I don't believe the castrating of male antelopes which are uncommon in our region is a good idea, a number of species which were once here are now gone from the region none of the species mentioned were in big numbers. Over zealous use of castration has been counter productive like in the case of Werribee former Greater Kudu, the castration of the zoos only male in the country while being kept with 7 females is just plain bad management!
Australasian Exotic Mammal Species in Decline
- Thread starter Zoofan15
- Start date
And just to add that not every zoo will want to go to the expense of a breeding set up for something like cloudies or sun bears. Fishing cats are far easier to keep and breed. So there will be a point of difference between collections.
@everyone
Supposing more rescued Sun Bears could be brought to Australia & New Zealand through the Save the Bears Foundation. Further breeding of Sun Bears in the region may not take place again but the potential new individuals of Sun Bears coming from Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia etc would have the same benevolent rescue story that many of our regions Sun Bears had over the last two & half decades which from memory was saluted by the general public?
Having more Clouded Leopards in our region would be very worthwhile again. Yes Fishing Cats breed easier, but Wild Cat CC had succeeded in breeding them recently and think the visiting public would be enthralled seeing CL cubs and potentially watching them grow up. I agree with you guys that our region could still support a Clouded Leopard program with continuing with Fishing Cats (hopefully can get st least another two zoos in the region on board, possibly again in some cases, with Fishing Cats too). I thought perhaps Clouded Leopards might appeal to some zoos for their striking appearance (albeit shy and elusive to see, but when they are seen it leaves a strong impression).
It's good too that we have DDZ and Canberra who have brought Sri Lankan Leopards to our region and both pairs have had cubs. Their decisions about importing Sri Lankan Leopards and WCCC with Clouded Leopards and the Caracals (plus DDZ etc with Caracals) have felt like some of the most forward and exciting decisions in the last half decade with exotic mammals in the region, not just specifically regional felid population development news.
@Zorro
Share your bafflement as to why on earth Werribee castrated their sole bull Greater Kudu.
Supposing more rescued Sun Bears could be brought to Australia & New Zealand through the Save the Bears Foundation. Further breeding of Sun Bears in the region may not take place again but the potential new individuals of Sun Bears coming from Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia etc would have the same benevolent rescue story that many of our regions Sun Bears had over the last two & half decades which from memory was saluted by the general public?
Having more Clouded Leopards in our region would be very worthwhile again. Yes Fishing Cats breed easier, but Wild Cat CC had succeeded in breeding them recently and think the visiting public would be enthralled seeing CL cubs and potentially watching them grow up. I agree with you guys that our region could still support a Clouded Leopard program with continuing with Fishing Cats (hopefully can get st least another two zoos in the region on board, possibly again in some cases, with Fishing Cats too). I thought perhaps Clouded Leopards might appeal to some zoos for their striking appearance (albeit shy and elusive to see, but when they are seen it leaves a strong impression).
It's good too that we have DDZ and Canberra who have brought Sri Lankan Leopards to our region and both pairs have had cubs. Their decisions about importing Sri Lankan Leopards and WCCC with Clouded Leopards and the Caracals (plus DDZ etc with Caracals) have felt like some of the most forward and exciting decisions in the last half decade with exotic mammals in the region, not just specifically regional felid population development news.
@Zorro
Share your bafflement as to why on earth Werribee castrated their sole bull Greater Kudu.
I’m confident with enough founders, a sustainable Malayan sun bear population could be established - even with wild rescues as the source. Sean, Jamran, Bopha and Otay were all wild rescues that have successfully bred - though Perth’s pair (especially the male) have a distrust of humans that has complicated keeping them in a captive setting.
As I previously mentioned, it’d essential zoos cooperate to swap bears in an out of underperforming pairs instead of just sitting on non reproductive pairs.
The reception of the public to zoos taking on rescued bears was very positive from what I’ve read - I’m under the impression the average visitors thinks very little these days about the origins of what they’re seeing, but the information is nonetheless there if they want it.
One of the [several] reasons why I am not a fan of speculative threads is that people [both contributors and readers] waste hours of their lives following lines of thought that were never based on reality.
Sun Bears are the most recent example of this.
There are two main reasons, and a couple of lesser reasons, why the Sun Bear population is not moving forward in our region.
