Analyzing required animals by Taxonomical group

[yoav_r]

Hey guys!

This is a new idea I had to allow for more meaningful discussion about what we still need in the game. Usually discussion about what animals are needed gets derailed pretty quickly, and is far from coherent and well analyzed.

So, I thought we should aggregate all thoughts on this subject in one place. How it will work?

Every day or two I will post the group(s) for discussion for the next couple of days. People will give their thoughts on what is still needed from every group, and by the end of it I will aggragate the results in the main post and we'll move on to the next groups.

Mammals

Spoiler: Afrotheria (elephants and relatives)

Aardvark: - complete

• Aardvark

Elephants: - complete

1. African bush elephant
2. Indian elephant

Elephant shrews:
Not considered essential, this order of african jumping shrews is considered a niche addition to the game. The leading candidate is the colorful black-and-rufous elephant shrew endemic to kenya and tanzania with an increasing population in zoos

Hyraxes:
There is want for a member from this group, with the most common candidate being the Rock hyrax, which also provides african and middle eastern rep

Tenrecs:
Members of this order are considered a nice but not essential addition to the game

1. The Tailless tenrec has been mentioned as a large candidate found in several zoos, and a malgasy representative
2. The Lowland streaked tenrec has been mentioned as a colorful and unique looking candidate and a madagascar rep

Spoiler: Bats

Bats in general are regarded as rather complete. With that said, there is still goodwill towards a smaller bat species.

Megabats: - considered complete

1. Egyptian fruit bat
2. Spectacled flying fox

Leaf nosed bats:

1. Seba's short-tailed bat has been mentioned as a south american representative common in zoos
2. Vampire bats - have been mentioned for their unique lifestyle and popularity, with the Common vampire bat as the leading candidate

False vampire bats:

1. The Ghost bat has been mentioned as a unique looking white bat and an australian representative

Spoiler: Carnivores

Spoiler: Caniformes

Canines: - considered complete
Several canines has been mentioned as candidates, but none is considered necessary by most

1. African wild dog
2. Timber wolf
3. Arctic wolf
4. Dingo
5. Dhole
6. Fennec fox
7. Arctic fox
8. Red fox
9. Maned wolf
10. the Bush Dog has been mentioned as a morhologically unique south american canine
11. The Bat-eared fox has been mentioned for its unique look
12. The Corsac fox has been mentioned as a common in zoos candidate with a wide asian range over several biomes
13. The Raccoon dog has been requested by many as an east asian representative
14. The Gray fox has been mentioned as tree-climbing american canine
15. Jackals - the Golden jackal and black-backed jackal have been brought up as candidates
16. The Coyote has been brought up as a north american canid
17. Another wolf subspecies - there are requests for splitting the Timber wolf into the Northwestern wolf and Eurasian wolf, as well as requests for a hot climate subspecies such as the Mexican or Indian wolf

Bears:

1. Himalayan Brown Bear
2. Formosan black bear
3. Grizzly bear
4. Panda bear
5. Polar bear
6. Sun bear
7. Sloth bear
8. The Spectacled bear is a popular choice as the next bear, citing its unique morphology and evolutionary history, as well as being a good south americsn representation.
9. The American black bear is wanted by some, citing mainly its commonality in north american zoos, but is not universally requested with others thinking it would just take a slot that could be used for better choices
10. Changes to ingame subspecies have been brought up, such as changing the Himalayan brown bear to the Eurasian brown bear, and expanding the Formosan black bear to the more general Asian black bear

Musteloids (otters, weasles, badgers and relatives):

1. Red panda
2. Giant otter
3. European badger
4. Asian Small-clawed Otter
5. Raccoon
6. Striped skunk
7. Wolverine
8. coatis - a coati is considered essential by most players, being common in zoo, providing south american representation, and having a unique morphology. There's a pretty even split between the South-american Coati and the White-nosed coati regarding species preference
9. The Honey badger has been brought up as a hot climate counterpart to the european badger, citing its memetic popularity, wide range and behaviour. It is widely requested but not considered essential
10. the Yellow-throated marten has been brought up due to being a tropical tree climbing musteloid with unique coloration. Some criticize this choice for being too similar in niche to the Binturong
11. temperate otter - there is some demand for a temperate otter species, with a largely even split in prefeence between the Eurasian otter and the North american river otter
12. the Black-footed ferret has been brought up for north america representation and due to uts endangered status, but is not widely requested
13. the Sea otter has been brought up as a popular marine animal that was also in ZT2, but it is not widely requested, with some arguing it is more of an aquarium animal than a zoo animal
14. The Kinkajou and Ringtail have been brought up as unique noctyrnal animals that could provide central american representation, but are not widely requested
15. the Pine marten, European mink and European polecat have been brought up as european representation but are not considered widely necessary

Pinnipeds:

1. California sea lion
2. Gray seal
3. the Walrus is considered necessary by most, citing its popularity, unique morphology, presence in ZT2 and geberal appeal. Detractors to its inclusion cite rarity in zoos, but it is still generally considered essential.
4. The Hawaiian monk seal has been brought up as a candidate, citing its tropical climate, but is kot widely considered essential.
5. Fur seals - fur seals has been have been suggested citing mainly their southern hemisphere range and unique look, with the Brown fur seal in the lead for its wide range that includes both africa and australia. In general fur seals are not considered essential to the game.
6. Both the Leopard seal, Ribbon seal and Southern elephant seal have been brought up as charismatic options for underrepresented regions, with the main downside to their inclusion being not existing in real life zoos. They are not considered needed for the game, but are popular as hypothetocal choices
7. the Harbor seal has beembbrought up as the most common seal in captivity, but most agree it wouldn't being much to the game that the gray seal doesn't already offer. It is not considered necessary

Spoiler: Feliformes

Pantherines: - complete

1. Amur Leopard
2. Bengal tiger
3. Clouded leopard
4. Jaguar
5. Siberian tiger
6. Snow leopard
7. West african lion

Small cats:

1. Cheetah
2. Cougar
3. Eurasian lynx
4. Caracal
5. Sand cat
6. The Ocelot is required by many as a popular medium sized neotropical cat
7. The Margay has been brought up as a smaller alternative to the ocelot
8. The Pallas cat was brought up as a central asian highlands dweller
9. The Serval is a popular choice as a common in zoos african species, a subtropical equivalent to the caracal
10. The Wildcat was brought up as a small temperate eurasian cat
11. The Bobcat and Canada lynx have been brought up as north akerican alternatives to the eurasian lynx
12. The Fishing cat has been brought up as an Indian rep with a unique lifestyle
13. In south america, the following species have been mentioned as out-of-left-field potential choices:
    • Andean cat
    • Jaguarundi
    • Pampas cat
14. the Asian golden cat has been brought up for its coat, but is uncommon in zoos and not a popular choice.

