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Amur leopards born at Twycross Zoo
Amur leopards - Credit: Nikki Williscroft
Captive breeding programmes in zoos such as Twycross are critical to the survival of the species.

Cubs may form part of wider conservation plans for the reintroduction of the species to the wild

Twycross Zoo has announced the arrival of two Amur leopard cubs. The arrival of the two cubs represents a significant step forward in ensuring the survival of this species on the brink of extinction in the wild.

Experts estimate that the number of Amur leopards in the wild consists of less than 50, making the species vulnerable to extinction. Human-animal conflict in the leopard's small range in China and south eastern Russia, including poaching, illegal logging, forest clearance and land development, as well as the risks associated with disease and in-breeding in such a small population, are all factors which threaten the long-term survival of the species.

Captive breeding programmes in zoos such as Twycross are critical to the survival of the species. Just like online dating, their expert committees analyse data from captive Amur leopards from zoos across Europe for suitable breeding matches.

Dr John Lewis, veterinary advisor to the Amur leopard and tiger EEP and veterinary director of Wildlife Vets International, explains:  “We don’t know how many of the Amur leopards remaining in the wild are young or old, male or female.  So if the population is skewed towards too many males, or too many older individuals, this can impact the species’ chances of breeding successfully.  The added threats of disease and human-animal conflict also jeopardise the animals’ survival.  Zoo breeding programmes are fundamental to protecting and saving species that are close to extinction in the wild.”

Twycross Zoo say that a healthy, managed population of Amur leopards underpins international plans to reintroduce them to the wild habitats from where they are disappearing.

Dr Charlotte Macdonald, Head of Life Sciences at Twycross Zoo said:  “We are delighted with the birth of two rare Amur leopard cubs at Twycross Zoo.  We are hopeful that these UK-born babies will one day be part of wider conservation plans for the reintroduction of the species to the wild.  Although animals are best conserved in the wild, and it’s unlikely that any reintroduction will take place for several more years, captive-bred cubs such as these could help save the Amur leopard from disappearing forever.”

Image courtesy of Twycross Zoo. Credit: Nikki Williscroft

 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.