1.1 Course Rationale

 

There are only a few places in the world where university courses in the “Management of Neo-tropical Animal Wildlife” are offered. There are even fewer courses available in the world on the husbandry of captive Neo-tropical animal wildlife species. Most of these courses when offered are not easily available and when and where they are available they usually need substantial funding to bring together participants from wide geographic locations.

 

The widespread international interest at present being generated in conservation and environmental management has stimulated the need for an available course such as this one, with the emphasis on Neo-tropical Animals. In addition, the initiatives of AGENDA 21 have created [and would further create] the need for people to be further informed on wildlife management and conservation within the context of Neo-tropical Animals.

The Historical Context and the Problem of Neo-tropical Animals
In the early 16th century: The Conquistadores from Spain came to the New World which included the Neo-tropics. The consequences of their interventions into the New World were as follows:
Genocide and the loss of (within the New World) the Mentifacts and Sociofacts of the Aztecs, Incas, Caribbean, South and Central American Native Peoples’ civilizations.

This was initially chronicled by Bartholomew de las Casas the Archbishop of Hispaniola,

The extraction of the Neo-tropical Plant Genetic Material from the New World to Europe

The consequence of this was that the following species of plants are now Modern Day

Staples: 

Cassava (Manihot esculenta),

Cocoa (Thoebroma cacao),

Potatoes (Ipoema batatas, Solanum tuberosum),

Tomatoes,

Peppers,

Maize (Zea mays).

Today we call Potatoes – “Irish Potatoes”.

 

With the extermination of the native peoples and their knowledge of the their Neo-tropical Animals there was the consequent importation of European and Asian animals:

Sheep (Ovis aries),

Goats (Capra hircus),

Cattle (Bos Taurus, B. indicus),

Buffaloes (Bubalas bubalis),

Horses (Equus caballus),

Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris),

Cats (Felis catus),

Chickens (Gallus domesticus) and

Pigs (Sus scrofa).

 

All of these modern day domesticated species are not native to the Neo-tropics.

This led to the complete neglect for almost 450 years of our Neo-tropical Animals. Today in most Latin American or Neo-tropical countries it is forbidden to rear these animals because they are contraband and because the modern world [or modern Neo-tropics] has been ignorant about them and have ignored them. Latin American and the Neo-tropical Societies are food insecure because we have lost the knowledge of our Neo-tropical animals. This we have to correct and reverse.

This course could therefore help to fill this gap and the need for information of this nature.

 

This course is an elective within the M. Sc. in Tropical Animal Science and Production Program within the Faculty of Science and Agriculture of the University of the West Indies and is at present being offered in the face-to-face mode to both undergraduate and post graduate students.

 

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1. 2 Course Description

• The history and role of zoos. 
• Endangered species and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species  of Wild Fauna and Flora [CITES] accord. 
• Local laws for the protection of wildlife and endangered species in the world with particular reference to the Neo-tropics.
• The management of non-domestic animals in captivity. 
• Approaches to the management of zoos and wildlife conservation. 
• What is Wildlife Management? 
• Strategies and Methods used in Wildlife Management with special reference to the Caribbean and Latin America [Neo-tropical species].
• The present state of knowledge of our Neo-tropical Animals and their potential for Domestication.
• Future Horizons for Neo-tropical Wildlife Conservation, Management, Production and Utilization.

 

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1.3 Course Objectives

1. To provide an appreciation of the role and function of zoos.
2. To provide an understanding of the components of management of zoos and animal display facilities.
3. To describe the forms of wildlife management and explain their importance to conservation efforts.
4. To highlight different approaches at Neo-tropical Conservation.
5. To highlight the laws and organizations involved in international wildlife conservation.
6. To highlight wildlife utilization in Latin America and the Caribbean [Neo-tropics]

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1.4 Learning Objectives

(i) To be able to describe the role, function and management of zoos.

(ii) To be able to describe the four basic traditional goals of wildlife management and how they are achieved.
(iii) To be able to describe the CITES accord, and to explain how it is implemented.
(iv) To be able to describe some of the major international issues affecting wildlife in the world.

