Ioz Annual Review 2014-15

INSTITUTE OF ZOOLOGY REVIEW 2014/2015 SCIENCE FOR CONSERVATION white-browed sparrow weaver OUR VISION: A world where animals are valued, and their conservation assured OUR MISSION: To promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats 2 Science Review 2013/2014 SCIENCE REVIEW WELCOME Welcome The President and Director General of the Zoological Society of London introduce the Institute of Zoology Review 2014/2015. As President of the Zoological Society The Zoological Society of London of London, it gives me great pleasure is extremely fortunate to have an to welcome you to the Institute of institute dedicated to conservation Zoology (IoZ) annual review. science. This review illustrates Global trends continue to pose the scope of research carried out formidable problems. Population by scientists at IoZ: from saving growth, increasing urbanisation individual species right through and an increasing middle class in the developing world to the development of new technologies to measure combine to raise issues of food, water and energy security, global trends in biodiversity loss. This work is made possible complicated by the changing climate and the need to with the support of our many external collaborators, most reduce greenhouse gas emissions. All this increases pressure notably through our partnership with University College on scarce habitats and species. Indeed, the 2014 Living London, and the wide range of organisations that fund Planet Index, which measured more than 10,000 populations our research. I would like to thank them all for their of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, revealed continued generosity. a global decline in vertebrate population abundance of In addition to our world-leading conservation science, 52% since 1970. If humans are to coexist with wildlife, we IoZ is committed to educating the next generation will need to address fundamental questions about nature of scientists, with its participation in MSc courses on and the effects we have on it, and determine what measures Wild Animal Health, Wild Animal Biology and Conservation can be taken to reverse such declines. Science. IoZ scientists also co-supervise around 50 PhD This review illustrates the breadth of the science students at any time. These students make an enormous undertaken at IoZ, as we work to understand the causes of contribution to IoZ, as they develop new ideas and species declines, and to use this knowledge to inform policy techniques that advance conservation science, as well and practical conservation action. as create a dynamic environment in which to carry Six ‘Impact Area’ case studies show how our science has out research. made a difference to conservation, including three that we Alongside our formal education programme, we host an submitted to the recent Research Excellence Framework. annual series of public lectures and international symposia, Two of these were rated by experts in environmental science which provide opportunities for researchers to share their as demonstrating ‘outstanding impact’ and the third as concepts and develop new collaborations. The focus on having ‘very considerable impact’. I am proud to introduce ‘Impact Areas’ in this review both highlights the science this review of the impressive and influential body of work we do and shows why it is so important. I hope you enjoy carried out by IoZ. reading about our work in the pages that follow. Professor Sir John Beddington Ralph Armond President, Zoological Society of London Director General, Zoological Society of London Science Review 2014/2015 3 SCIENCE REVIEW GLOBAL REACH IoZ’s global reach Research carried out at the IoZ is truly international in scope. Each dot on the map represents at least one project, and examples of our research are given below. 2 Protecting the mountain chicken frog 1 DOMINICA/ MONTSERRAT The mountain chicken frog (Leptodactylus fallax) is threatened by the fungal disease chytridiomycosis and human consumption. The remaining wild population consists of fewer than 100 known individuals. IoZ, in partnership with the Forestry Department 1 of the Dominican government, continues to research the epidemiology and impact of chytridiomycosis in mountain chickens and assists in the running of a captive facility in Dominica. ZSL maintains a biosecure facility at ZSL London Zoo, where the frogs have been bred and then released in Montserrat. Benthic habitats Cetacean of west Greenland Strandings GREENLAND Investigation IoZ researchers are Programme UK 2 examining the impact 3 The CSIP has been funded of shrimp trawl fisheries by the UK government on the diversity of the seabed. This year, since 1990 and is tasked with providing a new images were taken at sites originally systematic and coordinated approach to the