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Research Interests: Biology and Population
Research Interests: Geography and Population
ABSTRACT Successful management of herds of captive wildlife (small populations) requires monitoring of herd size over years. In many zoos, herd size is documented in the course of annual inventories without considering other... more
ABSTRACT Successful management of herds of captive wildlife (small populations) requires monitoring of herd size over years. In many zoos, herd size is documented in the course of annual inventories without considering other epidemiological parameters. Here, the concept of the ‘anti-clockwise cycle’ of the relation between mortality and population size is introduced for herd management. Four different phases of this cycle can be distinguished: (I) herd size increases while mortality decreases; (II) herd size and mortality increase; (III) herd size decreases and mortality still increases; (IV) herd size and mortality decrease. Consequently, a herd can still prosper in size (I, II) while an increase in mortality rates (II) already indicates that it is heading towards collapse (III). All four phases of the cycle of herd development could be observed in 28 small, closed ruminant breeding groups at the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, Qatar. Applications of the concept presented here to evaluate herd development in captivity may help to stabilize or even increase the size of a herd in care, which is particularly important for breeding herds of threatened species. The ‘anti-clockwise cycle’ shows that a simple monitoring of the herd size in numbers is not enough to evaluate the sustainability and quality of the herd.
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ABSTRACT Within the last 11 years several Beira antelope fawns (Dorcatragus megalotis) had been hand reared for several reasons at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP) in Qatar (Abb. 1). Hand rearing Beira antelopes is usually not more... more
ABSTRACT Within the last 11 years several Beira antelope fawns (Dorcatragus megalotis) had been hand reared for several reasons at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP) in Qatar (Abb. 1). Hand rearing Beira antelopes is usually not more difficult than hand rearing any other small antelope species as long as no complications occur. The following case report describes the problems that occurred while artificially rearing an orphaned Beira fawn as well as our approach to a solution.
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The... more
The Spix's macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) is considered the world's most endangered parrot, with the last wild bird disappearing in 2001 and only 74 birds in captivity. To establish hematologic and plasma biochemical reference ranges and to look for differences relative to sex, age, and season, we obtained blood samples from 46 captive Spix's macaws (23 male, 23 female) housed in aviaries at the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation in the State of Qatar. No significant differences in hematologic or plasma biochemical values were found between females and males. Adult and juvenile birds differed in mean concentrations of glucose, total protein, amylase, cholesterol, and phosphorus; in percentages of heterophils and lymphocytes; and in the absolute lymphocyte count. Total protein, cholesterol, and phosphorus concentrations; hematocrit; and heterophil and lymphocyte counts differed significantly by season. Baseline hematologic and plasma biochemical ranges were established, which may be useful as reference values for clinicians working with this highly endangered species.
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ABSTRACT In 2007, two different events for teaching principles in zoo and wildlife medicine and for introducing veterinary students to scientific work were organized, the “Zoo Research Camp 2007” at the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation,... more
ABSTRACT In 2007, two different events for teaching principles in zoo and wildlife medicine and for introducing veterinary students to scientific work were organized, the “Zoo Research Camp 2007” at the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, Qatar, and the “First EAZWV Summer School” at Basle Zoo. Apart from support from the hosting facilities, events were organized by the Clinic of Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife of the Vetsuisse Faculty. The two events differed in concept – with more emphasis on research and data evaluation at the ZRC, and on lectures at the Summer School. Both events had in common that a limited group of students convened at a place different from their usual location, in a zoo setting, which was considered the key to their motivation and the success of the events. Here, we describe the two concepts in detail, also explaining the required commitments made by, and the benefits for, the participating hosts or organisations. We hope that other zoos will be open to host similar events in the future.
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Summary At AWWP a managed and an unmanaged group of Pelzeln’s gazelle is kept. In a retrospective study (2003 - 2007), 274 post mortem reports and stock list records were analysed in terms of differences between these 2 groups. There was... more
Summary At AWWP a managed and an unmanaged group of Pelzeln’s gazelle is kept. In a retrospective study (2003 - 2007), 274 post mortem reports and stock list records were analysed in terms of differences between these 2 groups. There was only a slight difference in overall mortality, whereas the causes of death differed. From this point of view, less intensive management could also be a possibility to keep gazelles in captivity.
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Twenty six African and/or Asian bovid species kept at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, Qatar (latitude 25 °N, longitude 51 °E, altitude < 100m above sea level) were evaluated for their birth seasonality. A broad range of breeding... more
Twenty six African and/or Asian bovid species kept at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, Qatar (latitude 25 °N, longitude 51 °E, altitude < 100m above sea level) were evaluated for their birth seasonality. A broad range of breeding patterns could be observed, from breeding throughout the whole year (e.g. blackbuck, dorcas gazelle, idmi gazelle, Speke´s gazelle), to explicit seasonality (e.g. mouflon, nilgai, Nubian ibex, wild goat) in breeding patterns. In general, natural breeding patterns were preserved in captivity. In some species, deviations from patterns reported in the wild are evident, with longer birthing seasons in captivity, sometimes with calves being born the whole year round. This applies mainly for species where birthing correlates with the rainfall season in the wild (e.g. beira antelope, idmi gazelle). It can be speculated that when water, and subsequently food, is supplied constantly, breeding is no longer seasonally restricted, indicating that the respective speci...
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Since 1999, a population of Speke’s gazelles (Gazella spekei) has been managed at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP) in Doha, State of Qatar. As the population at AWWP seems to have suffered unprecedented declines, as compared to other... more
Since 1999, a population of Speke’s gazelles (Gazella spekei) has been managed at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP) in Doha, State of Qatar. As the population at AWWP seems to have suffered unprecedented declines, as compared to other gazelles at AWWP, over the last few years, it was decided to retrospectively evaluate all 206 necropsy reports recorded between 2001 and 2007 to investigate the reasons behind the observed mortality. Postmortem findings indicating lung infections accounted for almost 30 % of all deaths, followed by traumatic injuries (17.9 %) and maternal neglect leading to starvation and death in neonatal animals (13.5 %). Animals between 10 days and 1 year of age showed a higher tendency toward problems with lung infections, whereas animals between 2 and 3 years of age died more often because of traumatic injuries. Individuals older than 3 years of age often suffer from lung infection but usually in combination with other illnesses, such as renal and gastrointest...
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In 2003 a newborn treatment protocol consisting of paramunity inducers, vaccinations as well as mineral and vitamin supplements was introduced at AWWP, with the aim to minimise neonatal mortality. In this retrospective study the objective... more
In 2003 a newborn treatment protocol consisting of paramunity inducers, vaccinations as well as mineral and vitamin supplements was introduced at AWWP, with the aim to minimise neonatal mortality. In this retrospective study the objective was to evaluate the efficacy of this treatment. The survival rate and main causes of death were investigated in 5 ruminant species. Results differed greatly between species, but in no species did survival differ significantly between treatments. The survival rate of the Addax antelope (Addax nasomaculatus) increased by 9 %. Deaths due to bacterial infection decreased in this species but the incidence of maternal neglect increased. There was no significant change of survival rate of the Beisa oryx (Oryx beisa) but deaths caused by bacterial infections were reduced whereas losses due to maternal neglects increased. The survival rate of the Gerenuk (Litocranius walleri) increased by 4 %. Incidences of bacterial infection remained unchanged whereas dea...
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Zoological gardens are considered important institutions for human-animal interactions. Facilitating human-animal contacts and the simultaneous protection of the animals from possible distress by visitors represent an important task of... more
Zoological gardens are considered important institutions for human-animal interactions. Facilitating human-animal contacts and the simultaneous protection of the animals from possible distress by visitors represent an important task of zoological gardens. We investigated the effects of a new roughage feeding setup for zoo-kept domestic herbivores on both, animals and visitors. In the setup, visitors are provided with roughages to put into feeding troughs for the animals. Data collection via video monitoring of domestic cattle (Bos primigenius taurus, B. p. indicus) enclosures and associated visitors’ areas took place over a 30-day period for two consecutive years at three different zoological gardens. In one zoo the setup was in place in both years, and in the two others it was introduced in the second year prior to data recording. At the two zoos where the feeding regime was introduced, the average daily number of visitors and the overall time they spent together with animals (but ...
