Species Survival Commission wetlands

GLOBAL CENTER FOR SPECIES SURVIVAL

A partnership between the Indianapolis Zoo and the IUCN Species Survival Commission.

WHAT IS THE GLOBAL CENTER FOR SPECIES SURVIVAL?

A CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP

The Indianapolis Zoo’s Global Center for Species Survival is a partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission. The Global Center supports and connects thousands of conservation experts working to secure a future for animals, fungi and plants in more than 160 countries. The Global Center for Species Survival was made possible through a start-up grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

The Global Center leverages the expertise and resources of its partners to offer essential support, connection, and communication for over 10,000 conservationists across more than 180 Specialist Groups, Task Forces, and Conservation Committees within the IUCN SSC.

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At the Global Center for Species Survival, every day is Endangered Species Day. We support and connect more than 10,000 conservation experts working globally to secure a future for animals, fungi and plants. With human pressure continuing to drive biodiversity loss, the work of conservationists is vital in protecting and restoring nature. Only through collaboration can we protect species and the spaces they call home. That’s why the Indianapolis Zoo partnered with the IUCN Species Survival Commission—the world’s largest science-based network—to create the Global Center for Species Survival. The Global Center team is redefining how zoos support field conservation efforts. We support thousands of conservationists working to address planetary issues that contribute to biodiversity loss, including invasive species, habitat degradation, overexploitation and illegal trade. It is the mission of the Global Center to support the IUCN Species Survival Commission in influencing, encouraging and assisting societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature. We follow the One Plan Approach, which emphasizes the collaboration between all parties involved in saving species. This plan utilizes the strengths of in situ and ex situ conservation. When you visit an accredited zoo like the Indianapolis Zoo, you are participating in the conservation of species, because admission fees contribute to the care of biodiversity and wild populations. That care leads to greater understanding of species, and that understanding improves the ability to make an authentic difference in saving species. #EndangeredSpeciesDay #Conservation @indianapoliszoo @indianapolisprize @iucnssc @protectspecies‌
Today marks the start of the City Nature Challenge. Insects and spiders are among the easiest animals to observe because you can find them just about everywhere you look. Grab your smartphone, download the iNaturalist app, and begin your community science journey!   The Indianapolis Zoo is not only a great place to observe nature (especially in the White River Gardens), but we have our own iNaturalist project you can join! To date, staff, volunteers and visitors have observed more than 1,400 wild species at the Zoo. By knowing which species choose to call our Zoo home, we can help ensure their future. Learn more about the City Nature Challenge and the Indianapolis Zoo’s iNaturalist Project by reading the Zoo’s blog. You can find the link in our Stories.‌
Sardines and anchovies are key ingredients in the African penguin’s diet. Humans also enjoy these fish, meaning there’s less food for African penguins as human fishing expands.  It’s one of multiple threats facing the species, which are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.   Scientists have not only observed malnutrition in the species but also a significant reduction in breeding. African penguin breeding pairs dropped from more than 15,000 in 2018 to just 8,750 at the end of 2023. Conservationists predict that if nothing is done, African penguins will be extinct in the wild by 2035—just 10 years from now!   That’s why a new legal settlement is being hailed as a win for the species. It expands no-fishing zones around six of the penguins’ major breeding colonies. You can learn more about the settlement in the latest Protect Species Blog post. We’ve linked to it in our Stories. Also, make sure you follow the IUCN Penguin Specialist Group, which contributed their expertise to our blog.

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At the Global Center for Species Survival, every day is Endangered Species Day. We support and connect more than 10,000 conservation experts working globally to secure a future for animals, fungi and plants. With human pressure continuing to drive biodiversity loss, the work of conservationists is vital in protecting and restoring nature. Only through collaboration can we protect species and the...