Ex situ means “outside of” or “in another” place; ex situ conservation is the conservation strategy that takes place outside the natural habitat of a species, such as, for example, the one that is developed in Europe, within the EAZA community.
On the sign you may see how an Ex situ conservation programme works within European member zoos. One young male black-crested mangabey, born in Germany, may form a good breeding pair with two females from another zoo, in Poland. The decision on whether two individuals could form an adequate pairing is based on genetics. The possibility for these animals to succesfully be introduced and have offspring of their own can happen if another zoo member to the programme creates a suitable enclosure to house them and care for them.
Endangered species populations are safely managed under human care in these EEPs (Ex situ Endangered species Programmes).
EAZA zoos do crucial work in both Ex situ and In situ conservation actions.
In situ conservation actions are those that are carried out within the natural habitat of the species, focused on protecting environments, resources and specimens in the wild.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, in the heart of Africa, is home to unique natural resources and the highest biodiversity index per square meter in all of Africa.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, bushmeat is not only a crucial source of protein but also an integral part of traditional cultural and subsistence practices. Approximately 80% of the protein consumed by many local communities comes from this source. However, with urban growth and the introduction of more effective hunting technologies, this traditional system is facing pressures that make it unsustainable in the long term, severely impacting many species, including primates.
Orphaned primate infants are the result of this poaching and exploitation of forests and, at the same time, collateral victims who experience much suffering; they are too small to be used as meat and often end up in the exotic species trade.
J.A.C.K. (Young Animals Confiscated in Katanga) is a primate sanctuary located in Lubumbashi, in the southern DRC. They rescue and rehabilitate primates, mostly infants.
Río Safari Elche has been a proud ally and collaborator of J.A.C.K. since 2022, helping to fund their work and facilities.
