Current Research Projects
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Thermographic Imagery and Southern White Rhinos
Project Summary
Rhinos are iconic and charismatic animals. Unfortunately, all five remaining rhino species have declining populations or are threatened with extinction, largely due to human conflict and poaching for their horns. As such, any research to help better understand these species can help us to manage and conserve rhino populations, both in the wild and under human care. Safari West is conducting independent research on rhino reproductive success, using a combination of behavioral observations and thermal imaging to identify changes related to estrus or pregnancy.
Interested in getting involved with this project? Email us at research@safariwest.com to see if there are any current volunteer opportunities to get involved!
Thermography camera taking pictures of Eesha the rhino
FLIR thermal image of Eesha the rhino
Research regarding the reproductive success in rhinos is a priority among zoological institutions, especially with southern white rhinos. Using thermographic imaging, Safari West staff has begun compiling thermal images of their rhinos to identify changes in temperature that may be related to estrus or pregnancy. This provides a non-invasive technique that may help identify signs of pregnancy, allowing staff to make any necessary adjustments to the care needed of an expecting rhino mom. Additionally, motion-sensing cameras have been installed around the habitat of the rhino pair, creating a record of rhino behavior that researchers can analyze to identify subtle changes of behavior that may be related to estrus or pregnancy.
In order to preserve the remaining populations of wild rhinos, furthering our understanding of rhinos as a species is imperative. The decrease in wild rhino populations due to poaching is a major concern regarding the future of these species. As a result of these population declines, researchers are anticipating the need to continue breeding programs within zoological institutions to maintain adequate levels of genetic diversity. However, some research suggests that only 50% of southern white rhino females successfully reproduce once under human care, therefore obtaining as much information about their reproductive biology and social interactions is critical. Conducting scientific research on southern white rhinos will allow for more accurate and diverse assessments of individual rhino species across a variety of habitats within zoological institutions, potentially providing information that will assist in giving rhino species a better chance to recover in the wild.
- Thermography and Behavior
Research regarding the reproductive success in rhinos is a priority among zoological institutions, especially with southern white rhinos. Using thermographic imaging, Safari West staff has begun compiling thermal images of their rhinos to identify changes in temperature that may be related to estrus or pregnancy. This provides a non-invasive technique that may help identify signs of pregnancy, allowing staff to make any necessary adjustments to the care needed of an expecting rhino mom. Additionally, motion-sensing cameras have been installed around the habitat of the rhino pair, creating a record of rhino behavior that researchers can analyze to identify subtle changes of behavior that may be related to estrus or pregnancy.
- Significance
In order to preserve the remaining populations of wild rhinos, furthering our understanding of rhinos as a species is imperative. The decrease in wild rhino populations due to poaching is a major concern regarding the future of these species. As a result of these population declines, researchers are anticipating the need to continue breeding programs within zoological institutions to maintain adequate levels of genetic diversity. However, some research suggests that only 50% of southern white rhino females successfully reproduce once under human care, therefore obtaining as much information about their reproductive biology and social interactions is critical. Conducting scientific research on southern white rhinos will allow for more accurate and diverse assessments of individual rhino species across a variety of habitats within zoological institutions, potentially providing information that will assist in giving rhino species a better chance to recover in the wild.
Oak Seedling Success at Safari West in Exotic Grazing Exclosures
Project Summary
Safari West spans over 400 acres, where native and exotic species are intertwined on the landscape. The dominant ecosystem here is oak woodland. As the name suggests, oak trees are an integral part of this ecosystem, providing a variety of ecological services to other native plants and animals. Unfortunately, researchers have begun to notice a drop in the recruitment of new oak trees throughout California. There are likely a variety of factors influencing this decline, but understanding which factors are having the biggest impact will help to better manage and maintain our state’s oak forests. To aid in this effort, staff at Safari West have begun researching how both the exotic and native animals here influence the recruitment of new oaks on property.
Interested in getting involved with this project? Email us at research@safariwest.com to see if there are any current volunteer opportunities to get involved!
Determining Seedling Success
Two locations at Safari West are not regularly grazed by exotic species. These areas contain several mature oak trees with some individuals estimated at over 300 years old. Using the seedlings produced by these mature trees as a baseline, seedling success is tracked over time without exotic grazing pressures. Multiple seedlings have been randomly selected and flagged from each adult tree. Seedling characteristics such as height, number of leaves, approximate percent greenness, and any signs of herbivory from native species (such as black-tailed deer or small rodents) are being recorded regularly.
Planting Seedling Exclosures in Grazed Areas
In addition to determining the level of oak seedling success in non-grazed areas, Safari West is also collaborating with a Sonoma State University graduate student to implement an oak recruitment exclosure study. This research will include building fenced off “exclosure” areas within heavily grazed locations at Safari West, creating a safe haven for seedlings to grow without the pressures of exotic grazing. Several treatments within these exclosures will test for effects on oak seedlings that may come from native species (such as small mammals), which may help determine any interactive effects occurring on oak seedlings from exotic grazing and native wildlife. While developing exclosures, different exclusion methods will be tested that efficiently deter large exotic grazers (such as the Cape buffalo!). This information will assist Safari West in developing a long term management plan for oaks, which may help facilitate the growth of the next generation of oak trees and provide valuable insight into the effects of exotic grazing on oak seedlings at Safari West.
