Zoo-based Research and Conservation
Lynn Patton and Matt Anderson, Conservation and Research for Endangered Species, Zoological Society of San Diego, San Diego, CA.
| “Zoos and aquariums accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) are deeply committed to high standards of animal care and welfare and to their core missions of conservation, science and education. Last year alone, 214 AZA-member institutions reported spending an estimated $77 million to support 2,374 conservation and associated research and educational projects in 107 countries worldwide. In addition, zoo and aquarium staff produced over 700 articles, many in peer reviewed scientific publications.
AZA and its members recognize that science is critical to the future of wildlife and the zoological profession. To help better coordinate these efforts, the Association formed a Science and Technology Task Force and a series of Scientific Advisory Groups. While these cooperative programs are still in their infancy, individual member institutions continue to build their capacity to conduct scientific studies and apply the results to both applied and theoretical issues. In 2004, 64% of AZA members reported having a research coordinator’s or equivalent position. Members’ and their partners’ conservation and associated scientific and educational initiatives are supported by the Association’s Conservation Endowment Fund (CEF). Over the past 11 years, the CEF has provided nearly $2.8 million to support 177 projects in 36 countries worldwide. The SICB Symposium titled “Zoo-based Research and Conservation” provides just a small sampling of the diverse, interesting and important work that AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and their highly-trained scientific and conservation staffs are doing on behalf of wildlife and their habitats worldwide.” Michael Hutchins, Ph.D.
Symposia speakers:Dr. Thomas Hildebrandt Development of assisted reproduction technologies (ART) for endangered species Dr. Cheryl Asa Recovery of endangered Mexican Gray Wolves (Canis lupus baileyi) and Island Foxes (Urocyon littoralis) Dr. Fred Bercovitch Maternal Effort and Sex Differences in Koala Joey Development Dr. Matt Anderson Comparative reproductive morphology in mammals: A Darwinian perspective Lynn Patton Contraception in female giraffe with a GnRH analog (Deslorelin) Dr. Terri Roth The role of science in breeding the critically endangered Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) |
|
