Jeff Kremer’s Post

Bearded Vulture Nestflix: S01E07 – We have an egg! Exciting news — we have an egg! The first sign that the bearded vultures had laid the first of potentially two eggs came when one of the pair, likely the female, spent her first night in the nest. Shortly afterwards, we observed one of the birds gently rotating the freshly laid egg (watch the video) — a crucial behaviour that prevents the embryo from adhering to the shell. Regularly rotating the egg also ensures healthy development by allowing the embryo access to fresh nutrients and oxygen. Typically, there's a five-day interval between laying the first and second eggs. Although the second egg serves as insurance, it seldom results in an additional chick reaching adulthood, though that's a topic for another day. Incubation for these eggs generally lasts between 54 and 56 days. During this period, one bird remains in the nest while the other ventures out searching for food, regularly trading incubation duties. If all proceeds as planned, we anticipate welcoming a new addition to this critically endangered species between 9-11 August. Tune into the Nestflix live stream on our website or YouTube, broadcasting daily from 08:00 to 17:00 (GMT 2). https://lnkd.in/dEs3JG6w https://lnkd.in/ddbiQFqc Science Based Ingredients Afraceuticals Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife BirdLife International Endangered Wildlife Trust Wildlife ACT Vulture Conservation Foundation 1% for the Planet South African National Parks (SANParks) Dane Poulsen Che'-Lee Parker Anthea Gilfillan Caitlin Gilfillan Quin Clark #Nestflix #BeardedVultureRecoveryProgramme #beardedvultureconservation #BeardedVulture #BeardedVultureBreedingProgramme

Zoological Services In the intricate web of our natural world, zoological services play a pivotal role in preserving biodiversity, advancing scientific research, and promoting education. These services encompass a range of activities, from wildlife conservation and habitat restoration to veterinary care and public outreach, all aimed at safeguarding the future of our planet's fauna. At the forefront of zoological services is wildlife conservation. Zoos and wildlife sanctuaries serve as safe havens for endangered species, providing them with a controlled environment where they can thrive and reproduce. This not only helps to bolster dwindling populations but also creates genetic reservoirs that can be crucial for future reintroduction programs. Collaborative efforts between zoos and conservation organizations globally have led to successful breeding programs and the re-establishment of species in their natural habitats. Scientific research is another cornerstone of zoological services. By studying animals in captivity, researchers gain invaluable insights into their behavior, physiology, and genetics. This knowledge is essential for developing effective conservation strategies and enhancing our understanding of complex ecological systems. Innovations in veterinary care within zoos also contribute significantly to the health and well-being of both captive and wild animals, ensuring that they receive the best possible care. Education and public engagement are integral components of zoological services. Zoos serve as living classrooms, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about wildlife and the importance of conservation. Through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and community outreach, zoos inspire a sense of wonder and responsibility towards nature, fostering a generation of conservation advocates. #WildlifeConservation #Biodiversity #ZoologicalServices #Sustainability #AnimalCare #ConservationScience #EnvironmentalEducation #ZooLife #NatureProtection #PlanetEarth #FrameOutlookExecutiveInsights #IndustryLeaders #FrameOutlookCorporateVision #FrameOutlookPerspectives #FrameOutlookBusinessMagazine #ExecutiveEdition #CEOInsights #IndustryMagazine #FrameOutlookLeadershipJournal #ProfessionalGrowthJourney

Captive CON$ervation “4 things we need to stop telling ourselves about animals in zoos. Are zoos really educational? Do zoos focus on conservation? And are the animals in zoos happy?” Animals Australia: February 22, 2024 “Since the eye-opening documentary ‘Blackfish’ hit screens, the world has woken up to the cruelty of keeping marine animals, like Tilikum, confined to tanks. But what about other animals in captivity? We hear a lot of things to justify keeping animals in zoos. But are these justifications based on fact, or are they simply what zoos would have us believe? Whilst some zoos may contribute in small ways to conservation projects, the vast majority of animals in zoos are not on the endangered species list, and the ones who are will likely never be rehabilitated to their natural habitat. Former zoo director David Hancocks estimates that less than 3% of a zoo’s budget goes to conservation, while the majority goes towards “hi-tech exhibits and marketing efforts to lure visitors.” Complete Story: https://lnkd.in/gX7BHyek #TheConservationGameMovie #captiveconservation

