IUCN SSC: Species E-Bulletin, February 2025

February 2025

News from the SSC Centers for Species Survival

Welcome to new Species Survival Officers

We are thrilled to welcome the new Species Survival Officers of the IUCN SSC Center for Species Survival (CSS). Their expertise, passion, and dedication to conservation will be invaluable in our collective mission to protect species. As part of the SSC Network, the CSS Officers play a key role in advancing research, strengthening conservation strategies, and fostering collaboration across SSC Specialist Groups, zoos, aquariums, botanic gardens, governments, and academies. Welcome aboard!

CSS Australasia, Species Survival Officers, Kerri Duncan and Elyshia Wignell.
CSS Small mammals, Species Survival Officer, Nora Weyer.
CSS India, Species Survival Officer, Sayanti Basak.
CSS Asian Elephant, Communication Officer, Jahnab Bhardwaj.
CSS Macaronesia, Species Survival Officer, Lara Martinez.
CSS New Mexico BioPark, Species Survival Plants, Peri Lee Pipkin.

ASSESS

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CSS New Mexico facilitates the Central American Snake and Lizard Review Workshop

The Central American Snake and Lizard Review Workshop will take place from March 2–7, 2025, at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. Organized by the CSS New Mexico BioPark, GCSS Indianapolis Zoo, Red List Unit, and the Snake and Lizard Red List Authority, this workshop will facilitate comprehensive species reviews, data sharing, and collaborative action planning to inform regional and global conservation strategies.

Upcoming Red Book of Marine Fishes of Portugal

The CSS Marine - Oceanario de Lisboa continued preparing draft assessments for the Red Book of Marine Fishes of Portugal, resulting in over 1128 draft assessments completed since the beginning of the project. By this time there were 23 workshops, with the contribution of 58 researchers from 12 scientific institutions of mainland Portugal, Azores, and Madeira.

PLAN

Third Giant Otter International Workshop

The Third Giant Otter International Workshop took place in Lima, Peru, from February 19-23, 2025, continuing the global effort to conserve the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis). The event brought together 35 participants from 18 institutions across 9 countries, fostering collaboration to strengthen conservation efforts for the species. The workshop aimed to develop a human-giant otter coexistence plan, gather contributions for the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Best Practice Guidelines and a global ex-situ population management strategy for Giant Otters by aligning on a joint action plan.

East Pacific Leatherback Recovery Research Workshop

The CSS Argentina team, in collaboration with the Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) and Marine Turtle Specialist Group, will lead the planning of the East Pacific Leatherback Recovery Research Workshop. The workshop, which will take place from May 12 to 16 in Panama, will bring together regional experts to develop a set of interconnected research proposals to recover the East Pacific leatherback population.

ACT

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Fourth Asian Elephant Range States Meeting successfully convened in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Government representatives from 13 Asian elephant range countries, members of the SSC Asian Elephant Specialist Group, and the CSS Asian Elephant convened for the Fourth Asian Elephant Range States Meeting, held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, from 5th to 7th February 2025. Over three days, the meeting included 14 technical sessions, bringing together participants to discuss key conservation challenges, exchange solutions, and explore collaborative strategies. The meeting concluded with the launch of the 2025 Siem Reap Declaration for Asian Elephant Conservation, reaffirming the commitment of participating countries to continued regional collaboration.

Supporting the Facilitation of a Tree Conservation Action Plan for Malaysia

As a trained CPSG facilitator, Chai-Shian Kua, Senior Officer of CSS Trees and Conservation Specialist helped in the facilitation of Malaysia’s Critically Endangered Tree Species Conservation Workshop, held at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok, Sabah, Malaysia from November 11-15. As the first country-level planning workshop organized by Botanic Gardens Conservation International in Asia, this event was hosted by the Sabah Forestry Department with support from Malaysia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. The Workshop brought together over 50 participants from more than 25 institutions, including government bodies, NGOs, the logging industry, and universities.

COMMUNICATE

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SSC members recognized among the Crain's Chicago Business 2024 Notable Latino Leaders!

SSC members, Silvia Alvarez-Clare and Yasmin Quintana members recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as 2024 Notable Latino Leaders! The feature highlights top Latino leaders in the Chicago area who demonstrate significant accomplishments within their industry. Leadership within the CSS is among their highest achievements.

CSS Nigeria was featured on Plateau State Radio and Television

On February 12, 2025, CSS Nigeria was featured on Plateau State Radio and Television, discussing the growing threats to birds and biodiversity from habitat loss, urbanization, and human activities both within and outside protected areas. The discussion also highlighted the urgent need to assess biodiversity and strengthen species and habitat protection. These insights were shared with the National Park Service and key stakeholders to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to global conservation targets, including the 30x30 goal and efforts to halt species extinction under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

NETWORK

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CSS Trees and Global Tree Specialist Group

The Global Tree Specialist Group (GTSG), in coordination with the CSS Trees, is hosting a strategic meeting at The Morton Arboretum (Lisle, IL USA) from March 9-10, 2025. At this meeting, the GTSG advisory committee and members will work together to develop the group’s strategic plan for the next quadrennium (2025-2030). The plan will include activities under the various components of the IUCN Species Conservation Cycle such as assessment, planning, action, networking, and communication for the conservation of the world’s tree species.

ROAD TO CONGRESS

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Volunteer to review Congress Forum proposals: Nearly 1,000 session proposals have been received through the IUCN Congress 2025 Forum Call for Proposals. We’re looking for a group of dedicated, professional, and knowledgeable volunteers to serve as Technical Reviewers of these proposals. Your expertise is critical to ensuring a top-quality Forum. Please sign up here by 13 March 2025 at 23:59 CET.

Share the #IUCNcongress on social media: The #IUCNcongress social media toolkit is available on this Trello board. Assets in English, French and Spanish are regularly added so make sure to keep checking the board!

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Farewell and Gratitude to Our Species Survival Officers

We want to express our deepest gratitude for the dedication, passion, and invaluable contributions of Catia Canteiro, Global CSS Plant and Fungi Coordinator, Clay Meredith, CSS New Mexico Red List Plant Officer, and Marta Canchal, CSS Macaronesia Species Survival Officer for their commitment to conservation and their efforts have strengthened our collective mission to protect species. Thank you for your hard work, leadership, and friendship, wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.

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