Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 27 November 2025 – DNA-based inventory methods have enabled a new assessment of African Forest Elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) populations with improved accuracy. This is the first time the entire species has been assessed since they were recognized as a full species in 2021, separate from their cousins, African Savanna Elephants (Loxodonta africana). Released at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in...

Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Nov. 27, 2025 – The following statement was released today by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) from CITES CoP20. Said Dr. Susan Lieberman, WCS Vice President of International Policy: “WCS is deeply disappointed that Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) failed to support Proposal 35 to list all Anguillid eels, including the American eel (Anguilla rostrata) on CITES Appendix II at...

SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan – Nov. 24, 2025 – WCS’s Vice President of International Policy Dr. Susan Lieberman delivered an urgent call-to-action yesterday evening during the High-Level Dialogue on the eve of the opening of the 20th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Invited to speak alongside governmental ministers and other high level officials from around the world...

SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN (Nov 24, 2025) – As the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP20) opens today, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is urging governments to act decisively to halt the accelerating collapse of global shark and ray populations. More than 37% of all shark and ray species are now threatened with extinction. For species in international trade, that risk nearly doubles, and new genetic testing from major markets shows far more shark products...

New York, NY (November 21, 2025)—A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) published in Coral Reefs reveals why many coral reef fishers remain in poverty, even as fish stocks decline and some fishers leave the profession. The research shows that ecological differences, economic pressures, and market incentives keep fishing effort high enough to suppress reef recovery – and trap remaining fishers below living wage thresholds. Millions of people who rely on tr...

Samarkand, Uzbekistan — Nov. 21, 2025— As governments gather here for the 20th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is urging Parties to strengthen global wildlife trade protections at a moment of unprecedented threats against nature. WCS is advocating for new protections for several species and warns that some proposals at CITES CoP20...

The Congo Basin harbours the largest and among the oldest tropical peatlands complexes in the world. This essential ecosystem has global significance in climate change mitigation. Pictured here is the Lac Tele Community Reserve in the Republic of the Congo, where peatlands protection is critical. Photo: © Thomas Nicolon/WCS Belém, Brazil, November 20, 2025 — WCS commends the appeal made by Central African  countries and regional institutions, partner countries, developmen...

BRONX, NY, November 20, 2025—The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) today expressed strong support for proposals submitted by Ecuador to the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) that would transfer Galápagos land and marine iguanas from Appendix II to Appendix I—the highest level of international protection under CITES. The proposals, to be considered at CITES CoP20 in Samarkand, Uzbekist...

New York, NY, November 19, 2025—Every spring, the familiar songs of Wood Thrushes and warblers return to the parks and backyards of eastern North America. But their journey begins far to the south—in the lush, remote forests of Central America that sustain them throughout most of the year. A new study in the journal Biological Conservation from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (Cornell Lab), published in Biological Cons...

BRONX, N.Y. — November 18, 2025 — The Bronx Zoo transformed into a glowing winter wonderland this evening as Wildlife Conservation Society Members and select media enjoyed an exclusive preview of this year’s Holiday Lights celebration.  Featuring millions of lights, seasonal treats, and an array of new and returning festive activities, the beloved winter festival welcomes visitors of all ages to make lasting memories at the Bronx Zoo. For t...