Zoos Print Magazine November 2011

Magazine of Zoo Outreach Organisation Vol. XXVI No. 11, November 2011

ISSN 0971-6378 (Print); 0973-2543 (Online)

Celebration of Wildlife Week 2011, See the reports at Pp. 35-40

Date of Publication: 21 November 2011

Magazine of Zoo Outreach Organisation Vol. XXVI No. 11, November 2011

ISSN 0971-6378 (Print); 0973-2543 (Online)

Contents Present distribution status and ecology of White-winged Wood Duck and Hornbills in Nameri National Park, considering the tropical forest disturbances of Assam, P. K. Saikia and Malabika Kakati Saikia, Pp. 1-11

Present distribution status and ecology of White-winged Wood Duck and Hornbills in Nameri National Park, See Pp. 1-11

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums WAZA links with Wildlife Reserves Singapore and other zoos to cope with Thailand floodwaters, Pp. 12-13 Note on Environmental Enrichment: Automated reconfiguration of primate zoo closures, Anthony Judge, P. 13 COMMUNIQUÉ : WAZA and Decade on Biodiversity, P. 14 Obituary: Alan Mootnick - a Man for many seasons, Pp. 15-16 Kabul Zoo Activities Report and Opening Ceremony of ECO Project, Aziz Gul Saqib, Pp. 17-18 Thanks to AArk (Amphibian Ark) CBSG and WAZA for ZOO’s amphibian conservation education materials for Wildlife Week, P. 18

The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) funded for reconstruction of Kabul Zoo and 80% of work have been completed.

See Pp.17-18

Presenting ... Dallas Zoos for Families and Children -- Featured in Zoo Lex News & Design for August 2011, Pp. 19-24 Depression in Caged Animals: A Study at the National Zoo, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Amber Haque, Pp. 25-29 When the “Cat Woman” is Away, the Mice Will Play. (Or How the Owl Saved the Mice.) -- A non-fiction incident from the travels of Malcolm Whitehead Dave Lawson, P. 30 Stranger that Fiction ... the Spy from Outer Space -- The Killer Instinct, Sally Walker, THE ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY OF INDIA, August 5,1990, Part III of III, Pp. 31-34 Wildlife Week 2011-Education Reports, Pp. 35-40

Celebrations of Wildlife Week 2011, See Pp. 35-40

Present distribution, status, and ecology of White-winged Wood Duck and Hornbills in Nameri National Park, considering the tropical forest disturbances of Assam P.K. Saikia1 and Malabika Kakati Saikia2 Abstract Present distribution, status, and ecology of White-winged Wood Duck and Hornbills were studied in Nameri National Park from 1997 to 2000. The estimated ecological density of White-winged Wood Duck was 1.55 indivi-duals/km2 and crude density was 0.2 individuals/km2. Major causes of mortality of the White-winged Wood Duck were hunting and collection of eggs and chicks. A major threat to the population was the cutting down of dense vegetation including trees in the vicinity of wooded streams. Four species of hornbills were recorded in Nameri National Park viz., Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill and Rufous-necked Hornbills. The study showed that the food plant species and nesting trees of Hornbills have drastically declined in Nameri National Park, especially near Potasali Forest Camp, along the stretches of Bordikorai River, Nameri and Khari-Bogijuli Forest Camp owing to anthropogenic causes. The recorded nesting tree of Hornbills was Tetrameles nodiflora and the major food plant species of Great Pied and Wreathed Hornbills were Amoora wallichii and Dysoxylum procerum etc., whereas, it was fig trees for Oriental Pied Hornbill. The hunting of hornbills in their nest den and foraging sites for their lucrative meat is the major concern for species conservation.

Introduction The state of Assam has several endangered species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Five National Parks and 19 Wildlife Sanctuaries have been declared in various areas of Assam to protect wildlife of conservation concern. These protected areas also sustain large numbers of migratory and residential avifauna. Avian fauna can be good indicators of biodiversity (ICBP, 1992), useful for monitoring environmental changes (Furness et al., 1993), and suitable indicators that respond to disturbance (Askins et al., 1990). However, the effect of disturbance on tropical birds have not been studied thoroughly (Bierregaard and Lovejoy, 1989; Kattan et al., 1994), some of the tropical birds species, for example White-winged Wood Duck Cairina scutulata, many other endemic species like Arborophila mandelii, Heterophasia gracilis, Yuhina bakeri, Spelaeornis longicaudata, Brachypteryx hyperythra and Hornbill species such as Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis and Brown Hornbill-Anorrhinus tickelli etc. are even more threatened due to forest degradation than any other forest birds.

The historic distribution of White-winged Wood Duck (WWWD) extended from North-east India, through Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia to the Indonesian Islands of Sumatra and Java. It now survives in relatively few pockets having disappeared from much of its previous range (Birdlife International, 2001). Hence, this species is endangered because it has very small, rapidly declining, severely fragmented population owing to deforestation, wetland drainage and exploitation (Birdlife International, 2001).

Various studies has been carried out on the aspects of distribution and ecology of White-winged Wood Duck across the South and South Asian countries by several workers (Chaudhury, 1993a, b, 1995; Das, 1995; Drilling, 2000, 2001; Evans and Timmins, 1994; Green, 1992a, b, c, 1993 a, b, Lambert, 1988; Parr et al., 1993; Talukdar, 1994, 2003; Talukdar and Bhattacharjee, 1995a, b) in recent years. Similarly, the Rufous-necked Hornbill is primarily threatened by the pervasive combination of habitat loss and

a

b

c Plate 1: Important habitat of White winged Wood Duck (a) Kurua Beel (b & c) Balipung Tower area

1 Associate Professor, In-charge, Centre for Animal Ecology & Wildlife Biology, Coordinator, Post Graduate Diploma in Wildlife Management (PGDWM), Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, Assam. Email: saikiapk@rediffmail.com 2 Women Scientist-A, DST, & Guest Faculty PGDWM & AEWB, Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam.

Email: malabika8370@sify.com Corresponding Author: saikiapk@rediffmail.com

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d

e Plate 1: (d) Balipung Tower area (e) White Winged Wood Duck in Nameri NP.

hunting pressure and susceptibility to this factor is manifested in its disappearance from many suitable areas in which it once widely occurred (Poonswad and Kemp, 1993).

It is well known fact that, the conservation of Biological diversity in tropical forest ecosystem is under threat throughout Southeast Asia owing to various anthropogenic problems (Byron and Gillman, 1998; Willot et. al., 2000; Hill et al., 2001).

The most widespread human related problems of tropical forests such as encroachments of forest land, selective logging and shifting agriculture caused the forest disturbance that leads to open up the canopy (Hill et al., 2001).

As forest landscapes become increasingly disturbed, ecosystem inputs and outputs are altered, and previously existed core habitats become exposed to external conditions, all of which results in a progressive erosion of biological diversity including avian diversity (Castelletta et al., 2000; Terborgh and Winter, 1980; Tilman et al., 1994). The creation of rapid forest edges exposed to open habitats can severely modified

the local microclimatic conditions, increasing tree mortality and promote the establishment of non-forest species (Lovejoy et al., 1986; Kapos, 1989; Laurance et al., 1998; Tabarelli et al., 1999). Again, it is asserted that the avian faunas are the convenient indicators of biodiversity (ICBP, 1992) and also useful for monitoring environmental changes (Furness et al.

1993). Again, the avian communities are suitable subject for the study of community response to disturbance.

For birds, studies in North America have generally indicated that forest birds, especially forest interior species are vulnerable to destruction of breeding habitat (Askins et al., 1990).

Some of the tropical birds species, for example Cairina scutulata, many other endemic species such as Arborophilla mendalai, Heterophasia gracilis, Yuhina bakeri, Spelaeornis longicaudata, Brachypteryx hyperythra etc. are critically forest dependent species and Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis, Great Hornbill-Buceros bicornis, Oriental Pied HornbillAnthracoceros albirostris, Wreathed Hornbill-Aceros undulatus and Rufousnecked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis) etc.

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 11, November 2011

are even more vulnerable to forest destruction than any other forest birds. Responses of birds to such habitat modification vary among species with some forest bird species suffering from increased level of nest predation and brood parasitism (Brittingham and Temple, 1983; Donovan et al., 1995; Robinson et al., 1995). These forest dependent species are threatened and sensitive to global extinction as the closed tropical forests are disappeared 4.7 million hectares every year since 1990 and that could be predicted extinction of 1-10 % biodiversity in the next coming 25 years (Thiollay, 2002). Thus it needs to be local monitoring of key forest dependent species to highlight their conservation threats, scope for conservation and assessment of population status. Many tropical forests in recent decades, the formation of artificial forest gap owing to extensive tree felling are much higher in rate than it could be predicted. This is particularly true for the smaller pockets of tropical rain forests of North Eastern India, especially in Assam, where local tree poachers throughout the state formed most gaps due to selective logging since 1990. In Assam alone, almost 60% primary Reserve forest has been logged till 1994 and 80% has been completely razed till date by the regional tree poachers owing to earning easy money, heavy population explosion and unplanned developmental project. Available reports indicated that, till 2006, almost 18,640 hectares area lie encroachment in 10 National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Assam (e.g.

Burhachapori WLS, Laokhowa WLS, Sonai Rupai WLS, Nameri NP, addition to Kaziranga NP, Manas NP, Barnadi WLS, Dibru-Saikhowa BR, Orang NP and Pobitora WLS) of which highest settlers are found in Burhachapori and Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuaries (report from Assam Tribune, 16 September, 2006). Therefore, it is a fact that, the survey of potential habitat sites and species abundance of regional threatened species are need to be highlighted to initiate species oriented conservation initiation for our future generation.

The main objectives of the study were as follows:1. To find out the local abundance, distribution status and ecology of the White-winged Wood Duck and various Hornbills species in Nameri National Park.

2. To identifying the potential threats for the species and its possible conservation measures.

2

Study Area The Nameri National Park is (27º35´- 26º50´ N and 92º39 ´- 93º0´E) situated about 40km. distance from the Tezpur cosmopolitan centers of Sonitpur district on the north bank of river Brahmaputra, Assam. It is a fraction of Naduar Reserve Forest, the oldest reserve forest of Assam, constituted in 1878 (Das, 1998). The forest area is unique for its topographical position, with undulating terrain and streams and river networks. It is a narrow strip lying between Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh and the river Brahmaputra. It is bounded on the north by the Kameng division and east by Lakhimpur district and south by Naduar Reserve Forest of Sonitpur district. The gradient of the plain is slightly high along the foot of the Himalayas, which fall in a narrow strip of 1-5km all along the northern boundary in east-west direction. The belt is covered with very dense tropical forests. The terai belt is extremely flat and contains intermittent swamps. The terrain plain is chiefly composed of tall grassland. To the south of the terrain belt lays relatively highland with east-west alignment. The area is criss-crossed by the river Jia Bhoroli and its tributaries including many small and medium sized streams (locally known as nallas). The soil type of Nameri National Park is mostly of sub-montane. The detailed habitat characteristic of Nameri National Park has been studied by Saikia and Saikia (1999) and the forest is mainly moist mixed semievergreen forest. The climate of study area can be characterized by high humidity and copious rain. The season can be classified into pre-monsoon (March–May), monsoon (June-Sep.), retreating monsoon (Oct. & Nov.) and winter (Dec.-Feb.). Average annual rainfall in the study area from 1971-1998 is 2,141mm (data were collected from the environmental department, Gauhati University, Assam, India). More than 70% annual rainfall is received in the study area from May to September. The overall temperature variation between summer and winter is 36ºC (sunny days of July-August) to 11ºC (December and January).

Methods The study has been carried out from 1 October 1997 to 30 April 2000, in Nameri National Park, Sonitpur, Assam. The following methodologies has been adopted for collecting the necessary data for the works a. Study design For convenience, three major camping stations were preselected in Potasali, Bogijuli and Sijusa (Figure 1 for locations) within the park area. From Potasali camping station, the study sites of Potasali through Doigrung, and Bhalukpung area were covered. Again, the study area from Potasali to Bogijuli, which includes the area of Balipung, Khari, Tomaljuli and Bagijuli were covered from the Potasali station. The Sijusa camping site helped to conduct the survey in the area between Pakhui, Bogijuli, and Khari.

Centrally, the Bogijuli camping station helped conduct detail investigation of the area. b. Survey Most of the field trips were made on foot, but few elephant rides and rafting trips were also undertaken, especially during survey in dense forest and river tract. Altogether eight field trips with average eight days per trip were made covering different seasons of the year during whole study period. Bird surveys were undertaken during three time periods: (1) morning (before sunrise to 11:00 hours), (2) afternoon (14:30 to 18:00 hours) and (3) evening (18:30 to 21:00 hours). Occasionally, these time samplings were not followed when covering long transect by foot by day (e.g.

10-12 km/day etc.). Line transect and point count methods were used to collect the distributional status and habitat characteristics data of birds species following Bibby et al.

(1992) and Gaston (1975). Altogether 15 line transects with

a length of 1-8 km and 30m breadth and 20 point transects with 30m radius were designed in terrestrial habitat to assess abundance of Hornbills and 25 line transact with a length of 1-12 km and 25 point transact were designed to covers streams, swamps and water-bodies for White-winged Wood Duck data collection. Apart from these all forest streams flowing through Nameri National Parks were also surveyed especially for White-winged Wood Duck. At dawn (before sun rise to 08:00 hours), the birds often move towards the open-nallas and streams close to forest and during midday they go into the dense forest nallas for hiding under cover, hence the survey was designed accordingly.

Data Collections White-winged Wood Duck To gather the White-winged Wood Duck distribution status and population abundance data in Nameri National Park, all swampy areas, nallas and 1st and 2nd order streams in the dense semi evergreen and evergreen forest were carefully surveyed and obtained data were collected and gathered.

The number of White-winged Wood Duck encountered was noted down along with their GPS locations and their habitats characteristics. The habitat data were collected using the methods of Pope (1960) and Hays et al. (1981). GPS and Compass bearing was used to locate and relocate the site and measurements of the species distribution area. The locations were also plotted on a base map carried during survey periods and the habitat characteristics data were also noted down on the base map which was later finalized during the preparation of distribution map. Apart from that, the forest guards were also employed to record the number of White-winged Wood Duck sightings with date and time along with their locations during their regular field outings, later coordinates were taken if the bird was re-sighted by observers in specific locations during regular field trips.

Techniques for population and habitat data collections All the nallas that entered into the dense forest or primary forest areas were carefully surveyed during dawn and dusk (as mentioned earlier) for successful White-winged Wood Duck records. It was significance to note that, the spotting and visualization of White-winged Wood Duck is very difficult task in their habitat if special care would not be taken. Thus, we walked very noiselessly in each steps and careful forward with strong vigil by three persons in an around the existing White-winged Wood Duck habitat locations. If suspect for bird existence, then stopped immediately and used pair of binoculars from a considerable distance to look around and confirmed it and then forward again. To cover maximum areas within a day, two groups with three persons (maximum) in each group were divided into separate directions of the selected survey areas and all observed birds were noted down separately by each observer. Special care was taken during the estimation of population data by the teams to reduce sample error of double counts. The numbers of White-winged Wood Duck sighted at time and its flushing direction away from the sighting locations were recorded by the team and later, the data were pooled together and finalized the total number.

Percussions were taken to maintain the use of single day observation data for total population estimation. A maximum of three persons group in each field trip was found to be the best methods so we did, and most observation of the White-winged wood Duck was made through this, whereas, if more than three members were used, the birds were either flushed away before it could be sighted or overlooked. It was happened probably owing to broke down of calm and quite situation needed during White-winged Wood Duck survey.

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Habitat Ecology and distribution map For habitat data collections and distribution localities, a base map of the study area was prepared and used in each field survey period. For the preparation of base map 1:50,000 topsheets of the survey area were used.

A separate map was used every survey time by each group. Each bird sighted in the course of the observation was plotted on the map using a code and later a detailed distribution map was prepared. The total areas were measured using digital plane-meter to estimate the density of birds. The vegetation data of species location sites in Nameri National Park was recorded using a quadrate of 10m² in size and specific habitat characters were also noted down (also in descriptive way) and as well as plotted on the 1:50,000 top-sheets by using compass bearing and GPS. Hornbill’s data collection Distribution of Hornbill species, their nesting sites and food plants were observed and recorded. The nesting trees of Hornbills species were located by following lone males from food sources to the spot in a specific hole bearing trees where they settled and then the possible nests were confirmed by regular monitoring the trees till it selected by bird for nest construction.

Again, active nests were confirmed by fresh droppings, accumulation of nest debris and food regurgitates (as per Poonswad, 1995). Once the nesting trees were located, the nesting Hornbill species and trees were identified and monitored regularly. The birds were identified using the book of Ali and Ripley (1983) and plants species were identified following Kanjilal et al.

(1934) and Kanjilal and Bor (1940). To identify the food plant species, the feeding flocks and individual birds were followed and later the fruit plants were identified using Kanjilal et al., (1936, 1939). The Hornbill distribution localities, their nesting sites and distribution of food plant species were plotted in the base map.

Data analysis Habitat data of the birds were analyzed with the help of collected data and GIS software available in Assam Remote Sensing Application Centre (ARSAC).

The overall vegetation was inventoried and analyzed using Land sat thematic and Indian Remote Sensing Satellite data sheet one for dry and one for wet period. Field study data of habitat classification were incorporated on the map using Geographical Information System algorithms to obtain habitat data and prepared habitat database maps. Habitat classification was done on visual basis with the help of GIS and later the habitat data map was prepared. Total distribution areas of White-winged Wood Duck and Hornbills species were calculated as square kilometer using digital plane-meter.

Species-wise density and suitable habitat were calculated based on field observation and following Bibby et al.

