Palm Beach Zoo Conservation
Species Survival Plan
Started in 1981 through the AZA (American Association of Zoo and Aquariums), the Species Survival Plan programs strive to manage chosen species and therefore help maintain a healthy, diverse population that may become self-sustaining in the future. SSP's also assist with field projects in "home range" areas, help educate the public, and provide funding for research and reintroductions back to the wild when appropriate.
- Species Survival Plans (SSP's) at the Palm Beach Zoo
- Baird's tapir
- Bali mynah
- Cotton-top tamarin
- Fennec fox
- Goeldi's monkey
- Golden lion tamarin
- Jaguar
- Ocelot
- Red-bellied lemur
- Red crowned crane
- Red-ruffed lemur
- Ring-tailed lemur
- Siamang
- Spider monkey
- Swainson's toucan
- Toco toucan
- Yellow-footed rock wallaby
Population Management Plan
Population Management Plans were started by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association in 1994. The PMP program provides guidance to help maintain healthy populations of captive animals. Species in the PMP program do not yet require the level of intensive management as species and populations managed in SSP programs.
Population Management Plans (PMP's) at the Palm Beach Zoo
- Avian
- Beautiful fruit dove
- Caribbean flamingo
- Crested screamer
- Crested wood partridge
- Eurasian eagle owl
- Golden conure
- Green-naped pheasant pigeon
- Hyacinth macaw
- King vulture
- Laughing kookaburra
- Marbled teal
- Masked lapwing
- Nene goose
- Red-fronted macaw
- Roseate spoonbill
- Scarlet ibis
- Seriema (red-legged)
- Silver-beaked tanager
- Spectacled owl
- Spotted whistling duck
- Sulfur-crested cockatoo
- Tawny frogmouth
- Trumpeter swan
- West Indian whistling duck
- Mammal
- Binturong
- Capybara
- Chevrotain
- Chilean pudu
- Collared peccary
- Crested capuchin
- Giant anteater
- Kinkajou
- North American river otter
- Pied tamarin
- Prevost's squirrel
- Puma
- Red kangaroo
- Serval
- Southern Black howler monkey
- Squirrel monkey
- Tenrec
- Tufted capuchin
- Two-toed sloth
- White-throated capuchin
- Reptile
- Prehensile-tailed skink
Conservation Projects Sponsored by the Palm Beach Zoo
The Palm Beach Zoo currently sponsors projects in numerous regions of the world. The majority of this conservation work deals with species that are represented in the zoo's collection. Because visitors and staff are able to see and work with these species on a daily basis, the level of awareness and the need for conservation are more easily realized and understood.
Region: Australia
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby Reintroduction Project
The principal aim of this project is to gain insight into how captive-bred rock wallabies adjust upon release to the wild. Through this study, researchers are learning about wallabies' adjustment to living in the wild. To do this, data is collected to assess the animals' diet, health, home range and colony structure, reproduction and growth, summer and winter water and energy usage, and population genetics. Results are already being used to advise on the reintroduction of more endangered species.
The Palm Beach Zoo has been involved with the Reintroduction project for several years.
The Palm Beach Zoo donates funding to supply radio collars for the captive-bred wallabies upon release to the wild, and funds the "mark and recapture trapping trips" which includes data downloading for the radio-collared animals.
Region: Central America
A Public/Private Partnership to Understand and Conserve Jaguar Habitat in the Yucatan (Jaguar SSP)
The Palm Beach Zoo now helps to fund the camera-trapping aspect of this project endorsed by the Jaguar SSP. Camera trapping involves setting up cameras in remote areas that jaguars are known to inhabit. A sensor on the camera will pick up motion and photograph a certain area or animal whenever it is triggered. This way, animals have no human interaction and the cameras can "catch" animals in their natural, wild state.
This type of study also helps obtain population demographics of many species that inhabit the area as the camera sensors will respond to any animal movement. This camera-trapping will help researchers gain a better understanding of the numbers of jaguars and other animals in the area.
Overall, the project will work to build partnerships between public and private land-holders to build sustainable land use practices that will help reverse the continuing trend of degradation of resources necessary for the survival of the jaguar and several animal and plant species.
Region: South America
Bush Dog Project
The "Ecology of the Bush Dog" project was originally funded by the Palm Beach Zoo to assist Karen DeMatteo, Ph.D. and her team of researchers in Mato Grasso, Brazil, to learn about the basic ecological requirements and behaviors of the bush dog. Observations of captive bush dog behavior and recordings of their barks at the Palm Beach Zoo allowed for the development of techniques to lure, trap, and mark individuals in the wild. As a result of these techniques, the capture and release of wild bush dogs allowed for the tracking and observation of these extremely elusive animals in their natural habitat.
