Zoo, Aurangabad 3 Post Graduate Student, Department of ARGO, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Udgir, Maharashtra 4 Post Graduate Student, Department of VPH, BVC, Parel, Mumbai 5 Post Graduate Student, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, BVC, Parel, Mumbai
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References Chauhan, P.P.S., B.B. Bhatia, G.S. Arora, R.D. Agarwal, & S.S. Ahluwalia (1973). A preliminary survey parasitic infection among mammals and birds at Lucknow and Delhi Zoos. Indian Journal of Animal Science, 43: 163–168. Gaur, S.N.S., M.S. Sethi, H.C. Tewari & Om Prakash (1979). A note on the prevalence of helminth parasites in wild and zoo animals in Uttar Pradesh. Indian Journal of Animal Science, 49: 159–161.
Georgi, J.R. (1985). Parasitology for Veterinarians. 4th Edition. W. B. Saunders, London, pp – 344. Parsani, H.R., R.R. Momin, M.G. Maradia & Veer Singh (2001). A Survey of gastrointesinal parasites of captive animals at Rajkot Municipal Corporation Zoo, Rajkot, Gujarat. Zoo’s Print Journal, 16 (10): 604– 606. Patel, P.V., A.I. Patel, R.H. Sabapara, R.K. Sahu &Vyas Raju (2003). Helminthic infection in wild caninds in Zoological
gardens of Gujarat. Zoos’ Print Journal. 18(4): 1084. Thienpout, D. (1979). Diagnosing Helminthiasis through coprological Eamination. Beerse Jansen Research Foundation. Varadharajan, A. & C. Pythal (1999). Parasites of wildlife – I. A preliminary investigation on the parasites of wild animals at the Zoological Garden, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Zoos’ Print Journal 1–14 (3–12): 159–164.
Announcement: Tails to Trails: a Reptile and Amphibian workshops from 4th to 9th June 2012 Madras Crocodile Bank Trust/ Centre for Herpetology and Agumbe Rainforest Research Station
We are pleased to inform that Madras Crocodile Bank Trust/ Centre for Herpetology and Agumbe Rainforest Research Station is organizing a Reptile and Amphibian workshop from 4th to 9th June 2012. To elaborate on the program at Madras Crocodile Bank, one will be working closely with the team of experts to understand the working of a specialized reptile zoo and its intricate role in reptile conservation. Croc Bank is an ideal open classroom setting to observe and learn about behaviours that are very often difficult to see in the wild. You will get an opportunity to work closely with crocodilians, snakes and turtles. The physical and physiological needs of these animals, is primary to their care and maintenance in captivity. Basically one will see what it takes to keep thousands of reptiles ‘under one roof’. We will also head out one morning with the legendary Irula Snake catchers and experience their tracking skills first hand. Agumbe Rainforest Research Station gives you an opportunity to escape from the city and get in tune with the natural world…..sleep to the sounds of frogs and wake up to the singing of the whistling thrush. Here we learn about forest ecology, research techniques in the field and look for the denizens in the various habitats like forests, paddy fields, waterfalls and streams. This will be done by extensive surveys during the day and nights. All activities are aimed at an experience that will allow for understanding contexts and developing skills. Information handouts will be provided. The workshop will ensure an experience for one and all that is unique. The duration of this program will be 6 days (including the travel time from Madras to Agumbe and back to Madras). The cost of this 6 day program is Rs 15,000/-person all inclusive (program fee, accommodation, food and travel to and from Agumbe). Tails to Trails starts at Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT) which has over 2,500 reptiles of different taxa. Select enclosures are wired to record all the basic environmental parameters to facilitate studies on the biology of the reptiles here and to observe ad document behavior and social interactions, many of which are rarely, if ever, seen in the wild. These fascinating educational sessions will be conducted on the taxonomy and biology of reptiles and amphibians, aided by entertaining presentations. Highlights during the workshop will be: ✦ Reptile biology and taxonomy ✦ Captive management of these magnificent reptiles ✦ Discussions and interaction with experienced experts and hands on activities ✦ Walk with the legendary Irula tribe, marveling at their unparalleled tracking skills as you look for snakes. After spending 3 days at MCBT, we then head to Agumbe Rain forest Research Station (ARRS), nestled in the Western Ghats of South India. This is a prime habitat for several interesting species ranging from gliding frogs to draco and Malabar pit vipers to the King cobra. The forest around ARRS allows for observation of arboreal mammals and is also a bird watcher’s paradise. At ARRS the focus will be on field research within sights in to basic field craft and analytical skills. Highlights during the workshop will be: ✦ Field survey techniques for reptiles ✦ The importance of radio telemetry and camera trapping in research ✦ Observation of nocturnal behaviour and documenting nocturnal animals ✦ Understanding stream ecosystems, use of microhabitat and spatial preference We do hope you will join us in this journey of discovery and learning! Please request for a registration form by emailing Programs@madrascrocodilebank.org or call +91 9840542337 OR +91 9445980950
