Search Results (264)

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

The Yellow-spotted Bell Frog, Ranoidea castanea is a critically endangered species, native to the tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. It was rediscovered in 2009, after it had seemingly disappeared thirty years earlier. Upon rediscovery, a conservation breeding program was established at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia, to secure an insurance population of the species. This paper describes the ex situ management and first successful captive breeding of this species, documents its life history data, and provides valuable learning that may benefit other conservation breeding programs. Although initial breeding attempts were unsuccessful whilst founding animals were housed indoors or in small outdoor enclosures, success was achieved between 2017 and 2019, once frogs were moved into a large outdoor enclosure (five clutches in three seasons). The attempted breeding of F1 individuals in an indoor dedicated facility in 2024 had greater success, with 60% of paired females laying eggs (six clutches in one season). Breeding behaviour occurred primarily between October and December, with clutches of unpigmented eggs laid amongst submergent vegetation from late October to mid-November. Overall, the program has resulted in the production of 2162 juvenile frogs for release, in addition to the retention of over 100 frogs for the insurance population. Herein, we provide important life history data for our study species and a framework for conservationists to propagate this species in an ex situ environment. We also highlight other key considerations, such as i) the importance of quickly establishing conservation breeding programs for threatened species and not assuming a targeted species will breed as readily as an analogue species, and ii) underscore the importance of undertaking baseline disease screening in the in situ environment. Full article

Rivomarginella morrisoni is a freshwater snail endemic to Thailand, yet its behavioral ecology remains poorly understood. This study described the feeding behavior of R. morrisoni, focusing on its foraging activity, behavioral patterns, and food detection mechanisms under laboratory conditions using specimens collected from four river basins in central Thailand. Daily monitoring revealed nocturnal emergence, peaking between 21:00 and 22:00 h, with stable rhythms established 72 h post-feeding. Feeding trials revealed a preference for aged shrimp over fresh or decayed ones. Behavioral observations confirmed that food localization in R. morrisoni was mediated by chemical cues. Light–dark tests indicated a slight tendency toward darkness, but no significant phototactic response was observed. These findings suggest that R. morrisoni is a generalist scavenger with chemosensory-driven foraging and nocturnal activity. Its apparent sensitivity to habitat disturbance underscores the relevance of behavioral studies for informing future conservation and captive breeding efforts. Full article

Great Grey Owl incubation patterns; knowledge of its breeding behaviour is limited. We used video recordings of a captive nesting female at the Poznań Zoological Garden to quantify incubation attentiveness (time on and off eggs) and other behaviours including egg-turning frequency, and the influence of ambient temperature on these behaviours. We also compared these behaviours for an unsuccessful nest (2008) and a partially successful (2009) nest. There were no significant differences between years for incubation duration (number of days) or egg-turning frequency. The female spent more time on eggs for the unsuccessful nest despite the total number of incubation days remaining unchanged. Ambient temperature influenced incubation behaviour, with the female adjusting its attentiveness (time on and off eggs) suggesting active thermoregulation. Our findings indicate that incubation in Great Grey Owls is instinctive and not affected by being held captive. Full article