Polar Bear Cam Launches at Highland Wildlife Park

Polar Bear Cam Launches at Highland Wildlife Park

Today, Highland Wildlife Park is launching a brand new eco-friendly Polar Bear Cam. Offering bear fans the opportunity to watch live the antics of playful Walker and Arktos, the UK’s only polar bears in a public collection, excitingly the special camera also runs completely on renewable energy.

Due to the Park’s remote setting in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, the camera is powered by a solar panel and a mini wind turbine, and uses satellite broadband internet – the same technology that’s used by the military in isolated areas. The innovative use of this technology could actually lead to advances in wildlife research in some of the world’s most inaccessible and harshest areas, including Antarctica, as it can be run remotely using natural power sources and satellite internet.

Jon-Paul Orsi, Digital Manager for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said:

“Following the popularity of our penguin and panda webcams at Edinburgh Zoo, we wanted to provide our online visitors with the opportunity to watch the UK’s only polar bears up at Highland Wildlife Park too. They are great candidates for a webcam as they regularly get up to mischief. Both Walker and Arktos are very boisterous young bears and love to wrestle or dunk each other in the pond. Their playful nature has made them a real favourite with visitors and I suspect it will be the same for the web cam viewers!

“Due to the challenges of the enclosure’s remote location, we didn’t think that such a webcam would be possible, however thanks to recent technological advancements it became feasible.  As a result Polar Bear Cam is one of the most advanced installations we’ve created at either park, running completely on green energy and satellite broadband. A 12-volt solar panel system provides the main source of power for the camera, while a 12-volt mini wind turbine acts as a supplement during overcast days. Currently, the camera focusses on the enclosure’s large pond, which means watchers will now be able to see Walker and Arktos splash and play.”

The streaming for Polar Bear Cam is handled by Camvista, who also run Edinburgh Zoo’s popular Panda, Penguin and Squirrel Monkey Cams, as well as the Park’s Snow Monkey Cam, while the camera’s power system was designed and installed by Vuterra.

Alex Kilgour, Managing Director for Camvista, said:

“We have worked with RZSS on many animal cams, such as Edinburgh Zoo’s penguin cams, which have proven to be immensely popular. Polar bear cam is the first time we – or anyone else we know – have used satellite broadband for streaming a webcam of this nature. By combining renewable resources with satellite broadband to run a web cam, we have potentially come up with a solution for remotely watching wildlife without the need of constantly changing batteries or waiting to watch the footage later. Footage filmed by the cams can be watched in live time from anywhere in the world, which could have an enormous benefit to environmental research.”  

Reg Pope, Managing Director for Vuterra 360 Ltd, added:

“Coming up with a system that suited the isolated nature of the Park was a challenge. The University of Aberdeen’s engineering department helped design the power supply for converting and storing the electricity generated by the solar panels or wind turbine to be used by the satellite web cam system. The system design is fully self-contained and will run on battery back-up for up to three days without charging.

“Being on the top of the polar bear viewing hut to install the camera, solar panels and wind turbine was an amazing experience. Although the polar bears were locked into a different part of their enclosure, it was incredible to be able to watch them from a bird’s eye view. They are very active, inquisitive and they are constantly playing together.”

To begin with Polar Bear Cam will stream live from 9:30am to 2:30pm, with pre-recorded footage then replayed outside of live streaming hours. It can be watched via http://www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/polar-bear-webcam

Al Ain Zoo Launches Arabian Endangered Species Month

Al Ain Zoo Launches Arabian Endangered Species Month

- Themed month aims to raise awareness on the importance of conserving critically endangered species -

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, 04 May 2014: As part of its commitment to the conservation of arid land species, Al Ain Zoo is set to launch Arabian Endangered Species Month from 1 to 30 May, 2014. Through a wide range of activities, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the importance of breeding and conservation programmes that have been adopted by Al Ain Zoo.

Each week, zoo keepers will be leading a discussion that focuses on an endangered species, including the Arabian Sand Cat, Arabian Leopard, Arabian Oryx, and the Ghaf Tree. Other related initiatives include an endangered species tour and a “Create Your Own Mask” activity where guests will also be asked to create their own masks and contribute their pictures for a collage to be put on display around a fence specifically designed for this activity at the zoo. A fun and educational cartoon presentation about the Arabian Oryx conservation story will also be exhibited at the Parrot Tent, and visitors can also enjoy a screening of a children’s educational movie that was shot at Al Ain Zoo.

