AZA Granting Program Publications

AZA's Conservation Grants Fund (CGF) and SAFE Granting Program support an extraordinary range of projects. Below are citations for peer-reviewed publications that have been informed by CGF-funded and SAFE Grant-funded efforts, as well as links to summaries of project outcomes published in AZA's member magazine,Connect.

Animal Health

• Allender, M. 2017.Reptile and Amphibian Threats Study. Connect. June: 15.
• Anderson, P.A., Huber, D.R., Berzins, I.K. 2012. Correlations of capture, transport, and nutrition with spinal deformities in sandtiger sharks,Carcharias taurus, in public aquaria. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 43(4):750-758.
• Becker, M. H., C. L. Richards-Zawacki, B. Gratwicke, L. K. Belden. 2014. The effect of captivity on the cutaneous bacterial community of the critically endangered Panamanian golden frog (Atelopus zeteki). Biological Conservation 176: 199 – 206.
• Bolortsetseg, S., Enkhtuvshin, S., Nyamsuren, D., Weisman, W., Fine, A., Yang, A. and D. Joly. 2012. Serosurveillance for foot-and-mouth disease in Mongolian gazelles (Procapra gutturosa) and livestock on the eastern steppe of Mongolia. Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 48(1):33-38.
• Crawford, G., Puschner, B., Affolter, V., Stalis, I., Davidson, A., Baker, T., Tahara, J., Jolly, A. and Ostapak, S. (2015), Systemic effects ofLeucaena leucocephala ingestion on ringtailed lemurs (Lemur catta) at Berenty Reserve, Madagascar. Am. J. Primatol.. doi: 10.1002/ajp.22386
• Dorsey, C., Dennis, P., Fascetti, A., Wood, T. and J. Brown. 2010. Hypoaminoacidemia is not associated with ulcerative lesions in black rhinoceroses,Diceros bicornis. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 41(1): 22-27.
• Dorsey, C., Dennis, P., Guagnon, G., Wood, T. and J. Brown. 2010. Decreased baseline fecal glucocorticoid concentrations associated with skin and oral lesions in black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 41(4): 616-625.
• Driscoll, M. V., Tuttle, A. D., & Romano, T. A. (2023). Fecal glucocorticoid analysis as a health monitoring tool for endangered African penguins (Spheniscus demersus). General and Comparative Endocrinology, 330, 114147.
• Duke E, Harrison SH, Moresco A, Trout T, TroanB, Garner M, Smith M, Harrison TM. 2022. A multi-institutional collaboration to understand neoplasia, treatment and survival of snakes. Animals 12:258.
• Duke E, Moresco A, Trout T, Stringer EM, Smith M, Harrison TM. 2018a. Investigation of Neoplasia and Therapeutic Interventions in Snakes. Consortium foCanine Comparative Oncology Annual Conference. Durham, NC. p.
• Duke E, Moresco A, Trout T, Stringer EM, Smith M, Harrison TM. 2018b. Investigation of Neoplasia and Therapeutic Interventions in Snakes. ExoticsConAnnual Conference. Atlanta, GA. p.
• Dzanic F, Moresco A, Larsen RS, Johnson III JG, Romano J, Sadar MJ. 2021. Retrospective study of anesthetic events in herpestids in professional care. Am. Assoc. Zoo Vet. Annual Conference. p. 14.
• Eschweiler K, Clayton JB, Moresco A, McKenneyE, Suhr Van Haute M, Gasper W, HayerSS, Zhu L, Cooper K, Minter LJ, Ange-van Heugten K. 2021. Host identity and geographic location significantly affect gastrointestinal microbial richness and diversity in Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorillagorilla) under human care. Animals 11(12):3399.
• Eschweiler K, Moresco A, Clayton JB, McKenneyE, Minter LJ, Ange-van Heugten K. 2019. Factors affecting the longitudinal stability of the GI microbiome in Gorilla (Gorilla gorillagorilla) under managed care. Nutrition Advisory Group Annual Conference. St Louis, MO.
• Eschweiler KA, Moresco A, Clayton JB, McKenneyEA, Minter LJ, Ange-van Heugten K. 2020-mtgcancelled d/t COVID. Considerations for sampling protocols for gastrointestinal microbiome research for human managed western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorillagorilla). Am. Soc. Primatol. Annual Conference. Denver, CO.
• French, S.S., Lewis, E.L., Ki, K.C. et al. Blood chemistry and biliverdin differ according to reproduction and tourism in a free-living lizard. J Comp Physiol B 193, 315–328 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00360-023-01483-8
• Moresco, A., Muson, L., and I.A. Gardner. 2009. Naturally occurring and Melengestrol Acetate-associated reproductive tract lesions in zoo canids. Veterinary Pathology 46(6): 1117-1128.
• Moresco A, Muñoz K, Gutierrez F, Arias-Bernal L, YartoJaramillo E, Teixeira CR, Peña-StadlinJ, TroanB. 2020. Taxonomic distribution of neoplasia among non-domestic felid species under managed care. Animals 10(12).
• Moresco A, Prado N, Davis M, SchreierA, ReadyhoughT, Joseph S, Grey CE, Brown JL. 2022. Immunoglobulin A and physiologic correlates of well-being in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). J Zool. Bot. Gardens 3(4):677-687.
• Tate, E.E., Anderson, P.A., Huber, D.R., Berzins, I.K. 2013. Correlations of swimming patterns with spinal deformities in the sandtiger shark,Carcharias taurus. International Journal for Comparative Psychology 26: 75-82.
• Yang, A. 2012.Foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks spill over to Mongolian gazelles from livestock. Connect. March: 9.