Hyenas: - considered complete

1. Spotted hyena
2. Striped hyena
3. At large there is no demand for another hyena, but people have mentioned the Aardawolf as a candidate should another hyena come to the game

Malgasy carnivores: - considered complete

• Fossa

Viverrids: - considered complete
Severa viverrids has been mentioned as candidates, but none is considered necessary by most

• Binturong
• The African Civet has been mentioned as a candidate, for its large size, terrestrial lifestyle, and unique coloration
• The Asian palm civet has been mentioned as a candidate
• The Common Genet has been requested as a unique looking african and european representative

Mongooses: - considered complete

• Meerkat
• There is some demand for a second mongoose, with the Banded mongoose as the lead for its commonality in zoos, look and symbiotic relationship with warthogs

Spoiler: Eulipotyphla (hedgehogs, shrews and relatives)

Members of this order are considered a nice but not essential addition to the game

Hedgehogs:

1. The European hedgehog has been mentioned as a common zoo and garden animal, and a european representative
2. The African pygmy hedgehog has been mentioned as an animal common in petting zoos and in the pet trade

Spoiler: Even-toed ungulates

Hippos: - complete

1. Hippopotammus
2. Pygmy hippo

Giraffoids: - complete

1. Reticulated giraffe
2. Okapi
3. Pronghorn

Bovines: - considered complete

1. African buffalo
2. American bison
3. Wild water buffalo
4. Wisent
5. Scottish Highland cattle
6. The Gaur, Lowland anoa and Banteng have beem brought up as endangered indo-malayan bovines
7. The Wild Yak and Domestic Yak have been mentioned as massive Himalayan bovines

Suines: - considered complete

1. Common warthog
2. North sulawesi babirusa
3. Red river hog
4. Collared Peccary
5. Wild boar
6. Tamworth pig
7. The Bearded Pig and Visaysn warty pig have been mentioned as a unique looking candidate

Camelids: - considered complete by most

1. Bactrian Camel
2. Llama
3. Dromedary camel
4. Alpaca
5. wild south american camelid - the Guanaco and vicuña have both been brought up as important for south american areas, but not deemed essential by all

Antelopes:

1. Black wildebeest
2. Bongo
3. Gemsbok
4. Nyala
5. Sable antelope
6. Springbok
7. Thomson's gazelle
8. NIle lechwe
9. Scimitar horned oryx
10. Blue Wildebeest
11. Addax
12. Dama gazelle
13. Saiga
14. The Arabian Oryx has been mentioned as a vulnerable middle eastern antelope with bright coloration
15. The Blackbuck is widely requested as a unique looking indian antelope, considered essential by many
16. An Eland species is requested by many as the largest antelope, with the Common Eland leading over the Giant eland for being common in zoos
17. Dikdiks and Duikers have been mentioned as a unique small antelopes
18. The Gerenuk has been mentioned as a morphologically unique option that was also in ZT2. A point against its inclusion is being rare in zoos.
19. The Greater Kudu has been mentioned as a candidate
20. The Impala has been mentioned as an iconic savannah antelope
21. The Bontebok and Blesbok have been mentioned for their look and coloration
22. The Nilgai was mentioned as a unique indian antelope

Caprines:

1. Alpine ibex
2. Dall sheep
3. Takin
4. Alpine goat
5. Hill Radnor sheep
6. The Markhor is a popular choice for its unique spiral horns, asian representation, and as a ZT2 animal
7. The Aoudad/Barbary sheep is a popular choice as the most prominent african caprine, and a hot climate caprine
8. The Musk ox is a popular choice for its charismatic look, and as the last missing megafauna from the arctic region
9. The European mouflon and Chamois have been mentioned as european representatives
10. The Mountain Goat has been mentioned ss a unique north american candidate
11. The Bighorn Sheep has been mentioned as a north american csprid that lives in various climates, including deserts
12. The Nubian Ibex has been mentioned for its large horns and as a desert equivalent of the alpine ibex
13. The Himalayan Tahr and Bharal have been mentioned as alternative himalayan caprines
14. The Japanese Serow has been mentioned as a japanese representative and a ZT1 animal, but is not found in zoos outside its range

Deer:

1. European fallow deer
2. Moose
3. Red deer
4. Reindeer
5. Pere david's deer is wanted by some due to its extinct in the wild conservation status and being a wetlands dweller
6. Muntjacs - there is a large demand for muntjacs, as a group of deer from an unrepresentd region with a unique morphology. Reeve's muntjac is the most popular choice for its commonality in zoos, with the Indian muntjac as a runnerup for representing the tropical biome
7. The Southern pudu has been requested for its unique morphology and small size, being common in zoos, being a mountain dweller and a south american representative.
8. The Tufted deer has been brought up for its striking look and representing east asia
9. The Elk/Wapiti has been brought up as a north american/east asian variant of the red deer, but is not considered necessary by most
10. The White-tailed Deer has been mentioned as the most common american deer, but is not required by most
11. The Axis deer has been mentioned as a tropical equivalent of the fallow deer and as a good indian representative
12. The Roe deer has been brought up as the last european deer missing, but is not considered necessary
13. The Sika deer has been mentioned as a japanese representative common in zoos
14. The Visayan spotted deer has been mentioned as an endangered philippine representative common in zoos.
15. The Marsh deer was offered as a colorful endangered south american wetlands dweller

Musk deer:

• Musk deer have been mentioned with the Siberian musk deer in the lead, but are not considered essential

Spoiler: Odd-toed ungulates

Equines: - considered complete

1. Common zebra
2. Przewalski's wild horse
3. African wild ass
4. American standard donkey
5. second zebra - the option of a second zebra has been brought up, mostly the Grevy's zebra, but is not considered necessary.

Rhinos: - considered complete

1. Indian rhino
2. Southern white rhino
3. black rhino
4. the Sumatran rhino has been brought up due to their conservation status and unique morphology, but is very controversial due to to its poor history in zoos.

Tapirs: - considered complete by most

1. Baird's tapir
2. Malayan tapir
3. the Brazilian tapir has been mentioned as the tapir most common in zoos, and due to its unique look, but is not considered necessary

Spoiler: Lagomorphs (rabbits, hares, picas)

Rabbits and hares:
There is demand for a member of this family, but they are not considered essential.

1. Arctic hare - an arctic species found in zoos, could flesh out the arctic region
2. Domestic rabbit - a common and popular choice for petting zoos
3. European rabbit - an endangered eurppean candidate
4. Snowshoe rabbit - a white north american species

Spoiler: Marsupials

Vombatiphorms: - considered complete

1. Common Wombat
2. Koala

Dasyuromorphs (carnivorous marsupials): - considered complete

1. Tasmanian devil
2. The Numbat has been put forward several times, but is not regarded as necessary
3. Quolls - other members such as the Eastern quoll and Tiger quoll have been put forward, but are not regarded as necessary as the devil

Macropods:

1. Red kangaroo
2. Red-necked Wallaby
3. Quokka
4. Tree Kangaroo - a species of tree-kangaroo is widely regarded as necessary, cited its tropical biome, unique morphology, and conservation. The leading candidate is the Goodfellow's Tree Kangaroo
5. Second Wallaby - there is want for a second wallaby species, with the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby being the most popular choice, although it is not widely regarded as necessary
6. Second kangaroo - the Eastern grey kangaroo has been mentioned as a candidate, but it is not deemed necessary by most

Potoroids (Rat kangaroos, potoros and relatives):

1. the Westen brush-tailed bettong has been mentioned but is not considered necessary

Phalangeriformes:
The following species have been mentioned but are not widely regarded as necessary

1. Common brushtail possum
2. Spotted cuscus
3. Sugar Glider

Bandicoots and Bilbys:

• the Greater Bilby has been mentioned but is not widely regarded as necessary

Opposums:

• the Virginia opposum has been discussed but is widely controversial

Spoiler: Monotremes

Monotremes:

1. Platypus
2. Echidna - concesus is that an echidna species is needed at the end of support, with the short-beaked echidna being the most popular candidate

Spoiler: Pangolins

Pangolins: - considered complete

• Chinese pangolin

There is no demand for a second pangolin, as we already have one and this group is already very rare in captivity

Spoiler: Primates

Apes: - considered complete

• Bornean orangutan
• Bonobo
• Lar gibbon
• Siamang
• Western chimpanzee
• Western lowland gorilla

Galagos:
A galago species is requested as a unique african nocturnal animal group, with the Senegal galago in the lead

Lemurs:

1. Black-and-white ruffed lemur
2. Red ruffed lemur
3. Ring tailed lemur
4. The Aye-aye is requested as a nocturnal unique animal that is endangered
5. The Coqueral's sifaka is requested as a largr lemur with unique locomotion locomo
6. The Blue-eyed black lemur has been mentioned as a critically endangered and sexually dimorphic member of the family
7. Other lemurs brought up as options were:
   1. Black lemur
   2. Brown lemur
   3. Crowned lemur
   4. Greater bamboo lemur
   5. Mongoose lemur
   6. Red-bellied lemur
   7. Sportive lemur

Lorises and Pottos:
A member of this groups is requested as an endangered and cute nocturnal specialist from south-east asia (lorises) and africa (pottos). The leading candidate being the Pygmy slow loris.