The Importance of Zoological Services Zoological services are integral to the conservation and understanding of wildlife and biodiversity. These services, provided by zoos and related institutions, extend far beyond showcasing exotic animals. They are key players in conservation, research, education, and rehabilitation efforts aimed at preserving our planet's natural heritage. Modern zoos have become vital centers for wildlife conservation. They participate in breeding programs for endangered species, helping maintain genetic diversity and prevent extinctions. Collaborative efforts often see these animals reintroduced into their natural habitats, bolstering wild populations. Zoos also conduct crucial research on animal behavior, genetics, nutrition, and health, contributing to better animal care and informed conservation strategies. Education is another cornerstone of zoological services. Zoos engage the public through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and outreach initiatives. These efforts raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire visitors to support conservation efforts. By fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife, zoos encourage people to become advocates for the natural world. Wildlife rehabilitation and rescue are also critical components of zoological services. Rehabilitation centers care for injured, sick, or orphaned animals, with the goal of returning them to the wild. These centers often respond to emergencies such as oil spills, natural disasters, and poaching incidents, providing immediate care and long-term recovery solutions for affected wildlife. Conservation programs are at the heart of zoological services. Species Survival Plans (SSPs) ensure the survival of endangered species through coordinated breeding efforts. Habitat restoration projects and community-based conservation initiatives address environmental degradation and human-wildlife conflicts, promoting sustainable coexistence. In conclusion, zoological services are essential for the protection and preservation of biodiversity. Their roles in conservation, research, education, and rehabilitation contribute significantly to global efforts to safeguard wildlife and natural habitats. As humanity continues to face environmental challenges, the importance of zoological services in fostering a sustainable future becomes increasingly evident. #ZoologicalServices #AnimalCare #WildlifeConservation #ZooLife #AnimalWelfare #ZooEducation #ZooVolunteer #ZooKeeper #ZooEnrichment #ZooResearch #ZooVeterinary #ZooTourism #ZooManagement #ZooSustainability #ZooCommunity #ZooExperience #ZooConservation #ZooAdvocacy #ZooInnovation #ValueIcons #ValueIconsMagazine #VI #ValueIconsBusinessLeadership #ValueIconsExecutiveInsights #IndustryLeaders #ProfessionalGrowthJourney #ValueIconsCorporateVision #ValueIconsLeadershipPerspectives #ValueIconsBusinessMagazine #ExecutiveEdition #CEOInsights #IndustryMagazine #ValueIconsLeadershipJournal

The ZAA accredited Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium boasts 8,000 animals on 77 acres. A growing chorus asks: Why do we have zoos? Published June 24, 2024 “As attitudes shift on the morality of animal captivity, zoos are increasingly asked to defend their educational and conservational value. Pittsburgh’s zoo pledges future conservation work and animal release as it angles for accreditation. In 2022, the zoo brought in $28.9 million, according to tax returns, and spent 0.2% of that on donations to third-party conservation groups. Research about the educational value of zoos has landed mixed conclusions, even as mounting ethical criticism pressures zoos to demonstrate their benefits. In one study, for example, researchers found no meaningful change between people’s level of environmental concern and connection to animals when surveyed before and after visiting a zoo.  Environmental researcher and writer Emma Marris, of Oregon, believes “the real mission of most zoos is to entertain.” While it’s impossible to recreate the thrill of standing mere feet from an elephant or a gorilla, she said, “We can’t always have everything we want.” In her view, that experience can’t be separated from the perils of animal captivity. She advocates instead for watching nature documentaries, bonding with native wildlife and reading books.” Complete Story: https://lnkd.in/gQNuPgQD #captiveconservation #pittsburghzoo #AZA #weareaza #ZAA #TheConservationGameMovie

Found only in the northern Gulf of California, the Vaquita is the world's rarest marine mammal, and is on the edge of extinction. The plight of cetaceans—whales, dolphins, and porpoises—as a whole, is exemplified by the rapid decline of the Vaquita in Mexico, with only about 10 individuals remaining. This little porpoise wasn't discovered until 1958 and now a little over half a century later, we are on the brink of losing them forever. Vaquita are often caught and drowned in gill-nets used by illegal fishing operations in marine protected areas within Mexico's Gulf of California. The population has dropped drastically in the last few years. The Vaquita has a large dark ring around its eyes and dark patches on its lips that form a thin line from the mouth to the pectoral fins. Its top—the dorsal surface—is dark gray, its sides are pale gray, and its underside—the ventral surface—is white with long, light gray markings. Newborn Vaquita have darker coloration and a wide gray fringe of color that runs from the head to the flukes, passing through the dorsal and pectoral fins. They are most often found close to shore in the Gulf's shallow waters, although they quickly swim away if a boat approaches. (~~ WWF | worldwildlife.org) A new partnership between Re:wild and Colossal Biosciences hopes to prevent the extinction of some of the world’s rarest animals, like the critically endangered Vaquita. Colossal, a de-extinction company known for wanting to bring back the mammoth, has paired up with the conservation giant, Re:Wild, – headed up by scientists and Leonardo DiCaprio – to create the Avengers Endgame of conservation technology and research. (~~IFL Science)

The figures in this article make for grim reading, can the export of such numbers of endemic species, many of which are endangered, be justified. There is the argument that zoos provide a unique opportunity for many people to learn about and understand the wide and varied sphere of creatures from across the globe but should it ever be for the purposes of peoples pleasure or entertainment or should that concept be consigned to history. Always an emotive topic.