(1992). The formulae used for the calculation of ecological density and crude density of studied species was such as Ecological density = Actual species wise distribution area/total number of individual sighted and species wise Crude density = Total area of species specific habitat/total numbers of birds sighted [formulae used : CD =ATH /NT, where, CD = Crude density, ATH =Total study area, NT= Total numbers of individual sighted; ED= AH/ NT, where, ED = Ecological Density, AH = actual total habitat area where species was sighted, NT= Total numbers of individual sighted]. The ecological density referred here is the number of animals in actual habitat area where the species was confirmed by sighting records during present observation and as well as historical reports, whereas, the crude density referred here is the total physical habitat of the study site

irrespective of the species sighted (See Kahl, 1964, for Crude & Ecological density). To prepare the species distribution sites, the species specific distribution map was prepared based on GPS locations of the species within 50 meters accuracy. Paired sample ttest, Chi-square test and Kendall’s (a) test were performed to analyse the data using SPSS Statistical software Version 11.0.1.

Results White-winged Wood Duck -Cairina scutulata Distribution The study revealed that, of the total area surveyed in the park, the species was distributed in the park between the altitudes 93 - 110m MSL. Of the total 200km2 area of national park surveyed, the only 25.66km2 area was found to be the suitable for the Whitewinged Wood Duck, where water bodies and swamps were exists, that represented 12.8% of the total park area (Figure 1). The estimated ecological density of White-winged Wood Duck in the park is about 1.55 individuals/km2 and the crude density was about 0.2 individuals / km2.

During present survey total of 45 individuals were sighted in 13 different locations namely Balipung tower nalla, Balipung, Kepkepi nalla, Kharimukh, Khari river, Upper Dikorai, Kaliajuli, Raidangjuli, Bogijuli, near Khari camp, Arasuti and Duimukh, of which, the species was highly concentrated in the locations within ‘26°58' N to 26°52'5"N and 92°50' E to 92°55' E’ in Nameri National Park (Figure 1 & Table 1).

Although it is quite authenticate to determine the accurate population data of wild White-winged Wood Duck in forest areas using radio-tracking and colour-tagging methods, but the population size could be estimated fairly accurately on the basis of

Identification of different threat factors Different threat factors were observed in the study area based on direct observation and interviewing with the forest officials and local people. The existing anti-poaching camps were visited and observed and review after discussion with the forest guards and officials. The probable measures were suggested for future conservation of the threatened wildlife species and its habitat in the park.

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sighting and survey data. The estimated recent population of White-winged Wood Duck in Nameri National Park was 40 ±10 individuals, based on single day sighting data (Table 1).

Most of the individuals were local migrants to the close by Arunachal Pradesh (Pakhui Sanctuary) and adjacent reserve forest of Sonitpur district of Assam. The White-winged Wood Duck was frequently observed to fly above the biotope of Nameri National Park towards the Arunachal Pakhui site or Chariduar area, almost every night or early hours of the day, while camping at Bagijuli, Khari and Sijusa forest camp.

Habitat preferences The habitat preference of White-winged Wood Duck was mostly undisturbed streams, nallas, and swamps, in or nearby dense-mixed moist semi-evergreen forest patches (Figure 1; Plate1). Analysis of X2 Goodness of fit between the habitats of Dense nallas, Nallas near dense forest, undisturbed open nallas near dense forests, open water wetland and open nallas near scrubland showed that there was a significance differences of habitat used patterns of the WWWD in open water wetland and nallas near disturbed scrubland habitat with others. (χ² Goodness of fit: OWW: χ² =7.801, df=2, P= 0.02, n=11, Mean = 0.36±0.67SD; ONNSHR: χ² =7.364, df=1, P= 0.007, n=11, Mean = 0.0909±0.30 SD; Table 2). Occasionally, the birds were observed to feed and roost in open nallas adjacent to the Khuti areas (domestic cattle camp within the park) and forest camp at very early morning and spend long duration there, if they were not disturbed. Both stagnant and as well as flowing water streams, canals and swamps were used by

the bird as roosting and feeding habitats. But streams, flowing through the dense semi-evergreen forest areas with adequate vegetation cover near the forest edges, were the most preferred habitat sites for the White-winged Wood Duck. The analysis of habitat used pattern of WWWD showed that, the dense Nallas and Dense swamps habitat use was highly significant (Paired Sample t-test between habitat: DN-OWW= mean: 3.63±1.43SD, t=8.4, df=10, p = .0001; DN-ONWSHR = mean: 3.90±1.45, t =4.88, df=10, p=0.0001; OWW-DSW= mean: -2.36±3.32, t=-2.35, df=10, p=0.040; DSW-ONNSHR = mean: 2.64±3.26, t=2.68, df=10, p=0.02; Kendall’s W(a) test = Kendall’s W(a) =.680, Chi Square =37.393, df=5, Asymp Sig: P =.0001) Nesting activity or nesting were not observed but female bird with 11 nestlings during July was sighted in Kurua beel, where Swamp forest patch (dominated by Salix tetrasperma) was found. A deserted nest was also observed on a dead tree at Raidangjuli.

Hornbills The study revealed the presence of four Hornbill species in Nameri National Park, such as Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), Wreathed Hornbill (Aceros undulatus), and Rufousnecked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis). Wreathed Hornbill was commonly distributed throughout the park and adjoining reserve forest areas, but more frequently been sighted above the altitude of 93 m MSL. The Rufous-necked Hornbill was very rare in sightings and only two pairs were sighted in two separate occasions near Bogijuli (at 190m msl) and above Khari River at 200 to 226 m MSL. The Oriental Pied Hornbill was fairly common throughout the study area and

Table 1. Numbers of White-winged Wood Duck sighted in Nameri national park boundary during past (from 1992-1997) and currently studied transacts and also showing the population decline and habitat shrinkage trends (e.g. transacts were laid, based on formerly recorded sites and as well as in new sites).

Sl. No.

Site Name

Latitude

Longitude

Past Current sightings sightings (1992-1997) (1998-2000)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Kharimukh Duimukh Khari river, near Marisuti Arasuti Balipung Nalla Upper Dikorai Kaliajuli Kurua beel Balipung Tower nallah Kepkepi nalla near Balipung

26º56´40”-26º57´55” 26º58´50”-26º59´00” 26º53´52”-26º55´00” 26º56´40”-26º58´10” 26º56´50”-26º57´45” 26º59´30”-27º00´00” 26º52´00”-26º56´10” 26º55´00”-26º55´50” 26º56´40”-26º57´00” 26º56´40”-26º57´20”

92º52´00”-92º52´30” 92º48´45”-92º50´00” 92º51´20”-92º51´50” 92º50´00”-92º52´30” 92º51´00”-92º51´30” 92º48´45”-92º52´33” 92º55´00”-92º56´21” 92º51´16”-92º52´29” 92º51´30”-92º51´55” 92º50´00”-92º52´15”

4 6 6 8 5 5 1 2 2

3 1 1 3 5 5 2* 12 2 5

11 12 13 14 15

Near nameri camp Raidang Juli Bagijuli Khuti near Kharimukh Magurmari beel

27º00´00”-26º59´30” 26º54´00”-26º55´00” 26º56´40”-26º57´10” 26º56´50”-26º57´10” --

92º46´15”-92º47´30” 92º52´30”-92º55´10” 92º53´50”-92º54´00” 92º52´00”-92º52´20” --

2 2 4

1 2* 3* 0 0

16

Hatiduba beel

--

--

1

0

17

Thirteen Miles

27º00´00”-27º55´00”

92º45º00”-92º46º02”

2

0

18

Khari suti

----------

----------

3

0

19

Kachadhara beel

26º55´00”-26º55´30”

92º52´3”-92º52´45”

1

0

20 21 22 23 24 25 Total

Behind Potasali camp Near Buffalo khuti Near Khari Chariali Near Sukan nala Doigrung nalla Dopholagarh boundary

26º55´50”-26º56´00” 26º56´40”-26º58´10” 26º55´00”-26º56´40” 26´56´40”-26º56´45” 27º00´00”-27º01´50” 26º52´40”-26º53´00”

92º50´00”-92º52´30” 92º51´16”-92º52´30” 92º53´45”-92º55´40” 92º50´54”-92º50´59” 92º45´00”-92º48´45” 92º51´25”-92º52´45”

3 1 2 2 3 2 67

0 0 0 0 0 0 45

‘*’ marks in parenthesis indicated the recently sighted area at Nameri NP.

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Table 2: Analysis of Habitat preferences of WWWD using χ² Test Statistics among six different habitat studied ((DN: Dense Nallas; NNDF: Nallas near Dense forest; OWW: Open Water Wetland; Dense Swamps; ONNSHR: Open nalla near disturbed Scrubland habitat; ONNDF: Undisturbed Open nallas near Dense Forest).

Chi-Square(a,b,c,d,e)

DN

NNDF

OWW

DSW

ONNSHR

ONNDF

5.818

3.727

7.818

4.909

7.364

3.182

df Asymp. Sig.

a b c d e

4

5

2

4

1

3

.213

.589

.020

.297

.007

.364

5 cells (100.0%) have expected frequencies less than 5. The minimum expected cell frequency is 2.2.

6 cells (100.0%) have expected frequencies less than 5. The minimum expected cell frequency is 1.8.

3 cells (100.0%) have expected frequencies less than 5. The minimum expected cell frequency is 3.7.

0 cells (.0%) have expected frequencies less than 5. The minimum expected cell frequency is 5.5.

4 cells (100.0%) have expected frequencies less than 5. The minimum expected cell frequency is 2.8.

large numbers of individuals were encountered in moist semi-evergreen forest within the range of Bogijuli, Morisuti, Khari, and Tomaljuli forest camp and as well as the length of forest patches of Khari and Bordikorai River bank.

Great Hornbill-Buceros bicornis Distribution The Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) was commonly distributed all through the park and adjoining reserve forest areas, but more often been sighted at or above the altitudes of 93 m MSL. During dusk, six to seven pairs were regularly seen flying towards the Potasali Range area (Figure 2) and roost on Ficus benghalensis, F. religeosa and Bombax ceiba trees, whereas, majority of them were seen to fly above the park biotope towards the heart of forest and towards the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh. Great Hornbills were quite shy and generally found to forage in small flocks of 2-7 birds in a specific location.

While large flocks were not sighted, the status of this species was common in study area. Almost 18.6 km2 area of

the park was found to be more suitable for the species, where the flocks were frequently observed in those areas (see Figure 2 for Hornbill available area). The habitat was a mixed moist semi-evergreen forest with a vegetation density of 60%. The dominant food plant species of high species sighted area were different, such as Ficus ssp., Dysoxylum hamiltonii Hiern and Amoora wallichii King etc.

Ecology The Great Hornbill preferred the mixed moist semi-evergreen forest patches for foraging and nesting, wherever vegetation density was 40-60 (Figure 2). In general, Great Hornbills were distributed in the forest patches with plenty of edible wild fruiting trees.

Occasionally, they even travel longer distance for food searching, but returned to their definite roosting sites at late afternoon. It was confirmed when we have regularly seen to returned from their destination beyond 5km aerial distances. It was also observed that, at early in the morning, foraging flocks starts feeding on close

by roosting sites and then slowly dispersed to the dense forest.

The bird using the same nest hole in preferred nesting sites for successive years. The most preferred nesting trees of Great Hornbill was Tetramelos nodiflora R.Br., the tallest and huge trees within forest structure (Figure 2).

Of the total nine Great Hornbill nests located so far, seven of them were observed within Nameri National Park in Sijusa and Bogijuli forest camp, whereas, others were located outside the study area. The nests outside the study area were located on the tree holes of Ficus religiosa L. in Naduar Reserve Forest. The major nesting site was positioned in the northeastern boundary of the study area adjacent to Pakhui Sanctuary (Figure 2). Apart from this nesting site, the Great Hornbill was also reported to nest all along the Assam-Arunachal border, from the Arunachal Khari camp to Nameri River. The Great Hornbill construct nests in the tree hole at the top most portion of the tree trunk. It was found that, the spotting of Hornbill nest was very effortless in forest areas, because, the food droppings were common in the underneath zone of the nesting trees. The Valew treesTetramelos nodiflora R.Br. associated with food plant species were found to be very common in Nameri National Park, particularly near Sijusa, neighboring the Pakhui Sanctuary. We also found that, the mature Velew trees supported holes on the top most parts of tree trunk in all occasions, but, the Hornbills were never used each and every hole as their nest. They have maintained an average distance of 66 ± 17.46 meter (n = 14, range 50100m) between two nests.

The major food plant species of Great Hornbills (almost all hornbills) were Ameri -Amoora wallichii King (Ameri), Amoora rahituka (Roxb.)W.&A. (white Ameri) Bandardima-Dysoxylum hamiltonii Hiern., Stixis scandens Lour., Kari-Engelhardtia spicata Lechan ex.

Bl.A and fig trees viz., Ficus

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a

a

b Plate 2: (a) Nesting tree and (b) Roosting tree of Wreathed Hornbill at Nameri NP.

benghalensis L., F. benjamina L., F. hispidus Vahl, F. religiosa L, F. glomerata Roxb., F. rumphii Bl. etc. These plant species were distributed throughout the study area, but greatly concentrated close to nesting sites (Figure 2), hence it could be concluded that the nesting sites were concentrated near food plant species. The plant species Amoora wallichii King, Ficus benghalensis L., F. benjamina L., F. hispidus Vahl, F. religiosa L, F. glomerata Roxb., F. rumphii Bl. Amoora rahituka (Roxb.) W. &A. and Dysoxylum hamiltonii Hiern. were the very common plant species of the study area from Sijusa to Khari camp, in which, most population of Great Hornbills has occurred. The estimated population size of Great Hornbill was 200 individuals within the Park area based on regular census data completed within same day by different observers. The individuals were widely dispersed throughout the park and neighboring reserve forests and in Arunachal Pradesh.

Wreathed Hornbill - Aceros undulatus Distribution We found that, the Wreathed Hornbill-Aceros undulatus was commonly distributed throughout the Park, but more often been sighted at or above the altitudes of 93 m MSL. In the evenings, averaging 8-10 pairs were also seen to return to the Potasali range office area to roost on nearby Ficus trees and most of others were seen to fly above the park biotope towards interior forest patches of Nameri and Pakhui Sanctuary. During early morning, a flock of around 7-10

individuals forage within the campus of Eco-camp near Potasali Range office and later they disperse to the dense forest. The species was found to be very common during early morning and dusk in surrounding forest of Bogijuli camp. High concentration of Ficus species near Bogijuli might have attracted the birds almost every day. It was a very commonly sighted location of Hornbills during morning hours at Potasali that, the pairs of Wreathed Hornbills flying above Jia Bharali river towards dense forests of Nameri National Park and come back during evening time to the same site (Plate 2).

Ecology Wreathed Hornbills are quite shy and generally found to forage in flocks of around, 2-11 individuals. Almost 18.6km2 area of the park is found to be more suitable, because the species was very common in those areas (Figure 2). The habitat was a Mixed Moist Semi-evergreen forest with vegetation density about 60%. The dominant food plant species were Amoora wallichii King, Ficus benghalensis L., F. benjamina L., F. hispidus Vahl, F. religiosa L, F. glomerata Roxb., F. rumphii Bl. Amoora rahituka (Roxb.) W. & A. Engelhardtia spicata Lechan ex.Bl.A, and Dysoxylum hamiltonii Hiern. The Wreathed Hornbill has forage majorly on the fig trees and if fruits were plentiful in a particular area, they generally never search for other food items. Total of eight Wreathed Hornbill nests were found in the Nameri National Park, of which 7

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nests on the Valew tree-Tetramelos nodiflora R.Br. and one nest in Ficus religiosa L. tree. We found that, the nesting habitat of Wreathed Hornbill was same with Great Hornbill.

Since, the entire nests counted were within the nesting habitat of Great Hornbill (Figure 2). The calculated area of nesting habitat was 7.08km2 (Figure 2). The major food items of Wreathed Hornbills were also same as Great Hornbills, viz., Ameri- Amoora wallichii King, Amoora rahituka (Roxb.) W.& A., Dysoxylum hamiltonii Hiern., Engelhardtia spicata Lechan ex.Bl.A, and Fig trees viz., Ficus benghalensis L., F. benjamina L., F. hispidus Vahl, F. altissima Bl., F. glomerata Roxb., F. rumphii Bl.. The Wreathed Hornbill preferred mostly of undisturbed forest patches of adequately dense and tall trees. On one occasion, it was observed that, six pairs came down to a considerable lower height (approximately 2-4 meter above ground) near Sijusa that was totally undisturbed and potential habitat for foraging.

The species was found to be common in study area and individuals has dispersed throughout the forest area and adjoining Arunachal Pradesh. The estimated population of the species was 250 individuals within the park, based on single day census data. The population size of this species was found to be slightly higher than the Great Hornbill population in Nameri National Park.

Oriental Pied Hornbill - Anthracoceros albirostris Distribution and Ecology The Oriental Pied Hornbill was relatively common throughout the study area especially in moist semievergreen forest patches in an around Bogijuli, Morisuti, Khari and Tomaljuli campsites and as well as along the forest patches of Khari and Bordikorai riverbank. The species was often seen on the isolated fig trees (Ficus religiosa, Ficus benghalensis) nearby degraded forest. Even though, the Oriental Pied Hornbill was common throughout the Nameri National Park, the concentration was highest in the eastern most parts from Potasali forest camp to Bogijuli.

The species was observed in large flocks of about 12-24 individuals, while foraging. The existence of nesting sites of Oriental Pied Hornbill was not been sighted in Nameri National Park. The estimated population size of Oriental Pied Hornbill was about 350 individuals in Nameri National Park, based on regular census data during survey period of 1997-1998. Among all the Hornbill species, the Oriental Pied Hornbill was found to be more in number, but surprisingly no nest was recorded during whole survey period at study sites.

Rufous-necked Hornbill - Aceros nipalensis Rufous-necked Hornbill-Aceros nipalensis was found to be very rare and was observed sporadically in the study area.

