Conservation Breeding Programs: EEP

Who with whom, where and how often?

Worldwide, the loss of biodiversity is unchecked. Zoos help preserve animal species. Many modern zoos now function as species conservation centres - they keep the last genetic treasures of animal species whose populations in the wild continue to decline or are even considered extinct.

Conservation breeding is targeted population management under human care. Who with whom, where and how often - questions that the coordinator of an EEP (EAZA ex situ program) have to answer. The aim of the EEPs is to build up or maintain permanently self-sustaining insurance populations of the respective species so that they do not have to take animals from the wild. When necessary, animals bred in Zoos can be used for re-establishment of wild populations.

Our Contribution

Nuremberg Zoo participates in EAZA's ex situ programmes (EEP) with over 30 species and coordinates several EEPs, including the EEP for manatees (Trichechus manatus), black-backed tapirs (Tapirus indicus) and deer boars (Babyrousa babyrussa). Nuremberg Zoo has been responsible for the EEP of the black-backed tapirs since 1987, for the EEP of the manatees since 2002 and for the EEP and the ISB (International Studbook) of the deer boars since 2019. Since 2023, Nuremberg Zoo has also been coordinating the EEP for the Lahille's bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops gephyreus). The special feature of this EEP is that this species is not currently kept in any zoo of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and will most likely not be kept in the future. The focus of this EEP is in Situ species conservation, research and other measures, which are coordinated from Nuremberg.

EEP manatees

EEP Malayan tapirs

EEP babirusas

EEP Lahille's bottlenose

Selected articles

Five-year conservation strategy for the Lahille's bottlenose dolphin

YAQU PACHA E.V.

The conservation of biodiversity remains an urgent imperative for the health of our planet. With the increasing challenges posed by man-made problems, the conservation of each species is becoming a critical priority. The Lahille's bottlenose dolphin(Tursiops gephyreus), of which there are no more than 600 left, faces increasing threats from habitat destruction, pollution, bycatch and climate change, highlighting the urgent need for concerted conservation action.

In view of the endangered status of the Lahille's bottlenose dolphin, YAQU PACHA and Nuremberg Zoo, together with the Gephyreus Working Groupfrom Brazil, initiated a strategic action that was published just a few days ago. The aim of this collaboration was to define research priorities and coordinate conservation measures to ensure the survival of the species.

The comprehensive strategy, which follows the recommendations of the Integrated Conservation Planning for Cetaceans(ICPC), is the result of extensive consultation, review and expert input. Five strategic areas have been identified: (1) Scientific research and conservation, (2) Legislation and policy, (3) Communication, outreach and awareness, (4) Institutional strengthening and education, and (5) Citizen science.

After careful consideration, the researchers compiled a portfolio of projects that aligned with each strategic line, taking into account factors such as feasibility, impact and stakeholder involvement. Of the 26 significant projects, eight were ranked as high priority, reflecting the strategic focus on initiatives with the potential for significant conservation impact.

This 5-year strategic plan underscores the commitment to addressing the multiple challenges facing Lahille's bottlenose dolphins. By fostering international cooperation, increasing stakeholder engagement and prioritizing targeted actions, stakeholders remain firmly committed to protecting this critically endangered species.

"This document is the most important basis for a well-thought-out conservation strategy, and if we succeed in implementing the various projects, we can be sure that the Lahille's Bottlenose dolphin(Tursiops gephyreus) will have a future," said Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen, Chairman of YAQU PACHA and Curator of Research and Conservation at Nuremberg Zoo.

Text: Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen