Genetics is a field with so much untapped potential! Dr. Oliver Ryder, Division Head of Genetics and Heidi Davis, Senior Research Technician at the research arm of the San Diego Zoo, told us about some astounding new genetic applications. At the Zoo, the main use of genetics is in the interest of conservation. We visited the Frozen Zoo, where we saw large, silver freezer tanks full of thousands of samples of genetic material harvested from animals all over the world. This collection is the largest in the world and the first ever established. Contrary to what first occurred to me, it is actually extremely uncommon to use samples from the Frozen Zoo to clone animals. Instead, this unique collection is more of an insurance policy against extinction, where geneticists focus on saving what they can and work on preventing extinction rather than delving further into research of what we have already lost. The purpose of the collection is to provide diverse resources that can track evolutionary trends and preserve genetic diversity, helping to keep the gene pool as varied as possible.

 

Genomic projects for endangered species can give people a better understanding of what an endangered species needs and optimize what we can accomplish and how many species we can save by studying their genetic makeup. The ‘alala, the Hawaiian crow, is a bird species on the verge of extinction. It is already completely extinct in the wild, and the few remaining in captivity are experiencing extremely low breeding success. Chicks do not make it to adulthood or have strange birth defects such as missing eyes. For this species, the study of genetics can make the difference between success and total extinction. By studying genetic data, it is possible to learn more about which genes produce this faulty outcome and to trace it back to its roots. Overall, the study of genetics can help improve animals’ health, and our ability to provide specific monitoring and management programs for endangered species.

 

It turns out that these conservation efforts have direct benefits for humans as well. Even after the original mapping of the human genome, roughly 60-70% of all human genes still have no known function. Most animals have genetic sequences that are extremely similar to those of humans, so the study of animal genetics can even help us understand ourselves better. If several species seem to have a prevailing sequence, then we can infer that this sequence must be important because it has persisted through evolutionary history in a variety of different species. Also sequences that reveal a higher propensity for disease transmission and acquisition can be discovered, leading to better treatments for affected species.  

 

Heidi, Conservation team

After learning all about reptiles from the Herpetology Department, we put our knowledge to use in the field with Senior Research Technician, Jean-Pierre Montagne. We helped him with a biodiversity-monitoring project conducted in the native coastal sage scrub habitat behind the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park. Twenty Y-shaped arrays are currently in place on the wild acres of the Wild Animal Park, designed to humanely capture various species of reptiles, amphibians, arthropods, and rodents. These arrays include a low-lying fence which forms the ‘Y’ shape, seven pitfall traps (buckets that include wadding to keep critters warm and several types of tubing for them to hide in for safety), and three snake traps. These traps work very well because when a wandering animal runs into the fence, it is likely to keep walking along the fence until it falls into one of the pitfalls. The Wild Animal Park is a proud partner of the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP), a program dedicated to protecting regional biodiversity and the quality of life for all San Diegans by preserving a network of habitats and open spaces.

Our job was to go check the traps for creatures and record whatever species we found. There was an air of anticipation each time we peered into the buckets in the ground. In the end, we found a total of three lizards: one orange-throated whiptail and two side-blotched lizards. We recorded data for each specimen such as age, location, and gender. This meticulous note taking helps to track the trends of each species so that researchers can draw conclusions about factors of environmental change that may adversely affect or benefit them. We even got to hold some lizards! Surprisingly, their skin was not rough like I would have imagined, but instead more like velvet.

The Witch Creek fire that swept through the San Pasqual Valley in 2007 affected the entire ecosystem. One consequence was a slight “type conversion” of the area. A type conversion is when non-native plants take over an area where native plants used to thrive, thereby transforming the ecosystem. Many of the resident species are just now making a comeback after the fire. Curiously, researchers have found that the orange-throated whiptail has increased in number since the fire. Oftentimes they can use this kind of information to draw correlations between human activity and species abundance. The goal is conservation for all species, as each has its own vital role to play in the ecosystem. Even when there is human development nearby that has seemingly neutral impacts on the ecosystem, there is evidence that it can still change the dynamics of the environment.

This type of research is the beginning stage of conservation because without the data and evidence that something is going awry, we cannot take steps to fix the problem.

Heidi, Conservation Team

Behind the scenes at the Reptile House, reptile keeper Todd Schmidt took us on a tour through a maze of reptiles from around the world, rare and common, big and small, deadly and mild. The variety of reptiles not on exhibit and the specialized care each of them receive is astonishing! The different corridors are all set at specific temperatures to accommodate these cold-blooded creatures, though usually the rooms were quite toasty. Since the keepers are working for the maximum comfort of the animals, they tolerate the heat. Often times the animals need to feel comfortable before breeding programs are successful. For example, in attempting to breed the green tree monitors, there was no success until one keeper figured out to place the nesting boxes high up to simulate the nests in trees that they would use in the wild.

 

Many reptiles are a part of Species Survival Programs that work towards the conservation of species. The San Diego Zoo is entrusted with rare species from across the world to implement carefully monitored breeding programs. Figi has given the zoo a few of their esteemed Fijian blue-banded iguanas for such work. Careful records must be kept of them to ensure there is no inbreeding. It is of utmost importance for there to be wide genetic diversity, because inbreeding could lead to a devastating inherited disease that could wipe out much of the species.

 

It is not just the breeding program that has conservation implications, but almost everything surrounding the reptiles. This is because so little is known about them, and even what we thought we knew is being revised due to the application of genetics to zoology. Animals like the crocodile and the rare tuatara (lizard-like reptiles with the skeleton of a bird and reproductive system of an amphibian) have been around for so long that they have become very specialized with specific niches. Because of further study on the breakdown of the phylogenetic tree, it is even being questioned whether crocodiles are more related to reptiles or birds.

