Search Results (267)

The global exotic pet trade has expanded in recent decades, raising concerns related to animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, and compliance with international regulations. Reptiles and amphibians constitute a major component of this trade, yet information on species availability and trade practices at exotic pet fairs remains limited. The primary aim of this study was to identify the reptile and amphibian species offered for sale at an exotic pet fair in Warsaw, Poland. Secondary objectives were to assess the declared origin of the animals and the availability of information regarding their legal and conservation status. Photographic documentation of all exhibition tables was used to record species identity, number of individuals, and labeling practices. In total, 818 individuals representing 74 species from 31 families were recorded. Reptiles, particularly squamates, dominated the assemblage, while amphibians accounted for a smaller proportion of the animals offered. More than half of the individuals were labeled as captive-bred, whereas only a small fraction were identified as imported or wild-caught; however, information on origin was absent for nearly half of the animals. Over 50% of the recorded species were listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, yet no visible information on legal or conservation status was provided at the point of sale. These findings indicate that inconsistent labeling limits transparency and informed decision-making by buyers. Full article

The African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is an important aquaculture species in the Philippines, but it exhibits reproductive dysfunctions in captivity due to the absence of natural spawning cues and culture-induced stress. In hatcheries, sperm collection often requires sacrificing male breeders, limiting breeding program applications, and threatening genetic diversity. This study evaluated and optimized hormonal induction protocols to enhance spermiation and fertilization success in male C. gariepinus. Two experimental trials were conducted under controlled hatchery conditions. In Trial 1, human chorionic gonadotropin combined with a dopamine antagonist (hCG + DA; 5000 IU·kg⁻¹ BW + 5 mg·kg⁻¹ BW) and Ovaprim (1.0 mL·kg⁻¹ BW) significantly increased circulating testosterone and estradiol levels, spermiation index, and fertilization outcomes (embryo viability, hatching, and larval survival). In Trial 2, medium to low doses of hCG + DA (3000–5000 IU·kg⁻¹ BW + 5 mg·kg⁻¹ BW) and Ovaprim (0.75–1.0 mL·kg⁻¹ BW) yielded the best performance in terms of hormone levels, spermiation index, and fertilizing capabilities. The presence of a dopamine antagonist (DA) likely contributed to the efficacy of the treatments, since dopamine suppresses the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (dopaminergic inhibition), and DA counteracts this effect, increasing LH and FSH levels necessary for gametogenesis. Taken together, these results highlight the potential of optimized hormonal protocols to mitigate reproductive dysfunctions in male C. gariepinus in aquaculture settings. Further studies should refine dose combinations, assess the long-term health of broodstock, and evaluate cost-effectiveness to support sustainable broodstock management and genetic conservation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) are closely associated with sagebrush steppe habitat across the western United States, and loss and fragmentation of this habitat has contributed to the near extirpation of the Columbia Basin population in Washington state (CB). The CB pygmy rabbit was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 2003, and recovery efforts have included captive breeding, reintroduction, and genetic rescue with the translocation of rabbits from populations across the species range. Methods: We used restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) on samples from across the species range, including CB pygmy rabbits captured prior to genetic rescue and admixture. We determined population genetic structure across the pygmy rabbit range, tested for genomic signatures of adaptive divergence among populations, assessed the genetic distinctiveness of the ancestral CB population, and identified loci useful for monitoring ancestry in the current admixed CB population. Results: Our dataset included 9794 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 123 individuals. We identified four distinct genetic groups, including the central portion of the species range and three peripheral populations: CB, northern Utah/Wyoming, and southern Utah. The ancestral CB population showed the highest degree of genetic distinctiveness using multiple clustering, ordination, and genetic differentiation analyses. We identified evidence for putatively adaptive variation among populations, but no significant gene ontology associated with local adaptation. Conclusions: Our results highlight the long-term isolation of the ancestral CB population as well as historical isolation of other peripheral populations. Our results also provide SNP loci for monitoring the consequences of genetic rescue efforts in the current admixed CB population. Full article

Forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) are endangered ungulates, and captive breeding has been effective for its ex situ conservation and sustainable medicinal musk utilization in traditional Asian traditional medicine. Methods of focal sampling and all-occurrence recording were used to evaluate the intensity of stereotypic behaviors and personality traits in 25 captive male forest musk deer. Additionally, musk secretion was monitored in this study, and muscone content was measured with gas chromatography, thereby analyzing the interrelationship between their stereotypic behavior, personality traits, and musk secretion. The results revealed no significant differences in stereotypic behaviors or personality traits across age groups (p > 0.05). Individuals with stereotypic behaviors showed a tendency toward secreting higher amounts of musk and muscone content compared to those without stereotypic behaviors, although these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the exploratory behavior level and active behavior level were not significantly correlated with the secretion amount of musk. However, both the exploratory behavior level and active behavior level exhibited significant positive correlations with muscone content (p < 0.05). These findings provide valuable insights for the breeding, welfare, and ex situ conservation of endangered forest musk deer. Full article

Enclosure space constitutes the fundamental habitat for captive animals, directly influencing domestication success and production performance. Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), an endangered ungulate present on the Tibet plateau and surrounding areas, has been commonly farmed in captivity as an essential strategy for the ex situ conservation and sustainable musk production. In captive musk deer farming, understanding spatial selection patterns within enclosures is critical for improving farming practices. To evaluate patterns of space use under captive conditions and the effect of enclosure designing, we studied 70 captive Alpine musk deer housed in 17 enclosures at the Zhuanglang Musk Deer Breeding Farm (Gansu, China) during the summer of 2022 (from July 1st to August 29th). Focal sampling and all-occurrence recording were adopted to collect the behavioral data of the musk deer, and the point occupancy rate was calculated to analyze the enclosure space utilization patterns. The results showed significant differences in activity site selection and shelter use time among captive musk deer (p < 0.05). The central enclosure site (G5), which contains the shelter, exhibited the highest utilization rate (21.21 ± 9.19%). Shelter use was significantly higher in adults (22.09 ± 7.80%) than in subadults (17.27 ± 3.98%) (p < 0.05), and significantly higher in males (29.55 ± 5.65%) than in females (20.86 ± 7.95%) (p < 0.05). However, at equal population density, the shelter use time between all-male and mixed-sex groups was not significant (p > 0.05). These results reveal that captive Alpine musk deer display distinct shelter use patterns, with shelters acting as key spatial resources. Therefore, this study provides practical implications for optimizing enclosure design (e.g., increasing shelter quantity and improving spatial distribution) to enhance the welfare and productivity of captive Alpine musk deer. Full article

Understanding embryonic development is fundamental to improving captive breeding protocols and supporting conservation strategies for threatened fish species. Prochilodus vimboides is a Neotropical freshwater fish for which detailed information on early ontogeny remains scarce. This study aimed to characterize the embryonic and early larval development of P. vimboides under captive conditions. Broodstock were hormonally induced to reproduce, and extrusion occurred between 209 and 230 degree-hours after induction at 21.49 ± 0.15 °C. Embryonic development was monitored at regular intervals after fertilization (AF) using freshly collected eggs examined under a stereomicroscope. The principal developmental stages were identified, namely zygote, cleavage, including morula and blastula, gastrula, organogenesis, and hatching. Fertilized oocytes exhibited marked hydration and formation of a large perivitelline space at 15 min AF. More than 50% of embryos reached the two-blastomere stage by 20 min AF, and cleavage continued until 2 h 14 min AF. The gastrula stage was observed at 3 h 23 min AF, blastopore closure occurred at 11 h 47 min AF, and organogenesis began at 12 h 55 min AF. Complete hatching occurred at 22 h 04 min AF, and larvae subsequently initiated yolk sac absorption without cannibalistic behavior. These findings provide a species-specific developmental framework that supports captive production and conservation efforts for P. vimboides in the Paraíba do Sul River Basin. Full article

