Zoo Conservation

Question 1

Biodiversity

Answer 1

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Question 2

reasons for conserving biodiversity

Answer 2

• variety of living organisms
• stable life support system of the planet
• potential resources for human consumption
• spiritual connections and appreciation of nature

Question 3

Zoo contribute DIRECTLY to biodiversity by ______________.

Answer 3

ex-situ conservation education

• scientific studies for in in-situspecies reintroduction programs
• Ex-situ breeding programs, captive breeding, head-starting, wildlife rescues
• fundraising for conservation

Question 4

A few examples of projects zoos have raised funds for in range countries

Answer 4

• Conserving Zimbabwe’s Endangered Wild Dogs
• Promoting Gorilla Conservation Through Education
• Ensuring the Future of Siamese Crocodiles

Question 5

examples where zoo have provided scientific assistance or helped with education programs in range countries.

Answer 5

North Carolina Zoo’s “UNITE for the
Environment” conservation education and
teacher training project around national parks
in Uganda

Question 6

Conservation issues regarding the OZ silver spot and checker spot recovery program.

Answer 6

head-starting for survival into adult hood

wildlife rescues due to human caused environmental issues

Question 7

reintroduction issues are ___________.

Answer 7

following breeding or maintenance in captivity

public support
genetics
behavior
social grouping
preconditioning
monitoring (think of the sea otter at the zoo)

Question 8

Two project that the WCS is involved in

Answer 8

Herdsman Conserving Eastern MongoliaThe Mongol people have historically herded livestock across communal lands. Today, approximately 30 percent of the population is nomadic or semi-nomadic. This method of livestock production often causes habitat destruction and loss of native wildlife. WCS has been working with herder groups to develop wildlife management, protection, and monitoring plans in their community-managed areas. Herders and volunteer rangers learn to rotate their pastures and enforce wildlife protection laws against illegal hunting.

WCS spearheads the Gabon Sea Turtle Partnership, a network of organizations concerned with the protection of four species of marine turtles that frequent this seascape. The coalition is working with local agencies to ensure the leatherback population is protected. In 2009, WCS scientists and colleagues from the University of Exeter in England, the Government of Gabon, and Seaturtle.org tagged two female leatherbacks with satellite transmitters to monitor the turtles’ precise movements and observe where and how deep they dive in the vast South Atlantic Ocean.