Annual Report 2014
Nordens Ark • Annual Report 2014 Contents
Comments by the Managing Director...... 2 Administration report 2014...... 27 Nordens Ark...... 3 Income statement...... 34 Nordens Ark's partners and memberships ...... 4 Balance sheet...... 35 The Animal Collection...... 5 Cash flow analysis...... 36 Ecopark and farm...... 17 Accounting and valuation principles and notes...... 37 Wolverine EEP expands to North America...... 19 Audit report...... 42 Nordens Ark celebrates 25 years...... 23 Board of directors, auditors and staff...... 44
H.R.H. CROWN PRINCESS VICTORIA Nordens Ark's Patron Photo: T. Svensson
SINCERE THANKS to our sponsors Elanders Sverige AB and Arctic Paper AB In collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology Elanders has developed a cli- who have paid for the printing and paper of this year’s annual report. Layout: mate calculator that takes into account the entire life cycle of printed matter when cal- Anders Rådén/ARDI. English translation: Christopher Godfrey (www.ani- culating greenhouse gas emissions (Carbon Footprint). Using these climate calculations malimagery.co.uk). Cover image: Pallas' cat (Felis manul). Photo: T. Svensson. Elanders can now offer to climate neutralise your printed matter by investing in certi- Paper: Cover Arctic Silk + (250 g/m2 ), insert Arctic Volume White (130 g/m2). fied emission reductions in UN approved CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) projects. Comments by the Managing Director
It was back in 1988, but I remember it as if it were yesterday. welcome surplus. In line with our statutes, this will be reinvested How I sat at the water’s edge and fretted over what we had set in the business. in motion, those of us who had begun a project to transform The idea of the 25th anniversary celebrations was to make the beautiful old manor into a breeding centre for endangered Nordens Ark better known, but also to tell people about what we animals. The diggers were filling trucks with load after load of have achieved for endangered species. Thousands of animals have rich topsoil, and the surface was turning into a car park. Are been raised here and released into their natural environments. we doing the right thing, I wondered? A once-fertile area would There are storks and green toads in Skåne, wildcats in Germany, soon be packed with the cars of people visiting what would lynx in Poland. In the Russian Far East, we are working in the become an ark – Nordens Ark. That the manor’s orchard was field to secure the survival of the Amur tiger, and in the Gobi going to house an infiltration bed for waste water did nothing to Desert to ensure a future for the snow leopard. The anniversary allay my worries. And this was before I started thinking about festivities gave us an opportunity to tell people about all of this, the enclosures and aviaries that would be home to the animals and to thank all our friends and benefactors who have made under Nordens Ark’s protection. these and other initiatives possible. A year later, on June 14, when the gates opened to the first Our ‘thank you’ took the form of a three-day celebration. visitors, there were some 20 species in the park – or rather, We were hugely grateful that Crown Princess Victoria honoured hiding in the park’s foliage. Our fervent hope was that people us with her presence. Gothenburg Opera and other well- would understand that this was a park for animals, not an animal known performers attended, and guests from all over the world park . . . but that was to take many years. celebrated with us. It was quite a party. I have had the privilege of serving as captain of the Ark since Now I pass the helm confidently to my successor, Mats the very start, 27 years ago. I retire in the summer of 2015, and Höggren, and his deputy, Linnéa Johansson. Mats and Linnéa as the time approaches for me to relinquish command, there will steer the Ark as it continues its mission to preserve species are many memories to look back on. One of the most striking and give them a future in their natural habitats. is the way in which biodiversity, the threat to wildlife and the Today, that anguish I felt in the early years is quite gone. value of ecosystem services have increasingly become matters for I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the Board and staff, public debate. When the park was built and we tried to explain and I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved together. that species were vanishing at a terrifying rate, there was little Every time I see a peregrine falcon in the sky, my heart will beat understanding of the need for action. In fact it was only with faster and I’ll look for a ring round its leg to see if it was born at the Rio Convention in 1992 that authorities and the business Nordens Ark! community really sat up and took notice of Nordens Ark and its objectives. From a financial viewpoint, our anniversary year, 2014, was the best ever. Turnover increased from 50 million to 60 million Åby Manor, May 2015 kronor and costs remained within budget, which resulted in a Lena M Lindén
A sincere thank you to everyone who made it possible for Nordens Ark to make a valuable contribution for endangered species.
Photo: Eva Stööp
2 Nordens Ark
Nordens Ark lies on Åby manor beside the Åby fjord, 20 km from Smögen and Kungshamn on route 171, about 120 km north of Gothenburg. The manor was mentioned as early as the 1300s, but rock carvings and ancient remains show that the farm has roots much further back. The present buildings date mainly from the 1700s and 1800s. Nordens Ark Foundation is a non-profit founda- tion which is responsible for Nordens Ark. Nordens Ark Foundation owns Åby manor, which covers 400 hectares. Through its activities, Nordens Ark Founda- tion seeks to promote biological diversity principally by:
●● Contributing to the conservation of endangered species by controlled breeding, and supporting wild animal populations in their natural habitats through various support measures.
●● Conducting research and studies of the animals at the park, contributing to an increased understanding of animals and promoting animal survival in the wild.
●● Acting as an educational resource at all levels from pre-school to colleges and universities.
●● Being accessible to the public, thereby increasing public interest in and knowledge of conservation work.
3 The Animal Collection
Emma Nygren1) , Karin Larsson, Leif Blomqvist & Ewa Wikberg
Amphibians and birds Among the birds, it’s worth noting that both of Nordens Ark’s crane species – the white-naped crane Grus vipio and Japanese During 2014, Nordens Ark joined yet another conservation crane Grus japonensis – hatched, and that last year’s offspring project for an endangered amphibian species. The project aims from the former went to Blijdorp Zoo in Rotterdam. After a to protect and re-establish a population of the arboreal lemur leaf two-year break, we were also able to record an increase in the frog Agalychnis lemur of Costa Rica. The frog is found in only one bald ibis colony Geronticus eremita, with the birth of two new place in Costa Rica and is Critically endangered. Two small back- birds. Alpenzoo at Innsbruck supplied us with a new hoopoe up populations have been maintained since 2001 at Manchester Upupa epops to replace the individual that died during the year. Museum and Bristol Zoo. Now, Nordens Ark has become Another death worth mentioning was the facility’s last example involved in an international network which is collaborating to of red-breasted goose Branta ruficollis, which sadly had to be put to build a genetically sound base so that their offspring can later, sleep because of failing health due to old age. The red-breasted through releases, create a viable population in the species’ natural goose was the facility’s oldest animal and had been at the park habitat. During the year, 15 individuals were brought in from for nearly a quarter of a century. Manchester Museum, while construction got under way on a bio- Two young Ural owls Strix uralensis that had hatched the safe facility for more frogs that will arrive once it is completed. previous year were sent to Brno Zoo in exchange for two It was generally a busy year in the amphibian department, northern pintails Anas acuta that arrived at the close of the year. and a number of individuals reared there were sent on to other institutions. In total, 60 amphibians were exported to other parks in Europe. Mammals Turning to the birds, the most successful breeding results came among the native species that form the backbone of the bird Perhaps the most thrilling news during the year was that all five collection, and with which Nordens Ark has for many years been Pallas' kittens Felis m. manul survived. Over the two previous involved in restocking releases within Sweden. See the section years, the Pallas' cats had reproduced but, as in many other parks, below on in situ operations for more about lesser white-fronted the mortality rate was high among the young, and none of the geese, peregrine falcons and white-backed woodpeckers. offspring in those litters survived. Pallas' cats come from a dry
4 be used either separately or as one larger enclosure. A new and larger roofed information point has been built off the walkway by the enclosure, allowing visitors access to information even in inclement weather. While new breeding individuals arrived at Nordens Ark to enrich the genetic base of their own kind, 19 mammals were exported to other EAZA parks. Among the more significant exports of the jointly managed species, was a young wolverine male Gulo g. gulo that was sent to Paris Zoo, and two pudu young went to the animal parks in Lodz, Poland, and Halle in Germany. On the advice of the species co-ordinator in Rotterdam, two lesser pandas Ailurus f. fulgens were sent to Jászberény in Hungary. There was much media interest, not surprisingly, in where our three Amur tiger cubs Panthera tigris altaica from 2013 would go. Special training beforehand meant that the youngsters could be transported without sedation to Finland, Germany and the Czech Republic. Continued close co-operation with the Highland Wildlife Park resulted in 2014 in two Tadjik markhor young Capra falconeri heptneri and two young forest reindeer females Rangifer tarandus fennicus being moved from Nordens Ark to the Scottish zoo.
Nordens Ark horses head for Kazakhstan The transfer of a young Przewalski’s wild horse mare Equus caballus przewalskii to the Weilburg semi-reserve in Germany is worthy of mention. The mare “Xidney” with the studbook number 6034 has been selected to take part in a new reintroduction project in central Kazakhstan. Ahead of the final journey to Central Asia, the mare will be placed in a herd with five other young mares from the EEP breeding programme. During the transit period in Weilburg, the horses will have a Przewalski's wild horses. Photo: T. Svensson chance to get used to the different conditions and get to know each other so they can form a cohesive group. It’s essential that the horses are in perfect condition by the time they are eventually transported to Kazakhstan. The wild horse vanished and cold climate in Central Asia and are particularly susceptible from the steppes of Kazakhstan more than 150 years ago, and to the parasitic disease toxoplasmosis. This is transmitted via now the plan is to establish a second population in the newly free-living rodents that serve as intermediate hosts for the set up Altyn Dala Nature Reserve in central Kazakhstan. For parasite. The parasite’s eggs are excreted through the cats’ faeces several years, Frankfurt Zoological Society has been involved a few weeks after the felines are infected, following which the there in conservation of and research into saiga antelopes. animals usually become resistant. As with our breeding pair, The survival of the wild horse in its natural environment some individuals become latent carriers of the parasite, which is inextricably linked with the breeding work done over many can be reactivated if the cat’s immune system is compromised by a temporary infection, stress or giving birth. To avoid the mortality rate of previous years, in 2014 every possible measure was taken to minimise the parents’ stress levels, and at the same time both parents and European young were given medication. Our efforts were roller. Photo: L. successful and all the kittens survived. Details in Blomqvist the studbook reveal that only seven other Pallas' females gave birth during the year, producing a total of 23 young. On the recommendation of the studbook co- ordinator, David Barclay from Scotland, our kittens were sent to other EAZA parks in the autumn. Most of the animals that arrived at Nordens Ark during the year were brought here principally for further breeding work in our own facilities. Five new individuals from Poznan, Poland, were added to the European ground squirrel Spermophilus citellus colony, which originated from Nuremberg Zoo. The Amur leopard Panthera pardus orientalis breeding male was sent to Bellewaerde Zoo in Belgium, and a new male arrived from Yorkshire Wildlife Park in England. Wuppertal in Germany supplied us with a new male southern pudu Pudu puda, and a female European grey wolf Canis l. lupus was sent to us from Lycksele. In preparation for a new breeding pair, the existing wolf enclosure was enlarged. The renovated enclosure now covers almost two hectares and is divided into two sections that can
5 decades by zoo parks in North America and Europe. This work the ground and it features two areas for the public, one of them has meant that the number of wild horses in the parks has risen, covered. Along the steep rock face next to the walkway, a new enabling reintroductions in three reserves (Gobi, Takhin Tal enclosure for Persian leopards was constructed. The enclosure is and Hustain Nuru) in Mongolia, in Altyn-Emel National Park divided into two open exhibit enclosures, two separation cages in Kazakhstan, in Kalamaili Nature Reserve in China’s Xinjiang with netted roofs, and a third enclosure, also netted in. This new province, and in the Chernobyl region in Ukraine. Thanks to facility has a total area of 2,000 square metres, making it one the success of the reintroductions, the wild horse was in 2008 of the largest Persian leopard enclosures. Following the line of downgraded from Extinct in the Wild (RE) to Critically Endangered one of the rocky outcrops of the park, and facing south-west, (CR), and a year ago to Endangered (EN). Today it is thought that the enclosure offers excellent climbing opportunities for the there are about 350 free-living horses in Mongolia, which has the leopards, while also giving them places to shelter and rest. largest free-ranging population. Of the original range of the Persian leopard Panthera pardus As well as the five mares, six stallions will also be released saxicolor in the Caucasus and Iran, only small populations remain in the Altyn Dala reserve in Kazakhstan. Among them is today in fragmented habitats. It is mainly in the mountains of “Nebukanesar” (studbook number 5912), who was also born at eastern Iran and neighbouring areas in southern Armenia and Nordens Ark. From here he was moved to the semi-reserve at Azerbaijan that viable populations of the leopard still survive. Sprakel in Germany, where he joined a bachelor herd that grazed The subspecies is globally rated as Endangered (EN), but the the reserve over a two-year period. Two horses from Nordens populations in the Caucasus are wholly dependent on individuals Ark will therefore be included in the group that has been selected migrating from Iran. The Persian leopard is consequently listed for release in Central Asia. The reintroductions were originally in the Caucasus as Critically Endangered (CR). Persian leopards earmarked for spring 2015, but have been postponed because have long since disappeared from Russian parts of the Caucasus, Kazakhstan has not yet added the wild horse to its regional Red and the Russian nature conservation agencies, supported by List, something that both the EEP and IUCN (International the Russian Academy of Sciences and IUCN, have in recent Union for Conservation of Nature) require. years made significant investments and set aside protected The wild horse facility at Nordens Ark underwent major areas outside Sochi with suitable environments and with good renovation during 2014. New stables with new equipment were access to prey animals. In order to speed the leopards’ return, built to make daily maintenance easier, and the paddock was the Russians are not relying on natural migration. Leopards provided with a larger and better information point for visitors. confiscated in Turkmenistan and Iran are being selected for breeding, along with captive-born individuals from Lisbon Zoo, in a purpose-built breeding facility. The objective is to eventually Nordens Ark starts breeding Persian leopards reintroduce the subspecies in Russia by releasing leopards raised The year’s major investment was in the linking of the public in the breeding facility. walkway from the existing snow leopard enclosure to the Pallas' EAZA was involved in the design of the enclosures and cats. At its highest point, the walkway is almost 12 metres above provided the project with a young pair from Lisbon Zoo, which is responsible for co-ordinating the subspecies in the EEP and international studbook. To study how the breeding programme works in Europe, staff from Sochi visited both Lisbon Zoo and Nordens Ark where they learned about the enrichment methods used for our big cats. The breeding efforts have already proved successful, as three litters with four surviving cubs have been born in the Sochi facility. Thanks to its good reputation, Nordens Ark was invited to support the project by preparing an enclosure for a breeding pair in the park, and helping to establish a larger breeding population of the subspecies in Europe. When the number of animals in Europe reaches about 200, leopards will be released in their natural habitat in the national park outside Sochi. There is some way to go, since the existing population in the breeding programme numbers just over 80 (Nolasco & Ferreira 2014). Today’s captive population originates from just nine wild-born individuals, and the programme is thus in dire need of fresh, unrelated animals which the breeding centre in Sochi should be able to provide. The first Persian leopard arrived at Nordens Ark from Hanover early in the spring, before the exhibit enclosures had even been completed. As with many previous imports of large carnivores, Volvo Cargo helped with the transport and provided us with an excellent air-conditioned vehicle for the trip from Germany. The female leopard arrived a few months later from Chemnitz, also in Germany.
