European Endangered Species Programme Research Articles

AMYLOIDOSIS IN CAPTIVE EUROPEAN EASTERN BONGO (TRAGELAPHUS EURYCERUS ISAACI): PREVALENCE, PREDICTIVE FACTORS, ORGAN PREDILECTION, AND SERUM AMYLOID A CONCENTRATIONS.

Amyloidosis is frequently identified during postmortem examination of captive eastern bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). However, its significance and etiopathogenesis are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of amyloidosis within this population and identify potential predictive factors for the presence of disease. Postmortem reports obtained from 24 EEP institutions were analyzed and assessed for evidence of amyloidosis. Seventy-two individuals had histopathological assessment performed after gross postmortem examination and were included in the study. Further histopathological analysis was performed on Congo red-stained slides from 26 individuals, and organ predilection sites were identified. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed in six individuals to identify the type of amyloid present. Serum amyloid A (SAA) analysis was performed on blood samples from 34 individuals, and concentrations in affected and unaffected individuals were compared. Amyloidosis was reported in 26 animals (36%). The association between the presence of amyloidosis and sex, age, or body condition was not statistically significant. However, amyloidosis was not identified in any individuals under the age of 6 yr. The presence of chronic inflammatory conditions was the only statistically significant predictive factor for the presence of amyloidosis (P = 0.03). Chronic inflammatory conditions present included nephritis, enteritis, and pneumonia. The majority of affected animals presented with amyloid deposition in multiple organs, with the liver and kidneys being most commonly affected. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of AA amyloid. The association between the presence of amyloidosis and SAA values measured on a single occasion was not statistically significant. This study identified a high prevalence of amyloidosis within the captive European eastern bongo population associated with chronic inflammatory conditions. Antemortem diagnosis of amyloidosis remains challenging, and this study indicates that SAA protein concentrations are not a reliable indicator for the presence of amyloidosis.

A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF POST-METAMORPHIC MOUNTAIN CHICKEN FROG (LEPTODACTYLUS FALLAX) NECROPSY FINDINGS FROM EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS, 1998 TO 2018.

The mountain chicken frog (Leptodactylus fallax) is the largest endemic amphibian species in the Western Hemisphere. Since 1998, this critically endangered species has been maintained as a European Endangered Species Programme, but low breeding success and a high mortality rate threaten the sustainability of the captive frog population. In the current study, we analyzed gross and histopathologic postmortem information from 212 mountain chicken frogs that died in European zoological collections from 1998 to 2018. Thin body condition was the most commonly reported finding across all submissions, observed in 125 frogs. The gastrointestinal and urinary systems were reported to have the highest prevalence of pathologic findings on gross and histopathologic examination. Inflammatory disease was the most frequent diagnosis after histopathologic examination of relevant tissues, with intestinal inflammatory disease (n = 76) followed by tubulointerstitial nephritis (n = 26) being the most commonly reported. Neoplasia was reported in 42 of 212 (19.8%) frogs, all of which were adults. A defined cause of death, or reason for euthanasia, was proposed for 164 of 212 (77.4%) frogs, with inflammatory diseases processes (74 of 212; 34.9%) most commonly implicated. Intestinal adenocarcinoma, seemingly restricted to the colon, caused the deaths of 31 adult frogs. Further investigations to determine factors contributing to the high incidence of inflammatory disease processes and neoplasia are advocated to improve the health and sustainability of the captive mountain chicken frog population.

EQUINE SARCOIDS IN CAPTIVE WILD EQUIDS: DIAGNOSTIC AND CLINICAL MANAGEMENT OF 16 CASES-A POSSIBLE PREDISPOSITION OF THE EUROPEAN COHORT OF SOMALI WILD ASS (EQUUS AFRICANUS SOMALIENSIS)?