Two pairs were recorded during survey time since 1997 in Nameri National Park. The one pair was sighted at Bogijuli area on February 11, 1998 and the second pair was sighted on the biotope above Khari River, adjacent to the Arunachal Khari camp on April 10, 1998. Total of four individuals were recorded. The height of the two locations was about 190 to 220m MSL. Habitat destruction Study observed that, most of the ecologically and economically important large tree species have been cut down near Sijusa area, prior to declaration of Nameri as a National Park and leads to reduction of food plant and nesting tree species of Hornbills and other frugivorous bird species thereby affecting their population abundance. This factor was still at large in some localities, particularly adjacent to the Pakhui Sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh and along the side of Bordikorai River. The information was also gathered that, the Velew tree-Tetramelos nodiflora, has been cut down on a large-scale basis in past, in the south

and north-eastern boundary of the park. The tree remains such as, the base of the razed trees and the left out part of tree trunks were still lying on the ground.

The forest patches were completely denuded except few individual standing trees like Ficus religiosa, F. bengalensis and Dilenia indica etc. on the bank of Bordikori rivers under Khari and Tomaljuli forest camp jurisdiction. However, the intensity of forest destruction has been reduced after declaration of Nameri as a National Park, but the illegal operation was not able to stopped completely by the department owing to lack of adequate protection force and infrastructure. Historically, in Bogijuli and Khari area, the existing cane and bamboo forests were dense enough in past, but presently they are largely denuded. The half cut parts of the bamboos and canes were seen during field survey period near Bagijuli Forest Camp sites. Very significantly, the most densely associated closed canopy forest patches were completely cleared out during 1998 for the reason of road construction near Bogijuli forest camp after declaration of Nameri as a National Park. Those forest patches were found to be very potential for hornbills, other forest birds and WWWD species during our first year survey period of 1997.

Discussions The incidence of high avifaunal diversity (total 365 species of avian fauna has been recorded, see Saikia and Saikia, 1999), occurrence of four Hornbills and White-winged Wood Duck species indicates the diverse habitat types of Nameri National Park.

The species Cairina scutulata (White-winged Wood Duck) prefers the streams of thick closed canopy forest in a very less fragmented habitat so as they could manage to keep unexposed themselves from any intruders or escaped from any kinds of sudden confrontation with disturbance factors.

The recent fragmentation of dense closed canopy forest habitat in the reserve forest of Tinsukia district, Dibrugarh district and Golaghat district of Assam is also another most important factor for the drastic population declines and local extinction of WWWD in those areas (Chaudhury, 1993a, b).

In the present survey Nameri NP, most of the White-winged Wood Duck sightings are made in a place of naturally camouflaged forest streams, shaped by dense undergrowth vegetation and climbers. According to Chaudhury (1993a), the White-winged Wood Duck needs dense undisturbed forests with dead hole bearing trees for nest construction.

These characteristics features are usually exist inside the undisturbed habitat alone in the study area. Nameri is one of the most important primary forest habitats adjacent to the Arunachal Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary. The species of WWWD was formerly widely distributed in different ecological pockets of Eastern Assam, but, the species has been reported from Hahkhati RF, Pobha RF, Dangari RF, Dumduma RF, Philobari area, Tinkhopani RF, Namdang RF, Ranga RF, Bokajan RF, Diyungmukh RF, Lumding RF and Haflong RF etc (Birdlife International, 2001), but, the species has been extinct from those reserve forests in recent times. These Forest areas have recently been critically fragmented and the undisturbed closed forest associated water puddles are become very rare. Presently, the WWWD population has become very fragmented in Assam and few ecological pockets are left for the species survival viz,. Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve, Dihing Patkai WLS, Jeypore RF and Nameri NP etc. Literally, Nameri NP is the only one of the most potential stronghold for WWWD conservation where highest population survives in a single forest patch. Although, the Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere reserve is another most important forest patch for the species owing to existence of swamp forest, but the recent status of the reserve is become very unstable due to alluvial

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deposition (siltation) from river Brahmaputra, frequent changes of river courses and as well as various anthropogenic causes.

The Hornbill species are most potential frugivorous forest species that continuously help to restructuring the primary forest habitat by dispersing the native plant seeds along the stretch of their foraging and nesting sites. The examples of seed dispersal could easily be understood when observed the ground zones of live and earlier nesting trees. While the ground zones of nesting trees are flourished with the saplings of hornbill’s food plants species, the live nests ground zones are deposited with fresh food droppings. In Assam, the Hornbill species were formerly distributed almost throughout forested zones, but in recent times, the species are become very rare owing to large scale felling of tall trees and fruit bearing trees in protected and unprotected reserve forest areas and thus ultimately restricted to protected area networks alone. The Rufousnecked Hornbill is primarily threatened by the pervasive combination of habitat loss and hunting. Human population growth and encroachment of forested land have proceeded apace in recent years, characterized by habitat degradation and increased hunting pressure even protected areas (Cox et al., 1992; Round 1984, 1985; IUCN, 1997). Its susceptibility to these factors in manifest in its disappearance from many suitable areas in which it once widely occurred, chiefly regions of Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam (Poonswad and Kemp, 1993). The nests in Khasi hills, Meghalaya, were regularly robbed by Naga people (Baker 1922-1930). Locals in Arunachal Pradesh also hunt hornbills enthusiastically (Chaudhury, 2000), a factor that has undoubtedly reduced its populations in all but the most remote areas. The quality of suitable habitats available to Hornbill species being severely reduced by shifting cultivations and logging activities. Smaller Hornbill such as Brown hornbill and Indian Pied Hornbills species etc. tend to survive well in logged forest, while larger species like Great Pied and Wreathed Hornbills are much less tolerant of selective logging (Johns, 1986). Large hornbills usually require very broad trees in which to nest (Poonswad et al., 1987), and as these are invariably the first trees to be felled commercially, they tend to suffer the effects of logging more severely, or at least more rapidly, than most species. During the visit to Potasali area in 1985, the author has sighted abundantly exists huge sized Tetramelos nudiflora trees which was no more survived during recent field survey period It is a well-known fact that, the diversity of bird species is influenced by the diversity of plant species present, independent of structural consideration (Holmes and Robinson, 1981; MacArthur and MacArthur, 1961; Robinson and Holmes, 1984; Karr and Roth, 1971; Roth, 1976). The forest dwelling avifauna including song birds, Woodpeckers, frugivorous, insect eaters and Owl species reflects the importance of these ecological pockets, because, solitary nesting species like these (Saikia and Saikia, 1999) have strong affinities to particular structural features in their habitat (MacArthur & MacArthur, 1961). Apart from that, the endangered species like White-winged Wood Duck, Great Pied Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Wreathed and Rufousnecked Hornbill, Masked Fin-foot and Bengal Florican etc (Saikia and Saikia, 1999) could not be sited within the same locality elsewhere in Assam. It implies that, the Nameri National Park is not only important for forest dwelling avian species, but also for the grassland and wetland avifauna of particular importance. Most of the canopy feeding frugivorous birds, primarily the Bucerotidae and Columbidae are declining from the disturbed forest habitat of Assam viz., Chandubi Reserve forest, Rani-Garbhanga Reserve forest (Kamrup district) and Subansiri Reserve forest

(Lakhimpur) Bansbari Reserve forest (Gauripur, Dhubri district) and Naduar reserve forest (Sonitpur District) resulted from canopy loss comparing to present study area.

The large frugivorous birds are also confronting severe threats of large hole bearing nesting tree due to selective logging of mature trees by illegal tree fellers. There is an evidence of large frugivorous birds extinction from various tropical forests intended for loss of canopy (Terborgh, 1974; Castellatta et al., 2000). It is also important to note that the climax vegetation structure has been inferred to be important in influencing the species composition and abundance of forest birds (Karr and Roth, 1971; Roth, 1976). Again the representation of all forms of forest dwelling avian fauna including song birds, woodpeckers and frugivorous, omnivorous, insectivorous and birds of prey feeding-guild species in primary forest of Nameri National park and absence in various disturbed forest of Assam has reflected the importance of conservation of existing natural ecological pockets in tropical country, since the solitary nesting species (not colonial) like hornbills, owls, woodpeckers etc. have strong affinities to particular structural features (MacAurthur and MacAurthur, 1961).

Thus, the species of White Winged Duck and Hornbills are the excellent examples of important biota of better forest types, as these could not survive in disturbed and fragmented forest. Altogether 17 species of Owls, 15 species of Woodpeckers and four Hornbills species occurring in the same habitat (Saikia and Saikia, 1999) is a rare occurrence in any protected areas, and also suggested the good potentiality to support high avian diversity and particular structural features (MacArthur and MacArthur, 1961). The Hornbill species choose nesting sites wherever tall and big trees such as Tetramelos nodiflora, Amoora wallichii, Ficus religiosa, Ficus glomerata and F. bengalensis etc. are accessible. Those trees have supported nest holes of suitable size and as well as supplied food for them.

Because, hornbills are unable to excavate their own nest holes for breeding as done by other birds viz., Woodpeckers and Barbets, hence they indeed use available cavities of trees (Poonswad, 1995) for nest. In various sites of Nameri these nesting sites are disturbed by human being through cutting down of the huge Tetramelos nodiflora trees and might be the important limiting factor for the Hornbills. In southern India Great Hornbill usually nests on Calophyllum and Cullenia species (Ali and Ripley, 1983) where Velew tree is not available. The Oriental Hornbill in Burma nested on Bombax ceiba (Baker, 1927), whereas Bombax ceiba, Lagerstoromia sp., Dipterocarpus sp., Eugenia sp. and Cinnamomum sp. was the common nesting trees in Thailand (Poonswad, 1995). But the tree species like Lagerstoromia sp., Dipterocarpus sp., Eugenia sp. and Cinnamomum sp. etc. has not been reported as a Hornbill nesting trees in Assam. The tree species like Bombax ceiba, Lagerstoromia sp. and Eugenia sp. are the commonly occurred trees in the Hornbill distribution sites of Nameri National Park, whereas, Dipterocarpus is found only in Hornbill areas of Eastern Assam alone. Again, all the reported Hornbill nests are located on the holes of live trees but not in the dead trees as documented by Baker (1927) in his studies, who refers that the Oriental Hornbill sometimes breeds on dead tree holes.

The food (or seed) droppings of Hornbills are very common at the underneath of nest bearing trees. Again, the regeneration of wild fruiting trees are remarkably high in Nameri National Park, predominantly near nesting sites.

Hornbills are the excellent seed disperser that collects fruits from various localities and dropped the seeds into the ground zones of their nests and as well as neighbouring foraging sites and ultimately facilitate to increase the plant species diversity throughout its home range. Thus, the hornbill species can be categorized as an essential keystone

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species of evergreen and semi-evergreen forest ecosystem, absence of which the plant species diversity and habitat heterogeneity has considerably declined.

Of the total 200km2 areas of study sites, only 25.66km2 areas is suitable for White-winged Wood Duck (Figure 1), but, most of other areas are become unsuitable owing to alteration of forested land into an agricultural and barren lands (Das, 1999). The destruction of forest habitats and absence of cover near forested streams are the two major causes of drastic decline of the White-winged Wood Duck population in the tropical forests of Assam. In certain areas of Nameri National Park, the selective logging has eliminated much bigger and mature trees used by Whitewinged Wood Duck as their nesting trees that leading to declination of nesting pairs in recent times (Das, 1999).

During survey period only two nesting spots are sighted.

Again, the Ttable-1 also clearly indicated that, out of 22 formerly WWWD distribution sites of Nameri NP, only 13 sites are become active for the species, of which three are newly located sites. Thus, long-term protection of Nameri NP and its adjoining reserve forest areas will help ensure the survival of these Hornbills and WWWD species. Status surveys are urgently be needed throughout the specie’s range of distribution to clarify its current distribution status and abundance being charismatic and harmless to human interests, and suffering a variety of threats, hornbills (Duckworth et al., 1999) and WWWD are ideal for use in public education programmes.

In Nameri National Park, the existing anti-poaching camps are located far from each other, which influence the protection efforts of the forest personnel. Three more camps are suggested on the south-eastern boundary of the park to increase protection efforts at the park. Again, on the northern boundary start off from Sijusa anti-poaching Camp to Bhalukpung area that have no anti-poaching camp, a new camp should be incorporated in this area otherwise poachers and illegal tree fellers might be rampant. The number of forest guards should be increased and the appropriate arms should be provided to forest guard to protect the park from the illegal people. The habitat of Nameri National Park should be well managed for the conservation of endangered species like White-winged Wood Duck, Hornbills, Royal Bengal Tiger- Panthera tigris tigris, Asiatic Wild Elephant- Elephas maximus and Indian BisonBos gaurus etc. for our future generation.

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Parr, J. W.K., Laothong, P. and Ruangsree, G. (1993). A survey of the White-Winged Wood Duck Cairina scutulata in Thailand. Bangkok: Royal Forest Department and Slimbridge, UK: Wildfowl and Wetland Trust.

Poonswad, P. (1995). Nest site characteristics of four sympatric species of hornbills in Khao Yai National park, Thailand, Ibis, 37: 183-191.

Poonswad, P. and Kemp, A. C. (1993). Manual to the conservation of Asian Hornbills. Thailand Hornbill project, 111 pp.

Poonswad, P., Tsuji, A. and Ngampongsai, C. (1987). A comparative study on breeding biology of sympatric hornbill species (Bucerotidae) in Thailand with implications for breeding in captivity. Pp 250-315 in Proceedings Jean Delacour/IFCB Symposium on breeding birds in captivity. California: International Foundation for the Conservation of Birds.

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Robinson, S.K., F. R. Thompson III, T. M. Donovan, D.R. Whitehead, and J. Faaborg. (1995). Regional forest

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Round, P. D. (1984). The status and conservation of Bird community in Doi Suthep-Pui National park, north-west Thailand. Natural History Bulletin, Siam Society, 32(1): 21-46.

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Saikia, P. K. and Saikia, M.K. (1999). Avifaunal Diversity and Habitat Characteristics of Nameri National Park, Sonitpur, Assam (with details report on Hornbills and White Winged Wood Duck).

Project Report submitted to Oriental Bird Club, UK, 97 pp.

Spitzer, K., Jaros, J., J., Havelka & J. Leps. (1997). Effect of small-scale disturbance on Butterfly communities of an IndoChinese Montane rainforest. Biological Conservation, 80: 9-15.

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Effects of habitat fragmentation on plant guild structure in the Montane Atlantic forest of Southeastern Brazil. Biological Conservation. 91: 119-127.

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Threatened waterfowl Specialist Group Newsletter, 6:13-15.

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Talukdar, B. K. and Bhattacharjee, P. C. (1995b). Whitewinged Duck Cairina scutulata in Doomdooma Reserved Forest, Assam. Threatened waterfowl Specialist Group Newsletter, 8:18-19.

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Terborgh, J., Winter, B. (1980). Some causes of extinction.

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Thiollay, J. M. (2002). Forest Ecosystems: Threats, Sustainable use and biodiversity Conservation. Biodiversity Conservation. 11: 943-946.

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371: 65-66.

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Effects of Selective logging on the butterflies of Bornean rainforest. Conservation Biology, 14: 1055- 1065.

Yahya, H. S. A. (1994). A survey of the White-winged Duck Cairina scutulata in India. Threatened waterfowl Specialist Group Newsletter, 5:7-8.

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Acknowledgements Authors are highly acknowledged the OBC, UK, for providing the research funding to conduct the work and also Mr. RK Das, DFO and his family members for their supports during Survey and elsewhere. The Authors are also grateful to CCF (Wildlife) for providing the permission to conduct avifaunal survey in the Nameri WLS (and later declared as National Park).

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World Association of Zoos and Aquariums WAZA links with Wildlife Reserves Singapore and other zoos to cope with Thailand floodwaters Heavy flooding affecting nearly all Thailand has been in the news since beginning of November. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has coordinated flood relief measures for the Dusit Zoo contacting zoos within the Asian region. Help has been provided by Wildlife Reserves Singapore, the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Zoos Victoria in Melbourne, Oceans Park, Hong Kong and Malaysian zoos. Beginning 15 November, veterinarians from Wildlife Reserves Singapore arrived in Bangkok with a supply of expertise and equipment, including drugs for afflicted animals.

The floods have raged through Thailand from late July till the present.

By early November the floods were deemed responsible for 506 deaths that are known and possibly more, and affliction of over 2 million people with damage which has been estimated in billions of dollars by mid October. It is the worst flooding ever with record water as well as property and human beings in jeopardy with six million hectares of land covered with water of which much is valuable farmland in over 50 provinces.

Fearing the worst WAZA inquired of the zoo community what damage had been done the numerous zoos of the country but were told that only Dusit Zoo, Bangkok had been seriously affected.

The zoo had prepared to move hoofstock to Khao Kheow Zoo, a large safari park about an hour from Bangkok and the remaining animals to high ground in the Dusit Zoo itself. Mr. Pimuk Simaroj of the Thai Zoological Park Organization said that they believe more translocations of wildlife will be needed in the near future.

WAZA sent an alarm call and a list supplies needed to all of the Asian Zoo Associations and WAZA member zoos in the relatively nearby area. About 30 items were identified as urgently required including such items as injection needles and nets for capturing snakes and crocodiles.

Emergency relief action was organised quickly in the wider Asian region with drugs, medical equipment and other items to insure safety to both animal and man as potentially dangerous reptiles had escaped due to flood damage.

The Dusit Zoo’s striking entrance signage.

WAZA Executive Director Gerald Dick said: “In times of increased natural disasters, it is of utmost importance to cooperate within a global community and provide mutual support and assistance, I thank all our member zoos and other partners like Thai Air for their immediate support”.