Firstly, collection managers are not going to waste time and resources planning for a species that is pretty much unobtainable. We proved that when we first managed to get Aldabran Giant Tortoises on to the Live Import List. Nobody was interested because "you can't get them". We got them on to the List and we did get them - 10 animals just for the DDZ. Instantly we were overrun with requests to do another import for these people who were not initially interested. So we imported more than 20 more and distributed them to participating zoos. Now we are being asked to facilitate yet another import.
Secondly, the reason why Sun Bears are pretty much unobtainable from traditional sources at the moment is that a great many of the Asian sanctuaries are full of TB.
There are several ZAA program members who are very keen for our Sun Bear program to thrive but at the moment we are at a bit of a roadblock. The Species Coordinator has been active in trying to source suitable Bears for our region but has not been successful to date.
So, the Sun Bear position in this region is not through the lack of trying.
Swanson02
Well-Known Member
I think sloth bears will work better in Australia's climate than Asiatic black bears. The could also work well in an open-range zoo setting, coming from the hot savannas of the subcontinent. Many of the Sun bear exhibits across the region are rather small and dated too, so you can't just plug a couple of Sloth bear in there as a straight replacement, a great example would be utilizing one of Melbourne's soon-to-be-vacated elephant yards as a sloth bear exhibit.
That would make sense, I remember Melbourne were keen to obtain Sun Bear for their Carnivores precinct but never ended up doing so - likely due to individuals not being available as you've mentioned (especially over in Asia).
Hopefully the species coordinator will manage to get a few pairings done soon. I'm glad they're trying and Sun Bears are not just being let go of that easily.
@Steve Robinson
Thanks for insight and sorry to hear about the TB suffering in Asian Bear Sanctuaries. Also awesome initiative ie Aldabra Giant Tortoises.
One thing would say with specialitve threads is a chance to float ideas, obviously it can lead easily down a 'rabbit hole' of non-reality, but some interesting thoughts and concepts do get presented often (albeit my-own are farfetched hahaha), and it also means for example you, Tetrapod, MRJ, Hix etc can offer experienced insight into why certain ideas are not feasible and the realities behind certain 'roadblocks'.
Thanks for insight and sorry to hear about the TB suffering in Asian Bear Sanctuaries. Also awesome initiative ie Aldabra Giant Tortoises.
One thing would say with specialitve threads is a chance to float ideas, obviously it can lead easily down a 'rabbit hole' of non-reality, but some interesting thoughts and concepts do get presented often (albeit my-own are farfetched hahaha), and it also means for example you, Tetrapod, MRJ, Hix etc can offer experienced insight into why certain ideas are not feasible and the realities behind certain 'roadblocks'.
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While I agree in principle that sloth bears fit Australia's grassland/woodland environment superbly, nobody seems to answer the question of where are they coming from. You aren't going to get them direct from India, and European/US zoos are unlikely to have surplus individuals in a species that doesn't reproduce regularly in captivity. Why speculate over a species that has next to zero chance of being brought in? Despite my suggestion, I honestly don't think that the region would turn their attention to Asian black bears, but at least captive individuals are available.
Steve from DDZ has just said that the region's zoos are actively trying to import more sun bears, but other factors (which we were not aware of) are playing a part. We should hope that this can be resolved asap and the breeding program is re
Sorry but I can’t tell what you meant to say. The sentence seems incomplete.
Think just meant re as in abbreviation for reinstated (ie reinstatement of a regional Sun Bear breeding program).
@tetrapod
Know it's unlikely to ever see another Sloth Bear enter our region (already been over 40 years, over 50 for Australia) but do believe it seems they would be suited to our climate. Depending on the subspecies of Asiatic Black Bear would be same, and latter more readily accessible, except for the major roadblock Steve Robinson has just made us aware of, and a big one it is. Credit to the people or persons still tirelessly trying to source potential new Sun Bears for our region who aren't afflicted with TB. Yes at this rate it really seems a matter of just trying to keep Sun Bears in our zoos.
Did see on Zootierliste there were some Syrian Brown Bear births in Europe in the last decade which lit a personal hope that if a zoo in our region ever sought to acquire a couple of individuals it might not be completely impossible after all (just extremely difficult of course) but need not reminding they have completely fallen out of favour in our region when the last individuals died. Just personally think if at least two zoos in our region did consider them and take steps to acquire, it could be done.
