Background to captive management policy and the guidelines
Approval of the captive management policy in 2003 followed development of, and consultation on, policy options and captive management technical guidelines between 1997 and 2002.
The captive management policies approved by the Minister were to become operational through completion of guidelines for considering applications to hold these absolutely protected species.
Guidelines for advocacy purposes
In 2004, a working group of DOC personnel and sector representatives of CMAG (Conservation Management Advisory Group):ARAZPA (Australasian Regional Association of Zoologicial Parks and Aquaria) NZ began work to develop guidelines for considering permits to hold species in public facilities for advocacy purposes. This was identified as the area where the greatest conservation gains could be made and where there was most urgent need of clarification, consistency and transparency.
In mid 2006, final rounds of consultation within DOC and with sector interests were completed.
Thanks must go to all conservancy and CMAG:ARAZPA NZ personnel involved in completing the guidelines.
The guidelines will see the captive management sector take responsibility for requirements including development of husbandry manuals, advocacy plans and proactive management of collections across facilities.
Other areas requiring guidelines
Other areas for which guidelines for considering permit applications are required include:
- captive management for recovery of threatened species;
- captive management for enhancement of habitat/ecosystem restoration;
- captive management by individuals holding species privately for personal gain or enjoyment.
With regard to threatened species recovery, the policy requires applications to be considered for captive management only where this is consistent with recovery plan objectives or actions approved by the Department. This approach is largely unchanged by the 2003 policy, however technical guidelines to assist consideration of permit applications for this and for situations where captive management is to contribute to habitat restoration are now being updated by the Threatened Species section in the Research, Development & Improvement Division.
Guidelines don't cover applications by private holders
Guidelines for considering permit applications by private holders or interests not part of approved threatened species recovery or advocacy initiatives is also an important area requiring clarity and consistency. This is not covered by these guidelines. You will be advised of the process to finalise technical guidelines for these situations as soon as it is confirmed.
Captive Management Technical Guidelines
Work is proceeding in DOC to complete a number of other elements of draft technical guidelines for captive management. This includes completion of technical guidelines relating to holding species for species recovery and for habitat/ecosystem restoration. The guidelines covering applications to hold species for advocacy, being released now, will ultimately be incorporated into an integrated document covering all elements of captive management.
Once this work is completed, the only outstanding element will be guidelines for considering applications from private holders (i.e. collections not part of public institutions) to hold animals for purposes other than species or habitat recovery/restoration or advocacy. Approaches to dealing with such applications will be considered once the current projects are completed.
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