Wildlife Conservation
In recent years, our effect on the planet has been devastating, with a massive decline in animal numbers and habitats across the globe. EAZA has never believed that keeping animals in our institutions replaces action in the wild - but experience also shows us that the knowledge and finance that we and our visitors can provide to field conservation projects can make a huge difference. EAZA believes that zoos and aquariums form one pillar of the structure that is needed to safeguard the future.
Our approach to species conservation, called the One Plan approach, recognises that zoos and in situ conservationists need not only to work together to protect animals, but also to engage the public of their communities to take the lead in demanding action from authorities, governments, corporations and themselves so that together we can reduce the stress on endangered species and their habitats.
EAZA members:
- provide financial and human resources to help field conservation projects protect wild animals and their habitats
- work to ensure that many of the most endangered species populations in our zoos and aquariums are intensively managed to ensure their survival
- participate in EAZA conservation campaigns that draw our visitors' attention to the crisis in nature, raise funds and promote public involvement in conservation
- collaborate wherever possible with partners such as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to provide assistance to their conservation activities
- conduct research which provides valuable insights into the protection of wild populations
In short, EAZA believes that the future of nature depends on all of us; and that EAZA zoos and aquariums can act as a portal for their local communities into conservation across the world.
EAZA Conservation Database
The EAZA Conservation Database is an online tool to facilitate communication on conservation efforts of our members within as well as outside of the zoo and aquarium community. Each month we highlight one of the projects or activities from the database.
Conservation Database Snapshot of April: Helpsimus Bamboo Lemur Programme
La Palmyre Zoo and Helpsimus have been partnering in protecting Greater Bamboo Lemurs in Madagascar since 2012. Endemic to a biodiversity hotspot, this species is one of the most threatened lemurs, with slightly more than 1,000 individuals left in the wild.
With the support of several EAZA Members*, Helpsimus aims to find a long-lasting balance between the lemurs’ needs, in a non-protected and densely populated area near Ranomafana National Park, and those of local communities.
For example, they are working on:
- identifying the priority zones for conservation and community-based development,
- reducing human/lemur conflicts (eg Greater bamboo Lemurs frequently raid paddy fields),
- implementing activities securing the products of communities’ harvests and increasing their yields,
- developing new Revenue Generating Activities such as handicraft and ecotourism.
Helpsimus is also facilitating access to education for the children from the nearby partnering villages by paying the teachers’ salaries, building and renovating schools, donating supplies and organizing awareness activities. La Palmyre Zoo is actively involved in this last part as its Education Manager is in charge of training Helpsimus’ environmental educator and creating learning materials she uses during school activities.
Visit the EAZA Conservation Database to find out more.
*Thank you African Safari, Jardin Zoologique de la Ville de Lyon, La Vallee des Singes, Parc Zoologique du Museum de Besancon, Parc animalier de Sainte-Croix, NaturZoo Rheine, Le Parc de Félins, Zoo des Sables, Kolner Zoo, Zoo de Jurques, Parc de Clères, Zoo de Montpellier, Zoo Boissière du Dorée, Natur Zoo Mervent, Centre d'Etudes et de Recherche Zoologiques Augeron - CERZA!
2018 Snapshot updates
Find here the latest achievements of the projects highlighted in 2018 for the Conservation Database Snapshots. For a better view, click on the image.
