Something I have just noticed on the EAZA Facebook page is that the Reptile TAG has now done the Regional Collection Plan for snakes. One thing the TAG will be doing is providing more husbandry support to zoos wishing to keep venomous snakes. However, only six species of snake have been recommended to have a new-style EEP. Currently, there are six species of snake managed under the older type of EEP, of which at least three will be upgraded - the Jamaican boa, Madagascar tree boa and Mangshan pit viper. It is possible that the Cuban boa may also be upgraded, as there is a photo of this species on the cover of the Ophidia Regional Collection Plan in the Facebook post. The cover shows another two species, which could be the other subjects of new-style EEPs - the Ethiopian mountain adder and green tree python. If these are the six species, then the Savu Island python and San Francisco garter snake will no longer be managed in a breeding programme.
I think that assertion is likely highly speculative and I really do wonder where the rumours have come from. I really do not know at this moment know what is happening AZA wise with the species (either), as the last update dates back to 2021. There is a substantial Meso-American population too (not included in the AZA program). In 2021, the AZA/SSP had 15 collections as partipants of the SSP with around 30 individuals. In additon, there are 2 European zoos also currently holders of the species (Cottbus: 2.2 and Wuppertal: 0.1). I assume these will be part of the AZA/SSP and the Olomouc Zoo will liaise with AZA.
The April 2024 update to the EAZA breeding programmes list has come online today, with quite a few updates. These are the additions or changes I have noticed: Elasmobranch TAG Two new-style EEPs have been created - one for the short-tailed nurse shark, overseen by Artis Zoo, and a combined EEP for common and flapper skates, overseen by Rotterdam Zoo. The blacktip reef shark ESB has been upgraded to a new-style EEP, still overseen by Chessington. Marine Teleost TAG The new-style EEP for the long-snouted seahorse now exists, and is also being overseen by Chessington. Freshwater Teleost TAG A new-style EEP for the gouramis has been created, overseen by Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Amphibian TAG A new-style EEP for the fire salamander has been created, overseen by Parc Zoologique d'Amiens. Waterfowl and Pelecaniformes TAG A new-style EEP for the blue-winged goose has been created, overseen by Dvur Kralove. Raptor TAG A new-style EEP for the hooded vulture has been created, overseen by the Hawk Conservancy Trust. The secretary bird and imperial eagle ESBs have both been upgraded to new-style EEPs, both being overseen by the same holders as before. Charadriiformes TAG A new-style multi-species EEP for lapwings has been created, and is being overseen by Birdland Park. The Inca tern ESB has been upgraded to a new-style EEP, going from being vacant to being overseen by Bioparc de Doué la Fontaine. Pigeon and Dove TAG A new-style EEP has been created for the Nicobar pigeon, overseen by Dortmund Zoo. Parrot TAG The hyacinth macaw EEP has been upgraded to a new-style EEP, with the coordinator moving from Pairi Daiza to Zurich The golden parakeet ESB has also been upgraded to a new-style EEP, going from being vacant to coordinated by Dortmund Zoo. Songbird TAG A new-style EEP has been created for the yellow cardinal, overseen by Newquay Zoo. Small Carnivore TAG A new-style EEP has been created for the smooth-coated otter, overseen by Colchester Zoo. The giant otter, Owston's civet and fossa EEPs have been upgraded to new-style EEPs; while the otter and fossa have retained their original coordinators, the civet EEP has moved from Paignton Zoo to Shaldon Wildlife Trust. Felid TAG The Eurasian lynx ESB has been upgraded to a new-style EEP, still overseen by Tierpark Bern. Tapir and Suiform TAG The Visayan warty pig EEP has been upgraded to a new-style EEP, still overseen by Wroclaw. Antelope and Giraffid TAG The new-style EEP for the black wildebeest has been created, and is being overseen by ZooSafari de Thoiry. The full list of programmes can be found here: https://www.eaza.net/assets/Uploads/CCC/Other/April-2024.pdf
One other difference that I have just noticed, on re-examining the list again: Reptile TAG As I guessed in the post three above this one, the programmes for both the Savu Island python and San Francisco garter snake have now been removed.