Between the 1870s and 1930s, a global movement emerged to determine the economic value of wildlife to humans. Field scientists in the British, American, and German empires surveyed farmers on which animals were ‘useful,’ ‘harmful’, or ‘neutral’ to their crops. They dissected bird stomachs to study their diets and spent thousands of hours observing wildlife to calculate the financial impact of different species. This science, known as economic zoology, aimed to categorise animals based on their utility or harm to commerce and public health. It advocated for the protection of beneficial species and the persecution of harmful ones, a legacy that continues to influence wildlife management today. A notable example is the US Department of Agriculture's study in the 1880s on English sparrows, led by ornithologist Walter Barrows. His findings, based on dissections and questionnaires, concluded that sparrows were pests, leading to recommendations for their eradication. By contrast, in South Africa, zoologist Frederick FitzSimons argued for the protection of almost all bird species. FitzSimons framed his argument in terms of profits and labour, arguing that while most birds were performing a pro-bono service for farmers by eating insect pests, some would occasionally claim ‘payment’ in the forms of a few mouthfuls of grain, fruit, or vegetables. Despite much controversy, his campaign successfully influenced wildlife protection policies. Today's guest post by Jules Skotnes-Brown!

“Wildlife Selfies Harm Animals − Even When Scientists Share Images With Warnings in the Captions” “The Conversation” Published: February 14, 2024 Andrea L. DiGiorgio Lecturer and Post Doctoral Researcher in Biological Anthropology, Princeton University “One of the biggest privileges of being a primatologist is spending time in remote locations with monkeys and apes, living near these animals in their habitats and experiencing their daily lives. As a 21st-century human, I have an immediate impulse to take pictures of these encounters and share them on social media. Social media can help scientists raise awareness of the species we study, promote their conservation and obtain jobs and research funding. However, sharing images of wild animals online can also contribute to illegal animal trafficking and harmful human-wildlife interactions. For endangered or threatened species, this attention can put them at further risk. In a study published in 2023, my colleagues and I created two mock Instagram posts – one showing a human near a wild gorilla, the other focusing on a gloved human hand holding a slender loris – a small lemurlike primate native to Southeast Asia. Half of these photos carried basic captions like “Me with a mountain gorilla” or “Me with my research subject”; the other half included more detailed captions that also stated, “All animals are observed” (gorilla) or “captured and handled (loris) safely and humanely for research with the proper permits and training.” We showed over 3,000 adults one of these mock Instagram posts and asked them to complete a survey. The results shocked us. Viewers who saw the Instagram posts with the more detailed caption recognized that the picture depicted research. But regardless of the caption, more than half of the viewers agreed or strongly agreed that they would want to seek out a similar experience with the loris or gorilla. Over half of the viewers agreed or strongly agreed that they would want these animals as pets and that the animals would make good pets. Presumably, participants did not know anything about the animals’ life habits, behavior or survival needs, or that neither of these species is at all suited to be a pet.” https://lnkd.in/gyzyiUyf #captiveconservation #notapet #TheConservationGameMovie

Astore Markhor: (The National Animals of Pakistan)Astore Markhor (Capra falconeri) is one of the largest and most magnificent members of the Caprinae or goat family and it is the official “National animals of Pakistan” it is belongs to the sub-family Caprinae of the Bovidae family. The word "Markhor" derives from a Persian meaning "snake eater." However, it is primarily believed that it derives from the Pashto words "Mar Akhkar," in which "Mar" means horn and "Akhkar" denotes snake. The Markhor is known as the "Mar Akhkar" because its horns resemble snakes; with time, it changed to Markhor.According to reports, Pakistan is home to four different subspecies of Markhor: the Astor Markhor (Capra falconeri), Kashmir or Pir Panjal Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis), Kabul Markhor (Capra falconeri megaceros), and Suleiman Markhor (Capra falconeri jerdoni). Astor Markhor is a herbivorous (grass-eating) animal with (12 to 13) years of life span. The body length/size of the Astore Markhor is (140cm-180cm), the tail length is (8cm - 20cm), and boy weight (20 kg -80kg), and its conservation status is "Near threatened."Astore Markhor population status during lambing season in different conservation community is such that.Astore Marhkor's habitat is adapted to mountainous terrain and often consists of scrubby woodlands with a prevalence of Juniper (Juniperus macropoda), Oak (Quercus ilex), Pine (Pinus gerardiana), and other species. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for the behavior; while it is a grazer in the spring and summer, it turns to browse for food in the winter. The distribution of Astore Markhor Danyore, Haramosh,.. Baghicha-khumra, Bunji, Doyan, and Dashkin conservation community. The range of this species is sparsely forested mountainous regions in the western Himalayas at an elevation of 600-3,600m.Markhor is a gregarious creature that inhabits small herds of females, their offspring, yearlings, and young males. Only when the winter rust season begins in late December do mature males join the herds; otherwise, they live alone outside the herds.The female Markhor with straight horns reproduces at around three years, but the flare-horned Markhor female takes two years and gives birth after approximately six months of gestation.Effective wildlife management strategy in many countries of Asia, Africa, and Europe that has resulted in a positive change in local people's attitudes towards wildlife and communities' active involvement in natural resource projects. One of the key successful initiatives is Trophy hunting, which discourages poaching, and the funds it generates are being used for conservation efforts and to improve the socio-economic condition of local communities.Pakistan is a unique country with a wide variety of caprine species and is well known for conserving and protecting sheep and goats. Only Markhor, one of the twelve wild sheep and goat sub-species, is valued as a trophy by game hunters. #everyone ❣️❣️🌲