New-world monkeys:
This category is considered extremely lacking, being the backbone of south american areas in zoos.

1. Colombian white-faced capuchin
2. Tamarins and marmosets- at least one species of this family is considered essential by most, with the following options have been brought up:
   1. Golden lion Tamarin - the lead candidate
   2. Cotton-top tamarin - the most common in zoos
   3. Common Marmoset
   4. Emperor Tamarin
   5. Geoffrey's marmoset
   6. Golden-handed Tamarin
   7. Pygmy marmoset
   8. Red-bellied Tamarin
   9. Red-handed Tamarin
   10. Silvery marmoset
   11. White-lipped Tamarin
3. A howler monkey is requested for their large size and vocalizations, with Black Howler as the lead choice as the most common in zoos
4. a spider monkey is widely requested by the community for its unique morphology and locomtion. The lead option is Geoffroy's Spider Monkey for its commonality in zoos.
5. The Sakis and Titis have been brought up as a unique group, with the White-faced Saki being brought up the most for its look.
6. The Bald Uakari has also been nominated from the above group for its unique look and conservation status
7. Night monkeys have been mentioned as uniqie nocturnal group, with the Azara's night monkey being the most common in zoos
8. A squirrel monkey is requested by many, with the Guianan squirrel monkey in the lead
9. A species of Wooly Monkey has been siggested as a large and rare south american monkey

Old world monkeys:

1. Japanese Macaque
2. Mandrill
3. Proboscis monkey
4. Baboon - a baboon species is considered essential:
   1. Hamadrayas baboon - the lead candidate, only desert monkey, and a representative for africa and the middle east that is common in zoos
   2. Olive baboon - an african savannah alternative common in zoos
   3. Guinea baboon - the smallest baboon species
5. Indian monkey - a monkey species from India is considered essential with the following candidates brought up:
   1. Lion-tailed macaque - the lead candidate, an endamgered species with a unique mane from india
   2. Gray langur - a common alternative famously found in indian temples
6. Colobus - a colobus species is widely requested for africa, with the Mantled guereza in the lead for its black-and-white coloration and commonality in zoos
7. Guenons - There's want for a tropical african member of this group, with De brazza's monkey and Diana monkey as the lead candidates
8. Several south east asian macaques have been brought up as candidates:
   1. The Crab-eating macaque - for it's unique lifestyle unique lifestyle
   2. The Southern pig-tailed macaque - endangered species that is common in zoos
   3. The Sulawesi black macaque - critically endangered candidate endemic to indonesia
9. The Barbary macaque was mentioned as a very common monkey that represents north africa and (technically) europe
10. The Dusky leaf monkey has been mentioned as an endangered colorful species from south-east asia
11. The Javan langur has been mentioned as a colorful candidate from indonesia
12. The Gelada has been mentioned as an alpine and colorful baboon relative
13. The Grivet monkey has been mentioned as a sociable candidate from east africa
14. The Golden snub-nosed monkey has been mentioned as an out-of-left field alternative, that would represent the himalaya
15. The Red shanked douc has been mentioned as a critically endangered colorful species from south-east asia
16. The mangabeys have been mentioned as a west african group, but are not considered essential. The Golden-Bellied Mangabey and Red Capped Mangabey have been mentioned as candidates

Spoiler: Rodents

Beavers: - complete

• North american beaver

Old world porcupines: - considered complete

• African crested porcupine

Caviomorphs:

1. Capybara
2. Patagonian Mara - brought up by many as a candidate, cited mostly its commonality in zoos and being essential to south american areas
3. Agoutis have been brought up as animals with high potential for the game, citing mainly their commonality in zoos and south american representation
4. the guinea pig has been brought up mainly as a feature for children's zoos, but is not regarded as necessary
5. chinchillas - the Short-tailed chinchilla has been mentioned citing its popularity, commonality in zoos, and andean range
6. the Paca and Pacarana has been mentioned but is not widely supported
7. The Nutria has been brought up as a candidate being common in zoos and an invasive species

Squirrels:

1. black-tailed prairie dog
2. Marmots - the group has been brought up with the alpine marmot in the lead, citing it being a cold weather and european alternative to the prairie dog, althouth it is not deemed essential by all
3. the Indian giant squirrel has been brought up, citing its striking colors, size, tropical biome, and arboreality
4. the Prevost's squirrel has been brought up with the same reasons as the indian giant squirrel

Muroids (mice, rats, hamsters and relatives):
The following species have been mentioned as csndidates but are not widely requested:

1. Luzon giant cloud rat
2. Malagasy giant rat

New world porcupines:
The following species have been brought up as candidates, but are not deemed essential:

1. Brazilian porcupine
2. North american porucpine

Naked mole-rat:
The naked mole-rat has been brought up as an optional exhibit animal, but is not deemed essential
Springhares:
This family has been brought up, citing its unique locomotion, but is not widely regarded as neccesary

Spoiler: Treeshrews

Members of this order are considered a nice but not essential addition to the game. The most common member of this group in zoos is the Northern treeshrew, which would also provide south-east asian representation

Spoiler: Xenarthra (anteaters, armadillos, sloths)

Anteaters:

1. Giant anteater
2. Tamandua - there is some want for a tamandua species, with votes split between the Northern tamandua and Southern tamandua

Armadillos:

1. Nine-banded armadillo
2. the Big hairy armadillo is the leading candidate for a second armadillo, for its distinct look and biomes from the existing armadillo, and as a patagonian representative
3. The Brazilian three-banded armadillo has been brought up for its commonality in zoos and abiloty to roll to a perfect ball
4. The Giant armadillo has been brought up as a charismatic large armadillo, but is not found in zoos

Sloths:

1. Brown-throated sloth
2. Linnaeus's two-toed sloth - most common in zoos
3. Hoffman's two-toed sloth - a rarer alternative to the Linnaeus's

Aves

Spoiler: Birds of prey

Secretary birds:
As the sole living species of its family, the mostly terrestrial Secretary bird is widely requested as a common in zoos and endangered species, as well as a colorful african savannah representative with distinct head-feathers, and a zoo tycoon 2 species.

