CONSERVATION
UPDATE
T H E H E A RT A N D S C I E N C E O F S AV I N G W I L D L I F E ™
A PEEK INTO
THE SECRET LIFE
OF AMAZON’S
LARGE MAMMALS
By Mathias Tobler, Ph.D.
Scientist, Behavioral Ecology
The Amazon is known for its astonishing
diversity of plants and animals. When I
first traveled to Peru in 2002, I dreamed
of seeing peccaries and anteaters, nine
species of monkeys, and especially tapirs
and jaguars. But then I was disappointed
when all I saw were 50 shades of green
and a few rare glimpses of monkeys high
up in the canopy, mostly covered by
leaves. This was not the African savanna
where you could see dozens of species
right from your car. The animals were
there as I could readily tell from tracks,
scats, and other signs—they were just not
visible in this dense rain forest. During
my 10 years of fieldwork in the Amazon
I would eventually see all the large
mammal species, but to collect detailed
data for my research I had to rely on new
technologies. Over the last five decades
two technologies dramatically changed
our abilities to study animals in the wild:
radiotelemetry and camera traps. For my
project to succeed, I would have to use
them both.
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(Continued on page 2)
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Over the last five decades
two technologies dramatically
changed our abilities to
study animals in the wild:
radiotelemetry and
camera traps.
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While a few researchers had experimented
with cameras triggered by wildlife earlier
in the 20th century, it was not until the
late 1990s that camera traps started to be
widely used for this research. By the time
I began my fieldwork in 2004, several
commercial models were available, and
by 2005, we were ready to carry out the
first systematic mammal survey in the
Peruvian Amazon. We set out 50 cameras in a regular grid covering an area of
23 square miles. Work was strenuous as
all locations had to be accessed on foot,
hiking several hours through the dense
forest—and cameras had to be revisited
every 5 days to change batteries as well as
the 36-exposure film! After two months
of work we had accumulated almost 100
rolls of film that needed to be developed
back in town. Fortunately, technology
has advanced: today’s digital camera trap
models can operate for up to four months
and capture thousands of images.
We identified jaguars by their unique
spot patterns, proving our study
region harbors one of the highest
jaguar densities reported to date. We
documented how deer, peccaries,
and tapirs coexist by having different
activity patterns or using different
habitat types. We even evaluated the
impact of sustainable logging and
Brazil nut harvest on large mammal
communities. Images from our
camera traps were also used for
outreach programs, teaching
schoolchildren about animals
that live in their forest. Given
the huge opportunities
these cameras give us for
observing animals’ lives,
it is no surprise that San
Diego Zoo Global now uses them in
wildlife conservation projects around the
world. It’s time-saving technology for
researchers that we hope will also save
species’ lives.
CONSERVATION UPDATE
MEET A CONSERVATION RESEARCHER
Mathias Tobler, Ph.D.
SCIENTIST
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
By Karyl Carmignani
Staff Writer, Publications Department
A DATASET
GOLD MINE
The most exciting moment of every
camera trap study is getting the images
back and browsing through them: the
camera lens makes the forest come alive.
Jaguars (cover) and ocelots (bottom)
prowl through the night, giant armadillos
(above) stroll by, giant anteaters (left)
carry young on their back, pumas mark
their territories, and every so often there
is a photo of very rare species, such as a
jaguarondi, grison, or short-eared dog
(below). Over a two-month period,
camera traps magically capture the lives of
all these species into one concise dataset
that we can analyze: such a dataset is a
gold mine.
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Growing up in a small village in Switzerland has its perks: languages
come easily, fresh air is paramount, and mountains are relative. For
Mathias Tobler, nature and the great outdoors have always attracted
him. “I spent a lot of my childhood outside playing and exploring,” he
said. Grade school adventures like catching snails, marking them, and
finding them again, as well as observing the magical metamorphosis of
pollywogs into frogs, further ignited his interest in nature. The Swiss
version of Boy Scouts provided young Mathias with the chance to
“build our own camp,” which proved to be another valuable skill in his
career. At age 12 he was writing computer code: “Nature and computers
were my passion!” Today, he loves to travel and be outside whenever he
can. And if he sees a mountaintop, “I have to go up!” Those Swiss Alps
taught him well.
Mathias earned his master’s degree in Environmental Sciences
from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich. With a keen
interest in computer science, math, and biology, he went on to get his
doctorate from Texas A&M University in 2008, writing his dissertation
on the ecology of lowland tapirs and other ungulates in the Peruvian
Amazon. In the midst of the sweat and toil, Mathias met Samia, another
researcher, who later became his wife. “She was working jaguars and I
was working tapirs.” Now that’s a match made in heaven! They have a
son named Diego who, even at the age of four, is an awesome traveler
and enjoys accompanying his parents into the field.
When Mathias isn’t crunching data, he is happily working in the
field capturing animals and attaching radio collars. He appreciates the
balance of getting to work outside and still do his beloved math and
data analysis. Camera trapping is a great way to gather data about an
ecosystem—and he has been surprised on occasion. One time an image
revealed a vampire bat atop a cougar, and another instance revealed a
giant anteater with her youngster on her back. Over time he could see
the little one growing in the camera trap shots. “There are lots of ‘Whoa,
this is great!’ moments when working in the field,” he said. We’re just
glad Mathias is putting his vast and varied skills to work here.
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SPRING 2014
3
Scientists who attended our workshop
plan to establish cell lines from species
native to their countries, such as
Tasmanian devils from Australia
(left), southern white rhinos from
South Africa (below), and Galápagos
tortoises from Ecuador’s Galápagos
Islands (opposite, below right).
frozen
zooniversity
Building a Global Biobank
By Marlys Houck, Senior Researcher, Genetics
Eight eager scientists entered the Institute’s genetics lab in
October 2013, ready to start their day by learning to “feed cells.”
Although it sounds humorous, feeding is an important step in
establishing cell lines that will become part of our Frozen Zoo®,
the largest genetic biobank of its kind anywhere.
Front row (L-R): Suellen Charter, Genetics; Oliver Ryder, Ph.D., Director of Genetics; Mailyn Gonzalez, Ph.D., Colombia; Iara
Gomes, Ph.D., Mozambique; Kim Heasman, Australia; Julieta Sánchez, Ph.D., Argentina; Virna Cedeño, Ph.D., Ecuador; Iramar
Torres-Zapata, Puerto Rico.
Back row (L-R): Amy Clark, South Africa; Marisa Korody, Ph.D., Genetics; Thomas Hildebrandt, Ph.D., Germany; Julie Fronczek,
Genetics; Marlys Houck, Genetics.
Having just arrived from eight
different countries—Argentina,
Australia, Colombia, Ecuador,
Germany, Mozambique, Puerto Rico,
and South Africa—they jumped into
five fast-paced days and received an
extensive hands-on lab experience led
by cell culture specialists. Our goal
for the first international Frozen Zoo®
Cell Culture Seminar was to share
our experience and knowledge with
capable scientists from countries rich in
biodiversity, so they could return home
with the tools and ability to establish
their own frozen zoos, thus building a
network of scientists contributing to
global biodiversity conservation efforts.
There are few, if any, other resources
like the Frozen Zoo®, where cells from
aardvarks to zebras can be obtained,
so our vast collection is gaining
international recognition. These cells
and DNA are shared with qualified
researchers worldwide for projects that
address animal health and conservationrelated issues. The Frozen Zoo® has
a world-renowned reputation for
clarifying the evolution of species and
increasing our knowledge of their
biology.
Living cell lines from over 1,000
species are hibernating in our incom-
parable Frozen Zoo®, yet there are
hundreds more that urgently need to
be banked, especially those that are
threatened or on the brink of extinction.
Many of these species are found only
outside the United States in countries
with scientists passionate about saving the unique taxa in their regions yet
lacking the knowledge, training, and
skills to begin. Launching the inaugural
Cell Culture Seminar and sharing our
decades of experience was the first step
toward educating scientists around the
globe and enabling them to establish
cell lines for as many species as possible—before it’s too late!
Besides learning how to feed
cells, participants were instructed in
all aspects of tissue culture, including
establishing, optimizing, and freezing
cell lines, as well as field collection
methods. They also gained experience
“harvesting” chromosomes from
dividing cells for karyotyping, an
important quality assurance and genetic
health assessment tool.
SPRING 2014
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MEET A CONSERVATION RESEARCHER
Julie Fronczek
SENIOR RESEARCH TECHNICIAN, GENETICS
By Karyl Carmignani
Staff Writer, Publications Department
As instructors, we were amazed
by the passion and determination
of the students, who shared with us
that “the Cell Culture Seminar was
an excellent opportunity for capacity
transfer and education of future leaders
in conservation.” Others said, “I hope
to create a frozen zoo with endemic
species of my country and spread all
the knowledge you gave me to my
colleagues.” They thanked us for the
opportunity to interact with a “great
team of scientists motivated to transmit
their knowledge!”
