Our Solutions to species loss...

Looking beyond wildlife

WWF has chosen some of the highest profile and challenging species in the world to conserve. Not only are some highly endangered - e.g. tigers, rhinoceroses, some whale species, and great apes - but many are also extremely difficult to protect, both in practical conservation terms and at times because of political constraints at local and national levels.

Animals as part of a wider context

Although WWF's Global Species Programme is ambitious, the conservation gains are also correspondingly high in terms of the animals themselves and their habitats, as well as the many thousands of other species and local livelihoods that will benefit from efforts to conserve these species.

By conserving threatened species in their natural habitat, WWF also ensures that the variety of life-supporting ecological services that are found there continue to function for the benefit of both humans and wildlife.

The decline of a species is very often a strong indicator of degradation in the local habitat, which can also negatively impact the biodiversity of that area.

In practical terms

When conserving species, we often see a knock-on effect that contributes to the greater environmental picture by:

1. Increasing the number, size and connectivity of protected areas
2. Encouraging interaction and debate on issues that affect humans and nature
3. Increasing awareness amongst governments to take environmental issues seriously, by encouraging their participation in international conventions such as CITES
4. Increasing penalties for illegal wildlife trade, which can help reduce funds going towards other forms of organised crime such as drug and gun trafficking
5. Creating opportunities for tourism to develop in a way that benefits both local communities and the environment
6. Assisting local engagement with the environment in a way that is helping to raise awareness about conservation and the importance of sustainability
7. Providing jobs in areas where species such as tigers/elephants/rhinos require protection
8. Encouraging development that is sustainable and environmentally sound – by drawing attention to regions that would otherwise be developed in a way that is unchecked
9. Providing important economic and social benefits for local communities, and serving to provide incentives for habitat protection.