Arignar Anna Zoological Park Research Articles

First report of occurrence of Babesia gibsoni in captive Indian wolves

Blood samples from fifteen captive Indian wolves (Canis lupus pallipes) maintained at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, Chennai were screened for the presence of Babesia spp., Ehrlichia canis and Trypnosoma evansi DNA by PCR. Out of 15 wolf samples, 3 samples were found positive for Babesia spp. The amplified 18S rRNA gene fragments from 3 wolves were sequenced and confirmed as Babesia gibsoni. A maximum likelihood tree was constructed using the three sequences along with other Babesia spp. sequences derived from GenBank adopting HKY nucleotide substitution model based on the Bayesian Information Criterion. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the three sequences were of Babesia gibsoni and highly divergent from Babesia canis, B. vogeli and B. vulpes. This might be a possible spill over event of B. gibsoni from community dogs through blood feeding dog ticks. This is the first report and molecular confirmation of B. gibsoni infection in captive Indian wolves.

Haematological and serum biochemical analysis of Bengal tigers from Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP), Chennai, India

Haematological and serum biochemical analysis of Bengal tigers from Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP), Chennai, India

Molecular Identification of Captive Snakes from their Shed Skin Using Cyt b & 12s rRNA Markers

Aims: To successfully utilize non-invasive shed skin samples for species identification of captive snake species of Tamil Nadu and create genetic repository.
 Study Design: The experiment was designed to apply the ammonium acetate method of DNA extraction from shed skin. Two mitochondrial markers were used to ascertain identification of species.
 Place and Duration of Study: Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The samples were collected between May and October 2019 from Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, Guindy National Park, Chennai, and Amirthi Zoological Park, Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
 Methodology: We collected fresh shed skin from 8 different snake species from captivities of zoos and dried between 48 to 72 hours to remove moisture. Independent DNA isolations were performed for each sample. The DNA isolated samples were quantified using Nanodrop Spectrophotometer for concentration. Independent PCR amplification of mitochondrial regions of cytochrome b and 12S rRNA were performed and agarose gel electrophoresis was carried out. PCR products were subjected to sanger sequencing using genetic analyzer.
 Results: The DNA concentration from all 8 different snake species ranged between 250 to 1600 ng/µL and average quality ratios A260/280 of 1.85 and A260/230 of 2.10. Both the mitochondrial gene regions cytochrome b and 12S rRNA showed specificity in species amplification with NCBI BLAST result ranging from 99-100%. Phylogenetic trees using maximum-likelihood method classified closely related species under the same clade, with a bootstrap support of 60-100%. Genetic distances of snake species ranged from 0.148-0.457 in cytochrome b region and 0.148-0.457 in 12S region.
 Conclusion: Shed skin is often overlooked from utilization for species identification. In this study, DNA from shed skin of 8 captive snakes is extracted and amplified using Cyt b and 12s mitochondrial markers. Individual phylogenetic trees are constructed for each marker to find relatedness of different snake species with one another. This work is an initiation of genetic repository creation of captive snake species of Tamil Nadu and could be effectively employed in conservation and population genetic studies of snakes.

Molecular diversity and hydrolytic enzymes production abilities of soil bacteria.

