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Sparrow L, Gill I, Michaels CJ, Turner CJ. Trends in Reptile Holdings Across UK Zoos: Identification of the Factors Responsible for Declining Numbers of Venomous Snake. Zoo Biol 2024. [PMID: 39286937 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Zoos are under increasing pressure to strategically manage their collections to maximize visitor attendance, financial income, and their contribution to conservation. As a result, the compositions of zoo collections are undergoing significant changes. Many zoos are keeping fewer species and prioritizing keeping large flagship animals that are more attractive to the public. To understand the effects these changes are having on captive reptile numbers, we have analyzed the trends in reptile holdings between 2003 and 2023 at UK zoos. Our findings show that despite an overall increase in reptile numbers in the period analyzed, there has been a dramatic decline in the number of venomous snakes held at UK zoos, and as a result, venomous snakes are being excluded from many of the conservation benefits that zoos provide. To understand the key factors contributing to the decline in venomous snake numbers, 57 staff members across 35 different BIAZA-accredited zoos were surveyed. Results from the survey identified that a perceived increased risk of harm, increasingly stringent health and safety regulations, and increased husbandry requirements were all key contributing factors to why venomous snake numbers at zoos are in decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Sparrow
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, Suffolk, UK
| | - Iri Gill
- Chester Zoo, Upton by Chester, UK
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Sarkar UK, Kathirvelpandian A, Kantharajan G, Tyagi LK, Lakra WS. The concept of "state fishes of India": Current status, knowledge gaps, and strategic plans for conservation and sustainable utilization. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2024; 104:1675-1697. [PMID: 38530167 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The concept of "state fishes of India" highlights the importance and significance of the prioritized fish species distributed across various states within the country. This review article systematically documents the current status of state fishes from various perspectives, identifies the prevailing knowledge gaps, and also highlights the issues and strategic plans essential for the conservation and sustainable utilization of these valuable genetic resources. A total of 8357 publications were checked for the consolidated information on state fish species, and the appropriate items were selected under eight categories: biology, physiology and nutrition, aquaculture, habitat and environmental parameters, genetics and biotechnology, harvest and postharvest, fish health management, and others. The synthesized information was used to present the current status of research and development on state fish species. The knowledge gaps that are to be addressed are also depicted under the perspectives of fisheries management and conservation aquaculture. Based on the findings, strategic plans for the targeted conservation programmes are proposed and discussed under various in situ and ex situ conservation measures. Further, the departmental processes involved in the declaration, the importance of stakeholder involvement, namely, local communities and policymakers, in fostering effective conservation measures, and planning for utilization of these valuable fish genetic resources are also indicated.
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McNally X, Webb TL, Smith C, Moss A, Gibson-Miller J. A meta-analysis of the effect of visiting zoos and aquariums on visitors' conservation knowledge, beliefs, and behavior. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024:e14237. [PMID: 38305648 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Zoos and aquariums are well placed to connect visitors with the issues facing biodiversity globally and many deliver interventions that seek to influence visitors' beliefs and behaviors with respect to conservation. However, despite primary studies evaluating the effect of such interventions, the overall effect of engaging with zoos and the factors that influence this effect remain unclear. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the effect of zoo-led interventions on knowledge, beliefs (attitudes, intentions, self-efficacy, and social norms), and behavior among zoo visitors. These outcomes were identified using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a theoretical lens. We identified and described the nature of zoo-led interventions in 56 studies and used the behavior change technique (BCT) taxonomy to identify 6 specific BCTs used in interventions to date. Multilevel meta-analyses revealed a small to medium positive effect of engaging with zoo-led interventions on outcomes (d+ = 0.40, 95% confidence interval = 0.28-0.51). Specifically, visitors were more knowledgeable about conservation issues, held more favorable attitudes toward conservation, and reported being more likely to act for the benefit of biodiversity. No evidence of publication bias was present. Effect sizes were, however, heterogeneous and subgroup analyses revealed that the nature of the intervention or type of outcome did not explain this variance. Larger effects were, however, found in studies conducted at a single institution relative to research at multiple institutions and studies that used within-participant designs relative to between-participant designs. Taken together, these findings demonstrate how behavior change frameworks can be used to describe zoo-led interventions and supports the assertion that zoos and aquariums can promote changes in beliefs and behaviors that may help protect biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas L Webb
- ICOSS building, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Komine T, Ihara H, Inohana M, Kwok JC, Shimizu A, Terasawa T, Miyazaki A, Srivorakul S, Iwao H, Harada S, Yoshida M, Hoshino Y, Kurata O, Fukano H, Wada S. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease associated with Mycobacterium montefiorense in salamanders. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1248288. [PMID: 37954664 PMCID: PMC10637390 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1248288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mycobacterium montefiorense is one of the causes of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections in moray eels and salamanders. Although M. montefiorense infection could be a threat to salamanders, little information is available regarding this pathogen and associated infection. This study aimed to provide fundamental information regarding M. montefiorense and its infection in salamanders. Methods Nine M. montefiorense strains isolated from three species of salamanders, namely, Japanese black salamander (Hynobius nigrescens), Hakuba salamander (H. hidamontanus), and Tohoku hynobiid salamander (H. lichenatus), between 2010 and 2018, were characterized based on phenotypic and genetic examination. We also pathologically observed salamanders infected with the M. montefiorense strains, including Hakuba salamanders and Tohoku hynobiid salamanders. Results The microbiological and chemical characteristics of the M. montefiorense salamander and an eel strain (reference strain) matched. Susceptibility testing for antimicrobials suggested that clarithromycin may be effective. Regarding disinfectants, phtharal, peracetic acid, glutaral, sodium hypochlorite, and benzalkonium chloride may be effective. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the strains isolated from salamanders in 2014 and 2018 were genetically closely related, which could indicate an outbreak. The main gross findings in infected salamanders include skin ulcerative lesions or nodules in the enlarged liver. Microscopically, multifocal to coalescent granulomatous lesions composed of massive macrophages containing numerous acid-fast bacilli were prominently observed in the liver. Conclusion This study contributes to our understanding of the genetic diversity and phenotypic characteristics of M. montefiorense, as well as the pathology of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Komine
- Laboratory of Aquatic Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Higashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hyogo Ihara
- Laboratory of Aquatic Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mari Inohana
- Laboratory of Aquatic Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jennifer Caroline Kwok
- Retinal Disease Studies Facility, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Akane Shimizu
- Laboratory of Aquatic Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsumugi Terasawa
- Laboratory of Aquatic Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayaka Miyazaki
- Laboratory of Aquatic Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saralee Srivorakul
- Center of Veterinary Diagnosis and Technology Transfer, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | | | - Mitsunori Yoshida
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Higashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Hoshino
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Higashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Kurata
- Laboratory of Aquatic Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hanako Fukano
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Higashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinpei Wada
- Laboratory of Aquatic Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
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Bercovitch FB. Conservation and evolution: Inbreeding, small populations, and sex differences in life history. Primates 2023; 64:277-283. [PMID: 37145305 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-023-01069-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fred B Bercovitch
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto, Japan.
- Anne Innis Dagg Foundation, Toronto, Canada.
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