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The Soemmerring’s gazelle (Nanger soemmerringii) is a small antelope, which is only kept in a few zoos worldwide. Therefore, only little information is available on their husbandry requirements and the diseases occurring in this species.... more
The Soemmerring’s gazelle (Nanger soemmerringii) is a small antelope, which is only kept in a few zoos worldwide. Therefore, only little information is available on their husbandry requirements and the diseases occurring in this species. At Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, a large herd has been kept for many years. It was the aim of this study to analyse the population development of this gazelle at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation and to evaluate causes of death. In adult animals, trauma, either due to intraspecific aggression or running into fences was the main cause of death, followed by pneumonia and enteritis, whereas in sub-adult individuals infectious diseases were the main cause of death. Newborn mortality was highly correlated to the population size (and thus population density) and reached a maximum of 52 % when population size was at its highest. These findings demonstrate that newborns are very susceptible to crowding phenomena. Due to a strict population management by birt...
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Summary Although many ruminant species are seasonal breeders in the wild, they breed throughout the year in captivity. While seasonal differences in newborn mortality could be expected, breeding is usually not managed so that births in... more
Summary Although many ruminant species are seasonal breeders in the wild, they breed throughout the year in captivity. While seasonal differences in newborn mortality could be expected, breeding is usually not managed so that births in month of particularly high newborn mortality are prevented – maybe because the effect of an adapted breeding management on population development (reduced newborn mortality vs. prolonged interbirth interval) is unknown. We found distinct seasonal differences in newborn mortality of different gazelle species kept at 2 facilities (Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation and Zurich Zoo), and within the zoo meta-population of okapi (Okapia johnstoni). Using a model of the current zoo population of okapi, we demonstrate that seasonal breeding restrictions (preventing births from occurring in seasons of higher newborn mortality) would benefit both population growth and animal welfare.
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Zusammenfassung: Ziel der Untersuchung war, Serumparametervon klinisch unauffälligen Gazellen der Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP), Qatar, mit Referenzbereichen von Haus- und anderen Wildwiederkäuern zu vergleichen, um einerseits... more
Zusammenfassung: Ziel der Untersuchung war, Serumparametervon klinisch unauffälligen Gazellen der Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP), Qatar, mit Referenzbereichen von Haus- und anderen Wildwiederkäuern zu vergleichen, um einerseits Rückschlüsse auf den Ernährungszustand der Tiere zu ermöglichen und andererseits Referenzbereiche für die untersuchten Arten zu etablieren. Material und Methoden: Von 250 klinisch gesunden Tieren der Arten Sömmeringgazelle (Gazella soemmerringii), Spekegazelle (Gazella spekei), Dor-kasgazelle (Gazella dorcas), Saudigazelle (Gazella saudiya), Echtgazelle (Gazella gazella), Arabische Kropfgazelle (Gazella subgutturosa marica) und Chinkaragazelle (Gazella benetti) wurden biochemische Serumparameter und Mineralgehalte gemessen. Ergebnisse: Hinsichtlich des Ernährungszustandes war die Versorgung mit Spurenelementen (Selen, Kupfer, Zink, Eisen) in der AWWP gemäß den gemessenen Serumgehalten gewährleistet. Die Gehalte an Phosphor, Gesamtprotein und Albumin de...
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The digestive tract anatomy of 14 blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra) and seven Arabian sand gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa marica) was quantified by dimensions, area and weight. Data from the two small-sized antilopinae were evaluated... more
The digestive tract anatomy of 14 blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra) and seven Arabian sand gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa marica) was quantified by dimensions, area and weight. Data from the two small-sized antilopinae were evaluated against a larger comparative data set from other ruminants classified as having either a 'cattle-type' or 'moose-type' digestive system. The digestive anatomy of the blackbuck resembled that of 'cattle-type' ruminants, which corresponds to their feeding ecology and previous studies of solute and particle retention time; however, a surprising exception was the remarkably small omasum in this species, which makes the blackbuck stand out from the general rule of a relatively large omasum in grazing ruminants. Sand gazelles had morphological features that corresponded more to the 'moose type' or an intermediate position, although previous studies of solute and particle retention time had led to the expectation of a more 'c...
