Animal Taxonomy
The system for naming and organizing things, especially plants and animals, into groups that share similar qualities
Taxonomy
Scientific names are comprised of the animal's
Genus & species (and subspecies if they have one)
Because of the negative associations with wild-caught reptiles, what other term may be used instead?
Field Collected (FC)
If the dam & sire were in human care at the time they mated, then their resulting offspring would be considered
Captive Bred and Born (CBB)
AZA stands for
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Taxonomically, every animal is in which domain? And which kingdom?
Eukarya; Animalia
A collection of organisms within a species or subspecies that have different characteristics as a result of selective breeding by humans
Breed
A common example of nuisance animals in Florida that may need to be brought into human care is
Alligators
Some private individuals may breed for specific color variations; what do we call these phenotypic expressions of a single gene or genetic mutation that result in the animal having a certain coloration or pattern
Morph or polymorphism
Within AZA facilities, the entire population of each species across facilities is managed in one of two ways: as DERPs or in SSPs. What does DERP stand for? And what does SSP stand for?
Display, Education, Research Population; Species Survival Plan
The study of the evolutionary history and relationships among species that leads us to develop "family trees"
Phylogeny
A group of naturally occurring animals that breed to generate viable offspring when they reproduce with others
Species
Name at least three of the ways WC individuals enter human care
Sick or injured
Nuisance individuals
Invasive species
Illegally collected
Legally collected
Name at least three of the individual sources for CB animals in human care
Small-scale or hobby breeders
Large-scale breeders
Zoos & Aquariums
Foundations/Trusts
Sanctuaries
Research facilities
What are the criteria for an animal species to be considered a Green SSP?
Has a population size of 50 or more animals in AZA, and is projected to retain 90% gene diversity for a minimum of 100 years or 10 generations
A group of species that are all said to have the same common ancestor based on their shared characteristics, including their DNA
Clade
The 3 key areas of how taxonomy relates to veterinary care are
Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition, Medications & Treatments
Name at least two of the Cons of WC individuals
Unknown genetic & medical history
Could promote the poaching and illegal trade
Potential for habitat destruction
Ethical and moral concerns
Name at least two of the Cons of CB individuals
High costs
The potential for reduced genetic diversity
Animals may imprint on humans and become less “wild”
Ethical and moral concerns
What are the criteria for an animal species to be considered a Red SSP?
Has a population size of 20 or more animals in AZA, but cannot retain 90% gene diversity for 100 years or 10 generations
This is the scientific name of European/Taurine cattle
Bos taurus
Wholphins are an example of
A cross-species hybrid
Name at least two of the Pros of WC individuals
Lower initial cost to acquire
Some species may not be available through captive breeding programs
Assumed to be 100% genetically diverse
Can promote the local economy and environmental protection
Name at least two of the Pros of CB individuals
Reduce the number of animals that need to be WC
Promotes the conservation
Increased educational and research
Can promote genetic diversity
Name two of the SSP conservation success stories that we discussed in the "Where Do Exotic Animals In Human Care Come From" Presentation
California condors, red wolves, Przewalski’s horse, golden lion tamarins, scimitar-horned oryxes, Arabian oryx, black-footed ferrets, Wyoming toads, and mountain bongos