CONSERVATION STATUS OF ENDANGERED SPECIES: A REVIEW OF CURRENT STRATEGIES

Abstract

Biodiversity loss has reached unparalleled levels, with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List indicating that over 42,000 species are currently at risk of extinction. Endangered species encounter several, frequently interrelated stressors, such as habitat destruction, overexploitation, invasive species, pollution, and climate change, leading to intricate conservation issues in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. This review consolidates the contemporary understanding of the global conservation status of endangered species and rigorously assesses the efficacy of current conservation efforts. In situ strategies, including the creation of protected areas, habitat restoration, wildlife pathways, and community-based conservation, are essential for sustaining species in their natural environments and safeguarding ecosystem integrity. Complementary ex situ techniques, such as captive breeding, seed banking, cryopreservation, and assisted reproductive technologies, offer essential protection for species with significantly reduced wild populations. Case studies from 2015 to 2025 underscore significant achievements, such as the rehabilitation of the Arabian leopard and progress in genetic rescue for the black-footed ferret, while also revealing ongoing obstacles concerning funding, policy implementation, ecological connectedness, and post-release survival. Innovative technologies, such as environmental DNA monitoring, satellite tracking, and genomic tools, provide intriguing opportunities to improve conservation efficacy and accuracy. The review asserts that integrated adaptive policies encompassing ecological, technical, and socioeconomic factors are crucial for reversing prevailing trends. Future conservation efforts necessitate enhanced transboundary cooperation, strategic climate adaptation planning, and inclusive governance frameworks that integrate conservation objectives with human welfare