Integrated Collection Assessment and Planning (ICAP) workshop: Helping zoos move toward the One Plan Approach

Most threatened species do not yet have an integrated conservation plan to guide zoos and aquariums in species selection and conservation action. To address this issue, the Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG), in collaboration with regional zoo and aquarium associations, has developed a new process-an Integrated Collection Assessment and Planning (ICAP) workshop. This brings in situ and ex situ communities together to apply the decision process of the IUCN SSC Guidelines on the Use of Ex Situ Management for Species Conservation to the task of regional or global collection planning. The first ICAP workshop was held in 2016 for 43 canids and hyaenids in collaboration with the relevant regional zoo and aquarium associations and IUCN Specialist Groups. The ICAP process provides a comprehensive assessment that will enhance species conservation by providing guidance to zoos and aquariums on conservation priorities for collection planning, conservation education messaging, in situ field support, and integration of in situ and ex situ efforts, as well as by promoting collaboration among regional zoo and aquarium associations, field-based conservationists, and IUCN SSC Specialist Groups.