As a zoological institution, considering the influences that exotic species may have on the natural environment is an important consideration. One of the unique aspects of Safari West is that it has maintained much of the native landscape, with most of the property still representing the oak woodland ecosystems found throughout Sonoma County. Successfully integrating exotic species with native habitats, while maintaining the natural landscape can be informative to many zoological institutions. With long lived organisms such as oaks, taking action early on is key due to their slow growth rates. Therefore determining the variables influencing oak success during the seedling stage is crucial for the establishment of new trees. By researching this unique interface of native species and exotics, Safari West can develop management practices necessary for preserving oak woodland ecosystems, while still allowing exotic grazers to roam these oak woodland ecosystems.
- Seedling Success
Determining Seedling Success
Two locations at Safari West are not regularly grazed by exotic species. These areas contain several mature oak trees with some individuals estimated at over 300 years old. Using the seedlings produced by these mature trees as a baseline, seedling success is tracked over time without exotic grazing pressures. Multiple seedlings have been randomly selected and flagged from each adult tree. Seedling characteristics such as height, number of leaves, approximate percent greenness, and any signs of herbivory from native species (such as black-tailed deer or small rodents) are being recorded regularly.
- Seedling Exclosures
Planting Seedling Exclosures in Grazed Areas
In addition to determining the level of oak seedling success in non-grazed areas, Safari West is also collaborating with a Sonoma State University graduate student to implement an oak recruitment exclosure study. This research will include building fenced off “exclosure” areas within heavily grazed locations at Safari West, creating a safe haven for seedlings to grow without the pressures of exotic grazing. Several treatments within these exclosures will test for effects on oak seedlings that may come from native species (such as small mammals), which may help determine any interactive effects occurring on oak seedlings from exotic grazing and native wildlife. While developing exclosures, different exclusion methods will be tested that efficiently deter large exotic grazers (such as the Cape buffalo!). This information will assist Safari West in developing a long term management plan for oaks, which may help facilitate the growth of the next generation of oak trees and provide valuable insight into the effects of exotic grazing on oak seedlings at Safari West.
- Significance
As a zoological institution, considering the influences that exotic species may have on the natural environment is an important consideration. One of the unique aspects of Safari West is that it has maintained much of the native landscape, with most of the property still representing the oak woodland ecosystems found throughout Sonoma County. Successfully integrating exotic species with native habitats, while maintaining the natural landscape can be informative to many zoological institutions. With long lived organisms such as oaks, taking action early on is key due to their slow growth rates. Therefore determining the variables influencing oak success during the seedling stage is crucial for the establishment of new trees. By researching this unique interface of native species and exotics, Safari West can develop management practices necessary for preserving oak woodland ecosystems, while still allowing exotic grazers to roam these oak woodland ecosystems.
Giraffe Behavior and Space Use – Linking behaviors and movement patterns with thermographic imagery
Project Summary
At Safari West, animal care staff and dedicated interns have started a research project that is aiming to connect behavioral observations of giraffes and thermal imaging of their legs. Safari West has a large herd of giraffes with a wide range of ages and ample space to roam around, making it the perfect place for a study on locomotion and aging. By both observing our herd and taking infrared photos of each giraffe’s legs and feet, we hope to discover the associations between aging, arthritis, behavior, and space use in giraffes under human care. This information may serve to provide zoological institutions with more tools to better monitor and improve care of aging individuals across a wide variety of exotic animal species.
Interested in getting involved with this project? Email us at research@safariwest.com to see if there are any current volunteer opportunities to get involved!
Currently, Safari West has a herd of 13 giraffes that are rotated around an area spanning 12 acres. Within this herd, individual giraffes can be identified by eye, based on unique spot patterns, size, and/or other distinct features, such as the level of hair growth on their ossicones. Once able to identify unique individuals, staff and interns collect data on each giraffe’s specific behaviors. This project utilizes an ethogram we have developed characterizing common giraffe behaviors related to locomotion and social interaction that are recorded regularly using focal and scan observation methodologies.
Alongside these behavioral observations, infrared photos using FLIR camera technology are taken weekly of each giraffe within the herd. These photos may reveal localized heat signatures, related to signs of inflammation or arthritis in geriatric giraffes. For this project, infrared photos are being focused on the legs and feet of a giraffe, to identify any links between locomotion and potential signs of aging. Additionally, Safari West is comparing the accuracy of two models of FLIR cameras to determine the best FLIR camera model for large animals such as giraffes.
