Survey and interzoo studies used to address husbandry problems in some zoo vertebrates

Abstract

In addition to genetic and demographic considerations, SSP coordinators have been asked to systematically address husbandry issues. Three approaches to the study of captive management issues are typically used: ( I ) large numbers of individuals are housed at a single institution maintained in a situation that facilitates systematic evaluation of the captive environment, ( 2 ) an investigator travels to many institutions to gather data on a single taxon, or (3) an investigator surveys existing information by assembling data from a large number of individuals at a variety of institutions. Each approach has both advantages and disadvantages in terms of feasibility and the type of results obtained. The use of surveys to obtain information about husbandry parameters from a large number of animals maintained at a variety of zoos is quite possibly the most common approach used among zoo managers. Zoo husbandry surveys are typically developed to address issues problematic to a particular species, including reproductive failure and health issues. Unfortunately, surveys appear to be an often misused research tool among zoo professionals. Surveys can be improved by working with psychologists or sociologists at local universities, by narrowing the focus of the survey's purpose, and by carefully constructing each question. INTRODUCTIONGenetic and demographic analyses of captive animal populations provide a basis for developing long-term breeding goals. However, the essence of such a plan is the maintenance and propagation of the individuals within specific captive populations. Whereas initial efforts of American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) Species Survival Plans (SSPs) focused primarily on genetics and demographics, more recently these breeding programs have expanded to include systematic evaluation of the husReceived for publication November 29, 1993; revision accepted June 24, 1994 [Wemmer, Read, and Hutchins, 1993a,b]. SSP Coordinators have been encouraged to develop husbandry manuals for their species. The purpose of a husbandry manual is to delineate the basic components necessary for the maintenance and propagation of individuals within a population, to generate a scientific "recipe" for species management.Each species has its own unique set of requirements, so each captive population has a unique set of problems associated with it. The SSP Coordinator and Management Group assesses these problems and implements changes that will optimize captive conditions. The ultimate goal of an SSP is the maintenance of a self-sustaining captive population. An SSP masterplan provides individual-by-individual breeding recommendations based on genetic and demographic factors. However, practical day-to-day management of individuals, social requirements of the animals, and nutritional, behavioral, medical, and environmental requirements may preclude pairing individuals based solely on genetic and demographic considerations. In short, husbandry requirements of individuals may constrain implementation of the genetic and demograph...

Social factors influence ovarian acyclicity in captive African elephants (Loxodonta africana)

“…Multivariate, multi-institutional studies of other exotic species have demonstrated that social and management factors contribute to breeding success [Carlstead et al, 1999a,b;Mellen, 1994;Wielebnowski, 1999;Wielebnowski et al, 2002]. In addition, knowledge acquired from these types of studies has been used to change management practices [Wielebnowski et al, 2002].…”

“…Systematic, crossinstitutional evaluations of the captive environment that integrate behavior and husbandry research can identify causes of poor breeding success and contribute to the creation of self-sustaining ex situ populations [Kleiman, 1994;Lindburg and Fitch-Synder, 1994;Mellen, 1994;Wielebnowski, 1998]. Data can be collected in person; however, written surveys are commonly used because of logistical and cost considerations associated with direct interviews [Carlstead et al, 1999b;Mellen, 1994;Wielebnowski, 1998Wielebnowski, , 1999. Surveys rely on the familiarity of humans with the animals in their care, which enables them to filter and integrate individual traits based on a variety of situations over long periods of time [Line, 1987].…”

Using behavioral observations and keeper questionnaires to assess social relationships among captive female African elephants

“…Direct observations are typically made by a single individual and evaluate species-specific behaviors such as sociability, aggression, and dominance [Gosling, 2001]. Observations are conducted at multiple facilities to acquire a representative cross section of behaviors exhibited within the population, which makes this method time consuming and expensive [Mellen, 1994;Wielebnowski, 1998;Carlstead et al, 1999b]. Data collected in a standardized manner using keeper questionnaires is a low-cost alternative for obtaining reliable assessments of a large number of individuals across a variety of facilities.…”

A Survey of Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors in North American River Otters Housed in Zoos

“…They allow investigation of a larger sample size (Swaisgood & Shepherdson, 2005) and a broader range of environments (Mellen, 1994) than studies in a single institution. The resulting increase in power and variability facilitates identifying correlates of ARBs, which can be manipulated experimentally in later studies to determine whether these relationships are causal (Bashaw, Tarou, Maki, & Maple, 2001;Swaisgood & Shepherdson, 2005).…”