Species360 Insights
Medical, Demographic, and Lifecycle Data on over 25,000 species, for researchers, veterinarians, conservation scientists and more
For almost 50 years, Species360 members worldwide have collected the most amazing details regarding the wildlife in their care. Together, we are changing what is known about species.
Jim Guenter, CEO, Species360
Who is Species360? Species360 is a non-profit organization that facilitates data collection, analysis, and collaboration among member institutions caring for diverse species worldwide. That data is used to support research, breeding programs, and informed decision-making for the care and conservation of animals.
Species360 Insights provides scientists with access to aggregated data and analysis, including demographic, medical, and other insights, on more than 25,000 species. For privacy, that data is anonymous to the individual animal, group, and institution.
How to Subscribe to Species360 Insights: Species360 Insights provides veterinarians, medical labs, colleges, universities, research centers, students and others with access to aggregated ZIMS data and analytics for a low annual fee. The data is anonymous to the individual animal, group, enclosure, and institution, and reflects global collections of species. To inquire about a subscription, email Support@Species360.org.
How it Works:
- Data Collection: Scientists and staff working at aquariums, zoos, wildlife refuges and other wildlife institutions worldwide use the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) to record and share data on individual animals, groups, and enclosures, including information on genetics, medical histories, behavior, reproduction, and more.
- Conservation Efforts: The data collected by Species360 members is crucial for managing captive populations and breeding programs. This information aids in understanding animal health, genetics, demographics, and behavior, which in turn contributes to the effective management of threatened and endangered species.
- Global Network: Species360 has a network of over 1,300 member institutions in more than 100 countries, making its ZIMS database one of the largest of its kind. This global collaboration allows for the exchange of knowledge and insights among professionals in the field.
- Research and Education: The data collected in ZIMS is used for scientific research, education, and conservation planning. It helps researchers and conservationists understand trends in populations, genetics, and other critical aspects of species’ well-being.
- Technology and Tools: Species360 provides software tools and applications that enable member institutions to input and access data easily. These tools aid in data analysis, reporting, and decision-making.
- Conservation Partnerships: Species360 collaborates with various conservation organizations, research institutions, and governmental agencies to promote wildlife conservation efforts on a global scale.
- Ethical Data Use: The organization emphasizes responsible and ethical data use, ensuring that information is used to improve animal welfare and conservation without compromising individual animal privacy.
Species360 Insights provides access to ZIMS aggregated data, reports, tools, and analytics such as:
- Demographic Data: Species Event History, Species Holding, Animal Age Distribution, Weight Comparison Report, TAG Export, Population Overview, Global Holdings by Animal Type.
- Medical Data: Anesthesia Summaries, Drug Usage by Type, Expected Blood Test Results.
Insights included in Species360 Membership
Species360 Members get access to Insights with their Species360 Membership. Members can assign the ‘Insights’ role under Husbandry and Medical to any staff they wish to grant Insights access. Additionally, to help members make sure they’re gaining the full benefit of the globally aggregated species data in ZIMS, we have recently launched a free Insights course on the Nature Conservancy Conservation Training website. The short course is free for all members, and takes them step-by-step through navigating ZIMS and accessing the relevant data.
Species360 Data: Sample reports in ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System)
Species360 Insights subscribers have online access to a variety of reports and tools, including data on individual species. Here is a look at some of the available information.
Species360 Insights Research
Here is a look at some of the institutions using ZIMS data for research through the Species360 Insights program:
- IUCN Primates Section on Small Apes use ZIMS data to inform gibbon rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centers. University of California, Davis (United States) – Conducting research on wildlife life history and behavior change over time and space, the researcher is examining variation in birthing times across a latitudinal gradient, supplementing work being done in the field.
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services (Canada) – A laboratory within the Manitoba Agriculture Department, Government of Canada. *University of Pennsylvania (United States) – Conducting research on wildlife fertility and how it varies by birth season and by species.
- Babes Bolyai University (Romania) – Evolutionary Ecology Group will enhance their field-collected physiological measurements on bird species with zoo results. Research focused on finding correlations between bird species physiological parameters, specimen size, and overall health predictors.
- Murdoch University (Australia) – Compliment their field research in numerous wildlife medical areas with aggregated zoo data for a more complete species’ understanding.
- Sorrento Therapeutics (Nasdaq: SRNE) & their ARK Animal Health subsidiary, USA – Clinical stage biotechnology company involved in physical research, primarily engaged in the discovery and development of therapies focused on oncology and the treatment of chronic cancer pain – in human, companion animals, wildlife.
- Hamilton College, Department of Biology (United States) –Research investigating the trade-offs among physiological traits across numerous wildlife species.
- University of St. Gallen (Switzerland) – Research on population changes of species held in captivity that have disappeared (or are at a critical stage) in the wild in the Ivory Coast. This research is part of the wildlife project under the direction of the Aboukouamékro National Parc, Ivory Coast.
- University of California, Berkeley (United States) – Research on the types of species frequently held in zoo collections to help inform biodiversity discussions, and conservation prioritization/spending.
- University of Virginia (United States) — Comparative study of parasitism and immune function in primates will use physiological markers data in ZIMS. *University of Suffolk (UK) Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science Program.
- University of Navarro (Spain) – Department of Environmental Biology is completing analysis on the role of zoos in species conservation.
- Snow Leopard Trust (United States) – Research to protect the endangered snow leopard and its habitat in 12 countries of Central Asia.
To inquire about using Species360 Insights in your research, email us at Support@Species360.org.
