Coordinate conservation breeding, genetic management and biobanking

Establish a coordinated ex situ program only when it provides a defined conservation benefit, such as preventing immediate loss, supporting research or producing animals for a feasible release strategy. Participating institutions should share population goals, pedigree or genomic data, breeding recommendations, welfare standards and long-term responsibilities.

The IUCN SSC guidelines on ex situ management provide a decision framework for when and how ex situ conservation should support species recovery. Biobanking of validated, well-documented genetic material can preserve future options but does not replace living populations or secure habitat.

Programs should manage adaptation to captivity, disease, founder representation, space limits and the risk that a permanent captive population becomes disconnected from in situ recovery.