Now will personally back down from the other Bear species wishful hypotheticals and simply advocate for continuation of/hopeful near future salvaging of continuing having some Sun Bears in the region.
Re. Sloth Bears, I do agree they'd be a great fit to the region's climate; but there are only about 60 individuals in both Europe and the US combined. So not enough stock to facilitate a new population unfortunately, especially with a lot of the bears (especially in the US), being post reproductive.
The only way would be to import them directly from Asia; but that's doubtful to happen.
Realistically, Andean Bears are also in a very similar situation. So if we were to think realistically; we really only have two options:
a) Maintain our current Sun Bear population
b) Look into Asian Black Bears (which have the numbers) or potentially Brown Bears again
Asian Black Bears seem the best option imo. They're a suitable bear species that is both vulnerable and breeds quite well in captivity.
The only way would be to import them directly from Asia; but that's doubtful to happen.
Realistically, Andean Bears are also in a very similar situation. So if we were to think realistically; we really only have two options:
a) Maintain our current Sun Bear population
b) Look into Asian Black Bears (which have the numbers) or potentially Brown Bears again
Asian Black Bears seem the best option imo. They're a suitable bear species that is both vulnerable and breeds quite well in captivity.
@Jambo Yes indeed Andean Bears are incredible and always thought their absence was a loss to our region, for some reason always envisioned they would of done well more so in New Zealand zoos and possibly Canberra and Melbourne. But now am just team-keep-Sun-Bears-in-our-region-at-the-very-least. Saw some pretty charismatic footage of some Andean Bears on youtube few years ago, pretty amazing. Wow yes at just 60 the Sloth Bear population is very low indeed in northern hemisphere zoos (apart from South Asia am guessing). Tetrapod mentioned two subspecies one in Europe on in Nth America if remember right, so guessing one has Sri Lankan and the other Indian.
**obviously they may have once been in our region but no more than a couple of Bears and probably not for at least 50 years.
**obviously they may have once been in our region but no more than a couple of Bears and probably not for at least 50 years.
I detailed which held which on the previous page:
"Upon furthe research, the European region seems to focus on the Sri Lankan sloth bear (Melursus ursinus inornatus); while the North American region has a mixture or Sri Lankan and Common sloth bear (Melursus ursinus ursinus), with some sources saying they're not managed at the subspecies level in this region."
I do agree though the region should persist with sun bears if they're able to. I think the greatest shame is at this point in time, we'we likely to lose Sasa's line from the region. Her mother was a twin and had twin births herself - an uncommon phenomenon in this species and a gene that wpuld have been good to keep.
Apologies. For some reason it got posted and I didn't realise that the sentence wasn't complete.It was meant to say that the breeding program was reinstated.
One Year Update (Part One)
Just over a year ago, I made this thread for the purpose of analysing populations of species held in small numbers (10 individuals or less) and their future in the region.
Here is an update on how these assessments are tracking, beginning with species whose regional population was predicted to increase:
Part One - Regional population predicted to increase:
Indian rhinoceros:
A year on, I would now place this species in the uncertain category. Though I believe they have a future at Dubbo, I no longer have hope of other facilities acquiring this species any time soon. All the information we’ve received suggests Auckland, Melbourne and Perth will not be replacing their elephants with Indian rhinoceros and they don’t feature in the masterplans for Werribee and Monarto.
Black rhinoceros:
The black rhinoceros population has shown a slight increase following the birth of a male calf at Dubbo. This takes the regional population to 7.4 individuals and with a total of 11, the black rhinoceros no longer qualifies for the 10 or less criteria.
Long term, I anticipate minor increases (possibly into the mid-teens); though importing additional founders is clearly a challenge and both Dubbo and Monarto have a range of other projects taking priority.
Common hippopotamus:
I remain confident the regional population will increase long term. The Hippopotamus IRA is in progress and Monarto will soon become the third holder of this species. It’s unclear whether Kani will breed (at Dubbo or anywhere), but it’s a possibility the region will be able to import from overseas within the next few years.
Pygmy hippopotamus:
Same as above re. imports. Taronga have reintroduced their pair for breeding in the meantime, so hopefully they’ll be a new calf in 2024.
