EcoLit Books’ Post

Imagine you're at a zoo. You might notice that there are a lot more lions and tigers than, say, antelopes or cockroaches. Why is that? Well, it turns out we humans have a bit of a bias when it comes to our animal friends. We tend to favor the big, the bold, and the beautiful – the so-called "charismatic megafauna." Think of them as the animal kingdom's celebrities. Researchers have been curious about this, so they asked a bunch of people, including those who run zoos and regular folks like you and me, about which animals they think should be the stars of the zoo show. They found that, generally, everyone agrees on the main roles zoos should play. But when it comes to the lineup of animals, there are some differences in opinion. The study revealed that we all have a soft spot for mammals, especially the large and majestic ones, as well as the big cats – lions, tigers, you name it. Zookeepers and the public don't always see eye to eye, but they're on the same page more often than not. The folks who manage zoos and the people who visit them both agree that these animals are the main attractions. So, what does this mean for our zoological gardens? It means that zoos are likely to keep giving the people what they want: a front-row seat to nature's most awe-inspiring creatures. By understanding our preferences, zoos can create collections that not only wow visitors but also support their mission to educate and conserve. It's a balancing act between our biases and biodiversity, ensuring that future generations can enjoy all the wonders of the wild. https://lnkd.in/dBC-4trJ

“Zoos: the Light and the Dark” Why the public should remain sceptical about zoos. By Rashmi Ryan-Brundin The Strand: Victoria University September 20, 2023 Opinions; Volume 66 Issue 2 A candid personal perspective shared by a former employee of the AZA accredited Denver Zoo. “Don’t worry, zoos are great at making sure the words and phrasing they use make it all seem like a smooth and “animal-based choice.” Let me clarify: zoos are meticulously purposeful about the wording and phrasing used when it comes to the general public to boost their image. They are not “captive animals,” they are in “human care.” These exhibits are not “cages,” but “homes.” This is not a “zoo industry,” it is an “accredited zoo community.” An animal has not escaped (a natural behaviour when in captivity), it has “accessed an area it is not supposed to be in.” There is a clear lack of acknowledgment and truth behind these animals being in captivity and being wild animals. As staff, we are given a list of around 30 terms we are told not to use to describe zoos. This is concerning for a lot of reasons and it’s hard to use the tagline phrasing, which sometimes feels like propaganda and not the reality of what the animals face.” “It is also important to remember that just because AZA is the highest standard of care does not mean it’s the best standard of care. AZA has a lot of work to do when it comes to the space management of animals and requiring them to be in pairs and groups versus solitary. At the Denver Zoo, we have two Grévy’s zebras living together, when in reality, herds of these species range from 20 to 30 (a fact the Denver Zoo writes on its own website); it is AZA accredited, even without meeting the basic standards needed for animal care.“ Complete article: https://lnkd.in/gNK-_QdR #AZA #ZAA #DenverZoo #captiveconservation #TheConservationGameMovie

“Captive CON$ervation” The Ambassador Animal Connection: AZA, ZAA and Roadside Zoos: “The Need to Breed, for Greed” Located in Murray, Nebraska, “Scatter Acres” is one of a fast growing plethora of unaccredited roadside zoos exploiting numerous species of exotic animals in the pseudo name of CON$ervation. Having previously worked for an AZA accredited zoo, I can attest to the fact that the “Association of Zoos & Aquariums” standards far exceed that of the “Zoological Association of America” (ZAA) accredited or roadside zoos. That being said, one aspect of AZA, ZAA and roadside zoos that is practically identical is their expansive and exploitive “ambassador animal” programs. AZA, ZAA and unaccredited roadside zoos across the country ontinue to breed, and purposefully human-imprint numerous species of exotic animals for the sole purpose of being exploited as “ambassador animals”. These sentient creatures spend a significant portion of their lives being exhibited for shows, special events and photo-ops, which oftentimes include “hands-on” encounters with the public. Zoos misguide the public into believing that “ambassador animal” programs contribute to the survival of said species in the wild. The reality is that “ambassador animals” are sadly a revenue generating part of every zoo and convey the misguided message that exotic animals can or should be domesticated. #TheConservationGameMovie #ambassadoranimals #AmbassadorAnimal #roadsidezoo #jackhanna #bcpsa #captiveconservation #AZA #weareaza #ZAA