photographed in the 1970s in order to surveillance of cetacean strandings nationwide assess changes to the biodiversity over the and to the investigation of causes of death, past 40 years. Despite unusually extensive so that more can be learnt about the threats sea ice, more than 450 images and 3.5 hours cetaceans face in UK waters. of video footage were taken from 50 sites, Tsaobis covering 700km of the continental shelf. Conserving Baboon Project This research is funded by Sustainable amphibians in NAMIBIA Fisheries Greenland, which has entered Sardinia ITALY 5 This project is a long-term its shrimp fishery into the sustainability 4 Sardinia is home to study of a wild baboon certification process run by the Marine about 10% of Europe’s (Papio ursinus) population on the edge of Stewardship Council. IoZ is supporting amphibian biodiversity. Since 2007, IoZ the Namib Desert. Our research integrates this process by conducting independent scientists have worked with local government behaviour, ecology, genetics and health, with research into the influence of the fishery agencies and the NGO Zirichiltaggi to a particular focus on social dynamics in animal on the seabed. Our research is informing determine if the fungus Batrachochytrium groups and the conservation of social species. management of the fishery and leading dendrobatidis is a threat to this unique Research began in 1990, and has continued to more sustainable fishing practices. European amphibian community. annually since 2000. 4 Science Review 2014/2015 3 4 5 6 7 8 Conserving the Conserving Reintroduction echo parakeet the regent of hihi MAURITIUS honeyeater NEW ZEALAND 6 Only 25 years ago, fewer 7 AUSTRALIA 8 IoZ scientists have than 20 echo parakeets IoZ is working closely invested more than (Psittacula eques) remained in the wild with Australian partners to monitor the 11 years in conservation work with the hihi following widespread habitat loss and release of captive-bred regent honeyeaters (Notiomystis cincta), a bird that, until only increasing competition with introduced (Anthochaera phrygia) in northern Victoria. a few decades ago, was restricted to one exotic species. Fortunately, a recovery The research we are undertaking will help single, small offshore island. Now, thanks to programme implemented in 1993 has to develop the best possible conservation the work of many in-country partners and restored the population to almost 600 management plan for this Critically ZSL, and a highly successful and continuing wild birds. IoZ research will improve Endangered species in the future. reintroduction programme, hihi are spread our understanding of echo parakeet across six populations. demographics, identify factors that continue to limit their population growth, and question To find out more about IoZ’s current research how management activities should continue to ensure a long-term viable population. projects, visit zsl.org/science/research Science Review 2014/2015 5 SCIENCE REVIEW NEWS IoZ news Over the past year, IoZ’s research has continued to improve our understanding of the natural world and advance a huge range of conservation issues. IoZ researcher included on BBC Wildlife power list In May, popular wildlife magazine BBC Wildlife produced a power list of the top 50 people who have contributed to the protection of the environment and conservation of species. Rosie Woodroffe (pictured), Senior Research Fellow at IoZ, was ranked at number eight in the list. Rosie shares the list with other well-known conservationists and researchers including former IoZ Director Georgina Mace and Sir David Attenborough. Scientists’ advice prevents Points of Light award irreversible loss of UK native species for IoZ researcher The UK government’s Infrastructure The problematical definition of non-native IoZ Research Fellow Nathalie Pettorelli and Act for England and Wales gives new species was removed; all native species Seirian Sumner from the University of Bristol powers to control or eradicate invasive, listed on Schedule 9 (except wild boar) received a prestigious Points of Light award this non-native species. However, in its were put outside scope of the Act; any year. This government award recognises outstanding original draft form, this legislation also animals that were in a location as a result individual volunteers – people who are making a posed a threat to native species, including of a licensed reintroduction were change in their community and inspiring those listed in Schedule 9 of the Wildlife also put outside scope; and others. Passionate believers in the need and Countryside Act, such as the barn owl native species subject to for more positive and inspirational (Tyto alba – pictured above), capercaillie the legislation were female

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