Soil is an integral part of ecosystem which is niche for varieties of microflora. The present study was investigated to isolate varied strains of bacteria from soil samples of three different geographical regions of Tamil Nadu (India) and evaluate their hydrolytic enzymes (amylase, cellulase, and inulinase) producing potentialities. Among 72 bacterial cultures isolated from Ambattur Industrial Estate, Neyveli Lignite Corporation, and Arignar Anna Zoological Park regions, 41.66, 38.88, and 36.11% of isolates were observed amylase, cellulase, and inulinase producers, respectively. On the other hand, 20.83% of total bacteria isolated from all three regions exhibited concurrent production of amylase, cellulase, and inulinase. Potent isolates depicting maximum enzyme activities were identified as Bacillus anthracis strain ALA1, Bacillus cereus strain ALA3, Glutamicibacter arilaitensis strain ALA4, and Bacillus thuringiensis strain ALA5 based on molecular characterization tools. Further, the thermodynamics parameters, open reading frames (ORFs) regions, and guanine-cytosine (GC) content were determined by distinct bioinformatics tools using 16S rRNA sequences of strains. Minimum free energy values for strain ALA1, strain ALA3, strain ALA4, and strain ALA5 were calculated as −480.73, −478.76, −496.63, and −479.03 kcal/mol, respectively. Mountain plot and entropy predicted the hierarchical representation of RNA secondary structure. The GC content of sequence for strain ALA1, strain ALA3, strain ALA4, and strain ALA5 was calculated as 53.06, 52.94, 56.78, and 53.06%, respectively. Nine ORFs were obtained for strain ALA1, strain ALA3, and strain ALA5 while 10 ORFs were observed for strain ALA4. Additionally, bootstrap tree demonstrated close resemblance of strains with existing bacteria of similar genus. Findings showed higher variability of bacterial diversity as hydrolytic enzymes producers in the investigated geographical regions.

Prevalence of Amblyomma gervaisi ticks on captive snakes in Tamil Nadu.

Ticks are the important ectoparasites that occur on snakes and transmit rickettsiosis, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis. A total of 62 snakes (Reticulated python, Indian Rock Python, Rat snakes and Spectacled cobra) were examined for tick infestation at Chennai Snake Park Trust (Guindy), Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur) and Rescue centre (Velachery) in Tamil Nadu from September, 2015 to June, 2016. Ticks from infested snakes were collected and were identified as Amblyomma gervaisi (previously known as Aponomma gervaisi). Overall occurrence of tick infestation on snakes was 66.13%. Highest prevalence of tick infestation was observed more on Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus, 90.91%) followed by Indian Rock Python (Python molurus, 88.89%), Spectacled cobra (Naja naja, 33.33%) and Rat snake (Ptyas mucosa, 21.05%). Highest prevalence of ticks were observed on snakes reared at Chennai Snake Park Trust, Guindy (83.33%), followed by Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur (60.00%) and low level prevalence of 37.50% on snakes at Rescue centre, Velachery. Among the system of management, the prevalence of ticks were more on captive snakes (70.37%) than the free ranging snakes (37.5%). The presences of ticks were more on the first quarter when compared to other three quarters and were highly significant (P≤0.01).

Parasitic fauna of captive snakes in Tamilnadu, India

ObjectiveTo study the parasitic fauna on serpentines under captive condition in zoological park of Tamilnadu, India. MethodsFecal samples were collected from (n = 247) serpentines, Arignar Anna Zoological Park (n = 22), Vandalur, Tamilnadu, India and Snake Park (n = 27), Guindy, Tamilnadu, India and screened for endoparasites using sedimentation techniques. Ectoparasites were also reported in this study. ResultsCoprological examination (n = 247) from captive snakes (n = 49) on random analysis revealed strongyles were predominant in Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur and Snake Park, Guindy, however the parasites were absent in king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah). Eggs of Capillaria sp. showed less predominance in Vandalur and Gunidy. Rat snakes [Ptyas mucosus (P. mucosus)] showed higher prevalence of strongyle infection in Vandalur, and Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) showed higher prevalence in Guindy. Study on ectoparasites revealed Aponomma gerviasii ticks in P. mucosus, Indian cobras (Naja naja), king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah), reticulated pythons (Python reticulates) and Indian rock pythons (Python molurus), among them, the most heavy infestation was documented in P. mucosus (n = 9). ConclusionsConfinement favour stress and dysecdysis in captive condition affect the health status of snakes in zoological park.

Trypanosomosis in a captive wild dog (Cuon alpinus)

Trypanosoma is an extra erythrocytic hemoprotozoan parasite, transmitted by biting flies and infected meat, causing fever, corneal opacity, anaemia. A male captive wild dog of Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur aged 3 years had a complaint of anorexia, lethargy, edema of forehead, staggering gait and reduced activity levels in its enclosure. Wet film revealed the presence of numerous motile Trypanosoma sp. Haematological parameters showed anaemia and mild neutrophila. Serum biochemistry was found to be altered. The treatment done was administration of Triquin to the ailing animal. The wild dog was housed in the in-patient ward for continuous monitoring. No Trypanosomes could be detected in the wet film and stained smears taken subsequently. After a week, the wild dog was shifted to its enclosure and is doing well.

