| Abstrakt: |
Abstract: One of the main roles of modern zoos is the conservation of endangered animal species, primarily by keeping populations of them in captivity (ex situ conservation) and also by protecting these animals in their natural environment (in situ conservation). Liberec Zoo meets both of the aforementioned roles for several of the species kept, especially birds of prey. However, the zoo has never focused on the in situ and ex situ conservation of an endangered reptile species. The limiting factor in the past has often been the size of the exhibits and a lack of new spaces. The turquoise dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi Loveridge, 1952) was an ideal candidate for this due to its small size. The aim is to become part of a coordinated captive breeding programme, while also getting involved in turquoise dwarf gecko conservation in the wild. This Tanzanian in situ project is underway in the tropical lowland forest of the Kimboza Reserve. Here, the turquoise dwarf gecko is intricately tied to the screw pine (Pandanus rabaiensis), which is being displaced by the non-native and fast-growing Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata). Other no less significant threats to the local gecko population include fires caused by slashand-burn farming, illegal logging and mineral extraction, and the illicit capture of specimens for the pet trade. The project is focused on protecting the turquoise dwarf gecko’s habitat with the support of local communities. By means of various educational and fundraising activities, project members are trying to secure the financial means necessary to implement sub-activities such as creating firebreaks to prevent the spread of fires in the forest, funding forest rangers and their equipment, as well as clearing the forest of invasive trees. There is also an emphasis on environmental education, training and awareness raising, not only for students in schools in Tanzania but also in Europe by means of the zoological institutions involved. |