(v) To be able to describe the anatomy, physiology, health, nutrition, environmental requirements and possible approaches to the management of some selected Caribbean Tropical wildlife species in captivity and in the wild, livestock production from selected wildlife species.

(vi) To be able to describe the areas of conflict between different schools of thought on wildlife management and conservation.
(vii) To be able to describe approaches at wildlife utilization within the Neo-tropics.

 

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1. 5 Course Logic

 

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1.6 Semester II Schedule (January to April 2014)

All classes will be 5.00 to 8.00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Lecture Room B1 Sir Frank Stockdale Building, Faculty of Science and Agriculture

 

Week #1	Activities
Wednesday 21st January	[I] Introduction to Course WELCOME TO ALL Handout of Course Outline and Description of how the course would be conducted Collection of Background Information on the Students Unit 1 –Course Introduction [GG] Unit 2 - The Animal Kingdom [GG]
Friday 23rd January	Feedback from Students Organizing of the Class into Groups: Group #1: The Agouti [Dasyprocta leporina] Group #2: The Capybara [Hydrochoerus hydrochoeris] Group #3: The Green Iguana [Iguana iguana] Group #4: The Opossum [Didelpis marsupialis insaluris] Group #5: Aquatic Species Production - Cascadura [Haplosternum littorale] - Tilapia [Tilapia sp.] Group #6: Quenk [Tayassu tajuca] Group #7: Boa constrictor [Boa constrictor constrictor]  [GG and AN] Module [I] Unit 3 - An introduction to Ecology [Directed Reading] Wildlife Production Systems [IV] Wildlife Production Systems [GG] Unit 14- Introduction to Species Production Modeling
Week #2
Wednesday 28th January	Special Slide Session on Zoos and Animal Facilities [VETM1005 Animal Production III, AGLS6502 and ENRM 2005??? Wildlife Management] Special Slide Session Activity  [Gary Garcia] Slides on Domestic Animal Facilities Slides on Zoos of the World Module [II] Zoos: Unit 4 – What is a Zoo? [GG] Unit 5 – Management of Zoos [GG] Unit 6 – Zoos of the Caribbean [GG] Readings for Week End Field Trip
Friday 30th January	The Zoo through the eyes of a child, a video presentation featuring Aryann Garcia, Special Guest lecture: Miss Aryann Garcia: The changing perspectives of an adolescent on Zoos.
Week #3
Wednesday 4th February	[III] Wildlife Management The Classical North American OR Euro-Centric Approach to Wildlife Management Unit 7 - The Practice of Wildlife Management Unit 9 - Management of Overabundant Wildlife Pests Unit 8 - Management of Exploited Wildlife Species: Some Points of View Unit 10 - Management of Scarce and Declining Wildlife Unit 11 - Management of Wildlife Reserves and Parks [Howard Nelson] Unit 12 - Organization and Funding of Wildlife                       Management and Ecotourism [GG] This would be a Major Item to be discussed at the Eco-tourism Class Camp
Friday 6th February	Continued from Wednesday
Saturday 7th  February 5:30 AM- 3PM All Day Field Trip Saturday Field Trip is Field Trip Report #1	1] UFS Dairy Milking and Milking Management [6:00 to 8:00 am] Objectives: to observe milking and milking management; to observe and critique the milking practices; to observe the animals and milking facilities. 2] Sugarcane Feeds Centre [10:00 to 2:00] Objectives: to observe the building design and features of an intensive zero grazing beef and dairy cattle facility; to observe the housing, feeding and intensive management of  tropical hair sheep and goats; to observe pig housing design for the tropics to facilitate the management of pig waste for biogas production; to observe the integration of sheep and aquaculture production; to observe the integration of crop and livestock production; to begin the first group/company meetings [Gary Garcia]
