Against all odds: five species making remarkable comebacks from near extinction

In an era marked by alarming biodiversity loss and shrinking habitats worldwide, conservation success stories offer a beacon of hope. Despite the ongoing environmental challenges, several species have defied the odds and staged impressive recoveries from the brink of extinction, demonstrating that targeted conservation efforts can yield remarkable results.

Among the most notable comebacks is the Cape vulture, southern Africa’s largest vulture species, which saw its conservation status upgraded from endangered to vulnerable on the IUCN Red List in 2021. This improvement represents more than five decades of dedicated conservation work, including efforts to reduce conflicts with landowners, prevent electrocution on power lines, and establish rehabilitation and captive breeding programs. Similarly, green turtles have experienced a dramatic turnaround, with their global status improving from endangered to least concern this year. This recovery stems from crucial legal protections against international trade and hunting, combined with practical measures like protecting nesting beaches and implementing turtle excluder devices in fishing gear.

Perhaps most inspiring is the story of Campbell’s keeled glass-snail, a species once presumed extinct until researchers discovered a small surviving population on Norfolk Island off Australia. Conservation organizations quickly mobilized to establish a breeding program at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, showcasing how swift action can rescue species from oblivion. These recovery stories underscore a crucial message: while the biodiversity crisis remains severe, dedicated conservation efforts, scientific innovation, and collaborative action can successfully pull species back from extinction’s edge.