Chapter 4
Population Management
Vision
“All zoos and aquariums will be primary centres of expertise in small animal population management and will be involved in global or regional co-operative breeding programmes. All such programmes will be based on sound knowledge using the latest available data on population management, reproductive biology, genetics, behaviour, physiology, nutrition, veterinary care and husbandry.”
The World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy, 2005
Recommendations
4.1 The World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy (WZACS) recommends that all breeding programmes for threatened species in zoos and aquariums be managed as global or regional co-operative programmes with participating zoos and aquariums sharing a set of specific programme objectives. Regional programmes should link together to address global conservation strategies. Global or regional studbooks or equivalent databases need to be maintained for these species. Where resources allow, breeding programmes for nonthreatened species should also be monitored and managed.
Response
Aquariums recognise the value of managed breeding programmes and need to see these developed to the high level of achievement often seen in terrestrial zoos.
Action
For public aquariums, national and regional aquarium/zoo associations and partners to:
■ encourage all public aquariums to be members of WAZA and/or a regional/national zoo and aquarium association;
■ ensure that all aquariums holding ‘programme animals’ participate in existing regional or global programmes and work within regional and international studbook agreements;
■ ensure that local, national, regional or global appraisals of threatened species are carried out where appropriate and conservation breeding programmes implemented;
■ consider the opportunities to support aquatic plant as well as animal conservation programmes utilising the latest advances in hydroponics.
4.2 The WZACS recommends that all breeding programmes in which zoos or aquariums are involved should be quantitatively and objectively evaluated in terms of their objectives, status and viability.
Response
Aquariums agree that regular critical review of all breeding programmes is required and that progressively higher benchmarks should be established for this.