In situ activities
Longhorn beetles reproduce at Nordens Ark The longhorn beetle Plagionotus detritus was once found across large parts of southern Sweden but today remains in only a limited area in the Stockholm region. A lack of newly dead and ancient oaks is one of the reasons the longhorn beetle is now rated Critically Endangered (CR) on the Swedish Red List. Longhorn beetle. Photo: J. Helgesson
6 Five of the lesser white-fronted geese were fitted with radio transmitters enabling The migratory routes of the five lesser white-fronted geese the project to follow the birds’ migration routes during the autumn. Photo: N. Liljebäck that were fitted with radio transmitters in 2014. The release positions are encircled. Map original: Google Earth
In 2006, Nordens Ark was commissioned by Stockholm county Nordens Ark was commissioned in 2012 by Kalmar county administrative board to make an attempt to breed longhorn administrative board to develop a method of rearing great beetles. The goal was to find an effective and self-sustaining way capricorn beetles. As Sweden’s population is so fragile, it was of breeding the beetle and provide individuals annually to release decided to collect breeding individuals from Poland, which still in suitable environments within the species’ former range. has a stable population of the great capricorn. In an agreement The breeding took a major step forward in 2014 when 120 with Poland, Nordens Ark obtained permission to collect 15 beetles hatched in our facility. The newly hatched individuals males and 15 females every year, over a three-year period. mated and laid their eggs in a dozen oak trunks. The eggs Early in June, staff from Nordens Ark travelled to Poland hatch after roughly two weeks and the larvae immediately start for the final time to collect 15 pairs. Efforts to come up with gnawing winding paths into the wood, where they continue to an effective breeding system have gone well, and over three live for one or two years until they pupate. The hope is that some years more than 900 larvae have been produced. The larval of the oak logs full of larvae will be placed out in restored oak development period has been shortened from five years to areas in Kalmar county in the course of 2015. between one and two years. This year, about 170 fully developed The great capricorn beetle Cerambyx cerdo is another species beetles were hatched. The beetles were put in hibernation over of longhorn classed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the Swedish the winter, as the hibernation period is thought to be important Red List. This species survives in only a few older oaks on Öland. for their development.
7 During the coming spring, the beetles will be taken out of possible to identify individual birds from a great distance. The hibernation to mate and lay their eggs, which is the final stage in project produced 44 free-flying storks from 79 fledglings, while the breeding method. If this works, Nordens Ark has developed 94 young from the project’s stork enclosures were released in two a successful system of rearing great capricorn beetles in ex situ batches. In total, it is estimated that between 120 and 140 of the conditions. In the future, this process could be used to breed Skåne storks migrated south during the autumn. beetles of Swedish origin that can then reinforce Sweden’s wild population. Take-off for the lesser white-fronted goose Nordens Ark has since 2006 maintained a population of lesser Continued support releases of green toads on Öland white-fronted geese Anser erythropus originating from western The green toad Bufo viridis is classified as Sweden’s most Russia. The birds form part of the Lesser White-Fronted Goose endangered amphibian and is rated Critically Endangered on the Project, whose aim is to reinforce the small wild population living Swedish Red List. The species has suffered a sharp decline in the in the mountains of Scandinavia. The reason Russian birds past half-century, due mainly to loss of habitat and changing use were used is that genes from the greater white-fronted goose of farmland. They remain in only a few sites in Sweden. were discovered among the birds that had earlier been used for Nordens Ark has been involved in conservation of the species breeding (Blomqvist & Larsson 2011). for many years and has reared small toads that were placed out in Over the years, the Russian lesser white-fronted geese have Skåne and Blekinge, as well as on Öland and Gotland. In recent produced 188 chicks, 49 of them hatched during 2014. For the years, the releases have concentrated on Öland, where the species first time, breeding also took place at the Swedish Association was considered common as recently as a century ago. Extensive for Hunting and Wildlife Management’s Östermalma facility, restoration work has been undertaken there, including on the which is Nordens Ark’s partner in the project. The breeding southern headland near Ottenby bird observatory. Between birds have been divided between the two sites for safety reasons, 2009 and 2013, 1,260 toads from Nordens Ark were released and in order to rear the maximum number of goslings. During on Öland to strengthen the small population on this southern the year, 54 chicks were released – 41 from Nordens Ark and 13 headland. That these releases were a success was confirmed by from Östermalma. the fact that the toads at Ottenby have reproduced in the past Five of the geese were fitted with radio transmitters during few years (Wennesjö & Hellström 2014). Support releases continued 2014, enabling the project to follow the birds’ migration routes in 2014, with 234 individuals being introduced in two localities on a daily basis. At first the geese dispersed, but by the year’s on Öland. end it was seen that all those with transmitters had migrated to the desired over-wintering sites in Holland and Germany. Five storks for the Skåne Stork Project Furthermore, the birds had kept company with other released Among the white storks Ciconia ciconia, six chicks were hatched, geese, meaning that 72 per cent of the lesser white-fronted five of which were sent to be released as part of the Skåne Stork geese that had been released could be tracked. Now it can only Project. The project now involves more than 100 free-flying be hoped that the geese will find their way back to the Swedish storks. All are ring-marked, and with the use of a telescope it’s mountains to breed.
Transporting peregrine falcon chicks to hacking boxes. Photo: C. Larsson
8 20
15
10 Hatched
Released
5
0 1996 1999 2002 2005 2008 2011 2014
Number of hatched and released white-backed woodpeckers.
‘Last falcon out’ Breeding of the peregrine falcon Falco p. peregrinus within the Peregrine Falcon Project has since 2000 taken place at Nordens Ark. Over the past 15 years, 250 falcons have hatched, 16 of them in 2014. In recent years the breeding has been undertaken under our own auspices, without external funding. Since there is now a stable population of about 250 breeding pairs in Sweden, the need for continued releases is no longer as acute as it once was. The falcons currently at Nordens Ark will be kept here as long as they continue to produce young. Interest in the peregrine falcon remains strong among the many volunteers who turn up every year to help feed the young birds that have been released. Within the peregrine falcon’s former range in Svealand, it’s only in the areas around Stockholm, where the last breeding was reported 50 years ago, that the falcon has not yet recovered. There is a lot of interest in the peregrine and the Stockholm region is an ideal place to disseminate information about the project. During the year it was consequently decided to release young falcons in central Stockholm, in conjunction with Stockholm Ornithological Society. One of the hacking boxes used for releases was set up on the Folksam skyscraper in the city centre, and four young falcons were placed inside. Unfortunately the new tenants were not welcomed by the capital’s gulls, which attacked them. Eventually it was decided to move the youngsters to a new release site, but only three of them could be caught. The fourth Urial. Photo: had learnt to evade the aggressive gulls and was therefore fed for L. Blomqvist a few more weeks until it was capable of catching its own prey. The other falcon chicks were placed out in central Sweden. From the data collected it is known that 11 per cent of released youngsters survive to adulthood, while the corresponding percentage among wild-born falcon chicks, which are protected by their parents, is only a little higher at 15 per cent.
Released woodpeckers breeding in the wild The white-backed woodpecker Dendrocopus leucotos is one of Sweden’s most endangered birds. During 2014, only four breeding attempts were recorded in Värmland and in the lower Dalälv region. Only two were successful. It’s good to report that young birds are being raised at Nordens Ark – indicating that rearing and release methods are working. There is still a long way to go, however, before there is a stable population of white- backed woodpeckers in the wild.
9 The woodpeckers at Nordens Ark originate from Norway, Snow leopards where the species is not as seriously threatened as it is in Sweden. Nordens Ark Foundation has been engaged in conservation of Norway has a stable population of white-backed woodpeckers the snow leopard Uncia uncia over many years. The park has held in the south-western fjord country, where there are natural the species since 1989 and is responsible for the international habitats with deciduous forest and a plentiful supply of dead and studbook as well as co-ordinating breeding in Europe. In dying trees. The birds that were trapped and taken to Nordens addition to ex situ work, Nordens Ark is involved in in situ efforts Ark produced a total of 103 chicks, a few of which were kept through its collaboration with the Snow Leopard Trust (SLT). as breeding birds while most were released (Blomqvist & Larsson Nordens Ark is supporting research into wild snow leopards in 2015 ). the Gobi Desert in Mongolia (Johansson et al. 2013; 2015). The During the year, 13 youngsters were placed out in central study project that began in 2008 is ground-breaking and has Sweden. To allow them to get used to their new environment, right from the start produced new and valuable information on they are first placed in a hacking cage built at the release site. the biology of the species (Nygren et al. 2013). After a week, the cage is opened and the woodpeckers can fly In the course of the year, Nordens Ark was visited on out. Feeding continues in and near the cage as long as the birds two occasions by delegations from the SLT. In the spring, remain nearby, something that can last several weeks. There are we welcomed two visitors from Gilgit in northern Pakistan also nesting boxes not far from the hacking cages where the birds who wanted to share the available data in order to set up a can easily find shelter at night. The hope is that the reintroduced rehabilitation centre for local fauna in Gilgit. During the visit, birds won’t disperse too far but will stay in the designated release Aftab Mehmood and Jaffar Ud Din studied how Nordens Ark area. works with endangered animals and looked at enclosure design, enrichment, nutrition and rehabilitation of injured animals. The Red pandas delegates also took part in an intensive course on rehabilitation Nordens Ark has kept the red panda since 1989 when the first of injured wild animals under the guidance of Katastrofhjälp för pair arrived from the zoos in Rotterdam and Leipzig. Nordens Fågel och Vilt (Emergency Help for Birds and Wild Animals). Ark participates in the EEP-programme for lesser pandas and Nordens Ark welcomed another delegation in the autumn, has contributed to the expansion of the captive population this time from India. The delegation comprised six people – by breeding ten litters with a total of 18 cubs. To be able to politicians, wildlife managers and representatives from the SLT contribute to the species’ conservation also in the wild, Nordens in India. The objective was to learn about wildlife management Ark decided together with several other participating zoos, to in Sweden and conflicts between humans and wildlife. provide financial support for the conservation of the species in Nepal. The goal is that all holders in Europe will make a Amur tigers contribution of € 250 each to support the work of the Red Panda Together with the WWF and WWF Russia, Nordens Ark Network. The contribution will make it possible to employee up conducted a three-year conservation project (2011-2014) to to 20 forest guardians in Nepal for monitoring and protecting preserve the Amur tiger in the Russian Far East. The project the habitat of the lesser red panda as well as to educate the local was funded by the Swedish Postcode Lottery. The Northern Tiger community about the conservation of biodiversity. Project focused its activities in and around Anuisky National
A pair of red pandas in Nepal displaying courtship behaviour. Photo: Red Panda Network
10 year to evaluate the work already done, and to plan ahead. The project has been a success, producing good results with a clear increase in the number of tigers as well as their prey animals. The tiger population in the national park has almost doubled during the project period, from nine to 17 individuals. To ensure continuity in the work, the project is being extended and co- financed for at least a further three years, from 2014-2017, by Nordens Ark and the WWF.
