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About Species360

Species360, a non-profit NGO and global leader in wildlife care and conservation, mobilizes a network of more than 1,300 aquarium, zoo, university, research, and governmental members on six continents in 102 countries to improve animal welfare and species conservation. Our members address today’s most urgent wildlife issues, including establishing best practices in husbandry, enrichment, medical care, welfare, reproduction, population management, and biodiversity.

At Species360, we are dedicated to leveraging technology to support global collaboration and enhance the care and conservation of animals and plants under human care. Our mission is to provide tools and resources that empower zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and conservation organizations to make informed, data-driven decisions that contribute to the well-being and preservation of species worldwide.

The Zoological Information Management System 

Central to our efforts is the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS). ZIMS is the world’s leading resource for the collection and sharing of data on animals, enabling institutions to manage their collections effectively and contribute valuable information to global conservation initiatives.

Species360 members collect and curate data in ZIMS, the world’s most comprehensive knowledge database on more than 22,000 species. ZIMS vastly increases what is known about thousands of species and is instrumental in identifying sustainability strategies for many species assessed as vulnerable, endangered, and extinct in the wild.

Hortis

In 2022, Species360 expanded its mission to include flora in addition to flora, and extended our impact to horticultural record-keeping, with the addition of Hortis – a specialized software that ensures meticulous record-keeping and management of botanical collections, fostering a holistic approach to biodiversity preservation.

From data to applied conservation with the Species360 Conservation Science Alliance

Collaboration is central to Species360’s mission, and the Species360 Conservation Science Alliance exemplifies this commitment. This global network brings together scientists, researchers, and conservationists to share knowledge, insights, and best practices for the betterment of species worldwide.

Species360 provides conservationists with evidence-based findings integrating the full scope of global data, including the IUCN Red List, CITES, TRAFFIC, EDGE, AZE, ZIMS, and more. Species360 Conservation Science Alliance research led in collaboration with IUCN Species Survival Commission, CITES, and others, drives insightful decisions on many levels, from developing national and international policy or enforcing illegal wildlife trade laws to calculating the viability of insurance populations.

Species Conservation Toolkit Initiative

In 2023, Species360 brought in the Species Conservation Toolkit Initiative, which embodies our dedication to providing practical solutions for conservation challenges. This initiative develops and disseminates tools, resources, and guidelines to empower conservation practitioners and institutions in their mission to protect species.

Managing a Global Resource

Established in 1974, Species360 is an international non-profit governed by a volunteer board of trustees of experts, primarily from our membership organizations. Our approximately 50 staff provide member support, lead the development of new solutions, spearhead research efforts, and more. Our team includes aquarists, population and animal and plant management experts, veterinarians, software experts, and conservation scientists. We work alongside members to impact animal care and conservation efforts within their institutions and across peer organizations worldwide.

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Want to learn more?

Watch our video on the evolution of zoos and aquariums – from record-keeping to data science.

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