14 Facts About Wildlife Conservation You Need to Know

Updated April 17, 2025 | 6 min read
Janette Daneshmand
WRITTEN BY
Janette Daneshmand

Many of our programs offer students the opportunity to visit animal sanctuaries as part of their travel experience. These visits often include service projects, but it’s also important to understand the role conservation plays in protecting wildlife.

Here are 14 key facts about wildlife conservation and sanctuaries to consider before you embark on your next conservation-focused adventure.

Key Takeaways:

  • Climate change and illegal wildlife trade are urgent global threats impacting species like polar bears and African elephants.
  • Protected areas and community-led efforts (including Indigenous practices) are crucial to long-term conservation success.
  • Scientific research and international collaboration drive effective strategies and showcase the real impact of conservation work.
  • Success stories (e.g., gray wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone) highlight how effective conservation can restore balance and biodiversity.

What is wildlife conservation?

Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting animal species and their habitats. Yet the term “wildlife conservation” mostly refers to species that are endangered. Polar bears are a great example. Currently, they’re a vulnerable species because their numbers are decreasing (due to melting sea ice).

With diminished hunting grounds, polar bears must swim farther for food. Wildlife conservation efforts come into play with organizations like the WWF (World Wildlife Fund). Similar types of organizations raise awareness and funds to try to do something about this problem and to protect these animals.

15 Facts About Wildlife Conservation

Conservation Icon for Fun Facts About Wildlife Conservation Table of Contents header

  1. Wildlife Conservation Protects Endangered Species and Habitats
  2. The Endangered Species Act Saved Bald Eagles and Other Species
  3. Wildlife Trafficking Poses a Global Threat to African Elephants
  4. America’s National Wildlife Refuges Protect 850 Million Acres
  5. Climate Change Forces Polar Bears to Swim Farther for Food
  6. Marine National Monuments Preserve Vital Ocean Habitats
  7. Voluntary Conservation Projects Benefit Wildlife and Local Communities
  8. Transnational Wildlife Investigations Combat Illegal Trade
  9. Habitat Conservation Ensures the Survival of Native Species
  10. Conservation Roots Run Deep in Indigenous Practices
  11. Scientific Research Drives Wildlife Conservation Forward
  12. Wildlife Conservation Supports Biodiversity in National Parks
  13. International Collaboration Strengthens Conservation Efforts
  14. Successful Recovery Efforts Showcase Conservation’s Potential

1. Wildlife Conservation Protects Endangered Species and Habitats

Wildlife conservation focuses on safeguarding animal species and their habitats, especially those facing extinction. For instance, polar bears are a vulnerable species due to shrinking sea ice. Efforts by organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) aim to protect these species through funding, awareness campaigns, and habitat restoration. Conservation ensures that critical ecosystems and wildlife populations remain balanced and healthy.

2. The Endangered Species Act Saved Bald Eagles and Other Species

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 is credited with saving threatened and endangered species like the bald eagle and gray wolf from extinction. Managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service, the ESA ensures protection for these species and their habitats while promoting collaborative conservation efforts. By addressing threats such as habitat loss and poaching, the ESA continues to protect wildlife and biodiversity.

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Explore Animal Conservation Programs Abroad for Teens

3. Wildlife Trafficking Poses a Global Threat to African Elephants

Illegal wildlife trade is one of the leading threats to endangered species like African Elephants. This practice involves the poaching, transportation, and sale of animals and plants, often for profit. Organizations like the African Wildlife Foundation and the World Combat Wildlife Trafficking Initiative work to interdict illegal wildlife activities, ensuring stricter enforcement of international trade laws. Collaborative efforts are essential for combatting this transnational issue.

4. America’s National Wildlife Refuges Protect 850 Million Acres

The National Wildlife Refuge System encompasses protected areas across the U.S., safeguarding ecosystems and species. Refuges like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge support diverse wildlife habitats, including wetlands and migratory bird routes. These areas not only conserve wildlife but also promote scientific research, sustainable recreation, and environmental education.

5. Climate Change Forces Polar Bears to Swim Farther for Food

Melting sea ice due to climate change is forcing polar bears to swim longer distances to find food. This endangers their survival and disrupts Arctic ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for global conservation efforts to mitigate climate change.

It’s not only polar bears facing crises due to climate change. North America’s migratory birds face dwindling stopover sites along their four major routes. Conservation efforts aim to mitigate these effects by protecting wildlife habitats and promoting sustainable practices. Programs like conserving America’s natural heritage address these challenges head-on.

6. Marine National Monuments Preserve Vital Ocean Habitats

Marine national monuments protect vital underwater ecosystems, supporting species like coral reefs, fish, and marine mammals. These areas help maintain ocean ecological health while benefiting local communities that rely on fishing and tourism. International collaboration is crucial for expanding marine conservation efforts and addressing the global impacts of pollution and overfishing.

