How many studbooks are being kept for critically endangered species? For birds? ZIMS for Studbooks

January 3, 2021
Katelyn Mucha
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**ZIMS for Studbooks – Global Studbooks Search** provides data on the number of studbooks being managed by zoos and aquarium associations, as well as individual institutions, for species assessed by the IUCN. Here, by holding the cursor over the chart, we see that 175 studbooks are kept for species that the IUCN has recommended are Critically Endangered.

Katelyn Mucha is the ZIMS for Studbooks Product Owner, Species360, and an Adjunct Population Biologist for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Population Management Center.

As the world’s zoos and aquariums become increasingly more important in protecting and sustaining species, especially those that are extinct or critically endangered in the wild, our global community has improved the ways that we collaborate.

We are proud of the role that ZIMS for Studbooks has taken in facilitating collaboration and supporting studbook keepers and population management leaders. Nearly all of the world’s international and regional studbooks for zoo-based populations are now managed using ZIMS for Studbooks.

By migrating this data, studbook keepers have established a resource that delivers a more holistic, real-time view of their populations and the zoos and aquariums that hold individuals. Changes such as births, transfers, or deaths, recorded in ZIMS for Husbandry, are automatically reflected in the studbook.

“I have found ZIMS for Studbooks to function perfectly, and the continuous improvements make it even better. Species360 has one of the best support systems and quickest replies I have experienced. The few issues I have found have been solved accurately and rapidly.”
Christian Olaciregui, Chair of the Conservation Committee for the Association of Latin America Zoos and Aquariums (ALPZA) and Director of Biology & Conservation at Barranquilla Zoo. Christian manages Colombia studbooks for the Blue-billed curassow and the White-footed tamarin, and is helping to establish ALPZA’s population management program.

**Studbooks for Mammals to Invertebrates**: View a list of the international, regional, and institutional studbooks being held for species of mammals, birds (note, there are 421 of these), reptiles, fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.

**ZIMS for Studbooks**: What studbooks does your association manage? Click on the Association or its color to view a list of studbooks, studbook keepers, and other key contacts for a species or sub-species.

ZIMS helps studbook keepers, population managers, taxon advisory groups (TAGs), and Species Survival Program (SSP) leaders to advocate for their species, and to make more informed decisions impacting the genetic diversity and health of populations.

Thanks to all of the regional association partners that continue to support this work. Your feedback has been encouraging and has helped us to prioritize and complete new features and functionality throughout the year — from a census graphing tool to the ability to move studbooks between associations.