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 June: Arctic fox project in Slottsskogen
In 2020, Slottsskogen Zoo started to get involved in the conservation work of the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) in cooperation with the Arctic fox project “Fellesfjellrev” and WWF Sweden.
The Arctic fox is found in Arctic and subarctic areas around the northern hemisphere – in Siberia, North America, Greenland, Svalbard - a Norwegian archipelago -and Iceland. Relatively common in both the Norwegian and Swedish mountains up until the start of the 1900s, the species became endangered in Sweden due to extensive hunting. The population hasn’t recovered yet and still faces challenges such as small and isolated populations, climate change, competition with the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and disturbances from people.
Slottsskogen Zoo does not present the species, however it receives many visitors and thus is able to increase knowledge and awareness about the species’ threats and how they can be reduced. The staff created an information station for adults and a thematic exploration trail for children. They arrange thematic days for children and lectures for adults. The species has also been included in one of the zoo’s school programme that focuses on climate change.
Finally, visitors are encouraged to make donations contributing to WWF’s fieldwork where they, among other things, supply the foxes with food to improve the survival of litters. The Felles Fjellrev project activities also involve mapping of dens, annual inventories and control of regenerations, and reduction of the number of competing red foxes in certain arctic fox areas. So far the results have been positive!
To read more about the project, visit the EAZA Conservation Database and the “Fellesfjellrev” website!
2021 Snapshot updates
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.
