IUCN Guidelines for Determining When and How Ex Situ Management Should Be Used in Species Conservation

Philip J.K Mcgowan,Kristin Leus,Kathy Traylor‐Holzer

doi:10.1111/conl.12285

Philip J.K Mcgowan, Kristin Leus + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12285

Copy DOI

Journal: Conservation Letters	Publication Date: Sep 26, 2016
Citations: 110	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Minnesota Zoo, Newcastle University

Abstract

AbstractThe Convention on Biological Diversity's target of halting extinctions by 2020 is less than a handful of years away. Captive, or ex situ, management has long been cited as having a potential role to play in the recovery of species, although this remains the subject of debate. IUCN's Species Survival Commission (IUCN SSC) produced guidelines to assist in identifying when ex situ management may contribute to species recovery in 2002. Since then, there have been considerable developments in a range of areas that may influence the design of such programs (e.g., understanding of constraints on breeding programs, development of new techniques and approaches, and strategic planning approaches to species conservation). IUCN SSC has therefore revised its guidance and proposes a five‐step process: (1) compile a status review; (2) define the role(s) that ex situ management might play; (3) determine the precise nature of the ex situ population in order to meet identified role(s); (4) define resources and expertise, and appraise the feasibility and risks; and (5) make a decision that is informed based on the above analysis and transparent. These guidelines offer an objective process for considering the role of ex situ management in species conservation.

Highlights

The deterioration in status of many of the world’s species is well documented (e.g., Barnosky et al 2011; Dirzo et al 2014)
We provide a strategic approach to making a decision about whether ex situ management is appropriate as part of a species conservation strategy in any given context, based on consideration of conservation need, role, and program requirements
Like other options, ex situ management should be considered as a potential tool, evaluated for its relative benefit and feasibility, and recommended or rejected after a thorough assessment

Summary

Introduction

The deterioration in status of many of the world’s species is well documented (e.g., Barnosky et al 2011; Dirzo et al 2014). We provide a strategic approach to making a decision about whether ex situ management is appropriate as part of a species conservation strategy in any given context, based on consideration of conservation need, role, and program requirements.

Results

Conclusion