Analysis of university theses performed in cooperation with selected Czech zoos

Bc. Tereza Beckeová

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

Scientific research is an important part of zoo activities, next to the conservation of endangered species or education of public. This Master´s thesis deals with research in zoological gardens (zoos) in Czech Republic and cooperation of zoos with academic institutions and students. Students from universities participate on projects and research in zoos as they frequently collect data for their qualification theses there. Obtained data can help the zoos to increase the knowledge of the species and set the right management and husbandry of their animals. The aim of my thesis was to analyse in more detail student theses that have been defended at selected universities and elaborated in cooperation with several Czech zoos. A more specific aim was to investigate which taxa are mostly studied and what are the main topics of these theses. It was found that qualification theses were strongly biased towards mammals, with orders Primates, Carnivora and Artiodactyla being the most frequently studied ones. Most theses were focused on Behaviour. These results are consistent with previous findings considering the quantification and qualification of zoo-based student as well as professional research. As was found, the mammalian class strongly predominates above others, concretely orders of Primates and Carnivora. Most of topics are focused on Behaviour. These obtained results correlate with worldwide situation. The present thesis also discusses what are the requirements of the zoos considering the zoo-based research. The results should help to promote meaningful research and cooperation between zoos and scientific institutions in Czech Republic.

Keywords

ex situ conservation, qualification theses, student research, zoo animals

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 23. 4. 2021

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedoucí: RNDr. Irena Schneiderová, Ph.D.

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Fakulta tropického zemědělství

Magisterský studijní program / specializace:
Wildlife and Livestock Production, Management and Conservation / Wildlife Management and Conservation