Protecting Species

Saving wild species requires rigorous scientific knowledge about a species habitat needs, behavior and ecology, coupled with effective policy solutions that provide for those requirements. WCS field projects are actively engaged in targeted research, management, and monitoring of over 350 species in the wild. While WCS field research has resulted in increased knowledge and, in some cases, the discovery of new species, we are also using our experience to inform national and international bodies that work to manage and protect wildlife populations. 

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
WCS advises the CITES secretariat and member states on the status of wildlife species that are currently or potentially threatened by trade. Through our Hunting and Wildlife Trade Program, we work with local communities, governments, and international partners to investigate and reduce the impact of unsustainable hunting and trade. WCS conservationists have also served as coordinators of the MIKE program (Monitoring of the Illegal Killing of Elephants) initiated by CITES in an effort to determine existing populations of elephants and evaluate the threats they face.

Saiga antelope

Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
Our landscape and transboundary approach to conservation also makes us a valuable contributor to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). This intergovernmental treaty focuses on ensuring the protection of migratory species and thus deals with issues relating to range states as well as challenges that might arise in the course of long-range and transboundary migrations. Under the CMS, WCS is a signatory of the  memorandum of understanding between the range states of the saiga antelope, a unique ungulate found in central Asia. In the last 15 years, this population has suffered a 95% decline in numbers, necessitating immediate action (click here for more information on this MoU).

Cetaceans often present a unique set of conservation issues as they occupy international waters. WCS uses its a strong history of cetacean research, to serve as a member of the Cetacean Liaison Group, which also acts as an advisory and support group to the CMS.

IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC)
WCS promotes and supports national and international policies and legislation that ensure appropriate levels of protection for all threatened species. Over 60 WCS scientists and conservationists serve on the various Species Specialist Groups of the Species Survival Commission(SSC) of the IUCN. In addition to serving as a key advisory commission at both the national and international level, the SSC evaluates the state of species conservation by maintaining the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Great Ape Survival Project (GRASP)
WCS is one of the only NGOs currently working with all subspecies of apes. We are therefore also a member of the Great Ape Survival Project (GRASP) which focuses on ensuring the survival of gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans- all of which face considerable threats.