Brazilian tapir:
I’m leaning towards placing this in the unclear category as it’s currently unknown whether imports from overseas will occur. There’s a range of challenges involved in sourcing them and there’s not enough information available to us at this stage to comment on the likelihood.
Bornean orangutan:
I was delighted to see Auckland Zoo undertake an import of a female Bornean orangutan this year. It’s a clear statement of Auckland’s long term intention to build up a colony of this species. I look forward to hearing of births in due course; though I believe Auckland Zoo will remain the only regional holder for the foreseeable.
Mandrill:
Sadly, this species can now be moved to the ‘phase out’ category. Adelaide’s revised masterplan will see this species phased out; which combined with Tasmania Zoo holding an elderly female and a lack of interest from other holders, is a clear indication this species is set to disappear from the region.
Snow leopard:
We’ve lost a holder (Mogo); but gained two more (Tasmania and Wellington). I remain confident the regional population will increase, with Tasmania Zoo planning to import a female and Melbourne Zoo planning to breed again. Whether Billabong will receive surplus young Snow leopards upon the passing of their elderly cats remains to be seen.
Sri Lankan leopard:
The future of this species in the region continue to look positive with the announcement of the third and fourth litters. The regional population totals 10 cats (including six under the age of three years) and there’s potential for a third breeding pair to be created from first generation offspring.
Clouded leopard:
Hamilton Zoo are still planning to acquire this species, so despite no breeding from the cats at the WCCC to date, I remain optimistic the regional population will continue to increase. Long term, additional holders may come onboard.
Fishing cat:
This is another species I’d now relegate to the ‘unclear’ category. Breeding at Hamilton seems unlikely and it wouldn’t surprise me to see both Hamilton and Taronga phase them out long term.
Just over a year ago, I made this thread for the purpose of analysing populations of species held in small numbers (10 individuals or less) and their future in the region.
Here is an update on how these assessments are tracking, beginning with species whose regional population was predicted to increase:
Part One - Regional population predicted to increase:
Indian rhinoceros:
A year on, I would now place this species in the uncertain category. Though I believe they have a future at Dubbo, I no longer have hope of other facilities acquiring this species any time soon. All the information we’ve received suggests Auckland, Melbourne and Perth will not be replacing their elephants with Indian rhinoceros and they don’t feature in the masterplans for Werribee and Monarto.
Black rhinoceros:
The black rhinoceros population has shown a slight increase following the birth of a male calf at Dubbo. This takes the regional population to 7.4 individuals and with a total of 11, the black rhinoceros no longer qualifies for the 10 or less criteria.
Long term, I anticipate minor increases (possibly into the mid-teens); though importing additional founders is clearly a challenge and both Dubbo and Monarto have a range of other projects taking priority.
Common hippopotamus:
I remain confident the regional population will increase long term. The Hippopotamus IRA is in progress and Monarto will soon become the third holder of this species. It’s unclear whether Kani will breed (at Dubbo or anywhere), but it’s a possibility the region will be able to import from overseas within the next few years.
Pygmy hippopotamus:
Same as above re. imports. Taronga have reintroduced their pair for breeding in the meantime, so hopefully they’ll be a new calf in 2024.
Brazilian tapir:
I’m leaning towards placing this in the unclear category as it’s currently unknown whether imports from overseas will occur. There’s a range of challenges involved in sourcing them and there’s not enough information available to us at this stage to comment on the likelihood.
Bornean orangutan:
I was delighted to see Auckland Zoo undertake an import of a female Bornean orangutan this year. It’s a clear statement of Auckland’s long term intention to build up a colony of this species. I look forward to hearing of births in due course; though I believe Auckland Zoo will remain the only regional holder for the foreseeable.
Mandrill:
Sadly, this species can now be moved to the ‘phase out’ category. Adelaide’s revised masterplan will see this species phased out; which combined with Tasmania Zoo holding an elderly female and a lack of interest from other holders, is a clear indication this species is set to disappear from the region.
Snow leopard:
We’ve lost a holder (Mogo); but gained two more (Tasmania and Wellington). I remain confident the regional population will increase, with Tasmania Zoo planning to import a female and Melbourne Zoo planning to breed again. Whether Billabong will receive surplus young Snow leopards upon the passing of their elderly cats remains to be seen.
