ZIMS for Studbooks
ZIMS for Studbooks is a specialized module within Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) developed by Species360 in collaboration with international conservation and population experts. It is designed to facilitate the management of international, regional, and institutional breeding programs for species.
Benefits of ZIMS for Studbooks
ZIMS for Studbooks not only streamlines studbook management but also supports critical decisions in species survival and breeding programs. By integrating data analytics and a user-friendly interface, ZIMS for Studbooks offers benefits including:
Establishing a historic resource
ZIMS for Studbooks allows you to create and manage a comprehensive electronic record of the pedigree and demographic information of individual animals within a managed population. By managing a studbook in ZIMS, you are creating a permanent record that is easily shared with other population managers and seamlessly maintained now and in the future.
Integration with PMx software
PMx is a package of demographic and genetic analysis tools to assist with the management of breeding programs for wildlife species. It is created and maintained by the Species Conservation Toolkit Initiative (SCTI) which is supported by Species360.
Data entry and integrated records save time and improve accuracy
For individual animals and groups already managed in ZIMS, such as in ZIMS for Husbandry, demographic information such as birthdates, parentage, reproductive history and health records are automatically updated, ensuring greater accuracy and saving the studbook keeper time. ZIMS ensures that data is standardized in a consistent format.
Pedigree Analysis
ZIMS for Studbooks includes tools for analyzing the pedigree data entered into the system. This allows users to assess the genetic diversity within the managed population, identify potential breeding pairs, and make informed decisions to minimize inbreeding and maintain healthy genetic variability over generations.
Global Search, Collaboration, and Data Sharing
Studbooks often support collaborative efforts among multiple institutions that manage populations of the same species. ZIMS for Studbooks facilitates communication and data sharing between participating institutions, allowing them to work together to coordinate breeding recommendations, share genetic information, and collectively manage the genetic health of the population.
Reports and Recommendations
The system generates reports and recommendations based on the data entered into the studbook. These reports include population demographics, genetic analyses, and other relevant information to assist zoos, aquariums and ex situ organizations in making informed decisions about their breeding programs.
Integration with Species360 Network
ZIMS for Studbooks is part of the broader Species360 network, which includes a global community of zoos, aquariums, and conservation organizations. Data entered into ZIMS for Studbooks contributes to the collective knowledge and conservation efforts of this network, helping to support global species conservation initiatives.
ZIMS for Studbooks
Features and Functionality
Global Studbook search
A unique tool where species population managers can get a comprehensive view of studbooks being managed across regional associations or institutions worldwide. ZIMS for Studbooks Global Search offers breakouts by IUCN status, regional association, taxonomy, users assigned, and more.
Managed groups
Allows users to track groups of animals that are currently managed together.
Age group feature
Gives species population managers a clear view of the age spread and gender across populations by regional and international studbook.
Reproductive dashboard
Provides summary reproductive information for your studbook.
Institutional studbooks
In addition to studbooks managed through the regional and international associations, ZIMS for Studbooks also offers the ability to migrate existing studbooks and create new studbooks for species you manage which are not maintained by your regional association.
Using ZIMS for Studbooks has been a turning point for us.
Erica Royer, Aviculturist and Red Siskin Consortium Coordinator and Studbook Keeper
Continuous Support
and Training
Species360 provides unlimited support and training to help aquarium staff maximize the benefits of ZIMS. Our member support team is dedicated to assisting you every step of the way, from implementation and data migration to troubleshooting and software updates.
Additionally, we offer free training courses on the Conservation Training website, to help get you started in ZIMS.
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