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 and Map
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. Click here to visit the EAZA Conservation Database (Members only)
Interested in what projects, species and activities have been supported by EAZA Members and where these take place? The EAZA Conservation Map uses information from the EAZA Conservation Database to provide visitors of our website an insight. Click on the map to explore it! Functionalities within the EAZA Conservation Map are continually improving as our Members are making their information available over time.
The information represented in the EAZA Conservation Map is based on information provided by EAZA Members in the EAZA Conservation Database and believed to be reliable. EAZA makes a diligent effort to provide a complete and accurate representation of the data in reports, publications, and services. However, EAZA does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of any information. EAZA disclaims all liability for errors or omissions that may exist and shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential, or other damages (whether resulting from negligence or otherwise) including, without limitation, exemplary damages or lost profits arising out of or in connection with the use of this information. No part of information gathered from the EAZA Conservation Map may be reproduced for use in hard copy, machine-readable or other forms without advance written permission from EAZA and the EAZA Members from which the information originates.
Conservation Database Snapshot of May: Chaparri Ecological Reserve
Located in the heart of the dry forest ecosystem, the Chaparri mountain (Peru) is home to remarkable biodiversity, including the spectacled bear, the only bear species in South America. The local community and wildlife photographer Heinz Plenge created the Chaparri Ecological Reserve, managed through the Tu Tierra and ACOTURCH associations to protect this unique ecosystem and help local populations by promoting a sustainable and positive cohabitation.
Among their many activities, they monitor spectacled bear but also Andean condor, white-winged penelope, collared peccary, Guayaquil squirrel, Tayra, deer and small-eared fox populations.
They acquired a herd of free-ranging llamas and built an ecomuseum, interpretation centre and vivarium as a place to raise awareness of local biodiversity among local communities.
They started ecotourism activities, such as ecolodge, visit of the reserve and the Ruta de los Encantos (a pilgrimage path).
They also developed beehives in favour of Melipona bees, fighting against the cutting of trees to recover honey, allowing a passive restoration of the dry forest ecosystem and developing an income generating activity.
For more than 20 years, Bioparc Doué la Fontaine has been the major financial supporter of Tu Tierra. They also sent staff to Peru for administrative support, helped publish a book about the biodiversity in Chaparri, produced the documentary "Nature in heritage" to be broadcasted this year, and raise awareness of the bears among their visitors through events.
Tatiana Beuchat will explain more about the bee project at the EAZA Conservation Forum 2022. If you are attending the event, don’t miss her talk!
To read more about the project, visit the EAZA Conservation Database.
* EAZA Members Ecozonia and Maubeuge Zoo also supported the project in 2021.
2020 Snapshot updates
Find here the latest achievements of the projects highlighted in 2020 for the Conservation Database Snapshots. For a better view, click on the image.
