What is the AZA Species Survival Plan?
The mission of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) cooperatively managed Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program is to manage an ex situ species population with the interest and cooperation of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Certified Related Facilities (CRFs), and Sustainability Partners.
What is the Species Survival Plan What roles do zoos play in this program?
Launched in 1981, the program enables coordination between different zoos and aquariums to manage populations of captive animals and proliferate them in captivity. Species Survival Plans dictate the activities of individual zoos relating to breeding, including artificial insemination.
What is a Species Survival Plan and what are the goals of this type of plan?
Species Survival Plan® Started in 1981, the Species Survival Plan (SSP) is population management and conservation program for selected species of wildlife. The program’s goal is to maintain captive populations that are both genetically diverse and demographically stable.
How many species survival plans are there?
There are currently more than 500 Species Survival Plans. Many represent endangered or threatened species — like orangutans and black rhinos—which are in urgent need of conservation and protection in the wild.
What are the three main goals of species survival plans?
Three main goals: – to conserve biodiversity, to use biodiversity in a sustainable manner, and ensure the fair distribution of biodiversity’s benefits.
What animals are part of the Species Survival Plan?
List of SSP Programs
- Aardvark.
- Addax.
- Agouti, Brazilian.
- Alligator, Chinese.
- Anteater, Giant.
- Antelope, Roan.
- Antelope, Sable.
- Aracari, Curl-Crested.
What is the SSP in zoos?
The American Species Survival Plan or SSP program was developed in 1981 by the (American) Association of Zoos and Aquariums to help ensure the survival of selected species in zoos and aquariums, most of which are threatened or endangered in the wild.
Which of these is the main goal of a species survival plan?
The Species Survival Plan (SSP) is an international population management and conservation program for selected species of wildlife. The programs goal is to maintain captive populations of at-risk, endangered and critically endangered species that are both genetically diverse and demographically stable.
What is the Species Survival Plan for zoos?
Species Survival Plan. The American Species Survival Plan or SSP program was developed in 1981 by the (American) Association of Zoos and Aquariums to help ensure the survival of selected species in zoos and aquariums, most of which are threatened or endangered in the wild.
What is the AZA safe species program?
SAFE Species programs protect threatened animals; build on established recovery plans and track records of commitment; prioritize collaboration among AZA member institutions; implement both strategic conservation and public engagement activities; and measure and report real conservation.
How many species are covered by the species survival program?
There are currently 172 species covered by 116 SSP programs throughout North America. The SSP has been met with widespread success in ensuring that, should a species population become functionally extinct in its natural habitat, a viable population still exists within a zoological setting.
What is AZA doing to help save the African elephant?
AZA facilities have developed successful breeding programs, helped create rescue centers in Madagascar, and worked with local communities to promote the importance of protecting this species, which is suffering from habitat degradation and illegal wildlife trade.