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Exotically Inclined
22 October 2004
Wellington Zoo is making headlines (in animal circles!) once again with the appointment of Curators, Simon Eyre (Mammals) and Geert van Eyken (Birds), to additional positions within the Australian Species Management Program (ASMP).
Members of the ASMP committee often attend Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) meetings where discussions take place as to the merit of having some of these species in the region.
Simon has been appointed to the position of Convenor for the Miscellaneous Exotic Mammals which he describes as "...involving chairing and reporting on at least one TAG meeting each year as well as helping out with regional policy surrounding exotic mammals like Sloths, Anteaters and Porcupines".
Simon will also talk to government agencies like the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on behalf of the region (New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea). Another of his responsibilities is to make sure any actions that are agreed upon by TAG, actually happen! These actions include the likes of creating studbooks (dating systems) so that the many exotic species can be closely managed.
As for the species contact and studbook keeper for Capybaras (the largest rodent in the world!!), Geert van Eyken is the man to talk to. In the annual Captive Population Management Plan for Capybaras Geert makes recommendations regarding the animals in the region.
Phewww....it's just as well Simon and Geert are up with the 'play' because we could all be VERY confused by now.
You can find out more about the appointments by emailing Wellington Zoo on wellingtonzoo@wcc.govt.nz
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