Suggested topics for new volunteers to research before arrival

Animals that the TSCWA works with:

bears (Asiatic black bears, Malayan sun bears)
primates (gibbons, macaques)
binturongs
domestic dogs
domestic elephants
wild cats
deer
reptiles (e.g. crocodiles)
birds (e.g. pheasants, birds of prey)
species most commonly worked with for veterinarians and vet nurses: diseases, anesthesia, preventive care, handling, diet.
for zookeepers, zoologists, biologists: behaviour, diet, life history, nutritional and environmental enrichment. Hbitat requirements, wildlife surveys, re-introduction of captive wild animals.

Topics needing research for current TSCWA projects:
Re-introduction
Asiatic black bear diseases, parasites, vaccinations, screening protocols needed for re-introduction candidates (vet or vet nurse)
habitat requirements for Asiatic black bears (e.g. food, den sites, home range) and natural behaviour and life history. Ideally- establish contacts with people already working with this species (zoologist or keeper)
ongoing or successfully completed bear re-introduction projects. Ideally- establish contact with these groups for protocols (zoologist)
fauna and flora survey methodology in forests. Ideally- establish contacts with people already carrying out survey work elsewhere. (zoologist)
all of the above topics, but for binturongs

Wildlife Centre Veterinary Work
skin problems in Asiatic black bears (esp. ectoparasites)
flea infestation management for captive silver pheasants (Mae Hong Son)
contraception of bears and binturongs
nutritional requirements for captive primates (esp. gibbons) (Banglamung)
diet and obesity management in captive Asiatic black bears (Banglamung)

Hill Tribe Veterinary Work
diseases transmissible from domestic animals (ruminants, pigs, dogs, cats, fowl) to Thai wildlife and their prevention, control and treatment

Captive Animal Enrichment
cage enrichment (behavioural requirements) for gibbons and clouded leopards (Mae Hong Son) (keeper or zoologist)
enclosure enrichment, pack structure and management of stray dogs (keeper or zoologist)