A survey of conservation activities for native animal species and subspecies of the United States and U.S. territories by association of zoos and aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos and aquariums
(Book - Regular Print)

Includes bibliographical references.

Zoos and Aquariums do not receive the deserved accolades and recognition for their native wildlife conservation activities and successes. I wanted to examine this topic more closely and obtain measurable proof that zoos and aquariums are an integral part of wildlife conservation for native U.S. species and subspecies, thereby also providing encouragement to continue and expand conservation activities and successes. There are more native U.S. species and subspecies receiving conservation efforts from Association of Zoos and aquariums (AZA) - accredited zoos and aquariums than are accounted for within the AZA Animal Management Programs (AMP) database. To quantify the number of vagrant and introduced animal species to the United States and to U.S. territories that are receiving conservation activities in AZA accredited zoos and aquariums, a questionnaire was submitted to the directors of all 224 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. The directors were asked about six specific areas of conservation: (1) genetic management/captive breeding (ex situ), (2) in situ conservation,(3) research, (4) conservation education, (5) financial contributions and (6) partnerships with governmental and/or non-governmental organizations. A response rate of 43% was achieved through endorsement of the survey by the AZA, who also assisted by emailing the survey to all AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. Survey respondents reported a total of 273 native species and subspecies which are receiving conservation efforts by contrast to a total of 62 native U.S. species and subspecies that are included in formal AZA AMP, which is a ratio of more than 4:1. By faunal group included in survey responses, the number of native U.S. and U.S. territory species and subspecies receiving conservation efforts in a formal AZA are as follows: 24 of 26 amphibian, 70 of 182 bird, 44 of 49 fish, 20 of 21 invertebrate, 56 of 230 mammal and 59 of 88 reptile. An encouraging 90% or more of the reported amphibian, invertebrate and fish species or subspecies are native. A generous 67% of reptile species or subspecies receiving conservation are native as well. Interestingly, 38.5% of bird species and subspecies and 24.5% of mammal species and subspecies receiving conservation efforts are native. As the AZA and their member zoos and aquariums continue to expand their Animal Management Program, along with conservation partnerships and activities, it is my hope that the findings of this research will provide greater insight into current efforts and aid in developing future strategies for saving native imperiled animal species and subspecies in the U.S. and U.S. territories.