A decision tool for evaluating whether ex-situ management is appropriate for a threatened species

Date: 01, May, 2019
Author(s):   Tracy Rout, Eve McDonald-Madden, Nicola Mitchell
Publisher: TSR Hub

Ex situ management (e.g., captive breeding) can be used to increase the viability of a species in the wild by supplementing or creating wild populations. Ex situ management can mean a expensive long-term commitment, with an uncertain chance of success. Sourcing individuals from the wild to start an ex situ program can impact wild populations. For these reasons it is often difficult to assess whether starting an ex situ program is the best way to increase the long-term viability of a species in the wild. This research project will create an accessible decision tool to aid decision-making and planning for ex situ management of threatened species.