Plate-rod Technique with Engraftment of Platelet Rich Plasma Seeded Hydroxyapatite for Fracture Management of Tibia in a Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra)

An adult one year old female Black Buck, weighing about 20kg, maintained in Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandallur, Chennai was referred to Madras Veterinary College with a complaint of non-weight bearing lameness on the left hind limb. Physical examination and radiogram revealed comminuted fracture of left tibia with cranially displaced bone fragments. Plate-rod technique of biologic osteosynthesis was performed with adjunct therapy of engraftment of autologous platelet rich plasma seeded hydroxyapatite which provided better clinical outcome without post-operative complication and early ambulation. Plate-rod technique of biologic osteosynthesis in combination with engraftment of autologous platelet rich plasma seeded hydroxyapatite for the management of tibial fracture improved the clinical outcome in a Black buck.

Parasitic fauna of captive mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) in south India

Coprological samples of captive mugger Crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) were randomly collected (102 Nos) from Snake Park, Guindy (36 Nos), Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur (44 Nos) and Amaravathy Crocodile farm (22 Nos) and screened for evidence of parasitic fauna using fecal sedimentation technique. Parasitic fauna evidenced trematode egg, Renifers which were predominant in Snake Park, Guindy and Amaravathy Crocodile farm and nematode eggs, Dujardinascaris sp. in samples from Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur. Among the study, Dujardinascaris sp. was predominant and mixed infections of Renifers and Ophiotaenia sp. were limited. However Polydelphis sp. was observed only in Amaravathy farm. Renifers and Dujardinascaris sp. were found in mugger crocodiles from all these three locations. No ectoparasites were encountered in mugger crocodiles during this study. Snake Park, Guindy and Amaravathy Crocodile farm had the habit of feeding fishes to this reptile encountered the presence of trematode and cestode eggs in these areas. Captivity provides the condition in such a way that ectoparasites could not be ruled out in this study unlike free-ranging habitat.

Influence of Zoo Visitor Presence on the Behavior of Captive Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus) in a Zoological Park

Visitors to zoos can be a source of potential disturbance and stress to some captive, nonhuman animals in the wild. To determine the influence of visitor presence on captive bison (Bos gaurus gaurus), the study analyzed the behavior of 4 individuals at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, India. The study often observed the behavior of the animals on visitor-present days and on days when visitors were absent. In the presence of zoo visitors, the bison showed a higher level of intragroup aggression and moving behavior. In contrast, the bison rested more when no visitors were present. The results revealed that the presence of zoo visitors significantly influenced the behavior of captive bison and thereby may have affected their welfare.

The captive audience: the educative influence of zoos on their visitors in India

A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the educative influence of zoo visits on their visitors at three Indian zoos. Although 300 questionnaires were completed at each site, 150 questionnaires each for ‘zoo visitors’ and the ‘general public’, only 863 (96%) were used in the analysis because the others were incomplete. A significantly higher number of ‘zoo visitors’ (n=111/150, 74%) were found to be aware of the appearance and biology of the Lion‐tailed macaque Macaca silenus in comparison with the ‘general public’ (n=67/150, 45%) at Thiruvananthapuram Zoo (TZ). When asked about the goals of a zoo, a relatively greater percentage of the ‘zoo visitors’ at Arignar Anna Zoological Park (20%) and TZ (29%) stated that the goal of the zoo was to protect endangered species, while 69% of the ‘zoo visitors’ at Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden said they did not know. As high as 64% of the ‘zoo visitors’ across the three zoos said that a zoo could definitely help protect wild animals. Overall, the ‘zoo visitors’ correctly answered a greater number of questions on the biology, behaviour and habitat of Lion‐tailed macaques in comparison with the ‘general public’. Our study suggests that zoos are an excellent learning environment to convey the ‘conservation and education’ messages but currently they are an underutilized resource. Zoos could initiate the process of educating their public by providing them with ‘pocket’ guides and brochures on wildlife at the entrance and also by conducting 15 minute‐long talks at the animal exhibits about crucial conservation and wildlife issues.