Spoiler: Cranes, rails and relatives

Cranes:

1. Red-crowned crane
2. The Grey crowned crane is considered essential as an endangered and colorful african safari bird that is very common in zoos. The Black crowned crane has been suggested as a rarer alternative.
3. The Whopping crane and Sandhill crane have been brought up as north american reps, with the whopping crane being endangered and larger, and the sandhill more common
4. The white napped crane has been siggested as an alternative to the Red crowned crane from the same region.
5. The Eurasian crane has been suggested as a common rep of europe, asia and africa
6. The Demoiselle crane was brought up as an asian and african rep with unique tufts
7. The Blue crane was suggested as a candidate with unique feathering and an african representative

Rails:

1. The Common moorhen has been mentioned as a common rail from sfrica and eurasia
2. The Giant wood rail has been mentioned as a south american bird common in zoos
3. The Guam rail has been mentioned as a critically endangered species from the united states with major recent conservation efforts
4. The Purple swamphen (which was split over several species) hss been brought up as an extremely common waterbird in europe, asia, africa and oceania
5. The Purple gallinule has been suggested as an american alternative to the swamphen
6. The South island Takahe is requested as an endangered colorful bird endemic to New Zealand

Trumpeters:

1. The Grey-winged trumpeter has been brought up as a colorful south americsn representative

Spoiler: Fowls

Pheasents, turkeys, peafowls and relatives:

1. Indian peafowl
2. Sussex chicken
3. The Congo peafowl has been mentioned as a colorful african peafowl
4. The Chukar partridge has been brought up as a common specues from europe, asia and africa
5. The Green peafowl has been mentioned as an endangered alternative to the indian peafowl
6. pheasents - at least one pheasent species is considered essential by many, with the following candidates:
   1. Golden pheasent - leading candidate, very common in zoos
   2. Silver pheasent - runnerup, also very common in zoos
   3. Common pheseant - very large range
   4. Himalayan monal - a colorful candidate from the Himalayas
   5. Lady Amherst's Pheasant
   6. Satyr Tragopan - a colorful red pheseant from south-asia mountains
   7. Reeve's pheasent - longest tail feather pf any birds
7. The Palawan peacock-pheasant has been mentioned as a vulnerable species endemic to the philippines
8. A Turkey is requested by many as a common north american bird, with either the Wild turkey or Domesticated turkey as fitting candidates
9. The Western Capercallie has been mentioned as the largest grouse species and a european representative

Curassows:

1. the Great curassow has been brought up as a large vulnerable ground-dwelling bird from south america, with a unique head crest
2. The Helemeted curassow has also been brought up as endangered alternative, and for its crest

Guinesfowls:

1. the Helmeted guineafowl has been brought up as a very common african ground bird that is often free roaming in zoos
2. The Vulturine guineafowl has been mentioned as bright blue colored alternative, and the largest guineafowl

New world quails:

1. the California quail has been mentioned as a common desert dwelling north american bird

Megapods:
A represantative of this family is requested for their nesying habits and as australian representatives

1. The Malleefowl has been mentioned as the most common of this groul and a scrubland representative
2. The Australian brush turkey has been mentioned as the largest of the family, and a colorful member
3. The Maleo has been mentioned as a critically endangered megapod endemic to Sulawesi

Spoiler: Flamingos and grebes

Flamingos:

1. Greater flamingo
2. second flamingo - there is demand for a second flamingo, with the American flamingo in the lead for its bright red coloration and as a representative of the americas

Grebes:
There is no demand for a member of this group, although the Great crested grebe has been brought up for its coloration and unique mating dance

Spoiler: Hornbills and Hoopoes

Ground hornbills:
The mostly terrestrial Southern ground hornbill is a widely requested species for its large size, red-and-black coloration, and as a vulnerable african svannah representative that is found in zoos.

Spoiler: Pelicans, ibises and relatives

Herons:
Common aviary animals, there's some demand for members of this group:

1. Great egret - plain looking but extremely common egret found in 5 continents
2. The Cattle egret is another very common species from around the world

Ibises:
A member of this group is highly requested by the community, with the following candidates:

1. Scarlet ibis - the lead candidate, a bright red colored bird common in zoos, and a representative if the americans
2. African sacred ibis - the runnerup, the most realistic candidate for a habitat animal, common in zoos and an african reoresentative
3. Australian ibis - a common species in australia with decemnt representation worldwide
4. Glossy ibis - a brown ibis species common in asia, africa and australia
5. Northern bald ibis - an endangered species from north africa with a unique head and crest

Pelicans:
A pelican species is considered essential to the game, with the following candidayes brought up:

1. Great white pelican - the leading candidate, as the most common species, that is found in africa, asia and europe
2. Australian pelican - a representative of australia and the pacific islands
3. Brown pelican - a relatively colorful species from the americas, and specifically the caribbean
4. Dalmatian pelican - a common eurasian species, and the largest pelican
5. Peruvian pelican - the most colorful pelican, from the pacific coast of south america

Shoebills:
As the sole living member of its family, the Shoebill is a popular choice in the community, as a vulnerable large wading bird with a highly creepy look

Spoonbills:
A member if this group is highly requested, with the Roseate spoonbill in the lead as a very common bright-pink bird from the americas. The Eurasian spoonbill and Royal spoonbill have been mentioned as well.

Spoiler: Penguins

Penguins:
The penguins are considered well represented in the game, but there is still goodwill towards more penguin species

1. African penguin
2. King penguin
3. Little blue penguin
4. Antarctic penguins - there is want for a penguin of the brush-tailed variety, with species mentioned being the Chinstrap, Gentoo, and Adelie penguins reasons cited being the lack of a true antarctic penguin, and being able to build mixed habitats with the king penguin
5. Rockhoppers - these have been brought up for their unique look, presence in ZT2, and their range extending to antarctica. The most popular being the Southern rockhopper penguin.
6. the Humboldt penguin has been brought up as south american representation and being common in zoos, but is generally considered too similar to the African penguin to warrant inclusion.

Spoiler: Ratites

Ratites:

1. Common ostrich
2. Emu
3. Southern Cassowary
4. North island brown kiwi
5. Rhea - a rhea species is widely regarded as necessary, main reason cited being its commonality in zoos, and being a south american representative, with the Greater Rhea as the leading species.

Spoiler: Sereiemas

Seriemas:
The Red-legged sereiema is suggested as a south-american counterpart to the secretary bird, as a grund dwelling predatory bird with a unique coloration and feathering.

Spoiler: Storks

Storks:
A stork species is requested by many:

1. White stork - the lead candidate as a stork common in eurasia and a cultural icon
2. Marabou stork - the runnerup as a stork often kept in open african savannah habitats, and common in zoos
3. Black stork - a common counterpart to the white stork found in europe, asia and africa
4. Jabiru stork - a colorful stork from south america that eats anacondas
5. Painted stork - a colorful species from south asia
6. Saddle-billed stork - mentioned as an african wetlands dweller with a colorful beak

Spoiler: Waterfowl

Swans:

1. Mute swan
2. Black swan - striking colors and common in zoos, and provides australian representation
3. Black-necked swan as a south american rep

Dabbling Ducks:

1. The Mallard from this group is considered essential, as the most common duck in the world
2. The Mandarin Duck is widely requested for its coloration and commonality in zoos
3. The Phillipine duck has been mentioned as a common in zoos philippibe representative
4. The White-cheeked pintail has been mentioned as a south american rep
5. The Wood duck is wanted as a colorful a north americam representative

Pygmy geese:
The African pygmy goose has been mentioned as a colorful african representative, and one of the smallest waterfowls in the world

Magpie-geese:
The Magpie-goose has been mentioned as the sole living member of its group and as unique australian representative

Screamers:
The Southern Screamer has been mentioned as a unique and loud waterfowl from south america

Shelducks and Shelgeese:

1. The Egyptian goose has been mentioned for its coloration and as an african rep
2. The Paradise shelduck has been mentioned as a colorful New Zealand representative

Tree ducks:

1. The White-faced whistling-duck has been mentioned as a representative of both south america and africa that is common in zoos
2. The Plumed whistling-duck has been mentioned as a representative of australia