Equine sarcoids (ES) were diagnosed in 12 Somali wild asses (SWA) (Equus africanus somaliensis) from 10 different institutions of the SWA European Endangered Species Programme from 1976 to 2019. Samples of surgically excised masses, biopsies, or necropsy samples were submitted for histologic and virologic analysis. In addition, tissue samples from one onager (Equus hemionus onager), one kulan (Equus hemionus kulan), and two Hartmann's mountain zebras (HMZ) (Equus zebra hartmannae) were examined. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of ES exhibiting the typical microscopic features. Polymerase chain reaction detected bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV1) DNA in eight SWA samples and bovine papillomavirus type 2 (BPV2) DNA in one SWA sample. The onager, kulan, and one HMZ sample tested positive for BPV1. The other HMZ tested positive for BPV1 and BPV2. This is the first report of ES in an onager. Surgical excision was the treatment elected by most veterinarians. A follow-up survey of the cases over several years after clinical diagnosis and therapy revealed variable individual outcome with ES recurrence in four cases. Three SWA and the kulan were euthanized due to the severity of the lesions. Nine affected SWA were males with seven having a sarcoid located at the prepuce. Because a genetic disposition is a risk factor for the development of ES in horses, this may also be true for endangered wild equids with few founder animals in their studbook history. Innovative approaches regarding therapy and prevention of ES in wild equids are therefore highly encouraged.

Assessing the behaviour, welfare and husbandry of mouse deer (Tragulus spp.) in European zoos

Mouse deer are primitive, forest ungulates found in Asia and Africa. Both the lesser mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus) and the Philippine mouse deer (T. nigricans) are managed in European zoos, but inconsistent breeding success between institutions, high neonatal mortality and a general lack of research on their husbandry and behaviour were identified by the coordinators of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) and the European Studbook (ESB) for each species, respectively. This study is the first to provide a behavioural description for the Philippine mouse deer and to compile a detailed behavioural repertoire for both species. Our aim was to identify the effects of current husbandry and management practices on the reproduction, behaviour and welfare of zoo-housed mouse deer. Questionnaires on husbandry and management practices were sent to all institutions in the EEP and ESB for the lesser and Philippine mouse deer, respectively, and behavioural data were collected in 15 of these zoos. For the lesser mouse deer, results show a positive effect of vegetation cover on breeding success, foraging and moving behaviours. The provision of enrichment and presence of water ponds also positively affected these behaviours. The time that pairs spent in close proximity had a negative effect on breeding success, but animals in more vegetated enclosures spent less time in close proximity to each other. Results could be partially explained by the natural habitat of this usually solitary species being tropical forest, which provides local water sources and undergrowth for cover from predators. For the Philippine mouse deer there were differences in activity measures recorded between zoos, but the sample size was small with differences in training, enrichment and vegetation cover likely to have been important. In conclusion, since mouse deer inhabit overlapping male and female territories, the usual practice of housing breeding pairs together may be appropriate, but we suggest that they should be provided with opportunities to avoid each other in complex enclosures with ample vegetation cover to maximise their natural behavioural repertoire and breeding success.

HEALTH SCREENING OF THE EUROPEAN ENDANGERED SPECIES PROGRAM CAPTIVE POPULATION OF THE PINK PIGEON (NESOENAS MAYERI).

The population of the Mauritian pink pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) fell to fewer than 20 individuals in the 1970s. Following intensive conservation efforts, the free-living population is now estimated to be 470 individuals. However, because of the population bottleneck the species remains at risk of extinction because of genetic loss and inbreeding depression. A European captive population was established in 1977 and a European Endangered Species Program (EEP) was formalized in 1992. As birds in the EEP captive population possess unique alleles not observed in the surviving free-living birds, the EEP management plan recommends transferring EEP birds to Mauritius to improve genetic diversity. Health screening of the current EEP population to identify circulating pathogens was performed. Forty-two birds from three collections in the United Kingdom and one in Jersey were screened for a wide range of pathogens, present clinically or subclinically, including important viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths. Eleven birds tested positive for at least one pathogen: Trichomonas spp. (5), Yersinia kristensenii (2), Yersinia aleksiciae (1), coccidial oocysts (3), and strongyle ova (3). None of the positive birds showed overt signs of clinical disease, although two birds with Trichomonas spp. had suboptimal body condition. Genotyping of one Trichomonas gallinae sample revealed a type-C strain (low pathogenicity). The results from this screening will contribute towards a disease risk assessment, to create a pre-export protocol for translocation of captive EEP birds to Mauritius.