Giraffes are fairly common among zoological institutions. Active research and monitoring of the individual behaviors of giraffes within these herds may help animal caretakers minimize potential discomfort or stress. This research aims to improve the welfare of an animal as it relates to age and development. Investigating patterns of behavior and space use associated with age can better inform animal care staff of the social structure within a captive giraffe herd. Furthermore, combining these observed patterns of behavior and space use with thermographic images, may identify signs of aging earlier, such as inflammation and arthritis. By collecting individual behavioral data and thermal images of giraffes, this may facilitate more accurate and early on implementation of management needs for geriatric giraffes showing signs of arthritis. Developing noninvasive techniques such as thermal imaging and regular behavioral observations, can help zoological institutions better monitor a variety of exotic animal species.
- Behavioral Observations
Currently, Safari West has a herd of 13 giraffes that are rotated around an area spanning 12 acres. Within this herd, individual giraffes can be identified by eye, based on unique spot patterns, size, and/or other distinct features, such as the level of hair growth on their ossicones. Once able to identify unique individuals, staff and interns collect data on each giraffe’s specific behaviors. This project utilizes an ethogram we have developed characterizing common giraffe behaviors related to locomotion and social interaction that are recorded regularly using focal and scan observation methodologies.
- Thermal imaging
Alongside these behavioral observations, infrared photos using FLIR camera technology are taken weekly of each giraffe within the herd. These photos may reveal localized heat signatures, related to signs of inflammation or arthritis in geriatric giraffes. For this project, infrared photos are being focused on the legs and feet of a giraffe, to identify any links between locomotion and potential signs of aging. Additionally, Safari West is comparing the accuracy of two models of FLIR cameras to determine the best FLIR camera model for large animals such as giraffes.
- Significance
Giraffes are fairly common among zoological institutions. Active research and monitoring of the individual behaviors of giraffes within these herds may help animal caretakers minimize potential discomfort or stress. This research aims to improve the welfare of an animal as it relates to age and development. Investigating patterns of behavior and space use associated with age can better inform animal care staff of the social structure within a captive giraffe herd. Furthermore, combining these observed patterns of behavior and space use with thermographic images, may identify signs of aging earlier, such as inflammation and arthritis. By collecting individual behavioral data and thermal images of giraffes, this may facilitate more accurate and early on implementation of management needs for geriatric giraffes showing signs of arthritis. Developing noninvasive techniques such as thermal imaging and regular behavioral observations, can help zoological institutions better monitor a variety of exotic animal species.
Research Collaborations
Southern ground hornbill Behavioral Observation Research – Dallas Zoo, southern ground hornbill SSP
In collaboration with the Dallas Zoo, Safari West is participating in a behavioral data collection project on southern ground hornbills. This project is aimed at determining differences in observed behaviors among individuals, pairs, and family groups across multiple facilities housing these birds. A male and female pair of southern ground hornbills are housed at Safari West, and behavior data is being collected each week that will be sent to the Dallas Zoo.
Zooarchaeology Field Project – UC Berkeley
Safari West is collaborating with UC Berkeley Professor Jun Sunseri to conduct surveys at Safari West using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and a magnetic interferometer to scan areas where known animal burials are located. Due to the unique nature of having established burial sites at Safari West as a result of animals inevitably passing, this provides a rare opportunity for archeologists to test the accuracy of geophysical technology. After preliminary surveys with instruments are completed, students in Professor Sunseri’s zooarchaeology class will excavate and recover the bones to determine the accuracy of the results from the equipment, and begin to develop standards for interpreting equipment data. This project provides a unique opportunity for students to learn and develop invaluable field skills in archeology, as well as furthers our understanding of the effective application of these instruments.
Assessment of basal seminal traits and semen cryopreservation in the caracal (Caracal caracal) – Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
The Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is leading an effort to better understand the reproductive biology of caracals currently housed under human care. This effort focuses on characterizing the traits and morphology of male caracal sperm cells, which may be beneficial for captive breeding programs through improved semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination. This research will yield some of the first in depth characterization of male caracal reproductive traits, providing insight into individual fertility. Safari West is one of 18 zoological facilities in the U.S. that houses caracals, and is providing semen and fecal samples to assist this research project.
American Institute of Rhinoceros Science (AIRS) – A Model for Saving Species with Science ex situ. – CREW, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Safari West is partnering with the American Institute of Rhinoceros Science (AIRS), an organization that is leading collaborative rhino research in zoological institutions across North America. Research conducted by AIRS has developed the, “four pillars” outlining the research imperatives of rhinos under human care: (1) physical fitness, (2) causes of iron overload, (3) reproduction, and (4) behavioral and environmental factors related to individual wellbeing. At Safari West, we are aiming to participate in as many of the research activities as we are able to. By attaching anklet straps to each rhino, their activity levels are monitored throughout the day by detecting differences in the exertion of different movements and utilizing a GPS receiver to determine the rhino’s location.,. Monitoring these activities provides information related to several of the pillars, as many of these research needs are interconnected. A representative from AIRS visited Safari West twice to collect heart rate, bioimpedance and morphometric measurements on each rhino. Safari West staff are collecting additional data on individual demeanor and body conditions of each rhino. Additionally, fecal matter, blood, and food samples are being collected regularly to be incorporated into a larger database with AIRS comparing rhinos across many zoological institutions.