Other activities The zoological department is responsible for the 90 species and breeds of animals maintained in the park. In accordance to the Collection Plan which is updated on a yearly basis and thereafter approved by the Board, seven species which were not listed as threatened were phased out from the collection (Inventory list) and replaced with six other species all show decreasing population trends in the wild. In the current collection, 27 percent of the species and Image of a tiger captured with a camera trap in Anuisky National Park. subspecies are jointly managed in breeding programmes run by national and continental zoo associations (SAZA and EAZA). Within EAZA, four species: snow leopards, wolverines, yellow- Park, where it is striving to secure sustainable development throated martens and forest reindeer are managed by staff from of the tiger population in its northernmost range. The project Nordens Ark, while 20 additional species are included in national has concentrated on measures to prevent poaching of both the and international breeding programmes. As shown in Box 1, staff Amur tiger and its prey animals. Monitoring of the national park from Nordens Ark is represented in nine Species Committees in has improved with the acquisition of new vehicles and better EAZA. During the year, Nordens Ark’s zoologist and MD were field equipment for the wardens, as well as the construction of a elected members in the Species Committee for Persian leopards number of ranger stations. and in the board of Rewilding Europe. In order to develop the Good access to prey animals is central to tiger conservation, collection, participation in zoological meetings and congresses is and during the course of this project efforts have been made to considered important, and staff from the park has been offered improve management of the park’s ungulates by support feeding opportunities to attend zoological meetings in Sweden as well as through the winter months. This has resulted in a marked abroad (Box 2). A list of publications, published by the staff is increase in the local wild boar population. As part of the project, shown in Box 3. a visitor and education centre has also been built, to be used for various training initiatives involving the local inhabitants. The Swedish project management group visited the area during the
Monitoring of Amur tigers in Anuisky National Park. Photo: E. Nygren
11 Box 1. Staff representation on boards CBSG: L. M Lindén (Steering Committee Member) and working groups. Rewilding Europe: L. M Lindén (Member of Supervisory board) EEP coordinator: L. Blomqvist (Snow leopard, Membership in SAZA Working groups: E. Wolverine) Wikberg (Board member); M. Hallenberg (Board of International studbook keeper (ISB): L. Agriculture’s reference group in animal genetic Blomqvist (Snow leopard) issues); E. Andersson (Research & Education) Europeisk studbook keeper (ESB): L. Blomqvist Global Conservation Network: L. M Lindén (Forest reindeer); E. Wikberg (Yellow-throated (Board member) marten) Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA): L. M Lindén Membership in EAZA Species Committees: (Vice chair) L. Blomqvist (Snow leopard, Amur leopard, ArtDatabanken: C. Andrén (Amphibian and Persian leopard, Tiger, Lesser panda, Wolverine, Reptile Specialist Group) Przewalski’s wild horse); E. Nygren (Eurasian EU LIFE: C. Andrén (Baltcoast; Bombina bombina) otter); E. Wikberg (Maned wolf, Snow leopard); C. NAMSA: L. M Lindén (Board member) Larsson (Canid TAG) University of Gothenburg, Jonsered Herrgård: Membership in EAZA working groups: L. L. M Lindén (Deputy chair, Board of trustees) Blomqvist (Felid TAG, Small Carnivore TAG, The Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture Deer TAG); E. Wikberg (Sheep & Goat TAG, and Sciences: L. M Lindén (Member) Small Carnivore TAG); E. Andersson (Education Letterstedtska Föreningen: L. M Lindén Committee); C. Larsson (Conservation Committee) (Member) Eriksbergs Viltpark: M. Niklasson (Member) August Abrahamssons Foundation (Nääs Skötselrådet för Visingsös Eklandskap: M. Slott): L. M Lindén (Board member) Niklasson (Member) Swedish Tourist Board: L. M Lindén (Board WAZA: L. M Lindén (Council Member, Treasurer) member)
Box 2. Staff participation in courses/ with wilderness in Europe. Haarlem, The congresses/meetings 2014 Netherlands, 17-19. Sep. (M. Niklasson) • Study visit to Kransvlaak Europ. Bison • Planning workshop in Tallinn and study visit Project. Oostwarderplassen, The Netherlands, 19. in Tallinn Zoo, Estonia. 12-14. Jan. (L. M Lindén, B. Sep. (M. Niklasson, C. Andrén) Norming, T. Patriksson, M. Niklasson, C. Andrén, L. • EAZA Annual Conference, Budapest Zoo, Johansson, L. Blomqvist) Hungary 23-27. Sep. (C. Larsson, E. Wikberg, E. • Advanced EAZA Breeding Programme Andersson) Management Course, Bristol Zoo, England 14-17. • SAZA Animal keepers’ Annual meeting, Borås Jan. (E. Wikberg) Zoo, 30. Sep. – 2. Oct. (E. Nygren) • IUCN National meeting, Swedish Museum of • Study visit with Board to Burger’s Zoo, Natural History, Stockholm, 22. Jan. (L. M Lindén) Arnhem and Gaiapark, Kerkrade, The • Study visit in Anuiskij National Park, Russia, Netherlands, 1-3 Oct. (L. M Lindén, L. Johansson) 26. Feb. – 6. Mar. (E. Nygren) • WAZA Council meeting and conference, Delhi, • EAZA Felid TAG mid-year meeting, Jihlava Zoo, India, 3-6. Oct. (L. M Lindén) Czech Republic, 7-9. Mar. (L. Blomqvist) • SAZA Course in Animal transports, Kolmården • EAZA Education Committee mid-year meeting, Zoo, 7-8. Oct. (K. Larsson, E. Eriksson-Byröd, L. Artis Zoo, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 10. Mar. Svensson, A. Einemo, D. Liljegren, E. Wikberg) (E. Andersson) • Lemur leaf frog meeting, Costa Rican Amphibian • EAZA Deer TAG mid-year meeting, Ostrava Zoo, Conservation Project, Costa Rica, 27. Oct. – 9. Nov. Czech Republic, 3-4. Apr. (L. Blomqvist) (C. Andrén) • Study visit at Prague Zoo, Czech Republic, 5. • CBSG Steering committee meeting/ Apr. (L. Blomqvist) conference, Delhi, India, 30. Oct.–2. Nov. (L. M • SAZA Annual Meeting, Kristiansand Zoo, Norway Lindén) 8-9. Apr. (E. Wikberg, E. Nygren) • Lesser white-fronted goose meeting, EPA, • Study visit to Highland Wildlife Park, Stockholm, 12. Nov. (C. Larsson) Kingussie, Scotland with Östrabo school, 5-9. May • Wild Feline Seminar, Swedish University (B. Johansson) of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Skara 14. Nov. • EAZA Conservation Forum meeting, Leipzig (E.Andersson) Zoo, Germany, 6-9. May. (C. Larsson, E. Nygren) • Ortolan bunting meeting, Royal Swedish • WAZA/CBSG Mid-year meeting, Entebbe, Academy of Agriculture and Sciences, Stockholm Uganda, 19-23. May (L. M Lindén) 2. Dec. (C. Larsson) • Excursion to collect Great capricorn beetles in • SAZA Reference Group Meeting, Swedish Board Poland, 1-4. Jun. (C. Andrén) of Agriculture, Jönköping, 15. Dec. (E. Wikberg) • Eurosite Wilderness Workshop. Living
12 Box 3. Articles/reports published by Johansson, Ö., Malmsten, J., Mishra, C., staff in 2014 Lkhagvajav, P. and McCarthy, T. (2013): Reversible immobilization of free-ranging snow Andrén, C. (2014): Greater Educational leopards (Panthera uncia) with a combination of Opportunities. Nordens Ark Annual Report 2013: medetomidine and tiletamine-zolazepam. J. of 12-13. Nordens Ark Foundation Wildl. Diseases 49 (2): 338-346 Andrén, C. (2014): Working with Lindén, L. M (2014): 25 Years with Nordens Ark. Universities and Colleges. Nordens Ark Nordens Ark Annual Report 2013: 2-3. Nordens Annual Report 2013: 14-15. Nordens Ark Foundation Ark Foundation Lindén, L. M (2014): Med näbbar och klor: Andrén, C. (2014): Wetlands. Nordens Ark Annual Nordens Ark och kampen för hotade djur Report 2013: 18-19. Nordens Ark Foundation (Tooth and Nail: Nordens Ark and the Battle for Bergner, A., Avci, M., Eryigitc, H., Jansson, N., Endangered Animals). Votum & Gullers Förlag, 143 Niklasson, M., Westerberg, L. & Milberg, P. pages. Karlstad (Swedish) (2014): Influences of forest type and habitat Narfström, K., Larsson, C., Mattesson, structure on bird assemblages of oak (Quercus V., Runsten, B. (2014): Operation med spp.) and pine (Pinus spp.) stands in southwestern modern teknik av grå starr hos fågel. Svensk Turkey. Forest Ecology & Management 336: 137- Veterinärtidning 66 (2): 11-14 147 Niklasson, M. (2014): The Farm. Nordens Ark Blomqvist, L. (2014): White-Backed Woodpecker. Annual Report 2013: 8-9. Nordens Ark Foundation Nordens Ark Annual Report 2013: 6-7. Nordens Niklasson, M. (2014): The Ecopark. Nordens Ark Foundation Ark Annual Report 2013: 24-25. Nordens Ark Blomqvist, L. (2014): Peregrine Falcon. Nordens Foundation Ark Annual Report 2013: 10-11. Nordens Ark Nygren E., Johansson, Ö. & Blomqvist, L. Foundation (2014): The Mysterious Snow Leopard. Nordens Blomqvist, L. (2014): Lesser White-Fronted Ark Annual Report 2013: 20-21. Nordens Ark Geese. Nordens Ark Annual Report 2013: 16-17. Foundation Nordens Ark Foundation Nygren, E. (2014): Amur Tiger. Nordens Blomqvist, L. (2014): The Year That’s Gone – A Ark Annual Report 2013: 22-23. Nordens Ark Review. Nordens Ark Annual Report 2013: Foundation 28-32. Nordens Ark Foundation Nygren, E. & Andrén, C. (2014): Greater Blomqvist, L. (2014): Wolverine Population Capricorn Beetle. Nordens Ark Annual Report Development in EEP. Nordens Ark Annual Report 2013: 26-27. Nordens Ark Foundation 2013: 33-35. Nordens Ark Foundation Petchey, A., Gray, A., Andrén, C., Skelton, Blomqvist, L. & Larsson, C. (2015): Pecking T., Kubicki, B., Allen, C., Jehle, R. (2014): order. Captive breeding and release supports the Characterisation of 9 polymorphic microsatellite recovery of the white-backed woodpecker’s wild markers for the Critically Endangered lemur leaf population. Zooquaria 89: 20-21 frog Agalychnis lemur. Cons. Genet Resour. web Helgesson, J. and Larsson, C. (2014): Saving doi.1007/s12686-014-0261-1 the greater Capricorn beetle. Zooquaria 87: 22
References landscape in Mongolia. Biological Cons. 184: 2251- 258 Blomqvist, L. & Larsson, C. (2011): Lesser Nolasco, S., Dias Ferreira, J. (2014): white-fronted goose. A species in focus in the International studbook Persian leopard Panthera Nordic countries. WAZA News 1: 9-11 p. saxicolor. 101 pp. Lisbon Zoo Blomqvist, L. & Larsson, C. (2015): Pecking Nygren, E., Johansson, Ö. & Blomqvist, L. order. Captive breeding and release supports the (2013): The Mysterious Snow Leopard. Nordens recovery of the white-backed woodpecker’s wild Ark Annual Report 2013: 20-21. Nordens Ark population. Zooquaria 89: 20 Foundation Johansson, Ö., Malmsten, J., Mishra, C., Wennesjö, O & Hellström, M. (2014): Lkhagvajav P. and McCarthy, T. (2013): Uppföljning av återintroduktionen av grönfläckig Reversible immobilization of free-ranging snow padda Bufo viridis på Ölands södra udde – leopards (Panthera uncia) with a combination of rapport gällande säsongen 2013 (Follow-up on medetomidine and tiletamine-zolazepam. J. of the Reintroduction of Green Toads on Öland’s Wildl. Diseases 49 (2): 338-346 Southern Headland – Report on the Current Johansson, Ö., McCarthy, T., Samelius, G., Season). 35pp. Kalmar county administrative Andrén, H., Tumursukh, L., Mishra, C. (2015): board (Swedish). Snow leopard predation in a livestock dominated
13 14 Rhacodactylus ciliatus Rhacodactylus giantGuichenot's gecko Phelsuma standingi Phelsuma gecko day Standing's Phelsuma klemmeri Phelsuma gecko day Yellow-headed Brown basiliskBrown Basiliscus vittatus LIZARDS Chelodina mccordi Mccord's snake-necked turtle Hermann's Testudo turtle hermanni Chinemys nigricans Chinemys Red-necked pond turtle Mauremys caspica Mauremys turtle Caspian Mauremys annamensis turtle leaf Annam Emys orbicularis Emys European pond turtle TURTLES Theloderma corticale frog Tonkin bug-eyed Polypedates leucomystax Polypedates frog tree Bamboo Rana ridibunda Rana frog Marsh Pool frog Rana lessonae frog Pool Rana esculenta Rana toad Edible Agile frog Rana dalmatina frog Agile Garlic fuscus toad Pelobates Megophrys nasuta frog horned Malayan Tomato frog DyscophusTomato frog guineti Mantella aurantiaca Golden mantella Mantella Leptodactylus fallax Leptodactylus frog chicken Mnt. Cruziohyla calcarifer Cruziohyla frog leaf Splendid Agalychnis lemur Agalychnis frog leaf Lemur White's tree frog Pelodryas frog caerulea tree White's Trachycephalus resinifictrix frog tree golden-eyed Mission Hyla arborea Hyla frog tree European Bombina bombina toad fire-bellied European Phyllobates vittatus Golfodulcean poison frog dart Phyllobates terribilis Phyllobates frog dart poison Golden Dendrobates tinctorius Dendrobates frog dart poison Blue Dendrobates leucomelas Dendrobates frog arrow poison Yellow-banded Giant marine marinus toad Bufo Bufo calamita toad Bufo Natterjack Bufo viridis Bufo toad Green Triturus cristatus newt crested Northern Neurergus kaiseri newt spotted Kaiser's AMPHIBIANS European catfish Silurus glanis catfish European FISHES Plagionotus detritus Long-horned beetle cerdo Cerambyx beetle capricorn Great INSECTS Animal inventory at Nordens Ark 2014 Ark atNordens inventory Animal
TAXON