Binturong Arctictis binturong conservation: the relationship between the zoo community and ABConservation for an integrated conservation programme in Palawan, Philippines

Zoological institutions play an ever‐greater role in awareness of biodiversity and are increasingly involved in conservation initiatives. The Binturong Arctictis binturong is an elusive and poorly known carnivore of the family Viverridae, found in South East Asian ecosystems. This species, affected by diverse human‐related threat processes, is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. This paper reports on the collaborative efforts involving the Binturong European Endangered Species Programme, the French non‐governmental organization ABConservation, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, the zoo community and researchers at the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris (France), all aimed at the conservation of Binturongs. The resulting multidisciplinary initiatives allow the development of an integrated conservation programme for this species in Palawan (Philippines), including community awareness, education programmes, research projects and empowerment of range communities in nature conservancy. Zoos contributed significantly to the development of the field initiatives of ABConservation. Participation of zoos in field programmes for conservation is beneficial for both parties, because zoos support conservation through funding, raising awareness and expertise, and at the same time they acquire increased knowledge about the species they have in their care, and gain relevance in defining their role and missions.

The development of the Red panda Ailurus fulgens EEP: from a failing captive population to a stable population that provides effective support to in situ conservation

The Red panda Ailurus fulgens is an Endangered small carnivore that occurs in Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal and the People's Republic of China. Wild populations of Red pandas have declined by 50% over the last three generations as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting and poaching. In 1979 an international studbook was established for the species to monitor the demographically small and unstable population in human care. At that time the breeding results were poor. In 1985 a European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) was initiated and from then onwards the Red panda population started to grow as improved breeding techniques were utilized. As at 31 December 2019 there were 407 Red pandas: 177.228.2 (♂♂.♀♀.??) in the EEP housed at 182 institutions. The EEP developed in stages over four decades, from a small population of Red pandas with low breeding success and high mortality, to a popular breeding programme with high breeding success and direct links to in situ conservation. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, such as mean kinship and genetic diversity, climate change and its effects on juvenile mortality, and the welfare of individuals housed in long‐term bachelor groups. These issues are highlighted to encourage future research into the conservation of this species with some indications given of what zoos can do to find solutions to the most‐pressing challenges.

Survey to identify factors affecting breeding of Wolverines Gulo gulo within the EEP

Conservation biologists have long faced the challenging task of large‐carnivore conservation. The hunting habits and specific ecology of these species make their conservation difficult and Wolverines Gulo gulo are no exception. Wolverines are close to extinction as a result of human persecution and habitat loss. The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) introduced the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for the Wolverine in 1994 but only irregular breeding has been achieved. The aim of this study was to identify factors that could be connected to breeding success in Wolverines in human care with a particular focus on the characteristics of enclosures, species biology, characteristics of the institutions and the influences of human–animal interactions. Based on these factors, we produced and distributed an online survey to almost all holders of Wolverines included in the EEP. Overall, no main factor or group of factors investigated in this study seemed to be the clear defining feature that would explain the differences in breeding success between institutions participating in the Wolverine EEP. However, a negative effect of small enclosures on breeding success was indicated by the results. Furthermore, zoos with non‐successful breeding tended to separate keepers and Wolverines during routine enclosure maintenance compared to zoos that reported successful breeding. Both these factors are interesting and need further investigation.

