Join our zoo community

Zoochat Challenge North America 2023

Discussion in 'Quizzes, Competitions & Games' started by Coelacanth18, 30 Dec 2022.

  1. Corangurilla

    Corangurilla Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    28 May 2022
    Posts:
    912
    Location:
    Madison, WI (but sometimes AZ)
    Aw beans, my brain was so fried that day I forgot to say I went to the Phoenix Zoo. Won’t happen again!
     
  2. Coelacanth18

    Coelacanth18 Well-Known Member Premium Member 5+ year member

    Joined:
    23 Feb 2015
    Posts:
    3,707
    Location:
    California
    I appreciate the sentiment to try harder, but none of you need to apologize when I make reminders or correct errors and double counts. Happens all the time and to everybody, pointing it out is just part of the moderator/scorekeeper's job.
     
  3. Kudu21

    Kudu21 Well-Known Member 10+ year member

    Joined:
    10 Jan 2010
    Posts:
    2,221
    Location:
    US
    I think I would be kicked out of Texas if I did not choose Team Lizard :p Good thing I find them more interesting anyways. Not that I won't be keeping track of primates for fun as well!

    With that, I had a very successful first visit of the year yesterday -- Only two no-show lizards!


    Fort Worth Zoo (Fort Worth, TX) -- 07 January 2023:
    1. Chinese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus)

    2. Dabb uromastyx (Uromastyx acanthinura)

    3. Decary’s leaf chameleon (Brookesia decaryi)

    4. Dwarf shield-tailed agama (Xenagama taylori)

    5. Fiji banded iguana (Brachylophus bulabula)

    6. Frilled lizard (Chlymydosaurus kingii)

    7. Giant leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus giganteus)

    8. Giant Madagascar day gecko (Phelsuma grandis)

    9. Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum)

    10. Grand Cayman blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi)

    11. Haitian giant anole (Anolis ricordii)

    12. Haitian giant galliwasp (Celestus warreni)

    13. Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis)

    14. Mossy leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus sikorae)

    15. New Caledonia giant gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus)

    16. Northern caiman lizard (Dracaena guianensis)

    17. Philippine sailfin dragon (Hydrosaurus pustulatus)

    18. Philippine tree skink (Lamprolepis smaragdina)

    19. Plumed basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons)

    20. Quince monitor (Varanus melinus)

    21. Reisinger’s tree monitor (Varanus reisingeri)

    22. San Esteban chuckwalla (Sauromalus varius)

    23. Southern banded knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus wheeleri)

    24. Terrestrial arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia graminea)

    25. Utila Island spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura bakeri)
     
  4. Coelacanth18

    Coelacanth18 Well-Known Member Premium Member 5+ year member

    Joined:
    23 Feb 2015
    Posts:
    3,707
    Location:
    California
    Whoops. Jumped the gun on that one, apparently.

    So does Fort Worth have two species of Uromastyx and you both happened to only see different ones, or is one of these IDs wrong?
     
  5. Kudu21

    Kudu21 Well-Known Member 10+ year member

    Joined:
    10 Jan 2010
    Posts:
    2,221
    Location:
    US
    Fort Worth only has one species of Uromastyx. @nczoofan has given the species listed on the sign; however, a lot of the signage in MOLA still uses a lot of outdated taxonomy and/or identification. Fort Worth’s animals are U. acanthinura.
     
    Coelacanth18 likes this.
  6. PSO

    PSO Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    8 Nov 2019
    Posts:
    770
    Location:
    FL
    I wasn't sure which one to pick (primates or lizards) until fate had it and I've seen a bunch of monkeys already this year (I'm keeping a side lizard count because of a few facilities I plan on visiting this year.

