An Exotic Metapopulation
The Source Population Alliance (SPA) is a group of private landowners, Conservation Centers, and zoos who dedicate their unique resources to creating sustainable populations of wildlife. Together, SPA participants create a large 'metapopulation' by combining smaller populations in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The metapopulation serves as a resource for potential reintroduction projects, and an insurance population against extinction.
The common goal of Alliance participants is to contribute to populations of selected species by: (1) producing more funds for conservation, management, scientific research, and population sustainability, (2) improving awareness, and (3) returning populations to their native habitat.
The common goal of Alliance participants is to contribute to populations of selected species by: (1) producing more funds for conservation, management, scientific research, and population sustainability, (2) improving awareness, and (3) returning populations to their native habitat.
Grow PartnershipsThe Source Population Alliance (SPA) brings together private landowners, Conservation Centers, and zoos, each with an existing group (herd) of hoofstock, including scimitar-horned oryx.
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Optimize Genetic DiversityIn partnership with Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and others, C2S2 offers DNA assessment for population management of SPA-target species.
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Return Animals to the WildThe Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi and Sahara Conservation Fund released over 240 scimitar-horned oryx (previously extinct in the wild), many of which come from SPA participants.
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Our Mission
Create and preserve sustainable wildlife populations long-term using a combined private/public sector alliance.
How Does It Work?
Participants are connected by a common commitment to the conservation of wildlife species. Participants include representation from the Conservation Centers, the private sector, the public sector, and members from various associations. Participation is by invitation only and includes those individuals and institutions who are willing to dedicate and sustainably manage a minimum number of effective (breeding age) animals as part of the Source Population Alliance metapopulation.
History
In 2010, after looking at managed ungulate populations in AZA zoos and the capacity of C2S2 breeding centers, it was determined that a new paradigm was needed to create sustainable populations. Forming an alliance that included private landowners and their ungulate herds was the only way to form lasting populations to prevent extinction. In 2013, SPA was solidified as a concept at the AZA Ungulate TAG meeting at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. SPA officially launched in August 2014 with four program species: Addax, Addra (Dama) Gazelle, Sable, and Scimitar-horned Oryx. In October of 2017, building upon the program's success thus far, six more species were added to the program to create a conservation portfolio of 10 species.