Reintroducing Cuvier’s gazelle. Better than expected from captive-bred founders

The use of captive-bred animals as founder stock for reintroduction is sometimes discouraged due to their low genetic diversity and even accumulation of deleterious alleles. In October 2016, 43 Cuvier’s gazelles (12 males and 31 females), managed under a European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) and housed in captivity, formed the base of a reintroduction project in Tunisia. The project approach used soft-release techniques. Upon arrival, animals were released in acclimatisation pens, so they could adjust to the new conditions gradually before true release. This study reports on the three-year period gazelles were in the acclimatisation pens before release into the wild. To assess the suitability of captive-bred Cuvier’s gazelles as founder stock for reintroduction, the demographic parameters of the reintroduced population were studied for three reproductive seasons in Tunisia (2017–2019). The demographic parameters of the reintroduced population were also compared to those from the source captive population as a control during the first breeding season. If the animals used as founders were unsuited, a decrease in demographic parameters could be expected over time in the reintroduced population, as well as lower demographic variables compared to the source population. Contrary to expectations, during the three-year study period, all demographic variables increased in the population reintroduced in Tunisia, except juvenile mortality, which decreased. Moreover, none of the demographic values of the gazelles in Tunisia were significantly different from the source population. We hypothesize that in the extremely bottlenecked captive Cuvier’s gazelle population used as founder stock, genetic diversity was still high enough to surmount the presumably deleterious effects of inbreeding. This is probably due to very high heritability (h2), a parameter providing information on the quantitative genetic variation associated with multi-locus quantitative traits previously found in this population. Although reintroduction programs have traditionally been undertaken purely as management exercises, ours was designed to meet a research objective as well. We wanted to find out the adaptive variation in sex ratio in offspring of female Cuvier’s gazelles using the size of the enclosure as a proxy reflecting their body condition. As found in captivity using consanguinity level as a proxy of body condition, in the reintroduced population, mothers in large enclosures produced more daughters while those in the small ones produced more sons, which supports adaptive manipulation of the birth sex ratio favoured by natural selection in reintroduced Cuvier’s gazelles.

Hand-rearing protocol and comparison of growth rates in parent reared versus hand reared offspring: a case study in Callicebus cupreus

The European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for coppery titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus) has a total population of 90 individuals within zoos that suffer from low reproduction rates and high neonatal mortality. Bristol Zoo Gardens (BZG) housed a breeding female from 2012 who first showed signs of pregnancy in 2017. During parturition, the female died from shock secondary to uterine prolapse. In order to ensure the survival of the infant it was hand-reared. This infant offered the opportunity to trial a hand-rearing protocol for Callicebus. The aim of this publication is to report the first detailed hand rearing protocol for the species and to compare the growth rates of two hand-reared infants against and seven parent-reared titi monkeys using information on growth rates gathered using ZIMS. Day had a significant effect on the weight of both hand-reared and parent-reared titi monkeys (F(1,57)=919.3, p<0.001, np2 =0.942). Parent-reared titi monkeys had significantly higher growth rates (457.9±9.3) compared to the hand-reared (390.7±11.1) titi monkeys (F(1,57)=19.804, p<0.001, np2 =0.258). Despite the differences in growth rates between the hand-reared and mother-reared infants the rearing protocol used was considered successful due to the infant being the first hand reared coppery titi monkey to survive to adulthood without any nutritional deficiencies. Further research is needed to develop this protocol to include more natural feeding and socialisation procedures to improve hand reared coppery titi monkey growth and development in captivity and other Callicebus species in the future.

RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF MORTALITY IN CAPTIVE PINK PIGEONS (NESOENAS MAYERI) HOUSED IN EUROPEAN COLLECTIONS: 1977-2018.

The Mauritian pink pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) is vulnerable, with only 400 individuals remaining in the free-living population. A European captive population was established in 1977 and a European Endangered Species Program (EEP) in 1992. The EEP long-term management plan recommends integrating the EEP and free-living Mauritius populations through pigeon transfers. A retrospective mortality review of the captive population was performed as part of a disease risk assessment process and to inform infectious disease screening prior to exporting captive birds to Mauritius. Six hundred pink pigeons from 34 institutions died from 1977 to 2018. Each individual was categorized according to age at time of death. Records from 404 individuals were categorized according to cause of death. Neonatal mortality (39%) and juvenile mortality (10.8%) were most commonly caused by noninfectious diseases (52% and 54.4%, respectively), including parental neglect and failure to thrive in neonates and nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in juveniles. Trauma (43.1%) was the most common cause of mortality in adults, with significantly higher mortality in males from interspecific aggression and in females due to intraspecific aggression. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium, and Escherichia coli were the most common infectious causes of adult mortality, and E. coli was the most common infectious cause in neonates. The following infectious diseases were identified as priorities for pre-export disease risk analysis, though not all caused mortality: Y. pseudotuberculosis, M. avium, Trichomonas spp., Chlamydia psittaci, and Coccidia spp. Husbandry changes have been made over the years to mitigate many of the noninfectious causes of mortality. These include alterations to nest sites to reduce neonatal trauma and abandonment, ultraviolet light supplementation and diet optimization to reduce metabolic disorders, improving enclosure design to reduce impact trauma, allowing females rest periods during breeding season, and avoiding housing with certain species.

