Comparison Between Standard Zoo Quarantine Practices and Risk-Based Management of Animal Transfers: A Retrospective Analysis of Avian Acquisition Morbidity and Mortality (2013–2018)

McLean, Kanyon; Schook, Mandi W.; Pye, Geoffrey W.

doi:10.1638/2017-0239

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…We noted more recommended and fulfilled transfers between institutions in close proximity for mammals and birds, but not for herptiles, perhaps because herptiles can be more easily transferred longer distances than other taxa (Foster, 2012). Indeed, when creating BTPs, SSP Coordinators and population biologists attempt to minimize transfer distance and number of transfers where possible, given other constraints, especially for species that are sensitive to travel (i.e., many larger mammals and birds; McLean et al, 2021; Pohlin et al, 2021). Herptiles also often take up less exhibit space than other taxa (exceptions include crocodilians and large varanids), thus can be maintained in large groups.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Indeed, when creating BTPs, SSP Coordinators and population biologists attempt to minimize transfer distance and number of transfers where possible, given other constraints, especially for species that are sensitive to travel (i.e., many larger mammals and birds; McLean et al, 2021;Pohlin et al, 2021). Herptiles also often take up less exhibit space than other taxa (exceptions include crocodilians and large varanids), thus can be maintained in large groups.…”

Section: Tag Diversity −mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Institutional networks in cooperative population management: Exploring patterns in transfer fulfillment

et al. 2023

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Long‐term sustainability of ex‐situ animal populations is important for zoos and aquariums, but challenging due to inconsistent compliance with Breeding and Transfer Plans. Transfer recommendations are key to promoting the sustainability of ex‐situ animal populations by ensuring cohesive populations, genetic diversity, and demographic stability, but factors affecting their fulfillment are poorly understood. We used a network analysis framework to analyze data compiled from PMCTrack from 2011 to 2019 for three taxonomic classes (mammals, birds, and reptiles/amphibians) within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to assess factors affecting transfer recommendation fulfillment. Of 2505 compiled transfer recommendations spanning 330 Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Programs and 156 institutions, 1628 (65%) of them were fulfilled. Transfers were most likely to be fulfilled between institutions in close proximity with an established relationship. Annual operating budget, SSP Coordinator experience, number of staff, and diversity of Taxonomic Advisory Groups in which an institution participates also influenced transfer recommendations and/or fulfillment, but effects varied with taxonomic class. Our results suggest that current practices of focusing on transfers between institutions in close proximity are working to maximize transfer success and that institutions with larger budgets and some degree of taxonomic specialization play important roles in promoting success. Success could be further enhanced by building reciprocal transfer relationships and encouraging further development of relationships between smaller institutions and larger ones. These results emphasize the utility of examining animal transfers using a network approach, which accounts for attributes of both sending and receiving institutions, describing novel patterns otherwise left undetected.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Tag Diversity −mentioning

confidence: 99%