   
Conservation Centers for Species Survival
Background. Within North America, there are distinctive centers with extraordinary resources in space, scientific research and breeding, management and recovery of rare animal species. They include:
· San Diego Wild Animal Park (Escondido, CA)
· Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (Glen Rose, TX)
· The Wilds (Cumberland, OH)
· White Oak Conservation Center (Yulee, FL)
· Conservation & Research Center, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park (Front Royal, VA).
These centers already have contributed to the study and recovery of the California condor, black-footed ferret, Florida panther, kit fox, Mexican wolf, red wolf, desert tortoise, Attwater’s prairie chicken, Mississippi sandhill crane, among other species. Collectively, they have significant space (more than 25,000 acres of specialized facilities) and scientific and management expertise. These centers have formed a consortium called the Conservation Centers for Species Survival (CCSS).
Purpose and mission. CCSS cooperatively applies unique resources for the survival of threatened species with special needs – large areas, natural group sizes, minimal public disturbance and research. The mission is leadership in studying and creating self-sustaining populations ex situ and in situ.
Why it is important. There has never been a greater need. More than 23% of mammals, 12% of birds, 4% of reptiles and 3% of amphibians are listed as ‘threatened’ by the IUCN-World Conservation Union. For the vast majority of species, there is little or no information on their most fundamental biology – absolutely essential information for developing sound programs to preserve species and their habitats. Plans prepared by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Endangered Species Act call for hundreds of studies and management actions (including captive-breeding) to achieve recovery and to allow delisting. Zoos also are challenged in effectively managing sustainable ex situ populations as genetic reservoirs, in part, due to a lack of space, too few animals and too few scientists.
How CCSS works. CCSS operates under a Memorandum of Agreement among its members and a Steering Committee. CCSS achieves its purpose and mission by:
· Being innovative, agile, opportunistic and using its vast networks.
· Working with partners to identify and secure access to priority species.
· Conducting science to understand biology and conservation complexities of species.
· Ensuring availability of sustainable source populations that allow research and propagation for pre-determined purposes – for recovery, reintroduction and managed populations.
CCSS value. CCSS adds value to ongoing or desired conservation activities by providing specialized facilities, husbandry and scientific expertise in wildlife management and recovery ex situ and in situ.
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Support Fossil Rim With a Cell Phone Collection Drive!
Fossil Rim now participates in the Eco-Cell recycling program, and you can help! Check out the details of how you will be helping Fossil Rim AND our environment at www.eco-cell.org !
This is a great way to help your family, coworkers and organizations become more aware of the importance of recycling and “going green”!
Simply collect 5 or more cell phones (working or not, no matter how old) with or without chargers and batteries.
Email Eco-Cell at program@eco-cell.org or call toll free at 888-326-3357 to request a free shipping label.
No special packaging required, just put them in a box with a note stating the donation is for Fossil Rim, and tape it securely. Apply the label, schedule a pick up from the carrier, and you’re done!
Your efforts will result in a cash donation to Fossil Rim as well as helping our environment at the same time, and all at no cost to you!
If you will be visiting Fossil Rim, we have cell phone collections boxes located at the Visitors’ Center and the Nature Store. Just drop them in!
Please feel free to contact Dana (danaz@fossilrim.org) if you have any questions about how to participate.
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Upcoming Fossil Rim Projects 