Animal Keeper's Association of Africa

The African Preservation Programme (APP) was constituted as a working group of PAAZAB in 1991, and as such forms the framework for cooperative breeding programmes within the African region.

Well managed studbooks form the backbone of the APP, and our Studbook Keepers are trained professionals chosen for their expertise in the species they manage. Their efforts are coordinated by Taxon Coordinators (Mammals, Birds, Reptiles / Amphibians and Invertebrates), and the entire programme is directed by the APP Coordinating Committee.

A workshop was convened at the last AGM to try to establish why the APP was not being supported by the industry. The results were circulated to the membership along with a short explanatory expose of what the salient aspects of the APP programme are. It is hoped that, now that the membership has a better understanding, the needed support will be forthcoming. This will also be circulated to the Animal Keepers Association of Africa (AKAA) so that the pool from which the programme can draw manpower is increased.

We hope to now see the APP grow from strength to strength.

The following species currently have active APP status:

Mammals:
Black Lemur
Wild Dog
Red Panda
African Wild Cat
Mona Monkey
Cape Grysbok
Snake weasel
Black-footed Cat
Oribi
Suni

Birds:
Blue Crane
Bald Ibis
Cape Vulture
Cape Parrot
African Penguin
Marabou Stork
Wattled Crane
Southern Ground Hornbill
Grey Crowned Crane

Reptiles:
Radiated Tortoise
West African Dwarf Crocodile
Amphibians:
Western Leopard Toad
Amatola Toad
Cape Dainty Frog
Pickersgill's Reed Frog

For further information please contact the APP Chairman, Karl Westphal ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), APP Vice Chair, Tracy Rehse ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or the APP General Secretary, Ginger Smit ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Climate change is going to lead to eco-system shifts, and this will potentially put millions of species at risk. Since we are the architects of climate change, we are morally bound to ensure that these species do not become extinct due to our inaction. You are all encouraged to enquire about, and participate in, the APP programmes. Each one of you is vital to its success.