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Zoo placement research will help boost care for endangered species

Posted 9 September

Jen's research will be used to help draw up European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) guidelines for banteng. Picture (c) Chester Zoo and used with kind permission.

Work from a Harper Adams student on placement at one of Britain’s leading zoos will be used to help guide the care of an endangered species across Europe. 

BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Clinical) student Jen Harvey is just about to complete a one-year industry placement at Chester Zoo, where she has worked with a range of species, including the banteng – a wild bovid native to South-East Asia, currently listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. 

She said: “I have been fortunate enough to have met many people and have some amazing experiences whilst undertaking my placement.  

“For example, I have spent time on section with the Rhino team and been afforded the opportunity to aid in the banteng care routine several times, as well as that of other animals such as greater one horned rhinos, anoa, Philippine spotted deer, and brow-antlered deer.” 

Among the research Jen has carried out while at the zoo is a study for her dissertation, which will look at the behavioural impacts of contraception on the herd of banteng (bos javanicus javanicus) being cared for at the zoo – and highlights the need for conservation action of this species. 

She also presented a summary of some of her work earlier this year at the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) research conference. 

She said: “I presented the work I had done so far for my pilot study, where I was completing behavioural observations from video recordings, looking at the activity budgets of five Javan banteng at .  

“I noted down the duration of behaviours in the following categories: nutrition, self-directed, movement, investigation, positive interaction (in contact), negative interaction (response), parental care/response, reproduction, and observer view, with particular focus given towards the social behaviours of interactions, parental care and response, and reproduction.  

“The aim, once the data collection is complete, is to analyse it to see how the time spent doing each behaviour changes pre- and post- contraception administration.  

“The results from my project will be included in the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) Best Practice Management Guidelines for banteng.” 

Jen explained how grateful she was to her zoo colleagues for their knowledge and help throughout her placement. 

She added: “They helped me settle in and feel comfortable in this new environment right from my first day here. 

“Spending time with the Rhino team allowed me to see the individuals in the banteng herd up close - and allowed me to make my own notes about the differences in their phenotypical characteristics.”

During her time at Chester, Jen has learnt new skills, such as the use of camera traps and digital video recorders, as well as new behaviour observation methods – and how to use various statistical programmes to record this behaviour. In an ever advancing digital world these sorts of skills are invaluable in animal conservation.

She added: “When I was offered the placement, I couldn’t stop smiling for days, I was so excited to have this opportunity, and I still feel the same now, coming towards the end of my time here. 

“To anyone considering a similar placement, I would advise you to take any opportunity you are offered!” 

Jen, who hopes to study for a Masters in animal science or animal breeding and genetics following her placement experience, added: “I have always been interested in animal behaviour, and trying to understand why animals do what they do, alongside ensuring optimal levels of welfare for them.  

“When looking for universities that offered a course that would explore these different areas, I looked at the modules list and found that Harper Adams had the perfect mix of the theoretical and practical side of both. 

“Whilst the lecturers allow you to be independent and figure things out for yourself, they are incredibly helpful and supportive, and if they can’t answer your queries, they will always point you in the direction of someone who can.  

“With Harper Adams being a relatively small campus, it feels like more of a tight close-knit community, like with the camaraderie of the sports clubs, which all make it a lot more of an enjoyable place to live and learn at.  

“Additionally, having animals on-site makes practicals a lot easier - and it’s also good to be able to get out and have a walk to see some animals as a break from studying!”