Reproduction is key to species survival, and our associated endocrine and behavioural studies are crucial to understanding the reproductive biology of the diverse range of species that depend on conservation breeding programmes.
As well as promoting reproduction through understanding species physiology and endocrine monitoring, conservation breeding programmes may need additional support to ensure viable populations in human care.
Chester Zoo has a long history in reproductive management, co-founding the RMG and co-managing a global database on the use of contraception in wildlife. There has been an increase in interest around the role of sound in zoos, both in the overall sound environment as well as the sounds produced by animals and their responses.
• Expand the application of wildlife endocrinology and conservation physiology to support conservation breeding programmes and management.
• Promote the use of reproductive management in decision making for ex situ conservation breeding programmes.
• Develop and increase the application of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) to support animal breeding programs.
• Develop cutting-edge techniques in cryopreservation and promote the incorporation of these both in and ex situ in a one-plan approach to conservation.
• Advance the application of bioacoustic monitoring to support population management.
• Promote and encourage the incorporation of genetic information into decision making for threatened populations both in- and ex-situ.
• Develop and improve capacity for temporal and spatial population modelling.
• Design innovative techniques for the survey and monitoring of priority threatened populations in-situ.
• Support the botanic garden community to develop population management tools for endangered plant species.