Red Wolf Species Survival Plan (RWSSP)
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The Red Wolf Species Survival Plan (abbreviated RWSSP) is a set of extensive conservation measures and activities designed to ensure the longevity and security of red wolves as a species. Overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (the AZA), the plan includes over 40 wildlife sanctuaries, zoos, and other facilities that assist in the captive breeding of, care of, and public education about red wolves.
You can learn more about Species Survival Plans here on the AZA website. Wolf Header Photo: United States Fish and Wildlife Service RWSSP Logo: Red Wolf Species Survival Plan |
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DID YOU KNOW:
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The AZA's Red Wolf Species Survival Plan effectively began in 1984 at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington USA.
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What does the RWSSP do?
There are many areas that both the Red Wolf Recovery Program and the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan cover simultaneously. Below are some of the things that are key to the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan.
Public Education
Through public exhibits at zoos and aquariums across the country, the RWSSP helps provide the public with an opportunity to see red wolves and learn about them in person. Facilities accredited by the AZA to participate in the survival plan often have extensive programs which help to teach both younger and older visitors all about red wolves, their importance, and the challenges they face.
Image source: United States Fish and Wildlife Service |
Captive Breeding
One of the main functions of the RWSSP is it's activities of captive breeding, that is pairing red wolves for breeding purposes to ensure the preservation of genetic diversity. Under some circumstances, captive-bred offspring may be moved between facilities, or even fostered in the wild by other red wolves (although this has not been done for some time due to political and economic controversies).
Image source: United States Fish and Wildlife Service |
Scientific Observation
Red wolves in RWSSP participant facilities are often observed by experts, who monitor their behaviors to compare to wild red wolves and ensure the best care possible. Due to the ease with which red wolves can be seen at an SSP facility, more data can be obtained and compiled with minimum invasion of the daily lives or activities of the captive red wolves.
Image source: Screenshot of Red Wolf Species Survival Plan studbook (2013/14) |
Care and Protection
Red wolves in RWSSP facilities are taken care of by zoological and veterinary professionals, who are able to administer and manage the care necessary to keep them healthy. Captive wolves also have regular meals and protection from outside dangers such as weather and poaching. Red wolves live almost twice as long in captivity as they do in the wild.
Image source: United States Fish and Wildlife Service |
Information sourced from the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