Isabella Loh, Director and Group CEO of WRS commented that "WRS, as a member of WAZA and SEAZA, is happy to extend assistance in the form of medical supplies and vet resources to our neighbouring partners on the Flood Relieve Mission for wildlife rescue. We will continue to assess the situation together with the Thai conservation groups, and determine further levels of assistance needed. In the meantime, WRS is committed to wildlife research and conservation especially for Asia.”

Earlier in November Bangkok’s Dusit Zoo Director, Dr. Karnchai Saenwongse, reported that they had prepared sandbag for sensitive areas where water could get in, such as the doors of cages. They also laid in supplies to provide animals with enough food for several weeks. Ponds around the zoo were drained so that some of the floodwaters could be accommodated without damage. Animals were split into priority groups so that they could be evacuated when necessary. The zoo officials worked around the clock to prepare for the flood damage. vide press release from WAZA, Gland, Switzerland, Tuesday 15 November 2011 (WAZA): Safari World

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Another zoo just outside the sprawling city of Bangkok came under water earlier in November, e.g., the Safari World, a popular tourist choice in the country.

The park had to be closed for visitation after authorities, bending to local residents strike demanding they open a flood gate to drain their own area.

Water rushed into the park creating uncomfortably damp but not dangerous conditions for the animals.

Zoo officials had to find dry ground for some of the animals as 50% of the park came under water according to authorities.

The sprawling 500 acre park draws as many as 4000 visitors a day, most of which are tourists from USA, Europe, Middle East and parts of Asia who come to see the very large number of exotic animals. A small fortune in visitor receipts had to be sacrificed for the sake of animal and visitor comfort and safety.

Had tourists visited after the floodgate was opened they would have had to wear hip boots as the media photos and television showed animals plodding through “knee” deep floodwaters. In fact even the safari park visitor buses pictured in the photo (next page) would have had been unable to operate as usual.

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Large numbers of herd animals, such as these zebras are a star attraction at the Bangkok Safari Park.

Visitors go around most of the zoo in special “visitor mobiles” designed for the purpose.

Note on Environmental Enrichment: Automated reconfiguration of primate zoo closures Anthony Judge* The purpose of this note is to share a possibility to reduce the boredom of primates, notably chimpanzees, held captive in zoo enclosures. Much has been done in some zoos to this end, but once investment has been made in an installation it becomes unacceptably costly to modify it.

Another approach would to use a system of rigging, variously attached to poles and logs, which could be used to reconfigure the structures over which the chimpanzees climb. One example is a conventional theater where rigging can be used to raise, lower and move items required for any show.

A high-tech variant for a primate enclosure would be to control such movement by program -as is done in some theaters – perhaps adjusting the level and angle of logs/poles/ropes.

More sophisticated variants could be introduced by using programs with a variety of options and shifting sequentially (or randomly) between these options.

It would be possible to experiment with changing the configuration according to different schedules: daily/nightly, weekly, hourly, etc Given the intelligence of primates, possibilities for their own interaction with configuration changes and their timings could be envisaged. For example, if there were five preset configurations, a primate could be allowed to push one of five buttons to trigger a preferred change possibly one which would allow for a particular pattern of movement through the space of the enclosure The primary purpose would be to reduce the boredom of primates exposed over long periods to a predictable spatial environment through which they are able to climb. A secondary purpose might be to increase the interest of a changeable enclosure for visitors.

* anthony.judge@gmail.com, www.laetusinpraesens.org

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COMMUNIQUÉ : WAZA and Decade on Biodiversity

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums mobilized for the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity Montreal, 14 October 2011 – At its annual conference, and in a unanimous resolution, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) formally endorsed the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity (UNDB) and decided to develop a framework to guide the participation of zoos and aquariums in the achievement of the Global Strategic Plan for Biodiversity.

Attendees to the 66th annual conference, hosted by the Prague Zoo, discussed the role of zoos and aquariums in achieving the conservation and awareness-raising targets of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, adopted by 193 Governments in October 2010 at the Nagoya biodiversity summit in Japan.

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums represents over 300 institutions worldwide, which receive close to 700 million visitors a year. It is also a member of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity.

Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary to the Convention on Biological Diversity, said: “The engagement of WAZA members is crucial for achieving the first Aichi biodiversity targets and engaging the people of the world, and in particular the youth and children, in our common battle to safe life on Earth. Indeed, WAZA’s engagement is crucial in our common endeavour, the 2050 biodiversity vision of living life in harmony with nature.”

Jörg Junhold, WAZA President, stated: “I trust WAZA is most aware of its role and responsibility to support Convention on Biological Diversity in the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity, which is a major challenge for both organizations. I am very confident that our community of member zoos and aquariums will make significant contributions to the Decade in the fields of raising awareness of their visitors and effective conservation measures for threatened species.”

Gerald Dick, WAZA Executive Director, said: “The 66th Annual Conference of WAZA proved to become a landmark for the organisation in terms of international cooperation for the conservation of species. Global cooperative programmes for the management of threatened species were accepted as well as the development of a supporting global project for the Decade on Biodiversity – WAZA members adopted a resolution of endorsement of this United Nations initiative, it may be remembered as the Prague resolution in the years to come.”

WAZA will elaborate their overall strategy for the decade in advance of their next annual conference. The next marketing conference for the association will look specifically at raising awareness.

Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity United Nations Environment Programme 413 Saint-Jacques Street, Suite 800, Montreal, QC, H2Y 1N9, Canada Tel : +1 514 288 2220, Fax : +1 514 288 6588 secretariat@cbd.int www.cbd.int

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Alan Mootnick – a Man for many Seasons

ALAN MOOTNICK - A LOSS TO PRIMATES AND CONSERVATION Alan Mootnick passed away 4 November 2011 at what seems a very young age these days, that is 60 years old. Alan was no “60” in the way we think of that age, e.g., as being on the way to the next life, he was a person that could have easily lived another 60 years without any loss of vitality and enthusiasm.

Alan loved India and Bangladesh, home of Hoolock Gibbon, and had tremendous affection for the people running the zoos and the field biologists. There was one thorn in his flesh about Bangladesh, however, and that was the non-governmental organisation located in rural Bangladesh that was ALSO named

Santa Clarita, CA, in 1976, with the purpose to prevent the extinction of gibbons-small Southeast Asian apesand to advance the study, propagation, and conservation of the species.

Not that Alan was an angel … he irritated me to death -- many times -and we were on the verge of blows more than once. He was soooo eccentric and determined, but maybe that is the sign of genius also as no one can fault his intellect.

During a PHVA workshop for Hoolock Gibbon that we (Zoo Outreach Organisation / South Asian Primate Network) organized in Dhaka, Bangladesh, I had the dubious pleasure of facilitating the captive working group with Alan and later of running a small training with him. After the training I was supposed to accompany him on a few days tour of Bangladesh and I dreaded it ... I thought one of us would not survive. Anyway I bit the bullet and decided that the tour would be his and all about him…whatever he wanted. I made an effort. I kept asking him questions about himself and all went very well … the man just needed attention. In that process I came to understand how very complicated and versatile was Alan Mootnick.

For one thing, I never realized that he was a body builder. He told me all about it after referring to it in passing.

It seemed so out of context … I never imagined. I made a point of asking him to take off his outer shirt and there before me was a guy who belonged on muscle beach. He was an advanced case … he worked out for hours a day when he had free time.

Amazing.

I also came to know that he collected AND restored old cars -- himself. He was also a skilled building contractor, accustomed to moving heavy building materials and all that comes with construction.

Alan Mootnick at his Gibbon Conservation Center, California

Gibbon Conservation Centre…just like Alan’s organization. Alan wrote to Dilip several times, I believe, and begged him to change the name since Alan had founded his organization first. Dilip refused to change. Even I got into the act as I thought it was a small matter for Dilip since his organization kept a whole variety of animals … it was more of a welfare centre. Dilip handily refused me as well so the name remained the same till now.

I hope the Trustees of the American Gibbon Conservation Centre will consider changing the name to something like the Alan Mootnick Gibbon Conservation Centre, so that finally there will be a unique name honouring Alan for his very unique centre. Then he can truly rest in peace !

Sally Walker WORLD LOSES LEADING APE CONSERVATIONIST Alan Richard Mootnick, 1951-2011 A Savior of Endangered Apes Alan Richard Mootnick-one of the world’s foremost specialists and conservationists of gibbons-passed away on Friday, November 4, 2011, from complications following heart surgery. He was 60 years old.

Mootnick founded the non-profit Gibbon Conservation Center (GCC) in

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What started as a childhood fascination with gibbons developed into an important sanctuary, housing the largest gathering of endangered apes in the Western Hemisphere.

Completely self-taught in primatology, Mootnick was one of a team responsible for the identification and naming of the highly endangered Hoolock Gibbon.

He published more than 30 articles in peer-reviewed journals and offered advice to zoos, government agencies, veterinary universities, and gibbon rescue centers throughout the world.

He was the studbook keeper for five species and Husbandry Advisor for the Gibbon Species Survival Plan.

Mootnick and his work touched countless individuals and institutions.

Hundreds of school children and students visit the Gibbon Conservation Center yearly, and the general public enjoys the annual “Breakfast With the Gibbons” fundraiser. Known for an eccentric style-gray-spotted beard, constant suspenders, and dry sense of humor-Mootnick was a person not easily forgotten. Strangers would approach him on the street, recognizing him from a long-ago school trip to the Gibbon Conservation Center.

A Los Angeles native, Mootnick is survived by his sister Ronnie Weinberger, nephews Paul and Steve

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Weinberger, aunt Jean Galanti, cousins Geri-Ann Galanti, and William and Kenneth Benbassat, and 44 gibbons currently residing at the Gibbon Conservation Center.

Funeral services held at Groman Eden Mortuary, 11500 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills, on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Gibbon Conservation Center, www.gibboncenter.org/ contribute/contribute.html

FOUNDER / DIRECTOR OF GCC LEAVES PRECIOUS LEGACY Founder and Director of the Gibbon Conservation Center in Santa Clarita California, Alan Mootnick died Friday after complications from heart surgery.

A self-taught primatologist, Alan started the center in 1976 to prevent the extinction of gibbons.

He became one of the world’s foremost gibbon specialists. Currently, 44 gibbons live at the center. Thousands of school children through the years have been introduced to gibbons and their conservation at Gibbon Conservation Center.

“This is a huge shock to all of us, yet the gibbons will remain well cared for and the tours will continue,” board member Lauren Arenson said.

The center is operated by three employees and a number of volunteers who care for the animals and conduct tours, Arenson said.

Consistently working 12 and 15 hour days 7 days a week, for many years supporting the Gibbon Conservation Center through being a "Jack of all trades" contractor, continually pushing for excellence in gibbon care, Alan dedicated his life to the singular purpose of conserving and caring for gibbons.

Alan teaching at the ZOO/Dhaka Zoo Hoolock Gibbon training course, held following the Population and Habitat and Viability Assessment of Hoolock Gibbon

Gibbon Conservation Center Mission: The Gibbon Conservation Center was founded in 1976 in southern California by Alan Mootnick.

It is the only facility in the world devoted exclusively to gibbons, an increasingly rare ape. We work for the endangered gibbon's benefit through conservation, propagation an study, and by teaching people about them. GCC houses nearly 40 gibbons.

GCC specializes in behavioral studies on gibbons collected by students, scientists and volunteers working at the Center. GCC also offers advice, free of charge, to zoos, government agencies and gibbon rescue centers through the world.

A portion of donations received by GCC is given to projects devoted to the conservation of wild gibbon populations, especially those in Java, India, Kalimantan, China and Vietnam.

Website: www.gibboncenter.org

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Kabul Zoo Activities Report and Opening Ceremony of ECO Project Aziz Gul Saqib, Director, Kabul Zoo The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) funded 1.3 million USD in 2007 for reconstruction of important parts of Kabul zoo as listed below.

Now, 80% of works that were in agreement have been completed and another twenty percent are in progress.

1. Main building including administrative offices, conference room, education center and restaurant, 2. Clinic building, 3. Stone wall along the river with security walls, 4. Some pathways, 5. Lighting system, 6. Water system,

Kabul Mayor, Mr. Nawandish thanking ECO for the donation and help they have given the zoo. (Photo by Kabul Zoo)

7. Expansion of zoo to Artel Bridge & coffee shop with two canteens.

Deputy Director of ECO presented a Certificate of Appreciation letter to Director, Kabul Zoo and his loyal staff for their implementation of the ECO projects.

A gala opening ceremony was conducted on 15 September from 9:00 to 12:00am in the Conference Room of Kabul Zoo. The writer, Director, Kabul Zoo, welcomed guests and delivered a brief speech about important and new improvements of Kabul zoo. He also thanked ECO and other international friends for supporting Kabul Zoo. The Kabul Mayor, Mr. Nawandish delivered a presentation on the next master plan of Kabul Zoo and thanked ECO for their donation and help they have given the zoo.

The Deputy Director of ECO, Mr. Abolghasem Tahmasebi spoke about the important of donation as well.

Prince Mustafa Zahir, General Director of the National Environmental Protection Agency, NEPA and Mr. Shahidy, Deputy Minister of Commerce related the new improvements of Kabul zoo with congratulations and praise for the Kabul Zoo staff for their struggles.

The Deputy Director of ECO presented a Certificate of Appreciation letter to Mr. Aziz and his loyal staff for their implementation of the ECO projects.

After speeches, the ribbon of flowers was cut by all high-ranking officials followed by a tour of the zoo’s new enclosures made by the Municipality of Kabul. Finally, Kabul Mayor and Zoo Director held a brief press conference with media friends.

Above: Cutting the ribbon in presence of all high-ranking officials and visitors.

Right: Cutting the cake celebrating the event.

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Now our administration offices are in the new building with a good conference room and education center.

The visitors seem very happy about the new pathways, new buildings, green parks, flowers and benches in the park.

Now we are working hard to achieve expansion of the zoo according to the master plan of Kabul city.

This year Kabul zoo has acquired some famous animals of Afghanistan like two hump camels and yaks. In the first six months of the year 337,631 visited the zoo.

After formalities officials were led on a tour of the zoo’s new enclosures made by the Municipality of Kabul. (Photo Kabul Zoo)

Thanks to AArk (Amphibian Ark) CBSG and WAZA for ZOO’s amphibian conservation education materials for Wildlife Week Zoo Outreach Organisation revised and updated its amphibian packets in striking colour with the title “Frogs are part of Biodiversity-Frogs need Forests”. Three thousand educational packets and posters were printed with support from Amphibian Ark and its host, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, CBSG. The packets contain a booklet, mask placard, sticker, rakhi and poster promoting Amphibian Ark. The poster includes an amphibian family found in South Asia. These materials were supplied during India’s wildlife week celebration which has been celebrated for the past 56 years from 1-7 October.

This year we highlighted many conservation campaigns current around the world, e.g., . There are three major campaigns, International Year of Forests (2011), Year of the Bat (2011-2012), and the UN Decade on Biodiversity (2011-2020).

ZOO received 71 requests for the amphibian education materials from all over India from 30 foresters, 13 NGO’s, 11 zoos, 11 schools and 1 museum. All conducted programmes at a variety of venues and age groups of visitors or students, and many sent reports. Not only kids but also college aged students and adults also showed much interest.

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Presenting ... Dallas Zoos for Families and Children Featured in Zoo Lex News & Design for August 2011 <www.zoolex.org>

Discovery House and Nature Exchange Barbara Brem (author for ZooLex) Lauren Axtmann, Monika Fiby, Annette Gunn (editors for ZooLex) Published 2011-8-11 Photos credit: ©Barbara Brem, 2009

The Plaza is located in the center of The Lacerte Family Children's Zoo. All other areas can be accessed from here. ©Dallas Zoo

Located at 650 South R.L., Thornton Freeway in Dallas, Texas these unique zoos provide education, healthy exercise and recreation for youngsters and their family. See it on the internet: http://www.dallas-zoo.org Fish, frogs, toads, bearded dragons, Rough Green snakes, Virginia Opossum, box turtle, red-eared slider, Hedgehog, Ahole, Blue-tongued skink are the star attractions.

In September 2000, the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo completed a 5-year, $23 million renovation to the Dallas Zoo. The children’s zoo features educational, interactive and entertaining exhibits for toddlers to pre-teenage children, with the concept of 'Connecting Kids to Nature’. Its purpose is to educate about the diversity of life on Earth; the importance of respecting animals and the environment; the need to conserve nature for future generations.

The Lacerte Family Children's Zoo is divided into five areas including The Plaza, Travis & Zach’s Birds Landing, The Underzone, The Farm and the Discovery House. Each area provides a different experience for the young visitor. Visitors enter a winding path through a rock formation featuring small bronze animal sculptures. These encourage tactile behavior and provide children with an opportunity for exploration. The rock-walled entry widens into the Plaza which serves as the main central area. A water-filled stream and three large, colorful shade structures at the amphitheater are the main aesthetic features here.

The other four areas surround the central plaza. Each environment seeks to encourage discovery through visual and tactile interactives while creating a safe environment for children.

An animal in the Discovery House

The Discovery House resembles a small country building. Visitors have the opportunity to have a hands-on encounter with animals under the supervision of trained zoo volunteers and Conservation Guides. The building contains numerous opportunities for learning about science and zoo keeping.

The Nature Exchange is an educational area. Visitors are encouraged to bring in natural articles they have found outside of the zoo grounds. Visitors can then collect points from their own items and exchange them for others items in the store. Points may be saved up for a special, more ‘expensive’ purchase.

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A ‘Tot Spot’ play area and Snack Shop are found on the Plaza at the center of the children’s zoo. Children's Zoo total: 8100 m2. The Discovery House main building total: 107 m2. Outdoor areas include covered porch and yard. The Discovery House offers practical and educational pet care information, as well as the opportunity to explore the Butterfly Garden. An aquarium containing fish can be observed by visitors, as can a paludarium featuring frogs, toads and anoles.

Multiple seating and viewing opportunities are offered on rocks near the water and benches throughout the site.

