Adaptive management in a conservation breeding program: Mimicking habitat complexities facilitates reproductive success in narrow‐headed gartersnakes (Thamnophis rufipunctatus)

Abstract

Mimicking natural parameters and complexities in zoo conservation breeding programs can facilitate natural physiological and behavioral traits, which in turn can inform more effective species reintroduction efforts. To curtail population declines of threatened narrow‐headed gartersnakes (Thamnophis rufipunctatus), the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo partnered with a multiagency conservation working group to develop an ex situ propagation‐for‐release program. Initially, Zoo staff followed common snake husbandry protocols of manually inducing brumation (i.e., winter dormancy). Copulation was observed during the first few years, but no births resulted. Also, some older individuals developed post‐brumation health abnormalities, prompting a strategic reassessment. To facilitate propagation and improve health, Zoo staff applied ecological knowledge of T. rufipunctatus and an adaptive management strategy to implement key parameters for success: sociality, refugia, breeding and foraging behaviors, and natural brumation. Zoo staff developed a large multisnake enclosure that mimicked natural ecological and habitat complexities including a hibernaculum to stimulate natural brumation. Gartersnakes were left mostly unimpeded to conduct natural behaviors across seasons in the enriched environment. We referenced change in body mass after ten brumation periods as a proxy for health. Under natural brumation, gartersnakes did not lose body mass, and this shift resulted in fully ex situ parturition events—the first for this imperiled species. We highlight the efficacy of adaptive management and incorporation of natural parameters and environmental complexities into conservation breeding programs. These actions can improve the health and success of animals under managed care—processes applicable to a range of taxa targeted for conservation translocations.

Bridging conservation across the ex situ‐in situ spectrum: Insights into the reproductive ecology of the threatened narrow‐headed gartersnake (Thamnophis rufipunctatus)

“…From 2009 through summer 2012, gartersnakes were managed separately in 75.7 L (20-gal) terraria within a lab setting (hereafter "indoor") and, beginning fall 2012, grouped outdoors in a 4.88 × 2.44 × 2.44 m walled, multi-individual enclosure with complex features that mimicked natural environments (hereafter "outdoor"; Blais et al, 2022). Throughout, live fish were managed to promote natural foraging (Roe et al, 2015).…”

“…Fewer data are available on fertility span. Male T. rufipunctatus can sustain a lengthy maturity period and remain sexually active (e.g., spermatogenesis, copulation) late into life (Blais et al, 2022). Some males courted or copulated females in consecutive years and sometimes multiple times within seasons.…”

“…By analyzing ex situ data obtained under conditions that simulate in situ habitat and environmental complexities (Blais et al, 2022;Roe et al, 2015), we provide foundational benefits for improving practices and achieving conservation management goals. Our data (Burghardt, 2013;Chiszar et al, 1993;Roe et al, 2015).…”

“…These data serve to advance ex situ conservation efforts as well as provide empirical data beneficial to inform conservation management decisions. in the wild, e.g., shorter active seasons and cooler winters (Blais et al, 2022). Ambient and water temperature were managed to mimic natural seasonal conditions.…”

Expanding the role of the future zoo: Wellbeing should become the fifth aim for modern zoos

“…For example, animals provided with appropriate environmental conditions that breed more successfully are better candidates for conservation breeding objectives. Improved sustainability and viability of many conservation breeding programs can be achieved with improvements to welfare that ultimately arise due to the implementation of species-relevant husbandry and management ( Cikanek et al, 2014 ; Blais et al, 2022 ). Population management in zoos should consider the ultimate end-point of all individuals involved ( Clay and Visseren-Hamakers, 2022 ), including the needs of those individuals within a managed population that may not be required for further or future conservation breeding needs ( Carter and Kagan, 2010 ).…”