VU VU NT DD NT EN EN VU CR CR EN EN CR CR CR CR LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC ------GLOBAL ENDANGERMENT VU VU NT VU EN EN CR CR - - - - - LOCAL ENDANGERMENT ESB ESB ESF - - MANAGEMENT LEVEL 3.1 2.2 4.6 1.2.3 3.6.1 - 5.0 1.0 1.4 1.11 0.0.6 14.12.10 19.13 4.3.39 1.1.4 0.0.6 0.0.37 0.0.82 6.0.13 0.2.5 1.3 - - 0.0.9 9.6 4.1 3.0 1.1.13 1.1.14 - 0.0.15 0.0.3 0.0.26 0.0.51 0.0.12 11.4.18 1.4 0.0.10 0.0.476 STATUS 1.JAN 2014 - - - 0.0.15 - - - - 0.0.4 ------0.0.14 0.0.11 0.0.120 0.0.170 BIRTHS - - - - - 0.0.3 - - - - 0.0.5 ------2.2 9.6 ------0.0.10 - - - 0.0.15000 - - - 0.0.19 15.15 ARRIVALS 2.0 - 1.0 3.0.5 - - - 1.0 - - 0.0.3 2.8.10 17.4 0.0.6 - 0.0.6 0.0.37 0.0.17 1.0 0.0.1 - - 2.3 - 1.0 2.0.1 - - 1.1.11 - 0.0.8 0.0.3 - 0.0.14684 0.0.4 9.0.4 0.0.1 0.0.10 1.1 DEATHS - - 1.2 - - - 5.0 ------0.0.12 0.0.9 ------1.1.13 - - - - 0.0.10 0.0.238 - 0.0.14 - - - DEPARTURES 1.1 2.2 2.4 1.3.9 3.6.1 0.0.3 - - 1.4.4 1.11 0.0.8 12.4 2.9 4.3.33 1.1.4 - - 0.0.53 4.5 0.2.4 1.3 2.2 7.3 0.0.9 8.6 0.0.2 3.0 - 0.0.3 0.0.10 3.4 - 0.0.16 4.0.125 1.2.5 2.4.14 1.1.13 0.0.139 14.14.640 STATUS 3 1.DEC.2014 Sand lizard Lacerta agilis LC VU 4.4.9 0.0.10 - 2.3 0.0.3 2.1.16 SNAKES Grass snake Natrix n. gotlandica NT 0.1.8 - - 0.0.2 - 6.1 Common adder Vipera berus LC - 5.2 - - 1.1 - 4.1 BIRDS Lesser white-fronted goose Anser erythropus VU CR 37.26.3 16.9.4 3.2 4.2 31.20.4 21.15.3 Red-breased goose Branta ruficiollis EN 1.0 - - 1.0 - - Northern pintail Anas acuta LC VU - - 0.2 - - 0.2 White stork Ciconia ciconia LC RE SAZA/SDF 3.3 0.0.6 - 0.0.1 0.0.5 3.3 Bald ibis Geronticus eremita CR EEP 6.9 2.0.5 - 0.0.5 - 8.9 Peregrine falcon Falco p. peregrinus LC VU 11.10 6.8.2 0.1 1.1 6.8.2 10.10 White-naped crane Grus vipio VU EEP 3.1 1.0.1 - 1.0.1 1.0 2.1 Manchurian crane Grus japonensis EN EEP 1.1 0.1 - - - 1.2 Eurasian eagle owl Bubo b. bubo LC NT 1.2 - - - - 1.2 Snowy owl Bubo scandiacus LC CR 1.1 0.0.1 - 0.0.1 - 1.1 Great grey owl Strix nebulosa lapponica LC NT 1.1 - - - - 1.1 Ural owl Strix u. uralensis LC - 3.2 - - 0.1 1.1 2.0 European roller Coracias garrulus NT RE 1.1 - - - - 1.1 Eurasian hoopoe Upupa epops LC RE ESB 1.1 - 0.1 0.1 - 1.1 White-backed woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos LC CR 18.17 5.8.5 - 2.2.2 4.6.3 17.17 MAMMALS European souslik Spermophilus citellus VU 5.5 12.7 2.3 12.7.1 - 6.6 Pallas' cat Felis m. manul NT EEP/ISB 1.1 2.3 - - 2.3 1.1 Eurasian wild cat Felis s. silvestris LC 4.0 - - 1.0 - 3.0 Eurasian lynx Lynx l. lynx LC NT ESB/SAZA-SDF 1.1 1.1 - 1.1 - 1.1 Amur leopard Panthera pardus orientalis CR EEP/ISB 1.1 - 1.0 - 1.0 1.1 Persian leopard Panthera pardus saxicolor EN EEP/ISB - - 1.1 - - 1.1 Amur tiger Panthera tigris altaica EN EEP/ISB 3.3 - - - 1.2 2.1 Snow leopard Uncia uncia EN EEP/ISB 3.2 - - - - 3.2 Grey wolf Canis l. lupus LC EN SAZA/SDF 1.0 - 0.1 - - 1.1 Maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus NT EEP/ISB 1.1 2.1.1 - 2.1.1 - 1.1 Eurasian otter Lutra l. lutra NT VU EEP/ISB 1.2 0.0.2 - - 0.1 1.1.2 Wolverine Gulo g. gulo LC VU EEP 3.2 - 1.0 - 2.0 2.2 Red panda Ailurus f. fulgens VU EEP/ISB 1.4 1.0 - - 0.2 2.2 Przewalski horse Equus caballus przewalskii EN EEP/ISB 0.5 - - 0.1 0.1 0.3 Chilean pudu Pudu puda VU EEP/ISB 2.2 1.1 1.0 2.0 1.1 1.2 European forest reindeer Rangifer tarandus fennicus NT ESB 3.6 1.3 - 2.0 1.2 1.7 Tadjik markhor Capra falconeri heptneri CR EEP 10.10 4.5 - 4.4 0.2 10.9 Bukhara urial Ovis aries bochariensis VU MON 1.3 - 0.2 - - 1.5 DOMESTIC BREEDS Nordic honey bee > 10.000 > 10.000 - > 10.000 - >10.000 Orust poultry EN 3.11 22.13 - 22.3 0.14 3.7 Bohus-Dals poultry EN 4.14 23.8 - 21.8 3.4 3.10 Old Swedish bantam CR 4.8 12.8 - 13.6 - 3.10 Öland goose CR 1.2 0.0.1 - 0.0.1 0.1 1.1 Swedish blue duck EN 4.7 4.2 - 4.4 - 4.5 Blekinge duck CR 2.4 - - 1.0 1.0 0.4 Gotland rabbit EN 1.5.1 5.4 - 5.5 - 1.4 Mellerud rabbit CR 1.3 7.5 - 6.1 1.0 1.7 Linderöd pig EN 1.2 10.6 - 8.1 2.5 1.2 Jämtland goat EN 1.5 3.1 - 1.0 2.2 1.4 Lapp goat EN 1.3 3.1 1.0 - 4.0 1.4 Gotland sheep - 1.10 11.5 - 8.3 3.2 1.10 Värmland sheep - 10.25 22.11 - 14.3 3.6 15.27 Dala-fur sheep EN 3.7 7.5 - 7.3 - 3.9 Swedish red-polled cattle CR 8.18 4.6 - 0.4 - 12.20 Swedish mountain cattle CR 1.2 - - - - 1.2 Mountain cattle CR 0.6 - - - - 0.6 Hereford cattle - 7.12 6.4 - - - 13.16 Northern Swedish horse - 0.1 - - - - 0.1 Gotland pony - 0.1 - - - - 0.1 Domestic cat - 0.2 - - - - 0.2
Legend to Table: 1.0 = one male; 0.1 = one female; 0.0.1 one unknown sex. RE - Regionally extinct; CR - Critically endangered; EN - Endangered; VU - Vulnerable; NT - Near threatened; LC - Least concern; DD - Data Deficient EEP - European Endangered Species Program; ESB - European StudBook; ESF - European Studbook Foundation; ISB - International StudBook; SAZA/SDF - Regional Studbook of Swedish Assoc. of Zoos & Aquaria; MON - Monitored 15 Ecopark and farm
Mats Niklasson
Project leader, [email protected]
The year 2014 was another eventful one for the Ecopark project. the Farm. At specified times, visitors have access to the goats’ A number of important schemes came to fruition, and fencing pen and can have fun on the climbing frame with the animals. and footbridges were completed in all paddocks in time for the The new 200m2 rabbit enclosure is also open to visitors. 2014 grazing season. With 96 hectares now enclosed, the major Unfortunately, calving in 2014 started very late, meaning that part of the Ecopark project is thus realised. grazing arrangements became unusually complicated during the The animal collection continued to grow and has now reached season. Grazing continues in all the originally planned paddocks, 216 individuals (not including the bee colonies), comprising and in the earliest meadows a fine turf has now been established. bees, six native poultry breeds, two rabbit breeds, Linderöd An auspicious summer resulted also in record haymaking. pigs, five breeds of sheep and goats, four breeds of cattle and The Swedish Forest Agency had a staff of four to six people two breeds of horses. Fifteen of the native breeds reproduced at the Ecopark carrying out clearance work during 2014. Most in the course of the year, which meant that we were able to sell importantly, shrub-clearance and burning was undertaken on 53 individuals to private breeders during the autumn. Thanks to grazing land, together with the completion of a 4.2km hiking the broad genetic base among the domestic breed population, trail with signs and notices. A folder was produced with maps only a single new animal (a male Lapp goat) had to be brought in and information on backpacking around Nordens Ark. The to further the breeding. Prospects are looking good for cattle in meadow restoration project was widened to encompass a spring 2015, with all 20 cows/heifers expecting young. total of 20 sites which, in the autumn, were sown with seeds Before the start of the season, new viewing facilities for collected from our own meadows (118 different species such as: rabbits, goats and pigs were set up in the outdoor areas around Devil’s-bit, Succisa pratensis, brown knapweed, Centaurea jacea and
16 Sciences (SLU) and various upper secondary schools have done excursions come to Nordens Ark and been given information about the Ecopark. A degree thesis has been run together with Stockholm University. Two theses at SLU and Uppsala University were begun during the year, while an exploratory study also got under way into the possibility of setting up a biogas plant in the autumn with funding from Region Västra Götaland. The Ecopark project was inaugurated in May in the presence of some 50 invited guests, and a hike and outdoor lunch were arranged. The project has been financed principally by Region Västra Götaland. Foundation chairman Göran Bengtsson paid tribute to Region Västra Götaland, as well as to the Erik and Lily Philipson foundation which yet again contributed handsomely to Nordens Ark’s development. Sotenäs municipality made a gift of a hut – called Hermit’s Cabin – designed by Mats Thiselius, which for the inauguration was sited at the camping ground. A talk was given by Professor Nils Ryrholm on the importance Thomas Törnqvist (to the right), Chairman of Ekfrämjandet presents the of preserving biological diversity. The project leader pointed out 2013 County Award to project leader Mats Niklasson. Photo: L. Blomqvist the grazing lands and reinvigorated meadows, and spoke about the oak veteranisation project. Thomas Törnqvist, chairman of Eksällskapet, handed the 2013 county award to project leader ox-eye daisy, Leucanthemum vulgare). Spring burnings took place Mats Niklasson. Butterfly hikes and tours to the rock carvings on several meadows under restoration – on two of them, the and other sights were laid on for the general public. A total of common milkwort (Polygala vulgaris) was found for the first time, 100 people participated in the 5km and 10km Ecopark race, as evidence that we’re on the right track. organised in association with IK Granit. In February, a conference on pasture and grazing animals was As part of the Nordens Ark 25th anniversary celebrations, an organised. Some 40 people attended from all over Sweden. One exhibition about the Ecopark was organised inside the animal noted presentation concerned an ongoing project in Holland and park and included a tour for the VIP guests from overseas. other parts of Europe to re-breed the auroch, sometimes also called “Tauros”, a wild ancestor of today’s cow, which is thought capable of grazing all year round. Several other educational initiatives have taken place in and around the Ecopark project. Uppsala University, the Swedish University of Agricultural
The annual sheep release is a big public event which in 2014 was combined with the inauguration of the Ecopark. Photo: L. Blomqvist
17 Wolverine EEP expands to North America
Leif Blomqvist 1) & Tom Ness 2)
1EEP Coordinator for wolverines, Nordens Ark, [email protected] 2AZA Wolverine studbook keeper, Minnesota Zoo, [email protected]
Joint efforts of AZA1 and EAZA2 to maintain a healthy population of wolverines 1Association for Zoos & Aquariums; 2European Association for Zoos and Aquaria
Two-thousand-and-fourteen was a productive year in the comprised only 11.6 animals (Figure 1) in 2014 and is without EEP programme with 14 transfers taking place between the influx of new founders beyond reviving (Ness 2014). participating zoos. As a result of export activities, three new Given a high level of dedication from the holding institutions joined the programme which now has 41 participants. institutions and the strong and growing EEP population, the Due to modest breeding results with the North American breeding programme in North America partnered with the subspecies Gulo g. luscus, the managed population in the New EEP 2013 to form a combined breeding programme between World has shown a slow decline. Reproductive success has been the two regions (Blomqvist 2014). As a result of discussion with low, with a few females producing most of the offspring and since the AZA Small Carnivore TAG wolverine coordinator and the 1980, only ten percent of the females in North America have EEP, it was concluded that North American institutions have reproduced (Ness 2014). Almost fifty percent of the living G.g. reached a situation where they have to phase out the remaining luscus are full siblings representing 80% of the ageing breeding G.g. luscus population and switch to the nominate form which stock in North America. The captive population of Gulo g. luscus is maintained in Europe. As long as G. g. luscus still remain in
18 Figure 1. Number of wolverines kept in Europe and North America 2014. population is shown in Figure 4 and Table 2 presents a summary of all wolverines included in the European population. In addition to the intensively managed stock in Europe, 120 there are 5.6 animals kept in six Eurasian facilities. These zoos cooperate at a studbook level (Table 1) but unfortunately do 100 not participate in the EEP. None of the wolverines maintained 80 Females outside the EEP have bred during the last year and as the population is getting older, it will most likely be phased out 60 Males before 2020. 40 20 Breeding age and life expectancy
0 G.g. luscus (PMP) G.g.gulo (EEP) G.g.gulo Non-EEP European studbook data indicate that in captivity a few animals start to reproduced at the age of two years although the average age when wolverines start to reproduce is higher with a mean age of 4.6 years for males and 4.11 years for females. Females are North American institutions, the two subspecies will be housed retired from breeding after 12 years while the corresponding age separately and not allowed to hybridize. Zoos in Europe maintain for males is two years later, but this can vary by the condition only the nominate form of wolverines of which all animals are of known origin. No specimen of the America subspecies are recommended to be imported to Europe. Figure 3. Census of EEP population 2000-2014. Minnesota Zoo who is responsible for coordinating the AZA wolverine programme stood for the first imports of Eurasian wolverines from Europe in 2013 when a young pair from 120 Hunnebostrand and Kolmården were imported to the States (Blomqvist 2014). In 2014, the transatlantic imports continued 100 when Columbus Zoo in Ohio and Saint Felicien Zoo in Canada 80 got young animals from Borås, Calviac and Kristiansand. The 60 three zoos in North America have therefore joined the EEP 40 Males programme (Table 1) and two additional institutions, Alaska Females 20 Wildlife Conservation Center and Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, Total 0 have reserved young kits from Europe to be imported in 2015. 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014
Figure 2. Number of wolverine litters born in EEP.
of animals. The oldest known age of a captive-bred male to sire 9 offspring is 13.11 years and 15.2 years for a female to deliver a 8 litter. Maximum longevity for captive-born animals of known 7 age in the European collection is 18.2 years for males and 19.2 6 years for females. This is, however, not the biological maximum 5 age for wolverines but reflects only the animals included in the 4 European dataset. The average lifespan for wild wolverines is 3 unknown, although it is unlikely that wild animals will survive 2 for more than 15 years. It is important to mention, that the values 1 in the higher age classes are prone to distortion - a wolverine that 0 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 reaches the age of +13 years (Figure 5) represents a high portion of the total number of animals in that age class. If this animal manages to breed at that late age, it gives a distorted view of what animals of that age are capable of. As a result, the chances of Main events in 2014 reproduction in age classes higher than 13 years becomes highly inflated and does not show a realistic expectation for animals Table 1 summarizes the main events in the Wolverine EEP in within the population. It is instead only a result of having a 2014. The European region has had consistent reproductive success in the 21st century with an average of 4.7 litters born per Figure 4. Age and sex distribution of wolverine EEP population. 1.1.2015. year (Figure 2). There were five litters born in 2014, down one from last year with a total often kits (2.8), all of which survived.
