Is there any more room on the Ark? An analysis of space allocation in four mammalian taxa
Zoos select species for exhibition to meet goals of recreation, education, research, and conservation. However, many zoo populations are not sustainable and institutional collection plans (ICPs) come under criticism for their lack of conservation importance. We explore the species selection process with two main questions. First, are zoos doing all they can with their available […]
Fecundity and population viability in female zoo elephants: problems and possible solutions
We previously reported that African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian (Elephas maximus) female elephants in European zoos have shorter adult lifespans than protected conspecifics in range countries. This effect was the cause of greatest concern in Asian elephants, and risk factors within this species included being zoo-born, transferred between zoos, and possibly removed early from the […]
Managing the Cayo Santiago rhesus macaque population: The role of density
Cayo Santiago is the oldest continuously operating free-ranging rhesus monkey colony in the world. Population control of this colony has historically been carried out by periodic live capture and removal of animals. However, the effect of such a strategy on the size, growth rate, age structure, and sex ratio of the population has not been […]