WAZA launches new International Studbook Framework
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, and institutions, has announced its new International Studbook (ISB) Framework, reflecting a major milestone for global population management and cross-regional partnerships.
Revealed last week at the 6th Joint TAG Meeting at Taipei Zoo, the framework sets out a clearer, more coordinated, and scalable approach to managing International Studbooks across the international zoo and aquarium community.
There are currently more than 130 active WAZA International Studbooks, with over 140 species and subspecies© Taipei Zoo / WAZA
Its development took more than a year, and was undertaken by the WAZA Committee for Population Management (CPM), in consultation with International Studbook Coordinators and population management experts.
Stronger, shared approach
The new framework marks a key step forward in international collaboration and the more effective use of ex situ population data to support regional programme roles and global population management initiatives.
This works towards a straightforward yet ambitious goal: enabling the international zoo and aquarium community to collaborate through shared datasets wherever possible, thereby maximising resources, minimising duplication of effort, improving data quality, and strengthening cross-regional coordination.
Within the current conservation landscape, where threats to wildlife are increasing, the framework posits that a different and more integrative approach to conservation is required, aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
In the new framework, International Studbooks are reshaped into shared international datasets, collaboratively maintained by regional studbook coordinators and International Studbook Coordinators to form a stronger foundation for coordinated population management at a global scale.
By clarifying regional and international roles and responsibilities, this approach elevates governance, oversight and accountability. Additionally, the framework introduces clearer processes for data access, management, reporting and long-term sustainability of studbook programmes.
International Studbooks signify the highest level of international population monitoring and management.
By enhancing how these programmes are coordinated and supported, the new framework cements WAZA’s position as a global convenor and facilitator, helping the zoo and aquarium community collaborate more effectively for the benefit of species conservation.
As such, it directly supports two key pillars of WAZA’s Strategic Plan: transformative leadership and species impact.
International studbooks
International studbooks for endangered and rare species are kept under the auspices of WAZA and are overseen by the Committee for Population Management (CPM), in collaboration with Species360. They mark the highest level of international monitoring and management and deliver a vital service to the zoological community.
One of the most critical tools for the scientific management of ex situ animal populations, studbooks help maintain demographic stability, preserve genetic diversity, and provide the information needed to support informed population management decisions.
Studbook keepers uphold detailed pedigree and demographic records for specific taxa, such as births, deaths, transfers, parentage, institutional holdings, behavioural traits and other information pertinent to species management.
These datasets support coordinated decision-making across institutions, regions and conservation initiatives.
A location glossary lists the names, addresses, and contact information for all historical and current holders, thereby facilitating communication between holders and the studbook keeper.
WAZA’s policy states that all studbooks managed by or for a recognised studbook authority, whether WAZA or a WAZA member association, are to serve the collective good. The studbook dataset should be shared with the zoo and aquarium community in the most accessible and globally compatible format.
There are now over 130 active WAZA International Studbooks, spanning more than 140 species and subspecies.
A new chapter for global population management
WAZA acknowledges that the move to a more integrated global framework will take time. Its implementation will be guided by collaboration, adaptability, and respect for data governance considerations, including Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles and partnerships with range-state stakeholders.
The launch of the new International Studbook Framework marks a major milestone in the ongoing evolution of global population management and demonstrates the zoo and aquarium community's commitment to working together for the benefit of species conservation.
Last month, WAZA opened nominations for the 2026 WAZA Awards, which honour those advancing animal welfare, conservation, and environmental sustainability within their own organisations and helping to shape the sector's future direction and credibility worldwide.
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