The Palm Beach Zoo is one of only five (5) American zoos where visitors can actually see a bush dog. In fact, of the seventeen (17) bush dogs in the country, the Palm Beach Zoo is responsible for the care of five (5) individuals. In recent years, zookeepers have been called upon to assist researchers by gathering samples from these animals. For example, collected scat samples from pregnant females have provided researchers with critical information about the hormone levels through a bush dog's pregnancy. Collected DNA samples (including hair, scat, and blood) provide scientists with genetic analysis opportunities. In fact, the compiling of enough genetic information could ultimately produce a bush dog "genetic library," allowing for the ability to identify an animal on an individual level.
Additional funding from the Palm Beach Zoo was provided during the summer of 2007 in Argentina, where Karen DeMatteo, Ph.D., her small team of field researchers, and detector dog "Merlin," were highly successful at "sniffing out" wild bush dog dens and scat samples. "Merlin's" extraordinary talent to detect the scent of a bush dog was made possible by the donated scat samples from the Palm Beach Zoo. The scat samples collected from Argentina were sent back to a lab in the United States and analyzed genetically through the same methods established earlier with the Palm Beach Zoo scat samples. The genetic analyses of wild bush dog scat and the surveys of wild bush dog habitat in Argentina will provide the researchers with a wealth of valuable information about the bush dog population.
The information gathered by Karen DeMatteo, Ph.D. and her fellow researchers will provide a successful and sound conservation strategy for this species. Bush dog habitat is being lost at an alarming rate to intensive urbanization and agricultural development. The need for surveys and understanding of the dog's basic ecology is essential to their survival.
Crested Capuchin Project
The Palm Beach Zoo supports this project by funding the field coordination service, research equipment, and supplies for researchers in the Atlantic Forests of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Researchers are trying to evaluate the distribution limits, estimate density and population size, and evaluate the projected status of the crested capuchin (Cebus robustus) in the wild.
The Palm Beach Zoo is one (1) of only three (3) zoos in the United States that display this species of primate.
Research and Conservation of Endangered Sea Turtles in Venezuela-WIDECAST Program (Venezuelan CAP)
The Palm Beach Zoo has provided financial support to this project since 2001.
This project aims to prevent the extinction and promote the recovery of five species of endangered sea turtles nesting and foraging in Venezuela through integrated research, technical training, and environmental education programs.
Additionally, this project works on educating school-aged children about the importance of conserving these highly endangered animals. Information regarding turtle, nest, or hatchery adoption opportunities is available at: www.tortuadopcion.com.
Pudu Biological Corridor - Conserving the Biodiversity of the Mediterranean ecosystem of central Chile
The Palm Beach Zoo is a recent supporter of the "Pudu Biological Corridor Project." The pudu is among several South American deer species that are currently ranked as endangered or threatened.
Scientific knowledge of these deer and their role within their biological community is essential for their conservation. Equally important in the survival of this species is the preservation of their natural South American habitat.
This project’s plan includes the fitting of radio collars to several pudu in the central Chile region. These collars are designed to provide researchers with the scientific knowledge they need to effectively protect this species from its continued population decline.
"Artificial Nest Boxes for the Orinoco Goose Conservation in the Venezuelan Llanos"
The Orinoco Goose is a non-migratory species of sheldgoose endemic to the Neotropics.
Due to the unusually large size of the female and the large cavity size required for nesting, researchers believe that the reproductive success of this avian species could potentially suffer in South America. This is not only because of habitat loss, but also due to the decreased number of suitably sized nesting cavities.
Donated project funding from the Palm Beach Zoo is applied toward the costs of artificial nest box construction. These nest boxes will be used for years to come and will help to ensure the growth of local populations in the Venezuelan Llanos.
This project will ultimately allow for close range study of Orinoco goose breeding biology and life history. In addition, it will provide important information on the proper management for all cavity nesting birds.
Region: United States, Florida
Sea Turtle Program
The Palm Beach Zoo is now sponsoring a new sea turtle program that will focus primarily on the study of Florida’s endangered Hawksbill sea turtles, but will also encourage and facilitate marine research and the conservation of Florida’s coral reef habitats. Sea turtles are very likeable creatures, and have become icons of marine conservation all around the world. Florida is a very important place for sea turtles, and has served as a worldwide ‘hub’ for sea turtle research for decades. However, of the five species of sea turtles that frequent Florida, hawksbills are the least studied, and as a result, the least understood. They are not known to nest with any regularity on Florida’s beaches (thus escaping the attention of most Florida researchers), but are frequently seen on the coral reefs that line our coast. As a recreational SCUBA diver, Larry Wood, conservation biologist at the zoo, was intrigued by the abundance and behavior of the hawksbill turtles he encountered in the waters off the shores of Palm Beach County. As a result, he initiated the State’s first and only study to focus on this species, which is very closely associated to Florida’s fragile coral reefs. www.floridahawksbills.com
The Hawksbill
Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are a small to medium-sized species of marine turtle (100-200 lbs.) found in tropical and sub-tropical waters around the world. They were originally described as Testudo imbricata by Linneaus (1766), but later placed in their own genus by Fitzinger (1843).