Sighting of Sirkeer Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii) in the Thar Desert

O’Donovan, D., J. Hindle, S. McKeown and S. O’Donovan (1993). Effect of visitors on the behaviour of female Cheetahs Acinonyx jubatus. International Zoo Yearbook 32: 238-244. Oswald, M. and K. Kuyk (1977). The behaviour of three lorisoid primate species before and after the public opening of the nocturnal house, pp. 81-100. In: Crockett, C. and M. Hutchins (Eds.). Applied Behavioural Research. Pika Press, Seattle. Pankhurst, S. and J. Lacey (2001). The effects of visitor density on aggression in sheep, pigs and goats in the Encounter Village at Marwell Zoo. Proceedings of the 2001 Zoo Research Symposium, Chester Zoo, UK. Shankar, M., P. Venkatesan, D. Santhi, M. John and A. Manimozhi (1996). Provocation of animals by visitors at Arignar Anna Zoological Park. Simpson, L. (2004). The effect of visitors on captive non-human primates. Zoo Federation Research Newsletter 5(3): 5. Snipp, R. (2004). The behavioural response of three species of lemur (Eulemur fulvus rufus, Eulemur rubriventer and Varecia variegata variegata) to a mixed species exhibit and the presence of visitors. Primate Society of Great Britain Spring Meeting, 29th-30th March, 2004, Paignton Zoo. Snyder, R. (1975). Behavioral stress in captive animals, pp. 41-76. In: Research in Zoos and Aquariums. National Academy of Sciences, Washington DC, USA. Thompson, V. (1976). Observation of the great apes in a naturalistic zoo environment. Unpublished manuscript, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago. Thompson, V. (1989). Behavioural response of 12 ungulate species in captivity to the presence of humans. Zoo Biology 8: 275-297. Venkatraman, C. (1988). A Case study of Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Madras. M.Sc. Dissertation, Bharathidasan University, May 1988. Vrancken, A., L. Van Elsacker and R. Verheyen (1990). Preliminary study on the influence of the visiting public on the spatial distribution in captive Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla graueri Matschie, 1914). Acta Zoologica et Pathologica Antverpiensia 81: 9-15. Wehnelt, S. and L. Birke (2000). Long-term Orangutan behaviour project at Chester Zoo, I: Visitor effects. Zoo Federation Research Newsletter Issue 3. Wehnelt, S., E. Fishlock, R. Condon, C. Coleman and C. Schaffner (2004). Visitor numbers effect endocrinological stress levels and behaviour in Orangutans at Chester Zoo. Primate Society of Great Britain Spring Meeting, 29th-30th March, 2004, Paignton Zoo. Wood, W. (1998). Interactions among environmental enrichment, viewing crowds, and zoo Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Zoo Biology 17: 211-230.

Environmental influences on stereotypy and the activity budget of Indian leopards (Panthera pardus) in four zoos in Southern India

AbstractTo eliminate abnormal behaviors in leopards (Panthera pardus), such as stereotypic pacing, by utilizing environmental enrichment techniques, a proper understanding of their behavior in captive environments is required. Hence there is a need for animal welfare studies in Indian zoos. The activity budgets of 16 leopards were recorded across four southern Indian zoos: Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, and the Guindy Children's Park. Of the 16 study animals, 14 were studied on‐exhibit on zoo holidays as well as on days with visitors present, and all 16 individuals were studied off‐exhibit on other days with visitors present. The 11 behaviors recorded were categorized into active, resting, and stereotypic behaviors. Leopards exhibited higher levels of activity in the on‐exhibit enclosures on days with no visitors. Feeding time influenced the behavioral repertoire of all 14 leopards studied on‐exhibit. Lower proportions of resting were exhibited during the hours before feeding. The proportion of active behaviors differed significantly across zoos. Stereotypic pacing levels were not influenced by the presence of visitors or by feeding time, but was significantly influenced by enclosure features. Higher levels of stereotypic pacing were exhibited in off‐exhibit than on‐exhibit enclosures. Our study shows that the behavior of captive leopards is influenced by enclosure type, feeding regime, and the presence of visitors. Zoo Biol 21:585–595, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Study on causes of mortality in Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus) at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur

