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
Population management activities endorsed by EAZA for species managed by EAZA Members aiming towards (maintaining) healthy populations of healthy animals within EAZA or beyond
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
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 Ex situ programmes (EEP) aim at conserving healthy populations of animals in captivity, requiring the regular exchange of animals between and beyond EAZA Members
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
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
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
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