Parc de Clères et Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, France

Conures - tamarins: a mixed species exhibit

Developing multi-species enclosures while ensuring the well-being of all animals.

Project objective

As part of the development of the European breeding programme for Blue-throated Conures (Pyrrhura cruentata), the coordinator aimed to expand conures-callitrichids mixed enclosures. The objectives of such cohabitation are manifold: 

• To promote and increase the presentation of Blue-throated Conures in European parks
• To enhance the housing capacity for both species by sharing enclosures
• To raise public awareness about the conservation of a unique habitat and promote in-situ programmes

Before issuing recommendations on this subject, we tested the impact of this cohabitation on two groups of animals to observe the effects on their activities and well-being.

Description

Since 2019, a European StudBook (ESB) has been established within EAZA for the ex-situ management of Blue-throated Conures. This species, classified as “Vulnerable,” is only found in about twenty zoos in Europe (BirdLife International, 2016). One of the main goals of the programme is to highlight Blue-throated Conures to the public in order to raise awareness of the massive deforestation destroying Brazil's Atlantic Forest, where they originate (Marsden et al., 2000). Several species of tamarins and marmosets share this habitat with the conures and are true symbols of the successful reintroductions into the wild from zoological parks (Freitas et al., 2006). The ESB’s goal is therefore to conduct a study on creating mixed enclosures for conures and callitrichids.

In zoos, the creation of cohabitation spaces for sympatric and non-competitive species in their natural environment can offer numerous benefits both for the animals involved and for the visitor experience (Leonardi et al., 2010). While mixed enclosures are rarely documented for Blue-throated Conures, they are common for Callitrichid species, and the advantages of such cohabitations in both zoological and natural settings are well-documented (Buchanan-Smith et al., 1997 ; Buchanan-Smith et al., 1999 ; Buchanan‐Smith, 2012 ; Sodaro, 1999). EAZA’s Callitrichid guidelines also support these mixed spaces, while emphasising the importance of rigorous and regular monitoring of the animals throughout the project (Ruivo et al., 2022). 

To this end, two behavioural studies were conducted, one at Parc de Clères and the other at the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes (MNHN). The first focused on the cohabitation of conures with a group of Emperor Tamarins (Saguinus imperator), and the second with a group of Golden Lion Tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia).

The design of the observation protocol, data collection, and analysis were overseen by our consultancy office. At each stage of the project, the animals' behaviours and spatial distributions within the enclosure were recorded. Any warning signs and factors contributing to the success of this cohabitation were also documented.

Results

In a multi-species cohabitation project, it is essential to prioritise ensuring that no detrimental effects on the animals' welfare have been caused by the introduction and presence of a new species in the enclosure. In both studies, no undesirable behaviours (such as stereotypies) emerged, nor was there an increase in conflicts between the animals in the months following their introduction.

On the contrary, the behavioural observations conducted at Parc de Clères and at the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes revealed an increase in social behaviours and exploration, without any inter-species competition. Cohabitation thus appears to be a source of positive stimulation for both the conures and the tamarins.

Three years later, the Blue-throated Conures continue to live harmoniously with the Emperor Tamarins and Golden Lion Tamarins. The birth of young conures at Parc de Clères in July 2024 illustrates the success of this mixed-species initiative.

Animal welfare commitment

The Blue-throated Conure remains a little-known species, still rarely present in zoological parks. Presenting it in multi-species enclosures facilitates its introduction to establishments and helps to develop the captive population. This cohabitation offers several advantages, such as increasing the available space for both species and allowing visitors to observe unique interspecies interactions.

It was essential to assess the impact on animal welfare before promoting this mixed-species approach. The results were presented at various specialised conferences, including EAZA and AFSA (Francophone Association of Animal Keepers). Thanks to this study, several parks have shown interest in housing this species!

For more information on conures and their conservation, please consult the following links:

➡ Blue-throated Conure - MNHN
➡ Blue-throated Conure - Parc de Clères

➡ Blue-throated Conure - Parrot Wildlife Foundation

Bibliographic references

BirdLife International (2016). Pyrrhura cruentata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e. T22685783A93087500. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22685783A93087500.en. Accessed on 29 August 2024

Buchanan-Smith, H. M., & Hardie, S. M. (1997). Tamarin mixed-species groups: an evaluation of a combined captive and field approach. Folia Primatologica, 68(3-5), 272-286. https://doi.org/10.1159/000157253

Buchanan-Smith, H. M. (1999). Tamarin polyspecific associations: forest utilization and stability of mixed-species groups. Primates, 40, 233-247. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02557713

Buchanan‐Smith, H. M. (2012). Mixed‐species exhibition of Neotropical primates: analysis of species combination success. International Zoo Yearbook, 46(1), 150-163. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-1090.2011.00151.x

Freitas, S. R., Neves, C. L., & Chernicharo, P. (2006). Tijuca National Park: two pioneering restorationist initiatives in Atlantic forest in southeastern Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 66, 975-982. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1519-69842006000600004

Leonardi, R., Buchanan‐Smith, H. M., Dufour, V., MacDonald, C., & Whiten, A. (2010). Living together: behavior and welfare in single and mixed species groups of capuchin (Cebus apella) and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). American Journal of Primatology: Official Journal of the American Society of Primatologists, 72(1), 33-47. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.20748

Marsden, S. J., Whiffin, M., Sadgrove, L., & Guimarães Jr, P. (2000). Parrot populations and habitat use in and around two lowland Atlantic forest reserves, Brazil. Biological Conservation, 96(2), 209-217. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0006-3207(00)00071-9

Ruivo, E. B., Zoo, B., Stevenson, M. F., & Gardens, B. Z., Ryland, A.B. (2022). EAZA Best practice guidelines for the Callitrichidae. Edition 3.2.

Sodaro, V. (1999): Housing and exhibition of mixed species of Neotropical primates. Brookfield, IL: Chicago Zoological Society.