Ex-situ conservation and captive breeding are important measures for protecting endangered species. However, captive conditions inhibit reproduction in some wild animals, especially males. Under captive conditions, which differentially expressed microbiota and metabolites significantly influence or are key to reproductive performance? This study aimed to investigate the effects of differentially expressed microbiota and metabolites on reproductive performance, including male Malayan pangolins with normal reproductive behavior (NR, with natural mating behavior) and those with abnormal reproductive behavior (AR, without natural mating behavior). Five male Malayan pangolins with normal reproductive behavior and eight with abnormal reproductive behavior were divided into NR and AR groups. Fresh fecal samples were collected for metagenomic and metabolomic analysis. The results showed that Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, Bacteroidota, Actinomycetota, and Fusobacteriota were the dominant phyla. Escherichia, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Limosilactobacillus, and Ligilactobacillus were the dominant genera. The abundance of Absiella, Butyribacter, and Candidatus Scatovivens in the gut of the NR group was significantly higher than in the AR group (p < 0.05), while the abundance of Clostridium, Mycoplasmopsis, and Facklamia in the gut of the AR group was significantly higher than in the NR group. A total of 94 differentially expressed metabolites were identified, with Argininosuccinic acid and Cortol significantly upregulated in the AR group, and gamma-Aminobutyric acid and gamma-Glutamylglutamic acid significantly downregulated. These microbiota and metabolites can be screened as potential key biomarkers that might influence the reproductive performance of male pangolins. These findings provide important insights into the husbandry and management of captive pangolins and other endangered wild animals. Full article

The tiger (Panthera tigris) is an apex predator and plays a fundamental role in sustaining biodiversity through its native range in Asia. By controlling populations of large herbivores and mesopredators, tigers help maintain the structural integrity of habitats, thereby supporting a diverse array of flora and fauna. Despite its ecological importance, the tiger is one of the most threatened large carnivores globally. It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, although threat categories vary among subspecies, and it is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which covers all tiger subspecies. Over the past two decades, global tiger populations have declined by more than 90%. Consequently, they have become the focus of conservation efforts, including captive breeding and reintroduction initiatives. However, the reintroduction of captive-bred tigers into natural habitats presents significant scientific and logistical challenges. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the complexities of using captive tigers for reintroduction programs, with particular attention to welfare and behavioral competence of captive individuals, and genetic diversity and health of founder populations. It further addresses critical considerations for habitat suitability and managing potential human-tiger conflict and evaluates the overall effectiveness and feasibility of tiger reintroduction as a conservation strategy. Full article

When analyzing the long-term viability of small, declining populations, it is essential to recognize that inbreeding and the erosion of genetic diversity are primarily driven by the effective population size, which is often a fraction of the total census count. The globally endangered Lear’s macaw (Anodorhynchus leari) is a restricted-range species endemic to the Caatinga ecoregion in NE Brazil. This species was only known in captivity due to wildlife illegal trade, until 1978, when a small population close to extinction was discovered in the wild, estimated at ca. 60 individuals in 1983. Conservation efforts have allowed for population recovery in recent decades, reaching a population of ca. 2273 individuals in 2022. Given these drastic population changes, a genetic assessment is important to empower conservation strategies with knowledge about the level of genetic variability, population genetic structure, inbreeding levels, and demographic history. We used a set of eight species-specific microsatellites to provide the first genetic assessment of the wild population of this species by genotyping non-invasive samples (molted feathers) collected in the known breeding and roosting sites of the species. Our results revealed a low effective population size (N_e = 49–80), which represents the main conservation concern. We also observed evidence of past bottlenecks. However, moderate levels of genetic diversity, no evidence of inbreeding, and a wide connectivity across the study area confirm a single population and set the ground for the potential natural recovery of this species and the recolonization of breeding sites across its former range. Full article

