Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens

20 pages, 5519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Establishment of the First Orchidarium in Serbia: Strategy for Sustainable Management of Native Orchid Genetic Resources

by Jovana Ostojić, Tijana Narandžić, Milica Grubač, Lazar Pavlović and Mirjana Ljubojević

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2025, 6(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg6030037 - 22 Jul 2025

Abstract

Botanical gardens serve as vital centers for ex situ conservation, maintaining diverse plant species under controlled conditions. Terrestrial orchids, despite their wide diversity and distribution, often occur in small and declining populations, making their conservation increasingly urgent. This study aimed to examine the potential for establishing the first specialized orchidarium in Serbia, focusing on the native orchid species of the Fruška Gora region. A SWOT analysis, combined with site assessment data, was employed to identify key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, informing the development of a functional zoning plan. The results indicate that such an orchidarium would offer a threefold benefit: strengthening ex situ conservation, advancing scientific research and environmental education, and promoting sustainable tourism. The proposed design consists of eight distinct zones, three of which reflect natural habitats of selected orchid species. The planned integration of a seed gene bank in the central zone, along with living plant collections and a nearby in vitro culture laboratory, establishes a comprehensive framework for the sustainable management of orchid genetic resources in the region, forming a foundation for future research and preservation. Full article

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19 pages, 2498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining the Cultivation of a Conservation Culture Across Zoos and Aquariums

by Joy Kubarek, Amanda Lindell, Shelly Grow and Jackie Ogden

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2025, 6(3), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg6030036 - 22 Jul 2025

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Abstract

This contributed paper presents results from efforts by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to investigate the impact of integrating conservation into AZA members’ organizational cultures. Part of this work included AZA setting goals related to organizational and professional culture, strategic communication, developing communities of practice, and promoting tools and resource-sharing. Prior to implementing the majority of these steps, a baseline assessment was administered to directors plus a random sample of AZA organizations in 2020—assessing how well conservation is integrated into the institutional culture and measures of perceived conservation impact. The same sample of organizations was re-surveyed in 2023 with the intent of a three-year cycle of surveying to monitor change and identify additional ways that AZA could support and strengthen a culture of conservation within the profession. These findings will help the zoological and broader conservation community assess opportunities to integrate conservation into organizational cultures across a broad association for the purpose of achieving the mission and impact. Full article

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16 pages, 2277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Food Enrichment and the Presence of Visitors Affect the Behaviour of Two Species of Freshwater Fish in a Public Aquarium?

by Arthur Afeitos Silva, Cristiano Schetini de Azevedo, Cynthia Fernandes Cipreste, Cristiane Schilbach Pizzutto and Eneida Maria Eskinazi Sant’Anna

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2025, 6(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg6030035 - 10 Jul 2025

Viewed by 404

Abstract

Food-based environmental enrichment (EE) is a valuable strategy for stimulating foraging behaviour in fish under human care, as it increases the challenge of food acquisition and encourages prolonged engagement in this activity. Curimbas (Prochilodus argenteus) and pacus (Myleus micans) are fish species for which ex situ maintenance has become an important conservation measure. In this context, providing EE is essential to ensure high welfare standards. This study aimed to assess the effects of food enrichment on the behaviour of these two endemic species from the São Francisco River basin in Brazil. Behavioural data were collected across three experimental phases, including baseline, enrichment, and post-enrichment. Slow-dissolving food items known as “acorns” were introduced during the enrichment phase. Both species exhibited a marked reduction in inactivity throughout the study. For curimbas, the enrichment phase was associated with increased foraging, elevated agonistic interactions, and greater use of specific tank areas. Among pacus, inactivity significantly declined during the enrichment period. Additionally, the presence of visitors influenced behavioural patterns, promoting foraging activity while reducing inactivity and interactions with the enrichment device. These findings reinforce the value of incorporating environmental enrichment to promote the welfare of freshwater fish in public aquariums. Full article

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J. Zool. Bot. Gard., Volume 6, Issue 3 (September 2025) – 3 articles

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