UK Zoos Fail Conservation Goals

A recent study has found that most species in UK zoos are non-native and not threatened, undermining conservation goals. The study, published in the journal PLOS One, analyzed data from 113 members of the British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums (BIAZA) and found that fewer than 10% of vertebrate species in UK zoos are native to the UK.

The study revealed that just 2% of species in UK zoos are high conservation priorities, with only 9% of captive species being native to Britain. In contrast, more than 2,600 vertebrate species are held in captivity in British zoos and aquariums, with around 61% being fish, 16% being birds, 15% being mammals, 5% being amphibians, and 4% being reptiles.

The researchers cross-referenced each captive species with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and found that captive species classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered represent just 28.5% of the total. Furthermore, only 2% of captive species appear on one or more conservation priority lists.

## Why it matters The findings of the study have significant implications for the role of zoos in conservation efforts. While zoos were originally established to entertain the public, their role has expanded to include education, research, and conservation. However, the study suggests that the priority given to attracting paying visitors may be conflicting with conservation goals. The lack of representation of native and locally threatened species in UK zoos undermines their potential to contribute to conservation efforts.

The study's results highlight the need for zoos to reassess their priorities and focus on species that are most in need of conservation. By doing so, zoos can play a more effective role in supporting conservation efforts and protecting biodiversity. The study's findings are a call to action for the zoo community to re-evaluate their collections and prioritize species that are most relevant to conservation goals.

## What happens next The study's results are likely to spark a debate about the role of zoos in conservation efforts. As zoos reassess their priorities, they may need to make changes to their collections and focus on species that are most in need of conservation. This could involve collaborating with other zoos and conservation organizations to develop breeding programs and reintroduction initiatives for threatened species. Ultimately, the study's findings highlight the need for zoos to prioritize conservation goals and work towards protecting biodiversity.