India to home South Asia’s first-ever center for species survival

In a major step towards safeguarding wildlife, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission has teamed up with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) to establish the first-ever Center for Species Survival of South Asia in India.

With a vision to create a just world that values and conserves nature, the effort aims to safeguard India’s rich biodiversity, which is home to numerous iconic and endangered species. India boasts an astounding diversity of fauna, comprising 92,037 known species, including an impressive 61,375 species of insects. Experts believe that there are still twice that number of undiscovered species within India’s borders.

The Center for Species Survival will act as a platform for conservation practitioners to share best practices, collaborate on species conservation efforts, and contribute to species status assessments using the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It will also bridge the gap between national and international efforts to preserve and protect species

Climate change and environmental disruptions are causing alarming rates of species extinction worldwide. Research suggests that by the end of the century, Earth could lose over 10% of its plant and animal species, with more than a million species currently on the brink of extinction.

The collaboration between IUCN and WTI will enable wildlife experts and specialist groups to coordinate their efforts for species conservation, amplifying the impact of species recovery initiatives. The Center will study the impact of environmental changes on species survival, providing vital insights for conservation efforts.

By taking the lead in establishing this Center for Species Survival, India sets an example for the world to unite against the ongoing biodiversity crisis. This initiative aims to inspire conservation efforts globally, ensuring a sustainable future for all living beings on our planet.