Bridging Zoo Conservation with Field Ecology

Gathering ecological base knowledge, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement can guide effective wildlife conservation management decisions. Zoological institutions offer invaluable conservation benefits including public education and awareness, species reintroduction programs, and ex situ (i.e., offsite) studies that can inform in situ (i.e., in nature) efforts. Our research bridges zoo conservation with field ecology. We collaborate with the Phoenix Zoo and local wildlife managers to understand and conserve rare narrow-headed gartersnakes by conducting evidence-based research across the ex situ–in situ spectrum. Our approach is broadly applicable to other imperiled species.