One of the breeding pairs, studbook # 328 and studbook # 338 18-19 in Novosibirsk Zoo bred for the first time whereas the other four 16-17 pairs were proven breeders. 14-15 No animals left the programme but three males and three 12-13 adult females died and two females managed to escape from 10-11 Males Moscow and Orsa, resulting in an overall increase in the captive Age class 8-9 Females population from 99 (51.48) animals in 2013 to 101 (50.51) living 6-7 wolverines in 2014; the captive population now exceeds 100 4-5 2-3 animals for the first time. The annual fluctuations in the EEP 0-1 in the 21st century are illustrated in Figure 3 showing a modest -10 -5 0 5 10 but increasing trend. The age and sex distribution of the current Number of wolverines
19 Figure 5. Fecundity in captive-bred wolverines of known age. Figure aged” breeders that will continue to breed for some years. It is based on 282 births events 1970-2014. therefore to be expected, that the number of breeding animals in the EEP will increase creating a growing surplus problem in the European programme. 60 Despite continuous efforts to convince European holders 50 to include wolverines in their collections, the results have been 40 modest with not more than a maximum of one to two new 30 participants each year. During 2014, two European collections, 20 Female Paris Zoo and Hanstedt, joined the programme. To maintain ercent fecundity
P 10 Male a healthy population of wolverines for a longer period of time, 0 a population size significantly larger than the present 100 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 animals is needed. The affiliation of AZA’s wolverine holders Age to the European breeding programme will therefore support the European efforts to establish a self-sustaining population of wolverines with a large amount of gene diversity retained. A jointly managed population of Gulo g. gulo in the two continents small data set and all values for animals older than 13 years, are will also support the establishment of a future global wolverine therefore unreliable. studbook under the auspices of WAZA.
New holders wanted References
The age distribution in Figure 4 shows that nine percent of the Blomqvist, L. (2014): Development of Wolverine EEP. wolverines in the current stock are older than 12 years and will Nordens Ark Ann. Rep. 2013: 33-35. Nordens Ark Foundation. soon disappear from the captive stock. At the same time 30% (also available on EAZA:s SCTAG web pages) of the animals are younger than three years and will soon enter Ness, T. (2014): North Americal Regional Studbook Wolverine the breeding potential together with some of the “middle- (Gulo gulo sp.), Dec. 2014. Minnesota Zool. Gardens
Table 1. Development of captive wolverines in EEP/Eurasia in 2014. Legend to Table: 1.0 = 1 male, 0.1 = 1 female. New participants marked in italics
In EEP: Institution Status 1.1. Born To EEP From EEP To Non-EEP From Non-EEP Deaths Status 1.1. 2014 2015 Ahtari/FIN 3.1 0.2 2.0 Hanstedt - - - - 1.3 Bardu/N 1.1 - - - - - 1.1 - Berlin TP/D 1.1 ------1.1 Borås/S 2.1 1.1 1.0 Columbus ------1.0 Hunnebostrand 1.0 Hunnebostrand - - - 2.2 Brno/CZ 1.1 ------1.1 Burford/UK 1.2 - 0.1 Paris Zoo - - - - 1.1 Calviac/F 1.2 - 0.1 Columbus - - - 1.0 0.1 Cezallier/F 1.1 ------1.1 Chomutov/CZ 0.1 ------0.1 Columbus/USA - - - 0.1 Calviac ------1.0 Borås ------1.0 Saint Felicien 1.0 Kristiansand - - - 1.1 Duisburg/D 1.1* ------1.1 Eberswalde/D 1.1 ------1.1 Hanstedt/D - - - 2.0 Ahtari - - - 2.0 Helsinki/FIN - - - 1.0 Kolmården - - - 1.0 Hluboka/CZ 0.1 - - 1.0 Moscow - - - 1.1 Hunnebostrand/S 3.2 - 1.0 Borås ------1.0 Paris Zoo 1.0 Borås - - - 2.2 Järvsö/S 3.2 ------3.2 Kerkrade/NL 1.1 ------1.1 Kinguisse/UK 1.1 - - - - - 0.1 1.0 Kolmården/S 2.1 - 1.0 Helsinki - - - - 1.1 Kristiansand/N 4.1 - 1.0 Columbus - - - - 3.1 Lycksele/S 1.2 - - 1.0 Skåne - - - 2.2 Minnesota/USA 1.1 ------1.1 Moscow/RUS 7.7 - 1.0 Nikolaev - - - - 1.0 Hluboka - - - 1.1** 4.6 Munich/D 1.1 ------1.1 Namsskogan/N 1.0 ------1.0
20 Nikolaev/UKR 0.1 - - 1.0 Moscow - - - 1.1 Novosibirsk/RUS 1.3 0.2 - - - - 0.1 1.4 Opole/POL 1.1 ------1.1 Orsa/S 1.1 - - - - - 0.1** 1.0 Osnabruck/D 1.1 ------1.1 Paris Zoo/F - - - 0.1 Burford ------1.0 Hunnebostrand - - - 1.1 Ranua/FIN 1.1 0.2 - - - - - 1.3 Salzburg/A 1.1 ------1.1 Skåne/S 2.1 1.1 1.0 Lycksele - - - - 2.2 Springe/D 1.1 ------1.1 Saint Felicien/CAN - - - 1.0 Columbus - - - 1.0 Stockholm/S 1.1 ------1.1 Szeged/HU 1.1 ------1.1 Usti/CZ 1.1 ------1.1 Whipsnade/UK 1.1 ------1.1 In EEP 51.48 2.8 12.2 12.2 - - 3.5 50.51 (40 institutions) (99) (10) (14) (14) (-) (-) (8) (101) * Earlier informed as 2.1 ** 0.1 escaped Non-EEP: Institution Status 1.1. Born To EEP From EEP Till Non-EEP To Non-EEP Deaths Status 1.1. 2014 2015 Bielefeld/D 1.1 ------1.1 Fuerstenwalde/D 1.1 ------1.1 Izhevsk/RUS 1.1 ------1.1 Krasnoyarsk/RUS 0.1 ------0.1 Nizhny Novgorod/RUS 1.1 ------1.1 Sababurg/D 1.1 ------1.1 In Non-EEP: 5.6 ------5.6 ( 6 institutions)
Table 2. Wolverine studbook data as of 1.1.2015 (Non-EEP animals included).
Males Females Unknown Total Total registered 130 144 34 308 Total wild-caught 21 29 0 50 Total captive-born 109 115 34 258
Alive at 1.1.2015 55 57 0 112 Wild born 2 11 0 13 Captive born 53 46 0 99
Breeding animals Total number that have bred 45 49 0 94 Wild-born that have bred 10 14 0 24 Captive-born that have bred 35 35 0 70
Total breeding animals alive 15 17 0 32 Wild born 1 6 0 7 Captive born 14 11 0 25
21 Nordens Ark celebrates 25 years
Above: a literal ”book release” for the snow leopards with the book ”Tooth and Nail: Nordens Ark and the Battle for Endangered Animals”; a retrospec- tive account of the unlikely story of the foundation and development of Nordens Ark by Lena M Lindén.
University of Gothenburg hosted the international seminar ”The Beauty of Nature – the Welfare of the Future” with Johan Rockström and Mattias Klum. Stefan Edman mo- The Crown Princess Victoria honoured the anniversary derated the event. with her presence and asked many questions about the animals during her tour of the park.
The staff went all out!!
22 Left: Chancellor Pam Fredman, Lena M Lindén and the Chairman of the Foundation welcome guests at the grand staircase of the University of Gothenburg.
Mark Levengood (here together with Board Member Elisabeth Tarras-Wahlberg) was the evening's entertaining master of ceremonies who guided the speakers through the festivi- ties. In Stockholm attention was created when Nordens Ark released four peregrine falcons via a hacking box from a skyscraper (below). Pictured below is animal keeper Dick Liljegren who raised the falcons in Nordens Ark breeding facility.
A show was presented for all invited featuring the artist Claes Eriksson of Galenskaparna (above) and Margaretaspelet from Sundsby (t.h.).
23 To mark the anniversary a spectacular sequence of images was installed on the roundabout at the entrance to Åby Manor (left). The installation was created by sculptor and Board member Pål Svensson (below).
Opera singer Carolina Sandgren enriched the evening with her singing.
Friends of Nordens Ark kindly helped driving the specially decorated cars by Volvo Cars.
Bo Myhrman of the Hassel blad Foundation presents scholarships to two young promising photographers.
24 The highlight of the anniversary was the inauguration of the Persian leopard enclosure with Volvo's CEO Olof Persson, the Crown Princess and Board chairman Göran Bengtsson. Above to the left: Christer Larsson talks about the enclosure design and asks the Crown Princess to use a Sonia Lundin, chairman of Friends of cellphone to lure the leopard to sneak into the enclosure. He did not! Nordens Ark, handed over a check to Göran Bengtsson as a contribution to the Persian leopard enclosure (below). Friends of Nor- dens Ark have thus donated SEK 25 million A touring exhibition over the course of 25 years! about the Nordic Ark on Börstorget, Gothenburg in spring. In July it was displayed at Skansen, Stockholm, and fol- lowing this, at several places in western Swe- den (right).
The Dura-trio from the Gothenburg Opera House entertained and sang spe- cially composed music to honour the international guests (below).
The young also participated in the celebrations. Shown here is "tiger girl" Ada Brynolf.
25 Administration report 2014
The Board and Managing Director of Nordens Ark Foundation herewith present the following report for the financial year 2014. All sums are given in Swedish kronor (SEK), unless stated otherwise. Figures in parentheses are for the previous year.
Important events during and after the participation of, among others, Gothenburg Opera House and financial year artists and entertainers Claes Eriksson and Mark Levengood were open to all. The day was rounded off with a banquet for The year was dominated by Nordens Ark’s 25th anniversary the 200 or so invited guests. At the end of the year, Nordens celebrations. The preparations had been under way for several Ark employees, who had all been on duty over the anniversary years, with the aim that the park should be at its very best for weekend, were invited, together with the Board, to a celebratory animals, staff and visitors alike for the 2014 summer season. We supper and Christmas show at Gothenburg Opera House. wanted the anniversary celebrations to make Nordens Ark better A significant zoological event during the year was the known and showcase the work we’ve been doing for endangered successful breeding of the Pallas' cats. All five youngsters animals and biodiversity in the course of our first quarter- survived and joined the breeding programme in five different century. zoos before the year was out. The survival rate for Pallas' kittens The festivities reached their climax on the weekend of June is extremely low. Only a few parks in the world managed to 14. Crown Princess Victoria honoured us with her presence, along produce live litters in 2014. with invited guests from all around the world. The weekend’s A young Przewalski’s mare was sent to a reserve in Weilburg, celebrations kicked off at the University of Gothenburg with a Germany, where she will be kept with other fillies for release in programme by Johan Rockström, from Stockholm Resilience Kazakhstan during 2015. Among the horses due to be released Centre, and wildlife photographer Mattias Klum. The arrival of there is Nebukanesar, who was born at Nordens Ark in 2012 and a breeding pair of Persian leopards represented the high point has been held with the stallion pool at the Sprakel semi-reserve, of our celebrations. Crown Princess Victoria and Volvo CEO also in Germany, since 2013. So two horses born and raised at Olof Persson inaugurated the newly constructed enclosure and Nordens Ark will be included in the release scheduled for 2015. opened the spectacular walkway linking the snow leopard and The three Amur tigers born in April 2013 left Nordens Ark Pallas' cat enclosures. A number of stage events with the generous in late autumn and were placed, in accordance with the studbook
26 co-ordinator’s directive, in three different parks. Since the Measures implemented as collaborative female in our breeding pair is a ‘founder’, it’s very important that projects with agencies and organisations she becomes pregnant again, which could happen as soon as the youngsters departed. For three years, Nordens Ark has been collaborating with WWF Sixteen peregrine falcons, five white storks and 13 white- Sweden and WWF Russia on a conservation project for the Amur backed woodpeckers were released during the year. Fifty-four tiger in the Russian Far East. A joint field visit took place in May lesser white-fronted geese were hatched by the Russian breeding to the Anuisky National Park, where we were able to establish pair and were placed out at Adolfström in southern Lapland. Five that our efforts have produced surprisingly good results. The of the geese were fitted with satellite transmitters, so we were number of tigers in the region covered by the project has able to see that after a few somewhat unexpected deviations, the doubled. The project has been financed largely by the Swedish Swedish geese gradually gathered at their natural overwintering Postcode Lottery. To ensure that the project and investments sites on the North Sea coasts of Holland and Germany. The continue, Nordens Ark and WWF Sweden decided to extend the release method developed as part of the project must therefore agreement with WWF Russia for a further three years. be considered a success. Collaboration with the Snow Leopard Trust (SLT) continued A large number of educational activities and events were throughout 2014. Research into the snow leopard population in organised during the anniversary year. Considerable efforts were Mongolia’s Tost Mountains will carry on and will be widened to also made in the public park to make it easier for visitors to learn take in a new focus area in India. A delegation from India, led by about Nordens Ark’s field operations in the natural habitats of a minister from Himachal Pradesh, together with representatives our animal species. Together with more vigorous marketing, this from the region and one from the SLT, paid a visit to Nordens resulted in an increase in the number of people, organisations Ark to discuss increased co-operation. In the spring, we and businesses supporting us through sponsorship, membership, received a request for help in building a rehabilitation centre for, adoptions, gifts, bequests and donations. The volume of visitors primarily, snow leopards and their prey animals. In connection to the park during 2014 was the highest in more than ten years, with this, a further delegation arrived at Nordens Ark to learn despite an exceptionally hot summer season. more about animal care and how to build enclosures. At the close The financial outcome for the year was the best ever, due in of 2014, the Board decided to extend the collaboration with the part to a larger number of gifts and donations, but mostly to two SLT for three more years. This co-operation will also encompass unexpected bequests. the Pallas' cat. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland joined the project as third partner.
