Bringing back endangered species

In a world where biodiversity is rapidly declining, a growing body of evidence is proving one thing beyond doubt: conservation works. From the remote forests of Uganda to the vast oceans once emptied by whaling, targeted efforts are bringing species back from the brink of extinction. A sweeping new review led by the University of Cambridge has found that well-planned and persistent conservation action is not only halting loss—it’s reversing it.

The study, published in PLOS Biology, analyzed data from over 67,000 species tracked by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List—the world’s most comprehensive record of species status. The results were both sobering and hopeful: although 28% of assessed species are currently threatened with extinction, nearly all species that have improved their status have done so due to direct human-led conservation.

“It’s a strong signal that conservation works,” says lead author Ashley Simkins from the University of Cambridge. “While biodiversity loss is a genuine crisis, it’s vital that we celebrate the success stories wherever and whenever we can.”

Among these successes are some of nature’s most iconic animals. The Iberian lynx, once considered the most endangered feline on Earth, has made a remarkable recovery. From a low of just a few hundred individuals, its population has rebounded into the thousands. New Zealand’s flightless parrot, the kākāpō, is another triumph—thanks to years of captive breeding and predator-free sanctuaries, this odd and endearing bird is once again inching toward a stable future.

Even species once extinct in the wild, such as the European bison, now roam free in protected areas across Eastern Europe, their return made possible by decades of conservation breeding and rewilding projects.

Please also read: From Extinction to Climate Champion: The Bison’s Remarkable Comeback in Romania

Oceans reborn

Marine giants have also benefited from global action. Humpback and blue whales, decimated by decades of industrial whaling, are now recovering in numbers thanks to international bans. In Australia, humpback whale populations on both coasts have bounced back so strongly that they now exceed their pre-whaling levels.

Still, the broader picture remains dire: the study found that for every species improving in status, six are declining. Researchers argue that while ‘emergency room’ interventions are necessary, the world must shift toward preventative conservation—tackling the root causes of biodiversity loss such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.

Grassroots conservation: People at the heart of the solution

Success also hinges on cooperation with local communities. In Papua New Guinea, for example, conservationists have worked with Indigenous groups to replace unsustainable hunting of tree kangaroos with alternative food sources like chicken farming and fishing. This shift has protected the species while maintaining food security.

“Conservation doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game,” Simkins explains. “There are ways to benefit both people and wildlife.”

This approach is echoed in Montana, where Native nations have led efforts to reintroduce swift foxes after a 50-year absence. In India, translocations and habitat protection have helped grow the population of greater one-horned rhinos in Manas National Park. In the Northern Great Plains, black-footed ferrets—a species once declared extinct in the wild—are making a tentative comeback, their presence indicating a recovering grassland ecosystem.

Conclusion

In an age marked by accelerating biodiversity loss and environmental challenges, the evidence is clear: conservation, when grounded in science and supported by local communities, works. Species once written off as lost—like the Iberian lynx, the kākāpō, and humpback whales—are defying the odds and rewriting their fate. These success stories are not just isolated triumphs; they are proof of what is possible when humanity chooses to act with purpose.

But the road ahead is long. For every species improving, many more are in decline. This imbalance reminds us that saving wildlife cannot be reactive alone—it must be proactive, preventive, and inclusive. Conservation is not a luxury or a side effort; it is a necessity for the health of our ecosystems, our economies, and ultimately, our own survival.

We stand at a turning point. Governments must match their promises with real investment. Communities must be empowered, not sidelined. And we, as global citizens, must refuse to accept extinction as inevitable. The return of species from the brink is a call to action—and an invitation to imagine a world where recovery is the rule, not the exception.

Hope is not enough—but hope backed by action is unstoppable.