Book dossier

Zoo conservation biology

by John E. Fa

"In the face of ever-declining biodiversity, zoos have a major role to play in species conservation. Written by professionals involved in in-situ conservation and restoration projects internationally, this is a critical assessment of the contribution of zoos to species conservation through evidence amassed from a wide range of sources. The first part outlines the biodiversity context within which zoos should operate, introducing the origins and global spread of zoos and exploring animal collection composition. The second part focuses on the basic elements of keeping viable captive animal populations. It considers the consequences of captivity on animals, the genetics of captive populations and the performance of zoos in captive breeding. The final part examines ways in which zoos can make a significant difference to conservation now and in the future. Bridging the gap between pure science and applied conservation, this is an ideal resource for both conservation biologists and zoo professionals"-- "In practical terms, species conservation initiatives must be directed at protecting the largest number of forms as cheaply as possible. Economy, not just in monetary terms but also in achieving parsimonious ways of protecting species, is important, since resources are often limited. Debates rage over whether one or another approach is more appropriate, often with much time and effort expended and little results in hand. Biodiversity conservation has to proceed along various fronts achieved by the integration of methods to halt the current extinction of species. This book attempts to undertake this task for conservation biologists working in zoos. Zoos argue that their role is increasingly concerned with the preservation of species yet the information required for zoo staff to make informed decisions on any aspect of captive animal care, population management, etc., is not readily accessible. This book collates and evaluates numerous papers and books published on the subject to produce a theoretical and practical document that understands the reality of keeping animals in captivity and the potential that these institutions have in biodiversity conservation. The need for such a textbook is further emphasised by the fact that although there has been a certain growth in literature that deal with the application of science to techniques for the optimal maintenance and breeding of animals in captivity, there is no text that examines the fundamental concepts underlying captive animal management. Therefore, this is not a book on the techniques of managing animals in captive collections, but one that takes a more 'aerial view' of the subject of how zoos do and can contribute further to species conservation"--