Название EN:  Study of the Species Diversity and Colour Variations of Species in the Dinodon Species Complex
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Sergey Ryabov, Moscow Zoo, Russia

Dinodon snakes inhabit vast territories in Asia including East and South China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Burma, East India, Nepal, and Primorsky Krai of the Russian Federation. So far, Dinodon snakes have hardly been kept in captivity, despite the fact that they easily adapt to and reproduce in laboratory conditions, and have interesting biological features and attractive appearance.

The taxonomic status of the entire genus and some of the species of this genus has not yet been definitively determined, so the combined efforts of zoological and academic experts are needed for employing an integrated approach (collection of morphological, molecular, and reproductive biology data) to the revision of the taxonomy of the genus and certain Dinodon species. Special attention should be paid to the central species of the genus, the red-banded snake Dinodon rufozonatum as many dozens of amazing color variations have developed in the wild populations in the last 30-40 years. At the same time, increasing human pressure currently causes the dramatic decline in the species population.

The diversity of species and colour variations in Dinodon snakes suggest a need for a large amount of scientific and practical work and active international cooperation.

Goals of the programme:

1.       To create the most complete collection of live snakes of the genus Dinodon sensu stricto, including both all species and the maximum possible number of natural colour variations. To study characteristics of the housing conditions, feeding behaviour, mating stimulation, and all aspects of reproductive biology of most species in the collection. 

2.       Based on the obtained data, to conduct a taxonomic revision of the entire group, single it out from the genus Lycodon as a separate genus, describe new Dinodon species, and publish the results of the research in peer-reviewed journals.

3.       To study mechanisms and causes of natural variability and genetic abnormalities in the red-banded snake.

4.       To establish self-reproducing populations of most species in laboratory conditions, primarily for the conservation of the gene pools of the Dinodon species and possible reintroduction of Dinodon snakes in the suitable habitats where these snakes are rare.

Objectives and methods

1)      Adaptation of the snakes to laboratory conditions (in the absence of any data and developed methods), treatment against internal and external parasites and possible diseases and determination of optimal housing conditions for each species;

2)      Daily registration of data on each individual (data on feeding, ecdysis, mating, changes of temperature, humidity and duration of daylight, health problems, vitamin therapy, weighing, etc.) for establishing a database on the species under the study;

3)      Selection of optimal housing and feeding methods and creation of the diverse food base;

4)      Life cycle modelling for each species, based on the geographical latitude and climatic features of the species habitat and selection of methods stimulating breeding of the species under laboratory conditions;

5)      Detailed study of reproductive biology of each species (optimal temperatures for spermatogenesis and oogenesis, duration of dry and cool period for stimulation of mating, length of copulation and gestation, selection of optimal egg incubation regimes, measuring the length and weight of the eggs and females, monitoring egg growth processes, study of incubation duration and probability of the repeated egg laying, selection of initial diet, developing methods of neonate rearing, determination of the age of sexual maturity);

6)      Photo recording of all stages of the work;

7)      Integration of the data on the studied group of species, clarification of the taxonomic status of indeterminate snake forms, involvement in the description of new forms, publication of scientific papers;

8)      Organizing temporary public exhibitions with the demonstration of all available Dinodon species and their natural colour variations, especially the snakes that were acclimatized or bred for the first time in the world practice;

9)      Active promotion of the work under the programme among EARAZA members.

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Название EN:  Study of the Dione’s Ratsnake Elaphe dione
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Sergey Ryabov, Moscow Zoo, Russia

 

The Dione’s ratsnake Elaphe dione has one of the largest range among all snake species, spreading from the western borders of Russia to Mongolia and the Russian Far East and from the Middle Volga, Lake Baikal and the Chita Oblast in the north to Iran and Central China in the south. The Dione’s ratsnake range states include Russia (from the western to eastern border), China (northern territories), Mongolia, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Eastern Ukraine, Iran, and Afghanistan.

 

This species is highly variable in coloration, featuring dozens of natural colour patterns that are sometimes utterly different from each other. Elaphe dione has the largest number of coloration pattern forms among all snakes of Eurasia.

 

Goals of the programme

 

1.       Fundamental research into reproductive biology and genetic mechanisms of trait inheritance and a comprehensive revision of the taxonomy of the Dione’s ratsnake Elaphe dione, a widespread Eurasian snake species with a huge number of variations and an unclear taxonomic status.

2.       Creating a collection of the Dione’s ratsnakes represented by individuals from all populations distributed across the species’ vast range (total population size –300-400 snakes), detailed study of morphology, ethology, all aspects of reproductive biology, and genetic variability for the comprehensive revision of the taxonomic status of the species. Exploring the potential of natural variability of the snakes from various habitats and controlled selective breeding for obtaining new forms.

 

Objectives and methods

 

1)      Establishing contacts with colleagues in the species range states and regions and making arrangements for obtaining live rat snakes from various regions;

2)      Adaptation of wild caught snakes to laboratory conditions, treatment of snakes against internal and external parasites and possible diseases;

3)      Selection of optimal housing and feeding regimes;

4)      The species life cycle modelling based on the geographical latitude and climatic features of the habitats of the source populations and selection of methods stimulating breeding of the species under laboratory conditions;

5)      Daily registration of data on each individual (data on feeding, ecdysis, mating, changes of temperature, humidity and duration of daylight, health problems, dehelmintization, vitamin therapy, weighing, etc.);

6)      Detailed study of reproductive biology of individuals from each population (the length of copulation and gestation, selection of optimal egg incubation regimes, measuring the egg length and weight and weight of the females, monitoring egg growth processes, study of incubation duration, selection of initial diet, developing methods of neonate rearing, determination of the age of sexual maturity, photo recording of all stages of the work);

7)      Using the long-term data for the comprehensive revision of the taxonomy of this species;

8)      Exploring the potential of natural variability of each population and selection of rare variants through selective breeding;

9)      Organizing temporary public exhibitions at interested zoos, with the demonstration of all available natural colour variations of the Dione’s ratsnakes, as well as of the new colour forms resulting from the activity under the programme;

10)   Active promotion of the work under the programme among EARAZA members.

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Название EN:  Study of the Species Diversity in the Boiga Genus
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Sergey Ryabov, Moscow Zoo, Russia

The genus Boiga includes 35 snake species distributed in Asia and Australia, with four closely related species being found in Africa. Many of the species consist of a complex of different subspecies. A large number of island endemic Boiga forms are not sufficiently studied and have unclear taxonomic status.

This taxonomic group is the subject of work of the scientists in many countries of the world. As a result, more than 10 new species have been described over the past 20 years. Most Boiga species are not kept in zoo collections and very little is known about their reproductive biology. At the same time, a significant percentage of the species in this group are distributed in restricted areas of islands or unusual biotopes, which make them extremely vulnerable, and any natural disaster may threaten their survival. The richness and diversity of the species in this genus suggest a need for a large amount of scientific and practical work and active international cooperation.

Goals of the programme:

1.       To create the most complete collection of live snakes of the genus Boiga and closely related groups. To study characteristics of the housing conditions, feeding behavior, mating stimulation, and all aspects of reproductive biology of most species in the collection. 

2.       Based on the obtained data, to conduct a taxonomic revision of the entire group and publish the results of the research in peer-reviewed journals.

3.       To establish self-reproducing populations of most species in laboratory conditions, primarily for the conservation of the gene pools of rare and restricted range (island) species threatened with extinction due to possible natural disasters.

Objectives and methods

1)      Adaptation of wild caught snakes to laboratory conditions (in the absence of any data and developed methods), treatment of snakes against internal and external parasites and possible diseases and determination of optimal housing conditions for each snake species;

2)      Daily registration of data on each individual (data on feeding, ecdysis, mating, changes of temperature, humidity and duration of daylight, health problems, vitamin therapy, weighing, etc.) for establishing a database on the species under the study;

3)      Selection of optimal housing and feeding regimes and creation of the diverse food base;

4)      Life cycle modelling for each species, based on the geographical latitude and climatic features of the species habitat and selection of methods stimulating breeding of the species under laboratory conditions;   

5)      Detailed study of reproductive biology of each species (optimal temperatures for spermatogenesis and oogenesis, duration of dry and cool period for stimulation of mating, length of copulation and gestation, selection of optimal egg incubation regimes, measuring the egg length and weight and weight of the females, monitoring egg growth processes, study of incubation duration and probability of the repeated egg laying, selection of initial diet, developing methods of neonate rearing, determination of the age of sexual maturity); 

6)      Photo recording of all stages of the work; 

7)      Integration of the data on the studied group of species, clarification of the taxonomic status of indeterminate snake forms, involvement in the description of new forms, publication of scientific papers;

8)      Organizing temporary public exhibitions with the demonstration of all available Boiga species and subspecies and their natural colour variations, especially the snakes that were acclimatized or bred for the first time in the world practice, or newly described species.

9)      Active promotion of the work under the programme among EARAZA members.

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Название EN:  Introduction into Zooculture and Conservation of Rare Species of Non-Venomous Snakes of the Fauna of Northern Eurasia
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Sergey Ryabov, Moscow Zoo, Russia

Most snake species included in the Red Books of the countries of Northern Eurasia are rare; their population sizes are small, with annual downward trends. Species assessments of the Red Books include recommendations on the development of captive breeding methods to ensure preservation of genetic materials of rare species through establishing their ex situ populations and, if necessary, further reintroduction of captive bred animals into their natural habitats. Taxonomic status of some species requires a revision, which may result in the description of new subspecies.

Subjects of the programme may include, among others, the following species: the Japanese forest ratsnake Euprepiophis conspicillatus, the Aesculapian snake Zamenis longissimus, the leopard snake Zamenis situla, the blotched rat snake Elaphe sauromates, the Transcaucasian ratsnake Zamenis hohenackeri, the Caspian whipsnake Dolichophis caspius, the slender whip snake Platyceps najadum, the slender racer Orientocoluber spinalis, the red-banded snake Dinodon rufozonatum, the javelin sand boa Eryx jaculus, the dwarf sand boa Eryx miliaris, the Japanese striped snake Elaphe quadrivirgata, the Japanese rat snake Elaphe climacophora, the European cat snake Telescopus fallax, Rhynchocalamus sp., the Iranian snake Pseudocyclophis persicus, the Persian ratsnake Elaphe persica, the Indian gamma snake Boiga trigonata, and the smooth snake Coronella austriaca.

The creation of breeding centres for rare species of snakes of Northern Eurasia at EARAZA zoos will contribute to the ex situ conservation of rare and endangered species of non-venomous snakes and consolidate efforts of herpetologists from zoos and research institutes in studying the biology and taxonomy of non-venomous snakes.

Goals of the programme:

1.       To create founder breeding groups of rare species of non-venomous snakes of the fauna of Northern Eurasia, including species listed in the national and regional Red Books, especially endangered species. To select and develop methods of acclimatization of the snakes to artificial conditions and breeding stimulation techniques (mimicking annual life cycles, stimulation of mating, studying duration of copulation, selection of optimal egg incubation regimes, developing methods of neonate rearing, etc.) and at a later stage, methods of adaptation of captive bred snakes to natural environment.

2.       To establish self-reproducing populations of most species in laboratory conditions, primarily, for the conservation of the gene pools and possible reintroduction of snakes into the wild.

3.       To clarify the taxonomic status of various populations of certain species, such as the Japanese rat snake, the Japanese forest ratsnake, the blotched rat snake and the Aesculapian snake, with a possible description of new subspecies.

Objectives and methods

1)      As a start of the work with snake species included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and neighbouring countries, establishing founder groups of the snakes of certain species that originate from other countries where they are not so rare, such as the Aesculapian snake and the leopard snake from Southern Europe, the Japanese forest ratsnake from Japan, the red-banded snake from China, etc.; 

2)      Developing methods of acclimatization, housing, feeding, breeding, and rearing offspring on the model of the established founder groups of snakes originating from the countries where these snakes are not rare;

3)      If the ex situ husbandry of the snakes of selected species is successful, obtaining licenses for the capture of the wild adult snakes for establishing ex situ populations of the native species, based on the use of developed techniques;

4)      Holding expeditions to habitats of rare snake species (Crimea, Caucasus, Far East, Kunashir Island, etc.) in accordance with the obtained licenses to catch snakes for establishing founder groups;

5)      Adaptation of wild caught snakes to laboratory conditions, individual selection of food for each snake for the most successful acclimatization;

6)      Based on the developed methods, establishing in situ population for each species;

7)      Involvement of other EARAZA zoos in the programme, transfer of some of the captive bred individuals to the programme participants and instructing the zoos about husbandry methods (with preliminary verification of the ability of each zoo to provide the appropriate husbandry conditions);

8)      Establishing multiple ex situ snake populations at EARAZA zoos, with constant advisory assistance and supervision from the coordinator and species committees;

9)      Using molecular and morphological methods to clarify the taxonomic statuses of the populations of some species of Coluber snakes;

10)   Drafting and publication of papers about all stages of the conservation and research work under the programme;

11)   Active promotion of the work under the programme among EARAZA members; organizing temporary public exhibitions with the demonstration of interesting results of the work under the programme.

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Название EN:  Breeding and conservation of the Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca nikolskii)
Описание EN:  Programme Coordinator – Anna Gnyotova, Safari Park, Gelendzhik, Russia
Co-coordinators – Natalia Savosina, Safari Park, Gelendzhik, Russia

The spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca L., 1758) is one of the most widely distributed species of tortoises, with historical range spreading across North Africa, Southern Europe, and Western Asia. The spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) is listed as Vulnerable (VU A1cd, version 2.3) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species v. 2.3) and included in CITES Appendix II.

Eleven subspecies of Testudo graeca are currently recognized, with each of them occupying its part of the global range. Importantly, the currently recognized international classification does not include two taxa found in Russia: Nikolsky’s spur-thighed tortoise Testudo graeca nikolskii (Ckhikvadze et Tuniyev, 1986) and Testudo graeca pallasi (Сhkhikvadze et Bakradze, 2002). However, in the Russian Federation, these subspecies are recognized as valid and are considered as conservation priorities; both subspecies are included in the Category I (Endangered) in the Red Book of the Russian Federation (2021).

T. g. nikolskii inhabits exclusively a narrow strip (up to 30 km in maximum width) of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, in Krasnodar Krai and the Republic of Abkhazia.

In 2007, Russia’s first rehabilitation center for Nikolsky’s spur-thighed tortoise was established at the Safari Park in Gelendzhik, within the species natural range on the southern slope of the Markotkh Ridge. As of the beginning of 2026, the center's enclosures housed 11 mature individuals and more than 200 captive bred tortoises of various ages. The center plans to use its 5,000 m² adaptation enclosure to develop and refine techniques for preparing young animals for the release into natural habitats, a process that includes a mandatory pre-release veterinary examination for the confirmation of epizootic safety of the released animals. The program is aimed at the conservation of the subspecies in Krasnodar Krai of Russia.

The goal of the programme:
Creation of genetically representative, sustainable breeding population of the Nikolsky’s spur-thighed tortoise in captivity within an optimal area of the subspecies range on the southern slope of the Markotkh Ridge with the aim of releasing captive bred offspring into the natural habitats for the supplementation of the existing population and establishment of new populations of the subspecies in the wild.

Programme objectives:

- Developing techniques for the long-term (multi-year) management of the captive population of Nikolsky’s spur-thighed tortoise with confirmed disease-free status, under conditions imitating the natural environment as close as feasible.
- Conducting comprehensive veterinary examinations to rule out the risk of introducing pathogens into the wild population.
- Developing methods of the tortoise egg incubation and rearing of offspring under controlled environment, followed by the acclimatization of the offspring born in the current year to the conditions imitating natural habitats of the subspecies.
- Establishing working relationship with the management of the strictly protected areas located within historical range of the Nikolsky’s spur-thighed tortoise (Utrish State Nature Reserve, Management of Strictly Protected Areas of Krasnodar Krai, Sochi Natural Park, and Bichvinta-Miuseri Strict Nature Reserve in the Republic of Abkhazia) for the selection of optimal sites for potential releases of tortoises into the wild.
- Exchange of experience with other projects of rehabilitation and release of spur-thighed tortoises into the wild implemented in Russia (including projects implemented in Anapa, Sochi, and Dagestan) and other countries.
- Preparation and implementation of measures for releasing captive bred offspring into the wild in optimal release sites in accordance with the current legislation of the Russian Federation.
- In prospect: maintaining existing depleted populations and establishing new populations of the species in selected areas in the wild and long-term population monitoring aimed at the assessment of effectiveness of the selected method of conservation of habitats and numbers of the Nikolsky’s spur-thighed tortoise.
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Название EN:  Conservation of the Eurasian Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) ex situ
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Alexey Kovalenko, Moscow Zoo, Russia

The Eurasian black vulture (Aegypius monachus) is a member of Accipitridae family in the order Falconiformes. The species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is included in Appendix II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). The range of the Eurasian black vulture covers mountain and foothill areas in Eurasia and the north of Morocco in Africa. In Europe, these birds are found in Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, and northern Caucasus, while in Asia, they range in all major mountain systems. The global population size is estimated at 15,600–21,000 adult individuals or 7,800–10,500 pairs, which include 2,300–2,500 pairs in Europe and 5,500-8,000 pairs in Asia (Anon. 2004).

As of 2025, black vultures were kept in 17 EARAZA institutions. The total population consists of
57 (21.29.7) birds.

The programme is aimed at the creation and management of the sustainable, genetically healthy
population of the Eurasian black vulture at EARAZA zoos and breeding centres.

Programme objectives:

1. Developing a strategy for establishing an ex situ population of the Eurasian black vulture; collection of data on the age–sex structure and the number of bird pairs in the EARAZA population;
2. Research aimed at improving the welfare of the black vultures in captivity, as well as during rehabilitation and reintroduction; development and use of feeding, housing and breeding methods that promote natural behaviors of the birds;
3. Monitoring of validated data on the housing and reproduction of black vultures and circulation of new information among the participants of the program;
4. Conservation education;
5. Exchange of information with specialists from the strictly protected areas and, if necessary, the use of black vultures from the ex situ population in reintroduction projects.

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Название EN:  Conservation of the Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) ex situ
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Victoria Kostenko, Rostov-on-Don Zoo, Russia

The western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) is one of two recognized subspecies of the western
gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) (Groves 2001). Western lowland gorillas inhabit montane primary or secondary
forests and swamplands in Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. Gorilla gorilla gorilla is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The main threats to western lowland gorillas are poaching, high mortality rates caused by the viral disease (Ebola haemorrhagic fever), habitat loss and degradation, as well as the effects of climate change.

The low numbers of gorillas in EARAZA zoos necessitates the creation of a program to establish and
manage a genetically sound ex situ population of western lowland gorillas.

The programme is aimed at the creation and management of the sustainable, genetically healthy
population of the Western lowland gorilla at EARAZA zoos.

Programme objectives:

• Collection of data on the gorillas kept at EARAZA zoos, analysis of the population status and providing program participants with transfer and breeding recommendations; 
• Increasing the numbers of animals and genetic diversity of the EARAZA population the western lowland gorilla through the management of the captive population;
• Encouraging other EARAZA zoos that have adequate housing conditions and expertize for keeping gorillas to participate in the program;
• Development of cooperation between the program participants;
• Conducting research into biology and behavior of gorillas;
• Public conservation education aimed at raising public awareness of the vulnerability of the species in the wild and the role of zoos in species conservation;
• Development of the methods of gorilla husbandry and care for promoting natural behaviors of the animals and improving their welfare.

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Название EN:  Ex situ Conservation of the Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator — Ivan Pazhetnov, Moscow Zoo, Russia

The polar bear is the largest land carnivore native to the Arctic. These animals evolved to adapt to their ice environment. Polar bears live across the Arctic in Canada, Russia, Norway, Greenland, and the USA (Alaska), with an estimated total population of about 26,000 individuals.

The polar bear is included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as Vulnerable (VU). Climate warming causing both the reduction in extent and thickness of multi-year sea ice and fragmentation of the ice sheet is recognized as the most critical long-term threat to polar bears. Besides, polar bears are threatened with the anthropogenic pressure including, among others, human-caused mortality and pollution and intensive exploitation of the Arctic.

The programme on the ex situ conservation of the polar bear has been developed as a part of the strategy of the conservation of rare and threatened species of animals.

Goal of the Programme:

Conservation of the polar bear population ex situ and support of the in situ conservation projects.

1.Managing demographically and genetically healthy zoo population of the polar bear:

• coordination of polar bear transfer and breeding processes;
• carrying out genetic testing of polar bears to determine genetic statuses of individuals;
• providing recommendations on the design and construction of the facilities for polar bears;
• developing recommendations on the polar bear diets depending on the life cycle stage;
• developing recommendations on the training, behavioural enrichment and veterinary care of polar bears;
• holding advanced training courses for the polar bear keepers and zoologists;
• developing proposal for the amendment to the “Resolution of the Government of the Russian federation No 1937 on the approval of the requirements to the use of animals for cultural and entertainment purposes and animal husbandry”.

2. Support of the in situ conservation projects:

• preparation of rapid response teams for the prompt resolution of issues related to "conflict" polar bears (the lectures to be held for representatives of the Arctic regions on the biology, transportation and social behaviour of the polar bear, as well as on causes of conflict situations and approaches to their resolution);
• training on the resolution of human-bear conflicts (the training to be conducted directly at thу places where contacts between people and polar bears most frequently occur).