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JOURNAL OF ZOO AND AQUARIUM RESEARCH AIMS AND SCOPE The Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research will provide a forum for rapid publication of novel, peer-reviewed research papers, reviews, technical reports and evidence-based case studies. Through their living collections, zoos and aquariums are uniquely placed to contribute to conservation-related research. Research categories covered by the Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research will include studies in pure and applied biological sciences (e.g. behaviour, genetics, medicine, nutrition, population management and reproduction), in situ conservation research (e.g. socioeconomic and field surveys) and research aimed at developing other roles of zoos and aquariums (e.g. visitor learning and marketing surveys). A section of the Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research will be devoted to submissions of original, previously unpublished, case studies documenting the effects of a husbandry intervention. Evidence-based husbandry for living collections aims to apply the best available evidence gained from the scientific method to decision making. Sharing knowledge about the effects of management and/or husbandry interventions will improve global management of living collections. The vision is that the assessment and dissemination of the effectiveness of husbandry actions will become a routine part of zoological management practice. The core activities at the root of any evidence-based practice can be identified as: • a questioning approach to practice leading to scientific experimentation • meticulous observation, enumeration, and analysis replacing anecdotal description • recording and cataloguing the evidence for systematic retrieval EXAMPLE PAPERS THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN JZAR Antwis, R.E. & R.K. Browne (2009). Ultraviolet radiation and Vitamin D-3 in amphibian health, behaviour, diet and conservation. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A - Molecular & Integrative Physiology 154: 184–190. Armstrong, E., C. Leizagoyen, A. Martínez, S. González, J. Delgado & A. Postiglioni (2011). Genetic structure analysis of a highly inbred captive population of the African antelope Addax nasomaculatus. Conservation and management implications. Zoo Biology, 30: 399–411. doi: 10.1002/zoo.20341 Asa, C.S., K. Traylor-Holzer & R.C. Lacy. Can conservation-breeding programmes be improved by incorporating mate choice? International Zoo Yearbook (2011) 45: 203–212 DOI:10.1111/j.17481090.2010.00123.x Conway, W.G. (2011). Buying time for wild animals with zoos. Zoo Biology, 30: 1–8. doi: 10.1002/zoo. 20352. Conde, D.A., N. Flesness, F. Colchero & O.R. Jones (2011). An emerging role of zoos to conserve biodiversity. Science, 331: 1390–1391. doi: 10.1126/science.1200674 Fernandez, E.J., M.A. Tamborski, S.R. Pickens & W. Timberlake (2009). Animal–visitor interactions in the modern zoo: Conflicts and interventions. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 120: 1–8. doi:10.1016/ j.applanim.2009.06.002 Griffiths, S., S.M. Dow & O. Burman (2010). Ultrasonic vocalizations and their associations with the nonvocalization behaviour of the endangered Turkish spiny mouse (Acomys cilicius Spitzenberger) in a captive population. Bioacoustics 19(3), 143–157. Schwitzer, C & W. Kaumanns (2009). Litter Size, infant mortality and female body weight in captive blackand-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata). Endangered Species Research 8:201–209. Van Coillie, S., P. Galbusera, A. Roeder, W. Schempp, J. Stevens, K. Leus, G. Reinartz & J. Pereboom (2008). Molecular paternity determination in captive bonobos and the impact of inbreeding on infant mortality. Animal Conservation 11 306–312 doi:10.1111/j.1469-1795.2008.00186.x Wagoner, B. & E. Jensen (2010). Science learning at the zoo: evaluating children’s developing understanding of animals and their habitats. Psychology and Society 3: 65–76. PUBLICATION SCHEDULE The Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research will be published quarterly and we aim to launch the first issue in late summer/autumn 2012. The Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research will keep the time between original submission and appearance online short and will encourage authors to revise rapidly once a paper has been submitted and deemed acceptable. EDITORIAL BOARD The journal is being launched by an interim Editorial board comprising members of the EAZA Research Committee. We hope to appoint a full, permanent Editorial Board in March 2012, if you are interested in becoming a member of this board please contact Zjef Pereboom (Chair, EAZA Research Committee, Zjef.Pereboom@kmda.org) before 14th Feb 2012.
