IUCN Species Survival Commission
The IUCN
Species Survival Commission is a
science-based network of ~ 7,500 volunteer experts from almost every
country of the world, all working together towards achieving the vision
of “A world that values and conserves present levels of
biodiversity." Members include researchers, government officials,
wildlife veterinarians, zoo and botanical institute employees, marine
biologists, protected area managers, and experts on plants, birds,
mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. Most members are
deployed in more than 100 Specialist Groups and Task Forces. Some
groups address conservation issues related to particular groups of
plants or animals while others focus on topical issues such as
reintroduction of species into former habitats, or wildlife health.
Working in close association with
IUCN’s Species Programme, SSC’s major
role is to provide information to IUCN on biodiversity conservation, the
inherent value of species, their role in ecosystem health and
functioning, the provision of ecosystem services, and their support to
human livelihoods. SSC members also provide scientific advice to
conservation organisations, government agencies and other IUCN members,
and support the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements.
