IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Jacksons chameleon - Trioceros jacksonii - Species banner

About species conservation

Species are the building blocks of biodiversity and ecosystems, the natural resources that humans utilize and rely on every day.

Species extinction is occurring at unprecedented levels, estimated at up to 1,000 times the ‘background’ or natural rate. The causes are many, including habitat destruction, land conversion for agriculture and development, climate change, pollution, illegal wildlife trade, and the spread of invasive species. The loss of species results in biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, diminishing the quality of our lives and our basic economic security. By saving species we save biodiversity and the ecosystems that provide the natural resources we need to survive. However to save species, we need knowledge. Read more