Centers for Species Survival

Centers for Species Survival (CSS) are partnerships between the SSC Chair’s Office and leading species conservation organisations.

They empower dedicated partner-based staff teams of at least one full-time staff member, to work closely with relevant SSC Groups in catalysing priority efforts for assess-plan-act at various geographic scales or taxonomic or thematic focuses. 

The SSC works closely with CSSs across NGOs, government agencies, zoos and aquariums, among other stakeholders, to understand the key networks and conservation efforts that are underway in their country or region. Many of the CSS staff receive training in IUCN Red Listing, conservation planning and other knowledge products to support the SSC network and efforts, often at the national level, identifying priority gaps and ensuring that efforts, resources and experts are effectively connected to maximize conservation species impact.