    1/3/23
    Jax Zoo
    1. Bonobo
    2. W. Lowland Gorilla
    3. E. Colobus
    4. Coquerals Sifaka
    5. Ringtail Lemur
    6. Mongoose Lemur
    7. Siamang
    8. Black Howler
    9. Squirrel Monkey

    1/4/23
    Busch Gardens
    10. Chimpanzee
    11. Red Ruffed Lemur
    12. Bornean Orangutan
    13. N. White Cheek Gibbon

    FL International Teaching Zoo
    14. Cotton Top Tamarin
    15. Patas Monkey

    1/5/23
    Lowry Park Zoo of Tampa (whatever it's called now a days)
    16. Hamadryas Baboon
    17. Mandrill
    18. Angolan Colobus
    19. Collard Lemur
    20. Schmidts Guenon
    21. Golden Lion Tamarin
    22. Bolivian Titi

    1/8/23
    Suncoast Primate Sanctuary
    23. Olive Baboon
    24. White Face Capuchin
    25. Tufted Capuchin
    26. Black Handed Spider Monkey
    27. Common Brown Lemur
    28. Tonkean Macaque
    29. Assam Macaque
    30. Javan (Crab eater) Macaque
    31. Pig Tail Macaque
    32. Rhesus Macaque
    33. Japanese Macaque
     
  7. Neil chace

    Neil chace Well-Known Member 5+ year member

    Joined:
    27 Aug 2018
    Posts:
    4,438
    Location:
    Earth
    I've seen a few lists without them now, so I just want to make sure @Coelacanth18, scientific names are still being required in this years Zoo Chat Challenge, correct?
    I know it's a common issue with new players (I'm not blaming or criticizing anyone- I made this same mistake my first year playing) to omit scientific names so if they are still being required, it might be nice to remind everyone so from now on everyone's lists include them. There may also be some confusion over this since global is not requiring them this year.

    @PSO wow, that Suncoast Primate Sanctuary seems to have a rather impressive collection of macaque species! I've never heard of it before, but I'm assuming it's a legitimate sanctuary with former lab animals, etc.?
     
    ZooElephantMan likes this.
  8. PSO

    PSO Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    8 Nov 2019
    Posts:
    770
    Location:
    FL
    I can add scientific names, just missed that part

    @Neil chace it's a family run primate facility NW of Tampa. Originally it was a chimpanzee breeding facility that started in the 50's. When the original owner got to old to run it she willed it to her daughter and has been a place for primates that needed new housing. Majority of macaques came from various labs and studies. Some are either unwanted pets, retired performers or confiscated from FWC
     
    Neil chace and ZooElephantMan like this.
  9. Leaf Productions

    Leaf Productions Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    11 Oct 2020
    Posts:
    155
    Location:
    Providence, RI
    I would hardly call that a facility. It is a prison from me looks at it. No amount of points that I would get from this place could ever wash away the sins from even contributing them the entrance fee regardless.
     
    Last edited: 11 Jan 2023
    SwampDonkey likes this.
  10. SwampDonkey

    SwampDonkey In the Swamp Premium Member 5+ year member

    Joined:
    12 Jan 2017
    Posts:
    2,003
    Location:
    .
    Is it any better than in the past? When I was a volunteer with the primates in the late 90s at ZT/LPZ we tried to donate enrichment to them and they refused it. I have, honestly, always had a poor view of the place.
     
  11. Coelacanth18

    Coelacanth18 Well-Known Member Premium Member 5+ year member

    Joined:
    23 Feb 2015
    Posts:
    3,707
    Location:
    California
    re: Scientific Names
    Technically required per the rules, but I'm flexible with it - especially with recognizing that some zoos don't provide them.

    For primates I don't foresee having to be too strict about it because there's not many species to mix up; however, if I need a Latin name and you can't provide one it might not get counted.

    For lizards it's more important. There are too many interchangeable common names and similar species; if I'm not given Latin I will probably need clarifications on most updates.
     