Muna al Dhaheri, Chief of Conservation and Education at Al Ain Zoo said:

“Al Ain Zoo has long been committed to wildlife preservation and is part of numerous partnerships and programmes – both in the UAE and overseas – in this sphere, and our aim is to enlighten the public and encourage them to share this important commitment. Arabian Endangered Species Month will involve visitors in our cause by discovering our exciting animal exhibits in a fun and interactive way.”

Two additional activities will be held on 16 and 17 May in line with World Endangered Species Day, including a trail competition, where guests will be asked to follow a trail that leads to the most endangered species at the zoo, as well as a Ghaf tree planting. Furthermore, on 22 May, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a photo exhibition, aptly themed Biodiversity and Water, in celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity.

Al Ain Zoo is also home to international programmes and partnerships aimed at protecting critically endangered species through captive breeding, propagation, and the reintroduction of endangered species in to the wild, among others. The zoo has successfully introduced conservation and breeding programmes for a number of species over the past decades, including species of oryx, gazelle, the Arabian Leopard and the Houbara bustard.

Al Ain Zoo is a proud member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA). Strategic partnerships have been set up with leading zoos, conservation agencies and associations from across the world, including the World Conservation Union and Species Survival Commission, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, San Diego Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo, the Northern Rangelands Trust of Kenya and the Sahara Conservation Fund.

Al Ain Zoo summer operating hours will begin in June, opening daily from 4pm to 10pm.

New project aims to smash the illegal trade in Madagascar’s rare tortoises

New project aims to smash the illegal trade in Madagascar’s rare tortoises

A consortium of leading conservation groups has launched a new drive to combat the illegal trade in one of the world’s most threatened and most valuable reptiles - the ploughshare tortoise.

One of the first five projects to be supported by the UK government’s International Wildlife Trade initiative, this is the first time it has been able to mobilise experts to address all aspects of the trade in ploughshare tortoises from protecting animals in the wild to monitoring markets in Southeast Asia.

Included in the long list of species victim to the burgeoning demand for illegal wildlife, the Ploughshare Tortoise is sought after as a pet amongst hobbyists and collectors – individuals that clearly are not concerned with the conservation of the Critically Endangered species. These animals are highly valuable for their rarity and beautiful golden domed shell.

Fortunately, in parallel to the increasing demand, there is now a global focus being put upon this trade, which has seen action galvanized within the US and UK governments and the launch of global initiatives to raise awareness and support political action within the countries involved.

While much of the attention is placed on well-known and charismatic species such as elephant, rhino and tiger – many other species are being heavily poached and this appalling trade is going largely unnoticed. The ploughshare tortoise is one such species.

Since the political crisis began in Madagascar in 2009, there has been a major surge in poaching of ploughshare tortoises for the illegal pet trade – no ploughshare tortoise has ever been sold legally. This has led to a 30% reduction in wild animals over the last three years alone – the species cannot sustain this level of poaching pressure. Restricted to a tiny area in Northwest Madagascar, these animals have nowhere to go and they are being picked off one by one for the illegal trade.

This new approach will provide techniques to monitor and protect animals in the wild using community guardians and National Park rangers; through market analyses it will build a picture of the entire trade chain from the wild to dealers in Southeast Asia and with the UK Border Force it will train local customs and law enforcement agents to increase seizures within Madagascar.

“Together with our partners, we have been fighting to save the ploughshare tortoise since 1986. It has been a hugely successful programme with a National Park declared, a successful breeding and release programme established and numerous community engagement projects underway. Yet this tortoise is as threatened as it ever was, due to the surge in its popularity in the black market pet trade, largely in Southeast Asia. This project represents a huge boost for efforts to combat the illegal trade and to protect the species, bringing great expertise to bear on the problem”, said Andrew Terry, Head of Field Programmes for Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.

 “Putting an end to the trade in the Ploughshare Tortoise is an extremely high and immediate priority if we are to ensure this species does not disappear forever” said Dr Chris R. Shepherd, Regional Director for TRAFFIC in Southeast Asia.  “Southeast Asia truly is the hotspot for the illicit trade in this species and the support to step up our efforts to tackle the organized crime networks profiting from the illicit wildlife trade in this region is greatly appreciated”.

An Elephant Sized Problem for Bannerghatta Zoo

An Elephant Sized Problem for Bannerghatta Zoo

It is akin to the story of the White Elephant: (Wikipedia)

"A white elephant is an idiom for a valuable but burdensome possession of which its owner cannot dispose and whose cost (particularly cost of upkeep) is out of proportion to its usefulness or worth."(Wikipedia)

Rescued Jumbos a Burden for Bannerghatta Zoo

The Forest Department has temporarily put on hold the request made by the authorities of Bannerghatta Zoo to release a dozen elephants back to the forests because of huge cost of feeding them.