 

In addition to what we can learn about reptiles, upon careful observation there is much we can learn from reptiles as well. The new emerging field of biomimicry focuses on what we can learn from animals and plants. Chameleons, for example, have technology way beyond our capacity, such as chromatic shifting and a tongue that accelerates out of its mouth as if we were spring-loaded! The chameleon could be a window into some amazing discoveries that would never be possible without them. Who knows what other things we could learn from animals! Even creatures that seem inconsequential play very important roles in their ecosystem. The Caribbean rock iguanas are the sole seed dispersers in their area. Without them, no plants would be able to grow, and eventually the island’s food web would collapse. Conservation is the sure-fire way to prevent such scenarios from occurring and from finding out we needed an organism when it is too late. It is time for us to embrace reptiles, even though they may not have the arms to hug back!

Heidi, Conservation team

To my surprise, scientists at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park don’t just help in the conservation of exotic animals- they help native species too! We met with three people from the Applied Plant Ecology division: Dr. Bryan Endress, Associate Director of Conservation, Christa Horn, Research Technician, and Katie Merrill, Intern from the University of California, San Diego. They invited us to get involved in a research project they are currently conducting to try to help native bird species such as the coastal cactus wren and the California gnatcatcher, species whose populations have dwindled since the 2007 Witch Creek fire. Learning that the Park is helping the cactus wren was exciting for me because prior to this internship, I also worked on a cactus wren habitat restoration project! It felt like I was at home, talking about the importance of these native birds in our natural environment.

We learned that there are 900 acres of preserved land adjacent to the Wild Animal Park dedicated to native species of plants and animals. This coastal sage scrub habitat is home to the greatest number of nesting pairs of cactus wrens and gnatcatchers in all of California. I saw firsthand how important it is to protect these species. Not much is known about the best way to conserve particular plant species, so the team is experimenting to see which method of planting native prickly pear cacti of the genus opuntia is most effective. Preserving these native plants is essential to the conservation of the birds because it is where they build their nests and seek safety. If cacti are not around, then the cactus wren will not be either. Unfortunately, growing cacti is a difficult endeavor, for it grows very slowly and is not considered a good nesting spot until it is at least three feet high. We helped the plant ecologists with their research by aiding them in hands-on work in the field, recording the progress of each cactus pad on a hill overlooking a beautiful view of the Wild Animal Park. If I were a cactus wren, I would certainly snatch up that fine property!

 

Heidi, Conservation team

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Educator guide Rachelle Marcon gave us an exciting behind-the-scenes tour of the koala barn to learn the importance of protecting these tree-hugging marsupials. I was surprised to find out how many koalas the zoo houses (they have the largest collection in any zoo outside of Australia), though relatively few koalas are displayed in the public exhibits. This is because much like people, each koala has a different temperament, and only some are hardy enough to endure the crowds that pass by each day. To me, this served as a reminder that the zoo is not an amusement park to gawk at rare animals, but rather a place to help animals. The more outgoing koalas get to appear publicly to captivate people’s attention, while the other koalas are involved in the zoo’s conservation efforts.

As I peered into the dozen or so koala bedrooms in awe, we learned about the adaptations that these creatures have to make them stand out from others. They are the only animals that feed on eucalyptus, as it is a toxic plant. They are able to do this thanks to a species of bacteria that lives in their gut. They have learned to pass these bacteria onto their young by feeding their babies their own fecal material. Koalas also have a highly adapted skeletal structure that is perfect for sitting up in trees for prolonged periods of time. Their spine is slightly curved, allowing them to sit comfortably, and their feet are a bizarre yet effective means of gripping onto branches. Their front feet have two thumbs and their back feet have two fingers that have fused together! Whoever would have guessed that these adorable animals would have such freakish feet!   

The koala is not the only animal with such quirky traits. Each animal species has their own special set of traits, even if they do not seem obvious at first. Thinking about this has made me realize the true importance of conservation even more. Luckily, the zoo has many programs to protect and preserve species. The koalas, for example, are on a very tight program to allow them to thrive. Zookeepers abide by regulations such as giving them a choice of what kind of eucalyptus they want, with varying acidity levels. There is also a program to let other zoos borrow some of the San Diego Zoo’s koalas in order for people in other parts of the world to learn about them (an essential element of conservation) When they are transferred to another zoo, a thick informational packet and sometimes a koala expert is included to ensure they are treated with the best care possible.

Heidi, Conservation team

           

 

 

Hi, I’m Heidi and I am currently a senior at a school in Rancho Penasquitos San Diego.

Ever since I was very little I have found myself enchanted by wildlife. My mother, the ex-park ranger, fostered this love by taking me out hiking, tide pooling, and bird watching; pointing out and describing every animal we happened upon. My idea of a good time includes going out to anywhere absent of human activity to just sit quietly and absorb all the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world. You should try it some time. You would be amazed how peaceful it can actually be!

My repertoire of interests also includes high adventure such as camping, kayaking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting. I have experienced all of these activities thanks to Girl Scouts (in which this is my 12^th and final year), and the high adventure summer camp in Colorado I attend each year. These experiences have really opened my eyes to the fact that Mother Nature is not just extremely complex and beautiful, but also immensely powerful.

I would really love to be a field biologist or a career of that sort, because every day presents new and exciting opportunities. For my Girl Scout Gold Award, I completed a lengthy conservation project for our locally threatened cactus wren, and I imagine that a career in field biology would be much like that!

I am on the Conservation team, so throughout my blog I will be focusing on the importance and relevance of conservation in the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park.