“Wildly Unnatural: The Problems with Zoo Design” Born Free USA Devan Schowe Animals in Captivity May 2, 2024 “As the presence of zoos has largely become the “norm” in many parts of the world, so, too, has the design of them. This is despite the advancement of animal biology and welfare science indicating that antiquated design often ignores or conflicts with the basic needs of the animals zoos hold captive. By design, and largely for what are promoted as “educational” purposes, zoos often group animal exhibits based on shared geography, oversimplified versions of similar climates, or comparable distribution of animals. For example, many zoos have areas entitled “African Savannah,” “Asian Rainforest,” or “South American Jungle” or similar, but these are little more than design themes that bear no meaningful resemblance to the areas they claim to replicate. These themes also force animals to live unnervingly close to animals that would be their enemies, competition, or food in the wild.” Personal note/observation based on my tenure in the AZA accredited zoological world and ongoing research: Zoos often present a curated image of their animal enclosures, misguiding the public into believing that the exotic animals in their collections spend their entire lives in the faux habitats created for public display. The reality is that a significant percentage of the sentient creatures in zoo collections are “shifted” for overnight periods into concrete and steel enclosures known as “night houses”, more appropriately described as “cages”. These areas may not always align with the naturalistic exhibits seen by the public and highlights the need for transparency and ongoing discussions about animal welfare and the ethics of keeping wild animals in captivity. Complete Story: https://lnkd.in/gsE53wcv #captiveconservation #TheConservationGameMovie #bornfreeusa #AZA #weareaza #ZAA #roadsidezoo

The ZAA accredited Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium boasts 8,000 animals on 77 acres. A growing chorus asks: Why do we have zoos? Published June 24, 2024 “As attitudes shift on the morality of animal captivity, zoos are increasingly asked to defend their educational and conservational value. Pittsburgh’s zoo pledges future conservation work and animal release as it angles for accreditation. In 2022, the zoo brought in $28.9 million, according to tax returns, and spent 0.2% of that on donations to third-party conservation groups. Research about the educational value of zoos has landed mixed conclusions, even as mounting ethical criticism pressures zoos to demonstrate their benefits. In one study, for example, researchers found no meaningful change between people’s level of environmental concern and connection to animals when surveyed before and after visiting a zoo.  Environmental researcher and writer Emma Marris, of Oregon, believes “the real mission of most zoos is to entertain.” While it’s impossible to recreate the thrill of standing mere feet from an elephant or a gorilla, she said, “We can’t always have everything we want.” In her view, that experience can’t be separated from the perils of animal captivity. She advocates instead for watching nature documentaries, bonding with native wildlife and reading books.” Complete Story: https://lnkd.in/gQNuPgQD #captiveconservation #pittsburghzoo #AZA #weareaza #ZAA #TheConservationGameMovie