A veterinary survey of factors associated with capture-related mortalities in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus).

The objective of this study was to gain better insight into factors associated with the capture-related mortality rate in cheetahs. A link to an online questionnaire was sent to zoo and wildlife veterinarians through the Species Survival Plan Programme and European Endangered Species Programme coordinators and via the ‘Wildlife VetNet’ Google group forum. The questionnaire consisted of 50 questions relating to the veterinarians’ country of residence and experience, the medicine combinations used, standard monitoring procedures, capture-related complications and mortalities experienced in this species under different capture conditions. In addition, necropsy data from the national wildlife disease database of the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa were examined for cases where anaesthetic death was listed as the cause of death in cheetahs. A total of 75 veterinarians completed the survey, with 38 from African countries and a combined total of 37 from Europe, the United States (US) and Asia. Of these, 24% (n = 18/75) had experienced at least one capture-associated cheetah mortality, with almost all of the fatalities (29/30) reported by veterinarians working in Africa. A lack of anaesthetic monitoring and the absence of supplemental oxygen were shown to be significant risk factors for mortality. Hyperthermia, likely to be associated with capture stress, was the most common reported complication (35%). The results suggest that free-ranging rather than habituated captive cheetahs are particularly at risk of dying during immobilisation and transport. The capture-related fatalities in this species do not appear to be associated with either the veterinarian’s level of clinical experience or the immobilisation agents used.

The Effect of pack separation on social relationships and behaviour in captive African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus)

African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) are endangered carnivores with a population size that is currently estimated at 6.600 adults in the wild. The European Endangered Species Program (EEP) for African wild dogs aims to maintain a healthy zoo population that is sustainable on the long-term and thereby prevent extinction of the species. Safaripark Beekse Bergen is one of the zoos that participate in the African wild dog EEP and they faced some challenges in the captive management of their breeding pack by the death of the alpha-male. Nine male littermates were transferred to GaiaZOO in an attempt to restore the complex social structure and decrease the risk of inbreeding in the pack. This study evaluates this captive management decision by comparing the social relationships and behaviour in both zoos before and after pack separation. Changes in social relationships and behaviour imply that the remaining pack members in Safaripark Beekse Bergen formed a socially unstable pack after pack separation, while the nine male littermates formed a socially stable pack in GaiaZOO. Based on the results, recommendations are provided for further improving zoo animal management and the welfare of captive African wild dogs.

Genetic and demographic analysis of European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) and Species Survival Plan (SSP) Western lowland gorilla Gorilla gorilla gorilla populations

Since the late 1990s, European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)‐member zoos have worked collaboratively to achieve a self‐sustaining population for gorilla through the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in the United States has similarly worked through the Species Survival Plan (SSP). These populations are all registered in the International Studbook for the Western Lowland Gorilla Gorilla g. gorilla Savage &amp; Wyman, 1847, which is updated annually. Demographic and genetic analyses of these data are carried out to monitor population development. This paper presents the results of the genetic and demographic analysis of EAZA and AZA populations of the Western lowland gorilla Gorilla gorilla gorilla, considering the individuals registered since the beginning of the studbook (1950) until 2014, and the analyses are mainly focused on the results for both populations around the last decade. The data have been gathered from the 2014 international studbook and data registered in the Single Population Analysis and Records Keeping System (Sparks). Genetic and demographic analyses were carried out using PMx software. The results of the demographic analyses show that the EEP population is growing, demonstrating positive life parameters; for example, a finite growth rate of λ = 1·007, an instantaneous growth rate of r = 0·007 and a net reproductive rate of R0 = 1·160. However, the results of the demographic analyses for the SSP population show a general tendency for population reduction; that is, a finite growth rate of λ = 0·992, an instantaneous rate of growth rate r = −0·008 and a net reproductive rate of R0 = 0·864. When comparing the results from both populations it would appear that the application of strict breeding policies in the SSP for a few years had a noticeable impact on the SSP demographic results.

