Since its inception in 1979, CBSG has grown into a global volunteer network
of 550 professionals, coordinated by a headquarters staff of six, assisted by
nine Regional and National Networks on five continents. CBSG began as a
liaison between the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the zoo community, and was instrumental in developing
the tools and processes for the scientific management of captive animal
populations. As wildlife populations became increasingly threatened, CBSG
recognized the need for similar intensive management for many species in the
wild, and expanded its scope to small population management and the linking of in
situ (in the wild) and ex situ (in zoos) scientific expertise.
CBSG has assisted in the development of conservation plans involving over 230 species through more than 440 workshops held in 67 countries. CBSG has collaborated with more than 190 zoos and aquariums, 180 conservation non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 65 universities, 50 government agencies, and 35 corporations. By applying unique conservation tools and training others in their use, CBSG contributes to the long-term sustainability of endangered species and ecosystems around the globe.