Sri Lankan leopard:
The future of this species in the region continue to look positive with the announcement of the third and fourth litters. The regional population totals 10 cats (including six under the age of three years) and there’s potential for a third breeding pair to be created from first generation offspring.
Clouded leopard:
Hamilton Zoo are still planning to acquire this species, so despite no breeding from the cats at the WCCC to date, I remain optimistic the regional population will continue to increase. Long term, additional holders may come onboard.
Fishing cat:
This is another species I’d now relegate to the ‘unclear’ category. Breeding at Hamilton seems unlikely and it wouldn’t surprise me to see both Hamilton and Taronga phase them out long term.
One Year Update (Part Two)
Part Two - Regional population predicted to be phased out:
Persian onager:
The population remains at two ageing males and sadly neither Dubbo or any other facility plans to import this endangered species. I remain confident they will be phased out.
Malayan tapir:
I would actually place this in the ‘unclear’ category as information has come to light that Melbourne Zoo are at least considering importing them. Densely planted, well shaded exhibits would surely mitigate the sunlight issue. In the meantime, the loss of the elderly female leaves the region with just one Malayan tapir at Adelaide.
Collared peccary:
Melbourne Zoo have confirmed they won’t be breeding this species and therefore their ageing trio will indeed be the last of their species held in the region.
Guanaco/Brown spider monkey/Sulawesi black macaque/Barton's long-beaked echidna:
Not a lot to say here. One elderly individual of each exists in the region and future imports are either not planned or not possible in the case of the echidna. As with every species in the list, enjoy them while you can.
North African crested porcupine:
Two ageing individuals with no plans to import more. The South African crested porcupine (Cape porcupine) is the species of focus and breeding well.
Vervet monkey/Colombian white-fronted capuchin:
Werribee have confirmed plans to phase out Vervet monkey and Columbian white-fronted capuchin are not a species of focus, nor are they being bred by the two remaining holders to my knowledge.
Lar gibbon:
The species of focus remain Northern white-cheeked gibbon and Siamang. I remain confident we’ll see the phase out of Lar gibbon upon the eventual death of the remaining ageing population.
Malayan sun bear:
This species can be upgraded to the ‘unclear category’ following the revelation earlier this year that the species has not given up on them, they’re merely struggling to source them from overseas. The successful breeding of multiple female cubs in European zoos has further exacerbated their gender imbalance and I’m hopeful surplus females could one day replace the handful of bears we have in the region until males become available.
Part Two - Regional population predicted to be phased out:
Persian onager:
The population remains at two ageing males and sadly neither Dubbo or any other facility plans to import this endangered species. I remain confident they will be phased out.
Malayan tapir:
I would actually place this in the ‘unclear’ category as information has come to light that Melbourne Zoo are at least considering importing them. Densely planted, well shaded exhibits would surely mitigate the sunlight issue. In the meantime, the loss of the elderly female leaves the region with just one Malayan tapir at Adelaide.
Collared peccary:
Melbourne Zoo have confirmed they won’t be breeding this species and therefore their ageing trio will indeed be the last of their species held in the region.
Guanaco/Brown spider monkey/Sulawesi black macaque/Barton's long-beaked echidna:
Not a lot to say here. One elderly individual of each exists in the region and future imports are either not planned or not possible in the case of the echidna. As with every species in the list, enjoy them while you can.
North African crested porcupine:
Two ageing individuals with no plans to import more. The South African crested porcupine (Cape porcupine) is the species of focus and breeding well.
Vervet monkey/Colombian white-fronted capuchin:
Werribee have confirmed plans to phase out Vervet monkey and Columbian white-fronted capuchin are not a species of focus, nor are they being bred by the two remaining holders to my knowledge.
Lar gibbon:
The species of focus remain Northern white-cheeked gibbon and Siamang. I remain confident we’ll see the phase out of Lar gibbon upon the eventual death of the remaining ageing population.
Malayan sun bear:
This species can be upgraded to the ‘unclear category’ following the revelation earlier this year that the species has not given up on them, they’re merely struggling to source them from overseas. The successful breeding of multiple female cubs in European zoos has further exacerbated their gender imbalance and I’m hopeful surplus females could one day replace the handful of bears we have in the region until males become available.
