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The primary responsibility of each Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) is to review the composition of the region's animal collections in relation to these aims, and to recommend management measures that promote them.
Each TAG covers either a taxonomic grouping (e.g. Monotremes and Marsupials) or a geographic faunal group (e.g. New Zealand Fauna). There are currently 14 TAGs:
  Invertebrates
Aquatic TAG
Reptile and Amphibian TAG
New Zealand Fauna TAG
Non-Passerine TAG
Passerine TAG
Monotreme and Marsupial TAG
Primate TAG
Carnivore TAG
Miscellaneous Exotic Mammal TAG
Marine Mammal TAG
Perissodactyl and Proboscid TAG
Artiodactyl TAG
Australian Bat and Rodent TAG
Using the annually published ASMP Regional Census and Plan, TAGs review the number of ‘spaces’ available for exhibition and breeding of taxa held. They establish priority species based on agreed criteria, and coordinate the preferential allocation of space to these taxa.
ARAZPA has identified a number of categories into which taxa held in the region are placed. The categories indicate the status of the taxon within the regional collection i.e. whether it is managed to complement a conservation program, whether it is due to be phased out of the region and replaced with a taxon of higher priority, and so on. ASMP Species Programs
ARAZPA's population management resources are finite. TAGs ensure that population management expertise is targeted towards those taxa which most need it.
TAGs identify taxa in need of coordination and actively source suitable candidates for coordinator positions. Applicants for positions submit applications to the ARAZPA Office, but must first obtain the endorsement of their institution, and of the relevant TAG convenor.
Species coordinators and studbook keepers submit regular progress reports. TAGs review these, identify any problems and help to identify solutions and/or appropriate assistance. Where required, they assist coordinators to implement Captive Management Plan recommendations.
Zoos cooperate at the global level as well as at the regional level to optimise use of resources. For taxa which are globally threatened, population management at international level can be important. The advisory group, in collaboration with other regional and international bodies, identifies which taxa require global cooperation for efficient management, and how this is to be achieved. The regional TAG is then responsible for implementing these global decisions at regional level.
TAGs need to be in a position to respond to changing wild status (within reason).
Particularly for program species. TAGs achieve this by facilitating studies of exhibit design and management, animal husbandry, reproduction, genetics, population biology, systematics, disease, mortality, nutrition and behaviour.
ARAZPA requires that its members attain a certain standard of animal management and exhibitry. These standards are developed and periodically reviewed by the TAGs.
The TAG may be offered opportunities for involvement in in situ conservation. The groups review carefully any such proposals against pre-agreed criteria. This may include, for example, ensuring that the projects are resource efficient, able to make good use of the skills and resources that zoos have to offer, and are commensurate with existing regional priorities. In addition, as an expert body, TAGs may be asked to review projects for individual zoos.
In collaboration with staff at the ARAZPA Office, each TAG produces a strategic TAG Action Plan for the group’s activities, which is updated annually.
The advisory groups are responsible for making regional collection planning recommendations to member zoos and for overseeing progress with individual species programs. Each advisory group comprises a convenor, a number of core members, advisors and corresponding members.
Each ASMP Advisory Group has a convenor who is responsible for coordinating the activities of the group and for convening and chairing meetings.
Each full institutional member of ARAZPA is asked to nominate a representative for each advisory group with which the institution is involved. In addition to nominating representatives, each institution is asked to send the relevant nominated representative to all advisory group meetings where regional collection planning decisions are being made, empower their representative to speak on behalf of the institution, and to make decisions on agenda items.
Advisors
Specialist advisors may be appointed to each advisory group. Advisors (e.g. veterinary advisors, husbandry advisors, taxonomic advisors) are appointed by the convenor and are re-confirmed annually.
Species coordinators, studbook keepers and species contacts for taxa covered by the advisory group are automatically corresponding members of the relevant group. Chairs of corresponding groups overseas (e.g. Europe and North America) should also be corresponding members
ASMP Species Programs
ASMP Positions |