True Geese:

1. The Bar-headed goose has been brought up as an asian representative
2. the Canada Goose is requested as a common and popular north anerican representative
3. The Nene has been brought up as a hawaiiwan representative
4. The Domestic goose has been mentioned in the context of petting zoos
5. The Red-breasted goose has been mentioned as a very colorful and vulnerable goose species
6. The Cape barren goose has been brought up as an australian representative

Reptiles

Spoiler: Crocodilians

Alligators and Caimans: - considered complete

1. American Alligator
2. Cuvier's dwarf caiman
3. Spectacled caiman
4. The Chinese Alligator has been mentioned as an endangered temperate east-asian alligator

Gharials: - considered complete

1. Gharial
2. The False Gharial has been mentioned as a unique looking endangered candidate from south-east asia

Crocodiles:

1. Saltwater crocodile
2. African crocodile - an african crocodile is considered essential by most, with votes split between the Nile crocodile as the biggest and most common african croc, and both Slender-snouted crocodile species have been mentioned as morhologically unique endangered candidates
3. The Dwarf Crocodile has also been mentioned in the above category, but is much less requested than the other african crocs.
4. The Cuban crocodile has been brought up as an endemic critically endangered species with uniqie locomotion
5. The orinoco crocodile has been mentioned as a critically endangered south american candidate

Spoiler: Lizards

Agamid lizards:
Many members from this family are requested:

1. Central bearded dragon - an australian agamid that is extremely common in zoos and as a pet
2. Frilled lizard - a famous australian agamid that is popular for its frilled neck which it uses to scare predators
3. Mastigures - a genus of large agamids from north africa and the middle east. The lead candidate is the colorful Ornate mastigure
4. Red-headed agama - a colorful savannah species from sub-saharan africa
5. Sinai agama - a rare species from the Sinai desert whose males are brightly blue colored
6. Sulawesi gliding lizard - an asian agamid with the ability to glide
7. Thorny devil - a popular desert agamid from australia known for its spike-covered body
8. Philippine sailfin lizard - a colorful large species endemic to the philippines

Anoles:
A member of this group is requested, for their coloration and unique throat sacs and adornments. The lead candidate is the Green anole as the most common species.

Anguid lizards:

1. The Sheltopusik is a popular choice as a unique looking legless lizard, and a common european representation
2. The Mexican alligator lizard has been brought up as a bright green endangered arboreal lizard that is common in zoos

Beaded lizards: - considered complete

1. Gila monster

Chameleons:
A chameleon species is considered essential, with the following candidates brought up:

1. Panther chameleon - a large and very common species from madagascar
2. Veiled chameleon - the most common species in captivity with an iconic head crest
3. Jackson’s chameleon - an east african species known for its 3 horns.
4. Mediterranean chameleon - a smaller chameleon species found arounf the mediterranean in africa, asia and europe

Chinese crocodile lizards:
As the sole living member of its family, the Chinese crocodile lizard is a popular choice as a unique and endangered lizard from east asia that is common in zoos.

Geckos:
There is want for a member of this group. The following members have been brought up:

1. Crested gecko - a morphologically unique threatened gecko endemic to new caledonia
2. Giant leaf-tailed gecko - a unique species from madsgascar
3. Leopard gecko- a very common in captivity colorful candidate from south asia
   • The Iranian fat tailed gecko has been mentioned as a larger alternative to the leopard gecko
4. Madagascar day gecko - a bright colored large diurnal gecko from madagascar
5. New caledonian giant gecko - largest gecko in the world, endemic to new caledonia
6. Tokay gecko - a uniquely colored gecko from south-east asia
7. Turquoise dwarf gecko - a bright turquoise gecko native to Tanzania, critically endangered and common in zoos

Helmeted lizards:
The Plumed baslisk of this group is a popular choice for its head and tail crest and ability to run on water

Iguanids:

1. Green iguana
2. Lesser antillean iguana
3. Fiji banded iguana - a colorful endangered species from Fiji
4. Horned lizards - a spiked iguanid from north america
5. Mexican spiny tail iguana - mentioned as a colorfuliguana species from north america
6. Pink iguana - a critically endangered species from the galapagos
7. Rhinoceros iguana - mentioned as an endangered and very large iguana endemic to the caribbean island of hispniola
8. Marine iguana - another popular choice from the galapagos, but is not found in captivity

Monitor lizards:

1. Komodo dragon
2. Nile monitor
3. Asian water monitor
4. an australian monitor is considered essential by most. The lead candidate in this category is the Perentie, as the largest australian monitor and a desert representative
5. The Lace monitor has been suggested as an alternative to the perentie, as an arboreal australian species common in captivity
6. The Blue-spotted tree monitor has been brought up as a uniquely colored endangered species endemic to the Batanta islamd in Indonesia
7. The Crocodile monitor has been suggested as an exceptionally large monitor endemic to new guinea
8. The Desert monitor has been suggested as a north african and middle eastern representative
9. The Spiny-tailed monitor, Emerald tree monitor and Kimberley rock monitor has been suggested as small candidates that could fit as exhibit amimals
10. Several more less popular australian monitors have been mentioned:
    1. Merten's water monitor - an endangered species from northern australia
    2. Sand Goanna
    3. Yellow spotted monitor
11. Gray's monitor has been mentioned as a vulnerable species endemic to the philippines

Skinks:

1. Eastern blue-tongued lizard
2. The Fire skink has been mentioned as a bright red skink from west and central africa that is common in zooz
3. Peters's banded skink has been mentioned as a colorful species from the african Sahel region
4. The Shingleback skink has been mentioned as a relative of the blue-tongued skink endemic to australia with a pinecone-like skin
5. the Solomon island skink has been mentioned as the largest skink in the world
6. The Telfair's Skink has been mentioned as a vulnerable skink endemic to Mauritius

True lizards:

1. the Ocellated lizard has been requested as a colorful and large representative from europe
2. The European green lizard has been mentioned as an alternative to the Ocellated lizard

Whiptails and tegus:

1. the Argentine black-and-white tegu is a very popular candidate from this group, as a large well-tempered south american representative from several biomes
2. The Northern caiman lizard has been brought up as a unique arboreal south american representative

Spoiler: Snakes

Generally there are many many snakes considered necessary for the game, which are unlikely to come due to the limited exhibit roster
Boas:

1. Boa Constrictor
2. Yellow Anaconda
3. the Emerald tree boa is a popular choice due to theur striking colors and commonality in zoos
4. The Green anaconda is requested by many, due to its status as the world's heaviest snake and one of the longest
5. the Rainbow boa has been brought up for its coloration

Colubrids:

1. several south east asian colubrids have been brought up, including:
   • mangrove cat snake,
   • red bamboo rat snake
   • Beauty snake
   • Moellendorff's trinket snake
   • Rhinoceros rat snake
2. several north american colubrids have been brought up, including:
   • Corn snake
   • Milk snake
   • San francisco garter snake
3. several european colubrids have been brought up, including:
   • Aesculapian snake
   • Barred grass snake
   • Dice snake
4. the Burmese vine snake has been brought up for its unique anatomy
5. the Boomslang has been brought up as a uniquely colorful and venomous aftican representative of the family

Elapids:

1. Common Death Adder
2. Eastern Brown Snake
3. cobras - a true cobra is considered essential to the game, with the leading candidate being the King cobra, but the Indian cobra and Egyptian cobra have been brought up as well
4. coral snakes - this group has been requested due to their coloration and general popularity, with the most famous one being Clark's coral snake
5. the Black Mamba is requested by many due to its iconic status and famous lethality
6. the Inland taipan has been mentioned due to its renowned tatus as the world's most venomous snake
7. the Tiger snake has been brought up as an australian representative

