Science for conservation
The Zoological Society of London
London Zoo (now the ZSL London Zoo) was opened by the Zoological Society in Regent's Park in 1828 as the first scientific zoo.
Science at the zoo
Scientific work in Regent's Park is part of the work of the Zoological Society of London. Visitors can see displays in the zoo and participate in the Society's programme of events.
Work by scientists at the zoo covers seven broad research themes.
Animal health and welfare
Studies of the diseases which can affect animals in zoos and have an important impact when animals are moved from when region to another as part of a programme of conservation. Also studies of the effects of anaesthetics on wild animals.
Behavioural and evolutionary ecology
Studies of the behaviour of species ranging from ants to elephants which can help scientists to make sensible decisions when planning programmes of conservation.
Biodiversity and macroecology
Investigations to seek answers to questions such as why some vertebrate species are threatened with extinction while others appear secure, and why some families contain large numbers of species while others have only a few.
Genetic variation, fitness and adaptability
Genetic studies, including relationships between individual animals, between populations over local areas and between species and populations over evolutionary time.
Population and evolutionary ecology
Research designed to help us understand the fluctuations in the size of populations of wild species resulting from natural changes and changes caused by human activity.
Reproductive biology
Studies of reproduction in a range of species which can help conservation programmes in the wild and in zoos, including monitoring wild animals to detect pregnancy, and assisted reproduction in zoo animals.
Wildlife epidemiology
The study of diseases of wildlife which affect their conservation or the health of other species. including those which may be a threat to natural populations such as marine mammals and squirrels in Britain, amphibians and birds.
Submitted by: Dr Georgina M. Mace, Director of Science, 17 January 2007