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TRAFFIC helps to claw back illegal parrot trade in India
The 12 native parrot species of India are illustrated on a new poster being distributed to enforcement officers and educational establishments.
arriving in trade between December and June. For every bird that reaches the market place, several are believed to die en route.
A parrot in captivity is one of the more visible symbols of illegal trade in India, where all native wildlife is fully protected. To help enforcement officers identify the 12 native parrot species, and thereby clip the wings of the illegal bird trade, TRAFFIC India with support from WWF-India has produced an identification poster entitled “Parrots of India in Illegal Trade.”
Of the 12 native species, eight are regularly found being illegally traded. They include Alexandrine, Rose-ringed, Plum-headed, Red-breasted, Malabar, Himalayan and Finsch’s Parakeets and Vernal Hanging-parrot.
The posters will be distributed to Police, Customs, Forest Departments, Railway Protection Forces and educational institutions including schools and colleges. Despite the blanket ban since 1990-91 on trade in all Indian bird species, hundreds of parrots are collected and traded annually in the country. They are taken from the wild and smuggled to various parts of India and beyond. The bulk of the trade is in three to four week old chicks. Parrots are caught using nets and birdlime. Adult parrots are traded throughout the year, with chicks
For centuries, parrots have been kept as pets mainly because they are straightforward to keep and easy to replace because of the large numbers in trade. This has in turn created demand that has led to an organized illegal trade in parrots. Abrar Ahmed, ornithologist and a bird trade consultant to TRAFFIC India said, “The Alexandrine Parakeet is one of the most sought after species in the Indian live bird trade and is traded in large volumes throughout the year. “The chicks are collected from forested areas and transported to bird markets in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Patna, Lucknow and Kolkata. “Many specimens are smuggled by Indian dealers via Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh to bird markets in various parts of the world”.
ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVII, Number 3, March 2012
“Alarmingly, three species of Indian parrots—Nicobar, Long-tailed & Derby’s Parakeets—are considered by IUCN as Near Threatened with extinction, with illegal trade posing a significant threat.” MKS Pasha, Co-ordinator of TRAFFIC India said: “Few know that our favourite and well-known ‘mithu’ is a protected species in India. Their chicks are captured remorselessly from the wild, and many to not make it to their final destination.” “The parrot trade is substantial and well organized, but it can be counteracted through concerted enforcement actions at the grassroot level and mass awareness campaigns. “TRAFFIC India’s new poster is a step in this direction. We hope it will also inspire children and young people too, because they are the ones who will influence future change and can play a significant role in curtailing the demand for our native wildlife.” ENDS For more information, please contact: Dilpreet B. Chhabra at 01141504786/ 43516290/ 9899000472.
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Magazine of Zoo Outreach Organisation ZOO’s PRINT Publication Guidelines
Publication Information
We welcome articles from the conservation community of all SAARC countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and other tropical countries if relevant to SAARC countries’ problems and potential.
ZOO’s PRINT, ISSN 0973-2543 Published at: Coimbatore Owner: Zoo Outreach Organisation, 96, Kumudham Nagar, Vilankurichi Road, CBE 35
Type — Articles of semi-scientific or technical nature. News, notes, announcements of interest to conservation community and personal opinion pieces.
Editor: Sally R. Walker Associate Editors: R.V. Sanjay Molur and Daniel B. Ayyachamy Managing Editor: Latha G. Ravikumar Editorial Assistant: R. Marimuthu
Feature articles — articles of a conjectural nature — opinions, theoretical, subjective. Case reports: case studies or notes, short factual reports and descriptions. News and announcements — short items of news or announcements of interest to zoo and wildlife community Cartoons, puzzles, crossword and stories Subject matter: Captive breeding, (wild) animal husbandry and management, wildlife management, field notes, conservation biology, population dynamics, population genetics, conservation education and interpretation, wild animal welfare, conservation of flora, natural history and history of zoos. Articles on rare breeds of domestic animals are also considered. Source: Zoos, breeding facilities, holding facilities, rescue centres, research institutes, wildlife departments, wildlife protected areas, bioparks, conservation centres, botanic gardens, museums, universities, etc. Individuals interested in conservation with information and opinions to share can submit articles ZOOS’ PRINT magazine. Manuscript requirements: Articles should by typed into a Word format and emailed to zooreach@zooreach.org. Avoid indents, all caps or any other fancy typesetting. You may send photos, illustrations, tables. Articles which should contain citations should follow this guideline: a bibliography organized alphabetically and containing all details referred in the following style: surname, initial(s), year, title of the article, name of journal, volume, number, pages. Editorial details: Articles will be edited without consultation unless previously requested by the authors in writing. Authors should inform editors if the article has been published or submitted elsewhere for publication.