The critically endangered Asian giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) is a national first-class protected aquatic animal in China, and artificial breeding is vital for its conservation. Given the pivotal role of substrate in captive rearing, this study aimed to investigate the effects of different substrate types on the growth, serum biochemistry, and behavior of juvenile P. cantorii. A total of 45 8-month-old juveniles [(121.11 ± 0.65) g] were randomly allocated to three groups (fine sand [FS], pea gravel [PG], and no substrate [NS]) for an 18-day rearing trial. Results indicated that the FS and PG groups exhibited significantly higher weight gain and specific growth rates than the NS group (p < 0.01). Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were lower in the FS and PG groups than in the NS group (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between FS and PG. Notably, three individuals in the NS group exhibited symptoms of skin ulceration. No significant intergroup differences were observed in glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TG), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), or cortisol (CORT) levels (p > 0.05). Behaviorally, the FS group demonstrated the highest hidden rest frequency and duration (p < 0.01) and significantly lower active avoidance behavior compared to PG and NS (p < 0.01). In conclusion, substrate type significantly influences captive juvenile P. cantorii, with fine sand being optimal as it enhances growth, alleviates oxidative stress, and reduces maladaptive behaviors. Full article

The Guizhou snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi), a critically endangered primate endemic to China’s Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, faces severe population decline, with fewer than 850 individuals remaining in the wild. As a high-altitude species adapted to long, snowy winters, its survival depends on behavioral thermoregulation and energy conservation. However, how these behaviors are expressed in captivity remains unclear. To examine behavioral responses to cold conditions, we analyzed the daily activity rhythms and spatial preferences of R. brelichi under winter conditions. Continuous focal observations and instantaneous scan sampling (every 60 s, 07:00–20:00) were conducted across three consecutive snowy days. The monkeys spent most of their time in sleep, with additional time devoted to awake thermoregulatory behaviors. Spatial use was uneven, with outdoor platform most utilized and indoor ground areas least used. Activity showed distinct daily rhythms, with locomotion peaking in the early morning and evening, and foraging concentrated in the late afternoon. Spatial behavior also displayed cyclical patterns, including consistent outdoor platform use and bimodal reliance on indoor foraging and ground areas. These findings provide the first detailed behavioral and spatial profile of R. brelichi in winter captivity, revealing short-term behavioral adjustments to cold conditions and highlighting constraints imposed by enclosure design. The results offer baseline data for improving welfare and enclosure management for this and other cold-adapted primates. Full article

Cryptosporidiosis is a globally important protozoan disease that causes severe gastrointestinal illness in immunocompromised humans and animals and has been associated with chronic wasting and death in reptiles. This study investigated the role of Cryptosporidium infection in wasting syndrome among captive leopard geckos from a commercial breeding facility in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Thirty-five geckos housed in twenty-three enclosures were observed for four months, with fecal samples collected over three consecutive days every two weeks and pooled for molecular analysis. Clinical evaluations included body weight (BW), tail diameter, and body condition score (BCS) to assess wasting. Nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene and subsequent sequencing were performed. Cryptosporidium was detected in 51.43% of geckos and 52.17% of enclosures, while 20% exhibited wasting syndrome. BLAST (v. 2.17.0) and phylogenetic analyses identified C. varanii, which showed 100% identity with isolates from leopard geckos in Spain and from snakes in Thailand and China. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated a significant association between Cryptosporidium infection and wasting syndrome (OR = 11.15, 95% CI: 1.78–69.98, p = 0.027), with persistent oocyst shedding observed. This study provides new insights into C. varanii infection among leopard gecko breeders in Thailand and highlights the potential for infected breeding stock to disseminate Cryptosporidium, underscoring the need for enhanced awareness, surveillance, and biosecurity measures across Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region. Full article