An assessment of the genetic diversity of the founders of the European captive population of Asian lion (Panthera leo leo), using microsatellite markers and studbook analysis

A European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) was established in the early 1990s, in order to manage a captive population of Asian lions (Panthera leo leo) within European zoos. The founders of this population comprised of nine individuals that originated from a captive population in India. During 2007–2009, 57 lions were born in the European captive population. Of these births, 35 individuals died within 20days, three died within two months and one individual was euthanased at four months old. Indeed, over 50% of the total historical captive population died within 30days of birth. The ‘European Studbook for the Asian Lion’ shows that the EEP founder population contains individuals from matings of full and half siblings, including all female founders.It is probable that high levels of inbreeding within this captive population are causing high levels of stillbirths and infant mortality. Previous research has shown that there is limited genetic variation in the captive population in India. This study uses the same microsatellite markers to establish the level of genetic variation that was present when the EEP population was established in comparison with that observed in the Indian zoo population, from which it was derived. Only three of the 12 microsatellite markers, showing variation in the Indian captive population, showed bi-allelic heterozygosity in the EEP founders, indicating that most variation was not present during the establishment of the EEP population. Therefore, the future of the Asian lion EEP is compromised by lack of genetic variation and high levels of inbreeding, which can only be alleviated by importing further individuals with different genotypes from India.

Saving the mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci): assessment of the genetic status of captive bongos as a source for genetic reinforcement of wild populations

Fewer than 140 individuals of the rare and critically endangered mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) remain in the wild. This population has eroded genetic diversity, with only two haplotypes detected with mitochondrial DNA markers. The genetic diversity of mountain bongos from the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) was assessed for this study. Genetic diversity of 10 captive individuals was measured by sequencing a portion of the mitochondrial DNA control region; the resulting sequences were compared to published data from this subspecies and used to establish levels of haplotype-sharing between wild and captive populations. Our data show that captive mountain bongo populations harbour a rare haplotype that is found in less than 5% of individuals in some wild populations and is absent in others. The findings suggest that captive individuals harbour valuable genetic diversity, making them potentially valuable candidates for a reintroduction programme to help reinforce the gene pools of wild populations. We further propose a two-way approach that also involves introducing wild individuals into captive populations, with the goal of maintaining the genetic health of both in situ and ex situ populations.

Feeding practices for captive giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) in Europe: A survey in EEP zoos

As with other browsing ruminants, the nutrition of giraffes ( Giraffa camelopardalis ) can be challenging. Feeding browse in very large amounts is not feasible. Therefore, substitutes need to be provided that have to meet requirements and the species’ digestive capacity to the greatest possible extent. To achieve a comprehensive overview of current giraffe feeding practice in Europe, a survey was conducted among 153 member zoos of the European Endangered Species Programme. Information from 81 returned questionnaires showed a considerable variety of feeds being provided in varying proportions. The use of lucerne hay (89% of zoos) and fresh browse as trees or branches (96% of zoos) was more common than stated in previous studies. The use of a pelleted compound feed was almost standard practice, but many diets additionally contained cereal grains, as concentrate feeds high in rapidly fermentable starch. Eighty-five percent of the zoos reported feeding fresh fruits and vegetables, even though this is not recommended due to high sugar contents with a potentially negative influence on ruminal fermentation. The estimated non-forage proportion (sum of concentrate feeds and fresh fruits and vegetables) in the overall dietary dry matter (DM) was 37% in summer and 43% in winter (median), which is in accordance with recommendations. However, a considerable range of non-forage proportions was found , with 43% of the zoos providing amounts that were likely to be exceeding 50% of the potential daily DM intake. Data on dietary proportions revealed a geographical variation , with zoos from Western Europe showing the lowest and zoos from Eastern Europe showing the highest proportion of concentrate feeds in rations. An index of feeding appropriateness, oriented towards conformity with feeding recommendations, may be useful to evaluate and improve feeding management precisely and individually, as room for improvement was revealed for half of the participating zoos.