Animal Welfare

• Brady J, Moresco A, Weaver T, CossaboonD, Joseph S, Willis J. 2018. Effects of temperature on the behavior of Lake Titicaca frogs (Telmatobiusculeus). Assoc. Zoo Aquaria Annual Conference. Seattle, WA.
• Miller, L. and S. Kuczaj. 2009. Bottlenose dolphin education programs: Benefits for conservation education and enrichment programs? Connect. November: 18-19.
• ReadyhoughT, Joseph S, Davis M, Moresco A, SchreierAL. 2022. Impacts of socialization on bull Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) stereotypical behavior. J ZoolBotGardens3(1):113-130.
• ReadyhoughT, Joseph S, Moresco A, SchreierAL, Davis M. 2019. Bull Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) behavior in varying social combinations at Denver Zoo. Elephant Managers Association Annual Conference. Denver, CO.
• ReadyhoughTS, Joseph S, Davis M, Moresco A, SchreierAL. 2021. Socialization impacts stereotypical behavior in bull Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). American Behavior Society Annual Conference.
• SchreierAL, ReadyhoughTS, Moresco A, Davis M, Joseph S. 2021. Social dynamics of a newly integrated bachelor group of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). J ApplAnimWelfSci:1-18.
• ThevarajahS, ReadyhoughTS, Davis M, Moresco A, Joseph S, SchreierAL. 2021. Nighttime behavior and the duration of social relationships in bull Asian elephants J ApplAnimWelfSc
• Whitham, J.C. and N. Wielebnowski. 2011.Development of an animal welfare monitoring tool. Connect. April: 24.

Conservation Education

• Bergren, R. and R. Santymire. 2011.Black-footed ferrets in Montana: Lincoln Park Zoo partners with the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Connect. May: 8-9.
• Bray, S. and D. Jenike. 2017.Lale’enok: Conservation Through Coexistence in Kenya’s South Rift Valley. Connect. March: 13.
• Brown, L. 2018. Non-Lead Hunting Education Program at the Oregon Zoo. Connect. July: 12
• Curti, M. 2010.AZA supports community education in Guatemala. Connect. June: 53.
• Danielewicz, P. and T. Vanderwerf. 2012.A citizen science training model for investigating the presence or absence of amphibian chytrid fungus in amphibian populations. Connect. May: 41.
• Fredriksson, G. 2013.Conserving Sumatran orangutans: Batang Toru Forest, Boundary Socialization Programme, Tapanuli, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Connect. May: 28.
• Gilson, P. and S. Young. 2016.Community outreach in support of vaquita conservation. Connect. August: 9.
• O'Connor, D. 2016.Building public support for Borean sun bear conservation. Connect. June: 11.
• Stanoss, R. 2013.Global Conservation Leadership Program for Youth – Botswana: The human dimensions of conservation. Connect. August: 40.
• Stotz, E. 2016.Mongolia Up: Uniting People Globally for Wildlife Conservation. Connect. April: 8.