Research Interests: Biology, Diet, Medicine, Anatomy, Female, and 9 moreAnimals, Male, Dissection, Anatomia, Ruminant, Gastrointestinal Tract, Body Weight, Veterinary Sciences, and Antelopes
The monitoring of a zoo population’s development allows conclusions about a species’ breeding and management success. Different parameters can be taken into consideration. In this paper we determined the mortality rates per year of 26... more
The monitoring of a zoo population’s development allows conclusions about a species’ breeding and management success. Different parameters can be taken into consideration. In this paper we determined the mortality rates per year of 26 ruminant species in closed populations at the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation and plotted the yearly mortalities against the total number of animals. Over the years, five different patterns were observed: 1 population increased and the mortality decreased (“complete success”); 2 population increased and the mortality was stable (“good success”); 3 population increased and the mortality increased (“limited success”); 4 population stagnated or decreased after a peak and mortality decreased with decreasing population size (“stagnation”/”over the top”); 5 population decreased and mortality decreased or, even worse, increased (“deterioration”). The categorical ranking of the species was significantly correlated to the initial population size indicating that ...
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A retrospective evaluation was performed regarding cause of death in 91 Laristan mouflons (Ovis orientalis laristanica), 32 wild goats (Capra aegagrus) and 31 Nubian ibex (Capra ibex nubiana) at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP)... more
A retrospective evaluation was performed regarding cause of death in 91 Laristan mouflons (Ovis orientalis laristanica), 32 wild goats (Capra aegagrus) and 31 Nubian ibex (Capra ibex nubiana) at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP) between 2001 and 2008. The Capra spp. (i.e. wild goat and Nubian ibex) were strongly affected by an outbreak of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia in April 2004, whereas the mouflon remained mainly unaffected. Of the mouflon, 12 % (eleven animals) died with icterus as main pathological finding, and only in mouflon tick infection was reported. In one case a Theileria sp. infection was confirmed, suggesting it to be the etiologic agent also in the other icteric animals. Although parasites, including coccidia, were identified in all species. Coccidia had a major involvement in cases of macroscopic gastrointestinal lesions only in mouflons, but not goat species. In mouflons only animals with a birth weight over 1.5 kg reached an age over 2.5 years. As the mo...
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Objective—To evaluate effects of racemic ketamine and S-ketamine in gazelles. Animals—21 male gazelles (10 Rheem gazelles [Gazella subgutturosa marica] and 11 Subgutturosa gazelles [Gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa]), 6 to 67 months old... more
Objective—To evaluate effects of racemic ketamine and S-ketamine in gazelles. Animals—21 male gazelles (10 Rheem gazelles [Gazella subgutturosa marica] and 11 Subgutturosa gazelles [Gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa]), 6 to 67 months old and weighing (mean±SD) 19 ± 3 kg. Procedures—In a randomized, blinded crossover study, a combination of medetomidine (80 μg/kg) with racemic ketamine (5 mg/kg) or S-ketamine (3 mg/kg) was administered IM. Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, and oxygen saturation (determined by means of pulse oximetry) were measured. An evaluator timed and scored induction of, maintenance of, and recovery from anesthesia. Medetomidine was reversed with atipamezole. The alternate combination was used after a 4-day interval. Comparisons between groups were performed with Wilcoxon signed rank and paired t tests. Results—Anesthesia induction was poor in 2 gazelles receiving S-ketamine, but other phases of anesthesia were uneventful. A domina...
