We live in a time of global crises, in which targeted conservation action is a priority. According to the IUCN Conservation Planning Specialist Group’s One Plan Approach, we have a responsibility and an opportunity to coordinate across in situ and ex situ populations to save species now threatened with extinction. Thus, the idea of zoological institutions as modern arks is a vital component for species conservation and reintroduction programs.
If we are to use the modern ark effectively, then space, expertise, time and money should primarily be allocated to the species that need ex situ support the most. If a species becomes extinct but is still in zoos, it may be considered for reintroduction to its natural habitat.
Using the Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), we are able to examine animal groups or regions for taxa already kept and bred in zoos. We can also determine the proportion of endangered versus not threatened species currently in zoos, as well as identify which species are represented in too high or too low numbers or in unfavorable gender combinations.
For example, a ZIMS analysis published in 2017 found that the Nile crocodile was one of the most commonly kept crocodile species in zoos, both in terms of holding institutions and individual numbers. However, the widely distributed species was listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species while critically endangered species such as the Philippine crocodile were kept in comparatively much lower numbers and by only few institutions.
The 2017 study was considered by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and used to help shape its subsequent Regional Collection Plan. As a result, more EAZA member zoos have shifted their crocodile species collection towards threatened species in need of ex situ support.
Further, in testament to the One Plan Approach and the global Reverse the Red initiative supported by IUCN, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and others, the Philippine crocodile has been repatriated using zoo bred offspring to strengthen the diminished natural population.
This analysis indicates what has already been achieved by zoos through ex situ protection and shows the gaps that still need to be filled.
There is high interest in these studies, on which threatened species ex situ conservation should focus. One of ZooBiology’s most cited papers from 2022 through spring of 2024 was a ZIMS analysis of Malagasy freshwater fishes.
Analysis completed for certain regions, animal groups or taxa help us to identify which species need more ex situ protection. Based on these analyses, the conservation community are able to take several steps. These include: coordinating exchanges between zoological institutions; genetically assessing ex situ populations for previously overlooked taxa; converting confiscated individuals into conservation breeding programs; and establishing cooperative initiatives with partners in the countries of origin.
Published in Nature Conservation in 2023, a regional analysis of the reptile species from Vietnam sparked global media interest, such as the Mongabay article titled, ‘For Vietnam’s rare reptiles, lack of captive populations may spell doom.’ The report also has helped to inform conservation strategies.
Vietnam’s Annam pond turtle is one of the stories that underscores the essential role of zoos and aquariums in the One Plan Approach. Virtually extinct in the wild, the Annam pond turtle is still found in zoos. It is a goal of EAZA’s Vietnamazing conservation campaign to bring this and other species such as the Vietnam pheasant back to nature in Vietnam, and that initiative will be based on genetically screened individuals from rescue stations and zoos.
Using ZIMS, we can examine animal groups and regions for taxa already in human care, and can determine the proportion of endangered versus non-threatened species in zoos; and furthermore, which species are bred already or represented in too high or too low numbers or in unfavourable gender combinations.
This indicates what has already been achieved by zoos through ex situ protection and shows the gaps in ex situ species protection still need to be filled.
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