Species conservation action

Species are the fundamental components of biodiversity and we rely on their survival for our own existence. However, our current biodiversity crisis is so severe that conservation activities are essential for the survival of many different species. From in situ and ex situ species recovery programmes, to the establishment of protected areas, to capacity building, conservation action can take many forms. Thankfully, IUCN has access to an extensive network of organisations and scientists that makes effective conservation action possible.

Conservation Tool

Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme

The Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP) is IUCN’s flagship tiger initiative, funded by the German Cooperation (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank. Launched in 2014,…

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Conservation in action: Our year in review

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Five key takeaways for conservation action from the IUCN Congress 2025

Under the banner “Powering Transformative Conservation,” the IUCN World Conservation Congress (9–15 October, Abu Dhabi) united governments, scientists, Indigenous leaders, and conservation…

Assess, Plan, Act

IUCN and the Species Survival Commission (SSC) approach conservation efforts by taking into account three essential steps: Assess, Plan and Act.

While Assess is about assessing the conservation status of species and Plan is the part of the process that enables the development of conservation strategies to protect species, it is only in Act, the last step of the process, that we are able to deliver conservation action on the ground that saves species from extinction.

IUCN currently has a variety of different programmes and initiatives that implement and guide species conservation action around the world. Reverse the Red, IUCN Save Our Species, the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme and others make use of a carefully balanced network that involves different stakeholders such as non-governmental organisations, scientists, government agencies and local communities. By collaborating together, we are able to have a tangible, positive impact on biodiversity and threatened wildlife.

Forging strong partnerships between donors and the conservation community is therefore essential to lay the groundwork for effective species conservation action. If we want to reverse the trend of biodiversity loss and increase species population numbers, this is where we should focus our efforts.

IUCN Save Our Species

IUCN Save Our Species (SOS) is IUCN’s flagship species conservation funding initiative, supporting local organisations and conservation practitioners to protect threatened species, restore critical habitats and strengthen the resilience of ecosystems worldwide.

Guided by the best available science, including the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ and the expertise of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, SOS channels funding to where it can have the greatest impact. Through a portfolio of targeted conservation funds, the programme supports frontline action for species ranging from large mammals and freshwater fish to plants, pollinators and other lesser-known but equally important wildlife.

Since its launch, SOS has supported hundreds of conservation projects enabling locally led solutions that address the drivers of biodiversity loss while delivering benefits for people and nature.

530+

species protected

465+

successful projects

109+

countries covered

Conservation action delivering results

By investing in local expertise, innovation and long-term partnerships, IUCN Save Our Species helps secure a future for threatened species and the ecosystems on which they depend. From preventing extinctions and recovering vulnerable populations to improving protected area management and supporting communities living alongside wildlife, SOS demonstrates how targeted conservation action can deliver measurable and lasting results.

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Flagship initiatives leads by SSC

Amphibian Survival Alliance
Amphibian Survival Alliance is the world’s largest collaborative effort dedicated to amphibian conservation, research and education. The Alliance brings together governments, industry, non-profits, citizens and others to address the leading threats to amphibians.

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Asian Species Action Partnership
Asian Species Action Partnership (ASAP) is an interagency coalition to address the extinction risk among the most threatened land and freshwater vertebrates of Southeast Asia. ASAP consists of Partner organisations – such as NGOs, donors, researchers and government agencies – who are interested in implementing and / or funding conservation for ASAP species.

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Sumatran Rhino Rescue
Sumatran Rhino Rescue is a ground-breaking alliance between IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), World Wildlife Fund, International Rhino Foundation, Re:wild and the Government of Indonesia to save the Critically Endangered Sumatran rhino from imminent extinction. 

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