Photo: Kofi Amponsah-Mensah

Wildlife

How we protect and restore species through science, community, and collaboration

Conservation Status

Wildlife species face different levels of risk, from vulnerable populations under pressure to species already lost from parts of their natural range. Understanding conservation status helps show where action is most urgent and how targeted recovery work can make a difference. Wilder Institute works with partners, communities, and conservation experts to protect species at risk, restore populations, and support the ecosystems they depend on.

Extinct

Extinct conservation status overview

Extinct in the Wild

Extinct in the Wild conservation status overview

Critically Endangered

Critical conservation status overview

Endangered

Endangered conservation status overview

Vulnerable

Vulnerable conservation status overview

Near Threatened

Near threatened conservation status overview

Least Concern

Least concern conservation status overview

Data deficient

No description available.

Not evaluated

No description available.

Species Discovery

Learn more about the species we safeguard.

Filter Conservation Status (IUCN)

Not evaluated

Fernald’s Braya

A small, flowering arctic-alpine plants that grow in Newfoundland’s limestone barrens
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Not evaluated

Long’s Braya

A small, white-flowered arctic-alpine plant that grows in Newfoundland’s limestone barrens
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Not evaluated

Barrens Willow

A native grassland bird at risk in Western Canada
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Least Concern

Sitatunga

A semi-aquatic antelope so elusive, it was once believed to be extinct in Ghana.
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Vulnerable

Hippopotamus

One of Africa’s greatest ecosystem engineers, under threat
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Critically Endangered

Lemur (Kianjavato species)

Three threatened lemur species native to Madagascar’s disappearing forests
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Critically Endangered

Mountain Bongo

A critically endangered forest antelope found only in Kenya
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Endangered

Whooping Crane

A towering migratory bird native to the wetlands of Northwest Territories and Northern Alberta.
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Critically Endangered

Vancouver Island Marmot

An endemic Canadian mountain mammal recovering from the brink of extinction
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Least Concern

Swift Fox

An agile prairie predator that sustains healthy grassland ecosystems
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Least Concern

Northern Leopard Frog

An endangered amphibian in western Canadian wetlands
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Not evaluated

Curiously Isolated Hairstreak

A recently discovered butterfly found only in Waterton’s native grasslands.
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Vulnerable

Greater Sage-Grouse

An iconic prairie bird critical to the sagebrush ecosystem
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Least Concern

Fisher

An elusive forest predator living in boreal forests
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Critically Endangered

Cross River Gorilla

A critically endangered great ape in the highland forests of Nigeria and Cameroon
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Least Concern

Burrowing Owl

A small prairie owl that nests underground, endangered in Canada
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Endangered, Least Concern

Black-Tailed Prairie Dog / Black-Footed Ferret

A unique predator-prey relationship, one of the most endangered in North America
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Species Recovery Programs

Wilder Institute’s conservation programs are designed to protect species, restore ecosystems, and support the people and communities connected to them. Our work is grounded in inclusive conservation, bringing together local communities, Indigenous Peoples, governments, researchers, and partners to create lasting outcomes for wildlife and people. Through evidence-based action, capacity sharing, and multi-species approaches, we help recover species at risk while strengthening the ecosystems they depend on. From local landscapes to national and global initiatives, our programs turn conservation science into measurable impact.

Real Impact. Measurable Results.

500+

Captive-bred Vancouver Island marmots released into the wild

This has helped grow the marmot population from fewer than 30 individuals to over 200.

500+

Captive-bred Vancouver Island marmots released into the wild

This has helped grow the marmot population from fewer than 30 individuals to over 200.

500+

Captive-bred Vancouver Island marmots released into the wild

This has helped grow the marmot population from fewer than 30 individuals to over 200.

For more than 30 years, Wilder Institute has delivered measurable impact where it matters most, from species recovery to ecosystem restoration.

FEATURED STORY

Advancing Our Whooping Crane Species Pledge: 2026 Update

On Saturday, February 7, people around the world are coming together for Reverse the Red Day, a global movement driving urgent action for endangered and threatened species. Join us as we shine a spotlight on conservation efforts and the incredible work being done to protect wildlife for generations to come.

Take Action

Help protect endangered wildlife, wetlands, and the connections that sustain communities and ecosystems.

Donate

Your support helps preserve vital wetlands, protect whooping cranes, and advance conservation efforts that benefit wildlife and people alike.

Support

Join a community helping safeguard biodiversity, cultural connections to the land, and healthier ecosystems for future generations.

Subscribe

From monthly giving to local partnerships, discover additional ways to support species recovery and long-term action for North America’s endangered wildlife.