Sunday 8th February 9AM- 3PM All Day Field Trip Sunday Field Trip is Field Trip Report #2	3] Emperor Valley Zoo [9:00 to 2:00 pm] Objectives: to observe the functional elements of a tropical Zoo; to observe the importance, role and function of the Kitchen in the Zoo; to observe the elements of a Zoo Exhibit; and to be able to appreciate the Role of Zoos within the Modern day society.  [Gary Garcia]
Week #4
Wednesday 11th February	Alternative Approaches at Neo-tropical Animal Wildlife Management: [1] The Small Island States [2] French Guyana [Red, Yellow and Green Animals] [3] The Ojasti Approach for Latin America and the Caribbean
Friday 13th February	Unit 29 – Present and Future Horizons for Wildlife Utilization in Latin America and the Caribbean
Week #5
Wednesday 18th February	Ash Wednesday
Friday 20th February	Unit 21 – The Boa Constrictor [Boa constrictor constrictor] and Know More about Snakes : [Sg Anthony Garcia]
Saturday 21st February 1-4 pm	The State of Knowledge on Neo-tropical Animal Wildlife Conservation, Management, Production and Utilization in Trinidad and Tobago By: Gary Wayne Garcia Neo-tropical Animals as Alternative Animal Production Systems and Protein Sources for the Americas By: Gary Wayne Garcia
Week #6
Wednesday 25th February:	SURVIVAL KITS and SURVIVAL PREPARATION Retired Sgt. Anthony Garcia
Friday 27th February	Camp Site Protocol and Development: Sgt.  Anthony Garcia Practical in establishing a campsite.
Week #7:	CAMP PLANNING WEEK
Wednesday 4th March	FINALIZING CAMP DETAILS
Friday 6th March  Eco-tourism Camp Experience to be written up: 10% Course Mark	Class Eco-tourism Field Trip Field Trip #3 Two and a half day camp experience at Las Hermanas Estate, Santa Cruz Objective: To have the learner experience Eco-tourism and its idiosyncrasies.
Friday 6th March	Depart St Augustine:  Friday 12 noon to travel to the Camp site. Arrive at Campsite: 2pm Establish Camp: 3-5pm Lecture Friday Evening: Survival Skills: Sgt. Anthony Garcia and Sgt. Miguel Reece
Saturday 7th March	[III] Wildlife Management Unit 12 - Organization and Funding of Wildlife Management  and Ecotourism [GG]
Sunday 8th March	[III] Wildlife Management Unit 13 - The Future of Wildlife Management  [GG] Camp Completion and Breaking Camp 10 am Depart Camp Site:    2pm Arrive Campus:         6pm
Week #8
Wednesday 11th March	Week End Camp Group Exercise
Friday 13th March	Week End Camp Group Exercise
Week #9
Wednesday 18th March	Module [V] Some Issues [GG] Unit 22 - The Future Role of Zoos in Wildlife Conservation Directed Readings and Discussion
Friday 20th March	Module [V] Some Issues [GG] Unit 26 – Wildlife and Human Health [?????,SVM]
Week #10
Wednesday 25th March	Module [V] Some Issues [GG] Unit 24 - The Different Conservation Philosophies and  CITES [Romano Mac farlane- Wildlife Biologist, Trinidad, Forestry Division, Ministry of the Environment] Unit 28 – Laws Governing Wildlife Module [V] Some Issues
Friday 27th March	Unit 27 – Wildlife and Domestic Livestock  Health [??????, SVM]
Week #11
Wednesday 1st April	[V] Some Issues [GG] Unit 23 - International Organizations which Contribute to   Wildlife Preservation [GG]
Friday 3rd April	[V] Some Issues [GG] Unit 25 - The Role of Wildlife Management in Protecting Global Biodiversity.
Week #12
Wednesday 8th April	PRESENTATIONS Group #1: The Agouti [Dasyprocta leporina] Group #2: The Capybara [Hydrochoerus hydrochoeris] Group #3: The Green Iguana [Iguana iguana] Group #4: The Opossum [Didelpis marsupialis insaluris]
Friday 10th April:	PRESENTATIONS Group #5: Aquatic Species Production - Cascadura [Haplosternum littorale] - Tilapia [Tilapia sp.] Group #6: Quenk [Tayassu tajuca] Group #7: Boa constrictor [Boa constrictor constrictor]
Week #13
Wednesday 15th April	Course Review
Friday 17th April	Course Review All Typed and Electronic Reports Friday 17th APRIL

 

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1.7 Texts/Recommended Readings

Publications

 

(1)          Anderson, S. H.  (1999): Managing our Wildlife Resources.  Prentice Hall, New  Jersey, USA,  Third Edition, 23 chapters , 440 pages.

