Babirusa... a unique pig with tusks like no other!

Babirusa
... a unique pig with tusks like no other!
WILD PIG, PECCARY ,
AND H IPPO TAG
Why exhibit babirusas?
• TAG Priority Spec ies
• In desperate need of conservation measures
(including captive breeding).
• Native to a single island — an excellent spokesspecies for island biodiversity and conservation.
• Babirusas do not root up or destroy vegetation like
other suids do — allowing for a green pig exhibit!
• Their bizarre dentistry amazes visitors: the tusks of
males grow up THROUGH their snouts!
• Do you have a local boxing club? Babirusas fight by
rearing up and “boxing” with their front legs.
• Conservation messages include the impact of
habitat loss and bushmeat hunting.
Stewardship Opportunities
M EASUREMENTS
IUCN
Lengt h: 3 feet
Bogani Nani Wartabone Park
http://www.wcs.org/saving-wild-places/asia/boganinani-wartabone-indonesia.aspx
VU LN ERAB LE
H eight: 2.5 feet
CITES I
W eight :100-220lbs
R ainforest
Indonesia ( Sulawesi)
Populat ion:
< 5,000
Support the implementation of the Indonesian National
Species Action Plans for Anoa and Babirusa.
http://www.asianwildcattle.org/action.shtml
Care and Husbandry — CALL TO ACTION!
R ED Program: 22.27 (49) in 15 AZA institutions (2011).
Spec ies c oordinat or: Penny Kalk, Bronx Zoo (WCS)
pkalk@wcs.org; (718) 220-7113
Soc ial nature: Typically housed individually, in pairs, or single-sex groups
(including multiple males). Pregnant females require isolation, as
other adults may injure piglets.
M ixed spec ies: Successfully mixed with anoa (juvenile), small-clawed
otters, and gibbon species. Babirusa are usually not aggressive
towards exhibit-mates.
H ousing: Not cold-tolerant. Mud wallows and/or pools are well-used.
M edic al notes: Skin problems may occur if confined in forced-air heated
environments. Joint and foot issues are common, particularly when
kept on hard substrates.
Spec ial requirements: Tusks of males are brittle; care should be taken
in enclosure design to avoid large gaps where tusks may get caught
and broken.
Keeper resourc es: Typical cleaning of exhibit and holding areas. A
variety of enrichment is necessary to keep animals stimulated.
Smart, tractable, and readily trained.
Please c ont ac t the TAG for full husbandry guidelines.
ht tp://www.glenoakzoo.org/W PPH TAG /home.htm
Photos by B. Huffman and WCS/J. Larsen Maher. P ubl i s hed J anuar y 2 0 1 2 .
Chacoan Peccary
... an endangered living fossil!
WILD PIG, PECCARY ,
AND H IPPO TAG
Why exhibit Chacoan peccaries?
• TAG Priority Spec ies
• North American zoos hold the only ex situ population
of this endangered peccary species.
• Known only from fossils until 1972 - an example of
why saving habitat is important in order to preserve
undiscovered species.
• One of the top 100 (#72) EDGE Species
(Evolutionarily Distinct, Globally Endangered).
• Very gregarious and frequently active on exhibit;
naturally lives in large, mixed-sex groups.
• Larger and more striking than the collared peccary.
• Direct link with a conservation breeding program in
Paraguay (see Stewardship Opportunity below).
• TAG R ec ommendat ion: Zoos not committed to
collared peccaries for zoogeographic reasons are
urged to replace them with Chacoan peccaries.
Stewardship Opportunity
M EASUREMENTS
IUCN
E NDA N G ER ED
Lengt h: 3-4 feet
CITES I
H eight: 2 feet
W eight : 70-90lbs
Dry plains
Sout h Americ a
Proyecto Tagua (Estancia Toledo, Paraguay) &
Chaco Center for Conservation & Research (CCCR).
Contact: Juan Manuel Campos, DVM, PhD (Director)
at jmcampos@k-state.edu
Population:
< 3,000
Care and Husbandry
Y ELLO W SSP: 22.35.1 (58) in 11 AZA institutions (2010)
Spec ies c oordinat or: Dennis Merritt dmeritt@depaul.edu; (773) 325-4937
Soc ial nature: Highly social; can be kept in single-sex (male or female) or fully
mixed groups, although separation of sexes during the breeding season is
needed to ensure known parentage.
M ixed spec ies: None yet attempted.
H ousing: Less destructive than most pig species. They tolerate high temperatures,
but require access to a mud wallow or shallow pool for excessively hot days.
Supplemented heat should be given under 40°F.
M edic al notes: Generally robust. Husbandry training can be slowed by their skittish
nature, but they are food motivated and will learn with keeper dedication.
Spec ial requirements: Introducing new herd members, especially females, is
usually anti-climactic.
Keeper resourc es: Although larger than the collared peccary, this species is more
tractable and can be worked in free contact. Workload is generally light,
depending on the exhibit features.
Please c ontac t t he TAG f or f ull husbandry guidelines.
http://www.glenoakzoo.org/W PPH TAG /home.ht m
Photos by B. Huffman. P ubl i s he d J anuar y 2 0 1 2 .
Collared Peccary
... focus your attention elsewhere.
WILD PIG, PECCARY ,
AND H IPPO TAG
*Not a TAG-recommended species*
Collared peccaries are managed in tandem with the
Chacoan peccary SSP. Institutions are urged to
replace the common, native collared peccary with
Chacoan peccaries wherever possible.
Have you considered exhibiting
Chacoan peccaries?
• Chacoan peccaries are highly endangered and in
urgent need of conservation assistance.
• Collared peccaries groups are being consolidated to
create much-needed space for Chacoan peccaries.
• Both species are similar in appearance, with a
characteristic “collar”. Please consider breaking
strict zoogeographic rules and display Chacoan
peccaries in North American exhibits to support this
important conservation program.
M EASUREMENTS
IUCN
Lengt h: 3 feet
L EAST C ONCERN
CITES II
H eight: 1-1.5 feet
W eight : 30-60lbs
Var i o us habi t at s
The Americ as
Population:
unestimated
Stewardship Opportunities
The TAG recommends supporting Chacoan peccary
conservation through Proyecto Tagua and the Chaco
Center for Conservation & Research (CCCR).
Contact Juan Manuel Campos: jmcampos@k-state.edu
Care and Husbandry
*Not a TAG-recommended species*
Y ELLO W SSP: 38.42 (80) in 21 AZA institutions (2008).
Spec ies c oordinat or: Jim Haigwood, Los Angeles Zoo
jim.haigwood@lacity.org; (323) 644-5333
Soc ial nature: Social; can be maintained in large groups.
M ixed spec ies: Successful with bison, elk, white-tailed deer, and in
South American mixed paddocks (guanaco, tapir, capybara,
rhea, waterfowl). This species can be aggressive, especially
when kept in large groups.
H ousing: Supplemental heat is required below 40ºF.
M edic al notes: Generally robust.
Spec ial requirements: Because of the TAG priority given to
Chacoan peccaries, breeding collared peccaries is not advised
unless institutions are prepared to hold offspring indefinitely.
Keeper resourc es: Standard workload. Although small, this species
is pugnacious/aggressive and is typically worked in protected
contact.
Please c ontac t the TAG for f ull husbandry guidelines.
ht tp://www.glenoakzoo.org/W PPH TAG /home.htm
Photos by Tom Vaughan/FeVa Fotos and B. Huffman. P ubl i s he d J anuar y 2 0 1 2 .
Pygmy Hippopotamus ... 100% hippo, in size
SMALL!
WILD PIG, PECCARY ,
AND H IPPO TAG
Why exhibit pygmy hippos?
• TAG Priorit y Spec ies
• Unique representation of biodiversity: one of only two
living species in the family Hippopotamidae.
• One of the top 100 (#28) EDGE Species
(Evolutionarily Distinct, Globally Endangered).
• Weighs ten times less than the river hippo, and so
requires significantly less space and fewer resources
than its larger cousin.
• Underwater viewing windows are very popular with
visitors, and best show off the grace and amphibious
adaptations of this species.
• Readily used for interactive tours and keeper talks.
• Conservation messages include habitat loss and the
bushmeat trade. The subspecies from Nigeria (C. l.
heslopi) is now thought to be extinct.
Stewardship Opportunities
M EASUREMENTS
IUCN
Lengt h: 5 feet
EN D AN GERED
CITES II
H eight: 3 feet
W eight : 500lbs
R ainforest
W est Af ric a
Population:
< 3,000
Monitoring of pygmy hippos in Sapo NP, Liberia.
http://www.edgeofexistence.org/edgeblog/?cat=15
Pygmy hippo conservation in the Cestos-Senkwehn
Rivershed Forests of Liberia.
http://moray.ml.duke.edu/projects/hippos/
CestosSenkwehn.html
Care and Husbandry — CALL TO ACTION!
R ED Program: 11.15 (26) in 14 AZA institutions (2010)
Spec ies c oordinat or: Christie Eddie, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo.
christiee@omahazoo.com ; (402) 557-6932
Soc ial nature: Primarily solitary. Can be maintained in pairs and
sometimes larger groups, depending on individuals and space.
M ixed spec ies: Primates, duikers, and fish have all been successful, so
long as they are provided with refuge from the hippos. Aquatic and
ground-dwelling birds may be harassed.
H ousing: A tropical species that is not cold-tolerant. Enclosures should
have water features large enough for submersion and ample land
space, optimally with substrate.
M edic al notes: Generally robust; infectious diseases rare. Dental issues
and substrate-related foot problems are most common.
Spec ial requirements: Sufficient space is needed to isolate
incompatible adults and when offspring are born.
Keeper resourc es: Heavy workload. Daily pool cleaning needed if no
filtration is present; splattered feces frequently require scrubbing.
Please c ontac t the TAG f or full husbandry guidelines.
htt p:// www.glenoakzoo.org/W PPH TAG/ home.ht m
Photos by B. Huffman. P ubl i s he d J anuar y 2 0 1 2 .
Red River Hog
... a colorful pig bursting with personality!
WILD PIG, PECCARY,
AND HIPPO TAG
Why exhibit red river hogs?
• Their bright color, unique ear tassels, and
distinctive facial markings really catch the eyes of
guests — as do their striped piglets.
• Large family groups of this active species create
a dynamic visitor experience.
• Can be kept in mixed species exhibits with a
variety of birds and larger ungulates like giraffe,
antelope, and zebras.
• Existing savanna or mixed species hoofstock
exhibits can accommodate this species with
minimal (if any) modifications.
• Very intelligent and easily trained to perform
complex behaviors to facilitate husbandry and
enhance the visitor experience.
• Conservation messages focus on the impact of
the bushmeat trade on wildlife.
M EASUREMENTS
IUCN
Lengt h: 3.5-5 feet
L EAST C ONCERN
H eight: 2.5 feet
W eight :100-225lbs
R ainforest
Afric a
Population:
unestimated
Stewardship Opportunities
Bushmeat Crisis Task Force:
http://www.bushmeat.org/
Care and Husbandry
Y ELLO W SSP: 90.87 (177) in 46 AZA institutions (2011)
Spec ies c oordinat or: Jeff Holland, Los Angeles Zoo.
Jeff.Holland@lacity.org ; (323) 644-4220
Soc ial nature: Can be kept in pairs and large family groups. This
species is very dynamic and interactive, frequently displaying
social behaviors and a variety of vocalizations.
M ixed spec ies: Large and small hoofstock (antelope, giraffe, cattle,
zebras), medium-sized primates, bat-eared foxes, and various
birds. Adequate space needs to be available to alleviate conflicts.
H ousing: A tropical species that is not very cold tolerant. Supplemental
heat should be provided in temps below 45ºF. Red river hogs
enjoy wallowing and wading in small water features.
