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Species
Protecting the Future of Nature
From our start in 1961, WWF has worked toward the protection of endangered species. Our mission is to use the best conservation science available and work with people to find solutions to save the marvelous array of life on our planet.
What are flagship species? Find out here.
WWF’s experience over nearly half a century has shown species conservation is vital — and it does work. Already, conservation efforts have brought many animals back from the brink of extinction. It has helped to not only conserve rich and varied ecosystems but also delivered real benefits to local people through new livelihood opportunities and sustainable development.
But our work is far from done. Destructive human activities have led to the current rate of species extinction, which is at least 100–1,000 times higher than the expected natural rate.
This has impacts far beyond the potential cultural loss of iconic species such as tigers, rhinos and whales. Species and the ecosystems they are part of provide essential goods and services that make human life possible and contribute enormously to our health and well-being — breathable air, clean water, food, fibers, building materials, medicines, energy, fertile soils, climate regulation, transport, and recreational and spiritual values.
Our conservation efforts are directed towards flagship species, iconic animals that provide a focus for raising awareness and stimulating action and funding for broader conservation efforts in our priority places; and footprint-impacted species whose populations are primarily threatened because of unsustainable hunting, logging or fishing.
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