Pythons:
In general a python is considered necessary for the game. The following species have been brought up

1. Reticulated python - the most popular choice
2. Ball python
3. Burmese python
4. Carpet python
5. Indian python
6. Olive python
7. Northern white-lipped python
8. Woma

Vipers:

1. Puff Adder
2. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
3. Desert horned viper
4. The Copperhead has been brought up as an iconic north american venomous snake
5. The Gaboon viper was brought up thanks to its coloration and commonality in zoos
6. the Eyelash viper has been brought up as a north american representative

Spoiler: Turtles

Pig nosed Turtles:
The Pig-nosed turtle has been requested as an endangered unique looking common in zoos species from Australia and New guinea
Pond Turtles:

1. Diamondback terrapin
2. the Red-eared slider has been mentioned as a common in zoos north american candidate, famous for being an invasive species
3. Box turtles have been mentioned as candidates

Sea Turtles:
There is a wide demand for a sea turtle in the game, with the following species mentioned as candidates:

1. Green sea turtle - lead candidate
2. Loggerhead sea turtle
3. Hawksbill sea turtle

Side-necked Turtles:

1. The Arrau Turtle has been mentioned as a large south american candidate
2. The Mata mata has been mentioned as a unique looking south american candidate

Snapping Turtles:
There is a wide demand for a snapping turtle in the game, with the following species mentioned as candidates:

1. Alligator snapping turtle - lead candidate
2. Common snapping turtle

Tortoises:

1. Aldabra giant tortoise
2. Galapagos giant tortoise
3. Hermann's tortoise
4. The African Spurred Tortoise is generally regarded as essential, as a common in zoos desert dwelling large tortoise, and a ZT2 representative
5. The Egyptian Tortoise has been mentioned as a critically endangered and common in zoos small desert dwelle
6. The Radiated tortoise has been mentioned as a colorful mslgasy tortoise
7. The Red-footed tortoise has been mentioned as a colorful south american species

Spoiler: Rhynchocephalia

Sphenodonts:
As the last surviving member of its very ancient lineage, the Tuatara from New zealand is considered a nice but not essential addition to the game

Amphibians

Spoiler: Caecilians

Caecilians:
There is no demand for a member of this niche amphibian group, however the Rio Cauca caecilian has been put forward as an oddball aquatic candidate.

Spoiler: Frogs

Andean frogs:
The Lake Titicaca frog has been requested as an endangered unique frog endemic to lake Titicaca

Bombina frogs:
The Oriental fire-bellied frog has been requested as a common in captivity colorful frog

Giant frogs:

1. Goliath Frog

Goose frogs:

1. The Malayan horned frog has been mentioned as a unique looking asian frog with horn like structures

Common horned frogs:
The Argentine horned frog has been mentioned as a morphologically unique south american frog

Poison dart frogs:

1. Golden Poison Frog
2. Lehmann's Poison Frog
3. There is some want for another dart frog, the following candidates have been raised:
   1. Blue poison frog
   2. Dyeing poison frog
   3. Green-and-black poison frog
   4. Pleasing poison frog
   5. Yellow-banded poison frog

Narrow mouthed frogs:
The madagascar tomato frog has been brought up as a uniquely red-colored endemic frog

Pipid frogs:

1. The African clawed frog has been mentioned as a fully aquatic frog that is common in captivity and is known as an invasive species in many countries
2. The Suriname frog has been mentioned as s morphologically unique south anericsn frog

Shrub frogs:
The Viatnamese mossy frog has been mentioned as an asian representative known for its special camoflague

Tree frogs:

1. Red-eyed Tree-Frog
2. The Amazon milk frog has been brought up as a uniquely colorful and common in captivity species
3. The Australian green tree-frog has been mentioned as an australian representative
4. The European tree-frog has been mentioned as a european representative
5. The Lemur leaf frog has been mentioned as a unique looking critically endangered candidate from south america

True Frogs:

1. American Bullfrog

True toads:

1. The Common toad has been mentioned as a european representative
2. the Cane toad has been mentioned as a highly invasive poisonous species that could be used for educational displays
3. the Panamaian golden frog has been mentioned as a critically endangered frog with golden coloration

Spoiler: Salamanders

Ambystomatids:

1. Axolotl

Amphiumas:
The Three-toed amphiuma has been mentioned as a uniquely shaoed elongated salamander from the southern united states

Giant salamanders:

1. the Chinese giant salamander and Japanese giant salamander have been suggested as rare and unique amphibians, as well as the largest living amphibians. The chinese salamander is more popular as well as critically endangered.
2. The Hellbender has been brought up as a north american alternative to the asian giant salamanders.

Proteids:
The Olm has been mentioned as a vulnerable european cave-dwelling salamander, with a very unique look, and recent resurgence in captivity

Sirens:
The Greater Siren has been mentioned as a weird looking candidate from the united states.

True Salamanders:

1. Fire Salamander
2. Danube Crested Newt
3. The Iberian ribbed newt has been requested as a colorful salamander from spain and morocco with a unique defense mechanism
4. The Luristan newt was mentioned as a colorful and vulnerable iranian species that is common in zoos

Ray-finned fish

Spoiler: Gobis

Mudskippers:
A member from this family is not considered essential bit would be a nice addition to the game as a semi-terrestrial fish common in zoos. The Atlantic mudskipper is the most common species in zoos.

Invertebrates

Spoiler: Arachnids

Scorpions: - considered complete

1. Giant Forest Scorpion
2. Giant hairy Desert Scorpion

Spiders: - considered complete

1. Goliath Birdeater
2. Mexican Red-knee Tarantula
3. Brazilian Wandering Spider
4. Brazilian Salmon pink Tarantula

Spoiler: Centipedes and Millipedes

Centipedes: - considered complete

1. Amazonian Giant Centipede

Millipedes:

1. The African giant millipede has been nominated as the largest living millipede species

Spoiler: Crustaceans

Fiddler crabs:
This group has been nominated for their uniquely large claw

Hermit crabs:

1. There is some want for a hermit crab species as a common in captivity and popular crutacean. The Land hermit crab has been brought up as a zoo fitting species.
2. The Coconut crab has been brought up as the largest terrestrial arthropod

Land crabs:

1. The Halloween crab has been nominated as a colorful species from central america

Sesarmid crabs:

1. The Vampire crab has been nominated as a colorful terrestrial species from south east asia that is common in the pet trade

Spoiler: Insects

Ants, bees and wasps:

1. The Honey bee has been brought up as a very common species and a good species for educational displays
2. The Honeypot ants have been brought up for their unique lifestyle
3. Leafcutter ants has been brought up as a group of species very common in zoos and easy to see for guests.