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The designing architects were Beginning: Architecture: The Portico Group, 1500 4th Avenue, 3rd Floor Seattle, Washington 98101-1670 Landscape Architecture: The Portico Group, 1500 4th Avenue, 3rd Floor Seattle, Washington 98101-1670 Architecture: Urban Architecture, Dallas, Texas, USA Interpretive Planning andDesign: Aldrich Pears Associates, Vancouver, Canada Features for visitors Water features, such as the fountain 'Raccoon Springs' and a wandering stream though The Plaza offer children the opportunity to play in the water. Large, colorful shade structures in the shape of flowers and a butterfly provide shade at the amphitheatre. Natural play structures have been added to the Plaza which encourage exploration.

Nature Play in the Discovery House encourages empathy with animals: children can dress up as animals or build tents in the Serengeti area. The Discovery House offers practical and educational pet care information, as well as the opportunity to explore the Butterfly Garden.

Education and Interpretation The Discovery House and Yard aims to educate visitors about making gardens and parks suitable habitats for native Texan wild animals. There is a microscope for children to view slides of insects, an audio-electronic game about animal communication and many other interactive features.

The Nature Exchange is a unique, interactive ‘store’ where children can bring in and exchange natural items, such as fossils, leaves or rocks and discuss them with zoo

A play area with colourful shade structures of butterflies and flowers

Rope play structures for children to climb and natural shade from trees

Attractive and winning educational signage for curious kids.

volunteers. Colorful and informative signs featuring stylized animal images are aimed for children. The play elements within the Plaza help children relate and empathize with animals. Zoo volunteers and Conservation Guides answer questions and supervise animal encounters.

Conservation Zoo volunteers and conservation guides, signage and interpretive elements educate visitors about the importance of embracing conservation efforts in daily life.

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The Farm Directly opposite the main entrance to the Plaza, visitors may experience life at The Farm. A modified cattle guard allows easy access for all visitors on entry into the large red barn. Inside, visitors may view a range of farmyard animals, including rabbits, pot-bellied pigs, chickens and ponies that are used for the Pony Trek.

A smaller barn, used as a petting zoo, houses goats and sheep. Outside, a koi tank and vegetable garden are found at The Farm. During spring and summer, the raised vegetable and herb beds are filled with a variety of food

plants that can be grown in Texas, such as tomatoes, rosemary and sunflowers. Cost 7 million US dollars.

Design and construction were funded from private donations to the Dallas Zoological Society.

Designers included: Landscape Architecture, Dallas Texas; The Portico Group, Seattle,Washington, Aldrich Pears Associates, Vancouver, Canada Animals consisted of common (in USA) farm animals ... Ducks, goats, donkey, pony, rabbits, chicken, pigs.

Zookeepers appreciate a large stainless steel grain silo that provides extra

Entrance to The Farm. The large red building is the main barn and the Pony Trek is to the right

storage. The Barn has a Keeper office and a kitchen with sinks, a washer and dryer, a refrigerator, and floor drains.

Visitors may feed some of the farm animals. Hand washing facilities are located in the red barn and on exiting The Farm to encourage sanitization following animal encounters. Hand sanitizer is also located in the sheep and goat petting zoo. The Pony Trek is available for children to ride the ponies along a designated course. A sunken seating area is located around half of the large circular koi tank so that visitors can view the koi though large viewing windows.

Educational features include a chance to see chicks in incubators, horses, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and goats. A wormery is on display and there is information about how and why to use compost heaps. A raised organic garden encourages people to commit to using their natural environment responsibly and eating organically. Colorful and informative signs featuring stylized animal images are aimed for children. Zoo volunteers and Conservation Guides are available to answer questions and supervise animal encounters and feedings.

Conservation : Zoo volunteers and conservation guides, signage and interpretive elements educate visitors about the importance of embracing conservation efforts in daily life. The composting area and organic garden beds encourage awareness about the benefits of green living. Attempts to protect mature existing trees have been made in the Children's Zoo.

Asian miniature donkeys

Children and parents love to feed the ducks on the pond

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Travis and Zach's Bird Landing Travis & Zach’s Bird Landing is located near the main entry of The Plaza. It was originally a walk-through wallaby exhibit but was later redesigned as a walk-through aviary.

During the redesign, a second animal holding building was constructed and was made to match the style of the original wallaby house. Both buildings were modified to serve as bird holding facilities. Bird Landing offers the visitor close animal interaction: during feeding times, the birds may even perch on visitors’ shoulders. The large mesh aviary allows the birds ample free-flight opportunities and provides enough space for a wide range of plant materials.

Educational opportunities are the colorful and informative Bluejay signs featuring stylized animal images are aimed for children. Some plants in the aviary are labeled. Zoo volunteers and Conservation Guides are available to answer questions and supervise animal encounters and feedings.

Each indoor building contains six separate stalls for a total of 12 large individual holding areas. Each of the stalls contain small windows leading into the free-flight aviary.

Some window openings are elevated for flying birds and some are low for ground-dwelling birds. The window openings can be secured with wire mesh if the birds are required to stay indoors. The mesh allows natural air flow and allows the birds to look into the aviary. Solid panels can also be inserted during winter months to keep the cold air out.

The indoor aviary has a radiant heater in the ceiling as well as a standard AC / heater system to regulate temperatures.

Dense planting within the aviary provides cover for the birds while the soil within the planting beds provides a natural substrate. Two large boulders with shallow troughs that hold water allow the birds varied drinking and bathing opportunities.

A bird in the aviary

Keepers love their vestibule with a double-door system is located between the aviary and the back-of-house. A mirror is installed near the vestibule ceiling and faces the aviary door. This helps keepers prevent bird escapes: during the winter months when keepers may wear heavy jackets into the aviary some of the birds may sit on their jacket without being noticed. The mirror allows the keepers to check their backs prior to leaving the aviary.

Sliding doors between off-exhibit cages allow separating and shifting birds without releasing them into the aviary. The pulleys are located in the keeper corridor. Concrete floors are sloped for efficient drainage and cleaning. Concrete walkways within the aviary slope toward area drains.

The holding buildings have vaulted ceilings and netting under the rafters to prevent escaped birds from flying up there. Netting is also installed at the doors. Plywood covers the highest rafters in the newer holding building to prevent escaped birds from perching out of reach of the keepers if they somehow get beyond the bird netting.

Visitors enjoy the large natural boulders are located throughout the aviary to provide seating opportunities.

Dense planting and a fabric sheet on the top of the aviary provide shade from the Texas sun. The birds can be fed at set times, three times per day in the summer. A handwash station with two sinks is located in the entry vestibule to encourage sanitation following animal encounters. A ‘Tot Spot’ playground and Snack Shop are found within the Children’s Zoo.

Grosbeak starling

Golden-breasted starling

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Two animal buildings each contain six indoor off-exhibit holding areas. A sliding door separates each holding stall to ease bird transfers between two stalls.

Generally, the birds are allowed into the aviary year-round. However, temperatures are monitored during the winter months and a chart listing bird temperature tolerances is monitored so that cold-sensitive bird species can be brought indoors.

All holding areas have raised entrances into the aviary for flying birds.

Alternate stalls have a low-level opening for ground-dwelling birds. The aviary openings can be shut using either a solid or wire mesh panel. The solid panel limits winter drafts that may chill temperature-sensitive birds.

The indoor aviary has a radiant heater in the ceiling as well as a standard AC / heater system to regulate temperatures. Cold-sensitive bird species are brought indoors in winter when the outside temperature drops too low.

The aviary netting, made of stainless steel coiled mesh, provides a secure barrier under which the birds may fly and allows them access to natural outdoor conditions. Nesting opportunities (nest boxes and wire baskets) are fixed into the aviary during nesting season. The aviary has a double-door entry porch to minimize bird escapes. Heavy-duty mesh strips limit bird access into the porch area.

Panels hung at the visitor entry and exit vestibule prevent bird escapes

The keepers monitor new birds for the exhibit in one of the off-show holding areas. The birds are introduced to human activity and evaluated prior to their release into the aviary.

The large aviary in Birds Landing has seating areas, plentiful vegetation and high ropes for perches

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The Underzone The Underzone, found within the Woods, is located adjacent to Bird Landing. This section houses a range of animals that live on the surface or under the ground.

Shield-tailed agama, Naked mole rat, Royal pytho, Jackson's hornbill, Scorpion, Dwarf mongoose, Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula The Dwarf mongoose and Jackson’s hornbill exhibit can be viewed from inside The Underzone, though the animals have an outdoor enclosure. A double perimeter fence surrounds the outdoor enclosure and there is steel mesh on the interior fence below ground so that animals cannot dig out.

A glass separation between the mongoose and hornbill areas is approximately one meter in height.

This prevents the mongooses from entering the hornbill nest site where they would disturb nesting activities.

Different methods to present food allow natural behavioral opportunities like foraging and burrowing in mongooses and catching and pecking in birds.

An animal found in The Underzone

The Naked mole rat exhibit has a network of PVC tunnels that connect numerous chambers. These simulate the tunnels in a mole rat’s natural underground environment. The PVC tunnels are both level and at an angle: angled tunnels are ribbed to ease climbing. The individual chambers (behind the scenes) are rectangular cases made of acrylic and Plexiglass.

They are lined with stainless steel mesh coated with Hydro-stone cement, a harder substance than concrete.

Hydro-stone is necessary as mole rats are able to chew through standard concrete. Naked mole rat tunnel sections can be removed and replaced for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Concrete floors are sloped for efficient drainage and cleaning.

Visitors may view the animals in a variety of ways, including a series of small windows for underground animals and an artificial termite tunnel leading under the mongoose and hornbill exhibit. Three domed Plexiglass bubbles located within the tunnel provide close-up viewing opportunities. The hornbill nest box can accommodate a video camera for when the birds are nesting. The camera is linked to the television in The Underzone for visitors (and keepers) to view inside the nest.

In The Underzone, children can climb through a simulated termite tunnel.

Dwarf Mongoose

Children may view mongooses on exhibit through Plexiglass bubbles.

Children love the colorful and informative signs featuring stylized animal images.

The mongoose exhibit contains artificial, hollow boulders with cut-out holes in which to hide food. The substrate promotes digging behavior and holes are filled when the animals are off-exhibit. Live foods, such as worms and crickets, are hidden in dirt piles or in plastic egg-shaped containers to encourage foraging behavior in mongooses and hornbills.

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As naked mole rats are sensitive to noises, music is played behind the scenes to help reduce the impact of the noises made by visitors and keepers.

The mole rats’ chambers are maintained at 75% humidity to simulate their natural environment. A humidifier and additional heater are situated behind the scenes.

Zoo volunteers and conservation guides, signage and interpretive elements educate visitors about the importance of embracing conservation efforts in daily life.

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Depression in Caged Animals: A Study at the National Zoo, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Amber Haque* Introduction Psychologists have studied animal behaviors for many years. The behavioral phenomena they study are often similar to the research done by physiological psychologists, for instance, studying the nature and functions of the central nervous system and the cognitive and perceptual processes in animals through experimentation. A specialty within the discipline is comparative psychology that studies animals’ evolutionary adaptation to the environment. These psychologists may study animal behavior including inherited behavior patterns like courting and mating, defensive behaviors, predation and parenting behaviors. Behavioral psychologists also initiated their research doing learning experiments with animals, particularly pigeons and rats. B.F. Skinner devised the learning machine, more commonly known as the “Skinner Box” that has been used to research animal behaviors in laboratory settings. Skinner also developed “reinforcement schedules” that are commonly used to train animals in places like the zoos and circuses.

Ivan P. Pavlov, the Russian physiologist studying salivary mechanisms in dogs became famous for his discovery of “classical conditioning” procedures and “higher-order learning” in dogs. Martin Seligman (1975, 1971) in his research with rats, described the phenomena of “learned helplessness” in animals when they encounter conditions over which they have no control. These animals learn to become “helpless” and give up trying to cope with the challenging circumstances resulting in the animal equivalent of depression. The field of animal psychology has grown to the extent that there are now at least three professional journals addressing animal behavior issues and the study of animal behaviors has now become interdisciplinary in nature. In other words, most of the well-known academic programs in animal psychology integrate psychological and zoological approaches to the study of animal behavior. The departments of veterinary medicine and departments of comparative psychology often offer such programs jointly.

There are also specializations in biopsychology related to animal behavior.

Psychologists’ primary aim in studying animal behavior is to enhance knowledge of human physiology and learning mechanisms. Learning experiments with animals also help psychologists understand human intelligence, stress, and even aggression and reproductive behaviors. Seligman for instance, drew some important conclusions from his studies.

He theorized that the same phenomena may happen to the humans who are faced with extenuating circumstances in their lives. A new area of research called “Animal Assisted Therapy” studies how humans can benefit from animal interaction, for instance, how the elderly residing in nursing homes or long-term psychiatric patients in hospitals who have minimal or no interaction with family members or friends can benefit from interaction with pet animals.

Behavioral psychologists have now joined efforts with professionals from other areas of animal science and are researching applied companion animal ethology, psychology, and behavior therapy. There are strict professional regulations from the American Psychological Association on the ethical and humane treatment of animals used for psychological studies (see http://www.apa.org/science/ anguide.html). However, animal research by psychologists is rarely directed at studying emotions such as anxiety and depression.2 A literature review of the three major psychology journals on animal studies, Journal of Comparative Psychology, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Animal Behavior Processes and Animal Learning

and Behavior did not yield any study related to depression in caged animals. Most research in these journals are limited to lab animals like rats, guinea pigs, pigeons and monkeys and house pets or domesticated animals. Research findings on these or other animals did not include study of emotional behaviors. While some informal studies or comments are published in western newsletters of Animal Rights Groups, systematic investigation on animal depression is seriously lacking. This deficiency is almost glaring in developing countries where conditions at the zoos are far from adequate for reasons including low priority on animal research and budget constraints.

Nature of Modern Zoos Historically speaking, kings and emperors kept exotic and wild animals in their palaces for entertainment and as a sign of status symbol. Colonialists also captured animals from the wild and shipped them to their countries as gifts or earned them as trophies. Animal confinement in the form of zoos started mostly from private animal collections. Modern zoos vary in size and quality—from drive through farms to small menageries and some larger zoos. They may vary greatly in the types of enclosures, respect for animals, research programs, etc. Most zoos claim to preserve species and educate the public. A typical modern and well-financed zoo would own or have information on all animal categories including the amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects. A modern zoo would also possess animals from the desert, islands, rivers, oceans, tropical forests, etc. and in an environment that can reflect the natural habitat of the animals.3 A fully equipped zoo would have educational programs for the children, youth, family, and even teachers.

The zoo would have developed programs for animal conservation and research and even tour programs in other parts of the world. The better zoos are run very professionally and every animal has a specialized keeper.

Many zoos have “adopt an animal” program enabling the public to adopt or sponsor a particular animal of their choice. A new concept of “electronic zoos” on the web contains information on all animals, including their images and sounds. Some modern zoos give out press releases on latest information available to them. For example, in a recent press release by the San Diego Zoo in California, we learned that after the Tsunami disaster in Asia, the two endangered animal species, Komodo Dragons and Orangutans found mostly in Indonesia were unaffected as Tsunami spared the islands on which these animals exist (see http://cres.sandiegozoo.org/).

Zoos may also vary in their attitudes towards certain animals. In a recent incident, the Detroit Zoo sent elephants to a sanctuary because in the words of the zoo’s director, “Just as polar bears don’t thrive in hot climates, Asian elephants should not live in small groups without many acres to roam, and they clearly shouldn’t have to suffer winters of the north.” (Detroit Zoological Institute, 2004).

While confinement of animals brings some benefits to them, such as better food supply and lower risk of predation, there is a growing concern regarding negative conditions at the zoos and heightened interest in animal welfare. There are numerous animal protection organizations in the West working towards improved conditions at the animal research labs, zoos, etc. In most western countries, there are regulations that protect the welfare of captive animals. In Department of Psychology, U.A.E. University, Al-Ain, P.O. Box: 17771, U.A.E. Email: amberhaque@yahoo.com

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the US for example, zoos are protected by the Federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which sets minimal living standards for captive animals.4 Federal agencies inspect all zoos at least once per year to ensure healthy living conditions and welfare status of captive animals. The animals must also be licensed with the Federal Department (Ministry) of Agriculture. However, all zoos in the US may not pass yearly inspections and may even violate regulations resulting from sub-standard animal care, neglect, or even abuse.

National Zoo, Kuala Lumpur The National Zoo in Kuala Lumpur, locally known as Zoo Negara Malaysia is located 13 km northeast of Kuala Lumpur City, the capital of Malaysia. It was established two years after the inauguration of the Malaysian Zoological Society in 1961. The total zoo area is around 63 acres situated in the tropical hills of Ulu Klang that was part of a jungle reserve and catchments area for the Klang Gates Dam. This zoo has over 4000 animals from 413 animal species. There are 136 species of fish, 118 species of birds, 97 species of mammals and 61 species of reptiles. The philosophy at this zoo is to keep mostly local animals, for instance, more than 70% of the birds are from the Malaysian region and 68% of fish are form the Malaysian fresh waters. Many of Malaysia’s most endangered species are kept at this zoo, including the Sumatran Tiger, Sumatran Rhino, Orangutans, Clouded leopard, Storm Stork, Hawksbill Turtle, and the Malayan Bear (only 600-1000 left in the entire Southeast Asian region). A local company adopts many animals at the zoo, Esso, for example, sponsors the tiger and benefits from its advertising as the company name is displayed on a board near the cage. The Lions Group adopted the African lion at Zoo Negara under a sponsorship program costing around US$ 5,000 for feeding, medication, and maintenance of the animal. Currently the zoo runs a captive breeding program for the endangered milky storks and plans to send them to the wild. The zoo had successful breeding programs for giraffes, antelopes and flamingos.

The zoo also houses a veterinary hospital on its premises.