    SwampDonkey and Neil chace like this.
  12. iluvwhales

    iluvwhales Well-Known Member 10+ year member

    Joined:
    4 May 2011
    Posts:
    746
    Location:
    The Isle of Long
    Good news: I found out why I wasn't able to bold, add spoilers etc. and can now make pretty lists. I just got back from the Prospect Park Zoo and have some wonderful additions to contribute.

    Prospect Park Zoo 1/12

    1. Common chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) – Central Park Zoo 1/7
    2. Oriente anole (Anolis smalwoodi) – Central Park Zoo 1/7
    3. Solomon Island prehensile-tailed skink (Corucia zebrata) – Central Park Zoo 1/7
    4. Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) – Central Park Zoo 1/7
    5. Chinese crocodile skink (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) – Prospect Park Zoo 1/12
    6. Green iguana (Iguana iguana) – Prospect Park Zoo 1/12
    7. Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus henkeli) – Prospect Park Zoo 1/12
     
  13. CGSwans

    CGSwans Well-Known Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    12 Feb 2009
    Posts:
    3,288
    Location:
    Melbourne
    It's certainly up to everyone where their line is for visiting poor collections, and looking at a few photos I wouldn't visit Suncoast myself. Having said that, the implicit criticism of PSO and hint that they shouldn't count is out of line.
     
  14. PSO

    PSO Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    8 Nov 2019
    Posts:
    770
    Location:
    FL
    @CGSwans I very much appreciate your comment. People are quick to have there opinion but do nothing after that. Used to it at this point.
     
  15. Kudu21

    Kudu21 Well-Known Member 10+ year member

    Joined:
    10 Jan 2010
    Posts:
    2,221
    Location:
    US
    Upon further investigation, I was able to confirm that the Cyclura iguana on exhibit at For Worth is not, in fact, a Grand Cayman blue iguana ( C. lewisi) but is rather an Anegada rock iguana (C. pinguis). The Cyclura I saw today, however, was a genuine Grand Cayman blue.

    Cameron Park Zoo (Waco, TX) -- 14 January 2023:
    26. Crocodile monitor (Varanus salvadorii)
    27. Emerald tree monitor (Varanus prasinus)
    28. Grand Cayman blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi)
    29. Green anole (Anolis carolinensis)
    30. Prehensile-tailed skink (Corucia zebrata)
    31. Spiny-tailed monitor (Varanus acanthurus)
     
    TinoPup likes this.
  16. nczoofan

    nczoofan Well-Known Member 5+ year member

    Joined:
    5 Jul 2018
    Posts:
    1,466
    Location:
    Texas
    Thank you @Kudu21 for the information. I have made those adjustments to my initial list and will repost below. I also added the leaf tailed gecko species at the Fort Worth Zoo that I was in the process of identifying.

    I also visited the San Antonio Zoo yesterday. My visit was brief as I got carried away at one of the city's great museums, but still got a whole bunch of species to add.

    Fort Worth Zoo (1/1):
    1. Anegada rock iguana (Cyclura pinguis)
    2. Northern Caiman Lizard (Dracaena guianensis)
    3. Plumed Basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons
    4. Fiji-Banded Iguana (Brachylophus fasciatus)
    5. Frill-Neck Lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii)
    6. Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum)
    7. New Caledonia Giant Gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus)
    8. Chinese Crocodile Lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus)
    9. Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis)
    10. Emerald Tree Skink (Lamprolepis smaragdina)
    11. Mexican Alligator Lizard (Abronia graminea)
    12. Utila Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura bakeri)
    13. Haitian giant galliwasp (Caribicus warren)
    14. Reisinger’s Tree Monitor (Varanus reisingeri)
    15. San Esteban Chuckwalla (Sauromalus varius)
    16. Haitan Green Anole (Anolis ricordii)
    17. Southern Banded Knob-Tailed Gecko (Nephrurus wheeleri)
    18. Dabb uromastyx (Uromastyx acanthinura)
    19. Giant leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus giganteus)
    20. Mossy leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus sikorae)

    Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science (1/5):
    21. Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis)