Hawksbills, as suggested by their name, are most commonly characterized by a markedly pointed, beak-like upper jaw that resembles that of an eagle or hawk. They are unique among marine turtles in that the scales of the shell overlap one another on each trailing edge, much like roof shingles, and, on smaller individuals, the scutes (shell scales) at the rear of the turtle are sharply pointed, giving a ‘jagged’ look to the rear of the shell. Of note are the beautiful shells of hawksbill turtles. Varied, radiating patterns of brown, black, and yellow streaks and spots create a striking and highly-prized appearance. Though they prey on a variety of marine organisms, hawksbills eat primarily sponges, and are therefore closely associated with coral reef habitats.
The hawksbill is listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and is listed in Appendix 1of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It is also listed as endangered throughout its range under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. As such, specific actions are required to facilitate the recovery of the species. The most recent status review of the species in the United States recognized that numerous threats still exist for United States populations, recommended that the hawksbill remain listed as endangered throughout its range, and encouraged continued recovery efforts.
The Program
The Comprehensive Florida Hawksbill Research Program (CFHRP) has three primary long-term objectives: (1)To characterize the hawksbill turtle populations of Florida and how they interact with their environment; (2) To promote and facilitate the study and conservation of sea turtles and their habitats in Florida and elsewhere with a focus on local, in-water populations; and (3) To encourage collaboration among agencies, scientists, institutions, user groups, and the public to study and protect the region’s marine environment.
Through the course of the study so far, much has been learned. However, with every new discovery come many new questions! Most importantly, we have found that hawksbills are much more abundant in Florida waters than previously thought. This information has provided new momentum to hawksbill researchers and conservation agencies in Florida and elsewhere, and we’re excited to keep it going. The CFHRP intends to take a multi-disciplinary approach to studying these populations, and will encourage students and researchers with varied backgrounds to get involved. Studies ranging from satellite tracking to invertebrate ecology are planned, and we encourage interested individuals to inquire about volunteering or gaining academic credit.
Mr. Wood would like to thank his partners in the study who have been so supportive: Jim Abernethy’s Scuba Adventures dive crew, Dr. Anne Meylan of the Florida Marine Research Institute, Dr. Peter Meylan of Eckert College (DNA), Dr. Dave Owens and Gaille Blanvillain of the University of Charleston (testosterone analysis), Kay Tennant and all dive assistants. Special thanks to the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary and the Taras Oceanographic Foundation for logistical support.
Major funding for this project has been provided by The Florida Sea Turtle License Plate Program we urge you to purchase (and renew!) your sea turtle license plate if you are a Florida resident.
Major funding for this project has also been generously provided by National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation. Please visit their Web site at www.savetheseaturtles.org for more information regarding their work.
*** Special note: Hawksbill turtles are protected by State and Federal law. Do not pursue, touch, or harass these animals in the wild. If you encounter tagged hawksbills while diving, please record the tag number only if it can be read without disturbing the turtle.
Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Program
The Palm Beach Zoo strives to assist all incapacitated native animals through an active role in native wildlife rehabilitation.
By caring for both injured and orphaned animals, the Palm Beach Zoo serves as a depot for the public to deliver injured native wildlife, as well as a resource for local rehabilitators as a site for "soft" release of rehabilitated animals.
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
The Palm Beach Zoo provides financial support to the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida.
This institution assists the zoo with the rehabilitation and release of many native Florida animals and also provides another venue for public education and awareness of the fragile Florida environment and its inhabitants.
Website address: www.buschwildlife.com.
Region: World-wide
Jaguar Species Survival Plan (SSP)
The Palm Beach Zoo has completely funded the software, programming, registration and hosting of the Jaguar SSP Web site. The Jaguar SSP houses over 100 cats with the participation of over forty (40) zoos. The creation of this Web site will expand public awareness about the jaguar's ecology, and historic and cultural importance. This Web site will also serve to build a cooperative network of zoological institutions and biologists who are collectively working to conserve the species.
Website address: www.jaguarssp.org.
