IN SITU AND EX SITU REPTILE PROJECTS OF THE COLOGNE ZOO: IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION OF SOUTH EAST ASIA’S HERPETODIVERSITY

In this review, some of Cologne Zoo’s in situ and ex situ research and conservation projects dealing with South East Asia’s reptile fauna (particularly that of Vietnam) are summarized. Diversity and ecological research linked to nature conservation within in situ projects are highlighted. The range of study of our German–Vietnamese research team includes taxonomy, autecology, population analyses, public awareness, and development of rescue centres and breeding stations. In the framework of ex situ conservation and research engagement, the roles of collection planning, species identification and biological research in zoological facilities are described with examples of monitor lizards and crocodiles.