Parc animalier de Sainte-Croix Parc Animalier de Sainte Croix

[Kifaru Bwana]

Last wednesday Sainte-Croix sent 10 (4.6) western capercaillie chicks born last spring to a breeding center in Pražmo, Czech Republic. The birds will breed there and their chicks will be released in Beskydy mountains area.
It it the second time the park sent animals for this program (first time in 2022 with 1.4 birds).

EN IMAGES - Quand le Parc de Sainte-Croix réintroduit les Tétras - France Bleu

A great project and the population has increased by 90% ... it seems.

 

[Jana]

A great project and the population has increased by 90% ... it seems.

This project is great in its intentions and on paper. I applaud the French zoo for its involment and goodwill. I hope my futher text is not seen as criticue of parc animlier de sainte croix.

However in reality, mortality of capercillie chicks released from both current Czech breeding facilities in Beskydy mountains and Šumava is 100% - since beginning till today. I had seen some internal report papers and unfortunately, most their chicks perish within 2 weeks and basicaly non survive first year. Zero proven breeding of released birds within last 50 years of captive-bred bird releases.

The only good capercillie population left in Czechia is in Šumava mountains. And it currently grows due reasons that are not fully understood by wildlife officials / researchers. What probably helps is large-scale protection measures done in national park and exclusive military area Boletice nearby. It includes closure of large patches of land for public, closed hicking paths (which provoked a lot of protests by both local people and tourists). There is also change in agro-forestry practices. Large-scale die-offs of fir trees due to bark beetle. Natural return of wolves into the area and recovery of lynx, both species suppress mesocarnivores like red fox (and that helps capercillie chick survival odds). But again, nobody really knows what of these changes actually has the most impact.

Capercilie population in Beskydy is miniature and continues to diminish and will soon die out. Despite releases of captive bred chicks.

 

[ZooNews2024]

This project is great in its intentions and on paper. I applaud the French zoo for its involment and goodwill. I hope my futher text is not seen as criticue of parc animlier de sainte croix.

However in reality, mortality of capercillie chicks released from both current Czech breeding facilities in Beskydy mountains and Šumava is 100% - since beginning till today. I had seen some internal report papers and unfortunately, most their chicks perish within 2 weeks and basicaly non survive first year. Zero proven breeding of released birds within last 50 years of captive-bred bird releases.

The only good capercillie population left in Czechia is in Šumava mountains. And it currently grows due reasons that are not fully understood by wildlife officials / researchers. What probably helps is large-scale protection measures done in national park and exclusive military area Boletice nearby. It includes closure of large patches of land for public, closed hicking paths (which provoked a lot of protests by both local people and tourists). There is also change in agro-forestry practices. Large-scale die-offs of fir trees due to bark beetle. Natural return of wolves into the area and recovery of lynx, both species suppress mesocarnivores like red fox (and that helps capercillie chick survival odds). But again, nobody really knows what of these changes actually has the most impact.

Capercilie population in Beskydy is miniature and continues to diminish and will soon die out. Despite releases of captive bred chicks.

This is a wonderful species, and any efforts to preserve and conserve it must be applauded.
In the UK the species went extinct and was re-introduced from Sweden in the last century, so it is certainly possible to do so.
But modern pressures, (disturbance, habitat loss/fragmentation and increase in predation) might mean we are unfortunately in a different World today.
The situation in Scotland looks bleak - with now only 532 birds left in the UK, apparently - Capercaillie - Cairngorms Capercaillie Project

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

This project is great in its intentions and on paper. I applaud the French zoo for its involment and goodwill. I hope my futher text is not seen as criticue of parc animlier de sainte croix.

However in reality, mortality of capercillie chicks released from both current Czech breeding facilities in Beskydy mountains and Šumava is 100% - since beginning till today. I had seen some internal report papers and unfortunately, most their chicks perish within 2 weeks and basicaly non survive first year. Zero proven breeding of released birds within last 50 years of captive-bred bird releases.

Capercilie population in Beskydy is miniature and continues to diminish and will soon die out. Despite releases of captive bred chicks.

Do you know why the Beskydy capercaillie population (aside the birds from captive-breeding for release) continue to decline in the wild. What are the main factors driving the gradual loss of birds from the Beskydy population?

Do authorities take note of work done by f.i. bustards in Europe and Middle East / North Africa where captive-bred birds are pre-trainer before release. How / What prep techniques do the managers use to improve the suitability and adaptability of captive-reared birds to the wild?

 

[ZooNews2024]

Do you know why the Beskydy capercaillie population (aside the birds from captive-breeding for release) continue to decline in the wild. What are the main factors driving the gradual loss of birds from the Beskydy population?