Field Conservation

• Arandjelovic M, Bergl RA, Ikfuingei R, Jameson C, Parker M, Vigilant L. 2015. Detection dog efficacy for collecting faecal samples from the critically endangered Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) for genetic censusing. R. Soc. open sci. 2: 140423
• Bergl, R. 2013.Use of trained detection dogs to survey the critically endangered Cross River gorilla. Connect. March: 28.
• Brittsan, M., Schick, M., and K. Vires. 2011.SECORE and coral conservation. Connect. September: 38.
• Bushell, J. 2015.Frogs gone wild: Reestablishing the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog. Connect. August: 13.
• de Silva, S. 2018.Conserving Buddha's Giants With Trunks & Leaves, Inc. Connect. February: 16.
• Dickman, A. 2014.From spears to cell phones: Resolving human-carnivore conflict in Tanzania’s Ruaha landscape. Connect. May: 28.
• Ettling, J. 2009.The Armenian viper: CEF assists with conservation efforts for a rapidly declining species. Connect. May: 44-45.
• Fenolio, D. 2011.The Darwin’s frog conservation initiative. Connect. August: 33.
• Fenolio, D., Crump, M., Lamar, W., Fabry, M., Tirado, M., Charrier, A., Levy, M., and P Calderon. 2011. A review of the Chile Mountains false toad,Telmatobufo venustus (Amphibia:Anura:Calyptocephalellidae), with comments on its conservation status. Herpetological Review, 42(4), 514–519.
• Freeman, K. and I. Porton. 2013.Invasive guava in Madagascar. Connect. February: 28.
• Freund, C., Rahman, E., & C. Knott. 2016. Ten years of orangutan-related wildlife crime investigation in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. American Journal of Primatology. doi: 10.1002/ajp.22620
• Geist, N. 2009.CEF supports western pond turtle headstarting. Connect. October: 45.
• George, A. 2016. Above the Surface:Lifting Lake Sturgeon Conservation into Public View. Connect. March: 10.
• Goossens, B., J.M. Setchell, E. Tchidongo, E. Dilambaka, C. Vidal, M. Ancrenaz, and A. Jamart. 2005. Survival, interactions with conspecifics and reproduction in 37 chimpanzees released into the wild. Biological Conservation 123: 461-475.
• Graham, L. 2010.Saving the Vancouver Island marmot. Connect. September: 53.
• Guharajan, R., Magguna, M.A.B., Garshelis, D.L., and B. Goossens. 2015.Studying how sun bears use human-modified landscapes. Connect. January: 15.
• Han, S., Hor, L., Nhek, R., Sorn, P., Heng S., Simpson, B., Starr, A., Brooke, S., Frechett, J.L., & Daltry, J.C. (2015). Status, distribution and ecology of the Siamese crocodileCrocodylus siamensis in Cambodia. Cambodian Journal of Natural History, 2015: 153-164.
• Houston, B. 2011.Saharan carnivore study in Niger. Connect. May: 30.
• Knott, C. 2017.The Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Program. Connect. May: 9.