Beetles:

1. Goliath Beetle
2. Sacred Scarab Beetle
3. Titan Beetle
4. The Blue death-feigning beetle has been brought up as a colorful species from the sonoran desert
5. The Buffalo beetle has been brought up as a colorful africsn species
6. The Hercules beetle has been brought up as a charismatic large species with a long horn

Butterflies and moths:

1. Cloudless Sulphur
2. European Peacock
3. Menelaus Blue Morpho
4. Monarch
5. Old World Swallowtail
6. There's some demand for a green butterfly, with the Emerald swallotail in the lead
7. Other species brought up:
   1. Atlas moth
   2. Blue moon butterfly
   3. Luna moth
   4. Paper kite butterfly
   5. Sara longwing
   6. Zebra longwing

Cockroaches and termites:

1. Giant burrowing Cockroach
2. Madagascar hissing cockroach - a common in zoos malgasy species known for their unique sounds
3. Simandoa cave cockroach - an extinct in the wild critter previously endemic to a single cave in Guinea

Locusts, crickets and grasshoppers:

1. The Desert locust has been brought up as a colorful species good for education purposes
2. The Giant weta is a huge species endemic to New Zealand
3. The Painted grasshopper has also been brought up as a very colorful african species
4. The Suriname grasshopper has been brought up as a colorful south american rep

Mantises:
A representative of this group is considered essential. Options:

1. The Orchid mantis has been brought up as a colorful camoflagued critter from south-east asia
2. Other species brought up:
   1. Chinese mantis
   2. giant devil's flower mantis - a very large african mantis

Stick and leaf insects:

1. Giant Malayan leaf insect
2. Giant stick insect - one of the largest insects, native to south-east asia
3. Golden-eyed stick insect - a critically endangered species from Peru
4. Lord Howe Island stick insect -a critically endangered species endemic to the Lord-Howe island group
5. Malayan stick insect - a huge stick insect from south east asia

True bugs:
The Horrid king assassin bug has been mentioned as large colorful bug endemic to western africa

Spoiler: Gastropods (snails and slugs)

Snails:

1. Giant tiger land snail
2. Vietnamese giant magnolia snail - nominated as large species with an interesting conservation story

Slugs:

1. the Banana slug has been suggested as a bright yellow slug from the americas

Hope you like the idea, and feedback is always welcome!

 

[yoav_r]

Discussion #1: Marsupials, Monotremes

What we have:

Marsupials

• Red Kangaroo
• Red-necked Wallaby
• Common Wombat
• Koala

Monotremes

• Platypus

Explain what you think is still needed from the aforementioned groups, and give your reasoning as to why. Take into account that slots in the roster are not unlimited, so try to keep the discussion realistic.

 

[jcp011c]

Discussion #1: Marsupials, Monotremes

What we have:

Marsupials

• Red Kangaroo
• Red-necked Wallaby
• Common Wombat
• Koala

Monotremes

• Platypus

Explain what you think is still needed from the aforementioned groups, and give your reasoning as to why. Take into account that slots in the roster are not unlimited, so try to keep the discussion realistic.

Marsupials - needed is a carnivorous marsupial. There aren't a lot of those comparatively, but would still be really good to get one in the game. The obvious choice is the Tasmanian Devil of course.

Quasi-needed - a Tree Kangaroo. I wouldn't call it needed but it would be a visually unique animal, and while a second arboreal marsupial, behavior and again looks are quite different from the Koala. Still, if it didn't make the cut I would miss it but would be alright with mods.

Monotremes - Given the low unique different types of monotreme representatives. I don't think we need an echidna. Monotremes in the game are not complete but are adequately represented.

 

[Nausicaaa 22]

Discussion #1: Marsupials, Monotremes

What we have:

Marsupials

• Red Kangaroo
• Red-necked Wallaby
• Common Wombat
• Koala

Monotremes

• Platypus

Explain what you think is still needed from the aforementioned groups, and give your reasoning as to why. Take into account that slots in the roster are not unlimited, so try to keep the discussion realistic.

Marsupials: We definitely need Tasmanian Devil. He is too iconical to leave it from the game. A perfect example of conservation in zoos, we need the biggest carnivore marsupial of our times (we all miss you thylacine . But also a tree kangaroo. Personally, I would go for the Goodfellow's, but it can be the matschie's too. We really need this animal, it fits so well in Oceanian sections and is very wanted too.

Monotremes: This is very obvious, definitely the echidna. Is the last representant of the family. And would be possibly the short-beaked. Is the most common and very iconical. The last monotreme for the game

 

[AlexSea]

Discussion #1: Marsupials, Monotremes

What we have:

Marsupials

• Red Kangaroo
• Red-necked Wallaby
• Common Wombat
• Koala

Monotremes

• Platypus

Explain what you think is still needed from the aforementioned groups, and give your reasoning as to why. Take into account that slots in the roster are not unlimited, so try to keep the discussion realistic.

As far as marsupials go, I don't think anyone would contend against the Tasmanian Devil being a must-have. A tree kangaroo would be pretty good as well. I'd prefer the Goodfellow's over the Mataschie's but I'm really not picky, so long as we get one of them. And for monotremes, the Short-Beaked Echidna is all that's left. I don't think we need it, but it would be a nice inclusion nevertheless.

 

[yoav_r]

How would you guys feel if we get something like the Spotted Quoll over the Tazzie?

 

[BananaLeech]

I am not trying to be a black sheep here but I don't think the game would feel incomplete if we do not have the Tasmanian devil. I argue that the devil has the same importance as the echidna. The only reason it is "essential" (and probably inevitable) is because the community keeps echoing the statement that we need it.

Obviously we cannot expect every taxonomic group so I won't hold my breath for Didelphimorphs, and Phalangerids despite wanting a few reps from each (Opossum, Cuscus, and Brushtail Possum).I would not shed a tear for bandicoots and marsupial moles.

How would you guys feel if we get something like the Spotted Quoll over the Tazzie?

I would find it hillaious. But I don't see it happening. It would be nice if both make it but that's just a dream.

 

[Nausicaaa 22]

How would you guys feel if we get something like the Spotted Quoll over the Tazzie?

 

[jcp011c]

How would you guys feel if we get something like the Spotted Quoll over the Tazzie?

The forums would probably break in half at that point.

 

[Aramar]

How would you guys feel if we get something like the Spotted Quoll over the Tazzie?

We would lit up our torches and riot

 

[YesIndeed]

As far as marsupials go, I don't think anyone would contend against the Tasmanian Devil being a must-have. A tree kangaroo would be pretty good as well. I'd prefer the Goodfellow's over the Mataschie's but I'm really not picky, so long as we get one of them. And for monotremes, the Short-Beaked Echidna is all that's left. I don't think we need it, but it would be a nice inclusion nevertheless.

I contend against it being a mys have. No kidding I still really want it but I would like a tree kangaroo so much more. If need I can always pretend my European badgers are just fat devils. Sadly our in game red kangaroos can't climb so no recreating that.

My actual wants would be
Tree kangaroo
Echidna
Tasmanian devil
Possum
And one more like another wallaby, a Quokka or mabey even a numbat

 

[yoav_r]

I contend against it being a mys have. No kidding I still really want it but I would like a tree kangaroo so much more. If need I can always pretend my European badgers are just fat devils. Sadly our in game red kangaroos can't climb so no recreating that.

My actual wants would be
Tree kangaroo
Echidna
Tasmanian devil
Possum
And one more like another wallaby, a Quokka or mabey even a numbat

Are possums even zoo animals?

 

[Captain Callum]

Are possums even zoo animals?

There's a handful listed on zootierliste - https://www.zootierliste.de/en/?klasse=1&ordnung=102&familie=10205&art=1020501

 

[KönigDerKaffeebohnen]

Discussion #1: Marsupials, Monotremes

What we have:

Marsupials

• Red Kangaroo
• Red-necked Wallaby
• Common Wombat
• Koala

Monotremes

• Platypus

Explain what you think is still needed from the aforementioned groups, and give your reasoning as to why. Take into account that slots in the roster are not unlimited, so try to keep the discussion realistic.

