In the year of its 135th anniversary, Lisbon Zoos work for Biodiversity Conservation is recognized by the association ‘Species 360’ as a key part of a group of zoos from 97 countries that collaborate by sharing data on the species under their care. This information allows the development of studies that determine the success of conservation programs and the management of threatened species. Since 1992, Lisbon Zoo has registered 12.650 data inputs on birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals of 822 different species. 

The lack of relevant information for more than 98% of the known species was a barrier to the researchers’ right decision-making in animal extinction programs. The information given to ‘Species 360’ is inserted in ZIMS (Zoological Information Management Software), a fundamental tool in this process.

According to a recent report released by IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services), 1.000.000 species are currently in danger of extinction. Lisbon Zoo gives a daily contribution to the conservation of the species under its care, not only through the work developed inside the zoo (ex situ), but also through collaboration programs which act directly in the natural habitat (in situ).

The Scimitar-horned oryx Conservation Program is an example of the vital importance of zoos in conservation. This specie, which is classified as Extinct in the Wild by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), is being reintroduced in their original distribution area thanks to the cooperative effort of zoos, data sharing, animals exchanges and establishment of viable and healthy populations outside their natural habitat.

About Species360
 
Species360, a non-profit NGO and global leader in wildlife care and conservation, mobilizes a network of more than 1,100 members of zoos, aquariums, universities, research and governmental members worldwide to improve animal welfare and species conservation. All members address the most urgent wildlife issues, including the encouragement of better practice of husbandry, enrichment, medical care, welfare, reproduction, population management and biodiversity.
Together, Species360 members perform curatorship of the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), the world’s most extensive open database with information on more than 22,000 species. ZIMS vastly increases knowledge about thousands of species and is critical in identifying sustainability strategies for many of the species assessed as vulnerable, endangered, and extinct in the wild.

From Data to Applied Conservation

Species360 Conservation Science Alliance researchers provide conservationists with evidence-based findings integrating the full scope of global data, including IUCN Red List, CITES, TRAFFIC, EDGE, AZE, ZIMS, and more. Research conducted in collaboration with IUCN Species Survival Commission and CITES drives strict decisions at many levels, from enforcing illegal wildlife trade laws to the calculation of the viability of insurance populations.