Our Focal Species

AWF’s wildlife conservation efforts are led by our Species Conservation and Science team. We emphasize work with more than 20 strategically chosen focal species populations, with the goal of conserving viable and ecologically functional wildlife populations so that they can continue to serve their natural roles within an ecosystem. We focus on reducing key threats while developing conservation strategies that contribute to the socioeconomic development and well-being of people living in wildlife areas.

Our focal species fall into five major categories:

• Elephants (forest and savanna)
• Large carnivores (lions, cheetah, Ethiopian wolf, and wild dog)
• Great apes (chimpanzees and gorillas)
• Giraffes (all species)
• Rhinos (white and black)