(2)          Brown-Uddenberg, R. C.;  Gary W. Garcia, Quinn S. Baptiste, Terrence Counand, Andrew O. Adogwa & Terry Sampson (2004):  The Agouti [Dasyprocta leporina, D. aguti] Booklet and Producers’ Manual, Wildlife Farmers’ and Producers’ Booklet #1, First Edition, GWG Publications, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, 98 Pages. [Available on the OSTASP website]

 

(3)          Bolen, E. G. and Robinson, W. L.  (1999): Wildlife Ecology and Management.  Prentice Hall, New  Jersey, USA,  Fourth  Edition, 23 chapters,  605 pages.

 

(4)          Caughley, G and Sinclair, A ( 1994): Wildlife Ecology and Management. Blackwell, Massachusetts, USA.

 

(5)          Clark, T. W; Reading, R. P. and Clarke, A. L. (1994) (Editors) : Endangered Species Recovery.  Island Press, Washington D. C, USA, 18 chapters  >439 pages.

 

(6)          Fa, J.E., Funk, S.M. and O’Connell, D. (2011): Zoo Conservation Biology, Cambridge University Press, Cmabridge, UK

 

(7)          Garcia, G. W, et al (2005): The Collared Peccary/ Javelina/ Sajino/ Poco do Monte/ Wild Hog/ Pakira/ Patira/ Taitetu/ Catete/ Catto/ Quenk/ [Tayassu tajacu, Pecari tajacu] Booklet and Producers Manual. Wildlife Farmers’ and Producers’ Booklet #2, First Edition, GWG Publications, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, 238 pages. [To be loaded on to the Website]
                               

(8)          Garcia, G.W. et al (2014): The National Birds and an Endangered Bird of Trinidad and Tobago: The Cocrico [Ortalis ruficauda], The Scarlet Ibis [Eudocimus ruber], The Green Hermit/Guy’s Hermit/White Tailed Hermit [Phaethornis guy guy] and The Pawi [Aburria pipile/Pipile pipile]. Wildlife Farmers’ and Producers’ Booklet #3, GWG Publications, Trinidad and Tobago, ISBN: 976-95123-5-4. [Available at the comfauna.org and fundamazonia.org websites]

 

(9)          Nyhuis, A. W. (1994): The Zoo Book: A Guide to America’s Best.  Carousel Press, California, USA. >262 pages.

 

(10)        Ojasti, J. (1996): Wildlife Utilization in Latin America: Current Situation and Prospects for Sustainable Management. FAO Conservation Guide 25, FAO Rome. [Download from Internet, FAO Publications]

 

(11)        Primack, R (1995): Primer of Conservation Biology, Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, Massachusetts, USA

 

(12)        Rees, P. A. (2011): An Introduction to Zoo Biology and Management, Wiley-Blackwell, Hoboken, NJ, USA. [Book Companion Website: www.wiley.com/go/rees/zoo]

 