🦁🔊 Hear the Lion’s Call: Ali’s Name Roared Loud and Clear! 📝Title The Lion’s Roar: Ali’s Name Echoes Through the Jungle 🧑🔬Bio I’m Muhammad Faisal Hussaini, an artist passionate about capturing the raw beauty of nature and the profound connections between humans and wildlife. 🔖Label Nature, Wildlife, Animal Communication ⁉️Related Queries How do lions communicate? Can animals call human names? What does a lion’s roar mean? Animal sounds and their meanings Unique wildlife encounters 👂Audience🔉Queries “Can lions really call out names?” “What is the significance of a lion’s roar?” “How do animals recognize human names?” “Is this a real or edited video?” “What other animals can mimic human sounds?” 🎯Tags with Commas lion roar, Ali’s name, wildlife video, animal communication, nature sounds, lion calling, unique animal sounds, jungle sounds, lion behavior, wildlife documentary #️⃣Hashtags #LionRoar #WildlifeVideo #AnimalCommunication #NatureSounds #LionCalling #UniqueAnimalSounds #JungleSounds #LionBehavior #WildlifeDocumentary ⌨️Keyword Search🔍 Lion roars Ali’s name Animal communication with humans Unique wildlife sounds Lion behavior and sounds Nature documentary lion roar SEO Optimized Description In this captivating video, witness an extraordinary moment as a lion roars and calls out the name “Ali” with remarkable clarity. This unique footage captures the raw power and majestic presence of one of nature’s most formidable predators, showcasing a rare instance of animal communication that will leave you in awe. The Lion’s Roar: Ali’s Name Echoes Through the Jungle Lions are known for their powerful roars, which can be heard up to five miles away. But have you ever imagined a lion calling out a human name? In this incredible video, we delve into the fascinating world of animal communication and explore the possibility of lions recognizing and mimicking human sounds. Why Do Lions Roar? Lions roar for various reasons, including marking their territory, communicating with their pride, and warding off intruders. The roar of a lion is a symbol of strength and dominance in the animal kingdom. But what makes this video truly special is the clear articulation of the name “Ali,” a phenomenon that raises intriguing questions about the cognitive abilities of these magnificent creatures. The Significance of Animal Communication Animal communication is a complex and fascinating field of study. While many animals use sounds to communicate, the ability to mimic human speech is rare and often associated with birds like parrots. This video challenges our understanding of animal behavior and opens up new possibilities for research into how animals perceive 🔔Subscribe & 👍Like💖 for new Videos📼Every Day!👇 🔗https://lnkd.in/drVc-jfQ 🔗https://lnkd.in/drVc-jfQ 🔗https://dai.ly/x95t1l2 🔗https://lnkd.in/dfFzmRqR

"On a quiet Wednesday in January, the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre is calm. Inside the office of its director there is an alligator skull, a stuffed owl, a live python and a purposeful atmosphere. The centre is there not just to make it easier for animals to travel (dogs can stretch their legs) but harder for diseases: it was built in the mid-1970s, mainly to ensure that rabies didn’t enter the country by air. The centre also helps deal with animal smuggling: if illegally transported animals are found and seized, they can, if needed, be kept here. Today, the centre is holding some fleshy tarantulas. Until recently, a crocodile had lived at Heathrow for two years. Though they tend not to talk about it: Heathrow is a bit cagey about its crocodile. Most animals move through more snappily. Today, 500 tiny tortoises from Tashkent have arrived (they have already been slid, like boxes of scaly pebbles, through the x-ray machine). The centre offers hints that other arrivals can be more demanding: on one wall signs read “APES-DOGS-LARGE CATS”; in another room, there are cages. Heathrow often has little warning of what will arrive, so cupboards are kept well-stocked. In one fridge, containers bear such labels as “Macaw Nuts”, “Leaf Eater Primate Pellet” and “Parrot Mix” (for, rather than of). In a nearby freezer, rats and mice lie in zippered bags, tails curled under, feet frozen (the categories of “customer” and “dinner” can occasionally overlap uncomfortably). Keeping these supplies ready is, however, necessary since, if an alligator arrives unexpectedly, “you can’t nip to Tescos and buy your frozen rats.”" How to transport a rhino https://lnkd.in/gp3Us9H8 from The Economist (Subscription may be required) #aviation #animalquarantine #customsclearance