• Louis, E. 2012.Rocket stoves and reforestation: Ensuring the long-term survival of two critically endangered lemur species in Madagascar. Connect. March: 34.
• Miller, J. 2013.Predicting tiger and leopard attacks on livestock in Kanha Tiger Reserve, India. Connect. January: 36.
• Miller, J., Jhala, Y., Jena, J., and O. Schmitz. 2015. Landscape-scale accessibility of livestock to tigers: implications of spatial grain for modeling predation risk to mitigate human–carnivore conflict. Ecology and Evolution 5(6): 1354–1367. 
• Ogada, D. 2018.Time is of the Essence: Identifying Poisoning Hotspots and Key Conservation Areas for Vultures. Connect. March: 9.
• Perrig, P., Donadio, E., Middleton, A.D., and J.N. Pauli. 2016. Puma predation subsidizes an obligate scavenger in the high Andes. Journal of Applied Ecology 1365-2664. doi: 10.1111/1365-2664.12802
• Perez, R., C. L. Richards-Zawacki, A. R. Krohn, M. Robak, E. J. Griffith, H. Ross, B. Gratwicke, R. Ibanez, J. Voyles. 2014.Atelopus varius frogs are persisting in regions whereBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis is not enzootic. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 8(2): 30 – 35.
• Sampson, C. 2015.Walking with giants: Deep in the golden land, Smithsonian scientists work to save the endangered Asian elephant. Connect. May: 11.
• Seidler, J.Giving an Illinois turtle a good head start. Connect. June: 30.
• Sharma, R.K. 2014.Does pastoralism help or harm snow leopards? Connect. February: 41.
• Smurl, M. 2011.The Conservation Endowment Fund and the Florida scrub jay. Connect. January: 46.
• Spiering, P. M. Szykman Gunther, M.J. Somers, D.E. Wildt, M. Walters, A.S. Wilson and J.E. Maldonado. 2011. Inbreeding, heterozygosity and fitness in a reintroduced population of endangered African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Conservation Genetics 12:401-412.
• Spiering, P., M.J. Somers, J.E. Maldonado, D.E. Wildt, and M. Szykman Gunther. 2010. Reproductive sharing and proximate factors mediating cooperative breeding in the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 64:583-592.
• Spiering, P., M. Szykman Gunther, D.E. Wildt, M.J. Somers and J.E. Maldonado. 2009. Sampling error in non-invasive genetic analyses of an endangered social carnivore. Conservation Genetics 10:2005-2007.
• Starr, A. 2012.Re-introduction of Siamese crocodiles to the wild project. Connect. June: 45.
• Szykman Gunther, M. 2011.Genetic variation and the reintroduction of African wild dogs in South Africa. Connect. October: 34.
• Vilchis, I. 2018.Enhancing Natural Foraging Behvaior in California Condors. Connect. October: 11
• Willis J, Brady J, Moresco A, CossaboonD. 2021. Conservation implications of respiratory behavior and terrestrial habitat use with water temperature changes in Lake Titicaca Frog (Telmatobiusculeus). American Behavior Society Annual Conference.

