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What it is: A tool for guiding and tracking complicated breeding
and genetic management. Zoo breeding programs do not function
as simple as a matchmaking app. Managers of zoo populations
must compile and analyze extensive pedigree data to recommend
the best breeding pairs for a given species, to coordinate transfer
of animals from one animal-holding institution to another, and to
track offspring. Today, PMx is running behind the scenes at almost
every zoo in the world active in conservation breeding programs.
How it’s being used: Population managers around the world use
PMx to determine which giant pandas should be paired or moved
to other facilities. Because of the success of a worldwide panda
breeding program, the population living in zoos has surged, and
now scientists are relying on PMx to determine which animals
should be released to the wild.

30 GATEWAYS | POWER TOOLS