Species Conservation
Scientists at the Conservation Ecology Center monitor and conserve populations of endangered species and their habitats around the world. Explore their ongoing projects below.
Projects
Asian Elephant Conservation ›
Asian elephants face critical threats throughout their range. Through satellite tracking and conflict management, scientists are working to save them.
Eld's Deer Conservation ›
Working with collaborators in host countries, Smithsonian researchers strive to bring Eld's deer off the endangered species list.
Giant Panda Conservation ›
Smithsonian scientists study giant pandas in the wild, evaluate their habitats and collaborate with partners to develop science-based conservation programs.
Giraffe Conservation ›
Giraffes range across diverse African habitats. Smithsonian scientists are working collaboratively and using tools like GPS, satellites and statistics to track and protect them.
Wildebeest Conservation ›
Conservation Ecology Center scientists are tracking the movements of white-bearded wildebeest to understand how changes across the landscape impact the species.
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Changing Landscapes Initiative ›
Smithsonian scientists work alongside community members in Northwestern Virginia to evaluate the impacts of land-use change on wildlife, ecosystem services and community health.
Coral Biobank Alliance ›
Smithsonian scientists are part of the Coral Biobank Alliance, a global network of coral experts preserving corals for restoration and research.
Coral Species Cryopreserved with Global Collaborators ›
View a list of the coral species that have been cryopreserved using a technique developed by Smithsonian scientists.
Wildebeest Conservation ›
Conservation Ecology Center scientists are tracking the movements of white-bearded wildebeest to understand how changes across the landscape impact the species.
Protecting Piping Plovers in the Great Lakes ›
In 2022, the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center will begin a new research project to help protect endangered piping plovers from predation by merlins.
Swift Fox Recovery ›
Smithsonian scientists, in collaboration with the Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife Department, are embarking on a five-year swift fox reintroduction project to restore swift foxes to tribal lands and to help reestablish connectivity between disjointed swift fox populations.
Conserving the World’s Largest Working Wetland ›
Conservation Ecology Center researchers are collaborating with institutions in Brazil and other Smithsonian colleagues to support sustainable cattle ranching in the Pantanal wetland.