The most common #wombat is also the least understood https://lnkd.in/gVsrmtzi Australia’s iconic marsupial has been viewed as a food source, pest, mascot and, now, a conservation concern. Scientists are breaking down myths — using genetics, robots and citizen science — and finding new ways to protect the animals. When Sydney hosted the 2000 Summer Olympics, an unlikely hero emerged: an unofficial mascot known as Fatso the Fat-Arsed Wombat. Introduced by comedians, it helped to kick off a wave of love for a critter not always adored by human Australians. Over the centuries, the native marsupial has been eaten in stew and maligned as a pest. Now, it’s a focus of conservation and animal welfare efforts. Wombats are closely related to koalas and nurture their young in pouches like other marsupials. Of the three species, one is threatened and another endangered, but the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus), found in Southeast Australia and Tasmania and thought to number more than a million, is neither. So it’s been studied less than its hairy-nosed cousins. “This is a species that everyone loves, but just doesn’t know too much about,” says Georgia Stannard, an archaeologist at La Trobe University in Bundoora/Melbourne. Stannard is one of a handful of scientists working to change that, and the efforts are bearing fruit. Over the past decade, research on bare-nosed wombats has revealed characteristics of its subterranean habitat (as explored by robot), the meat cuts most favored by Tasmanian Aboriginal peoples thousands of years ago (head, chest and forelimbs were brought home to the cave), and the intestinal methods responsible for its startling, cube-shaped droppings (which earned a tongue-in-cheek Ig Nobel Prize in 2019). Recent work has also illuminated the worrisome effects of a parasitic disease that first came to the continent with European colonists. Human-wombat relations: It’s complicated The wombat’s relationship with people goes back millennia. For example, researchers found wombat remains in a Tasmanian cave used by humans 20,000 to 15,000 years ago. Wombats were good eats, Stannard says — “little casseroles on legs.” (Stannard hasn’t had a taste, but the journals of George Augustus Robinson, a Briton and liaison to Indigenous populations in the 1800s, report that wombat rump made a yummy stew with onions and potatoes.)

12 Types of Animals With Big Foreheads (Pictures) Have you ever wondered why some animals with big foreheads? You might think they are just a sign of intelligence, but there is much more to it than that. These foreheads are actually amazing adaptations that help these animals survive and thrive in their habitats. They can store food, protect the brain, and even attract mates! For example, gorillas use their large foreheads to show off their strength and status. Elephants are another example of smart animals with big foreheads. But big foreheads are not only found in land animals. Some of the most fascinating examples are in the ocean, where you can find fish like the Green Humphead Parrotfish and the Napoleon fish. These fish have huge foreheads that help them break coral and dig for food. Big lips animals, big eared animals, and big-forehead animals each have their place in the fascinating tapestry of nature. In this article, we’ll explore 12 amazing animals that have the biggest foreheads and why they have them. You’ll learn how their foreheads help them survive, communicate, and even show off in the wild. #ForeheadFlaunters #BigBrowedBeauties #CraniumCrownedCritters #MelonMindedMenagerie #FrontalLobeFurries #NogginNobility #BrowBrigade #DomeDominators #HeadHonchoHerd #CerebrumChampions #FrontalFeatureFiesta #CranialCuteness #MindfulMelons #IntellectualIguanas #BrainyBrowBunch #ForeheadFascination #CerebralCrownCrew #BigBrainBuddies #ThoughtfulTempleTroupe #WisdomWrinkles

What's the deal with this animal? I'm often asked about the animal that appears on my business card. First, it's a real animal. It's not a muppet. It's a bird: the scale-crested pygmy tyrant. The scale-crested pygmy tyrant is a species of tyrant flycatcher that belongs to the passerine order of birds, a group known as 'perching birds,' which includes many 'songbirds', including it's arguable more spectacular relative, the tropical royal flycatcher (Onychorhynchus coronatus). The scale-crested pygmy tyrant is found in tropical forests, including lowland areas and montane forests, and ranges from Costa Rica to Peru and Venezuela. Like other tyrants, the scale-crested pygmy tyrant feeds primarily on insects. While relatively common—the scale-crested pygmy tyrant is classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not particularly endangered—the species moves quickly and is most active in the shade of the forest understory, making it somewhat difficult to see unless pinpointed by its whistle-like call. The individual pictured above was captured by scientists conducting research at Las Cruces Biological Station, Costa Rica 🇨🇷. The ornithologists are attaching a plastic band around the bird’s ankle so it can be recorded if captured again in the future. ❓Why did I choose this obscure bird to represent Mongabay? For a while, the scale-crested pygmy tyrant was the mascot for Mongabay, and I personally (separate from Mongabay) support a conservation project to protect its habitat in Colombia 🇨🇴. I chose the bird partly because of its rainforest habitat, but mostly because of this specific photo. I find that when I give out my business card, most people ask about the creature pictured. They ask questions about it, which prompts a conversation and is more likely to leave them with a memory of the exchange, rather than something they instantly forget when they walk away. Hence, the choice of the scale-crested pygmy tyrant as Mongabay's mascot.