EEP

• EAZA is implementing a new Population Management Structure in January 2018 following a thorough and holistic evaluation of its former population management structures
• The new EAZA Population Management Structure is built around three main pillars: 1) Regional Collection plans, 2) EAZA Ex situ programme application and 3) Long term management plans
• Taxon Advisory Groups (TAG) when producing the Regional Collection Plan (RCP)


  1. More precisely and more consciously evaluate which conservation and/or non-conservation roles are appropriate for which taxon

  2. Develop strategies for socio-behavioural management, education, veterinary issues, banking, data gathering and research in addition to breeding and transfer recommendations
• EAZA Ex situ Programmes (EEP)


  Population management activities endorsed by EAZA for species managed by EAZA Members aiming towards (maintaining) healthy populations of healthy animals within EAZA or beyond
• For each new EEP recommended in an RCP


  1. A series of questions concerning the envisaged participants, governance and general biological characteristics of the EEP is discussed by the TAG to make conscious decisions

  2. The decisions are captured in an EEP application leading to tailor made EEPs fully focused on the species needs
• European Studbook (ESB)


  Less intensive than the EEP programme, the studbook keeper collects data on births, deaths, transfers etc. from EAZA zoos and aquariums to analyse the population and recommend breeding or transfers
• EAZA has put together all relevant policies, guidelines, statements and rules regarding breeding programme management in one document: the EAZA Population Management Manual
• At regular intervals a Long Term Management Plan (LTMP) is produced for every established EEP


  The LTMP more precisely defines the long term genetic and demographic goals for the programme and stipulates an action plan with all the strategies and activities to be implemented to reach the defined roles and goals
• EAZA Members make use of Species360 ZIMS (Zoological Information Management Software) for the management of EEPs and the sharing of knowledge
• EAZA Ex situ programmes (EEP) aim at conserving healthy populations of animals in captivity, requiring the regular exchange of animals between and beyond EAZA Members
• All EAZA members will endeavour to ensure that animals acquired are, if possible, born in captivity
• EAZA and beyond EAZA Members


  Make use of Species360 ZIMS (Zoological Information Management Software)
• Species360 ZIMS


  Fully web-based application that connects to a global database to enable real-time management of institutional and animal records world wide
• Studbook software


  Allows for the proper management of EEPs in line with the defined long term genetic and demographic goals for the EEP
• EAZA Ex situ programmes (EEP)


  Aim at conserving healthy populations of animals in captivity
• Acquisition of new animals and the regular exchange of animals


  Essential when realizing healthy, demographically and genetically sustainable, populations
• All animals in the EAZA collection should come from a trustworthy source and accompanied by all relevant legislative paperwork
• Captive bred animals


  EAZA members endeavour to ensure animals acquired are, if possible, born in captivity
• Acquiring captive bred animals

  Care should be taken on the origin of these animals (amongst others rearing method and breeding techniques used)
• Any details of health, diet/nutrition, reproductive and genetic status and behaviour that might affect management of an animal being transferred (or other animals in the group at the receiving institution) should be disclosed at the commencement of negotiations
• Transfers of programme animals


  Always dealt with via the relevant coordinator of that specific breeding programme to make sure they contribute to the overall goals and roles of the respective EEP
• EAZA recognises that there is a legitimate need for conservation breeding programmes, education programmes or basic biological studies, to obtain animals from the wild
• Where wild caught animals are acquired

  EAZA Members are encouraged to carry out a thorough analysis, considering amongst other factors the effect their action has on the origin of these animals and the wild population
• All animals leaving the collection should go to appropriate facilities with professional standards (as skilled staff who are capable of maintaining an appropriate standard of husbandry and welfare
• When transporting animals


  EAZA Members operate conform to the international standards and national and international regulations applying to the particular species
• EAZA Members ensure an appropriate standard of welfare of the animals is guaranteed during transport
• EAZA Best Practice Guidelines


  Produced by the various TAGs to merge expert husbandry knowledge and make it widely available within and outside the borders of the EAZA community
• The guidelines displayed show best practice standards, which EAZA zoos aim at achieving
• The guidelines are of particular interest when building new enclosures, when deciding upon the nutrition of animals or when seeking information on the biology of the species
• EAZA members strive to house animals adequately to their needs and to give advice where needed to help further animal welfare
• EAZA has produced the EAZA Standards for the Accommodation and Care of Animals in Zoos and Aquaria