Population biology is an interdisciplinary
field that integrates concepts of demography, population genetics,
ecology, and evolution as it considers population dynamics for
a species. Lincoln Park Zoo supports the application of population
biology theories to the management of zoo populations because
scientifically managed populations are more likely to be healthy
and persist into the future. Futhermore, applied population biology
approaches are becoming more and more important for wild populations
as they become smaller and more isolated. Lincoln Park Zoo population
biologists apply their skills to studies and management of apes,
both in zoos and in the wild.
Population Management Center
Lincoln Park Zoo has taken a leadership role in applying population biology
by partnering with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to create
the Population Management Center. The center
conducts genetic and demographic analyses and develops and implements strategic
management plans. It has developed plans for chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans
as well as other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. For each species,
these analyses are used to determine how many births are needed in the coming
year, which animals should be bred (and which should not be bred), and which
animals should be paired to produce those births. All plans include consideration
of husbandry (e.g., nutrition, behavior, social needs) and logistic issues
(e.g., movement of animals between zoos).
Population Viability Analyses
Lincoln Park Zoo uses the same principles of population biology to assess and
minimize the risk of extinction as we guide the management of wild ape populations.
A demographic analysis of the chimpanzee population in Tanzania’s Gombe
National Park was used to make decisions impacting the management of the
park and its chimpanzees.
A management plan provides basic population management recommendations for zoo
and aquarium species in order to ensure long-term survival of captive populations,
such as chimpanzees.
Population structure of Kasekela community at Gombe National Park. Age increases
from 0 to 45 at the top of the y axis. From Gombe PVA (Earnhardt et al.,
2005)
