Africa

Nine Lives of Black-footed Cats

This project is part of a larger conservation initiative to better understand the ecology, genetics, health, and reproductive biology of the black-footed cat in southern Africa.

Living Large: Elephant Conservation in Southern Africa

San Diego Zoo’s Conservation Research has active projects in over 35 countries across the globe, including projects supporting wild elephant conservation. Dr. Michael Chase established Elephants Without Borders (EWB) in 2004, a research-based nonprofit organization in Botswana.

Birth Control Instead of Culling of African Bull Elephants

Elephant population control is a critical conservation issue facing many areas in Africa due to ecosystem damage and decreased biodiversity. Minimally-invasive vasectomies on bull elephants is a method of permanent contraception can be used as a management tool for the control of small populations of elephant and as an alternative to the controversial practice of culling.

Let’s Flow: Gorilla Conservation Genetics

Researchers in our Genetics Division were the first to perform genetic studies on wild populations of gorillas and to demonstrate the genetic distinctiveness of regional gorilla populations. We continue to build on this foundation by utilizing the extensive array of gorilla samples stored in the Frozen Zoo® to help us assign gorillas living in zoos today to their historical wild populations. 

The Thrill of Drill Research in Cameroon

Drills are among the most endangered primate species in Africa and probably the largest monkey species in the world. They are naturally geographically restricted and human impacts further imperil this elusive primate. We are utilizing genetic tools for studying their ecology to make better conservation assessments.

Shedding Light on the Mysterious Lives of Gorillas

Scientists at the San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research performed the first genetic studies on populations of wild mountain gorillas and discovered that even regionally, these animals are genetically distinct. Subsequently, investigators have found significant genetic differentiation within western lowland gorilla populations among what has been considered a single subspecies.

Central Africa Regional Conservation Program

The Central African rain forests are surely one of the wonders of the natural world. As a whole, they are second only to Amazonia in terms of land cover and are home to a complex array of interdependent plant and animal species.

Comparative Studies of Great Apes and Other Primates

It has long been know that significant disease risks are associated with quality and type of diet. In the genomics era, it has become clear that risk for specific diseases such as diabetes and atherosclerosis, as well as certain types of cancer, are associated with genetic risk factors and the environmental effect of diet.

Genetic Studies in Cameroon

In recent years, the San Diego Zoo Conservation Research Central Africa Regional Program has begun to make a significant contribution to both the San Diego Zoo and external genetics research programs which have clear relevance to conservation objectives.

Check back regularly for additional conservation projects!