So id say this one is pretty simple, as we can (imo) circle out 4 marsupials that are arguably needed in the game for a fleshed out and satisfying collection.
These would be:

• A treekangaroo for representing new guinea and being a very weird and unique arboreal creature
• a carnivorus marsupial, aka pretty much tasmanian devil or eastern quoll if we are talking about animals that have an actual zoo presence outside of australia
• an arboreal marsupial in the classic sense like a cuscus or the surprisingly common common brushtail possum would add something very unique to oceania and marsupials, ironically by being pretty basic
• and arguably a 3. "basic" macropod for some variance. If we can have 10 Antelopes we should have atleast 3 terrestrial macropods. The 3 main contenders here would be the yellow footed rock wallaby for its apperance and being viable for both a dry- or highlands dlc, the parmas wallaby for being the smallest and very common in zoos or the common walleroo for being a new group of terrestrial maropods with lots of color variation and right in the middle of the size difference

For monotremes, the short beaked echidna would "complete" the group while also adding a workhorse that can fill every single niche for oceanian zoos, as its just that widespread.

"Needed" is a really strong word but these are atleast the imo sensible open niches where we would benefit alot if another marsupial would fill it for both marsupial diversity and diversity for oceania.
If i had to rank them id go Short Beaked Echidna for being the everyman > Treekangaroo for being highly requested, unique and arboreal, the carnivore as our only carnivores from oceania are the saltie and the dingo so far, which is okay but it would be nice to add an marsupial to that mix > the normal arboreal one as both the koala and tree kangaroo are highly specialised and would need quite different habitats then most "normal" arboreal animals > a 3. terrestrial macropod as variety and bulk in whats essentially australias ungulates is important, but it would be simply variety for varietys sake and would be the easiest that could be filled with mods

 

[jcp011c]

Are possums even zoo animals?

It’s needed to complete the American “Roadside Tragedies” set, but otherwise, its a big “meh” for me

 

[NachoB]

How would you guys feel if we get something like the Spotted Quoll over the Tazzie?

No.

 

[yoav_r]

No.

My favorite feeling

 

[HunterIsCookie]

Discussion #1: Marsupials, Monotremes

What we have:

Marsupials

• Red Kangaroo
• Red-necked Wallaby
• Common Wombat
• Koala

Monotremes

• Platypus

Explain what you think is still needed from the aforementioned groups, and give your reasoning as to why. Take into account that slots in the roster are not unlimited, so try to keep the discussion realistic.

My top 2 priorities for marsupials would certainly be:
1. Tasmanian Devil - In my eyes, the most iconic Australian animal missing from Planet Zoo (something even tells me we might get them in the next pack but I'll hold my tongue). We would get another small carnivore, yes, but Australia's largest carnivorous marsupial is nothing to scoff at. No, a quoll would not suffice as a replacement as I find there to be too many differences between the Tiger Quoll (the species most similar to the T-Devil) and the Tassie.
2. Goodfellow's Tree-Kangaroo - An aboreal macropod representing the ingame sparce island of New Guinea? For animations alone, tree-kangaroos should be high priority for an Islands or Rainforest pack, but both this species and the Matschie's (which I would also take) are fairly high-profile zoo animals.

Other marsupials I think would be really cool to have, but we might not have enough slots for all of them:
3. Greater Bilby - The funkily weird Australian icon of both conservation and Easter. The bilby could make for an incredibly unique addition to nocturnal sections of zoos.
4. Numbat - Wonderfully weird, I personally group this little guy with the bilby in terms of weird endangered marsupials only really known in Australia. Frontier actually included numbats in their earlier Zoo Tycoon game, so I hope it's still on their radar.
5. Quokka - Internet famous and just adorable. I'd prefer this be our third terrestrial macropod as I find them a bit more unique than another wallaby or kangaroo (not that I'd say no to a Yellow-Footed Rock-Wallaby or Eastern Grey Kangaroo either)
6. Common Brushtail Possum - Incredibly common in Australia to the point of them being sort of a pest, I didn't initially care for this animal. But further interactions with the species, the inclusion of American and European garden-variety animals and the fact that quite a few zoos do house them, I thought why the heck not? They are fairly unique appearance wise, despite the grey colouration, and make for a good aboreal filler species in small mammal buildings and nocturnal houses.
7. Tiger Quoll - Probably the most likely of the quolls (not that that's saying much tbh) due to their size. Distinct from the Tassie Devil through their colouration, patterning and aboreal nature, while I may not like them as a substitue for the devil, I'd still love to see them ingame.

In terms of monotremes, I really think the Short-Beaked Echidna fully deserves to be in the roster by the end of support. They're just as unique as the platypus and could be incredibly versatile because they inhabit almost all of Mainland Australia, Tasmania and even chill out in New Guinea with it's long-beaked bros. On that topic, the Eastern Long-Beaked Echidna is another option, though much rarer in captivity. I wouldn't mind it, in fact I think both it and the short-beaked are different enough to have both, but this is the lowest priority for me.

 

[biggest_dreamer]

Marsupials

• Red Kangaroo
• Red-necked Wallaby
• Common Wombat
• Koala

Monotremes

• Platypus

To be perfectly honest, I don't think any specific species at this point is a dire need, as of getting a desperately needed wallaby and one additional internationally-rare marsupial in the last two packs. I think we could stand to have maybe two more strictly from a quantity perspective, but I'm far from the camp that thinks it has to be the Tasmanian devil. In fact, I'd readily prefer both a tree kangaroo (Matschie's, ideally) and echidna first. But if support ends after this year, as it's reasonably likely to do, that's probably 23 more species we're looking at. I'm not sure how many slots I can justify going to these groups. Three sounds like a stretch, but ultimately I don't think it's impossible, I guess. I imagine Frontier's priority order will go Tasmanian devil, either tree kangaroo (Goodfellow's is probably more popular on paper but Matschie's is substantially cuter therefore better, fight me), short-beaked echidna. Anything beyond those seems unreasonable to expect... unless they want to show they're just that committed to the North American roadkill squad and gives us the Virginia opossum.

 

[Chuditch]

Discussion #1: Marsupials, Monotremes

What we have:

Marsupials

• Red Kangaroo
• Red-necked Wallaby
• Common Wombat
• Koala

Monotremes

• Platypus

Explain what you think is still needed from the aforementioned groups, and give your reasoning as to why. Take into account that slots in the roster are not unlimited, so try to keep the discussion realistic.

Even as a big marsupial guy, the only three non-placental mammals I’d say are “needed” in the strongest sense of the word are the Tasmanian devil, short-beaked echidna and a species of tree kangaroo. The devil and echidna are both extremely distinct from the animals we already have in the game and are really the last two mammals that are necessary to build a realistic Australian zoo (aside from more South American primates of course) - building a native corner of the zoo will always feel incomplete without these two for me. Meanwhile, tree kangaroos are unlike any other member of their family and would add much needed representation to New Guinea. Like most people I would be happy with either Goodfellow’s or Matchie’s (or even Lumholtz’s) despite a slight preference for the former.

There’s a whole bunch of marsupials I want besides those (monotremes would be complete for me though, sorry long-beaked echidnas) - bilbies, quolls, numbats, potoroos, rock-wallabies, cuscus, brushtail possums, quokkas, grey kangaroos, etc etc - but I don’t think those are realistic choices with the limited roster space we have available and I could live without them.

How would you guys feel if we get something like the Spotted Quoll over the Tazzie?

Really mixed for me. On one hand, quolls are my favourite animals IRL and so I’d be absolutely thrilled, but devils are much more essential as a zoo animal for me (quolls are pretty common in Australian zoos but devils even more so) and I’d feel their absence from the game much more.

Dasyurid Pack when?