The depletion of natural ecosystems continues worldwide, with serious negative consequences for human well-being and other species. The current rate of global extinction of plants and animals is more than a thousand times higher compared to natural extinction rates observed throughout life’s history on Earth. Biodiversity crises now extend from mountains to forests, oceans to deserts, to the polar belt and virtually to all corners of the globe. The number of species known to be threatened with extinction has topped 17.000.
The goal of Doğa’s species conservation programme is to prevent extinctions and ensure the survival of species in their natural habitats. Our species conservation action is integrated with the Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) programme. The monitoring of species and the worldwide red-listing process inform us on the status of each species on national, regional and global levels. This knowledge is then used to set conservation priorities, so that species with an unfavorable status become high priorities.
In line with these assessments, Doğa conducts research to identify the reasons for the decline in the number of these species. We then implement practical conservation measures at local and/or regional level. Through long-term research and conservation work conducted by Doğa, in collaboration with a number of other organizations, nearly 100 globally or regionally threatened species are saved from the brink of extinction in Turkey, including the globally threatened Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) and Goitered Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa).
Doğa continues to implement on the ground action and campaigns that aim to protect key species, among which globally threatened birds and others have the highest priority. Doğa works in close cooperation with Royal Society of the Protection of Birds (the RSPB, BirdLife in the UK) and other BirdLife partners for implementing its conservation work to save globally threatened birds.