Study on causes of mortality in Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus) at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur

Study on causes of mortality in Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus) at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur

Study on causes of mortality in Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus) at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur

Studies on the Binturongs (Arctictis binturong) in captivity at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur

Received 20 May 2000 Accepted 1 October 2000 Abstract Captive conditions of three Binturongs Arctictis binturong (one female and two males) at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur were studied during December 1995 to February 1996. Enclosure design and dimensions, environment of the enclosure, activity patterns and enclosure use of the animals and diet of the animals were studied. Improvements for enclosure design and environment have been suggested. The animals were observed for 250 hours and 3990 recordings were made on their behaviour. Based on such an intensive study. The suggestions were (i) Provision of an outdoor enclosure, (ii) Psychological enrichment of the enclosure, (iii) Proper maintenance of temperature and humidity, (iv) Separation of old male to another enclosure, (v) Keeping the young male and female in isolation of old male to separate but adjoining enclosures and (vi) Modifications in the diet of the animal.

Captive breeding and zoo policy in India - Lessons from Arignar Anna Zoological Park

The objectives of the study conducted at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, were to assess the success of captive breeding of chosen mammalian species and to evaluate the potential of the zoo for ex situ conservation. Results obtained showed that the potential of the zoo to conserve those species threatened in the wild, is enormous. This was evident from the records of successful captive births of the four selected mammalian species, (Cervus eldi eldi, Macaca silenus, Panthera tigris and Trachypithecus johnii). Selection was based on: IUCN Red List status of the species, inclusion of representatives of important orders and distribution of the species in the country. Results show that zoos in India concentrate largely either on those species which are at a lower risk of extinction in the wild or on large bodied mammals like Panthera tigris, which are difficult to reintroduce into the wild. This is not in accordance with the IUCN Policy Statement on captive breeding. There are lacunae in the areas of prioritisation of Indian taxa for conservation breeding and in the formulation of zoo policy. This has consequently restricted, in many ways, the extent of zoo contribution to the conservation cause. Recommendations have been suggested based on the results that can improve the potential of the zoo to perform its multifaceted role. These include: * recognising the importance of enclosure enrichment in stimulating physiological and psychological development, which are essential in reintroducing animals to their natural environment * immediate formulation of a zoo policy * prioritisation of Indian taxa for conservation breeding * more attention on smaller bodied mammals like the rodents and bats, which are easier to reintroduce without compromising on visitor appeal * a re-evaluation of the zoos raison d’etre

Captive breeding and zoo policy in India - Lessons from Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Captive breeding and zoo policy in India - Lessons from Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Reproduction of the Indian wild dog (Cuon alpinus) in captivity

AbstractThe reproductive behavior and development of 3 wild‐caught and 2 captive‐born dholes (Cuon alpinus) was observed at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park during 4 successive mating seasons. Courtship was characterized by frequent urine marking and vocalizing by both sexes, by olfactory inspection of marked spots and of partners' genitalia, and by the female's licking and mounting of the male. Dholes exhibited the copulatory tie and back‐to‐back copulatory posture that is typical of other canids. Estrus may be longer, and the frequency of copulation higher, than is seen in other canids, however. The 4 litters born to the wild‐caught pair yielded information on growth and development. A captive‐born pair first began to show signs of sexual activity at 11 months of age. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss Inc.

Breeding behaviour of the Malay giant squirrel Ratufa bicolor at Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Breeding behaviour of the Malay giant squirrel <i>Ratufa bicolor</i> at Arignar Anna Zoological Park