Zoo Outreach Organisation Trust Committee and Sr. Staff Managing Trustee: Sally R. Walker Chairman Trustee: R. Nandini Executive Director Trustee: R.V. Sanjay Molur Finance Director Trustee: Latha G. Ravikumar Scientist: B.A. Daniel Researcher: R. Marimuthu Other staff: B. Ravichandran, R. Pravin Kumar, K. Geetha, S. Radhika, Arul Jagadish, K. Raveendran, S. Sarojamma ZOOs’ PRINT magazine is informal and newsy as opposed to a scientific publication. ZOOS’ PRINT magazine sometimes includes semi-scientific and technical articles which are reviewed only for factual errors, not peer-reviewed. Address: Zoo Outreach Organisation Post Box 5912, 96, Kumudham Nagar, Vilankurichi Road Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 035, India Phone: +91 422 2665298 Fax: +91 422 2665472 E-mail: zooreach@zooreach.org Website: www.zooreach.org, www.zoosprint.org
Announcements
The 2012 International Aquarium Congress (IAC) is now just 10 months away. Your host, the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, South Africa, looks forward to welcoming you to our shores from 9 to 14 September 2012.
Call for papers Prospective presenters are now invited to submit their abstracts for papers or posters to be presented at the 8th International Aquarium Congress (IAC) in Cape Town, South Africa from 9 to 14 September 2012.
The IAC, which takes place every four years, is the most important and prestigious event for the public aquarium industry. It has been held in several countries, but 2012 marks the first year that the congress will take place in the Southern Hemisphere and on African soil.
Click here to learn about our themes and submission guidelines: http://iac2012.co.za/ congress/call_for_papers/
Click here to view the provisional 2012 IAC programme: http://iac2012.co.za/congress/ preliminary_programme/congress_programme/ Click here to register now: http://iac2012.co.za/ congress/register/ Keynote speakers announced We are delighted to announce the three guest speakers who will be delivering keynote addresses during the opening ceremony of the 2012 IAC on 10 September 2012. Dr Camille Parmesan was ranked by Reuters ISI Web of Science as the second most highly cited author in the field of climate change in 2010. Read more: http:// iac2012.co.za/blog/entry/ dr_camille_parmesan_to_speak_at_2012_international_ aquarium_congress/ Dr Elin Kelsey will deliver a keynote for the 2012 IAC that positions "hope" as an emerging narrative for aquariums around the world. According to Kelsey, "Aquariums have a unique ability to engender emotional connections between people, animals and environments." Read more: http://iac2012.co.za/blog/ entry/ dr_erin_kelsey_brings_hope_to_2012_international_aqu arium_congress/ Emeritus Professor George Branch is a world-renowned authority on the southern African marine environment. His passionate and entertaining lectures inspire a huge appreciation and understanding of the marine world. Read more: http://iac2012.co.za/blog/entry/ professor_george_branch_to_explore_two_oceans_at_2 012_international_aquariu/
Sponsor and exhibit At the 2012 IAC, you will have the opportunity to meet with key decision makers in exhibitory, conservation, sustainability and education fields. Top management personnel from aquariums from around the world are expected to attend. We offer a unique opportunity to exhibit to leading industry professionals from around the world. Click here to learn more about our exhibition options: http://iac2012.co.za/exhibit/ We also have a number of sponsorship and exposure opportunities to suit your budget and requirements, from top-end endorsements to green initiatives, as well as a host of advertising and advertorial opportunities. Click here to learn more about our sponsorship opportunities: http://iac2012.co.za/sponsor/ About the Two Oceans Aquarium The southern tip of the African continent is the meeting place of two mighty and bountiful oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic. The Two Oceans Aquarium on the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town is ideally positioned to showcase the incredible diversity of marine life found in these two oceans. The Aquarium is one of the top tourist attractions in Cape Town and over 3000 living sea animals, many of which are endemic to southern African waters, can be seen in this spectacular underwater nature reserve. Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium website for more information: http://www.aquarium.co.za/