Final Report - Asian Development Bank

TA 4721-PRC: Preparing the Shaanxi-Qinling Mountains Integrated Ecosystem Management Project
Final Report Appendix 7
166. Potential risks are identified as being:
� The ibis have difficulty is adapting to the new environment initially
� Water availability not sufficient to meet the needs of the project
� Avian influenza
� The appeal of this center to visitors being insufficient to meet targets
� High maintenance costs
� High food costs
167. The proposed investment is considered to be excellent with considerable benefits to both the
crested ibis program and the protection of wetlands in the Qinling Mountains. The scale of the project
is now such that it is feasible if issues of materials, the location and water availability are addressed.
The primary concern relates to the on-going management and maintenance costs of the site both of
the ibis and other species and of the physical structures. To ensure these can be met a reliable and
large visitor base is required.
168. It is essential that the three main breeding sites in the Qinling Mountains use this project as a
catalyst to work more closely, especially with a coordinated breeding program. This will maximize the
space available for ibis, ensure the strongest possible genetic make-up of the population and minimize
any negative effects of inbreeding. It will also ensure the best use of the resources available for the
provision of crested ibis elsewhere in China and in other countries.
169. Satellite 3 – Golden Monkey Breeding and Raising Base. The Golden Monkey Center will
provide a centre of excellence for the husbandry of golden monkeys in an ex-situ facility. Natural
groupings of golden monkeys will have a large natural environment in which to live year round
providing the center’s research team with the opportunity to study group dynamics and other
behaviors in a relatively accessible facility.
170. Although the center is part of the wider conservation program for all biodiversity in the area
the focus will not be on breeding but more to demonstrate best practice in the care of these primates.
The center will inform visitors about the forest ecosystems in the mountains and the role of some of
the key species in that environment. Primates are very popular with visitors mainly due to their
complex social organization and the golden monkey is an excellent species to demonstrate some of
the behaviors that maintain social structures.
171. The scale of the facility will enable researchers to study the behaviors of the golden
monkeys, providing information that could be useful in ensuring their future in the wild. This research
can link to the study of wild populations in the project area. There are a number of very effective ways
to contain large primates in semi free-ranging environments which need to be understood to assist in
the final design utilized in this project. The use of electric fencing can be economical but local climatic
conditions may create problems, especially with snow fall.
172. It is proposed to construct 10 separate units but this number needs to be evaluated before
final design taking into consideration the number of golden monkeys to be held at the center and the
role of these animals in the future. A phased development may be considered.
173. Smaller units may be designed with a complete cover of wire netting to provide a convenient
and very suitable 3 dimensional space for the primates with a relatively small footprint. A prototype for
this design can be trialed at the main center.
174. All the areas must have access to inside facilities both for general management and for
security. These areas will not be on view to visitors although viewing into one inside area could be
considered within the design for maximum flexibility. Such facilities will include animal handling
devices. The design and location of such equipment must be agreed by the husbandry team.
175. The current design and animal husbandry issues include:
� Sex ratio imbalance for the establishment of compatible groups i.e. too many males
� Breeding management
� Determining a suitable sized enclosure to avoid destruction of the habitat
� The potential to provide golden monkeys to zoos nationally and internationally
� The role of the center in the conservation of the species
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