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A retrospective evaluation of data on antibodies to respiratory viruses in Beira antelopes was conducted due to the occurrence of chronic “Fibrinous Pleuropneumonia Syndrome” (FPPS) in Beira antelopes at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, to... more
A retrospective evaluation of data on antibodies to respiratory viruses in Beira antelopes was conducted due to the occurrence of chronic “Fibrinous Pleuropneumonia Syndrome” (FPPS) in Beira antelopes at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, to detect an indication for a virological problem contributing to the susceptibility of Beiras to infection with Mycoplasma spp. Data on Speke’s gazelles at AWWP were evaluated for comparison. From the 5 tested respiratory viruses BHV-1, BVD, ADENO-3, PI-3 and BRSV, significant antibody titres were only found for BRSV and PI-3. Speke‘s gazelles were found to have higher antibody titres for both viruses than the Beira antelope, with respiratory signs noted in accordance with virological findings In Beira, the often fatal respiratory syndrome appears unlikely to be related to any of these viruses.
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Research Interests: Biology, Endangered Species, Medicine, Spleen, Kidney, and 11 moreLiver, Female, Animals, Thorax, Male, Heart, Radiography, Sternum, Parrots, Veterinary Sciences, and Reference Values
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Ostriches (Struthio camelus) achieve digesta retention times, digesta particle size reduction and digestibilities equal to similar-sized herbivorous mammals, in contrast to some other avian herbivores. The sequence of digestive processes... more
Ostriches (Struthio camelus) achieve digesta retention times, digesta particle size reduction and digestibilities equal to similar-sized herbivorous mammals, in contrast to some other avian herbivores. The sequence of digestive processes in their gastrointestinal tract, however, is still unexplored. Using two groups of four ostriches (mean body mass 75.1 ± 17.3 kg) kept on fresh alfalfa, we tested the effect of two intake levels (17 and 42 g dry matter kg(-0.75)d(-1)) on the mean retention time (MRT) of a solute and three different-sized (2, 10, 20 mm) particle markers, mean faecal particle size (MPS), and digestibility. Intake level did not affect MRT, but MPS (0.74 vs. 1.52 mm) and dry matter digestibility (81 vs. 78%). The solute marker (MRT 22-26 h) was excreted faster than the particle markers; there was no difference in the MRT of 10 and 20 mm particles (MRT 28-32 h), but 2mm particles were retained longer (MRT 39-40 h). Because the solute marker was not selectively retained, and wet-sieving of gut contents of slaughtered animals did not indicate smaller particles in the caeca, the long MRT of small particles is interpreted as intermittent excretion from the gizzard, potentially due to entrapment in small grit. The marker excretion pattern also showed intermittent peaks for all markers in five of the animals, which indicates non-continuous outflow from the gizzard. When adding our data to literature data on avian herbivores, a dichotomy is evident, with ostrich and hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) displaying long MRTs, high digestibilities, and gut capacities similar to mammalian herbivores, and other avian herbivores such as grouse, geese or emus with shorter MRTs, lower fibre digestibilities and lower gut capacities. In the available data for all avian herbivores where food intake and MRTs were measured, this dichotomy and food intake level, but not body mass, was related to MRT, adding to the evidence that body mass itself may not be sole major determinant of digestive physiology. The most striking difference between mammalian and avian herbivores from the literature is the fundamentally lower methane production measured in the very few studies in birds including ostriches, which appears to be at the level of reptiles, in spite of general food intake levels of a magnitude as in mammals. Further studies in ostriches and other avian herbivores are required to understand the differences in digestive mechanisms between avian and mammalian herbivores.
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ABSTRACT This article summarizes the experience of 11 years Spix&#39;s Macaw captive management in Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP)/Qatar. Details on AWWP&#39;s acquisition of Spix&#39;s Macaws, research, breeding... more
ABSTRACT This article summarizes the experience of 11 years Spix&#39;s Macaw captive management in Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP)/Qatar. Details on AWWP&#39;s acquisition of Spix&#39;s Macaws, research, breeding management, demographics, diet, housing, veterinary work, behavioural enrichment and problems are described and explained. At the end we discuss the future prospects and plans related to this species in AWWP. To our knowledge, at the time of writing, 87 Spix&#39;s macaws are existing in captivity, 75 of them participate in the international breeding program, initiated and managed by the “Institute Chico Mendes of Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio)”, the Brazilian environmental agency. In 2011, 55 of these breeding program birds live at AWWP in Qatar.