The Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology has an active software development program that focuses on creating tools that can be used to apply science-based concepts to the conservation and management of populations. These software programs can collect data in a standardized format or can provide analyses to assist in the management of wildlife populations in zoos or in the wild. Thus, the focus can be on interpretation and communication of results rather than the technical aspects of data manipulation. These computer software tools provide information for managers to make evidence-based decisions.

The Center’s software development team includes a full-time programmer, Yee Man Bergstrom, and staff from the Alexander Center and the Population Management Center.  To date the team has developed two programs for management of zoo populations: 

ZooRisk–risk assessment software for zoo populations.

PopLink–studbook database management and analysis software for zoo populations. 

The Center has also developed a number of species-specific computer models for use in our conservation and management projects of wild populations, including our jaguar and elephant conservation projects.