Do authorities take note of work done by f.i. bustards in Europe and Middle East / North Africa where captive-bred birds are pre-trainer before release. How / What prep techniques do the managers use to improve the suitability and adaptability of captive-reared birds to the wild?

Five minutes of Googling produced this paper https://www.researchgate.net/public...program_in_Bory_Dolnoslaskie_Forest_SW_Poland
which contains data relevant to your question about survival in CZ in addition to the titled Polish project. It states that survival rates of released birds in Beskydy varied between just 23 and 139 days, and the main cause of death was predation mainly by foxes and martens.
This is interesting as at the same time the Scottish population has seen a catastrophic decline to just 500 birds, there has been a massive increase in the range and population size of the Pine Marten. The two factors have not been linked in the UK, so far as I can find - yet?

 

[Jana]

Do you know why the Beskydy capercaillie population (aside the birds from captive-breeding for release) continue to decline in the wild. What are the main factors driving the gradual loss of birds from the Beskydy population?

Unsure for exact reasons. Cited I have seen by different people fe sharp increase in tourist use of forests in this area (starting this year, hill Travný was closed for public hicking but just 1 hill is so little to make a difference). Also I saw degradation of understorey vegetation by red deer overstocking (local hunters provide so much artificial food that deer overgraze). Sharply increased clear-cut logging in the mountains. Wild development of various infrastructure, summer houses, fencing, new forest roads everywhere.

 

[ZooNews2024]

Unsure for exact reasons. Cited I have seen by different people fe sharp increase in tourist use of forests in this area (starting this year, hill Travný was closed for public hicking but just 1 hill is so little to make a difference). Also I saw degradation of understorey vegetation by red deer overstocking (local hunters provide so much artificial food that deer overgraze). Sharply increased clear-cut logging in the mountains. Wild development of various infrastructure, summer houses, fencing, new forest roads everywhere.

All of those disturbance issues, along with the level of predation are very bad news for the species, which needs large undisturbed areas.
I have not seen any evidence of the same level of development disturbance and habitat degradation in Scotland, unless re-wilding is reducing the area of pine forest - so there perhaps, the finger points at increased predation.
The Polish study I cited, implicates digestive issues due to shorter and less well developed intestinal tracts in captive-reared birds leading to starvation, but this does not seem to fit so well with birds which are surviving for many months, unless maybe it is seasonal? There seems to be a need for detailed follow-up studies.

 

[Haliaeetus]

Arrival of 0.1 Ural Owl from Ostrava Zoo in Czechia.
Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix on Instagram: " ́ ’ ’ Une magnifique chouette de l’Oural a rejoint Sainte-Croix en provenance du zoo d’Ostrava, en République Tchèque. Elle est arrivée dans le cadre d’un programme ex situ de l’EAZA, avec pour objectif : former un couple avec notre mâle déjà présent Les premières rencontres se sont passées à merveille et nous espérons une future reproduction afin de pouvoir les réintroduire dans leur milieu naturel, en Bavière. - ? Cette année, et pour la première fois en 100 ans, nous avons pu observer la naissance d'une chouette à l'état sauvage provenant d'un couple réintroduit "

 

[Pepe]

The Polish study I cited, implicates digestive issues due to shorter and less well developed intestinal tracts in captive-reared birds leading to starvation, but this does not seem to fit so well with birds which are surviving for many months, unless maybe it is seasonal? There seems to be a need for detailed follow-up studies.

Their intestinal tract changed with the seasons, being much larger during the winter (when they survive on low-quality food that is high on fibre). This problem can be avoided by feeding them already in captivity a natural diet. If they receive some pellet-food, then this should be the special high-fibre grouse food. But they should especially start feeding the animals after the summer natural vegetation, to allow the caecum to develop. I guess (hope) that they know this. It is true that introductions of grouse are rarely successful, probably also because the habitat is still a problem. But we need to continue trying, if we do not want to loose the species in all countries. Change of forestry management, too many deer and wild boar, too many predators and especially too many tourists make survival difficult, and climate change will also affect the vegetation. Doesn't look very well for the grouse in most countries!

 

[Sneeuwpanter]

Can this park be visited without using your own car to drive trough the exhibits ?

 

[quentbret]

Can this park be visited without using your own car to drive trough the exhibits ?

