From gene rescue to species conservation
The Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science, University of Jan Evangelista Purkyně, cooperates with the Ústí nad Labem Zoo on research that contributes to the protection of endangered species and the improvement of their conditions in human care.
The role of zoos today goes far beyond simply exhibiting animals to the public – they are becoming important centers of research and places where genetically healthy populations can be preserved. This research is essential not only for animals kept in captivity, but also for possible reintroduction into the wild.
We study the behavior and welfare of species that are difficult or impossible to observe in their natural environment. Current topics include, for example:
Ethology of endangered species – from a detailed study of abnormal behavior in male mandrills to an analysis of the social life of rare bear cuscus.
Nutrition and health – research into the effect of feed rations on the dental health of Malayan tapirs.
Condition and reproduction – monitoring the physical condition and maternal behavior of white-lipped deer, an endangered species of the Tibetan plateau.
Each of these projects brings new insights that help improve the care of animals in zoos and contribute to their conservation in the wild.
🎥 Watch the video to find out how science and zoos work together to protect wild animals.