It’s a stark reality: while most of the world’s endangered species could be saved from extinction with a focused, immediate investment, there are some animals whose chances of survival are so slim that no amount of conservation effort may be enough to save them.
A recent groundbreaking study lays out exactly what’s at stake, offering a glimmer of hope for some species—and a hard truth for others.
According to the study, published in Current Biology, just over 841 vertebrate species could be saved with an investment of US$1 million per species per year.
However, despite the urgency to act, the study also reveals that there are 15 species whose chances of survival are critically low, even if we commit resources and action now.
Here’s the immediate takeaway: We have the opportunity to save most endangered species—but for some, time has already run out.
How to Save 841 Species: A Strategic Approach to Conservation
Let’s take a moment to consider the good news. With US$1.3 billion per year, we could secure the future of the vast majority of species currently listed as endangered.
These species, which include mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, would benefit from conservation programs targeting both their natural habitats and zoo populations.
This multi-pronged approach—conserving in the wild and supporting zoo breeding programs—offers a glimmer of hope in an increasingly bleak environmental landscape.
Out of the 841 species studied, 39 percent scored high for their chances of successful conservation efforts.
In other words, nearly four out of ten endangered species could be saved with immediate, targeted investment.
However, the majority of the funding—around US$1.1 billion—would be directed toward preserving these species in the wild, where their natural habitats are under siege.
The remaining portion of the budget would support breeding and backup efforts in zoos and conservation centers.
These numbers may sound large, but they pale in comparison to the billions spent annually by governments on other sectors.
For example, US defense spending exceeds US$600 billion annually—500 times the cost of saving these species.
As Hugh Possingham of the University of Queensland points out, the cost of preserving biodiversity is modest in comparison to other government priorities, yet the stakes for our planet’s ecosystems are immense.
The Uncomfortable Truth: 15 Species That Can’t Be Saved
But here’s where the story takes a darker turn.
While 841 species can be saved with the right investment, the study identifies 15 species that face a near-certain path to extinction—even if we start action right away.
These species are the true conservation crisis.
They face a combination of severe challenges that cannot be overcome with typical conservation efforts.
Their habitats are rapidly disappearing, often due to urbanization, political instability, and escalating costs of habitat protection.
For some species, their low chances of survival are compounded by the lack of expertise in breeding them in captivity or the extremely high costs of maintaining healthy zoo populations.
Here’s the pattern interrupt: While many conservationists argue that money and action can save every endangered species, this study reveals that for some animals, extinction is inevitable.
There are no easy solutions or magical fixes.
These 15 species are running out of time, and even with immediate action, their fate seems sealed.
So, who are these 15 species?
Amphibians:
- Bay Lycian Salamander (Lyciasalamandra billae) – Turkey
- Perereca (Bokermannohyla izecksohni) – Brazil
- Campo Grande Tree Frog (Hypsiboas dulcimer) – Brazil
- Santa Cruz Dwarf Frog (Physalaemus soaresi) – Brazil
- Zorro Bubble-Nest Frog (Pseudophilautus zorro) – Sri Lanka
- Allobates Juanii – Colombia
Birds:
- Ash’s Lark (Mirafra ashi) – Somalia
- Tahiti Monarch (Pomarea nigra) – French Polynesia
- Zino’s Petrel (Pterodroma madeira) – Madeira
- Mascarene Petrel (Pseudobulweria aterrima) – Reunion Island
- Wilkins’s Finch (Nesospiza wilkinsi) – Tristan da Cunha
- Amsterdam Albatross (Diomedea amsterdamensis) – New Amsterdam
Mammals:
- Mount Lefo Brush-Furred Mouse (Lophuromys eisentrauti) – Cameroon
- Chiapan Climbing Rat (Tylomys bullaris) – Mexico
- Tropical Pocket Gopher (Geomys tropicalis) – United States
These species have been classified as critically endangered for a variety of reasons: habitat loss, human encroachment, and the inability of conservationists to ensure their survival in captivity.
Many of these animals exist in a single location, making them highly vulnerable to natural disasters or even small disruptions in their environment.
For example, the Amsterdam Albatross, which lives on the isolated Amsterdam Island, is vulnerable to predation and human impact.
Its small population and restricted habitat make it incredibly difficult to protect, even with the best conservation efforts.
What Happens Next?
Despite the grim reality for these 15 species, the study isn’t all doom and gloom.
The researchers hope that this information will serve as a call to action.
Knowing which species can be saved, and which ones are lost, allows conservationists to prioritize resources more effectively.
This isn’t just about throwing money at every problem—it’s about making the best use of the funds we have.
According to John E. Fa of Imperial College London, who contributed to the study, “Our exercise gives us hope for saving many highly endangered species from extinction, but actions need to be taken immediately.
For species restricted to one location, an integrative conservation approach is needed.”
This approach means acting swiftly, combining efforts to protect habitats with the establishment of zoo populations where breeding expertise can be developed.
For species in dire circumstances, collaborative efforts are crucial.
While we may not be able to save every species, the strategic focus on the most viable populations could prevent further losses.
The Path Forward: A Strategy for Survival
So, where do we go from here?
The study underscores the need for immediate investment in conservation programs, with a focus on the species that have the greatest chances of survival.
In an era where climate change, habitat destruction, and human activity are pushing species to the brink, there’s little room for complacency.
Yet, the study provides hope for those who are still on the edge of survival.
By focusing on the 841 species that can be saved, conservationists can work with governments, NGOs, and private stakeholders to marshal the resources needed to protect critical habitats, establish breeding programs, and prevent further extinctions.
Moreover, the knowledge gained from these efforts can inform conservation strategies for future species, offering a blueprint for managing biodiversity in the face of accelerating environmental changes.
The Urgency of the Moment
The stakes couldn’t be higher.
With every passing year, species are lost forever.
But the window for action is still open for many of the world’s most vulnerable species.
It’s not too late to make a difference—but we must act with urgency and precision.
By putting our limited resources to the best possible use, we can protect the incredible biodiversity that still remains, and perhaps, even reverse some of the damage that has already been done.
Conclusion: The Call to Action
In the end, we are faced with a choice: Do we act now, and save what we can, or do we allow more species to fade into oblivion?
This study provides a roadmap for how we can save the majority of endangered species, but it also makes clear that some species are beyond saving.
The critical takeaway is that we need to focus our efforts and investments on the species with the best chances of survival—those that, with enough resources, can thrive in the wild or in captivity.
In the battle against extinction, every species counts—but not all species can be saved.
However, with a focused, integrated strategy, we can still make a significant impact on the future of our planet’s biodiversity.
