Endangered Masked Bobwhite Quail Rearing Facility, Africam Safari, Puebla, Mexico

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This is a single-source award of FY09 funding to Africam Safari via a new grant agreement with the recipient. The single-source determination is made in accordance with criteria No. 2 under Department of Interior (505 DM 2 at 2.14). The objective of this grant agreement with Africam Safari is to facilitate the development, operation, and maintenance of a new captive breeding facility for Masked Bobwhite Quail. Africam Safari is a large Mexican zoological park (700+ acres) located on the outskirts of Puebla, Mexico. 1. It is the first and only zoological park in all of Latin America to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a non-profit organization that accredits zoos and aquariums. This is key, because at this time we are requiring AZA accreditation. 2. Member of the Conservation Breeding Specialists Group (C.B.S.G.). 3. Member of Asociación Latino Americana de Parques Zoológicos, Acuarios y Afines (ALPZA). 4. Member of and the Associación Mundial de Zoológicos Y Acuarios (WAZA). Africam Safari’s Scientific Director Frank Camacho is the current president of the Asociación de Zoológicos, Criaderos, and Acuarios de México, A.C. [AZCAM (Zoos, Breeders and Aquariums)]. Africam Safari has over 300 employees including 9 veterinarians; several are experts in avian medicine. One of the only zoological institutions that have an endangered bird conservation department, it employees several endangered avian breeding specialists. Africam Safari is an off campus research site for the National University in Mexico City giving them access to research specialists in a variety of zoological disciplines. They have full-time records and permit specialist who keeps studbooks and is versed in the intricacies of the import permit process. Africam Safari have an architect that specializes in animal enclosures who will work with BANWR staff to design the facility. Climate in Puebla is compatible with holding MBW in outdoor pens and is located close to the Mexico City Airport a logistical benefit for transporting birds and/or eggs.

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