• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Bagheera

Endangered Species Education Resource

  • vulnerable
  • endangered
  • extinct
  • classroom
    • classroom
    • classroom studies
      • extinction crisis
      • why extinction matters
      • vulnerable and endangered species
      • causes of extinction
        • habitat loss
        • introduced species
        • overexploitation
        • pollution
        • other factors
      • conservation biology
      • conservation actions
      • questions for thought
    • activities
    • glossary
    • spotlight topics
  • resources
    • endangered species photos
    • endangered species videos
    • about bagheera
      • about craig kasnoff
  • bagheera’s lair
Spotlight on the Species Survival Plan - Bagheera Endangered Species Education Resource - photo by Craig Kasnoff

Spotlight on the Species Survival Plan (SSP)

The Species Survival Plan (SSP) strategy was organized by zoos in 1981 as a blueprint for cooperative breeding programs in North America. The approach has evolved to combat extinction in the wild as well. The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) administers the program. Individual SSP’s are developed to aid the recovery of certain species.

Each SSP manages the breeding of a species to achieve a healthy, genetically diverse, and self-sustaining captive population. These “living gene banks” are carefully managed to maintain the species’ genetic variation.

Individuals from captive populations can be reintroduced to the wild in appropriate circumstances. Zoos and aquariums also provide research and promote wildlife education and habitat conservation in the species’ native countries.

Until recently, participation was limited to North American zoos and aquariums. Scientists and managers realized, however, that international cooperation was required for some species, and international efforts are underway. One example is the SSP for the Sumatran tiger, which now involves institutions in the tiger’s native country.

Related Topics:

Case Study on Black-Footed Ferret
Case Study on Black Lemur
Case Study on Black Rhinoceros

Explore:

Click here for Endangered Species Classroom Activities
Click here for Endangered Species Classroom Glossary

Primary Sidebar

  • Twitter

Copyright © 2025 · Endangered Species Journalist