One Year Update (Part Three)
Part Three - Regional population unclear in direction:
Springbok:
Their lack of inclusion on the Bovid live import list makes me think this species will actually be phased out. There’s too many other similar species that are easier options for importing and the handful at Orana could well be the last.
Sunda slow loris:
Never say never, but it seems unlikely more will be imported at this point in time. I maintain the status of this species remains ‘unclear’ versus other species where there’s a stronger indication.
Francois' langur:
A year on, there’s no more certainty regarding the regional population. There’s limited breeding options and no plans to import that I’m aware of.
Polar bear:
Sea World remain dedicated to this species and thanks to @Tricoart, we have the update that they plan to import a female (subject to availability) with the possibility of expanding their facilities. I’m therefore hopeful of a minor increase in population, with the inevitable passing of the ageing male bears hopefully offset by future breeding.
Giant panda:
Talks between Adelaide Zoo and China have reportedly begun and decision will be announced in 2024. Adelaide are clearly keen to continue with this species, but whether a loan is granted again remains to be seen. It’s a complex situation with many unknowns.
————————————————
Updated List (2023)
As per the reasoning detailed in this post and the two above, the adjusted list is as follows. Black rhinoceros has been removed (population now over 10 individuals; while Brown-nosed coati has been added (under phase out).
Part Three - Regional population unclear in direction:
Springbok:
Their lack of inclusion on the Bovid live import list makes me think this species will actually be phased out. There’s too many other similar species that are easier options for importing and the handful at Orana could well be the last.
Sunda slow loris:
Never say never, but it seems unlikely more will be imported at this point in time. I maintain the status of this species remains ‘unclear’ versus other species where there’s a stronger indication.
Francois' langur:
A year on, there’s no more certainty regarding the regional population. There’s limited breeding options and no plans to import that I’m aware of.
Polar bear:
Sea World remain dedicated to this species and thanks to @Tricoart, we have the update that they plan to import a female (subject to availability) with the possibility of expanding their facilities. I’m therefore hopeful of a minor increase in population, with the inevitable passing of the ageing male bears hopefully offset by future breeding.
Giant panda:
Talks between Adelaide Zoo and China have reportedly begun and decision will be announced in 2024. Adelaide are clearly keen to continue with this species, but whether a loan is granted again remains to be seen. It’s a complex situation with many unknowns.
————————————————
Updated List (2023)
As per the reasoning detailed in this post and the two above, the adjusted list is as follows. Black rhinoceros has been removed (population now over 10 individuals; while Brown-nosed coati has been added (under phase out).
Regional population predicted to increase:
Common hippopotamus
Pygmy hippopotamus
Bornean orangutan
Snow leopard
Sri Lankan leopard
Clouded leopard
Polar bear
Regional population predicted to be phased out:
Persian onager
Guanaco
Collared peccary
North African crested porcupine
Barton's long-beaked echidna
Lar gibbon
Brown spider monkey
Vervet monkey
Sulawesi black macaque
Dusky langur
Colombian white-fronted capuchin
Mandrill
Springbok
Brown-nosed coati
Regional population unclear in direction:
Indian rhinoceros
Brazilian tapir
Malayan tapir
Sun bear
Sunda slow loris
Francois' Langur
Giant panda
Fishing cat
Common hippopotamus
Pygmy hippopotamus
Bornean orangutan
Snow leopard
Sri Lankan leopard
Clouded leopard
Polar bear
Regional population predicted to be phased out:
Persian onager
Guanaco
Collared peccary
North African crested porcupine
Barton's long-beaked echidna
Lar gibbon
Brown spider monkey
Vervet monkey
Sulawesi black macaque
Dusky langur
Colombian white-fronted capuchin
Mandrill
Springbok
Brown-nosed coati
Regional population unclear in direction:
Indian rhinoceros
Brazilian tapir
Malayan tapir
Sun bear
Sunda slow loris
Francois' Langur
Giant panda
Fishing cat
Osedax
Well-Known Member
I would prefer if the remaining Polar Bears were transferred to NZ (if they remain in the region at all), as I don't approve of polar bears on the Gold Coast.