M edic al notes: Generally robust. Easily trained for medical procedures
including injections, ultrasounds, blood draws, and hoof work.
Prone to overheating during anesthesia, restraint, and transport.
Spec ial requirements: Exposure to very rough substrates should be
minimized. Competition over food may occur in small holdings.
Keeper resourc es: Typical cleaning of exhibit and holding areas. A
variety of enrichment is necessary to keep animals stimulated.
Please c ont ac t the TAG f or full husbandry guidelines.
htt p:/ /www.glenoakzoo.org/W PPHTAG /home.htm
Photos by B. Huffman, C. Janney, L. Kirkman, S. Metzler, and B. Moore. P ubl i s hed J anuar y 2 0 1 2 .
River Hippopotamus
... more than a ton of fun!
WILD PIG, PECCARY ,
AND H IPPO TAG
Why exhibit river hippos?
• One of the most recognizable mammals.
• Unique representation of biodiversity: one of only
two living species in the family Hippopotamidae.
• A keystone species for African river systems.
• Underwater viewing is extremely popular with
guests (these exhibits need well-designed visitor
flow in order to manage large crowds).
• Readily used for interactive behind-the-scenes tours
and keeper talks, and easily trained to display their
tremendous mouth gape.
• Conservation messages include poaching for ivory
and meat, and habitat loss due to agriculture and
human settlement.
Stewardship Opportunities
M EASUREMENTS
Lengt h: 10-15 feet
H eight: 5 feet
W eight : 3,0008,000 lbs
IUCN
VU LN ERAB LE
CITES II
Rivers & lakes
Afric a
Populat ion:
< 150,000
Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary, Ghana.
http://www.calgaryzoo.org/content/view/202/171/
Ruko Community Wildlife Conservancy,
Northern Rangelands Trust, Kenya.
http://www.nrt-kenya.org
Care and Husbandry
Y ELLO W SSP: 31.56 (87) in 34 AZA institutions (2011)
Spec ies c oordinat or: John Davis, Riverbanks Zoo.
jdavis@riverbanks.org ; (803) 779-1062
Soc ial nature: Highly social. New facilities should have the ability to hold
multiple hippos (4 to 8 animals); the historical trend of displaying
small groups of 1-3 hippos will not meet management needs for this
population in the future.
M ixed spec ies: Generally kept in single-species exhibits. River hippos mix
well with cichlids and other fish in pools.
H ousing: Enclosures should have large pools as well as land area. River
hippos are relatively tolerant of cold conditions and can withstand
weather down to 40ºF if given access to heated shelter.
M edic al notes: Generally robust; infectious diseases are rare. Obesity is
a common concern. Many individuals live to 40 years.
Spec ial requirements: Large filters and/or large diameter pool drains
are essential to deal with volumes of water and feces.
Keeper resourc es: Heavy workload. Daily pool cleaning is needed if no
filtration is present. Males often splatter walls with feces.
Please c ontac t t he TAG f or full husbandry guidelines.
htt p://www.glenoakzoo.org/W PPH TAG /home.ht m
Photos by B. Huffman and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. P ubl i s he d J anuar y 2 0 1 2 .
Visayan Warty Pig
... wild swine with a WILD look!
WILD PIG, PECCARY ,
AND H IPPO TAG
Why exhibit Visayan warty pigs?
• TAG Priorit y Spec ies
• A critically endangered wild pig – help save this
species now! Captive breeding programs are a vital
genetic insurance policy: wild populations are
hybridizing with feral pigs.
• Excellent spokes-species for island biodiversity.
• Males develop a long “punk rocker” mane of hair
that makes them particularly endearing.
• Their climbing abilities challenge the commonlyaccepted notion of what a pig can do, and create
an exciting exhibit.
• Good animal for interactive keeper talks.
• Conservation messages include habitat loss, human
impacts on islands, as well as the bushmeat trade.
