PopLinkPopulation Management Software
Free population-management software

Track and analyze data across an animal's lifetime, to better understand a population.

Developed by Lincoln Park Zoo and Tracks Software, PopLink helps studbook keepers and population biologists maintain, analyze, and export the genetic and demographic data behind sound population-management decisions — in zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, breeding centers, and closely monitored wild populations.

Get the download link See what it does
Version 3.0.1 Windows Free / shareware By Lincoln Park Zoo & Tracks Software
The PopLink 3.0.1 welcome screen, showing four species PopLink is used to manage — a Puerto Rican parrot, a lion, a rattlesnake and a hoverfly — above the Lincoln Park Zoo, Tracks Software and IMLS logos.
PopLink 3.0.1 welcome screen
20+ yrs
Used across the zoo, aquarium, and conservation communities
v3.0.1
Current stable release
$0
Distributed free of charge
Flexible population data storage
Standardized and customizable data and analytical tools
What PopLink does

Everything a population manager needs, in one workspace

A studbook is the complete electronic history of a population's individuals over time. PopLink keeps that record accurate and secure, can be customized to your population, and supports further analysis.

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Maintain the record

Track every individual over its lifetime — parentage, life events, movement between locations, and much more — to build an accurate picture of a population over time.

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Improve data quality

Data are secure and higher quality, with data-integrity checks that catch errors as you enter them and reports that assist with data-cleanup before you analyze.

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Analyze population data

Run dozens of reports within PopLink, or export studbook data for more complex analyses including mark recapture modeling, analysis of demographic trends over time, and many others.

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Export with confidence

Produce the analytical version of the studbook used in population-management tools like PMx, which allows you to make data-driven decisions on demographic and genetic management.

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Transfer population knowledge effectively

A standardized, relational database that prevents accidental overwriting or deletion, reinforces data standards, and helps knowledge transfer between data managers of long-term projects.

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Free & unrestricted

Shareware distributed by Lincoln Park Zoo and Tracks Software. Copy it freely for population management, research, and education.

Who uses it

Built for the people managing populations

Studbook keepers

Track and maintain all of the data relevant to a single species or population — every individual, event, movement — in one authoritative, validated record. Optional modules allow more in depth tracking of data on breeding efforts, resightings, veterinary records, and more. Easy data upload tools streamline your data entry, allowing you to maintain high quality data with less time.

Population biologists

Store the analytical studbook used in genetic and demographic analyses, run queries, and generate the outputs that management decisions are based on.

A keeper with a clipboard recording observations of a nesting bird in an enclosure

PopLink supports data management and population analysis in zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and breeding centers — as well as for wild populations that are tracked at an individual level.

Download PopLink

Tell us a little about your work, and we'll email your link.

PopLink is free. We ask for a few details so Lincoln Park Zoo and Tracks Software can understand who's using the software and notify you when new releases become available.

  1. 1
    Fill in the formName, email, organization, and the species or population you work with.
  2. 2
    Verify your emailWe send a verification link/code to confirm your address.
  3. 3
    Get your downloadOnce verified, your download link appears in your inbox.

Request your download link

Enter your email address for download access.

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PopLink 3.0.1 · Windows installer. We use your details only to deliver PopLink and release notices.

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PopLinkInstaller.exe Windows installer · Version 3.0.1
Download PopLink 3.0.1
✓View install guide →
Questions? Email software@lpzoo.org.
Documentation & support

Everything you need to get started

User's Manual (PDF)

The complete guide to PopLink's features and its use in population management.

Read the manual →

Installation Instructions

Step-by-step setup from download to first launch.

View install guide →

Software Update Log

See what changed between versions of PopLink.

View update log →
How to cite PopLink

Software
Faust, L.F., Y.M. Bergstrom, L. Bier., J. Oliver, P.W. Senner, and S.D. Thompson. 2026. PopLink Version 3.0.1. Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL.

Manual
Faust, L.F., P.W. Senner, L. Bier, K. Schowe, and T. Gazlay. 2026. PopLink 3.0: User's Manual. Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL.