Brown spider money and red panda arrive at Paignton Zoo – BBC

Introduction of New Species at Paignton Zoo Supporting Conservation Efforts

Overview

Paignton Zoo has recently welcomed two new animals as part of its ongoing conservation breeding programme. The arrivals include a female red panda, classified as an endangered species, and a female brown spider monkey, identified as critically endangered. Both animals were transferred from zoos in France to the Devon-based facility.

Species Conservation Status and Threats

1. Brown Spider Monkey
   • Added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List in 2020.
   • Population decline primarily due to habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade in Colombia and Venezuela.
   • Conservation efforts align with SDG 15: Life on Land, focusing on protecting terrestrial ecosystems and endangered species.
2. Red Panda
   • Estimated fewer than 10,000 mature individuals remaining in the wild.
   • Habitat destruction in China is the main threat to their survival.
   • Supports SDG 15: Life on Land by promoting the protection and restoration of natural habitats.

Integration into Paignton Zoo

• The red panda will join an existing female named Ember.
• The brown spider monkey will be introduced to a troop consisting of females Luna and Lena, and male Kikou.
• Initial introduction of the spider monkey will be off-show to visitors to ensure a smooth acclimatization process.

Keeper Insights and Educational Value

James Shora, mammal keeper at Paignton Zoo, highlighted the contrasting characteristics of the two species:

• Red pandas provide quieter, contemplative moments for visitors.
• Spider monkeys exhibit dynamic energy reminiscent of South American forest canopies.
• This diversity enriches visitor experience and awareness, contributing to SDG 4: Quality Education by fostering environmental education and awareness.

Source Zoos

• The red panda originated from Les Terres de Natae, Pont-Scorff.
• The brown spider monkey was transferred from Zoo Amiens Métropole.

Conclusion

The introduction of these endangered species at Paignton Zoo exemplifies active participation in global conservation initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through breeding programmes and habitat preservation efforts, the zoo contributes to biodiversity conservation (SDG 15), environmental education (SDG 4), and sustainable ecosystem management, fostering a future where wildlife and humans coexist sustainably.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water – indirectly related through conservation efforts impacting ecosystems.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land – directly connected as the article discusses conservation breeding programmes for endangered and critically endangered terrestrial species.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – implied through addressing habitat destruction and the pet trade.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 15 – Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect endangered species.
2. SDG 15 – Target 15.7: End poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address demand and supply of illegal wildlife products.
3. SDG 12 – Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, which includes reducing habitat destruction.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Indicator for Target 15.5: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, and the proportion of species threatened with extinction.
• Indicator for Target 15.7: Number of poached or trafficked species and trends in illegal wildlife trade.
• Population counts of endangered species: The article mentions fewer than 10,000 mature red pandas in the wild, indicating use of population size as an indicator.
• IUCN Red List status: The classification of brown spider monkeys as critically endangered and red pandas as endangered serves as an indicator of species conservation status.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: bbc.com