You must have confused this for another Park. You never need your own car to go through the exhibits, it's exclusively walking. There is a train that ho through some exhibits, but it's completely optional

 

[Gab_1]

Death of Arizona, a (0.1) black bear after complications during anaesthesia for the insertion of a contraceptive implant.
https://www.facebook.com/ParcAnimal...zUXjvA3RGDx4ovWAxJgtQfooQQVmB9pftNa69fGLjT5Ku

 

[Haliaeetus]

The American Porcupine PORKY has passed away at the respectable age of 17
Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix on Instagram: " , Lundi 11 novembre, nous avons pris la décision difficile ’ , notre mâle porc-épic américain âgé . À cet âge exceptionnel, qui faisait de lui ̂ ̀ dans un parc animalier d’Europe, sa santé s’était malheureusement détériorée. Par respect pour son bien-être, nous avons choisi de lui offrir une fin de vie paisible. Né en Italie en 2007, Porky a vécu une vie remarquable au Parc de Sainte-Croix, aux côtés de sa femelle Sofie. Ces dernières années, malgré des soucis de santé liés notamment à ses dents, il a bénéficié grâce au dévouement de nos soigneurs, à l’expertise de nos vétérinaires, et au soutien de la clinique vétérinaire à Strasbourg. Leur engagement a permis à Porky de profiter pleinement de ses années dans des conditions optimales, et nous les remercions chaleureusement pour leur travail. Porky restera dans nos cœurs pour ̀ ́ (malgré ses épines ! ), ses préférences alimentaires, comme la patate douce et l’avocat, et ́, qui lui a permis de partager tant de beaux moments avec les soigneurs. Il a incarné, tout au long de sa vie, la belle relation qui peut exister entre l’homme et la nature. , . "

 

[Haliaeetus]

Birth of Méditerranean Mouflons
Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix on Instagram: " Les premiers pas des bébés mouflons sur la plaine des cerfs... Le printemps bat son plein au Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix, et avec lui, la magie des naissances Nos adorables petits mouflons ont déjà bien commencé à explorer leur environnement, sous le regard attentif des adultes. Une scène pleine de tendresse à ne pas manquer. Venez les observer dès maintenant au Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix"

 

[Haliaeetus]

Arrival of 0.1 Eurasian Elk called BLOMMA from Bern
Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix on Instagram: " Une nouvelle arrivée au parc ! Blomma, une jeune femelle élan venue tout droit de Berne, a récemment posé ses sabots sur les terres de Sainte-Croix Curieuse, pleine d’énergie et déjà bien intégrée auprès de ses congénères, elle a très vite pris ses marques dans son nouvel environnement. Retour en images sur son arrivée et son intégration qui s’est déroulée tout douceur, pour le plus grand bonheur de notre équipe… et bientôt des visiteurs ! Bienvenue Blomma "

 

[Gab_1]

Birth of an European bison (Bison bonasus).
Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix on Instagram: "Une nouvelle naissance du côté des bisons d’Europe Découvrez en images notre adorable bébé bison d’Europe qui est déjà bien vigoureux ! Pour avoir la chance de l’observer, direction le Safari-Train Informations et horaires sur notre site Internet"

 

[Gab_1]

Birth of some black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus).
Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix on Instagram: "Le baby-boom continue au Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix et c’est du côté des chiens de prairie que les bébés ont sortis leur bout du nez pour la #PhotodelaSemaine. "

 

[Gab_1]

Birth of (4.3) wolves.
Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix on Instagram: "Naissance de louveteaux au Parc Saïmaa et Hati sont à nouveau parents ! Après avoir accueilli 2 petits l’an dernier, ils viennent tout juste de donner naissance à 7 adorables louveteaux : 4 mâles et 3 femelles Ce matin, les vétérinaires ont pu réaliser le premier contrôle médical, et bonne nouvelle : tout le monde se porte bien ! Les louveteaux restent encore un peu au chaud, mais ils devraient très bientôt montrer le bout de leur nez… On vous laisse découvrir cette belle nouvelle en vidéo"

 

[Haliaeetus]

Departure of the young female Black Bear MONTANA to the Parc de l'Auxois.
Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix on Instagram: "Montana prend son envol ! Notre jeune ourse noire a quitté le Parc de Sainte-Croix pour rejoindre le Parc de l’Auxois, en Bourgogne, où elle retrouvera ses deux sœurs, Dakota et Carolina. Un départ tout à fait naturel : chez les ours, il arrive un moment où chacun trace sa route pour permettre un bon équilibre dans le groupe. Et même si tout se passait bien avec ses parents, Montana était prête pour cette nouvelle aventure ! Et parce qu’on ne résiste pas à un petit moment de tendresse… retour en arrière avec cette photo souvenir de Montana et sa sœur Arizona, à l’époque où elles n’étaient encore que deux boules de poils inséparables Bonne route, Montana ! Le Parc de Sainte-Croix ne t’oubliera pas Corinne Puch - Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix"

 

[Haliaeetus]

Birth of Eurasian Reindeer fawns.
Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix on Instagram: " Un moment avec… nos bébés rennes Nés il y a quelques semaines maintenant, ils gambadent désormais avec plein d’entrain aux côtés de leur mère. Un joli spectacle de nature à ne pas manquer lors de votre prochaine visite au Parc "