Method A project for studying animal depression at the Kuala Lumpur Zoo was arranged by this researcher. Three undergraduate students interviewed animal caretakers and veterinary doctors with a standard set of questions. The students also observed the animals during the research period. The interview contained questions on whether animals exhibited (1) unusual behaviors, (2) unacceptable or self-defeating behaviors, and (3) dangerous behaviors.5 Unusual behavior refers to those behaviors that are strange for the concerned animals and are generally not observed under normal conditions, e.g. excessive pacing. Such behaviors are best understood by the zookeepers who can tell when a behavior is unusual. Unacceptable or selfdefeating are behaviors that hurt the animals, e.g. behaviors resulting in self-injury, weight loss, etc.

Dangerous behaviors are those that would hurt the other animals or animal caretakers. Answers in the positive would suggest that the animals were indeed exhibiting abnormal behaviors, often termed “zoochosis” in the zoological vocabulary.6 In order to study depression in more detail, students asked whether animals showed changes in their emotional states, motivation, and motor functioning followed by discussions on the symptoms, causes, and treatment of animal depression. The interviews and direct observation of animals lasted for five days. Five animal caretakers and two veterinary doctors cooperated throughout the interview process. This researcher followed up on conversations with the chief veterinarian of the zoo.

Results Interview of the zookeepers and observations revealed important information about captive animals. First, like in most other zoos, there are limited opportunities for the animals to interact with the natural environment and to express their natural behaviors displayed in the wild. The artificial environment of the zoo makes the animals passive and causes the development of a variety of abnormal behaviors. In the wild, an animal would spend most of its day hunting for food, competing with other animals, avoiding predators, rearing and protecting their young, protecting their territory or engaging in social activities. In the zoo, their food and water are supplied; territories are delineated and social groups fairly structured and stable.

There are no predators to avoid and mates are selected for them. Second, the conditions of the cages and enclosures are not always appropriate. Limited space of the enclosures causes feelings of distress and irritation in animals, notably in the primates such as the baboons, monkeys, chimpanzees, and orangutans. The big cats also need a much vast area than what is given to them at the zoos.7 Many animals find it challenging to adapt to novel surroundings as compared to their natural habitat. This is seen more in animals brought in recently from other parts of the world. Third, overcrowding of animals in small enclosures leads to filth and fighting for territory resulting in injury to the weaker animals. It also limits animal movement and physical activities within the cage. Fourth, animals often react negatively to the visitors who keep teasing or harassing the animals in order to force them to behave or act in certain ways. Sometimes the visitors will throw harsh objects at the animals thinking that by doing this the animals will come closer to them. Visitors may disturb the animals in the cages by loud noise, etc. Visitors may also try to feed unsuitable food to the animals that may result in overfeeding or interfere with the balanced diet or death of the animals. Fifth, animals show clear signs of depression resulting from the loss of a companion.

Depression because of the death of loved ones is more obvious among the primates like apes and orangutans as well as in tigers and elephants.8 The zookeepers noted twice as many females depressed than males over the loss of their companions and depression in females last much longer than in males. While the males got over their depression in weeks or months, the females would be depressed for more than a year. Sixth, lack of food or a repeat of the same type of food overtime can cause passivity and anger, especially in big animals. These animals may also refuse food because of a lack of choice for foods.

Seventh, animals also show depression when their need to mate is unmet or delayed. Poor health condition results in the animals sitting around or lying in the corner of their enclosures for extended periods. A variety of stereotypical behaviors is also observed that remain unexplained by the zookeepers. The zookeepers further informed that there is no medical treatment for depression in animals at the zoo.

Animal activity is rewarded in the form of food and if animals did not cooperate or denied zookeeper’s instructions, then food may be withheld until they start following the rules again! The zoo also provides novel objects or toys that are changed periodically to reduce boredom and depression. Instances of animal depression were shown from following examples at the zoo:

• The apes showed depression by sitting in the corner of the cages or sleeping for long periods.

• Crocodiles in small spaces became ill with bent tail and loss of appetite. Dirty enclosures also contributed to their passivity and illness.

• Relocating the place of living within the zoo resulted in annoyance and depression in animals such as elephants, camels, giraffes, and zebras. The elephants attacked

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•

•

•

• •

their keepers when their place of living was changed.

Giraffes also showed their depression by refusing to eat when moved within the zoo from one place to another.

Animals like the orangutans, chimpanzees, and camels, showed sensitivity to the rain by exhibiting extreme passivity or annoyance and fell ill when exposed to the rain.

Animals like the primates, showed abnormal behaviors including screaming, jumping around, pacing, or passivity during the times when there were more visitors, like on weekends and public holidays. An orangutan died last year due to overeating of peanuts given by the visitors.

A male orangutan named Abu showed symptoms of depression after the death of its female companion. Abu refused food for three consecutive days and spent most of the time sleeping. Abu learned to spit all the time apparently to get attention. These symptoms continued for several months. A female orangutan preferred to sit in her enclosure rather than go out with others because of her depression after the death of its baby. A female tiger at the zoo was very depressed after the death of its newborn baby and defended it from the zookeepers who tried to remove it from the cage.

Tigers often showed restlessness by pacing, snarling, and demonstrating stereotypical behaviors like making figures of eight, etc.

Stressed-out mothers faced hardship in breeding healthy offspring. For example, the female orangutan named Rokiah got pregnant several times and delivered her baby successfully, but every time the baby died soon after birth.

Table 1 includes the symptoms, causes, and proposed treatment of depression in captive animals. The reader may notice an overlap among factors that cause depression, primary among which is the artificial environment of the zoo.

Observations at the zoo revealed additional information such as:

Discussion Current psychological literature presents minimal findings on the study of animal depression. Modern zoos can be a place of learning, research, and conservation of animals but the possibility of neglect remains high. Psychologists interested in animal behavior can play an important role in understanding and improving conditions at the zoo for better psychological well-being of the animals that are a living part of our environment. Unlike zoos in the West that must meet federal regulations in order to remain open, zoos in developing countries stroll behind or completely lack in such regulations. Periodic inspections of the zoo from authorities may be lacking and lead to various kinds of animal neglect and abuse as the primary motive for most of the zoos may be commercial and not educational. The Kuala Lumpur Zoo, which is partially government funded is doing what it can to maintain or uplift the quality of the zoo. The zoo has recommended gradual removal of cages and their replacement by environmentally appropriate enclosures that would enhance natural behaviors in the animals. Despite the zoo’s ongoing effort for improvement, minimal progress has been observed over the years. While the authorities are striving for a better zoo, the implementation of new programs requires time and money that is not readily available. The zoo administration has made some recommendations to the government focusing mostly on improved layout and design. The present study resulted in a comprehensive assessment of the situation and a list of issues that need immediate consideration by the authorities.

The following recommendations also require ongoing effort from zoo personnel and may bring many desired changes.

• Staff education on species-specific behaviors and

•

• The elephants played on cement slabs and had to makedo with tree trunks made of cement. While elephant shows were interesting and kept the big animals busy, some exercises were quite unnatural, e.g. one and two hand-stands and standing on hind legs • Enclosures for the primates were very small and there were trees made of cement for animal amusement • Enclosure for the giraffe was small and they paced frantically on a small strip of land without grass or vegetation • The pond for the three hippos was extremely small with shallow water On the more positive side, the zookeepers report that the animals are given a balanced diet that contains adequate nutrition, vitamins, and minerals. There is great effort in food preparation ranging from choosing fresh and quality ingredients, cleanliness, with both, a variety and quantity of foods. Feeding techniques are used such as hiding the food around the enclosure in the grass or in tree branches or attaching poles on the roof to induce some effort in the animals to use their stealth, power, speed, and grip when obtaining foods. A recent project on improving enclosure design including wall paintings cost the zoo around US $10,000. The staffs agree that despite all efforts, it is impossible to create truly naturalistic environment at the zoo. Staffs also admit that gaining full understanding of species-specific behavior would improve the conditions of the animals in many ways, especially in decreasing their depression.

•

•

•

•

increased staff training in handling of animals by the experts in the field.9 Consultation with international agencies may be helpful and some foreign organizations may even provide assistance through their trained volunteers. These organizations have substantial funds for animal research and welfare.

Develop minimal standards and manuals with instructions of what is expected of the zoo and its staff. This is a project for the authorities responsible for the zoo and may come under the Ministry of Agriculture or Animal Husbandry. Yearly inspections of the zoos would be necessary. A good resource available online is the “Animal Care and Use Training Manual” published by the University of Texas at Brownsville, USA. While this manual is meant for use with lab animals, it can be a starting point or initial guide for use at the Kuala Lumpur Zoo. Website address: http://www.utbtsc.edu/safety/ manuals/animal-care Licensing of the zoos and of the animals living in the zoos is also necessary. This would ensure a proper record of all animals (or endangered ones) with their health condition and discourage smuggling or illegal import of certain animals. Private collection of animals, e.g. those owned by individuals or “companies,” may also be certified by the relevant government agency.10 Increased budget coming from the government or alternative sources including relevant NGO’s and other organizations—this would need good public relations, advertisements and communication skills on the part of the zoo administration. A joint effort with the local newspaper, magazine, or TV channel may help raise funds for zoo expansion or renovation.

Ethical handling and treatment of animals is yet another area neglected unless written rules and inspections or surprise visits by the authorities become a regular practice at the zoos.

It is important to phase out the cages and expand the enclosures Consultation with bigger and more modern

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Table 1 includes the symptoms, causes, and proposed treatment of depression in captive animals.

Symptoms Passive behaviors (including decreased aggression for animals like the tigers) and decreased social interaction

Stereotyped behaviors (repetitive behavior patterns that have no obvious function or goal—such as, pacing, self-biting, bar biting, repetitive vomiting and re-ingestion of food, polydipsia, etc.)

Loss of appetite/weight loss Abnormal eating patterns

Decreased courting/mating behaviors

Physical illness (depression is also indicated via physical illness). This may be indicated through breathing difficulties, urination, defecation, movement problems, appearance, general weakness and excessive discharges—nasal, eye, anal, and reproductive tract.

Causes

Treatment

• Lack of opportunity to interact with the natural environment including the need to hunt • Dependence on routine lowers motivation resulting in decreased activity • Limited space for movement • Death or loss of a companion • Dysfunction of the central nervous system • Anxiety, annoyance, anger, fear, frustration, etc., from being in an artificial environment • Changes in the zoo environment (Draper & Bernstein, 1963) • Drugs and dysfunction of the central nervous system (Mason & Turner, 1993) • Surgical interference or brain injury • Inadequate nutrition • Lack of space in the cages or attempts to escape (Morris, 1964) • Sexual motivation • Death or loss of a companion • Lack of food or choice of food • Physical illness

Modify environment to reflect natural habitat and add animals of same species for increased social interaction—see discussion below Environmental enrichment for increased activities that facilitate expression of species-specific behavior Veterinary treatment

No companionship Forced companionship Physical illness Medication Unnatural environment Abuse by other animals or neglect/ abuse by the zookeepers and often by the visitors • Diet problems • Lack of proper diagnosis and medication • • • • • •

zoos would help. This aspect is currently underway at the Kuala Lumpur Zoo. • New toys and games for the animals should be introduced. Operant cages, activity wheels and accessories, photo-beam activities, startle systems, mazes, and animal exercise systems should be encouraged. See website: http:// www.lafayetteinstrument.com/animal/htm that contains modern equipment for animal activity and training. Items for smaller animals can be modified to suit the needs of larger animals.

• There is a dire need to develop research programs at the Kuala Lumpur Zoo on animal disease and medication and for animals’ emotional problems. Encouraging psychological research is also essential. This is of course, not possible for places where psychology is itself is a low priority or there is a lack of psychologists in the country or where psychologists are not interested in animal behavior research.

• The above point leads us to the recommendation that there should be interdisciplinary academic programs on animal behavior at the local universities, e.g. joint programs offered by psychology and the zoology departments. Such programs would lead to creation of

• •

•

•

Environmental enrichment—related to the cause of stereotypes Treatment by stimulant drugs or tranquilizers Work with interdisciplinary teams for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

This stage must precede before or simultaneously with veterinary treatment

Replace companion with another (although acceptance may take time) Provide sufficient food and alternate/ alternative food menu Consultation with interdisciplinary team

Consultation with interdisciplinary team

jobs at the university, research centers, and animal facilities.

It is also crucial to encourage volunteerism from the public and especially younger students to develop their understanding and sense of care for the animals.

Getting sponsorships from private parties and the humane society at national and international levels may also help in meeting funding needs. Local companies and willing families, private citizens or groups may sponsor an animal of their liking. This practice is currently available in some of the larger zoos in the U.S. There is a need to involve the schoolteachers at the local zoo to study the animals and share their knowledge with their class. This would increase awareness and interest in the schoolchildren who could then pursue their interest for improved animal research and welfare in the future.

Involving members of animal protection groups may also be considered for the sake of improving quality and services at the zoo. See for instance, http:// o.webring.com/hub?ring=humane, the homepage of the Humane Society and Animal Welfare Ring that links this site to many other homepages of humane societies and animal welfare organizations around the world.

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• It is also possible to merge some of the smaller zoos with the larger ones for cost saving purposes. In Malaysia, there are many zoos of a variety of sizes are types. There are theme parks with animals, reptile parks, bird parks, insect parks, aquaria, and animal shows. If some of these are incorporated in larger zoos, it would not only save expenditure but may prevent animal neglect at smaller animals farms or parks or privately owned animal shows that are purely for profit and never monitored by government agencies.

Seligman, M.E.P. (1975). Helplessness: On depression, development and death. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman.

Seligman, M.E.P. (1971). Phobias and preparedness.

Behavior Therapy, 2, 307-320.

Wemelsfelder, F. (1993). The concept of animal boredom and its relationship to Stereotyped behavior. In L.B. Alistair and J. Rushen (eds.), Stereotypic Animal Behavior: Fundamentals and Applications to Welfare. Cab International: UK. Foot notes:

While this study was interesting and meaningful, it did have limitations. First, the study period was short because it was meant to be a class project. Longer observations may have yield detailed results and more information on these animals or additional challenges at the zoo. Second, even after interviewing the zookeepers, most of the data remained speculative. There is hardly anyway that physiological measures on depression on animals can be obtained in the open. Such observations are presently available in the laboratories only and mostly in western countries. A longitudinal study may be more appropriate. Such factors need to be considered in future psychological research on zoo animals. A growing area of concern is the rising numbers of animal rights organizations, which oppose the concept of zoos and favor release of all animals to their natural habitats. While this philosophy seems too idealistic, it may also deprive us from the benefits provided to the citizens from decent and rule complying zoos. If the society is willing to play a responsible role in animal research and conservation, zoos can be an excellent source of public education.

Conclusion Research studies on depression in caged animals are far and few. While many zoos exist in developing countries, animal care and welfare programs continue to be a low priority. The problem is exacerbated due to a lack of professionals interested in animal research and lack of zoo monitoring regulations. While the Kuala Lumpur Zoo may be considered a modern and relatively well-financed zoo in the region, many problems need to be addressed to ensure continuous quality improvement and welfare of animals. This paper examined the existing nature of the problems and outlined recommendations for consideration by the zoo and government authorities. The recommendations given may also prove meaningful for similar facilities in other countries.

REFERENCES Benyus, M.J. (1992). Beastly behaviors: A zoo lover’s companion. Addison-Wesley.

Detroit Zoological Institute, (2004). Detroit Zoo intends to send elephants to elephant’s sanctuary. PR Newswire, 20 May. Draper. W.A. and Bernstein, I.S. (1963). Stereotyped behaviors and cage size. Perceptual and Motor Skills 16, 231-234.

Gray, J.A. (1982). Précis of ‘The neurophysiology of anxiety: an inquiry into the functions of the septohippocampal system’. The Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 5, 469-534.

Hauser, M.D. (2000). Wild Minds: What Animals Really Think. New York: Henry Holt and Company, LLC. Mason, G.J. and Turner, M.A. (1993). Mechanisms involved in the development and Control of stereotypes. In Bateson, PPG and Klopfer, PH (eds.), Perspectives in Ethology. Plenum Press: New York.

Masson, J.M. and McCarthy, S. (2004). When elephants weep: The emotional lives of animals. New Scientist: UK. Morris, D. (1964). The response of animals to a restricted environment. Symposium of The Zoological Society of London, 13, 99-118.

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In his recent book, Wild Minds: What Animals Really Think, animal cognition researcher Marc D. Hauser (2000) writes that it is unhelpful to ask whether animals think because such questions are vague. However, it is scientifically proven that animals exhibit emotions, which “…prepare them for action, for approaching good things and avoiding bad things.” (p.xviii).

2 A habitat is basically the place where an animal finds what it needs to survive. A habitat should provide all opportunities and challenges including climate, competition, companionship, food, predators, etc. This concept is beautifully expressed by Benyus (1992), “…through the wonders of natural selection, each survival machine is custom crafted to excel in its particular constellation of living conditions. It’s body and behavior echo the habitat it evolved in” (p 21-22).

3 This act was signed into law in 1966 and has been amended four times. These regulations are published each year in Code of Federal Reugulations, Title 9, Chapter 1—commonly known as 9CFR. The complete regulations can be found on the internet: http:// www.aphis.usda.gov/ac/publications.html 4 Although, these criteria are used to diagnose abnormality in humans, they can also reveal useful information about the animals.

Research indicates that the capacity for subjective emotional experience is similar in humans and animals (Wemelsfelder, 1993).

Neurological explanations of anxiety and depression also show that impairment of the septohippocampal system can be responsible factors in humans and animals alike (Gray, 1982).

5 A related term in ‘zoonosis’, a disease that humans may get from animals, especially when the animals are not well-cared for. See website http://medicine.bu.edu/dshapiro for the disease that each animal can pass on to the humans.

