Population Management Plan Programs
The mission of an AZA Population Management Plan (PMP) Program is to manage and conserve select ex situ species populations with voluntary cooperation. There are currently over 300 PMP Programs, each of which is responsible for developing Population Management Breeding and Transfer Recommendations that identify population management goals and recommendations that will ensure the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically varied population.
Each PMP Program is managed by its corresponding Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) and is in turn responsible for maintaining excellent communication with Program Leaders and Institutional Representatives (IRs) and maintaining its specified Studbook.
Functions
Each PMP Program is administered by a PMP Manager who also serves as the Studbook Keeper for that species. All PMP Program functional and management processes are specified in the PMP Manager Handbook, however primary functions include:
- The development of a Studbook.
- Establishing management, research, and conservation priorities.
- The development of a Population Management Plan.
- The development of Breeding and Transfer Recommendations, developed in coordination with the Population Management Center.
- The development of non-breeding recomendations, developed in coordination with the Wildlife Contraception Center.
- Serving a specific role in conflict resolution issues that may arise.
- Collaborating with other institutions/agencies to ensure integrated conservation initiatives.
- Serving as an AZA expert and providing a discussion forum for topics applicable to the species.
- Providing species-specific information to the TAG in their development of a taxon-specific Animal Care Manual.
Population Management Plans
The PMP Program collaborates with the PMC, WCC, Program Leaders, and IRs from each AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium to develop a PMP. Each PMP summarizes the current demographic and genetic status of the species population and identifies breeding or non-breeding recommendations with consideration given to each animal’s social and biological needs as well transfer feasibility. All recommendations are designed to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse and demographically stable population. Search the Animal Program Database to download current PMPs.
PMP Managers
PMP Managers also serve as the Studbook Keeper for the same species. Individuals interested in becoming an PMP Manager must be a current AZA member, be employed by and receive support from an AZA-accredited institution, Certified Related Facilities, or by an Approved Non-Members, and must complete the Population Management 1 Professional Training course within two years of appointment.
New PMP Managers/Studbook Keepers will work closely with their corresponding TAG Chair to become accustomed to their responsibilities. Becoming a PMP/Studbook Keeper is an excellent opportunity to enhance ones knowledge about a particular species and population planning, develop professional relationships with Program Leaders from each AZA-accredited institution, and become familiar with the management structure of TAGs and the Wildlife Conservation and Management Committee (WCMC).
Interested in Becoming a PMP Manager?
Search the Animal Program Database to find out which Animal Programs have vacancies. The Program Leader Handbooks include a description of the scope of responsibilities and include an application.