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In 2004, 38 species of animal and 27 species of plant were extinct in the wild, but living in captivity, naturalisation outside their historic range or by cultivation. 12 such species live in the United States, 8 live in Mexico. Most of the territories shown represent just one species that persists, but not in the wild. Every North African territory that is visible has an area representing one species. Of those species that are extinct in the wild, but survive in zoos, there are: 13 molluscs, 13 fish, 4 mammals, 4 birds and 1 crustacean. Of the 27 plant species, 21 were dicotyledons. Continuing assessment of risks of extinction may enable more species to be saved in this way. |
"The role of zoos has continued to change over time: from the private menageries of state rulers, to exhibitors of exotic species to a curious public and the more scientific living museums ..." Miranda Stevenson, 2006 |
Territory size shows the proportion of species worldwide that are extinct in their natural habitats, and exist only in captivity or cultivation.
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All of the data we use is estimated; 
Open Population Map for comparison