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CAPYBARA (Hydrochoerus Hydrochaeris) CARE MANUAL

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CAPYBARA (Hydrochoerus Hydrochaeris) CARE MANUAL CAPYBARA (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) CARE MANUAL CREATED BY THE AZA Capybara Species Survival Plan® Program IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE AZA Rodent, Insectivore and Lagomorph TAG Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) Care Manual Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) Care Manual Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in collaboration with the AZA Animal Welfare Committee. Formal Citation: AZA Rodent, Insectivore and Lagomorph TAG. (2021). Capybara Care Manual. Silver Spring, MD: Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Original Completion Date: August 2021 Authors and Significant Contributors: Sara Curtis, MPA, CVA, Akron Zoo, Research Assistant Robert Phillips, Akron Zoo, Research Assistant Shelley Orloski, CVA, Akron Zoo, Capybara Program Leader Deborah A. McWilliams, MSc, AZA-RIL TAG Nutrition, Wildlife Nutritionist Mary Agnew, PhD, Program Scientist, Wildlife Contraception Center Stephanie Chandler, Akron Zoo, Behavioral Husbandry Manager Kimberly Cook, DVM, Akron Zoo, AZA Capybara SSP Veterinary Advisor Sam Young, DVM, Greensboro Science Center, Veterinarian Monica McDonald, St Louis Zoo AZA Reproductive Management Center, Program Scientist Deniele Brown, Akron Zoo, Registrar Reviewers: Courtney Frenchak, Oak Creek Zoological Conservatory Mike Maslanka, Smithsonian National Zoological Park AZA Staff Editors: Rebecca Greenberg, Animal Programs Director Felicia Spector, (former) Animal Care Manual Editor Consultant Haley Gordon, (former) Conservation & Science Programs Assistant Hana Johnstone, (former) Conservation, Management & Welfare Sciences Intern Cover Photo Credits: Google Images Disclaimer: This manual presents a compilation of knowledge provided by recognized animal experts based on the current science, practice, and technology of animal management. The manual assembles basic requirements, best practices, and animal care recommendations to maximize capacity for excellence in animal care and welfare. The manual should be considered a work in progress, since practices continue to evolve through advances in scientific knowledge. The use of information within this manual should be in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning the care of animals. While some government laws and regulations may be referenced in this manual, these are not all-inclusive nor is this manual intended to serve as an evaluation tool for those agencies. The recommendations included are not meant to be exclusive management approaches, diets, medical treatments, or procedures, and may require adaptation to meet the specific needs of individual animals and particular circumstances in each institution. Commercial entities and media identified are not necessarily endorsed by AZA. The statements presented throughout the body of the manual do not represent AZA standards of care unless specifically identified as such in clearly marked sidebar boxes. Association of Zoos and Aquariums 2 Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) Care Manual Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 5 Taxonomic Classification .......................................................................................................... 5 Genus, Species, and Status ..................................................................................................... 5 General Information .................................................................................................................. 5 Chapter 1. Ambient Environment .............................................................................................. 7 1.1 Temperature and Humidity.................................................................................................. 7 1.2 Light .................................................................................................................................... 7 1.3 Water and Air Quality .......................................................................................................... 7 1.4 Sound and Vibration ........................................................................................................... 8 Chapter 2. Habitat Design and Containment ............................................................................ 9 2.1 Space and Complexity ........................................................................................................ 9 2.2 Safety and Containment ................................................................................................... 11 Chapter 3. Records ................................................................................................................... 12 3.1 Definitions ......................................................................................................................... 13 3.2 Types of Records .............................................................................................................. 13 3.3 Permit Considerations ....................................................................................................... 14 3.4 Government Ownership .................................................................................................... 14 3.5 Identification ...................................................................................................................... 14 Chapter 4. Transport ................................................................................................................. 15 4.1 Preparations ...................................................................................................................... 15 4.2 Protocols ........................................................................................................................... 16 Chapter 5. Social Environment ................................................................................................ 17 5.1 Group Structure and Size ................................................................................................. 17 5.2 Influence of Others and Conspecifics ............................................................................... 17 5.3 Introductions and Reintroductions..................................................................................... 19 Chapter 6. Nutrition .................................................................................................................. 20 6.1 Nutritional Requirements................................................................................................... 20 6.2 Diets .................................................................................................................................. 22 6.3 Nutritional Evaluations ...................................................................................................... 25 Chapter 7. Veterinary Care ....................................................................................................... 27 7.1 Veterinary Services ........................................................................................................... 27 7.2 Transfer Examination and Diagnostic Testing Recommendations ................................... 28 7.3 Quarantine ........................................................................................................................ 29 7.4 Preventive Medicine .......................................................................................................... 31 7.5 Capture, Restraint, and Immobilization ............................................................................. 32 7.6 Management of Diseases, Disorders, Injuries and/or Isolation ......................................... 32 Chapter 8. Reproduction .......................................................................................................... 37 8.1 Reproductive Physiology and Behavior ............................................................................ 37 8.2 Pregnancy & Parturition .................................................................................................... 37 8.3 Birthing Facilities ............................................................................................................... 38 8.4 Assisted Rearing ............................................................................................................... 39 8.5 Contraception .................................................................................................................... 39 Chapter 9. Behavior Management ........................................................................................... 41 9.1 Animal Training ................................................................................................................. 41 9.2 Environmental Enrichment ................................................................................................ 41 Association of Zoos and Aquariums 3 Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) Care Manual 9.3 Staff and Animal Interactions ............................................................................................ 43 9.4 Staff Skills and Training .................................................................................................... 43 Chapter 10. Ambassador Animals ........................................................................................... 44 10.1 Ambassador Animal Husbandry...................................................................................... 44 10.2 Institutional Ambassador
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