| Date | May 2018 | Marks available | 4 | Reference code | 18M.1.SL.TZ0.6 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 0 |
| Command term | Evaluate | Question number | 6 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Figure 6: Fact file on aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis)
- Aye-aye are a species of lemur.
- These nocturnal (active at night) primates live in trees.
- They feed on insects, fruits, nuts and fungi.
- In some areas they are killed because:
- they are believed to be evil and bring bad luck
- farmers consider them to be a pest, as they eat crops
- they are a source of food.
- Aye-aye were considered to be extinct in 1933 but populations were rediscovered in 1957.
- They are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2018]
With reference to Figure 6, evaluate the role of international zoos and wildlife parks in the conservation of aye-aye.
Markscheme
Advantages [2 max]:
zoos provide a safe haven for aye-aye;
they provide an opportunity to research aye-aye biology and behaviour/increase our knowledge;
they can be used to raise awareness/educate the public about the threats to the species/ wildlife in Madagascar;
they can be used to obtain funds to help conservation efforts in Madagascar;
breeding (pairs) can be used to increase the number of aye-aye;
these can be re-introduced into the wild.
Disadvantages [2 max]:
re-introduced individuals can find it difficult to survive in the wild;
it is difficult to recreate suitable/natural habitats for animals in captivity;
it is morally/ethically wrong to keep these primates in captivity;
captive animals can develop health problems / species can become stressed in captivity / experience behavioural problems in captivity;
international zoos/wildlife parks are expensive to create and maintain;
funds from zoos could instead be spent on habitat conservation efforts / funding for zoos detracts funds from habitat conservation;
does not address the causes of reduction in aye-aye population e.g.
deforestation/hunting/cannot stop people killing aye-aye in the wild;
Appraisal/conclusion [1 max] that is balanced and substantiated, for example:
although international zoos provide an opportunity to increase species numbers through breeding programmes, without tackling the issue of habitat protection the species will remain under threat.
Examiners report
Most students achieved 1 or 2 marks by focusing only on the advantages of using zoos and wildlife parks rather than also including disadvantages and giving a balanced appraisal.