Stewardship Opportunities
M EASUREMENTS
IUCN
Lengt h: 3 feet
C RI T I C AL LY
EN D A N GERED
H eight: 1-2 feet
W eight :45-110lbs
Rainf orest
Philippines
Population:
dec lining
The Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation
Inc. (PBCFI) have been working on Visayan Warty Pig
conservation and stewardship since 1994.
http://pbcfi.org.ph/
Visayan Warty Pig Conservation Programme.
http://www.zgap.de/pdfs/PigLeaflet2010.pdf
Care and Husbandry
Y ELLO W SSP: 38.38 (76) in 12 AZA institutions (2011).
Spec ies c oordinat or: Currently vacant. Contact TAG Chair for info.
Soc ial nature: Highly social. Can be kept in large or small groups, including
breeding groups and single-sex herds (males or females). Maintaining
large groups ensures an active exhibit with animals always visible.
M ixed spec ies: None yet attempted.
H ousing: Supplemental heating in barns is required in cold regions. Providing
some vertical space with fallen tree trunks and other exhibit components
helps encourage exploration and shows off the abilities of these pigs.
M edic al notes: Generally robust. Some hoof care needs.
Spec ial requirements: Mud wallows needed in hot climates.
Keeper resourc es: Standard workload, although their destructive nature may
require regular maintenance of substrate and furniture. Worked both
protected and free contact, depending on individual animals. Readily
engage in training programs.
Please c ontac t t he TAG f or f ull husbandry guidelines.
http://www.glenoakzoo.org/W PPH TAG /home.ht m
Photos by B. Huffman. P ubl i s he d J anuar y 2 0 1 2 .
Warthog
... a face only a mother – and the public – could love!
WILD PIG, PECCARY ,
AND H IPPO TAG
Why exhibit warthogs?
• The most well-recognized wild pig species, and
undeniably popular with the public!
• A perfect fit for savanna-themed exhibits.
• Both males and females grow impressive
ornamental tusks; males also develop extensive
facial warts, creating a truly bizarre appearance.
• Numerous interpretive connections with other
species including aardvark (burrow use), elephant
and rhino (dung scavenging), oxpeckers (tick
removal), and large predators (defense tactics).
• Exclusively diurnal, creating an active exhibit
throughout the day.
• They provide endless marketing opportunities —
they are the "naked swine of the savanna"!
Stewardship Opportunities
M EASUREMENTS
IUCN
Lengt h: 3.5-5 feet
L EAST C ONCERN
H eight: 2-3 feet
W eight : 100-300lbs
Grassland
Af ric a
Populat ion:
> 250,000
Northern Rangelands Trust (Kenya)
http://www.nrt-kenya.org/
Field surveys of two warthog species in East Africa
www.wildsolutions.nl
Care and Husbandry
Y ELLO W SSP: 53.50 (103) in 43 AZA institutions (2011)
Spec ies c oordinat or: Lisa Smith, Great Plains Zoo
LSmith@gpzoo.org ; (605) 367-8313 ext. 19
Soc ial nature: Typically kept in pairs with young offspring. Multiple other
configurations are possible under the proper circumstances, including
bachelor groups and all-female groups.
M ixed spec ies: Various medium and large hoofstock (gazelles, various
antelope, zebras), white rhino, ostrich, and bat-eared foxes. Their
digging habits may create trip hazards for other hoofstock.
H ousing: Not at all cold tolerant, especially when young. This species can
be tough on exhibit terrain and vegetation; barriers must extend
underground to prevent burrowing escapes.
M edic al notes: Generally robust.
Spec ial requirements: Mud wallows are very popular, especially when
temperatures are high. Can be fractious if not properly socialized or
exposed to a variety of stimuli when young.
Keeper resourc es: This species’ use of latrine spots (and separate beds)
greatly simplifies daily cleaning. Enrichment is readily used;
warthogs also pick up quickly on husbandry training.
Please c ontac t t he TAG f or full husbandry guidelines.
htt p://www.glenoakzoo.org/W PPH TAG /home.ht m
Photos by B. Huffman. P ubl i s he d J anuar y 2 0 1 2 .