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Taxon  Advisory Groups

Taxon Advisory Groups (TAG) were established by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) in 1990 to examine the conservation needs of entire taxa, or groups of related species.  Examples of some basic taxonomic groups for which AZA TAGs exist are amphibians felids (cats), and apes.  Each TAG consists of Species Survival Plan coordinators, studbook keepers and other individuals with special expertise on one or more species covered by the TAG.  Currently AZA administers 43 TAGs covering groups of invertebrates, fish, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

The Small Carnivore TAG:

The overall objective of the Small Carnivore Taxon Advisory Group (SCTAG) is to assist and promote the conservation of all species under its umbrella through educational programs, research, appropriate exhibits and scientific captive breeding of threatened and endangered species. 

The SCTAG is comprised of several taxa: Mustelidae (64 species), Viverridae (44 species), Procyonidae (20 species), Herpestidae (39 species), and Ailuridae (1 species).  The species under the TAG umprella are particularly diverse with a variety of social, taxonomic and behavior characteristics.

The species currently recommended for management  in North America SCTAG are as follows:

Definition of Management Levels and Terms:

SSP -  Species Survival Plan: population requires intense management, studbook is necessary, MOP required for participation in program, compliance by participating institutions is expected, breeding recommendations and a master plan are required.

 PMP - Population Management Plan: population requires moderate management, studbook is necessary, no MOP required, compliance by participating institutions is encouraged, breeding recommendations are offered, no master plan is required.

 DERP - Display, Education, Research Population: no studbook is required, long term genetic/demographic management is not required.  These populations are frequently native species, donated animals, subjects of short term research, or otherwise maintained in collections in small number.

  Status:    E   =    Endangered Species, Endangered Species Act; Dept. of Interior

                                                      T   =    Threatened Species, Endangered Species Act; Dept. of  Interior        

                              I    =     Appendix I (CITES), Dept. of Interior

                                                                              II   =     Appendix II, (CITES), Dept. of Interior

                                                      III   =    Appendix III, (CITES), Dept. of Interior

                  Inj. =    Injurious Wildlife, Lacey Act, Dept. of Interior

  Definition of SCTAG Species Roles

             Genetic Reservoir - may be an Appendix I species; conservation/breeding of a captive population to maximize potential for retention of genetic diversity

  Display - species is popular with the public or provides entertainment/recreational value

 Education - species meets educational goals related to its own biology and/or conservation or serves as a representative of broader issues or taxa

 Reintroduction - species is or has the potential to be part of a cooperative reintroduction program   to its native habitat

  Research - species has potential contribution to both applied and theoretical research “(husbandry  methods); research is planned or ongoing that is directed at understanding aspects of the taxa’s biology, husbandry, or the development of relevant technologies that will ultimately contribute to conservation efforts

 Flagship Species - species provides for fund-raising/public relations opportunities that can link living collections in North American zoos directly to conservation efforts/projects in zoos

 Regional Priorities/Initiatives - species conservation is a priority in its region, resulting in cooperative efforts  

Small Carnivore Regional Collection Plan 2001

Small Carnivore 95 Report

 Small Carnivore 96 Report