As the IUCN Red List continues to grow, with more than 44,000 animals at risk by 2025, some lights of hope shine on the conservation landscape. This year has seen unexpected successes in the recovery of species thought doomed to extinction.
1. The Sumatran Tiger: The Return of the Ghost of the Jungle
Status in 2020: Only 400 specimens in the wild.
Progress in 2025:
- 18% increase in population thanks to anti-poaching patrols and ecological corridors.
- Allied technology: AI collars detect threats in real time and alert rangers.
- Local commitment: Former hunters turned ecotourism guides.
“We’ve seen cubs where we used to only find traps.” – Ranger at Kerinci Seblat.
2. The Javan Rhinoceros: The Miracle of Ujung Kulon
Status in 2020: 74 individuals in a single park (Indonesia).
Good news in 2025:
- First successful translocation to a second habitat in Cikepuh.
- New birth record: 7 calves this year.
- Drones with thermal imaging for 24/7 monitoring.
3. The Vaquita Marina: An Alternative End?
Status in 2022: Only 10 individuals in the Gulf of California.
Hope in 2025:
- Zero gillnets detected in its core area (Mexico).
- First calf sighting in 3 years.
- Fleet of unmanned boats protects its habitat.
4. The Mountain Gorilla: From Endangered Icon to Success Story
Historic Achievement:
- Population exceeds 1,300 individuals (double the number in 2010).
- Genetic corridors connect isolated groups in Rwanda and Uganda.
- Local communities receive 50% of tourism revenue.
5. The Amur Leopard: The Big Cat That Braves the Cold
Radical Change:
- From 40 individuals (2015) to 120 by 2025.
- Successful reintroduction in Siberia using specimens from European zoos.
- New policies against illegal logging in their habitat.
Tactics That Are Making a Difference
- DNA Banks: Preserve genetic material for future recoveries.
- Artificial Intelligence: Predicts poachers’ routes with 92% accuracy.
- Rights for Nature: Four countries now recognize legal personality for species.
Species that Remain in Danger
- Mexican axolotl: Only 50 remain in the wild.
- Jumping lemur: 90% of its habitat lost in Madagascar.
- Angonoka tortoise: 300 individuals threatened by illegal trafficking.
How You Can Contribute
- Support local organizations: Like the Sumatran Tiger Fund.
- Choose responsible tourism: Ethical sightings fund protection.
- Reduce your ecological footprint: Climate change is the new silent threat.
“These victories remind us that it is never too late, but the time to act is now.” – Dr. Jane Goodall, at the World Biodiversity Forum 2025.