Species 360
Did you know that Essex County Turtle Back Zoo (TBZ) plays a pivotal role in creating the world’s largest and most comprehensive knowledge base on over 22,000 species? As a member of global nonprofit Species360, Turtle Back Zoo contributes data on the animals and groups in its care every day, from lifecycle traits to environmental needs.
That information is recorded in the Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), now 50 years old and the world's largest source of data on species. To date, Turtle Back Zoo has contributed data on more than 3,594 animals and 834 species, subspecies, and breeds to Species360 ZIMS.
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, like other zoos, aquariums, and wildlife facilities worldwide, uses ZIMS to stay well informed about each animal and group. ZIMS combines the data from TBZ with contributions from like-minded species conservation institutions worldwide. For instance, Species360 Global Medical Resources, part of the ZIMS for Medical module, help veterinarians treat and prevent diseases by providing benchmarks for normal blood test results. The result informs what is known about animals and their environments, including insight into disease treatment, animal welfare, population health, and species conservation.
ZIMS for Studbooks is utilized by conservation teams worldwide to ensure the genetic diversity and health of animal populations in human care. This is critical for reintroduction programs, where conservation institutions work to reestablish native species in their natural habitats, ensuring these populations are healthy and sustainable.
Let’s take a closer look at one species in particular to understand the impact. Clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa) are a vulnerable species. It is estimated that fewer than 10,000 mature individuals remain in the wild. The population in human care is around 70, and genetic diversity is presumed to be very low. At TBZ, our staff maintains the international studbook for clouded leopards, which means all the information on births, deaths, transfers and even on reproductive and disease management are all recorded within ZIMS and coordinated by a single individual. There are currently 378 live clouded leopards being monitored globally in ZIMS at 111 different institutions. In total, there are 371 institutions that have contributed data on 2007 clouded leopards total.
When you visit, you may see our clouded leopards Jye (5 years) and Mali (5 years) in the Amazing Asia section. They are an Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommended breeding pair. The SSP scientists determine which animals to breed by considering their genetic makeup, nutritional and social needs, temperament, and overall health. Offspring from clouded leopard pairs in the United States are moved internationally to assist with creating sustainable population of clouded leopards worldwide. We have sent cats for breeding to zoos in Europe, Singapore and Australia just to name a few. Descendants of these clouded leopards could one day be reintroduced into wild protected areas where clouded leopards once roamed, but are now considered extinct, such as Taiwan.
At TBZ, our staff also maintains the regional studbook for the critically endangered Vietnamese Pond Turtles (Mauremys annamensis) also currently on view in Amazing Asia.
“We are proud to be a part of this international effort and its impact on animal wellbeing and wildlife conservation. As part of our commitment to species conservation, last year we shifted all our daily animal record keeping into ZIMS to ensure we maximize our contribution. Our Animal Care and Veterinary teams along with our Zoo Registrar work to meticulously record data on our individual animals. This ensures not only that our animals receive the best care but that they are also contributing to population management and conservation of their species. By continuing to share our knowledge and expertise, we can make even greater strides in protecting the planet’s biodiversity," said Dr. Jilian Fazio, Zoo Director at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo.
This Article is from the Fall/ Winter 2024 edition of ROAR, our Zoo Magazine
