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:
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.
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.
The “Manta Catalog Azores” is a scientific and conservation project founded in 2012 and supported by Oceanário de Lisboa since 2017, together with local and international organizations, such as Manta Trust, Save our Seas Foundation and Fondation Yves Rocher.It aims to study the occurrence and population dynamics of the elusive Mobulid rays (Mobula spp.) in the Azores and the Eastern Atlantic.
Azores boasts an extremely unique environment with many endemic animal and plant species. It is also one of the few places in the world where the Sicklefin devil rays (Mobulatarapacana) gather in large groups during summer. Why these seasonal aggregations happen is still a mystery… However, while observing the rays, researchers learnt how to better identify not only the species but also the individuals, thanks to their unique ventral markings. From here, the idea of a Mobulid raysphotographic ID database, where images are used just like fingerprints!
Most of the work of “Manta Catalog Azores” has been conducted in collaboration with local dive operators and their guests: as “Citizen Scientists”, they support the project by providing photos they capture on their dives and information on their devil ray sightings. In addition, genetic samples are collected and analysed, to study Mobulid ray population structure and assess connectivity between different regions of the globe.
Mobulid rays are highly migratory animals and might travelover big distances between archipelagos: the project has recently extended to the Canary Islands, another key location for data collection to better understand and protect the species.
Education is also a valuable pillarof the project and several initiatives are regularly developed, together with the sharing of outreach materials.
Oceanário de Lisboa has recently created the “Manta Conservation Experience”, an immersiveinitiative that provides participants with the opportunity to discover more about the devil rays, learn about techniques of photo-identification while directly participating in conservation activities in the Azores. This initiative is also helping fund the other project activities.
Do you want to get involved and learn how you can support this project? You can find more information at www.mantacatalogazores.com and https://www.oceanario.pt/en/manta-conservation-experience_en/
To read more about the project, visit the EAZA Conservation Database.
Find here the latest achievements of the projects highlighted in 2021 for the Conservation Database Snapshots. For a better view, click on the image. For more information about our Members' conservation work, visit our Conservation map.