    San Antonio Zoo:
    22. East African Spiny Tailed Lizard (Cordylus tropidosternum)
    23. Grand Cayman Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi)
    24. Pygmy spiny-tailed skink (Egrenia depressa)
    25. Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus)
    26. Ornate mastigure (Uromastyx Ornata)
    27. Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko (Uroplatus henkeli)
    28. Shield-Tailed Agama (Xenagama taylori)
    29. Spiny-Neck Monitor (Varanus spinulosus)
    30. Giant Day Gecko (Phelsuma grandis)
    31. Giant Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma asio)
    32. Psychedelic Rock Gecko (Cnemaspis psychedelica)
    33. Sierra alligator lizard (Barisia ciliaris)
    34. Eastern Pilbara Spiny Tailed Skink (Egernia epsisolus)
    35. Knob-scaled lizard (Xenosaurus grandis)
    36. Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus)
    37. Guatemalan Beaded Lizard (Heloderma charlesbogerti)
    38. Carpet Chameleon (Furcifer lateralis)
     
    Kudu21 likes this.
  17. Neil chace

    Neil chace Well-Known Member 5+ year member

    Joined:
    27 Aug 2018
    Posts:
    4,438
    Location:
    Earth
    Third zoo of the year today, and the first where I saw primates!

    Rosamond Gifford Zoo:
    1. Black-and-White Colobus- Colobus guereza
    2. Siamang- Symphalangus syndactylus
    3. Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur- Varecia variagata
    4. Golden Lion Tamarin- Leontopithecus rosalia
    5. Moholi Bushbaby- Galago moholi

    Unfortunately, the Patas Monkeys were a no-show today. Luckily it should be easy enough for me to return here later this year and see the species.
     
    ZooElephantMan and Corangurilla like this.
  18. Coelacanth18

    Coelacanth18 Well-Known Member Premium Member 5+ year member

    Joined:
    23 Feb 2015
    Posts:
    3,707
    Location:
    California
    Everyone's scores have been updated.

    My new update. No primates again, so I'm sticking with lizards.

    Lizards
    Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Jan 13)

    5. San Esteban Chuckwalla (Sauromalus varius)
    6. Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus)

    And that's it! I didn't see the Madrean Alligator Lizard, and although the museum has their spiny-tailed iguana signed I don't feel confident enough about the ID to personally count it. Saw plenty of snakes though :rolleyes:
     
    Last edited: 18 Jan 2023
  19. ZooElephantMan

    ZooElephantMan Well-Known Member 5+ year member

    Joined:
    19 Apr 2015
    Posts:
    1,107
    Location:
    Massachusetts
    Today we had uncharacteristically warm weather in New England, and I was able to take advantage of it with a trip to the Buttonwood Park Zoo! This zoo had been on my to-visit list for a while, and I really enjoyed going. I might write a review/trip report in the next week or so.

    Buttonwood Park Zoo, New Bedford, MA (1/18/23)

    3. Bolivian grey titi (Callicebus donacophilus)
    4. Western pygmy marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea)
    5. Goeldi's marmoset (Callimico goeldii)
    6. Nancy Ma's night monkey (Aotus nancymaae)
    7. Golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas)
     
    Last edited: 18 Jan 2023
    Neil chace and Coelacanth18 like this.
  20. Neil chace

    Neil chace Well-Known Member 5+ year member

    Joined:
    27 Aug 2018
    Posts:
    4,438
    Location:
    Earth
    Four zoos and it's still January... this might be a record for me.

    Buffalo Zoo:
    6. Western Lowland Gorilla- Gorilla gorilla gorilla
    7. Japanese Macaque- Macaca fuscata fuscata
    8. Black-Capped Squirrel Monkey- Samiri boliviensis
    9. Pale-Faced Saki- Pithecia pithecia
    10. Brown Capuchin- Cebus apella
     
    Coelacanth18 and ZooElephantMan like this.