Management / Breeding

• Herrick, J. R., Iske, C. J., Santymire, R. M., Lynch, C., Alonge, M., Krisher, R. L., & Morris, C. L. (2020). Factors affecting reproductive traits in male snow leopards (Uncia uncia). Reproduction and Fertility, 1(1), 35–49. 
• Alba, A. 2015.Management, stress and reproduction in the Guam Micronesian kingfisher. Connect. February: 7.
• Bateman, H. 2012.Addressing aggression in Asian small-clawed otters through the use of GnRH agonist. Connect. December: 34.
• Burger, I., Julien, A. R., Kouba, A. J., Barber, D., Counsell, K. R., Pacheco, C., Krebs, J., & Kouba, C. K. (2021). Linking in-situ and ex-situ populations of threatened amphibians through genome banking. Conservation Science and Practice, e525.
• Curry, E. 2017.Developing a Pregnancy Test for Polar Bears. Connect. April: 7.
• DeCaluwe, H. 2012.Characterization and control of aggression in male clouded leopards. Connect. August: 34. April: 
• Edmonds D, Rakotoarisoa JC, Dolch R, Pramuk J, Gagliardo R, Andreone F, Rabibisoa N, Rabemananjara F, Rabesihanaka S, Robsomanitrandrasana E. 2012. Building capacity to implement conservation breeding programs for frogs in Madagascar: Results from year one of Mitsinjo’s amphibian husbandry research and captive breeding facility. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 5(3):57-69(e55). al.
• Franklin A, Moresco A, Hummel G, Frank K, Cowl V, HorisznyS, Cantwell Grimm E, Powell D. 2022. Looking back to look forward: Contraceptive use in the reproductive management of ex situgiraffe (Giraffacamelopardalis). AZA midyear Annual Conference.
• Goblet CC, Moresco A, Agnew D, Garner M, Newell-Fugate A. 2017. Retrospective characterization of reproductive tract lesions in relation to age, parity, and contraception in captive female suidaeand tayassuidae. Am. Assoc. Zoo Vet. Annual Conference. p. 122-123.
• Goblet CC, Moresco A, Garner MM, Agnew DW, Newell-Fugate AE. 2019. Retrospective characterization of reproductive tract lesions in relation to age, parity, and contraception in captive suidaeand tayassuidae. Theriogenology 127:137-144.
• Moresco A, Jankowski G, Crook E, FalianoA, Crane J, MetrioneLC, PenfoldLM. 2018. Ovarian suppression in giraffe. AZA Annual Conference.
• Moresco A, Jankowski G, FalianoA, Crook E, PenfoldLM. 2019. Ovarian suppression with Improvest(R), a GnRH immunological product in Giraffe (Giraffaspp) under managed care International Society for Wildlife Endocrinology Annual Conference. Kruger, South Africa. p.
• Moresco A, PenfoldLM, Jankowski G, McCain S, Crook E, FalianoA, Crane J, WackRF, Goodnight A, Han S. 2022. Reproductive suppression of giraffe (Giraffacamelopardalis) under managed care using a GnRH immunological product. Zoo Biol41(1):65-73.
• Moresco A, Stern M, Erikson D, Stringer EM, Schoeberl BJ. 2016. Anti-Müllerian Hormone as an Accurate Indicator of Ovarian Reserve in Gorillas. International Gorilla Workshop Annual Conference. Guadalajara, Mexico.
• Petersen, S., Breiter, C., and L. Burns. 2018.Grassland Butterfly Conservation Program at Assiniboine Park Zoo Expands. Connect. April: 8.
• Powell, D. 2009.Methods for animal behavior research. Connect. July: 25.
• Pramuk, J. and D. Edmonds. 2012.Establishing a captive breeding facility for Malagasy amphibians. Connect. April: 41.
• Roth, T.L., D.C. Szymanski, and E.D. Keyster. 2010. Effects of age, weight, hormones, and hibernation on breeding success in boreal toads (Bufo boreas boreas). Theriogenology 73: 501-511.
• Roth, T.L. and M.A. Stoops. 2010.AZA supports study to enhance polar bear propagation. Connect. November: 36.
• Rothwell, E., F. Bercovitch, J. Andrews, and M. Anderson. 2011. Estimating daily walking distance of captive African elephants using an accelerometer. Zoo Biology. 30(5):579-591.
• Santymire, R, Livieri, T, Marinari, P, Bortner, R, and M. Wright. 2016.Determining the role of environmental conditions on the fecundity of the endangered black-footed ferret. Connect. July: 9.
• Stoops, MA, MacKinnon, KM, and TL Roth. 2012. Longitudinal fecal hormone analysis for monitoring reproductive activity in the female polar bear (Ursus maritimus). Theriogenology 78: 1977–1986.
• Stoops, MA, Campbell, MK, and CJ Dechant. 2014. Successful captive breeding of Necturus beyeri through manipulation of environmental cues and exogenous hormone administration: A model for endangered Necturus. Herpetological Review. 45(2):251-256.