Recommended Readings

• Animal Production in Australia: Proceedings of the Australian Society of Animal Production - 1954 to 1994.
• Anon.  1978.  Fauna.  Proceeding #36, February 1978.  Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Medicine. Sydney, South N.S.W., Australia.  784pp.
• Anon.  (1989):  Invertebrates in Aquaculture.  Proceeding #117.  May 1989.  Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Medicine. Sydney, South N.S.W., Australia.  266pp.
• Anon.  (1990):  Rodents and Rabbits.  Laboratory Animal Science.  Proceeding #142, September 1990.  Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Medicine, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia. 559pp.
• Anon.  (1992):  Urban Wildlife.  Proceeding #204, Oct. 1992.  Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Medicine. Sydney, South N.S.W., Australia.  138pp.
• Anon.  (1994):  Australian Wildlife (Abridged).  Proceeding #104, September 1978.  Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Medicine. Sydney, South N.S.W., Australia.  493pp.
• Anon.  (1994)  Wildlife.  Proceeding 233, September 1994.  Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Medicine. Sydney, South N.S.W., Australia.  675pp.
• Brown, R; Boos, H. and Garcia, G.W. (1992) A Repository of Indigenous Wildlife genes at the Emperor Valley Zoo. 6th Annual Seminar on Agriculture Research. NIHERST, Trinidad and Tobago. 177-194.
• Brown, R.C.; Garcia, G. W. ; Manick, M.  ; and Poujade, S.  (1998):
• A case study: Wildlife farming in Trinidad. Proceedings of TA2000, 4-9 September, 1994.
• Tropical Agriculture, Special Issue : 171-174
• Benirschke, K; Lasley, B. and Ryder, O. (1980) : The Technology of Captive Propagation.  Chapter 13 in “Conservation Biology”  Soul and Wilcox Editors, Sinuaen Association pp 225-242.
• Benirschke, K (1991): Zoo Research in the World Wide Effort.  AA ZPA 1991 Annual Conference Proceedings, pp 66-71.
• Benirschke, K. (1983): The Impact of Research on the Propagation of Endangered Species in Zoos.  Chapter 24 in “Genetics and Conservation: A Reference for Managing Wild Animals and Plant Populations”.  Editors C. M. Schonewalk-Cox, S. M. Chambers, B. Mac Bryde and W. L. Thomas.  The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Co. Inc., California USA, pp 402-413.
• Benirschke, K. (1987) : The Mandate for Research in Zoos.  Inter-disciplinary Sciences Reviews Vol. 12, No. 1 pp 9-22.
• Buchsbaum, Ralph et  Al  (1986):  The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of Animal Life. Portland House, New York. 606 pages.
• Edwards, M. S.; Crissey, S. D.; Oftedal, O.T. and Rudran, R.  (1990): Fiber Concentrations of Natural Vegetation fed upon  by various sympatric species in the llanos of Venezuela.  Proceeding of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Annual Meeting , Senior Editor: Richard C. Cambre pp 74-80.
• Edwards, M. S.; Oftedal, O.T. and Crissey, S.  (1990): Using Natural Diet Composition in Formulating Diets for Captive Animals: Fiber Concentrations.  American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Regional Conference Proceedings, Wheeling, WV.
• Fiedler, P.L. and Jain, S. K. (1992) (Editors) : Conservation Biology :
• The Theory and Practice of Nature Conservation, Preservation
• and Management.  Chapman and Hall, New York and London,
• 18 chapters, >495 pages.
• Garcia, G.W. (1999): Intensification of Animal Production Systems for Improved Wildlife Conservation
• In: Agriculture in the Caribbean : Issues and Challenges (UWI Ag. 50) VolumeIII : 89-99
• Garcia, G.W.   ; Cabb,D.; Mohammed, R. and Brown-Uddenberg, R. (1999): A Note on Considerations for Development of the Wildlife Sector: The Case of Wildlife Farming. In:  Agriculture in the Caribbean : Issues and Challenges (UWI Ag. 50) Volume III : 100-105
• Graham, F, Jnr. (1990) : The Audubon Ark: A History of the National Audubon Society.  University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas, USA.  317 pages.
• Hutchins, M. and Conway, W.G.( 1995): Beyond Noah’s Ark: the evolving role of modern zoological parks and aquariums in field conservation.  1994 International Zoo Yearbook, Volume 34, pp117-130