6 An instance of a lion’s full-throated roar is indicative of its communiqué up to a five mile radius that this territory belongs to that lion. Most modern zoos however, are smaller than this area that is an average size of a natural habitat for the king of the beasts. UK’s Captive Animals Protection Society (www.captiveanimals.org) opposes the incarceration of animals for entertainment purposes and believes that zoos do not educate but misinform the public and use up the funds that can be better utilized in conserving animals in their natural habitats. In a survey of 100 zoos in the UK, this animal protection organization discovered that the space provided to animals in the zoos are from 100 to 1,000 times smaller than the animal’s home range. With regards to the cages and cement slabs, it should be noted that in the 1960s, zookeepers found it difficult to control the diseased that spread in the soil and in the grass that were also passed on to the animals. Consequently, the zookeepers at that time believed that unnatural enclosures were better for animals’ physical health if not for its spirits (Benyus, 1982).

7 Elephant expert Joyce Poole believes that elephants do grieve the loss of their loved ones. She has seen elephants keeping vigil over their dead compatriots. She describes every part of their expression —on their faces, eyes, and mouths, the way they carry their ears, heads and bodies and they way they walk all suggesting depression. She also writes that elephants are often observed to stop when walking past a place where a companion died and give a silence pause that could last for minutes or more. For details, see http://www.peta.org. There is yet another source of information by Masson and McCarthy (2004) in which they raise an interesting point of animal emotions—the idea of anthropomorphism. This terminology is also referred to as personification or prosopopeia or attributing human characteristics to inanimate objects, animals or forces of nature. Masson and McCarthy contend that reflecting human emotions onto animals changes the way humans view other species that may take away animal individuality as separate beings.

8 An excellent resource on animal behavior with pictorial illustrations is a book by Janine M. Benyus (1992) that can be used for zoo staffs’ general education.

9 In the interest of “protecting fauna and preserving biodiversity”, the Environment Ministry of Italy has passed a decree recently mandating licensure for Italain zoos in order to ensure the “wellbeing of the animals they host.” See http://www.agi.it/english/ news. Such regulations have existed in the US from the 1960s.

•

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When the “Cat Woman” is Away, the Mice Will Play (or, How the Owl Saved the Mice.) -- A non-fiction incident from the travels of Malcolm Whitehead Dave Lawson*

The three of us, (the mice) had travelled by train from Pune to Goa. Here, the now late Malcolm Whitehead was to carry out one of his legendary workshops, teaching biodiversity using the zoo as a medium. The other two were R. Marimuthu, a Zoo Outreach Organisation educator and guide to Malcolm and me, David Lawson.

I had become involved in zoos and wildlife conservation some years before through Malcolm Whitehead and we had become great friends. I was in India with him as what he called his ‘smudge’; officially this could be translated as his photographer and helper. Sally Walker, AKA (also known as) ‘The Cat Woman’, was to meet up with us later in the schedule, after Goa. We arrived in Goa and had arranged to have a meeting with some important Forestry Department officials over dinner later in the evening. However, being in the forest and having already found a frog in our room and noticed many birds around our treetop lodge, the lure of the forest was palpable. Knowing there was a water hole nearby that obviously would be a great place to sit and watch wildlife, and anyway, there was plenty of time before dinner, wasn't there? So we walked down the track and into the forest to the water hole. We made ourselves comfortable and became absorbed by the wisdom pouring from Malcolm about our natural environment. I was sorting my cameras and film looking around for shots and anticipating the water hole’s visitors. There was an owl to our right, high in a tree, but too far away for the camera lenses I had brought with me that night.

We sat, watched and waited. As time passed we could hear crashes in the vegetation, what was it, Elephant? No probably not, perhaps deer? Or possibly Gaur and that would be good. Time was passing and the noises were getting louder, so the decision, ‘we'll wait a little longer’, accompanied by a few more words from Malcolm about King Cobras in holes in trees that come out at night, if I remember correctly. Looking back towards the owl I could see it was now a good shot, with the moon behind it. The moon, it must be getting late! We had to be back for the dinner meeting, so maybe it was time to go. “Oh well I guess we have to” observed Malcy, not wishing to be wrenched from his contemplations, but we could not be late for the forest officers and needed to make ourselves presentable.

Marimuthu led the way. He was local, and had knowledge and experience of such places. It wasn't far up through the forest to the track. So off we set. We walked and walked, too far in my estimation but hey! … I'm a photographer and was not that “at home” in forest in those days. We did have a guide so what could go wrong? One thing photographers do know about is light, it's our medium. When your shadow, from the moon is first in front of you, then to the right of you, then behind you and again in front of you, one has to conclude, we’re going around in circles. I brought the group to a halt and said, ‘we’re lost aren't we?’ I remember to this day Marimuthu’s reply, ‘Oh my god!’ Madam will kill me’.

Visions of explaining to Sally how he had let us get lost in the forest prior to an important meeting must have been flooding through his mind. This was assuming we got out without bumping into one of the many creatures Malcolm had talked about, some of which were not to be stepped on or alarmed.

Well, what really to worry about? We would be late for dinner, people would be sent to get us, we wouldn't be there, a search would be carried out, and the Forestry Department would be activated to find the three of us, lost in the forest.

The repercussions, especially for Marimuthu and Malcolm, would be serious. That was what to worry about. We decided, therefore, to follow a river bed which must take us back to the water hole and try to get a fresh bearing and start again. However, this didn't seem to be working, as after a while of staggering about all we achieved was to get deeper into the forest by which time we were relying entirely on moonlight. Malcolm's solution was to stop walking around and sit and await our fate, although as stated the repercussions of this would be severe, whatever happened. My solution, which was accepted by the group, came from my observations at the water hole.

The owl in the tree with the moon behind it had come into my mind. While sitting and waiting I had noticed that the owl was at ninety degrees to me and we had walked almost directly to that place. The light of the moon behind the owl was casting shadows directly towards the path we needed to find. So if we walked and kept the moon directly behind us we should reach the path, shouldn't we? It was agreed we would try this theory. So holding my monopod aloft to cast a shadow, we were able to walk in a straight line and back to the path! Then hastily back to the lodge, shower, and dress and amazingly we made it in time for the dinner. I was the only one aware of why Malcolm was wearing a long sleeved shirt at the dinner; explaining the many scratches on his arms would have not been a good idea. It was with a great sense of relief we returned to the lodge for a good night’s sleep.

The workshop went ahead without any problems, although there was the occasional wry smile of relief we shared with each other, remembering our walk in the forest. There are many stories we all have about Malcolm and his travels.

Marimuthu has asked me to tell this one, which I am pleased to do.

As a photographer one of my favourite descriptions of me in action, was Malcolm's description of me as “Crawlin like a king snake”, down Southern Boulevard in the Bronx to photograph an incident, before we went into the Staff entrance to the zoo, is the one I treasure. Not sure I did crawl like a king snake. Needless to say, this was an urban jungle incident that involved somebody that had been hit by a car, and a building in flames which according to the NYPD was probably just somebody dropping their crack pipe. When I crawled (Walked) back to Malcolm and the NYPD and they congratulated me on my determination to get a shot. I said that I wasn't bothered because I knew the police had guns. They just said “They've got better guns than us” A fact that it's better to know after the event.

Before there is a debate about snakes and crawling I'm sure the reference is from John Lee Hooker's “Crawlin King snake blues”, not a Herpetology treatise. Malcy's love of animals and music combined to sum up how he saw it. *

Malcolm’s best friend.

Email: david.r.lawson@btinternet.com

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Stranger that Fiction ... the Spy from Outer Space

The Killer Instinct Sally Walker, THE ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY OF INDIA, August 5,1990, Part III of III Having successfully penetrated the Indian espionage agency, e.g.

SAW, Seeing and Asking Wing, our intrepid female spy graduates to vigilance and killer training.

Another installment of Sally Walker’s spoof on the cloak-anddagger brigade.

One day, soon after completing my vigilance and killer training with the special Indian espionage service, the Seeing and Asking Wing (SAW), I was sitting in my office answering a letter.

The letter was from a man who wanted to know if he could raise a tiger in his house (I often get such letters, being a sort of zoo lady). My then typist, Shanti, came in and said there were two foreigners who wanted to see me.

“Are they the same two men who come here a couple of weeks ago?” I asked. I had been waiting for them.

“Yes, madam, “Shanti, said, “they are definitely the same men, but they are dressed funny and they have stuck on fake mouches”.

Shanti is a master of understatement and is sometimes very funny without even meaning to be. I have to watch myself so as not to hurt her feelings by laughing. She had stated this so seriously, without a grain of realization that the two CIA agents in mufti who couldn’t even fool a young typist were pretty ridiculous. I controlled myself.

“Please show them in,” I said, choking back my laughter.

My need to laugh intensified when the two men appeared. They were quite obviously in mufti, or what they thought might be mufti. It certainly hadn’t fooled Shanti, though, and she often doesn’t notice even very obvious details. They were disguised as, lowincome foreign tourists, or hippies, ten years after the last hippie died. They had put on wigs and mouches and earrings. They wore knee pants in Hawaiian print with suspenders with Madras plaid shirts. They looked absurd and no one would ever suspect them of being genuinely anything except costume party refugees, or ...

CIA agents in India!

“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” I said.

“You’re looking quite elegant in those bright coloured clothes. But I think the business suits suited you better.”

They looked at one another (in unison, mind) and then they looked one another up and down. Then they looked at me with an unpleasant expression. ”Sit down, sit down, “I said pleasantly. “Don’t mind me. I just thought I’d say what I thought.”

again so soon, gentlemen, “ I said, laying on the Lucknow manners.

The pair looked at one another (in unison) and some signal passed between them, for one of them addressed me thus: “Ms Walker, he said, pausing after my name, “we know about your visit to the CBI office and Sri Singh to look for a job. And we know about your being sent to the other Singh in the SAW office instead. In general, we know the gist of your discussion with the SAW Singh.” He looked as though he had said everything he wanted to say for the whole day. There was such a selfsatisfied look on his face that I knew he thought this information would surprise me, or frighten me.

But I wasn’t surprised at all. Nothing would surprise me about the CIA. So I said, “Ah, yes, well. Then I guess you also know that the SAW Singh wasn’t very happy about your failure to register with him when you came to see me here last, isn’t it?”

The agent’s eyes bulged.

They sat down right together and crossed one leg over the other at the ankle, right together, proving beyond the shadow of a doubt that they were very confident heterosexuals indeed.

Then they smiled – in unison – equally unpleasant smiles.

I went on, enjoying myself, “He wasn’t just ‘not very happy’ he was furious! Is that why you’re wearing those funny costumes? So Singh won’t recognize you? Well, you’d better do better than that! Ha! Ha! Ha!”

“And what, may I ask, do I owe the pleasure of your esteemed company

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The two CIA agents looked at one another anxiously. “What do you mean?” they said, in unison.

“Oh, nothing, nothing, gentlemen. He’ll probably just take away your theatre passes or something. But why did you break protocol like that. Just imagine if all spies acted like you do? What kind of shape would the world be in?”

Of course, I was being sarcastic. I think the world is in awful shape as it is – and spies checking in with one another as a courtesy when they spy in another city is not going to make the world a better place to live in. Not the way I want to live anyway.

I had wanted to reassure them so they would get on with the business at hand, and it worked. They both relaxed and I called for some buttermilk.

After the buttermilk both of them seemed to feel much better and they leaned back (in unison) with a mellow expression on their faces. At an unspoken signal, one of them began to speak. “Ms Walker, “ he said, “we know you have agreed to spy for SAW and we are here in that regard. We would like to discuss this with you.”

“There’s really nothing to discuss, gentlemen,” I said, “It’s a straightforward business arrangement.

They have trained me and I have signed a secret contract. Under the terms of the secret contract, I am an official non-official spy for SAW. I will be given assignments commensurate with my ability. I will be treated like any other Indian spy. However, I will not draw a salary because I am deriving other benefits from the job.”

“What!” the two CIA spies said in unison. “You’re not drawing a salary!

What madness! What injustice. How cheap! You mean these picey devils aren’t even paying you? We ought to go break their heads!” (It’s amazing how the protective instinct comes out in American men, particularly when it concerns money and also when it concerns their countrymen, or countrywomen. All said and done, family is family.)

The two agents looked shocked, then insulted, then fearful. Of course, they couldn’t admit it.

“Well, “admitted the one on the left, “actually we don’t know the full substance of your discussions. We know enough to hang you, however, and that’s why we’re here, “he finished firmly. Then he leaned forward and asked anxiously, “What did Singh say about us, now…?”

“If you know enough to hang me, why don’t you know what Singh said about you?” I asked. I was not really happy about him speaking to me that way. I decided to play it cool.

“Singh said, “ I continued, “that it was a very serious offence for spies to make a visit to a city without registering with their sister agency. In this case, that’s SAW. If you didn’t see SAW, Singh says you’re sunk!”

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“Don’t get all exercised, “I said. ”And don’t insult my adopted county. I said I am getting other benefits and I am. I don’t require a salary from SAW. Under the terms of our secret contract I will be allowed access to the deepest secrets in SAW as well as to all of their agents. When my research is completed I am going to write novels about SAW and create a genre of spy fiction for India. It doesn’t have one, you know. Have you ever read a spy novel about India?”

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“Why, no,” they said together and looked bemused. “Come to think of it, we haven’t. It’s kind of odd, isn’t it?

Every other country has spy fiction about it, or at least, happening in it.”

“Exactly, gentlemen,” I exclaimed.

“And now perhaps you can understand my involvement with SAW.” “Certainly,” they said, “but we are here to make you another offer.”

“Another offer?” I queried suspiciously.

What was up now?

“Why yes, “they said happily, “we want you to spy for us!”

“Spy for the CIA!” I exclaimed, “Do you think I’m crazy? A person could get killed spying for the CIA – by the CIAI’ve read all those spy novels from America. You guys are real badmashes. And besides, the CIA doesn’t have a very good reputation politically, as well as morally. Most people say that you guys start all the trouble so the USA can go in and put out the fire and be a big hero.”

Both of the patriotic spies looked hurt.

Immediately I regretted using harsh words. Perhaps I went too far. After all, I lived in India and studied the scriptures. It very clearly says: Speak the truth that is sweet; speak not the truth that is not sweet.

“You’re being very unfair Ms Walker,” they said. “In any case, it doesn’t matter. You have no choice. You are going to spy for us, whether you want to or not.”

“Are you threatening me?” I said, shocked. “What are you going to do, kill me? That would be just like the CIA. I guess all those novels are right!”

“No, no. Nothing like that,” the left agent said, it’s much worse really, what we have in mind for you.”

The other agents - the one on the right – took over. “Yes, Mrs. Walker, we know you now and we know just how to get at you. We know your vulnerable spots.”

He paused for effect, smiling in a selfsatisfied way and continued, “You see, if you don’t’ cooperate with us we are going to spread the word around that you are in fact a known deeeeep cover agent for us and have been all along.

The head of the CIA will back us up if necessary. Then you will lose your job with SAW. You will also be deported and that means you can’t do your ZOO work anymore. At least, not in India.

And you love India. We know that. So we’ve got you.”

place. I wouldn’t get the opportunity to fall forward every time.

He looked a little proud of himself that he had strung so many sentences together and he sat back confidently, awaiting my acquiescence.

I called my housekeeper, Saroja, and asked her to sweep up the dust.

“Shanti,” I said. “ those gentlemen have left by the back door, but look at the mess they made. Isn’t our door mat at the front entrance? Didn’t these peoples’ ‘mums’ teach them to wipe their feet before coming into the house?”

The import and impact of what he said dawned on me and great crocodile tears formed in my eyes and spilled out over my cheeks. The sounds preliminary to deep, heaving sobs issued forth from my throat. My face contorted with grief. Putting my face in my hands I collapsed forward, overcome by emotion.

Actually, I was reaching for a button what had been awkwardly placed on the side of the file cabinet. Ah! Got it!

There was a sort of sizzling sound then a whoosh – and the CIA agents collapsed (in unison again) in a heap of dust on the floor where their feet had been. It worked! The handy-dandy, home-constructed human disintergrator that they taught us to make in the SAW killing class really worked! How thrilling. Now I just had to put the button in a more convenient

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“But madam, “Shanti said, “they left their shoes at the front door itself.

Were their feet only really so dirty?

And why did they go away without their shoes?”

“Well, my God , Shanti, how should I know. May be the shoes were just part of their disguise or something.

Anyway, how else would this dust have got here?”

I sat down to think this over. They left their shoes at the front door. They weren’t chappals; they were shoes.

Lace up shoes. The kind that you have to stand and unlace to get off. I looked closer at the shoes. They were Indianmade foreign lace-up shoes.

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Slowly but surely, the penny dropped. Americans don’t leave their shoes at the front door – unless they are very Indianised, in any case, which these guys weren’t.

Moreover, Americans might buy Indian chappals but they would never, never buy Indian-made foreign lace-up shoes.

The horrible, the simply unthinkable, the absolutely incredible truth dawned. Those guys weren’t CIA agents at all – they were Indian agents disguised as CIA agents disguised as American hippies! In my anxiety to avoid becoming a traitor to India. I had disintegrated two Indian agents. Oh, my God. What to do?

First, the ashes. Their families would want them. Saroja thought I was a little strange when I told her to keep the dust that I had just asked her to sweep up safely, but she did it.

I couldn’t imagine which service these guys were with. Were they SAW agents come to check on my loyalty? No, they were the same men that had come before: I was sure of that. Maybe they came the first time trying to recruit me, knowing how I would react to two supposed CIA agents. On the other hand, may be they were CBI agents, checking on the activities of SAW. The services in the West do that in spy novels all the time. I could never figure it out.

Poor Singh. He took a chance recruiting me and now I had gone and used the superb SAW killer training to murder two of his agents. I bet he’ll be miffed. I bet he could lose his job. Even I could get sacked!

This was a crisis of monumental proportions. I was baffled.

The whole operation on which I had invested 15 years of deeeeeeeeep cover work could be ruined with this snafu.