Persian leopard. Photo: T. Svensson
27 MD Lena M Lindén and Chairman of the Board Göran Bengtsson welcome guests to the inauguration of the Ecopark. Photo: L. Blomqvist
There were releases of peregrine falcons on the Folksam tower Stockholm county administrative board we have pressed on with in Stockholm. The spectacular placing out of four youngsters work to establish sustainable populations of longhorn beetles. was carried out in conjunction with Folksam, Stockholm The last of three trips to Poland to collect great capricorn beetles Ornithological Society (StOF), the Swedish Society for Nature took place during 2014 in a joint project with Polish conservation Conservation (SNF), the University of Gothenburg and the agencies and Kalmar county administrative board. county administrative boards in Stockholm, Västmanland and Örebro. As anticipated, the event attracted wide media coverage. Many agencies and organisations have been involved in Research and educational activities the work to breed and establish a wild population of white- A scientific meeting focusing on the Ecopark and its grazing backed woodpeckers. The SNF is project leader and participants animals was organised in the course of the year. In co-operation have included the University of Gothenburg, the Swedish with students and researchers from various universities, Ornithological Society (SOF), the WWF and several county assessments were made of the progress of flora and fauna. The administrative and forestry boards, as well as the Norwegian idea was to find out what impact the conversion from managed Directorate for Nature Management and a number of Norwegian forestry to pastureland has had on biological diversity. counties. More detailed discussions took place during 2014 with the The project to strengthen the lesser white-fronted goose University of Gothenburg on the prospects of widening course population has involved the Swedish Association for Hunting collaboration so that certain coursework can be carried out at and Wildlife Management, the Swedish Species Information Nordens Ark, while staff from Nordens Ark can be involved in Centre, Norbotten county administrative board, the German modules at the university. Students from the university currently LWfG-Satellite-Transmitter project, Germany’s Institute for receive training at Nordens Ark in conservation biology, Wetlands and Waterfowl Research, the Dutch Centre for Field communication and nature guiding. Ornithology, and the Russian Goose, Swan and Duck Study Uppsala University has for many years offered conservation Group of Northern Eurasia, based at Moscow Zoo. biology courses, principally at masters level, at Nordens Ark. A closer association began with the Costa Rica Amphibian REAL upper secondary school elected to send pupils to Research Centre, Manchester Museum and Bristol Zoo with the Nordens Ark for a week of special study on the theme of ‘zoo aim of saving the endangered common tree frog. A field trip to animals’. Starting in 2006, Mölndal city has been running Costa Rica took place during the year. Nordens Ark participated nature-training summer and weekend activities at Nordens Ark in an international meeting on the Montserrat frog at London for special-needs children, and, as in previous years, the Swedish Zoo, where all 13 organisations and universities involved University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has undertaken parts discussed how the species could be preserved. Nordens Ark was of its students’ training with us. In the course of the year, SLU assigned an especially important role in breeding the species Skara’s Department of Animal Environment and Health held its for future release in the West Indies. An agreement was signed unity days as well as its unity trip at Nordens Ark. regarding our participation over the coming three years. Nordens Ark is working with Uddevalla upper secondary Nordens Ark has been working for two years with Sotenäs school on a specialisation of its nature science programme. This municipality to restore a spawning ground near Smögen for the involves parts of the training taking place at Nordens Ark across natterjack toad. We have also been collaborating with Strömstad all three years, with the number of hours increasing each year. For municipality to find out how many sand lizards exist there. Kalmar the fourth year, the agricultural college at Dingle and Nordens Ark county administrative board and Nordens Ark have continued are collaborating over a 40-week adult education course in animal their partnership over the release of green toads on Öland. With care. Joint training projects have been established with several
28 bodies including Swedish Academic Ethologists, Kosterhavet make up a so-called ‘zoolympiad’, where visiting children and National Park and county administrative boards. Agricultural young people can compete and compare their abilities against colleges at, for example, Ljusdal, Svalöv, Strömma and Tvååker those of the animals. A new play area using natural materials have undertaken some of their animal care training with us. has been provided by the Wolf Lodge. To improve the visitor experience in the areas around the Farm, a smart new walkway has been created. A playground, goats’ pen, rabbit mound and Pre-school ‘Don’t touch the ground’ track are among new additions in the The Nordens Ark I djur och skur pre-school increased the number Farm’s public areas that families with children are particularly of its child places during the year from 18 to 24. The children are appreciating. aged from one to five years and work in small groups on subjects Also new for 2014 was a stable with public area on a level related to nature and the environment. Learning about rights with the animals next to the Przewalski’s horse enclosure. The of way and the seasonal cycle was one of the goals for this year; new Persian leopard facility was a big attraction for visitors. The another was how to be a good friend and to understand one’s enclosure can be seen from a spectacular walkway and viewing personal values. area 12 metres above the ground which links the Pallas' cat The head of the pre-school went through the ‘pre-school enclosure with the snow leopards – so a real-life ‘catwalk’. The pledge’ at college, a course worth 7.5 credits of systematic quality markhor enclosure has been extended towards the tigers and work. During the autumn, 40 people attended a networking the pathway between the lynx and markhor widened, the aim meeting for I ur och skur (Rain or Shine) pre-schools in the being to improve the experience for visitors without having a local area. The staff comprise four teachers and a cook. The pre- detrimental effect on the animals’ welfare. school is much in demand and continues to have a long childcare To mark our 25th anniversary, we offered guided tours to all waiting list. visitors during high season. The park programme was expanded throughout, with a number of stations where staff talked about our work in saving threatened species. Visitor operations The number of visitors to Nordens Ark increased by about five Public services per cent on the previous year and was the highest since 2001. Despite this, income for July was down 19 per cent, probably Occupancy at the hotel was up by about 15 per cent, with the due to the unusually hot weather. The park’s ‘child stations’ were improvement due entirely to private visitors. Sales in the cafeteria renovated during the year and several new ones were added. They were 14 per cent higher, and proceeds were up on the previous
H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria visited Nordens Ark during the 25th anniversary celebrations. Photo: T. Svensson
29 The pathway at the snow leopard enclosure was extended and connected to the pathway at the Pallas' cat enclosure. This coincided with the construction of the new Persian leopard enclosures. Photo: L. Blomqvist
year’s. It should be remembered that the costs of the anniversary In November we signed an agreement to create a new website celebrations were set against income. and visitor app. The hope is to launch the new homepage in the Shop sales increased overall, as did sales per visitor. Net spring of 2015. income for the hotel, shop and cafe was 1.3 million kronor. A film with photographs ‘from under the surface to high in the air’ was projected on to the facade of Gothenburg Museum of Art during the city’s Christmas celebrations. The film was Communications and media shown a total of 190 times and, it is estimated, was seen by at The marketing department’s priority during 2014 was to least 100,000 people. publicise the 25th anniversary celebrations. Ahead of our big weekend of festivities, we advertised both locally and on social Staff media. Some 15 types of invitation were sent out in the run-up to the celebrations of June 13-15. The number of annual employees was 58, 57 per cent of whom An indoor and an outdoor exhibition toured Sweden. The were female and 43 per cent male. During the year, 119 people outdoor one, with some 20 images of animals and information worked at Nordens Ark as permanent, substitute or temporary about the work of Nordens Ark, spent two months in Gustaf seasonal employees. Adolf’s Square in Gothenburg and one month at Skansen in In 2014 the Board began the process of recruiting a new Stockholm. During the autumn, it toured the west coast from managing director, since the current MD retires in 2015. Strömstad to Uddevalla. The corresponding indoor exhibition has been seen at a large number of locations across the south of Sweden. Environmental report Alongside these displays, the marketing department was Nordens Ark Foundation has held an environmental diploma involved in activities at several shopping centres in Uddevalla, with Swedish Environmental Base since 2010. During our Gothenburg and Stockholm. anniversary year, targets were set that were aimed directly at the Media coverage was good. In total, about 30 press releases general public and visitors. The goal was to educate and raise and press invitations were sent out. News items were picked awareness of the significance of environmental initiatives. This up several times by the Newspapers’ Telegram Bureau (TT), was done through various activities and campaigns. among others. A report about lesser white-fronted geese fitted We played a part in the EAZA Pole to Pole campaign which with radio transmitters, and another on peregrine falcons being focused on the Earth’s two Poles and the threats they face. released in Stockholm, each resulted in almost 100 media stories Within the framework of this campaign, throughout the year during June and July. We heard, in fact, that Nordens Ark was we gave out tips under the heading ‘Action of the Day’ on our mentioned in 1,037 reports, 602 of them on the internet. website and through social media, telling people how they could Our activity on Facebook and other social networks such easily make small changes to their daily routines that would as Twitter and Instagram has increased. During the year the make a big difference to the environment. number of ‘likes’ for the Nordens Ark Facebook page went up On June 28 we had a campaign day in the park, focusing on from 5,500 to 7,700. Several individual posts reached more than the climate. 20,000 people.
30 Before the autumn we sent out our climate ambassadors, ‘Climate provide excellent marketing opportunities and a very positive Klas’ and ‘Climate Klara’, to local schools. These stuffed animals brand association. were wearing a USB necklace packed with information, and Some 25 businesses and individuals support us as sponsors. they taught schoolchildren about the role they could play in As a sponsor, a company provides funds, services and goods of combatting climate change. significant value. Nordens Ark is participating in the WAZA project Biodiversity Is Us, a worldwide initiative run by zoos and aquariums. The project is running in parallel with the United Gifts and donations Nations Decade on Biodiversity, a global vision whose objective Lotteries run by the Swedish Postcode Lottery are the ones is to halt biodiversity loss by 2020. that today generate the most money for the non-profit sector in New refrigeration rooms were installed in the hotel and Wolf Sweden. Over the past three years, these lotteries have shared out Lodge during the year as part of our efforts to cut energy usage. billions of kronor annually. With its sister lotteries in Holland The cafeteria has a palm-oil-free range, and source foods are and the UK, the Swedish Postcode Lottery is the world’s third- gradually being replaced by locally produced alternatives. There largest contributor to non-profit organisations. Since 2010, is a bias towards Fair Trade and organically produced options. Nordens Ark has received 25 million kronor, including 7 million in 2014. In addition, the special Amur tiger project organised Foundations, trusts, partners and sponsors with the WWF in 2012-14 received 5.3 million kronor from the Postcode Lottery. Nordens Ark Foundation has two types of partner: those of a The Friends of Nordens Ark donated 2.7 million kronor in scientific and those of a business nature. The Erna and Victor 2014 – a record – and the number of members increased to 9,000. Hasselblad Foundation pays for Nordens Ark’s professorship As well as the donation, members contribute with voluntary in conservation biology at the University of Gothenburg, with work that is of very great value to us. In total, the Friends of a seat at Nordens Ark. The Geneva-based Segré Foundation Nordens Ark have now contributed 25 million kronor since they contributes to scientific work on the common tree frog, white- started. backed woodpecker and lesser white-fronted goose. The Erik Thanks to our mail-outs, about 10,000 people contribute and Lily Philipson Memorial Fund contributed to developing regularly with gifts to our 90-account, bringing in a total of 2.9 educational activities connected with the Ecopark, while Thuréus million kronor in 2014. Appeals for donations to our Persian Forskarhem’s contribution went towards scientific work. leopard and tiger projects produced almost 0.5 million kronor. Volvo Trucks and the Gothenburg Post have been our The number of adopters was up by four per cent and they partners for many years, and in 2013 AB Volvo became principal contributed 0.6 million kronor. sponsor of the Persian leopard. As well as the pecuniary aspect, The Thordén Foundation named Nordens Ark as the first these agreements are worth a lot to Nordens Ark since they recipient of the new ‘Bohus prize’. The prize sum is 1 krona per
Pallas' cat. Foto: T. Svensson
31 million kronor (17.4 million kronor), with the Postcode Lottery contributing 7.1 million kronor (7.0 million kronor) and bequests 6.7 million kronor (1.1 million kronor). Contributions counted as revenue amounted to 7.5 million kronor (8.0 million kronor). Income from the sale of goods and services came to 11.7 million kronor (10.2 million kronor). Other income amounted to 16.7 million kronor (15.3 million kronor), with admission charges accounting for 11.7 million kronor (12.4 million kronor).