This case report describes a male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) from a republic aquarium in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China, in 2024. The dolphin exhibited prolonged vomiting that did not improve despite extended antibiotic treatment, followed by progressive deterioration in physical condition until death. Antemortem biochemical analyses indicated hepatic dysfunction (ALT: 269.8 IU/L, AST: 1357.5 IU/L, LDH: 2913.3 IU/L) and renal impairment (TBIL: 55.84 μmol/L, BUN: 31.93 mmol/L, Cr: 200.2 μmol/L). Necropsy showed atrophy of coronary fat in the heart, hepatomegaly with extensive yellow discoloration, splenomegaly with congestion, diffuse dark-red discoloration of the lungs, renal atrophy, segmental dark-red discoloration of the intestines, and dark-red enlargement of intestinal lymph nodes. Histopathological examination revealed hepatic steatosis with necrosis, extensive pulmonary hemorrhage with foreign bodies in the trachea and alveoli, intestinal necrosis with visible fungus, and congestion and necrosis of intestinal lymph nodes with visible fungus present; the fungus hyphae were periodic acid–Schiff (PAS)-positive. Fungal PCR targeting the fungus internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region identified the intestine fungus as Cladosporium. Infection with Cladosporium is extremely rare, and this report highlights the potential risks of emerging infectious diseases in marine mammals. Full article

Sichuan bream (Sinibrama taeniatu), an endemic small economic fish in the upper Yangtze River, has achieved captive breeding breakthroughs. To advance standardized and large-scale aquaculture, this study investigated intestinal development, enzyme activities, gut microbiota, and its interactions with rearing water microbiota across six developmental stages (G1–G6) from hatching to sexual maturity of Sichuan bream. Results showed its progressive refinement of external morphology and intestinal developing into multiple flexures. Histology examination revealed four foregut layers with continuously increasing villus height. Digestive enzyme analysis revealed significantly higher activity of trypsin compared to that of amylase and lipase (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing identified Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, and Fusobacteria as the dominant phyla in both gut and rearing water microbiota. Gut communities shifted from Proteobacteria-dominance (C₁–C₅) to Firmicutes-dominance (C6). The microbial source tracking analysis indicated water contributed to gut microbiota of Sichuan bream, particularly during G3. This study clarified the intestinal development patterns and gut microbiota colonization dynamics of Sichuan bream. The findings provide reference materials for the research on the growth patterns and host–microbe interaction of Sichuan bream. They lay a theoretical foundation for the protection and utilization of Sichuan bream resources, ultimately aiding in their proliferation and release. Full article

The endangered Rhinogobio ventralis, endemic to the upper Yangtze River, is dependent on captive breeding for its conservation. However, this highly stress-sensitive species is exceptionally susceptible to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, leading to severe pathology and high mortality in culture. Elevated salinity holds potential for managing key aquaculture pathogens, including Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Saprolegnia spp. However, its potential unintended ecological consequences remain insufficiently understood. This study evaluated the systemic impacts of 5‰ salinity on the culture environment of the endangered species Rhinogobio ventralis, using integrated 16S/18S rRNA gene sequencing and water quality analysis. The results demonstrated that while salinity treatment effectively reduced the environmental molecular signal of harmful eukaryotes such as Ichthyophthirius and Saprolegnia, it also induced significant ecological shifts: (1) aquatic prokaryotic diversity increased, yet the self-purification capacity of the water was compromised, indicated by elevated dissolved oxygen, nitrate nitrogen, and total nitrogen; (2) in the fish intestinal microbiome, a decline in potentially beneficial taxa (e.g., Exiguobacterium) co-occurred with an enrichment of genera containing potentially pathogenic species (e.g., Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas), collectively suggesting a state of dysbiosis; (3) co-occurrence network analysis revealed that the aquatic microbial community developed greater complexity, while the intestinal network became structurally simplified and more antagonistic. These findings reveal that elevating salinity in freshwater aquaculture systems compromises both host microbiome health and aquatic ecosystem functioning. As such, future aquaculture management should integrate supportive measures like probiotic supplementation to maintain overall system stability. Full article