After returning home, many
of the students report that they’re
already collecting field samples (South
Africa), successfully growing cells
(Mozambique), and planning to freeze
cells from the endangered Puerto Rican
parrot. We are receiving requests to
participate in a second workshop and
hope to expand the global biobanking
effort to countries such as Rwanda,
Brazil, and Oman in 2014. It’s our hope
that one day there will be scientists in
dozens of countries starting their day by
feeding cells from some of the planet’s
most critically endangered animals and
aiding in the fight to end extinction,
one species at a time.
6
CONSERVATION UPDATE
She is animated when speaking of cell cultures and growing cell lines
for the Frozen Zoo®. “I am so grateful to get to do what I do here,”
said Julie Fronczek, senior research technician, Genetics Division. She
matter-of-factly explained that for growing mammalian cell lines, she
uses a small piece of skin, whereas for birds, trachea works best. As I
digest this information, she sets up a dish of California condor cells
under the microscope for me to peer at, explaining what the squiggles
and shapes mean. There is no denying the passion she has for her
work: “You always feel like you’re doing something important,” she
said. Sometimes that pride is tinted with sadness, like when the team
added cells from several northern white rhinoceros to the Frozen Zoo®.
“It was a huge achievement to grow the cells, yet sobering that only
seven individuals remain of this critically endangered species. But every
vial added to the Frozen Zoo® is a small victory.” And Julie has a deep
appreciation for the role she plays in the conservation of genetic material.
Fifteen years ago, Julie’s best friend, April Gorow, now a senior
pathology technician at the Institute, told her about a position
“washing dishes for all the laboratories” at the research facility. She
landed that job and enjoyed it for two years until she was asked to
do data management, which quickly morphed into growing tissue
cultures for the Frozen Zoo®. To this day she is profoundly grateful
that “they took a chance on me” all those years ago. The admiration
Julie holds for her colleagues is completely mutual.
Recently, the Genetics Division hosted researchers from eight
countries around the world for a weeklong Cell Culture Seminar.
As an instructor, Julie was “well out of her comfort zone,” but the
enthusiasm of the students wanting to learn how to preserve cell
cultures was contagious. “Having them in the lab and showing them
how important and exciting this work is was more gratifying than I
imagined!” And while she likes to cook up a storm at home, Julie will
also keep cooking up those special cell lines for future generations.
CONSERVATION RESEARCH
GIFTS & GRANTS
The Institute for Conservation Research is grateful to the following for their investments
in endangered species conservation:
Behavioral Ecology received a gift from an anonymous donor in support of cheetah
and elephant breeding efforts. Anonymous donors supported Applied Plant Ecology’s
Seed Bank program. The Atherton Family Foundation gave a grant for Hawaiian
bird conservation education. A grant from the Anthony Cerami and Ann Dunne
Foundation for World Health will advance conservation of large mammals in
Peru. A gift from the Javade Chaudhri and Gail Kee Fund for Summer Teacher
Workshops in Conservation Science was matched by a grant from Sempra Energy.
Walter and Erica Erhorn and her family made a gift to support golden eagle
conservation in Baja California, Mexico. The Foundation for Sustainability
and Innovation is sponsoring an FSI Summer Fellow in 2014. Grants from the
Virginia Friedhofer Charitable Trust and Conrad Schlum Charitable Trust
will advance work in seed banking and native plant conservation. The Heller
Foundation of San Diego will make possible a Bud Heller Conservation
Fellow in Genetics for 2014. The Helmstetter Family Foundation gave a
grant for north San Diego County middle school students to participate in
hands-on science lessons in the Conservation Education Lab. HSBC gave a
grant to continue cactus wren habitat studies. The Nan Katona Charitable
Fund contributed to Summer Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science.
A grant from the Lakeside Foundation will supplement conservation
Our recent Steel Endowed Pathology Resident, Dr. Stephen Kubisky, received
research studies. A gift from Charles and Susan Lang will help giant
the prestigious Harold Casey Award from the American College of Veterinary panda conservation efforts in China. The Gilbert Martin Foundation is
Pathologists.
sponsoring two Gilbert Martin Summer Fellows in 2014. Grants from
the Armstrong McDonald Foundation and the N.O.J. Foundation
San Diego Zoo Global was recognized as an Outstanding Service Learning
will advance studies in assisted reproduction through the Reproductive
Community Partner by the Office of Community Service Learning, California
Physiology Division. The Money/Arenz Foundation gave a grant to aid
State University San Marcos.
in the recovery of the Andean bear in Peru. Katie Rosenblum supported
camera trap survey work for giraffe and herd conservation efforts in
San Diego Zoo Global Academy received the American Association of Zoo
Africa. A gift made in memory of Lois Fellman Schmutz will support
Keepers Certificate of Recognition for making online learning content available to giant panda conservation efforts. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens
Conservation Fund gave to vaquita education outreach in Mexico.
the AAZK Collaborative Learning Environment.
The J.W. Sefton Foundation will sponsor educators for the Summer
Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science. Conservation field
programs in Africa will benefit from a gift given by the Wilson Sexton
Foundation. A gift from Dr. James Sheldon and Mrs. Carolyn
Ryder, O. A. 2012. The Frozen Zoo. GeneWatch 35(3): 19-20.
Werner Sheldon will provide histology equipment and ventilators
In a publication of the Council for Responsible Genetics, this article discusses
for the Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center as well as scholarships
dilemmas and opportunities related to establishing biomaterials banks that for students in the Wildlife Disease Labs and the Conservation
contribute to conservation efforts.
Education Lab. Grants from the Walton Family Foundation
will benefit Institute for Conservation Research operations, the
Tobler, M. W., S. E. Carrillo-Percastegui, A. Zúñiga Hartley, and G. V. N. Powell.
BEWiSE science mentorship overnight for middle school girls,
2013. High jaguar densities and large population sizes in the core habitat of the
and visits to the Conservation Education Lab by underserved
southwestern Amazon. Biological Conservation 159: 375-381.
students. The Carl E. Wynn Foundation gave a grant for Los
This study documented a high density of jaguars in four camera trap surveys from
Angeles County school groups to attend hands-on classes at the
Peru, indicating that the southwestern Amazon harbors large jaguar populations and
Conservation Education Lab.
should be considered core habitat for the species.
CONSERVATION
ACHIEVEMENTS
HONORS AND AWARDS
THE SCIENCE OF SAVING SPECIES™
Witte, C. L., N. Lamberski, B. A. Rideout, V. Fields, C. Shields-Teare, M. Barrie,
H. Haefele, R. Junge, S. Murray, and L. L. Hungerford. 2013. Development of a case
definition for clinical feline herpesvirus infection in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) housed in
zoos. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 44: 634-644.
This study establishes feline herpesvirus as an important disease of cheetahs, provides a
foundation for future population-level studies, and serves as a valuable resource for clinicians that could lead to earlier diagnoses and treatment.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
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thegenerous
generous
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support
of of
individuals,corporations,
corporations,and
andfoundations
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carry
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carry
outout
ongoingwork
workon
onbehalf
behalfofofendangered
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our ongoing
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andand
habitats.
Tolearn
learnmore
moreabout
aboutour
our
projects
how
habitats. To
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or or
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youyou
can
can help,
please
call
at 760-747-8702,
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help,
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call us
at us
760-747-8702,
optionext.
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SPRING 2014
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ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO
Development Department
Post Office Box 120551
San Diego, California 92112
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CONSERVATION
UPDATE
As part of our Primate Communities Project
in Peru’s Maijuna Reserve, we installed
the world’s largest canopy-based cameratrapping grid, consisting of 44 aerial and
60 terrestrial cameras.
Our ecology team is studying preferred
attachment techniques for ‘alala GPS
transmitters in preparation for future
releases to the wild.
EDITOR
Mary Sekulovich
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Betsy Sanders
Our pathologists showed that lead
poisoning is the only significant cause of
mortality for adult California condors,
providing the scientific foundation for
legislation to phase out lead ammunition
in California.
SPECIAL THANKS TO
CONSERVATION UPDATE
CONTRIBUTORS
In an effort to restore habitat for the coastal
cactus wren, our dedicated team of staff and
volunteers has planted more than 1,500
prickly-pear cacti in the San Pasqual Valley.
Trampas—oldest known San Clemente
loggerhead shrike (SB424)—just became a
father again at age 13. Our team has worked
to boost this species’ numbers for more than
20 years.
Allison Alberts, Ph.D.
Maggie Aleksic
Karyl Carmignani
Julie Fronczek
Marlys Houck
Georgeanne Irvine
Judy Kinsell
Mathias Tobler, Ph.D.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Kara Bigelman Eganhouse
PHOTOGRAPHS/
ILLUSTRATIONS
Ken Bohn, SDZG Photographer
We hosted a four-day Conservation
Psychology Institute at the Beckman
Center to explore strategies for effective
conservation messaging.
For more information about San Diego Zoo Global’s worldwide conservation efforts and how
you can help us in our fight against extinction, please visit our website, endextinction.org.
© 2014 Zoological Society of San Diego.
All rights reserved.