Operating costs and expenses The Foundation’s operating costs totalled 53.9 million kronor (50.5 million kronor). Of this sum, direct project costs amounted to 38.9 million kronor (36.8 million kronor). This increase is due largely to research and training activities. Fundraising and administration costs came to 4.6 million kronor (4.4 million kronor).
Overview (000s kr) 2014 2013 2012 2011 The Foundation’s 60 408 50 929 51 517 42 749 revenues Income after 6 665 294 2 229 - 1 561 financial items Operating margin 11 % 0,9 % 4,6 % Neg Balance sheet total 44 721 41 297 36 654 34 652 Equity ratio 56,0 % 44, 6 % 49,4 % 45,9 %
Net income and general position Net income for 2014 amounted to 6.7 million kronor (0.3 million kronor), an increase of 6.4 million kronor. This improvement in European ground squirrel. Photo: C. Larsson earnings is due primarily to an increase in gifts from the public, which rose by 7.2 million kronor. The effect on the results was somewhat lessened due to higher project costs. The Foundation’s inhabitant of Bohus county, and it came to a total of 292,236 financial position is sound. Equity ratio amounted to 56 per cent. kronor. Nordens Ark strives to ensure secure financing of the The ‘giftmas trees’ at Liseberg and Åby manor over Foundation’s projects and commitments. Many of our projects Christmas brought in twice as much as the previous year. are long-term ones, and the day-to-day functioning and security of the park always comes first. Strong equity capital is a prerequisite in ensuring reinvestment and maintenance of Swedish Fundraising Control and Swedish Nordens Ark. Fundraising Council Investments The Foundation is a member of the Swedish Fundraising Council The year’s total investments amounted to 8.9 million kronor (6.5 (FRII), a trade association for voluntary organisations holding million kronor), of which 7.2 million kronor (2.2 million kronor) a 90-account. During the year, new policy documents were was self-funded. adopted by the Board in connection with the FRII’s updated Within the framework of self-financed investments, quality code. Beneficiaries of the Swedish Postcode Lottery are the following projects were completed or are in progress: required to be FRII members. construction of a markhor enclosure, new road to the Farm, planned investments in vehicles, machinery and equipment. The work of the Board in 2014 Construction of the Persian leopard enclosures was funded by, among others, AB Volvo. The Board held four meetings and made a field trip to Holland. The trip was intended to help us understand how successful zoos Definition of key ratios think and operate. Operating margin • Final accounts meeting in March. Operating income as a percentage of total sales • Meeting ahead of the anniversary weekend and season. Equity ratio • Follow-up and assessment of the year in connection with Adjusted equity as a percentage of the balance sheet total October’s field trip. • Determination of the Animal Collection and operational Allocation of profit/loss plans and budget, and instructions for the Board and MD. The year’s net income of 6,664,799 kronor will be carried forward. The equity capital will then amount to 25,076,141 kronor. Earnings and financial positions For the Foundation’s net income and general position, kindly refer to the income statement and balance sheet with accompanying notes that follow. The Foundation’s revenues The Foundation’s total revenues amounted to 60.4 million kronor (50.9 million kronor). Of this sum, gifts made up 24.5
32
Income statement
01-01-2014 01-01-2013 Figures in Swedish kronor Note 12-31-2014 12-31-2013 The Foundation revenues Admission charges 11 731 418 11 241 323 Sale of goods and services 1 11 685 902 10 218 253 Income from training and school 4 106 075 2 987 568 Gifts 2 24 450 208 17 423 259 Contributions 2 7 539 870 8 017 299 Other operating revenues 894 634 1 041 684 Total 60 408 107 50 929 386
Operating costs and expenses 3 Goods -4 030 955 -3 460 232 Other external expenses -21 238 125 -19 296 807 Employee costs 4 -26 904 709 -26 350 744 Depreciation and write-downs on tangible and intangible fixed assets 5 -1 687 959 -1 389 213 -53 861 748 -50 496 996 Operating income 6 546 359 432 390 Financial items Interest and similar income 6 264 199 33 122 Interest expense -145 759 -171 050 Income after financial items 6 664 799 294 462
Tax on net income for the year 0 0
Net income for the year 6 664 799 294 462
33 Balance sheet
Figures in Swedish kronor Note 12-31-2014 12-31-2013 Figures in Swedish kronor Note 12-31-2014 12-31-2013 ASSETS EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Fixed assets Equity capital 8 Tangible fixed assets 5 Restricted equity Buildings and land 9 367 151 8 723 897 Foundation fund 24 500 24 500 Land improvements 13 289 123 14 386 931 24 500 24 500 Equipment, tools and other installations 3 164 307 1 207 394 Unrestricted equity Animals 0 100 000 Unappropriated retained Ongoing new constructions 5 458 722 1 387 010 earnings 18 386 842 18 092 380 Total fixed assets 31 279 303 25 805 232 Net income for the year 6 664 799 294 462 25 051 641 18 386 842 Current assets Total equity 25 076 141 18 411 342 Inventories etc. Inventories 1 268 640 1 030 519 Long-term liabilities 1 268 640 1 030 519 Debt to credit institutions 9 3 950 000 4 050 000 Current receivables Prepaid revenue 10 5 589 370 6 535 483 Accounts receivable 761 795 2 548 167 Total long-term liabilities 9 539 370 10 585 483 Tax refund claim 451 097 223 869 Other receivables 944 693 7 161 654 Current liabilities Prepaid expenses and accrued Bank advances 11 0 1 700 516 income 7 3 267 673 1 878 623 Accounts payable 2 375 766 3 738 065 5 425 258 11 812 313 Other current liabilities 592 392 1 156 464
Total accrued expenses and Short-term investments 46 311 247 081 prepaid revenue 12 7 136 954 5 705 267 46 311 247 081 Total accrued expenses and prepaid revenue 10 105 112 12 300 312
TOTAL EQUITY AND Cash in hand and bank deposits 11 6 701 111 2 401 992 LIABILITIES 44 720 623 41 297 137 Total current assets 13 441 320 15 491 905 Pledged securities and TOTAL ASSETS 44 720 623 41 297 137 contingent liabilities Figures in Swedish kronor 12-31-2014 12-31-2013 Pledged securities 13 10 500 000 10 500 000
34 Cash flow analysis
01-01-2014 01-01-2013 Figures in Swedish kronor 12-31-2014 12-31-2013
Current operations Operating income 6 546 359 432 390 Adjustments for non-cash items Deprecation and write-downs 1 687 959 1 389 213 Capital gain from sale of equipment -49 432 64 000
Financial income 264 199 33 122 Interest paid -145 759 -171 050 Cash flow from current operations before changes in operating capital 8 303 326 1 747 675 Changes in operating capital Changes in inventories -238 121 -51 144 Changes in receivables 6 387 055 -5 141 324 Changes in current liabilities -3 141 311 -903 896 Cash flow from current operations 11 310 949 -4 348 689
Investment operations Acquisition of tangible fixed assets -8 911 900 -6 510 319 Sale of equipment 66 000 -64 000 Investment contributions received 1 733 300 4 274 236 Cash flow from investment operations -7 112 600 -2 300 083
Financing operations Increase in long-term liabilities 0 6 535 483 Repayment of debt -100 000 -1 282 600 Cash flow from financing operations -100 000 5 252 883
Cash flow for the year 4 098 349 -1 395 889 Liquid funds at the beginning of the year1 2 649 073 4 044 962 Liquid funds at the end of the year1 6 747 422 2 649 073
1 Liquid funds comprise cash in hand, bank deposits and short-term investments.
35 Accounting and valuation principles and notes
General Fundraising costs Fundraising costs are direct costs relating to fundraising efforts The Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with the directed at donors, i.e. revenues in the form of gifts, bequests and Annual Accounts Act, BFNAR 2012:1 (K3) and the Swedish donations. The work includes both current donors and efforts to Fundraising Council’s template for annual reports. The Annual find new ones. Fundraising costs comprise both direct costs such Report also includes certain information required by the Swedish as the collection staff’s salaries and shared costs distributed over Fundraising Control. the fundraising costs.
Changes in accounting principles Administrative expenses Administrative expenses comprise the costs incurred in The following accounting and valuation principles have changed administering Nordens Ark. These include, for example, in the transition to K3: administrative systems, wages and salaries for administrative • Fixed assets are divided into components, affecting staff, premises and audits. depreciation of property. • The opening balance has not been recalculated. In connection Assets and liabilities with this change, certain reclassifications have been made Assets, allocations and liabilities are taken up at acquisition between installations and buildings. value unless stated otherwise. • The principle of classification of gifts and grants has been changed in accordance with the transition to K3, and 2013 Inventories comparisons have been recalculated accordingly. Inventories are valued according to the lower of cost and market principle, using the first-in first-out (FIFO) method. This means that inventories are taken up at the lower of acquisition Operating revenues value according to the FIFO method and real (market) value.
Revenues are taken up at the actual value that has been or will be A standard deduction of three per cent has been made for received. A transaction in which Nordens Ark receives an asset obsolescence. Valuation of animals comprises the animals owned or service that has a value, without giving back an equivalent by the Foundation. The zoological park’s operations also include value in exchange, is considered a gift or contribution. If the animals that the Foundation does not own but has at its disposal asset is received because Nordens Ark has fulfilled, or is going as so-called breeding loans. The value of these animals is far to fulfil, certain conditions and there is an obligation to repay in excess of the value of the park’s own animals. New animals the giver should the conditions not be met, it is considered resulting from these operations have not been taken up. a received contribution. If it is not a contribution, it is a gift. Tangible fixed assets Gifts are normally accounted for in the period in which they are received, and this applies equally to funds received from the Tangible fixed assets are taken up at acquisition value less Postcode Lottery. Sales of postage stamps, postcards and similar accumulated depreciation and any write-downs. Depreciation items are declared when the payment is received. Where gifts according to plan is based on original acquisition values and received have been accepted subject to a proviso that they be estimated life. A write-down is made where impairment of value used for a specific purpose and they have not been used by the is permanent. Land is not depreciated. end of the financial year, they are reported as prepaid gifts in the Grants received towards acquisition of fixed assets reduce final accounts. The funds are reversed when the gift is used and the cost of that asset. Details of grants received are given in the they are taken up as operating income (received gifts). notes. Accumulated support for each type of facility is shown The contribution is reported as income when the proviso in Note 5. under which it was received is met. Contributions received are recorded as a debt until the conditions for receiving them are The following depreciation periods are used: met. Gifts and contributions for the acquisition of fixed assets Buildings 15-100 years reduce the cost of that asset. This means that the asset is recorded Enclosures and facilities 20 years at its net acquisition cost, which is the basis for calculating its Equipment, tools and other installations 5-8 years depreciation. Details of the year’s gross acquisition cost and contributions received are shown in the notes. Sales of goods and The difference between the above depreciation and depreciations services are recorded in the period to which the income relates. made for tax purposes is reported as over-/under-depreciation, which is included in untaxed reserves. Operating costs Income tax The Foundation’s operating costs and expenses consist of direct project costs, fundraising costs and administrative expenses. The tax for the current financial year as it is reported in the The Foundation’s income statement is classified by nature of income statement contains the tax costs or tax revenues. Deferred expense, and details of direct project costs, fundraising costs and tax is not reported separately if it is only the balance sheet item administrative expenses can be found in the appropriate notes. untaxed reserves that entails deferred tax. Deferred tax refund claims are reported only if there is a very high probability that Direct project costs they can be legally set off against tax liabilities. Direct project costs comprise the Foundation’s costs for rescuing and preserving endangered animals, and for Average number of employees information, research and educational activities. Costs directly The average number of employees has been calculated by dividing linked to complying with the paragraph on direct projects in the the total number of hours worked during the financial year by an Foundation’s statutes are classified as direct project costs. Shared average number of working hours based on the average of the costs distributed over the direct project costs are also classified Foundation’s blue-collar and white-collar staff’s working hours. as direct project costs.
36 Note 1 Sale of goods and services The figure represents income from hotel, shop and cafeteria sales. Net income from the hotel, shop and cafeteria amounted to 1,253,000 kronor (869,000 kronor).
Note 2 Gifts and contributions Of the total amount received from organisations, 7.1 million kronor (7 million kronor) came from the Postcode Lottery. The sum of 1,650,000 kronor (2,500,000 kronor) was received from the Nordens Ark fundraising foundation. During the year the Foundation received gifts from the general public totalling 15,178,208 kronor (7,923,259 kronor), with bequests accounting for 6,749,035 kronor (1,119,345 kronor).
Gifts reported as revenue 2014 2013 General public 14 885 972 7 923 259 Other organisations 9 564 236 9 500 000 Total 24 450 208 17 423 259
Contributions reported as revenue 2014 2013 Companies 1 586 997 2 359 080 Other organisations 5 364 681 5 017 991 Total 6 951 678 7 377 071 Public subsidies EU 525 751 542 669 Others 62 441 97 559 Total 588 192 640 228 Total contributions 7 539 870 8 017 299
Total gifts and contributions 31 990 078 25 440 558
Note 3 Operating costs and expenses Fundraising costs, administrative expenses and direct project costs reported according to the Swedish Fundraising Control’s guidelines amount to: 2014 2013
Direct costs in connection with goods and services 10 364 404 9 285 539 Other fundraising costs 1 671 846 1 600 771 Administrative expenses 2 904 220 2 815 146 Direct project costs 38 921 278 36 795 540 Total 53 861 748 50 496 996
Note 4 Employee costs Average number of employees 2014 2013 Men 23 21 Women 25 22 Male seasonal staff 2 5 Female seasonal staff 8 7
Total 58 55
Total number of employees during the year 2014 2013 Men 42 40 Women 78 65 Total 120 105
Wages and salaries, other remunerations and social costs Board and Managing Director 1 035 147 995 153 Other employees 18 748 835 17 850 823 Total 19 783 982 18 845 976
37
Social costs Pension contributions for the Board and Managing 387 000 670 691 Pension contributions for other staff 656 019 1 086 206 Social security contributions 5 867 367 5 902 113 Total 6 910 386 7 659 010
If the MD’s employment is terminated by the Foundation, the MD will receive severance pay equivalent to 12 months’ pay. The amount will be reduced if the MD finds other employment within a period of 12 months.