Recently, the zoo authorities wrote to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (wildlife) to shift around 12 rescued elephants which are presently housed in the zoo’s elephant rescue centre.

Sources told Express that the Forest Department had not kept its promise to release more money towards feeding those pachyderms and the additional burden has fallen on the zoo. The zoo required just three to four elephants for display purposes, but it has 15 elephants. Maintaining them has become a big problem.

Sources said despite shortage of staff, the zoo has managed to put 30 people to look after the 15 elephants. Each jumbo is taken care of by two people — a mahout and a kavadi — and they need to stay with them day and night to prevent them from mingling with visiting wild elephants from nearby forests. Feeding of each elephant costs around `1.25 lakh-1.5 lakh per month and the zoo was not in a position to spend that much. “We can manage if the Forest Department gives us additional funds,” sources said.

Two days ago, an elephant calf, which separated from its herd near Kanakpura, was brought to the zoo. “If the Forest Department goes on adding elephants where is the money to feed them. Even the request to provide the services of veterinary doctor has not been fulfilled,” sources alleged.

When contacted, PCCF (wildlife) Vinay Luthra said the Central Zoo Authority has set guidelines within which all the zoos have to function. “Shifting of elephants from one zoo to another or from zoo to forests require the CZA’s permission.  Till they get the permission, the elephants are the property of the zoo and they will stay there. I am not aware of the number of elephants which were housed at Bannerghatta Zoo. Once the permission comes, we will take steps to shift them.”

Luthra said it has been the practice to house rescued jumbos in nearby elephant camps. Since all the five elephant camps are full, some of them have been kept in the Zoo. “I am optimistic of finding an early solution to this problem,” he said.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/Rescued-Jumbos-a-Burden-for-Bannerghatta-Zoo/2014/05/05/article2206619.ece

         

So the CZA are going to move them. One wonders where. The wild is not wild any more. I can foresee Bannerghatta's problem just being transferred somewhere else. These animals may not be a welcome gift.

16th Shape of Enrichment Student Environmental Enrichment Course

16th Shape of Enrichment Student Environmental Enrichment Course

The Shape of Enrichment 17th Student Environmental Enrichment Course

The Shape of Enrichment 17th Student Environmental Enrichment Course

Durrell Courses 2014

Durrell Courses 2014

 Endangered Species Recovery – 14/07/14 – 25/07/14 http://www.durrell.org/training/courses/Endangered-Species-Recovery/

o   The Endangered Species Recovery (ESR) course is a two week introduction to the issues and practical skills involved in saving threatened species from extinction. You will develop a critical understanding of biodiversity conservation and the issues it raises, as well as practical research skills. This course is perfectly suited for those wanting an up to date summary, and has also proved invaluable to those considering a career change to conservation as a profession.

·         Latest Development in Primate Conservation – 01/09/14 – 05/09/14 http://www.durrell.org/training/courses/Latest-Developments-in-Primate-Conservation/

o   The course is designed for anyone working in or considering working in the field of primate conservation, or others simply wishing to gain a detailed up to date understanding of this topic (e.g. educators). You will develop your knowledge of the latest primate conservation theory, and gain key practical skills.

·         Conservation Breeding and Husbandry of Callitrichids – 14/10/14 – 17/10/14 http://www.durrell.org/training/courses/Conservation-Breeding-and-Husbandry-of-Callitrichids/

o   Conservation Breeding and Husbandry of Callitrichids is a four day intensive course designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to successfully manage and breed primates, particularly callitrichids in captivity.

·         Conservation Education and Interpretation – 25/10/14 – 27/10/14 http://www.durrell.org/training/courses/Conservation-Education-and-Interpretation/

o   Drawing upon cutting edge research, theory and practical experience, the course will be taught by experts from Durrell and University College London, giving participants a firm grounding in how to deliver conservation education and interpretation.

·         Tropical Conservation and Ecology Field Skills: Mauritius – 6/10/14 – 15/10/14 http://www.durrell.org/training/courses/Tropical-Conservation-and-Ecology-Field-Skills-Mauritius/

o   This course is designed specifically for graduate students looking to gain their first foot-hold in a wildlife conservation career. It will also be relevant for existing conservation professionals who may not have received much formal training in field skills.

·         Avian Egg Incubation Workshop – 10/11/14 – 14/11/14 http://www.durrell.org/training/courses/Avian-Egg-Incubation-Workshop-/

o   The Avian egg incubation workshop is a five day practical workshop designed to give participants the skills required to successfully incubate bird eggs and deal with problems that could arise.