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Who we are
The AArk is a joint effort of
three
principal partners: the
World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the
IUCN/SSC
Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG), and the
IUCN/SSC
Amphibian
Specialist Group (ASG).
We were formed to address the
ex situ components of the
Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP).
Our vision is the world’s
amphibians safe in nature.
Our mission is ensuring the global survival of amphibians, focusing on those that cannot currently be safeguarded in nature
We coordinate ex situ
programs implemented by partners around the world, with the first emphasis on
programs within the range countries of the species, and with a constant
attention to our obligation to couple ex situ conservation measures with
necessary efforts to protect or restore species in their natural habitats.
An AArk
Steering Committee, with
Executive Co-Chairs from each of the three principal partners, provide strategic
guidance on the activities of the AArk and ensure excellent communication with
all stakeholders.
A number of
dedicated positions
coordinate all aspects of implementation within the AArk initiative; assist AArk
partners in evaluating the
conservation needs for amphibian species and regions for ex situ conservation work;
lead development and implementation of training programs for building capacity
of individuals and institutions; and develop communications strategies,
newsletters and other messages,
and materials to promote understanding and action on behalf of amphibian
conservation.
Advisory Committees have been formed to consult on species-specific issues, for
example, reintroduction, gene banking, and veterinary, legal, and ethical
concerns.
Members of the AArk are WAZA members and WAZA affiliates, members of
regional or national zoo associations, ISIS, AArk approved private partners and
AArk approved museums, universities and wildlife agencies.
It is not the goal of AArk's programs
to collect animals from the wild purely for exhibit in US or European zoos. In fact,
that is the last thing we want, and as an end point, it would represent complete
failure of the program. Although the proximal action to save critical species
from immediate extinction will be sending them to the nearest existing
facilities with available space and resident expertise, the ultimate goal is to
enable the range countries currently lacking facilities and expertise to care
for their own species. This will allow outside experts to free up their time and
space to begin the process anew with other species in other regions of the world.
These two activities - rescue and capacity building - must occur together or at
least sequentially. If outside institutions allow themselves to become inundated
with specimens from their initial efforts, they will be unable to do anything
meaningful elsewhere and we will fail to reach our primary goal. Successful
amphibian conservation will be achieved when a given species is sustainably managed by its own
range country experts and there is no longer a need for outside institutions to hold any
specimens of that species. Ultimately, every region should only have to manage
their own species, although tropical regions might continue to require help from
temperate regions due to overwhelming volume vs. infrastructure resources.
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