As an example of an invasive species maybe, but I think that European minks could replace them in the role as the victim without much problems.
Are These in Captivity?
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Onychorhynchus coronatus
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I don't dislike them like many species and they are a great species for zoos, but that they are overrepresented. Zoos could easily replace a lot of them by Banded mongoose and Yellow mongoose. In Europe Egyptian/Iberian mongoose would also make a nice local species I believe. Dwarf mongoose and cusimanse are smaller, but in certain smaller exhibits also a nice replacement for meerkats.
So in general: I like meerkats, but zoos should also consider keeping other species of mongoose.
Onychorhynchus coronatus
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I was just curious to ask you as I had a feeling you would have a stance on it.
I agree they are overrepresented in zoos and that they could be fair easily replaced.
However, instead of the mongoose species that you've listed I would really like to see them replaced with Malagasy Euplerids like the ring tailed mongoose or the narrow striped mongoose.
And I would like to see more Genets and Civets kept in captivity! Probably my favorite type of Carnivore! Especially otter civets, and the Amazing aquatic genet.
Quite common in private collections and around in some zoos. I've only seen the species once, though:
Meyer's Parrot (Poicephalus meyeri) - ZooChat
I believe both should be done. Of-course in the many mainland African themed areas having Malagasy animals is inappropriate, whilst in non-geographical areas these might actually be a very good substitute for meerkats.
Noah Butas
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Onychorhynchus coronatus
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I dont know if I would really.
The only reason I would like to see the ring tailed mongoose in zoos more is that I believe it would help raise awareness of conservation issues in Madagascar and with the narrow striped mongoose I believe that it would benefit from ex-situ.
Greenshank
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I've often thought that the malagasy euplerids such as ring tailed or narrow striped mongoose would make an excellent alternativemeerkats in zoos as even those which are not currently listed as endangered could really do with captive breeding populations due to the threats of habitat destruction and introduced animals . It's a shame more zoos don't keep them really and that they aren't more well known as they seem like very interesting animals. Would love to see some of the other Euplerid species as well but some are nocturnal so probably don't display well and sources on the falanouc say they don't survive in captivity (but don't seem to give a reason why). @CheeseChameleon2007 the civets and genets are also all mainly nocturnal despite being very attractive and interesting animals which is why I imagine they're so uncommon. The otter civet and aquatic genet are very little known but fascinating animals which I for one would love to see in zoos especially the otter civet seeing as its endangered in its natural habitat
Onychorhynchus coronatus
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Yes, I totally agree and have exactly the same thoughts regarding them being a far better alternative than meerkats.
I think the ring tailed mongoose would illustrate more of endemic Malagasy fauna and be an additional ambassador for the island and its threatened biodiversity in zoos. Moreover, I also think that the conservation status of this species is likely to change at some point in the future as anthropogenic pressures increase on the island.
The narrow striped mongoose is another species that I believe should be kept by more zoos for ex-situ captive breeding purposes. Although it is apparently a far more highly strung and nervous animal and would be far less visible and active than meerkats.
Were Australian or New Zealand glowworm gnats Arachnocampa maintained in human care? They seem to be suited to rearing: live in diverse places, colonial, eat diverse insects, so none of the problems associated with glowworm beetles.
Were synchronized glowing click beetles (ones known as a tourist attracion in South Asia, for example Thailand and Malaysia) ditto?
Any other glowing sea creature, besides the flashlight fish?
Were synchronized glowing click beetles (ones known as a tourist attracion in South Asia, for example Thailand and Malaysia) ditto?
Any other glowing sea creature, besides the flashlight fish?
There are neon glofish and comb jellies
Greenshank
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Completely agree with you on that. Didn't know about the narrow striped being skittish, do you know whether the ring tailed is also skittish or whether they are more bold? Also does anyone know if any of the Galidictis or Salanoia are in captivity? Grandidier's mongoose especially seeing as it is both beautiful and very endangered in its natural habitat
Onychorhynchus coronatus
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Just from reading threads and comments on these on this site I gather that they can be easily stressed and particularly when young are born and this can occasionally lead to infanticide and cannibalism of offspring.
I was reading this morning that apparently have been kept in mixed species enclosures before with crowned lemurs at Newquay zoo. I'm not sure how successful this mix was in the long-term though.
I think that the Grandidier's mongoose is being kept (and bred ?) privately by the owner of the now closed Rare Species Conservation Centre and that there were plans for the species to be kept at other zoos but the only one I remember was Chester.
I dont think the brown tailed mongoose or Durrell's Vontsira are currently kept anywhere ex-situ but I could well be wrong about that.
Greenshank
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The neon glofish you mention is actually a genetically modified zebra danio, a common freshwater species rather than a real bioluminescent deep sea fish, the latter generally don't survive being brought to the surface. However other bioluminescent fish found in captivity include the pinecone fish and cardinal fish of the Rhabdamia genus
There are various species of euplerids in a private zoo in Cornwall.
The Grandidier's mongoose is found at Magdeburg and Chester Zoos, according to ZTL
The Grandidier's mongoose is found at Magdeburg and Chester Zoos, according to ZTL
Greenshank
Well-Known Member
Thank you, all very interesting to know good to hear they're being kept in captivity and hopefully they will become more established over time. Not sure how well the lemur mix would be in practice though, with the mongoose being easily stressed and the fact that any baby lemur that found itself on the ground may be considered prey as the mongoose feeds on small mammals
Thank you. Presumably the Chester individual(s) are behind the scenes as I've never seen them during my (numerous) visits. Probably for the best though if they're shy and skittish. Much as I'd love to see one it's more important that they're given a chance to breed successfully
Onychorhynchus coronatus
Well-Known Member
Thank you, all very interesting to know good to hear they're being kept in captivity and hopefully they will become more established over time. Not sure how well the lemur mix would be in practice though, with the mongoose being easily stressed and the fact that any baby lemur that found itself on the ground may be considered prey as the mongoose feeds on small mammals
Thank you. Presumably the Chester individual(s) are behind the scenes as I've never seen them during my (numerous) visits. Probably for the best though if they're shy and skittish. Much as I'd love to see one it's more important that they're given a chance to breed successfully
From reading the comment by @TeaLovingDave on his picture of the narrow striped mongoose / crowned lemur mixed species enclosure it appeared that this may have been the case.
The mongoose seemed apparently stressed by the noise of the lemurs but I haven't personally been there so am only going by his observation.
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Onychorhynchus coronatus
Well-Known Member
Thank you, all very interesting to know good to hear they're being kept in captivity and hopefully they will become more established over time. Not sure how well the lemur mix would be in practice though, with the mongoose being easily stressed and the fact that any baby lemur that found itself on the ground may be considered prey as the mongoose feeds on small mammals
Thank you. Presumably the Chester individual(s) are behind the scenes as I've never seen them during my (numerous) visits. Probably for the best though if they're shy and skittish. Much as I'd love to see one it's more important that they're given a chance to breed successfully
Narrow-striped mongoose (Mungotictis decemlineata decemlineata) at Newquay - ZooChat
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