One Plan Approach to Conservation

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to the One Plan Approach, conservation management, the roles of zoos, species planning steps, and associated challenges in conservation.

One Plan Approach

Integrates in situ (wild) and ex situ (captive) conservation management to create a single coordinated strategy for species conservation.

In situ conservation advantages

Local pride, stakeholder engagement, easier integration, natural conditions, smaller carbon footprint.

Ex situ conservation disadvantages

Lack of resources, political instability, disease threats nearby.

Advantages of zoos

Skilled staff, veterinary care, regulated environment, research opportunities, public education, capacity building.

Disadvantages of zoos

Novel pathogen risk, reliance on economy, staff turnover, ethical concerns, inadequate facilities.

Steps of species planning

1. Assess species status and threats; 2. Identify possible ex situ roles; 3. Define programme needs and goals; 4. Assess resources, feasibility, and risks; 5. Make informed decisions.

Direct roles in ex situ conservation

Ark population, rescue population, demographic manipulation, population restoration, ecological replacement, assisted colonisation, insurance population, research/training, education.

Indirect roles in ex situ conservation

Providing expertise, staff/materials/funding, awareness and education.

Barriers in captive breeding programmes

Irreversible threats, taxonomic uncertainty, inbreeding, disease issues, adaptation to captivity, poor husbandry, high cost.

Importance of biosecurity in captivity

Captive collections are high-density environments from diverse species, increasing disease spread and risk.

Maladaptation in captivity

Captive animals may develop changes in behaviour, morphology, nutrition, and fecundity that affect survival post-release.

Impact of zoos on education

Zoos receive ~600 million visitors/year, inspiring behaviour change, influencing policy, and supporting conservation fundraising.

Mountain Chicken Frog programme

Example of integrated conservation addressing threats like chytrid fungus and invasive species through zoo breeding and in situ treatment.