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Unique Poo Identification Database
Poo from the capybara species is analysed as part of a project to help farmers manage their land sustainably.
Researchers funded by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the charity that owns Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park, are creating a unique poo identification database, designed to help Brazilian farmers manage their land in a more sustainable and efficient way.

By evaluating the botanical composition of faeces from wild and domestic herbivores, researchers are able to identify the preferred plant grazing materials, foraging strategies and nutritional requirements of the animals. This information is used to recommend and help landowners adopt sound land management strategies that will benefit both cattle and wildlife as well as improve their profitability. The ultimate aim of the project is to lessen the impact of intensive cattle grazing on the pristine Pantanal region in Brazil.

The Pantanal is regularly flooded and is characterized by an astonishing diversity of wildlife with thousands of fascinating species present, many of which are endangered.
Speaking on a brief visit to Edinburgh to share the latest findings with his colleagues, Dr Arnaud Desbiez, Researcher for RZSS’s Pantanal Conservation Initiative based in Brazil, said: “The Pantanal region is a unique ecosystem with areas of forest, wetland and savannah and is recognised by several international conservation protection designations. Ninety-five percent of the area is owned by private landowners and we must work with them in order to safeguard this amazing place. Until recently, it was a pristine environment benefiting from large scale ranches, low human density and little active management.  But now as intensive farming practices overtake traditional methods, this ecosystem is increasingly threatened. The Pantanal Conservation Initiative Project funded by RZSS, a critical part of which is analyzing and identifying plants deposited within faecal matter, has helped us to provide practical tools to farmers to choose better ways to manage and use the land.”

RZSS researcher, Dr Arnaud Desbiez, often goes on horseback to collect samples during the rainy season.
As the world's largest wetland of any kind, the Pantanal is regularly flooded and is characterized by an astonishing diversity of wildlife with thousands of fascinating species present, many of which are endangered. Over 200 plant species have now been identified, photographed and characterised as part of this research.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."