What is a TAG?

Our Mission

The mission of every Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) is to examine the sustainability and conservation needs of entire taxa and to develop recommendations for population management and conservation based upon the needs of the species and AZA-accredited institutions. Each TAG coordinates, facilitates, and reviews progress toward goals for its cooperative animal management and conservation programs. The TAG works to lead, develop, oversee, promote, evaluate, and support the cooperative animal management, conservation, and scientific initiatives of African and Asian elephants.

Our Purpose

​TAGs are composed of expert advisors who help to identify, manage, and support AZA’s cooperative animal management programs. TAGs develop Regional Collection Plans (RCPs) that recommend taxa for cooperative management among AZA member institutions, AZA-accredited institutions, Conservation Partners, and Certified Related Facilities (CRFs), recommend Animal Program management designations, and identify Animal Program goals and essential actions. TAGs also serve as AZA experts regarding the husbandry, veterinary care, conservation needs/challenges, research priorities, ethical considerations, and other issues applicable to their taxa.

​TAGs advise other zoo and aquarium-based programs, define Animal Program goals and objectives, and identify research and conservation priorities. TAGs also examine Animal Program management techniques based on scientific studies and assist Program Leaders (e.g., Species Survival Plan Coordinators, Regional Studbook Keepers, and Candidate Program Leaders) in developing animal care and husbandry guidelines through the publication of taxa-specific Animal Care Manuals (ACMs).

Click here to learn more about who serves on the TAG!

Species Survival Plan (SSP)

There are currently nearly 300 SSP Programs, each managed by their corresponding Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs), within AZA. Each is responsible for developing a comprehensive population management plan which identifies population goals and recommendations to ensure the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically varied AZA population. Both African and Asian elephants have an SSP.