Retrospective study of mortality in Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) in the European breeding population between 2000 and 2014.

Although the European population of Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) has been managed under the European Endangered Species Program (EEP) since 1990, little is known about the health status of the population. This study was designed to characterize mortality for this population through examination of the studbook and other records on 392 Asiatic lions living in the EEP between 2000 and 2014. A total of 270 animals died during the period with 80% of them being under 1 year old. The mortality rate for under 1 year olds was 54%, while the odds of survival of cubs within a litter increased if the dam had had litters previously. Survival to reproductive age was 44%. Post-mortem reports were requested and the cause of death was obtained for 133 animals. Trauma inflicted by a conspecific and lack of care were common causes of death (26% and 22%, respectively) and were also responsible for most of the neonatal mortalities. Congenital defects were responsible for 9% of deaths, although the true prevalence is likely underestimated. A common necropsy protocol for all Asiatic lion collections is needed to facilitate future studies. Zoo Biol. 36:66-73, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

NEPHROPATHIES IN THE EUROPEAN CAPTIVE CHEETAH (ACINONYX JUBATUS) POPULATION.

According to previous studies in captive cheetah ( Acinonyx jubatus ) populations, one of the most threatening diseases besides amyloidosis, myelopathy, veno occlusive disease, and gastritis, is renal failure. Contrary to captive cheetahs in North America and South Africa, morphological data concerning renal lesions in the cheetah European Endangered Species Program (EEP) are lacking. This study details the histological characterization as well as immunohistochemical and morphometrical analysis of nephropathies in 35 captive cheetahs from the EEP, which were necropsied between 1985 and 2003. Examination of paraffin- and glycolmethacrylate-methylmethacrylate (GMA-MMA) embedded kidney samples by light microscopy revealed glomerulonephritis in 91%, with a high prevalence for glomerulosclerosis and glomerulonephritis with the histologic pattern of membranous glomerulonephritis (77%). Besides these predominating glomerulopathies, a wide range of other renal lesions, like acute tubular necrosis, interstitial nephritis, calcinosis, and amyloidosis, were present. Pathological expression of collagen type IV, complement C3, fibronectin, and IgG was demonstrated in the glomeruli of the cheetah kidneys with the use of the avidin-biotin complex method. Morphometrical analysis was performed on GMA-MMA embedded kidney samples to obtain glomerulosclerosis index and glomerulosclerosis incidence.

Intensive demographic and genetic management through European Endangered Species Programmes (EEPs) can make a difference: Cherry‐crowned mangabey Cercocebus torquatus European studbook and White‐naped mangabey Cercocebus atys lunulatus EEP results

Many species of wildlife are threatened by destruction of their natural habitat and overhunting. Breeding programmes at zoological facilities can be used to prevent the extinction of some of these species, while contributing to the maintenance of an ex situ gene pool. Two species of primates of the family Cercopithecidae, the Cherry‐crowned mangabey Cercocebus torquatus and the White‐naped mangabey Cercocebus atys lunulatus, are at risk of disappearing in their natural habitat. Populations of both species are maintained at European zoos and have been managed as European studbooks since 1994. In the case of C. a. lunulatus, a European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) was established in 2000 to provide more intensive management. A series of demographic and genetic analyses have been carried out for both European populations using data as at the end of 2012. The results of the present study show that both populations are growing slowly. However, the Cherry‐crowned mangabey population shows high inbreeding and low genetic diversity, while the White‐naped mangabey population has better genetic health that could retain 90% of genetic diversity over the next 100 years, which is one of the main goals of breeding programmes carried out by zoological facilities.