Research

• Barber, D. 2012.Implementation of a new monitoring program for the Puerto Rican crested toad. Connect. July: 58-59.
• Bergl, R., A. Dunn, and A. Nicholas. 2009.Using technology and partnerships to save the critically endangered Cross River gorilla. Connect. August: 12-14.
• Comizzoli, P. and S. Monfort. 2011.Studying and protecting the last wild population of slender-horned gazelles in the Algerian Great Western Erg. Connect. June: 43.
• Crawford, A.J., Cruz, C., Griffith, E., Ross, H., Ibáñez, R., Lips, K.R., Driskell, A.C., Bermingham, E., and Crump. P. 2012. DNA barcoding applied toex situ tropical amphibian conservation programme reveals cryptic diversity in captive populations. Molecular Ecology Resources. doi: 10.1111/1755-0998.12054.
• DeSouza, L. 2015.Tracking migration patterns of arapaima in Guyana, South America. Connect. March: 12.
• Flechas, S.V. 2011.LowlandAtelopusof western Colombia: Coexistence withBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis or prelude to extinction? Connect. August: 34.
• Flechas, SV, Sarmiento, C, and Amezquita, A. 2012.Bd on the beach: High prevalence ofBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis in the lowland forests of Gorgona Island (Colombia, South America). EcoHealth. Published online 6 June. DOI: 10.1007/s10393-012-0771-9.
• Flechas, SV, Sarmiento, C, Cardenas, ME, Medina, EM, and Restrepo, S. 2012. Surviving chytridiomycosis: Differential anti-Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis activity in bacterial isolates from three lowland species ofAtelopus. PLoS ONE 7(9): e44832. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0044832.
• Flechas, SV, Medina, EM, Crawford, AJ, Sarmiento, C, Cárdenas, ME, Amézquita, A, and Restrepo, S. 2013. Characterization of the firstBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis isolate from the Colombian Andes, an amphibian biodiversity hotspot. EcoHealth. doi:10.1007/s10393-013-0823-9. Published online: 26 March.
• Knapp, C.R. and A.K. Owens. 2005. Home range and habitat associations of a Bahamian iguana: implications for conservation. Animal Conservation 8: 269-278.
• Knapp, C.R. and A.K. Owens. 2008. Nesting behavior and the use of termitaria by the Andros iguana (Cyclura cychlura cychlura). Journal of Herpetology 42(1): 46–53.
• Knapp, C.R., Alvarez-Clare, S., and C. Perez-Heydrich. 2010. The influence of landscape heterogeneity and dispersal on survival of neonate insular iguanas. Copeia 2010(1): 62-70.
• Miller, J. M., Hallager, S., Monfort, S.L., Newby, J., Bishop, K., Tidmus, S.A., Black, P., Houston, B., Matthee, C.A., Fleischer, R.C. 2010. Phylogeographic analysis of nuclear and mtDNA supports subspecies designations in the ostrich (Struthio camelus). Conservation Genetics: DOI 10.1007/s10592-010-0149-x.
• Mirande, C. 2014.Whooping cranes phone home: AZA Conservation Grants Fund supports development of new cellular-based transmitters. Connect. April: 28.
• Moresco A, Joseph S, ReadyhoughT, Davis M, SchreierA, Prado-Oviedo NA, Brown JL. 2021. Effects of socialization on behavioral, physiological and reproductive parameters of bull Asian elephants. Connect January:16-17.
• Perrig, P. and J. Pauli. 2016.Andean condors rely on puma predation of camelids. Connect. May: 13.
• Sahrmann, J., Niedbalski, A., Deem, S., Bradshaw, L., and R. Johnson. 2015.Could visiting the Saint Louis Zoo lower your stress level? Connect. April: 13.
• Saint Louis Zoo. 2011.CEF grant funds chytrid fungus research in endangered Missouri salamanders. Connect. March: 26.
• Savage, A. & Wells, S. 2015.Immunity, Genes and Chytridiomycosis in Chiricahua Leopard Frogs. Connect. July: 11.
• Sharma K, Bayrakcismith R, Tumursukh L, Johansson O, Sevger P, et al. (2014) Vigorous dynamics underlie a stable population of the endangered snow leopardPanthera uncia in Tost Mountains, South Gobi, Mongolia. PLoS ONE 9(7): e101319. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0101319
• Wallace, G. 2010.Using autonomous recording units to monitor endangered Hawaiian seabirds. Connect. August: 26.