When a species is on the brink of extinction, it might require decades of sustained conservation. We apply seven key actions at different times and with varying levels of effort, depending on the species’ needs. We monitor the impact of our work and revisit actions if they’re not working as planned.
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The ploughshare tortoise is currently top of our list in terms of conservation effort spent.
In 1986 the ploughshare tortoise was highly threatened because its dry scrubland habitat around Baly Bay, Madagascar, was disappearing. We worked with local communities to reduce threats to the wild population such as bush fires, established a national park and set up a breeding centre to reintroduce tortoises to the wild.
We were making progress. Then poaching driven by the illegal pet trade exploded, becoming the biggest risk to the tortoises’ survival. Currently, more ploughshare tortoises may live as pets than in the wild.
There is a real possibility that this ancient reptile could become extinct; without conservation, it might have disappeared already. We are now working with the Malagasy government and our local partners to ensure our efforts so far haven’t been in vain.
Acting to save species...
Conservation research gives us the knowledge we need to measure the status of a species, identify threats and design the actions needed to remove these threats.
Acting to save species...
Empowering local people is the most effective and sustainable way to conserve species, forest and wetland in regions in which local people depend upon nature.
Acting to save species...
Conserving habitats includes creating and managing protected areas as well as controlling invasive predators to ensure the long-term survival of a species.
Acting to save species...
Planning actions involves collaborating with local governments, charities and communities to agree our conservation approach and gather resources.
Acting to save species...
Strengthening local partners represents the work we do to help charities and government agencies develop the skills, knowledge, infrastructure and tools to lead conservation.
Acting to save species...
Managing species takes place when a population has declined so far it needs intensive help such as captive breeding, reintroduction, supplementary feeding or disease management.
Acting to save species...
Monitoring impacts is essential to ensure we are working effectively and making a positive difference to the species, its habitat and local people.
Acting to save species...
Stronger capacity in local and national law enforcement agencies for protecting species and habitats
Acting to save species...
- 46 species -
Outcome: Provides knowledge for measuring species status, identifying threats and designing actions to remove these threats.
Acting to save species...
- 37 species -
Outcome: Collaboration with local governments, charities and communities to agree our conservation approach and gather resources.
Acting to save species...
- 43 species -
Outcome: Helps charities and government agencies develop the skills, knowledge, infrastructure and tools to lead conservation.
Acting to save species...
- 26 species -
Outcome: Leads to conservation of species, forest and wetland in regions in which local people depend upon nature.
Acting to save species...
- 35 species -
Outcome: Ensure the long-term survival of a species through creating and managing protected areas as well as controlling invasive predators.
Acting to save species...
- 36 species -
Outcome: Intensive help such as captive breeding, reintroduction, supplementary feeding or disease management to manage species decline.
Acting to save species...
- 35 species -
Outcome: Ensure a positive difference to the species, its habitat and local people through impact monitoring.
Acting to save species...
- 7 species -
Outcome : stronger capacity in local and national law enforcement agencies for protecting species and habitats
Acting to save species...
Action Score:
54Very High
Breakdown:
Conservation research: 11%
Planning actions: 2%
Monitoring impacts: 20%
Strengthening local partners: 22%
Managing species: 11%
Conserving habitats: 6%
Empowering local people: 6%
Law & Enforcement: 22%
Acting to save species...
Action Score:
35Very High
Breakdown:
Conservation research: 40%
Planning actions: 6%
Monitoring impacts: 17%
Strengthening local partners: 20%
Managing species: 17%
Conserving habitats: 0%
Empowering local people: 0%
Law & Enforcement: 0%
Acting to save species...
Action Score:
34Very High
Breakdown:
Conservation research: 9%
Planning actions: 9%
Monitoring impacts: 21%
Strengthening local partners: 15%
Managing species: 9%
Conserving habitats: 15%
Empowering local people: 9%
Law & Enforcement: 15%
Acting to save species...
Action Score:
28Very High
Breakdown:
Conservation research: 4%
Planning actions: 11%
Monitoring impacts: 11%
Strengthening local partners: 25%
Managing species: 21%
Conserving habitats: 11%
Empowering local people: 0%
Law & Enforcement: 18%
Acting to save species...
Action Score:
27Very High
Breakdown:
Conservation research: 4%
Planning actions: 0%
Monitoring impacts: 30%
Strengthening local partners: 30%
Managing species: 22%
Conserving habitats: 15%
Empowering local people: 0%
Law & Enforcement: 0%
Acting to save species...
Action Score:
23Very High
Breakdown:
Conservation research: 4%
Planning actions: 4%
Monitoring impacts: 30%
Strengthening local partners: 17%
Managing species: 0%
Conserving habitats: 13%
Empowering local people: 13%
Law & Enforcement: 17%
Acting to save species...
Action Score:
23Very High
Breakdown:
Conservation research: 35%
Planning actions: 4%
Monitoring impacts: 9%
Strengthening local partners: 39%
Managing species: 13%
Conserving habitats: 0%
Empowering local people: 0%
Law & Enforcement: 0%
Acting to save species...
Action Score:
23Very High
Breakdown:
Conservation research: 4%
Planning actions: 9%
Monitoring impacts: 13%
Strengthening local partners: 26%
Managing species: 0%
Conserving habitats: 13%
Empowering local people: 13%
Law & Enforcement: 22%
Acting to save species...
Action Score:
22Very High
Breakdown:
Conservation research: 14%
Planning actions: 5%
Monitoring impacts: 9%
Strengthening local partners: 36%
Managing species: 27%
Conserving habitats: 9%
Empowering local people: 0%
Law & Enforcement: 0%
Acting to save species...
Action Score:
21High
Breakdown:
Conservation research: 5%
Planning actions: 0%
Monitoring impacts: 33%
Strengthening local partners: 29%
Managing species: 10%
Conserving habitats: 24%
Empowering local people: 0%
Law & Enforcement: 0%
'Durrell' is an international charity dedicated to 'Saving Species From Extinction'. Founded by author and naturalist Gerald Durrell, we've been saving some of the world's most endangered animals for over half a century. Through our Wildlife Park in Jersey, conservation academies in Mauritius and Jersey, and 45 field projects worldwide, our unique approach tackles conservation from all angles.
Durrell animal adoptions feed directly into our vital conservation work, so in supporting your favourite animal, you also know that you are joining us in our mission of saving species from extinction. Thank you!
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