• Kleiman, D. G.; Allen, M., Thompson, K. V., Lumpkin, S. and Harris, H. (1996) Editors : Wild Animals in Captivity, Principles and Techniques   The University of Chicago Press, USA. 639 pages
• Leus, K.;  Macdonald, A. A. ( 1995): Gastrointestinal Anatomy, Diet Selection and Digestion in Mammals: A Brief Overview. In : Research and Captive Propagation , Edited by: Udo Ganslober, John K. Hodges, Werner Kaumanns, Published by, Filander Verlag Furth  pp 99-114
• Leopold, A [1933] Game Management, Chas Scribner’s and Sons, New York, NY, 481 pages
• Leopold, A [1949] A sand county almanac and sketches here and there, Oxford University Press, New York, NY.226 pages
• Maitland, P.S.  ( 1995): The role of zoos and public  aquariums in fish conservation. 1994 International Zoo Yearbook, Volume 34, pp 6-14
• Mench, J. A. and Kreger, D. (1996): Ethical and welfare issues associated with keeping wild animals in captivity. In Kleiman, D. G.; Allen, M., Thompson, K. V. , Lumpkin, S. and Harris, H. (1996) Editors : Wild Animals in Captivity, Principles and Tecniques   The University of Chargo Press, USA. pp 5-15
• Nowak, R. M. (1991):    Walkers’ Mammals of the World, Volumes I and II
• John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
• Rabinowitz, A. (1993): Wildlife Field Research and Conservation Training Manual.  The New York Zoological Society: The Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, USA > 239 pages.
• Reid, W; Barber, C. and Miller, K. (1992): Global Biodiversity Strategy: Guidelines for Action to Save, Study and Use Earth’s Biotic Wealth Sustainably and Equitably.  World Resources Institute (WRI); The World Conservation Union (IUCW), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNESCO
• Rosenthal, M. A. and Xanten, W. A. (1996): Structural and keeper considerations in exhibit design. In Kleiman, D. G.; Allen, M., Thompson, K. V. , Lumpkin, S. and Harris, H. (1996) Editors : Wild Animals in Captivity, Principles and Tecniques   The University of Chargo Press, USA. pp 223-230
• Taylor, L. (1995): The status of north american public aquariums at the end of the century. 1994 International Zoo Yearbook, Volume 34, pp14-25
• Vehrs, K. L. (1990): Summary of United States Wildlife Regulations applicable to zoos.  In Kleiman, D. G.; Allen, M., Thompson, K. V. , Lumpkin, S. and Harris, H. (1996) Editors : Wild Animals in Captivity, Principles and Tecniques   The University of Chargo Press, Appendix 3  pp 593-599.
• Walzer, C. and  Macdonald, A. A. ( 1995): Veterinary Studies and Captive Propogation. In : Research and Captive Propagation , Edited by: Udo Ganslober, John K. Hodges, Werner Kaumanns, Published by, Filander Verlag Furth  pp 327-334
• Wemmer, C. , Derrickson, S. and Collins, L. (1996): The role of conservation and survival centres in Wildlife conservation.  In Kleiman, D. G.; Allen, M., Thompson, K. V. , Lumpkin, S. and Harris, H. (1996) Editors : Wild Animals in Captivity, Principles and Tecniques   The University of Chargo Press, pp 306-314
• Willison, J.H.M; Bonrup-Nielsen, S.; Drysdale, C; Herman, T.B.; Munro, N.W.P. and Pollock, T.L. (Editors)  (1992)  Science and the Management of Protected Areas.  Elsevier.
• Woodside, D.P. and Kelly, J.D. (1995):The development of local, national and international Zoo-Based Educational Programs. 1994 International Zoo Yearbook, Volume 34, pp231-246
• Wright, R. G. (1992): Wildlife Research and Management in National Parks.  University of Illinois Press, Urbanem Chicago, USA.  11 chapters, 195 pages.

Journals

• Animal Production
• International Zoo Yearbook
• Canadian Journal of Animal Science
• Conservation Biology [The Journal of the Society for Conservation Biology]
• Recent Advances in Animal Production (1978 to present)
• Journal of Wildlife Management
• Game and Wildlife Science, 2004 Vol 21(3): 413-420
• Journal of Mammology

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1.8 Course Support

1] Dr. Alexander Nikov - Senior Lecturer in Computer Science
2] Sergeant Anthony Garcia - Retired Staff Sergeant of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment; President of the Trinidad and Tobago Snake Keepers Association.
3] Sergeant Miguel Reyes - Staff Sergeant of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, Jungle Survival Specialist
4] Ms. Stacey Syne - Teaching Assistant