Minnesota Zoo

To describe two rabbits with iatrogenic venous vascular air embolism (VAE) confirmed with computed tomography (CT), their management, and the possible risk factors for air embolism specific to hospitalized rabbits. Iatrogenic VAE is a risk to human and veterinary patients who undergo multiple procedures, including routine IV catheter placement. Review of past experimental studies suggests that rabbits may be especially susceptible to the harmful effects of air emboli, attributed to both their small relative body size and their unique systemic sensitivity. Two rabbits at a tertiary referral hospital were diagnosed with VAE using CT. The air was presumably introduced through their IV catheters. One rabbit experienced immediate cardiopulmonary arrest and died, while early detection and intervention resulted in the survival of the other rabbit. This case series is the first to describe CT-confirmed air embolism in rabbits and the first report of successful management of a VAE in this species with long-term survival.

The Przewalski’s horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) is an endangered equid native to the steppes of central Asia. After becoming extinct in the wild, multiple conservation efforts convened to preserve the species including captive breeding programs, reintroduction and monitoring systems, protected lands, and cloning. Availability of a highly contiguous reference genome is essential to support these continued efforts. We used Oxford Nanopore sequencing to produce a scaffold-level 2.5 Gb nuclear assembly and 16,002 bp mitogenome from a captive Przewalski’s mare. All assembly drafts were generated from 111 Gb of sequence from a single PromethION R10.4.1 flow cell. The mitogenome contained 37 genes in the standard mammalian configuration and was 99.63% identical to the domestic horse (Equus caballus). The nuclear assembly, EquPr2, contained 2,146 scaffolds with an N50 of 85.1 Mb, 43X mean depth, and BUSCO quality score of 98.92%. EquPr2 successfully improves upon the existing Przewalski’s horse reference genome (Burgud), with 25-fold fewer scaffolds, a 166-fold larger N50, and phased pseudohaplotypes. Modified basecalls revealed 79.5% DNA methylation and 2.1% hydroxymethylation globally. Allele-specific methylation analysis between pseudohaplotypes revealed 226 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in known imprinted genes and loci not previously reported as imprinted. The heterozygosity rate of 0.165% matches previous estimates for the species and compares favorably to other endangered animals. This improved Przewalski’s horse assembly will serve as a valuable resource for conservation efforts and comparative genomics investigations.

Fecal consistency is routinely used as an indicator of gastrointestinal health and diet suitability in zoo animals. The underlying processes in ungulate fecal consistency are not often investigated. The authors assessed multiple factors on fecal consistency scores in six adult zoo moose (Alces alces) retrospectively for a 3-yr period. All animals were regularly tested for gastrointestinal parasites and received antiparasitics when noted. Neither the provision of dietary browse nor number of visitors had a significant effect. Seasonally varying intake of the staple pelleted diet was the main explanatory factor, with an additional effect from environmental temperature or season. Higher intakes and higher temperatures were linked to less well-formed feces. The authors hypothesize that during the summer hyperphagia to replete body reserves, the water re-absorption function of the large intestine apparently becomes overtaxed. Heat stress may have an additional, intake-independent effect. Although monitoring fecal consistency is a part of good health surveillance, physiologic seasonal effects, as reported here, need to be taken into consideration when interpreting the observations.

Abstract Global perspectives on the pathways for developing capacity for conservation remain limited. Hindering the robustness of solutions is a dearth of opportunities to foster discussion and dialogue among capacity development practitioners, academics, partners, beneficiaries and donors. Additionally, little is known about donor perspectives on capacity development, and about pathways to developing a more sustainable investment in capacity development for conservation. The 2019 Capacity Building for Conservation Conference in London, UK, provided a unique opportunity to convene more than 150 capacity development practitioners from the global conservation community. The Conference included structured opportunities to hear donor perspectives on strengthening capacity development. Session leaders took detailed notes to document donor perspectives and the discussions around them. A thematic analysis of this empirical evidence resulted in the identification of four key themes with corresponding recommendations, consisting of (1) collaborative design of capacity development initiatives, (2) monitoring and evaluation, (3) longer-term and flexible investments, and (4) building strong relationships between donors and grantees. Given the Convention on Biological Diversity is currently drafting the long-term strategic framework for capacity development post-2020, and global calls to protect significant portions of our land- and seascapes, our recommendations are timely and may inform a way forward.

