Study Shows The Potential Of Conservation Zoos To Reverse Extinction
Anytime we hear the news about a specific animal species, it always seems as if it is negative. We realize that many animals are on the brink of extinction, but what about the news that shows what is being done to help?
Thankfully, there is some good news on the horizon as conservation zoos can do their part to help struggling animals and reverse extinction.
This came from a new study that looked into various zoos and aquariums, along with botanical gardens and seedbanks. They have a 50% record of taking an extinct species and moving them back into the wild again.
There have been many different animals that have benefited from their efforts, a good example of this is the scimitar-horned oryx. If you’ve never heard of it before, don’t be too concerned because there are only a few living in the wild, and that is thanks to their efforts.
They have also helped with a type of Polynesian tree snail and other species. Who knows how far they will be able to take this?
According to a press release from the Zoological Society of London, Donal Smith with ZSL’s Institute of Zoology’s said: “Thanks to decades of tireless work saving species, we have the opportunity to re-establish more populations in the wild; it’s imperative that conservation zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and seedbanks are given the financial-and inter-governmental-support to do so.”
ZSL has been busy trying to help animals return to the wild after extinction. This includes some breeding programs, research, and fieldwork. The tree snails mentioned previously are now found on the islands of French Polynesia, and the Oryx is in Chad. They are working on other animals at this time to help move them back into the wild.
One animal that was highlighted by Smith includes the European bison. At one time, they only lived in captivity, but now they have a thriving population in the wild.
Although they are able to bring many species back from extinction, they do admit that there are some challenges. This was highlighted by senior author John Ewen, a researcher for ZSL’s Institute of Zoology.
Ewen said: “Each extinct in the wild species is unique in how secure it is from extinction, so saving them requires specific actions tailored to each species.”
Although they have a hard road ahead of them, it is certainly a labor of love. They’re willing to work on their own or with others to bring these animals back into the wild and enhance the world where we live.
