Mammals, birds, reptiles & fish

Science has described around 2 million species but it is estimated that there could be between 5 to 100 million different species on Earth. This incredible biodiversity is what enriches our lives on this planet and is also essential for our survival. Learn more about some of the different species and what we can do to ensure their continuing survival.


 

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Below is a list of species that are profiled to greater or lesser degrees on this web site.

Global priorities: Some species are global priority species and are denoted by a red asterisk like this *

Regional and local priorities: Some species are a focus of our work at a regional and local level.
/ ©: naturepl.com / Andy Rouse / WWF
Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) head portrait, Swaziland, critically endangered species
© naturepl.com / Andy Rouse / WWF
*  Denotes a species that WWF considers a priority. This means that WWF will specially and specifically focus work around its conservation.

Flagship Species

Flagship species are the symbolic pin-up species that lead environmental conservation efforts.

Some species are what WWF terms a priority species. A priority species means that it is one of the most ecologically, economically and/or culturally important species on our planet. And so WWF is working to ensure such species can live and thrive in their natural habitats.

What is WWF doing to help...

Species news

You can help WWF today

Your support is vital, please donate now / ©: WWF-Canon / James Morgan
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More information on plants & animals

What is the IUCN Red List?

  • The IUCN Red List is "designed to determine the relative risk of extinction, and the main purpose of the IUCN Red List is to catalogue and highlight those plants and animals that are facing a higher risk of global extinction (i.e. those listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable). The IUCN Red List also includes information on plants and animals that are categorized as Extinct or Extinct in the Wild; on taxa that cannot be evaluated because of insufficient information (i.e., are Data Deficient); and on plants and animals that are either close to meeting the threatened thresholds or that would be threatened were it not for an ongoing taxon-specific conservation programme (i.e., are Near Threatened)."

    Source: Encyclopedia of Earth

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