And just when I had managed to infiltrate SAW! My operative, I mean my real operative, not Singh of SAW, had instructed me not to contact him under any but the most urgent of circumstances. In fifteen years of deeeeeeeeep cover, I had contacted him only once. That, was, incidentally, when my visa was not extended and I had to leave India. Thinking such a powerful being would be helpful I had appealed to him, but he was not sympathetic and told me in no uncertain terms that a spy from outer space was expected to have the mental wherewithal to sort out such problems for herself!

But surely this was different. This was really beyond my control. Even my powers of extrasensory perception did not pick up the fact that the CIA agents were really Indian agents. I needed better facilities – that was obvious.

“Trunk booking?” I said to the real voice. “Here I am in the full lotus posture trying to contact outer space and you say you are trunk booking. What’s going on here?”

I was so upset I lost my levitation and crashed unceremoniously to the floor, but fortunately I did not lose my contact.

The voice said, “I’m sorry madam, this is outer space trunk book-king. May I help you?”

Well, this was something. However, I had no recourse. “Yes, operator, I want secret agent identification number two three eight one nine.”

“Thank you, madam.

Three two eight one nine.”

“No, operator, two three eight one nine.”

“That’s what I said, madam, three two eight one nine.”

“No, operator, you reverse the first two digits. It’s two three, not three two.”

“You want to reverse the charges?”

“No, I want you to reverse the first two digits of the number.”

“The first two digits? You mean two three?”

“Yes, operator, it should be three two.”

“Three two eight one nine, madam?”

“Right, operator, and I do want to reverse the charges.”

“Now, you want to reverse the charges, madam?”

“Yes, operator.”

“You’re being very difficult, madam.”

“Just get me the call, operator, it’s been a bad day.”

“All right, madam, I’ll call you back.”

As I waited for the operator to call me back. I again chanted the mantra to resume my levitation. It might be a long wait and the floor was hard.

As the moments passed I became more and more and more anxious. What would my operative say? Would he be angry or pleased? Were the Indians agents friend or foe to our operation? Were they Indian agents or some other country’s agents that leave their shoes at the door and wear Indianmade foreign lace-up shoes? Would he allow me to continue or take me to some other planet? What will become of me?

Oh woe. Worries, worries, worried! Life is not easy when you are ... dum da dum dum! . . . a spy from outer space.

I told Shanti and Saroja that I was going to rest for some time and that I should not be disturbed. I went into my bedroom and closed the door. Assuming the full lotus position I closed my eyes and repeated the special mantra given to me by my space operative in the sky. After half an hour, my body levitated about one inch into the air, meaning the mantra was working and that I had a ‘line’ to space station satellite. Directly a voice came clear as if it were right in the city: buzzzzzzz, whirrrr, click, click, click, eeeeeeeuuuuuuuwe-ah….. “Please wait, “click click click.

“Now you are in the queue.” Click click click. “Please wait….,” click click click…. “ Now you are in the queue.”

“Heavens, “ I though. “Space certainly has got crowded since the last time I contacted my operative. It’s just like New Delhi.”

Finally, a real voice replaced the recording. “Gooooooood afternoon, this is trunk book-king. May I help you?”

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Wildlife Week 2011-Education Reports Wildlife Week celebrations at Madura College, Madurai, TN To commemorate Indian Wildlife Week, NEST, Nethaji Snake Trust organized a one-day workshop on 4 October 2011 in the PG Department of Zoology, Madura College, Madurai. The workshop was inaugurated by R.K. Jagenia IFS, District Forest Officer, Madurai District and R. Murali, Principal Madura College. Eighty-four students from Meenakshi Government Arts and Science College for Women, American College, Sourastra College, Madura College Higher Secondary School and Madura College, participated. They were enlightened with information on wildlife conservation. Resource persons gave detailed presentations on frogs, bats, bears and snakes entitled Frogs – Facts and myths, Bats – an interesting mammal, Bears – endangered animals and Snakes– Friends of our backyard.

Masks, bracelets and placards on frogs, bats and bears were distributed to students to dramatize the need for conservation to the audience in the form of skits and feedback. Posters on amphibians and Lion-tailed Macaque were displayed in the venue and distributed to representatives of the colleges who attended the workshop.

Submitted by P. Ramesh, NEST, Usilampatti, TN. Email: ramesh_nsrc@yahoo.com

Madras Veterinary College, Chennai Celebrated Wildlife Week Wildlife week was celebrated in Madras Veterinary College on behalf of Wildlife Club, Department of Wildlife Science from 2-8 October, 2011 to create awareness among the students about the conservation of wildlife and environment. To achieve above goal, several activities and programmes were conducted during including essay writing competition, quiz competition and pencil drawing competition.

Students with bat masks at Madura College Wildlife Week programme

Resource person giving presentation on bats conservation at Madura College

Students awarded with participation certificate at Madura College

On 3 October an essay writing competition was conducted for 21 graduate and post graduate students.

The topic of the essay was assigned as “Human – Animal Conflict: Causes & Prevention”. Next programme was wildlife quiz competition, which was held on 4 October 2011 for 48 students.

On 10 October, a function for the Wildlife Week was organized. Dr. M.G. Jayathangaraj, Professor and Head, Department of Wildlife Science,

Distribution of prizes to the participants by the Dean, Faculty of Sciences, MVC, Chennai

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welcomed the gathering. Presidential address was offered by Dean, Madras Veterinary College about the role of student community at large in wildlife conservation. Dean, Faculty of Basic Sciences released a Digital Guide (CD) for Vets on “Differentiation – Features in Wildlife”, together with the distribution of prizes and certificates to winners in different and addressed the gathering about importance of Wildlife Conservation. The Chief Guest, Head, Veterinary Operations, Wildlife SOS, Bannerghatta Bear Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Bangalore delivered a guest lecture on “Health Care of Bears in Bear Rescue Centre” followed by a vote of thanks.

Anil Khaire giving presentation on snakes at PCMC Zoo

Snake friends and wildlife lovers participated in PCMC Zoo

Submitted by: Dr. K. Senthilkumar, AP, Madras Vet College.

Email: drsenthil72@hotmail.com

Celebration of Wildlife Week in PCMC Zoo A workshop was held at PCMC Zoo, Chinchwad, Pune on the occasion of Wildlife Week 2011 on 7 October 2011.

About 60 snake-friends and wildlife lovers participated in this programme.

Dr. Ashok Deshpande was the chief guest to this programme and Mr. Pravin Ladkat inaugurated this workshop. Dr. Datta Gaikawad welcomed all the dignitaries and participants. Mr. Prabhakar Kukadolkar gave an audio-visual talk on ‘Birds of Pune and their Conservation’. Mr. Anil Khaire, Zoo Director spoke on ‘Diversity of Snake and Rescue Management’ guiding on safe measures of rescuing snakes, their first aid and ecologically safe release procedures. Vet Dr. Satish Gore spoke on ‘First-aid to Animals’ focusing on treating injured wild animals and birds in emergencies when vet is not available. Participants had many questions to understand this subject better. Mr. Dipak Sawant was compeier. Mr. Vinod Pawashe read an informative article on snake bite. Dr. Satish Gore proposed vote of thanks.

The Municipal Corporation felicitated all the animal friends by giving a Animal friend badge and Certificate of Appreciation. Entire zoo staff assisted in successful coordination of all this event. Submitted by: Dipak Sawant Email: dipaksawant09@gmail.com

World Animal Day 2011 with Punjab University and Lahore Zoo Education at the Zoo WAD began in Florence, Italy in 1931 at a convention of ecologists and became an annual activity.

Chief Guest cuts a cake in the Lahore Zoo, Tiger House

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The University of the Punjab ViceChancellor has directed the Zoology Department and Centre for Undergraduate Studies faculty members and students to visit and arrange a ceremony at Lahore Zoo on the eve of World Animal Day, arranging an informative and colorful activity at Tiger House of the Zoo. Senior academics and a large number of undergraduate and post graduate students also participated in the ceremony, preparing posters, cards, animal love poems and awareness camping at zoo. The students brought foods of animals’ choice and cut a cake in the Tiger House. The speakers highlighted the need to work towards welfare of all animals including wild and domestic, adding that the impact of biodiversity decline on ecology and economy very grave. They stressed how zoological gardens and students can play an important role for conservation of biodiversity. All the participants enjoyed the program and expressed their love for animals.

Muhammad Shafqat thanked the Punjab University, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhter, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aamir Ijaz, Bushra Nisar Khan, faculty members and students for their participation. He acknowledged Prof.

Dr. Mujahid Kamran for his immense love for animal. In fact, Prof. Mujahid Kamran adopted a pair of Tigers at Lahore Zoological Gardens donating Rs. 1,214,000 for the upkeep of this beautiful big cat for one year. The university arranged a grand function and placed a beautiful monument at Tiger House. Vice-Chancellor, faculty members, and students participated in this function. The DG Wildlife and Parks and Director Lahore Zoo welcomed all participants and desired that PU students should conduct some of their research projects on Zoo animals. The management of Punjab University and Lahore Zoo also signed a MoU for animal welfare, research, arrangement of awareness seminar which helps to boost up animal importance in ecosystem among young scientist and visitors. Submitted by

Punjab University Dept. of Zoology students prepared the posters at Lahore Zoo

Chief Guest was greeted by Lahore Zoo elephant

Bushra Nisar Khan, Punjab University, Pakistan.

Email: bushrank@yahoo.com

Conservation of Nature Society Wildlife Week 2011 Programmes The Conservation of Nature Society arranged programmes for Wildlife week from the 2-8 October 2011. There were programmes on all the days, on the Year of the Forest, Year of the Bats etc, except on the “World Animal Day” 4.10.2011. on which the small

Awareness on Lion-tailed Macaque created during the programme to the students

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programme on Elephant-Human Conflict was held and further an awareness programme on the protecting of the ‘Cows’. On 3.10.2011 a programme was organized for students of MAMO college, near Mukkam about Amphibians. On 5 a programme on Bats was conducted, the society Executive Committee had taken classes on the need to protest Bats. On 6.10.2011 a programme was held on Biodiversity which covered maximum on the biodiversity threats faced by the states Huge Felling of shade trees, threat faced by Lion-tailed macaques during the decade. On 7.10.2011 there was an awareness programme on the cruelty to captive elephants and the fall in the implementation of the specially made Kerala Captive Elephant Management Rules 2005. The awareness was done by the Society using the materials of ZOO (Bio Diversity) particularly about bats & amphibians. Submitted by Mr.

Visitors looking at wildlife photography exhibition at V.J.B. Udyan Zoo

Vinod Kumar Damodar, Joint Secretary, Conservation of Nature Society, Calicut, Kerala. Email: mspca3@live.com

Celebration of Wildlife Week 2011 at V.J.B. Udyan Zoo, Mumbai As a part of these educational activities, it was decided to celebrate the "Wildlife Week" in the first week of October 2011 and to acknowledge IUCN’s "International Year of Forests " 2011. Educational activities were conducted in collaboration with the Bombay Veterinary College, Parel and "SPROUTS", a Mumbai-based NGO. The Zoo celebrated Wildlife Week from 1-8 October 2011 with support from SPROUTS. The theme was care, conservation and protection of wildlife found in Indian forests conveyed through many interesting events. The Wildlife Week festivities were flagged off at 10 a.m. on 1 October 2011 by a pledge-taking ceremony displayed at the entrance gate of the Zoo. On 2 October 2011, a day-long workshop was organized for the II-IV year veterinary students of Bombay Veterinary College, Parel to understand concepts of modern zoo-keeping, involving enclosure design, care, treatment and education. From 2-8 October 2011, the SPROUTS' volunteers organised guided tours for over 200 visitors visited the zoo during the period. Nearly 1500 people visited the weeklong exhibition and greatly appreciated the rarity and quality of the photos. The photo exhibition and the oath panels were kept open to visitors for one more day on 8 October 2011 beyond the period of Wildlife Week, so as to compensate the weekly

SPROUTS volunteer interacting with visitors at V.J.B. Udyan Zoo

Guided tour given to the Bombay Veterinary College students at V.J.B. Udyan Zoo

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off for the zoo. The event was a grand success due to the whole-hearted participation of the public. Submitted by: Mr. Anil Anjankar, Director, V.J.B. Udyan-Zoo. Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Email: vjbudyanzoo@yahoo.co.in

Students who took part in the Treasure Hunt at Sakkarbaug Zoo

Students with their paintings at Sakkarbaug Zoo

Wildlife Week-2011 Celebration at Sakkarbaug Zoo, Junagadh Sakkarbaug Zoo celebrated WL Week celebrates from 2-7 October. Three different groups of age 10-13, 14-16 and college students from in and around Junagadh were targeted .

Different subjects on wildlife and conservation suitable for the group was selected. On 2 October 42 participants took part. On subsequent days 126 and 44 people took part in the programme. On 5th October 15 teams from various schools of Junagadh city participated in the Treasure Hunt competition. On 6th October, 18 teams from various schools of Junagadh district participated in the Quiz Contest. The next day a Wildlife Photography exhibition was organized at the Zoo. Photos By Bhushan Pandya and Elvis Katara and Pranav Vaghasiya were exhibited. On the last day, a closing ceremony of 'Wildlife Week' was organized at the Zoo Campus.

About 49 winners from different competitions were encouraged by issuing certificates and exciting prizes during the ceremony. Throughout wildlife week i.e. from 2nd Oct. to 8th Oct. students and children below 12 Yrs. were given free entry in Zoo. Totally 18,692 Students of various Schools visited Zoo under this programme. To encourage students the zoo presented animal kits of Frog, Bat, Bear supplied by Zoo Outreach Organisation. Submitted by V.J. Rana, Director, Sakkarbaug Zoo, Gujarat. Email: directorsb2@rediffmail.com

Wildlife Week celebration in Tamil Nadu organized in four places i) NESSA sponsored Wildlife Week at St. Christopers Training College, Chennai with 60 teacher training students participating. The TRIO theme e.g., UN Decade of Biodiversity 2011-2020, UN International year of Forest 2011 and Year of the Bat 2011 were explained which was followed by the distribution of 3 educational packets received from ZOO, India on Frog, Bat & Bear. At the end, all the participants shared their experience in the campus to the Hr. Sec. School students in the same campus.

School students visited the Sakkarbaug Zoo during wildlife week

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ii) Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai entertained 40 NSS students of Madras Christian College, Chennai with input by Dr. Manimozhi of the zoo about the animals especially about Elephants. Packets were distributed to all and carried out the actionmethodology starting from tying of the rakhi. Dr. Manimozhi took the lead to make the students to take the oath. iii) Wildlife week 2011 at St. Mary’s Hr. Secondary School, Madurai.

The celebration was conducted on 10 October 2011 for 40 N.G.C students received inputs on U.N. Decade of Biodiversity, U.N. International Year of Forest and the Year of the Bat. Regarding the forest the ecological, economical, scientific, aesthetic, social and recreational values were explained besides their benefits and services to mankind. The WED Logo was so attractive and informative and they were guided to observe a tree in the campus every day and note down the types of animals visiting it.

As the year of the BAT 2011 promotes the conservation, research and education on these unique flying mammals, St. Marys H.S.S. near where the bats visits for more than a century.

The Lion-tailed Macaque poster was very informative. iv) Climate change and wildlife awareness programme at Home for aged. Climate change and Wildlife awareness program was conducted at the Jubilee Home for Aged, Chennai.

Twenty six NSS students of Jaigopal Garodia HSS, Chennai gave assistance in this home for 10 days and also gained knowledge on various topics .

The ill effects of Climate Change on water, health, agriculture and biodiversity were studied as discussion method. The participants added at last about free ranging of wild animals to the residential areas. The day's program came to an end with a sharing by a student and vote of thanks proposed by Mrs. Ramalakshmi, NSS coordinator. Submitted by Ms. Jessie

St. Christopher college students are ready for Frog Leap

Students creating awareness to the visitors near LTM enclosure at Anna Zoo

Jeyakaran, Chennai. Email: jessiejey@rediffmail.com

Asst. Head Master of St. Mary’s school with the students

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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, 9A Lal Bahadur Colony, Peelamedu, CBE 4

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 1683, Peelamedu Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 004, India Phone: +91 422 2561087 Fax: +91 422 2563269 E-mail: zooreach@zooreach.org Website: www.zooreach.org, www.zoosprint.org

ANNOUNCEMENT: UFAW Animal Welfare Conference “Recent advances in animal welfare science III” 21st June 2012 As part of its on-going commitment to improving the way we understand and care for animals, the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) is pleased to announce the third of its series of unthemed one day conferences on ‘Recent advances in animal welfare science’ which is to be held on 21st June 2012 in York, at the UK city’s medieval Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, Fossgate. The conference aims to provide 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 views. In keeping with this aim, registration for this meeting has been kept low - £25.00 (lunch not included).

Call for papers We would like to hear from anyone interested in making a contribution to the conference on the open subject of recent advances in applied ethology, veterinary and physiological science and the other disciplines that inform our understanding of animals and their welfare; both from those who are well established in this area and from those just beginning to make a contribution.

Submission of interest should include the title of the proposed contribution, the nature of the contribution – talk or poster, the name and full contact details of all contributors and an abstract, which must be in English, and should be no longer than 400 words.

Registration As part of UFAW’s commitment to providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and to ensure that the meeting is accessible to widest range of those with an interest in animal welfare, the registration fee to attend this conference is kept low, this time at just £25. Note: This price includes refreshments but delegates will need to make their own arrangements for lunch. An electronic registration form can be downloaded from www.ufaw.org.uk/conference2012.php 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. For further information about the venue and details of hotels in the area, click on link below. http://www.visityork.org/seeanddo/attractions/thedms.aspx? dms=13&feature=1&GroupId=2&venue=1500147&easi=true 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 Further details, including a registration form can be found on the UFAW website: http://www.ufaw.org.uk/animal-welfare-conference.php