Action in the field
Many organisations and people work tirelessly to stop and reverse the decline of the natural world. One of the many ways in which EAZA zoos and aquariums contribute to these efforts is through field conservation. Our Members manage their own projects in the field (in situ), and provide resources and expertise to hundreds of partner projects worldwide. We also run joint EAZA Conservation Campaigns.
Field conservation
In EAZA, we are committed to the conservation of species in their natural habitats. This field work complements our activities at home. All EAZA Members are required to maintain a field conservation plan, which outlines the intended actions as well as the processes for selecting, supporting or conducting the activities.
Field work must comply with conservation guidelines of the IUCN and other authorities. Members are expected to set measurable targets for their conservation actions, allocate the necessary staff and financial resources to meet these goals, and monitor and evaluate the projects to be able to adapt their plans if necessary.
We strive to openly communicate our conservation results and experiences, both within our community and with the public.
We work according to a framework called the One Plan Approach – a system recognising that animals, wherever they live, can help their species survive and prosper. Conservation plans are thus developed for all populations of the species, whether they are within or outside their natural range
Our Members’ researchers, animal care staff and veterinarians (among others) help contribute a more thorough understanding of the needs of individual species which improves field conservation outcomes.
The knowledge we gain and share, the awareness we raise both in zoos and in communities abroad, the funding and support we get from our visitors and donors all help create a cycle that can and does make a great difference to the survival and recovery of species.
The Conservation Committee guides this work.
EAZA Conservation Database
The EAZA Conservation Database is an online tool to facilitate communication on conservation efforts of our Members within as well as outside of the zoo and aquarium community. EAZA Members provide data from all the various conservation activities they are involved in, year after year.
Conservation Map
Interested in what projects, species and activities have been supported by EAZA Members and where these take place? Explore the EAZA Conservation Map that uses information from the EAZA Conservation Database to provide visitors of our website an insight.
Each month we highlight the EAZA Conservation Database by showcasing one of the projects it contains. For a breakdown of all the projects, check the EAZA Annual Reports available in the Resources section "Showcasing EAZA's activities).
December 2024 Conservation Snapshot
4 December 2024
The abandoned porphyry quarry "Leferenz", located in Dossenheim (Germany) just 5 kms away from Heidelberg Zoo, has become an important biodiversity hotspot for regionally endangered amphibians.
November 2024 Conservation Snapshot
7 November 2024
Since 2018, Zoo and Tierpark Berlin together with many EAZA Members and conservation partners have been supporting the Vietnamese NGO Viet Nature in an ambitious effort to bring back the bird to its native forests.
September 2024 Conservation Snapshot
2 September 2024
The NGO Antongil Conservation aims to protect the Malagasy forest and its inhabitants. Together with local communities, they focus on sustainably managing the forest area in the Bay of Antongil, reforestation and monitoring the fauna and flora, as well as developing eco-tourism activities.
Conservation campaigns
There has never been a greater need for effective conservation of our natural world. By explaining for the threats endangered species face and how we can fight the decline of animal populations together, our conservation impact increases.
To do this, EAZA runs campaigns to raise awareness of and funds for major conservation issues.