7. Voluntary Conservation Projects Benefit Wildlife and Local Communities

Programs involving private landowners and communities play a key role in conservation. Initiatives like competitive tribal wildlife grants and purchase conservation easements support the protection of habitats on private and tribal lands. These partnerships not only conserve wildlife but also bolster traditional ecological knowledge and cultural resources.

8. Transnational Wildlife Investigations Combat Illegal Trade

Transnational wildlife investigations address the illegal trafficking of animals and plants. By collaborating with governments and international organizations, conservation groups aim to stop activities that threaten endangered species and ecosystems.

9. Habitat Conservation Ensures the Survival of Native Species

Protecting and restoring habitats is a cornerstone of wildlife conservation and helps ensure the survival of wild fauna and flora. Wetlands, grasslands, and forests provide homes for species like native birds and endangered wildlife. These efforts also create healthy wildlife habitats, supporting migratory birds, fish populations, and the broader ecosystem. For example, protecting wetland habitats is critical for waterfowl and amphibians, preventing their decline.

10. Conservation Roots Run Deep in Indigenous Practices

Before modern laws, indigenous peoples implemented traditional ecological knowledge to live sustainably with wildlife. These practices remain influential, guiding modern conservation projects in balancing ecological health with community needs. Federally recognized Native American tribes often collaborate on projects to preserve wildlife species and habitats.

11. Scientific Research Drives Wildlife Conservation Forward

Research in genetics and forensics aids conservation by identifying species at risk and uncovering illegal wildlife trade. Fish and Wildlife Service scientists use these tools to track population health and support recovery plans for endangered species. Data-driven approaches enable targeted and effective conservation strategies.

12. Wildlife Conservation Supports Biodiversity in National Parks

National parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon provide protected spaces for wildlife species and natural resources. These parks are critical for maintaining healthy wildlife populations, supporting migratory birds, and offering sustainable recreation opportunities for millions of visitors annually.

13. International Collaboration Strengthens Conservation Efforts

Organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the African Wildlife Foundation partner with governments to protect wildlife. These efforts combat illegal wildlife trade and address climate change impacts on species like African elephants and migratory birds. Global initiatives ensure conservation remains a shared priority.

14. Successful Recovery Efforts Showcase Conservation’s Potential

Programs like the reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone demonstrate the success of wildlife conservation. Collaborative efforts between federal agencies, local communities, and private landowners have helped restore healthy wildlife habitats, ensuring species recovery and ecosystem balance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wildlife Conservation

    All animals play an important role in the ecosystem. If one species goes extinct, or a habitat is damaged because of deforestation or pollution it threatens the entire food chain and ecosystem. This is why wildlife conservation is so critical. The fine-tuned balance of earth's ecosystem is in danger.

    Modern efforts protecting wildlife launched in earnest 140 years ago. Emily Williamson founded The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in 1889. The organization was intended to stop the killing of exotic birds for their large feathers and used for fashionable hats.

    Since the 1880s, other hunting, conservation, and scientific organizations formed and lobbied for stricter laws on hunting for meat, fur, animal hides and feathers. These types of societies and organizations also fought for bans on sport hunting.

    Wildlife conservation likely dates back before recorded history with indigenous peoples employing sustainable living practices. In the United States, federal government efforts to protect threatened and endangered species reached a climax with the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973.

    Animal sanctuaries are facilities or areas that protect animals that have been rescued and allow them to live in a more natural and comfortable environment.

    If an animal sanctuary is motivated by profit, then it's safe to say those types of sanctuaries aren't ethical. Animal sanctuaries shouldn't be motivated by profit. Unfortunately, some animal rescues and sanctuaries can be tourist traps, and the animals aren't necessarily rescued or treated humanely. They might even be bred there.

    With a bit of research, you can tell whether a sanctuary is ethical. You can look into how the animals are housed, acquired, cared for, or if a facility is accredited or regulated.

    The biggest difference between a zoo and a sanctuary is that a sanctuary is where animals are rescued rather than bred. Unlike zoos, animals aren't kept in small enclosures, but have larger areas to roam.

    While you may think all zoos are unethical, both zoos and wildlife sanctuaries spread awareness about wildlife and educate the public about animals.

    Taking care of the world's wildlife is everyone's responsibility. Think about your consumption habits. Consider reducing your plastic use and recycling. Or maybe join an environmental project.

    Research a cause that inspires you. Maybe you like sea turtles and want to raise awareness or do a fundraiser.

    About the Author
    Janette Daneshmand
    Social Media Manager

    Janette Daneshmand was born and raised in Southern California, a stone’s throw away from the original Disneyland. Janette spent an unforgettable summer in western Europe and Florence on a study abroad program during her time at Cal State Fullerton. In 2016 she moved to Manchester and worked for a craft magazine publisher as a professional crafter and later at a marketing agency that specializes in life science and biotech businesses as a social media manager. She connected deeply with Rustic's mission of philanthropy, travel, and training students to build the skills they need to create impact.