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Название EN:  Conservation and Rehabilitation of Bats
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Fillip Toumasyan, Moscow Zoo, Russia

 
The order Chiroptera includes over 1,300 extant species in 21 families, which represents more than one fifth of the global mammal diversity (Fenton, Simmons, 2014; Kruskop, 2012). Bats  are distributed on all continents (except Antarctica) and play a vital role in various ecosystems, both in the tropics and temperate zones. About 25% of all species within Chiroptera (over 240 species) are considered threatened (categories VU, EN or CE) by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The main threats to these animals worldwide are habitat loss and rapid transformation of landscapes amid the lack of information and negative public attitudes towards bats (Kruskop, 2013).

Goal of the programme:

Conservation of bats and maintaining their natural populations through rehabilitation of injured or weakened animals and their return to the natural environment.

Objectives of the programme:

1.       Structuring the processes of the rehabilitation of bats

• Providing program participants with methodological and advisory assistance in the creation and operation of bat rehabilitation centers;
• Developing recommendations on the bat rehabilitation and public education;
• Holding conferences and workshops for sharing experience and coordinating action aimed at bat rehabilitation.

2.       Public education

• Development and circulation of materials on the threats to bats and need in their protection, as well as on the methods of saving bats;
• Holding lectures and master classes on the work with Chiroptera;
• Maintaining close contacts with the media in covering current issues related to the conservation of bats.

3.       Research

• Facilitating the maintenance of contacts between scientists and organizations involved in the conservation of bats;
• Gathering data on the biology and ecology of Chiroptera and managing database;
• Monitoring the compliance of the research and methods of collecting material with the standards of ethics and humane treatment of animals.

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Название EN:  Conservation of the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) and the Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Roman Anoshin, Moscow Zoo, Russia

The Pelecanidae family includes 8 species. Two species are distributed in Russia: the Dalmatian pelican (Pelicanus crispus) and the great white pelican (Pelicanus onocrotal). Both species are included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation as rare, while the Dalmatian pelican is listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as Vulnerable. The range of the pelicans in Russia is extensive but their distribution has a patchy pattern. There is a tendency towards decreasing in both the numbers of birds and areas suitable for establishing nesting colonies of these species, which is most likely attributable to the water shortage in arid regions that are usually inhabited by pelicans and the resulting reduction in territories suitable for nesting, decrease in the basin food capacity, and reduction in their areas. At the same time, the dispersal of pelicans to the north is limited by the duration of their breeding season.

Goal of the programme:

Creation of a reserve ex situ population of pelicans for their potential reintroduction in native habitats for the conservation of the wild populations of these two species. 

• coordination of and participation in the monitoring of the nesting, migrant and wintering aggregations of birds from the South-East European and West Asian wild populations of Dalmatian pelicans (in cooperation with specialized institutions and organizations);
• collection of data on the structures of colonies, reproductive and other types of behaviour, and offspring rearing for their use as a theoretical basis for modelling the colony of Pelecaniformes in artificial environment;
• research into biological characteristics of the Dalmatian pelican and the great white pelican in the Rostovsky State Nature Reserve (Rostov Oblast);
• further development and testing of the pelican ex situ breeding methods for developing techniques of establishing reserve populations of Dalmatian and great white pelicans;
• establishing a colony of pelicans (and cormorants) at the Moscow Zoo’s Center for Reproduction of Rare Animal Species (Volokolamsky region, Moscow Oblast), taking into account both the data obtained in the course of field studies and experience of European zoos;
• review of the information obtained in the course of field studies, collation of data from regional ornithologists on the distribution and numbers of pelicans within the Russian part of the range, preparation of relevant scientific and methodological materials on the biology of pelicans (modelling natural habitats in captive environment in zoos and breeding centres; assessment of the impact of limiting factors and developing approaches to minimizing negative effects) and issuing recommendations for the protection and reproduction of rare species of Pelecaniformes;
• participation in the Pelicans of Russia conservation education programme;
• establishing cooperation of the coordinator of the programme with programme participants (zoos and breeding centres), as well as with coordinator and participants of the International Single Species Action Plan for the Conservation of the Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus.

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Название EN:  Conservation of the Rarest Sturgeon Species of Eurasia
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Alexei Chernyak, Moscow, Russia

Goal of the programme:

Saving from extinction the rarest species of sturgeons inhabiting the Baltic, Black and Caspian Seas, the Sea of Azov, and water basins of the Far East and Central Asia.

The subjects of the programme are threatened species of sturgeons or the species that are on the brink of extinction. These species include the large Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon (Pseudoscaphirhynchus kaufmanni), the small Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon (Pseudoscaphirhynchus hermanni), the Syr Darya shovelnose sturgeon (Pseudoscaphirhynchus fedtschenkoi), the Sakhalin (Mikado) sturgeon (Acipenser mikadoi), the kaluga (Huso dauricus), the Amur (Japanese) sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii), the Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser sturio), and the beluga (Huso huso maeoticus).

Nothing is known about the current status of the wild populations of some of the listed species. Other species of sturgeons with insufficiently studied wild populations may also be included in the programme.

• monitoring of the wild populations of the sturgeons included in the programme as target species;
• establishing regional fish hatcheries for maintaining breeding stock;
• creation of a cryobank for storing sperm of the sturgeons included in the programme;
• carrying out field work for collecting material for replenishing breeding stock and sperm for cryoconservation;
• developing and improving methods of sturgeon breeding and introduction of the sturgeons into aquaculture;
• establishing genetically diverse reserve groups of sturgeons included in the programme;
• reintroduction of the sturgeon progeny produced in aquaculture into their natural habitats or, if the water bodies of their original habitats are no longer suitable for reintroduction, identification of new places in the natural environment for sturgeon acclimatization;
• consolidation of efforts of participating organizations for the implementation of the listed objectives.

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Название EN:  Study, Conservation, and Breeding of the Pallas’s Cat (Otocolobus (Felis) manul)
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Mikhail Morozov, Moscow Zoo, Russia

Pallas's cat (Otocolobus (Felis) manul) is the only cat species widespread in Eurasian steppes. It is listed as Near Threatened (NT) by the IUCN. Pallas's cat is included in the Red Data Books of Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and China. The northern part of its range is found in Russia and Kazakhstan. The main problem in the management of Pallas's cats in captivity is the high percentage of stillborn kittens and exceptionally high mortality rate of kittens, especially in the first 6 months of life. It is assumed that the reason for this is the high susceptibility of Pallas's cats to toxoplasmosis because in captivity, these cats are susceptible to Toxoplasma. As a result of the programme, it is expected that a stable and genetically viable breeding ex situ population of Pallas's cats will be established at EARAZA institutions.

Goals of the programme:

• development of husbandry methods for the management of Pallas’s cats under artificial conditions;
• creation of the stable and genetically viable breeding ex situ population of Pallas's cats  at EARAZA zoos and breeding centres;
• obtaining the most comprehensive information about the biology of the species;
• support of the in situ research and conservation projects.

Main objectives of the programme:

• optimization of housing and husbandry conditions for Pallas’s cats (enclosure design, selection of diets and feeding regimes depending on the stage of the biological cycle, methods of environmental enrichment);
• predicting critical stages in biological cycles (preparation for reproduction, raising offspring, transportation, stress, etc.) and developing measures for preventing negative effects;
• development of non-invasive and safe methods of the monitoring of animal physiological status;
• study of the animal immune status and the relationship between the functioning of the immune system and stress under various conditions of artificial environment;
• development of a unified programme of medical examination; creation of a database on the health status of Pallas's cats kept at the zoos participating in the program;
• analysis of experience in the treatment and prevention of diseases with subsequent presentation of veterinary recommendations.

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Название EN:  Ex situ Conservation Programme for the Amur Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica)
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Sergei Khlupin, Moscow Zoo, Russia

The goal of the programme is to maintain a stable breeding ex situ population of Amur tigers at EARAZA zoos and breeding centres (ex situ population that can be used for the supplementation of the wild population, if necessary), which is one of the strategic components of the conservation of the subspecies.

The Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is native to the Russian Far East, Northeast China, and possibly North Korea. According to the 2021–2022 survey, the numbers of Amur tigers in Russia reached more than 750 individuals. The main threat to the survival of tigers is habitat loss caused by excessive logging.

• coordinated breeding of tigers, including breeding for the use of offspring for potential reintroduction project;
• development of optimal parameters of enclosure complexes (structure, design, equipment, etc.) intended for year-round long-term housing of Amur tigers under various climatic conditions;
• development of principles and methods of establishing groups of tigers in enclosures;
• optimization of standard methods for raising tiger cubs;
• development of zoo diets for Amur tigers, based on the age, sex, and individual characteristics of animals;
• development of requirements for the transportation of tigers;
• genetic monitoring of the ex situ population of the Amur tiger;
• participation in the development and implementation of the Amur tiger reintroduction project, if necessary.

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Название EN:  Establishing Reserve Populations of the Siberian Spruce Grouse (Falcipennis falcipennis)
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator — Vladimir Shilo, Institute of Taxonomy and Ecology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences / R.A. Shilo Novosibirsk Zoo, Russia

The Siberian spruce grouse (Falcipennis falcipennis, Hartlaub, 1855) is a species endemic to Russia. The Siberian grouse is included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. The range of the species currently consists of three isolated areas. The first area is the territory from north-western regions of the Amur Oblast and southeast of Yakutia to the cost of the Sea of Okhotsk; the second one extends from taiga regions of the Sikhote-Alin mountain range to the costs of the Tatar Strait and north of the Sea of Japan; and the third part of the species range covers northern and central regions of Sakhalin Island.

The numbers of birds are low and the wild populations of the species are declining dramatically. The main limiting factors are presented by the habitat degradation caused by logging of coniferous forests, forest fires, road construction, industrial development, disturbance factors, and poaching. Sable and owls are natural enemies of the Siberian grouse.

Goals of the programme:

• developing methods of the Siberian grouse breeding under artificial conditions;
• development and optimization of the regime of year-round housing of birds in the artificial environment;
• establishing stable, genetically valuable breeding ex situ population of the Siberian spruce grouse;
• releases of the captive bred founder stock into the wild in isolated areas of dark coniferous taiga in Novosibirsk Oblast;
• study of the process of acclimatization and naturalization of Siberian spruce grouses in the course of establishing reserve populations of the species.

Programme objectives:

• to develop techniques of the Siberian grouse ex-situ management and breeding;
• to establish breeding stock of the Siberian spruce grouse for creating ex situ population of the species;
• to prepare isolated areas of dark coniferous taiga for the releases of captive bred birds;
• to carry our field studies in various Siberian regions for the identification of areas suitable for establishing reserve populations of the Siberian grouse;
• to create reserve populations of the Siberian spruce grouse and to study the possibilities of increasing the numbers of the birds by increasing the number of their populations in various territories, including habitats in the species historical range.

By now, a breeding and genetically healthy captive population of the Siberian grouse has been created. Releases of captive-bred Siberian spruce grouse were carried out in geographically isolated areas of dark coniferous taiga in Novosibirsk Oblast. The processes of acclimatization and naturalization of the Siberian spruce grouse are being studied.

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Название EN:  Conservation of Rare and Endangered Anseriformes of Eurasia
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Vladimir Ostapenko, Moscow Zoo, Russia

Several species listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation were selected as the main subjects of the program. Ongoing studies are aimed at improving breeding methods for the swan goose, the lesser white-fronted goose, the tundra swan, and other rare Anseriformes. These and other species of Anseriformes breed in a number of EARAZA zoos.

Programme goal:

• development and implementation of a strategy for the conservation and restoration of the wild populations of rare species of Anseriformes through intensive breeding in artificial conditions and subsequent reintroduction into the wild.
• establishing the required number of stable, genetically healthy breeding groups (ex situ populations) of rare species of Anseriformes at zoos and breeding centres.

Objectives of the programme:

Breeding and reintroduction of birds into the wild with addressing a set of issues of the optimal methods of ex situ management and breeding of these species, including:

• identification of the species of Anseriformes where wild populations require supplementation through ex situ breeding and subsequent reintroduction into the wild;

• continuous monitoring of the status of the populations of Eurasian Anseriformes;

• development of standard requirements for housing conditions for Anseriformes (enclosures, cages, pens, pastures, winter facilities, enclosure complexes for birds’ pre-release adaptation to natural environment);

• providing recommendations on the design and construction of facilities for Anseriformes;

• developing approaches to the selection of birds suitable for breeding and release into the wild;

• identification of the best reintroduction sites;

• elaboration of principles and methods of establishing groups of birds in enclosures;

• predicting critical stages in biological cycles of Anseriformes (molting, preparation for reproduction, raising offspring, transportation, stress, etc.) and developing measures for preventing negative effects;

• developing intensive breeding methods (artificial incubation of eggs, hand-raising of chicks, including shaping diverse natural behaviours, increasing egg production, etc.);

• optimization of veterinary care of Anseriformes;

• development of zoo diets depending on the stage of biological cycle;

• developing requirements for the transportation of Anseriformes;

• management of the Studbooks for the species in question;

• testing post-release monitoring methods;

• general biological research.

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Название EN:  Conservation of Eurasian Cranes
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Tatiana Kashentseva, Oka State Nature Biosphere Reserve, Ryasan oblast, Russia

All cranes of the Palearctic belong to nesting migratory species with small population sizes, which is attributed to both biological features and habitat loss due to a variety of anthropogenic factors including poaching. Cranes depend on the wetlands that are used by the birds throughout the year and at various stages of the annual cycle. This factor plays a critical role in the decline in the numbers of most crane species, since wetlands are universally transformed into the lands used for economic development.

The goal of the programme is to preserve the gene pool of the cranes, especially rare and endangered species, through establishing genetically valuable breeding populations in zoos and breeding centres of Eurasia for the restoration of decreasing wild populations. Siberian cranes (Grus leucogeranus), Japanese cranes (Grus japonensis), white-naped cranes (Antigone vipio), black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis), and Demoiselle cranes (Grus virgo) successfully breed at a number of EARAZA institutions.

• consolidation and dissemination of experience and knowledge in breeding cranes under artificial conditions;
• certification of crane husbandry conditions at EARAZA zoos and breeding centres;
• development and optimization of the seasonal husbandry regimes for the cranes under artificial conditions in various climatic zones;
• breeding of rare and endangered species of cranes under artificial conditions on the basis of the data of the Studbooks in the frames of EARAZA programme;
• preparation of the offspring of captive bred cranes for reintroduction into the wild;
• ecological education;
• scientific research facilitating the listed activities.

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Название EN:  Conservation of Eurasian Bustards
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Pavel Rozhkov, Moscow Zoo, Russia

The main subjects of the programme are all three species of the family of Bustards (Otididae), distributed in Russia and neighbouring states:

• The great bustard (Otis tarda tarda, O. t. dybowskii): both subspecies are globally threatened and included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation (category 3 for the western subspecies and 2, for the eastern subspecies), Appendix II of CITES, Appendix II of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (the Bern Convention), and Appendix I of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

• The little bustard (Tetrax tetrax): globally threatened species included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation (category 3), IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (LR/nt), Appendix II of CITES, and Appendix II of the Bern Convention.

• The houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii): globally threatened species included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation (category 1), Red Books of a number of countries of Central Asia, Appendix I of CITES, and Appendix II of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

Goals of the programme:

• developing standardized methods of the management and breeding of bustards in enclosures as one of the strategic areas of the conservation of Eurasian bustards.

• joining and consolidating the efforts and scientific and practical experience of the programme participants (zoos and breeding centres) in optimizing ex situ breeding of bustards.

• establishing ex situ population of the great bustard Otis tarda.

Primary objectives of the programme:

• development of optimal parameters of enclosure complexes (structure, design, equipment, etc.) intended for year-round long-term housing of bustards under various climatic conditions;

• development, optimization and standardization of the regimes of year-round long-term housing of bustards in the artificial environment under various climatic conditions;

• development of standardized food recipes for different programme objects, taking into account species features, age of birds and season of the year; 

• development of the methods and techniques of artificial insemination as the key component of the captive breeding of bustards;

• optimization of the methods of artificial incubation of bustard eggs;

• optimization of the standard methods of raising of bustard chicks in breeding enclosures;

• developing a method for determining the sex of birds at early stages of growth and development;

• establishing and managing Studbook on captive bustards, based on the maintenance of DNA-database and marking of chicks;

• identification of the site area (in nature reserve or strictly protected area) for establishing semi-wild monitored bustard population;

• establishing semi-wild population of the great bustard Otis tarda tarda​.

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Название EN:  Conservation of the Mountain Ungulates of Eurasia
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Nikolai Karpov, Moscow Zoo, Russia

The main subjects of the programme are both threatened species of mountain ungulates, such as the markhor (included in the Appendix I of CITES and IUCN Red List (Critically Endangered, CR)), the West Caucasian tur  (IUCN – EN), the East Caucasian tur (IUCN – VU), the wild goat  (IUCN – VU), the Altai argali (CITES Appendix II, IUCN – VU) and other subspecies of the argali, and species that are rare in zoo collections: the Siberian ibex, the urial, the Severtzov’s argali, the Armenian mouflon, and other ungulates of the Eurasian mountain fauna.

Mountain ungulates of Eurasia, for instance, the markhor, the Siberian ibex, the Altai argali  and the Kara Tau argali, the Marco Polo sheep, and several other species and subspecies represent a unique biological complex threatened with extinction. The main reasons for the decline of their population and limiting factors include destruction of natural habitats as a result of livestock grazing, poaching, increased pressure from predators (wolves), climate change, and negative impacts of armed conflicts arising on political, ethnic, or religious grounds. 

Main goal of the programme:

Establishing stable, genetically valuable breeding ex situ populations of the Eurasian mountain ungulates, with the focus on rare species including the markhor and mountain sheep for creating a reserve of animals for gene conservation and reintroduction of animals into the wild. 

Primary objectives of the programme:

• development of standard requirements for projecting, designing, and construction of enclosure complexes for the management and breeding of mountain ungulates, taking into account high specialization of these animals;

• developing approaches to the selection of animals suitable for breeding and release into the wild;

• assessment of landscapes and pastures for the identification of the release sites, forage harvesting areas for the animals kept in enclosures, etc.;

• developing principles and methods of establishing groups of mountain ungulates in enclosures;

• predicting and preventing critical physiological conditions of the animals (stress reaction, exhaustion, tachypnea, developmental abnormalities, reduced breeding success, etc.), based on the use of non-invasive techniques;

• assessment of the long-term changes in animal phenotypes caused by keeping of ungulates in enclosures;

• development of a standard technique for intensive captive breeding of the markhor and mountain sheep, using the entire range of advanced methods for breeding of agricultural animals (artificial insemination, preservation of reproductive material and other approaches);

• elaborating a wide range of biotechnical issues including veterinary care of captive animals, transportation methods, development of diets for different seasons of the year, study of phenotypic variability, keeping international Studbooks, and experimental work of general biological nature.

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Название EN:  Conservation of the Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)
Описание EN: 

Programme Coordinator – Lubov Kurilovich, Moscow Zoo, Russia

The goal of the programme:

The programme is aimed at creating prerequisites for the long-term survival of the species that is threatened by the global transformation of its natural habitats (caused by the plans of industrial development) through the management of the stable breeding population of the Steller’s sea eagle at zoos and breeding centres for the use of the birds from the captive population for the supplementation of the wild populations of the Steller’s Sea Eagle.

The Steller’s Sea Eagle is listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation (2001), CITES (Appendix II), Convention on Migratory Species (CMS, Appendix 1) and Appendices of the bilateral agreements within the framework of the CMS between Russia and the USA, Japan, South Korea and North Korea.

Programme objectives:

1. Breeding of the Steller's sea eagles for potential reintroduction of birds into the wild, with preliminary development of a set of issues regarding maintenance and reproduction of birds in artificial environment:

• development of standard requirements for housing conditions (enclosures, cages, facilities for raising nestlings, pre-release facilities) for the Steller’s sea eagles maintenance and breeding;
• providing recommendations on the design and construction of facilities for Steller’s sea eagles;
• elaboration of principles and methods of establishing groups of birds in enclosures;
• predicting critical stages in biological cycles (molting, preparation for reproduction, raising offspring, transportation, stress, etc.) and developing measures for preventing negative effects;
• developing intensive breeding methods (artificial incubation of eggs, hand-raising of chicks, including shaping diverse natural behaviours, increasing egg production, etc.);
• optimization of veterinary care of Steller’s sea eagles;
• development of zoo diets for Steller’s sea eagles, depending on the stage of biological cycle;
• elaboration of requirements for the transportation of Steller’s sea eagles.

2. Continuous monitoring of the wild populations of the Steller’s sea eagle distributed in the Pacific coastal areas of the Russian Far East.

3. Management of EARAZA Studbook for the Steller’s sea eagle.

4. Coordination of activities associated with captive breeding and transfers of the birds between EARAZA institutions.Development of the reintroduction project, if necessary:

• developing approaches to the selection of birds suitable for breeding and release into the wild;
• identification of favourable reintroduction sites;
• testing post-release monitoring methods.

5. General biological research.

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