Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs) play a crucial role within organizations like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Their primary function is to assess the sustainability and conservation requirements of entire taxa, offering recommendations for population management and conservation strategies based on the specific needs of these species and AZA-accredited institutions. Let’s delve deeper into what a taxon is and the functions of TAGs.
Taxon, in simple terms, refers to a group of one or more populations of an organism or organisms seen to form a unit. Taxa are usually known by a particular name and given a particular ranking, for example genus or species.
The Role of Taxon Advisory Groups
Each TAG is responsible for coordinating, facilitating, and evaluating the progress of cooperative animal management and conservation programs. Operating under the guidance of the Animal Population Management (APM) Committee, a TAG manages AZA Animal Programs, including Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Programs and Studbooks. Furthermore, they collaborate with regional and international conservation initiatives to lead, develop, oversee, promote, evaluate, and support the cooperative animal management, conservation, and scientific endeavors within their specific taxon.
Core Functions of TAGs
TAGs consist of expert advisors who contribute significantly to the identification, management, and support of AZA’s cooperative animal management programs. Their core functions include:
- Developing Regional Collection Plans (RCPs): RCPs provide guidance on taxa suitable for cooperative management among AZA member institutions, AZA-accredited institutions, Conservation Partners, and Certified Related Facilities (CRFs). These plans also recommend appropriate Animal Program management designations and establish Animal Program goals along with essential actions.
- Serving as Subject Matter Experts: TAGs act as AZA’s experts in various aspects related to their specific taxa, including husbandry, veterinary care, conservation needs and challenges, research priorities, and ethical considerations.
- Advising Zoo- and Aquarium-Based Programs: They provide guidance to other zoo- and aquarium-based programs, define Animal Program goals and objectives, and identify key research and conservation priorities.
- Examining Management Techniques: TAGs analyze Animal Program management techniques using scientific studies and help Program Leaders (e.g., SSP Coordinators, Regional Studbook Keepers, and Candidate Program Leaders) in creating animal care and husbandry guidelines through the publication of taxa-specific Animal Care Manuals (ACMs).
All TAG functional and management processes are detailed in the Taxon Advisory Group Handbook.
Regional Collection Plans Explained
Each TAG is entrusted with the development of a Regional Collection Plan (RCP) that outlines the optimal approach for managing ex situ populations. An RCP identifies species recommended for management within AZA-accredited institutions, determines the appropriate level of management for each species, provides detailed explanations for the recommendations, and assesses the required space for each species at each institution.
Interest in Becoming a TAG Chair
For those interested in leading and contributing to animal conservation efforts, consider becoming a TAG Chair. Visit AZA’s Animal Program Database and the Program Leader Vacancies page to discover available Animal Program positions and the application process.
