The Conservation Breeding and Reintroduction team looks into assessing and making recommendations regarding the need to develop scientifically managed ex-situ breeding programs and/or assurance colonies for certain species. For this several criteria are considered, including vital information derived from the other teams such as Field Research and Trade and Legislation, as well as existing captive populations and available animal care guidelines.

This precautionary approach is recommended based on the risk that alternative conservation measures will not take effect in a sufficiently timely manner to prevent these taxa from disappearing completely from the wild. The ultimate goal for the species selected is to have sustainable, viable populations under expert care that can help to ensure the taxa’s survival and eventually reinforce the remaining wild populations with captive-bred individuals, once the threats are mitigated. For this, suitable release protocols and post-release monitoring programs that abide to international guidelines need to be developed. One of the deliverables in the work plan for this sub group is to develop best practices for the species managed in these programs, as well as to provide husbandry and veterinary advice support.