Global population records and managed-programme updates for the great apes: short report

Abstract

Keeping records of individual wild animals managed by zoos and aquariums is an essential component of population management, not only on the institutional scale but also to ensure long-term health and viability of species populations regionally and globally. There are long-established studbooks for Bornean orangutan Pongo pygmaeus, Sumatran orangutan Pongo abelii, Bonobo Pan paniscus, Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes sspp and Western lowland gorilla Gorilla gorilla gorilla. National and regional zoo and aquarium associations manage these population records through a variety of conservation programmes, ensuring the data are available for those working to conserve great apes and their habitats. This report presents updates for the great ape managed conservation programmes, with specific data provided for the 2016 global zoo populations.