Abstract

Wildlife collections are becoming an increasingly necessary component of modern wildlife management which also includes: health assessment, abundance estimates, translocation, captive breeding, public display, ongoing research and species reintroduction. These vital activities enable scientists, wildlife biologists, researchers and zoological professionals to support conservation efforts that contribute to the long-term survival of individual species and ecosystems. To date, nineteen species have been saved from extinction by zoos and aquariums through captive breeding programs while many other species, both endangered and non-endangered, are benefiting from managed care. Additionally, thousands of animals have been rescued and rehabilitated by zoological professionals while enormous financial resources have been committed by facilities to support these initiatives and other wildlife research. The increasing popularity of ever-evolving animal behavior and training programs have generated enormous benefits for wildlife at these facilities. Presentations, shows and interactive programs are generating significant funds that support research, wildlife rescues, and the development of advanced technologies while enhancing public education, species awareness and conservation. Despite these benefits, wildlife management activities are routinely mischaracterized by animal rights activists as detrimental to the survival of species. In particular, the legal collection and export of marine mammals to regulated marine life facilities is still often viewed, even by some marine mammal specialists, as dubious, detrimental and purely profit driven, despite the overwhelming and indisputable contributions to wildlife management and species survival.

On October 17, 2007, twenty-eight Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) were transported from the Solomon Islands to the United Arab Emirates by the Ocean Embassy team, for the purpose of public display in a regulated zoological facility, under legal import/export permits issued by the management authorities of both countries as required by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). All specimens were legally collected in adherence to all applicable laws of the Solomon Islands. Additionally, the Scientific Authority of the Solomon Islands determined that the export of bottlenose dolphins did not have a detrimental effect on the survival of this species. This decision was based on the best available science including peer reviewed literature, gray literature (reports), expert opinion, anecdotal information and extrapolations from recent field research.¹ Published statements from the Solomon Islands Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources², recognized the critical importance of public display, zoological programs and conservation objectives as recommended in the IUCN Policy Statement on Captive Breeding.³ In further support of the legal and regulated trade in CITES Appendix II marine mammal species, the Secretary-General of CITES made a formal statement in response to animal extremist's attempts to halt all trade in wild dolphins, which would have deleterious conservation implications, stating that CITES "...has received no evidence to demonstrate that trade which is now taking place, or is intended to take place, will have a detrimental impact upon wild dolphin populations."⁴

Attempts by animal rights groups to block this legal export via robust misinformation campaigns and litigation were unsuccessful. In fact, a ruling by the Solomon Islands High Court ruled in favor of this important trade. Transport operations were conducted by a combined staff of over 120 marine mammal experts, specialists and support personnel using water, land and air transport procedures, exceeding current CITES IATA/Live Animal Regulations.⁵ A combination of existing and new technologies, including Tandem Relocation Cradles and hand-held computers were successfully employed. Data were collected throughout the duration of the transport for each animal including respirations, body surface temperature, water temperature and heart rate. All twenty-eight animals arrived safely and are now acclimating to their new facility. Ongoing field research continues in the Solomon Islands enabling scientists to evaluate and study the health and abundance of wild dolphins. Wildlife management activities have also facilitated the development of and important knowledge base for Tursiops aduncus and Stenella attenuata. These data enhance our understanding of cetaceans in the Solomon Islands and contribute to the long-term conservation of marine mammals worldwide.

Acknowledgements

We first thank the Solomon Islanders, whom have worked diligently to affect a bright future for themselves and their precious marine resources. We also thank the entire Ocean Embassy staff for an outstanding all-hands effort. Finally, we are grateful to Dr. Baddley Anita for his tireless efforts on behalf of all the animals of the Solomon Islands.

References

1.  Defran RH. 2007. Solomon Island Dolphin Abundance Project (SIDAP): Summary of July 19-July 28, 2005 and June 26-July 10, 2007 Field Trips. Retrieved on 08 October 2007, from http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/SIDAP_Report_2007.pdf.

2.  Solomon Star newspaper. 2007. Dolphin Export Lawful: Statement by the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources. Retrieved 23 October 2007, from http://www.Solomonstarnews.com/?q=archive/2007/10/23&page=1.

3.  IUCN. 1987. Policy Statement on Captive Breeding. Prepared by the SSC Captive Breeding Specialist Group, Approved by the 22nd Meeting of the IUCN Council, Gland Switzerland, 4 September 1987.

4.  CITES. 2007. Trade in Live Dolphins. Statement from the Secretary-General. Retrieved 01 November 2007, from http://www.cites.org/eng/news/sundry/2007/dolphin.shtml.

5.  CITES. 1981. Guideline for Transport and Preparation for Shipment of Live Wild Animals and Plants. Retrieved 08 October 2007, from http://www.cites.org/eng/resources/transport/E-TranspGuide.pdf.