Abstract Relatively few studies have examined how the degree of involvement of local communities in nature‐based tourism, and the benefits that are generated for them, impact the choices that tourists make when visiting developing countries. We surveyed over 400 visitors in multiple locations in Namibia, using a discrete choice experiment to elicit preferences for attributes reflecting tracking safaris of the critically endangered, desert‐adapted black rhinoceros ( Diceros bicornis bicornis ) in the northwest of the country. Attributes included those related to local community involvement and the benefits they receive from tourism, as well as the reinvestment of tourism profits back into rhino conservation, and the wildlife likely to be seen on safari. Using a latent class model that assigned tourists to market segments based on the observed pattern of responses in the choice experiment, we find that respondents can be divided into four classes that reflect differences in tourism preferences and their own demographics and experiences. While responses to attributes varied across classes, respondents were consistent in demonstrating a strong preference for the largest share of profits being returned to the local community, and were willing to pay an additional $43–670 to ensure this happens. Respondents in the four classes differed in their views toward the financing of rhino conservation and the participation of community trackers in rhino safaris, although those respondents in the class most interested in rhino tracking safaris were willing to pay an additional $34 per trip for tracker involvement. Our results demonstrate the value of assessing heterogeneity in tourists' preferences for wildlife experiences, and suggest that appropriate pricing and marketing may result in “triple bottom line” gains for nature‐based tourism.

Abstract Species distribution modeling (SDM) is a promising tool for priority setting, conservation decision‐making and overall support for species conservation. We developed a participatory modeling process (PMP) to ensure both the proper use of SDMs as well as their efficacy and impact as a conservation tool. The PMP using SDM has assisted conservation planning in a number of situations, including more than 25 endangered species and supported IUCN SSC Red List assessments. PMP focuses on stakeholder engagement to co‐develop SDMs that will in turn support and guide conservation decisions. This participatory approach to SDMs allowed us to: (a) update potential species distributions; (b) evaluate environmental suitability; (c) identify potential corridors and priority areas for implementing different conservation and management actions; (d) identify new potential areas for species searching; (e) predict potential impact under deforestation and climate change scenarios; and (f) provide valuable input for population viability analysis (PVA). Most often the level of successful stakeholder engagement will influence how the model will guide the decision‐making process. The modeler must play a technical role as well as act as a translator and facilitator to engage and bridge the gap between researchers, conservation planners and decision makers, which is essential for effective conservation.

<b>Background:</b> Pulmonary rehabilitation is an effective and validated intervention to increase quality of life (QoL) and functional capacity in patients with chronic respiratory disease (CRD), however its availability is limited. In this study, we tested the implementation of an online open access pulmonary rehabilitation intervention. <b>Aim:</b> The purpose of this study is to pilot the feasibility of conducting a 42-day online pulmonary wellness &amp; rehabilitation program in people with CRD. <b>Methods:</b> 47 participants with CRD underwent a 42-day online pulmonary rehabilitation program with 4 components: thoughts and motivation; aerobic exercise; breathing, balance, flexibility and strength training; online peer and professional support groups. The SF-36 survey was administered to online participants for self-reported outcomes pre and post intervention. <b>Results:</b> Differences between pre- and post-program SF-36 surveys were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Participants improved significantly in all 8 SF-36 scaled-score responses: physical functioning 23.33% (p=0.002), role limitations due to physical health 105.56% (p=0.002), role limitations due to emotional problems 49.38% (p&lt;0.001), energy/fatigue 36.50% (p&lt;0.0001), emotional wellbeing 14.29% (p&lt;0.0001), social functioning 23.12% (p=0.002), pain 8.74% (p=0.045), and general health 12.88% (p=0.027). No serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported. <b>Conclusions:</b> Participants increased QoL without SAEs and the program was rated feasible by participants. A multi-center, sufficiently powered online study of the intervention is planned to test safety and efficacy.