Distribution by gender 2014 2013 Distribution of men and women on the Board: Women 4 4 Men 7 7 Distribution of men and women on the management team: Women 3 3 Men 3 3
Note 5 Depreciation of tangible assets 12-31-2014 12-31-2013 Buildings and land Acquisition value at beginning of year 9 730 054 9 730 054 Purchases 317 301 0 Reclassification 500 000 0 Accumulated acquisition value at end of year 10 547 355 9 730 054
Accumulated depreciation at beginning of year -1 006 157 -942 486 Depreciation for the year -74 047 -63 671 Reclassification -100 000 0 Accumulated depreciation at end of year -1 180 204 -1 006 157
Book value 9 367 151 8 723 897
Accumulated contributions amount to 32,109,791 kronor (28,609,791 kronor). The change relates to reclassified investment contributions.
12-31-2014 12-31-2013 Land improvement Acquisition value at beginning of year 32 969 619 29 384 104 Purchases 137 092 2 645 512 Reclassification of investment -500 000 2 449 950 Reclassification of contributions 0 -509 947 Contributions 0 -1 000 000 Accumulated acquisition value at end of year 32 606 711 32 969 619
Accumulated depreciation at beginning of year -18 582 688 -18 001 686 Depreciation for the year -834 900 -581 002 Reclassification 100 000 0 Accumulated depreciation at end of year -19 317 588 -18 582 688
Book value 13 289 123 14 386 931 Accumulated contributions amount to 35,000,121 kronor (38,500,121 kronor). The change relates to reclassified investment contributions.
38 12-31-2014 12-31-2013 Equipment, tools and other installations Acquisition value at beginning of year 9 701 793 9 308 007 Purchases 2 652 495 781 922 Divestments/scrapping -85 795 0 Reclassification 100 000 0 Contributions 0 -388 136 Accumulated acquisition value at end of year 12 368 493 9 701 793
Accumulated depreciation at beginning of year -8 494 399 -7 749 857 Divestments/scrapping 69 226 0 Depreciation for the year -779 013 -744 542 Accumulated depreciation at end of year -9 204 186 -8 494 399
Book value 3 164 307 1 207 394
Accumulated contributions amount to 1,548,100 kronor (1,548,100 kronor). 12-31-2014 12-31-2013 Animals Acquisition value at beginning of year 520 418 520 418 Reclassification -520 418 0 Accumulated acquisition value at end of year 0 520 418
Accumulated depreciation at beginning of year -420 418 -420 418 Reclassification 420 418 0 Accumulated depreciation at end of year 0 -420 418
Book value 0 100 000
12-31-2014 12-31-2013 Ongoing new construction Acquisition value at beginning of year 1 387 010 3 130 230 Purchases 5 805 012 3 082 885 Contributions -1 733 300 -2 886 103 Reclassification of investment 0 -2 449 950 Reclassification of contributions 0 509 948 Accumulated acquisition value at end of year 5 458 722 1 387 010
Book value 5 458 722 1 387 010
Accumulated contributions amount to 10,743,967 kronor (9,010,937 kronor)
Note 6 Interest income and similar income 2014 2013 Interest 7 184 33 122 Capital gains on sales 210 704 0 Dividends 46 311 0 Total 264 199 33 122
Note 7 Prepaid expenses and accrued income 12-31-2014 12-31-2013 Prepaid expenses 425 265 232 548 Accrued contributions 292 621 666 430
39 Accrued gifts 2 174 481 500 000 Accrued revenue 375 305 479 645 Total accrued expenses and prepaid revenue 3 267 672 1 878 623
Note 8 Equity capital Unappropriated Net income for Foundation fund Total retained earnings the year Total at beginning of year 24 500 18 092 380 294 462 18 411 342 Transfer of retained earnings 294 462 -294 462 0 Net income for the year 6 664 799 6 664 799 Total at end of year 24 500 18 386 842 6 664 799 25 076 141
Note 9 Long-term liabilities Maturity date Debt Debt at 12-31-2014 Within Between one and Over five years one year five years
Debt to credit institutions 3 950 000 100 000 400 000 3 450 000 Total 3 950 000 100 000 400 000 3 450 000
Note 10 Long-term prepaid revenue 12-31-2014 12-31-2013
Balance at beginning of year 6 535 483 7 035 483 Received contributions 599 946 0 Reclassification -1 046 060 0 Funds used in accordance with conditions -500 000 -500 000 Total long-term prepaid revenue 5 589 369 6 535 483
Note 11 Bank advances 12-31-2014 12-31-2013 Credit granted in the form of bank overdraft facilities 5 000 000 9 000 000
Note 12 Accrued expenses and prepaid revenue 12-31-2014 12-31-2013
Accrued holiday pay 2 162 650 2 149 944
Accrued social contributions 1 207 537 1 199 648
Wage tax 286 527 401 441
Prepaid contributions and gifts 2 947 230 1 459 560
Other items 533 009 494 674
Total accrued expenses and prepaid revenue 7 136 953 5 705 267
Note 13 Pledged securities 12-31-2014 12-31-2013
Corporate mortgages 5 500 000 5 500 000
Property mortgages 5 000 000 5 000 000
Total pledged securities 10 500 000 10 500 000
40 Audit report
To the Board of Nordens Ark Foundation The Board’s responsibility Org. No. 854600-6191 The Board is responsible for the administration in accordance We have audited the annual accounts for Nordens Ark Founda- with the law governing foundations and the deed of foundation. tion for the year 2014. The auditor’s responsibility The Board´s responsibility for the annual Our responsibility is to express with reasonable confidence an accounts opinion on whether our inspection found that any board mem- ber acted in contravention of the law governing foundations The Board has the responsibility for preparing annual accounts or the deed of foundation. We have carried out our audit in ac- that give a true and fair view according to the Annual Accounts cordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. Act, and for internal controls deemed necessary by the Board to As a basis for our statement concerning the administration, we compile annual accounts free of material misstatement, whether have, in addition to our audit of the annual accounts, exami- due to irregularities or errors. ned significant decisions, actions taken and the circumstances of the Foundation in order to determine the liability, if any, to The auditor’s responsibility the Foundation of any Board member and whether there be any cause for dismissal. We have also examined whether any Board Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the annual ac- member acted in any other way in contravention of the law go- counts based on our audit. We have carried out our audit in ac- verning foundations or the deed of foundation. We consider that cordance with the International Standards on Auditing and with the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. Those stan- as the basis for our statement. dards demand that we comply with professional ethical require- ments and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assu- rance that the annual accounts are free of material misstatement. Statement An audit includes acquiring by various measures audit evidence The Board members have not acted in contravention with the relating to sums and other information in the annual accounts. law governing foundations, the deed of foundation or the annual The auditor selects which actions to perform, including asses- accounts Act. sing the risks of material misstatements in the annual accounts, whether due to irregularities or errors. In this risk assessment, Gothenburg, 17 March 2015 the auditor takes into account those internal controls that are relevant to how the Board prepares the annual accounts in order to give a true and fair view, with the aim of designing inspec- tion measures appropriate to the circumstances, but not with the aim of commenting on the effectiveness of the Board’s internal Ann-Lovise Rosenqvist Bo Norming controls. An audit also includes an evaluation of the suitability Authorised public accountant Elected accountant of the auditing principles used and of the reasonableness of the Board’s estimates in the report, as well as an evaluation of the overall presentation of the annual accounts. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient. Statement We believe that the annual accounts have been compiled in ac- cordance with the Annual Accounts Act and give a view of the Foundation’s financial position as at December 31, 2014, and of its financial results and cash flow for the year, that is true and fair in all material respects in accordance with the Annual Ac- counts Act.
Statement on other requirements according to laws and statutes In addition to our audit of the annual accounts, we have exami- ned the Board’s administration of Nordens Ark Foundation for the year 2014.
41 Åby Manor, 17 March 2015
Göran Bengtsson Sven Eckerstein Margareta Wallin Peterson Chairman of the Board Deputy Chairman Deputy Chairman
Leif Nilsson Stefan Nilsson Staffan Jufors
Christer Petrén Susanne Wiklund Pål Svensson
Elisabeth Tarras-Wahlberg
Lena M Lindén Managing Director
Our audit report has been given on 17 March 2015,
Ann-Lovise Rosenqvist Bo Norming
Authorised public accountant Elected accountant
42 Board of directors, auditors and staff
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Zoologist Chairman of the Board Leif Blomqvist Zoological Assistant Göran Bengtsson, former Deputy County Governor Västra Ewa Wikberg Götalands län Curator Deputy Chairman Linnéa Johansson Head Keepers Sven Eckerstein, among other things former Chairman of Emil Gunnarsson, Susanne Geisen, Ingela Andersson, the Board Chalmers University of Technology Anders Torstensson (temporary) Margareta Wallin Peterson, Prorector, University of Goth- Project Leader enburg Christer Larsson Board members Zookeepers Maria Hallenberg, Dick Liljegren, John Söderlindh, Mia Pege Schelander, Investigation MD, Vattenvårdsförbundet Abrahamsson, Josefin Hansson, Sandra Josefsson, Sara Leif Nilsson, Contractor Hedvall, Kristofer Försäter, Catarina Tengroth, John Uno, Christer Petrén, former Deputy MD, Sodexo Emma Nygren, Jimmy Helgesson, Elin Eriksson-Byröd, Susanne Wiklund, Solicitor, Rosengrens Advokatbyrå Sverker Thoresson, Karin Larsson, Anna Einemo, Linda Pål Svensson, Sculptor Svensson, David Carlgren, Julie Östergaard Poulsen Stefan Nilsson, Professor Emeritus, University og Gothen- (temporary), Stina Öqvist, Camilla Schratz (temporary), burg Kenneth Emil Christensen, Viktor Åström Elisabeth Tarras-Wahlberg, Kreab Registered Veterinarians of Nordens Ark Staffan Jufors, former CEO Volvo Trucks Foundation Lena M Lindén, MD Nordens Ark Sune Gregorius, Bo Runsten Thomas Crusner, Co-opted Member Education Eva Andersson, Pelle Karlsson, Björn Johansson, AUDITORS Patrik Swede, Lorina Stenwall Jonasson, Jenny Loberg (temporary) Ann-Lovise Rosenqvist Buildings Hans Håkansson, Åke Gustafsson, Alf Hjelm, Pernilla Deputy Auditor Knuthsen, Sofia Viksson, Björn Karlsson, Ola Björsell, Lars Olehäll, Ernst & Young AB Ronny Trygg, Lars Johansson Bo Norming, Nordens Ark Financial Department Maria Hoffmann Marketing and Communications STAFF Jenny Magnusson, Elin Rantakokko, Lennart Johansson, Managing Director Yvonne Johansson, Tom Svensson, Lotta Olofsson, Ann Lena M Lindén Mårtensson, Jenny Schmidt Personal assistant Pre-school Therese Patriksson Linda Åsberg, Eva Erlandsson, Karolina Gullberg, Deputy Managing Director Birgitta Liljegren, Birgitta Hedenberg (temporary), Anna Bo Norming Lindblom Johansson, Elisabet Etander Scientific Leader Claes Andrén Director of Communications Therese Patriksson Ecopark Project Mats Niklasson Snow Leopard Project Örjan Johansson
43 Nordens Ark's partners
Nordens Ark's scientific partners
Sponsors Britta & Olle Almén Bygg-G Förvaltnings AB Ann-Katrin Lundberg Christopher Godfrey Arctic Paper Erna & Victor Hasselblad Foundation Dag Engström Rederi AB Familjen Eliassons Stiftelse för utveckling av god Elanders Sverige AB byggnadskultur Erna & Victor Hasselblad Foundation Gillis Larsson Esab AB Götiska Förbundet Hogia AB Jan Hagel Holmens Herr AB Let's Deal AB Konsumentföreningen Bohuslän-Älvsborg Lilla Samskolan, Gothenburg Ligula Hospitality Group AB Lions Uddevalla Liseberg Margit Sjöberg Mikaels Grävtjänst AB Marie-Claire Cronstedt Foundation Mobile Storytelling AB Michael Persson NBS Security AB Nordens Ark Fundraising Foundation Nordstan Marknadsledning Nordens Arks Vänner Novab AB Rune Lindstedt OffiTech AB Ruthmarie Radborn Rambo AB Stiftelsen Erik och Lily Philipsons Minnesfond Serla Studiefrämjandet Sodexo AB The Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Sturm & Drang Reklambyrå AB Management Varsego Sverige AB The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation Vasco AB Thor Thorsson Volvo Personvagnar AB Thordén Foundation Thuréus Forskarhem Gifts, bequests and donations Västanå Theatre Västra Götaland County Administrative Board Aino Inkeri Mattsson (née Karvonen) Ann-Katrin Lundberg
Nordens Ark's memberships TU RNIN G
T H E
T ID E
A G lobal Aquarium Conservation Breeding World Association of IUCN for Strategy Svensk Insamlingskontroll Snow Leopard Trust Specialist Group Zoos andT AquariumsHE TIDE
C onser v A G a t ion Conservation and Sustainability and S us t aina b i l i t y Frivilligorganisationers Hairy hermitEuropean crab, Anomura sp. © Dennis King,Association South Africa. of European Endangered Svensk Djurparks- International Species Insamlingsråd Zoos and Aquaria Species Programme förening Inventory System
WAZA Lindenrain 3 3012 Bern Switzerland www.waza.org 44
High school lake ecology, Shedd Aquarium USA. Nordens Ark • Annual Report 2014 Sweden Pg. 90 01 96-7 www.nordensark.se Tel: (+46)523-795 90 Tel: Fax: (+46)523-520 87 Fax: Nordens Ark, Åby Manor Ark, Åby Nordens S-456 93 Hunnebostrand Email: [email protected]