An Emerging Role of Zoos to Conserve Biodiversity

Conde, Dalia Amor; Flesness, Nate; Colchero, Fernando; Jones, Owen R.; Scheuerlein, Alexander

doi:10.1126/science.1200674

Cited by 292 publications

(255 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…significant financial contributions to field conservation projects) (Gusset & Dick 2011). However, the way zoos contribute to conservation is still controversial: for instance, zoos mostly display large-bodied vertebrates and less-threatened species (Balmford et al 1995, Conde et al 2011, Fa et al 2014, Martin et al 2014. One reason for such bias toward large vertebrates is the general public preference for large mammals and rare or charismatic species in zoos (Angulo et al 2009, Ward et al 1998.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human preferences for species conservation: Animal charisma trumps endangered status

Colléony

Clayton

Couvet

et al. 2017

Biological Conservation

222

155

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A good deal of research has recently focused on people's commitment to biodiversity conservation by investigating their "willingness-to-pay" (WTP). Because of the public's self-reported preferences for species that are more charismatic or similar to humans, conservation programs are often biased toward these species. Our study aimed to explore the determinants of WTP among 10 066 participants in a zoo conservation program. The program aims to raise money to support conservation programs and involves donating a sum of money to "adopt" an animal in the zoo. We explored whether participants were influenced by particular scientific characteristics of the animal (IUCN conservation status and phylogenetic distance from humans) or by more affect-related characteristics, such as the charisma of the animal. We found that participants did not choose an animal to adopt because of the endangered status of the species, and did not donate more to endangered species than to other species. Instead, they were more likely to choose a charismatic species. However, surprisingly, those who chose a less charismatic species gave more money on average to the program than those who adopted more charismatic species, suggesting a higher level of commitment among the former. These results therefore suggest that this type of conservation program may not be an effective way of reconnecting people with conservation issues related to endangered species. We therefore advise zoos to communicate more strongly on the level of threat to species and to increase the ratio of endangered over charismatic species in their animal adoption programs.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human preferences for species conservation: Animal charisma trumps endangered status

Colléony

Clayton

Couvet

et al. 2017

Biological Conservation

222

155

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“…Roughly one out of seven known threatened species on the planet can be found in a zoo or an aquarium (Conde et al, 2011) and captive breeding in such institutions may be the only practical conservation option left for some species whose habitats are dwindling. The authors showed that of 68 vertebrate species with improved conservation status as per their IUCN Red List designation, 13 species benefitted from conservation breeding with zoological institutions also contributing substantial logistical, technical or financial support for nine of those 13 species.…”

Section: Integration Of In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation Programsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrating In-Situ and Ex-Situ Data Management Processes for Biodiversity Conservation

et al. 2017

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There is an increasing need for a "one plan approach" for conservation strategies that integrate in-situ and ex-situ management processes. Zoological institutions contribute directly to threatened species conservation through paradigms, such as reintroduction, head-starting, supplementation, or rescue/rehabilitation/release. This in-situ/ex-situ integration necessitates collaboration at all levels of conservation action including planning, implementation, monitoring and assessment to drive adaptive management processes. Each component is dependent on the availability and accuracy of data for evidence to facilitate evaluation and adaptive management processes. The Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), managed by Species360, is a centralized web-based information system used in zoological institutions worldwide to pool life history, behavior and health data and facilitate animal husbandry, health, and breeding management processes. Currently used for few integrated conservation programs, ZIMS is an innovative tool that offers a new opportunity to link data management processes for animals that spend a part of their lives under human care and part in their natural environment and has great potential for use in managed wild populations.

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“…Research has shown that zoos currently hold roughly one in seven (15%) threatened species of terrestrial vertebrates (Conde et al 2011).…”

Section: Noah's Ark In Rough Watermentioning

confidence: 99%

Captivity for Conservation? Zoos at a Crossroads

Keulartz

2016

The International Library of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Ethics

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An Emerging Role of Zoos to Conserve Biodiversity

Abstract: Roughly one in seven threatened terrestrial vertebrate species are held in captivity, a resource for ex situ conservation efforts.

Cited by 292 publications

References 16 publications

Human preferences for species conservation: Animal charisma trumps endangered status

Human preferences for species conservation: Animal charisma trumps endangered status

Integrating In-Situ and Ex-Situ Data Management Processes for Biodiversity Conservation

Captivity for Conservation? Zoos at a Crossroads

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