Conservation Science
WWF sets the standard for sound conservation
Featured Story
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Reducing Poaching to Save Tigers
Tigers are highly vulnerable to poaching. Learn about WWF's Zero Poaching initiative. Read more
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Valuing Nature: A Lesson For Us All
Learn how nature supports the prosperity of nations and communities Read more
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A New View of Buffalo
Satellite images provide WWF scientists a better picture of buffalo in the wild. Read more
Latest News
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A Cornerstone of Conservation Efforts
New study shows success and importance of well-protected areas for the survival of species. Read more
All conservation work at WWF is grounded in science. WWF’s Conservation Science Program (CSP) draws on powerful insights from biology, hydrology, oceanography and the social sciences to create new and effective approaches for protecting biodiversity.
Our scientists track emerging issues and lead regional and global analyses to identify and set priorities for conserving the world’s valuable habitats and species. The results of CSP’s endeavors inform and direct all WWF programs. The innovative ideas generated and the knowledge acquired – communicated through scientific articles, books, the internet, computer-based tools and the Kathryn Fuller Seminar Series - contribute to strengthening the scientific integrity of conservation efforts worldwide. Many of CSP’s innovations and tools have been adopted by other conservation organizations, government agencies and academic researchers.
Freshwater Science
Freshwater ecosystems are among the least-studied parts of our natural world, yet they support more than 100,000 species and provide humans with critical services such as drinking water and fisheries. WWF and the Nature Conservancy brought 200 leading scientists together to map the world’s freshwater biodiversity for the first time. Read more.
Marine Science
The marine science team at WWF is made up of ecologists, social scientists and GIS specialists who are committed to marine conservation results. We conduct cutting-edge research with a focus on science-based conservation planning and implementation for WWF’s marine priority places. Read more.
Natural Capital Project
Ecosystems support our lives in countless ways; they purify our water, regulate our climate, reduce food risk and pollinate our crops. The Natural Capital Project is pioneering a new approach to conservation by demonstrating the economic value of our ecosystems and providing tools to enable decision makers to incorporate this information into development and policy decisions. Read more.
Conservation Social Science
WWF is leading the conservation community’s efforts to gain a deeper understanding of the decisions people make affecting nature, why they make them, and how this knowledge can inform conservation strategies to benefit people and nature. Read more.
Species Modeling
By collaring and tracking animals such as pronghorn, jaguar and sea turtles we can learn about migration patterns, species ecology and the impact of threats such as climate change, oil and gas development and habitat fragmentation. Read more.
Remote Sensing and GIS
Learn how WWF is using high resolution satellite imagery to create the marine equivalent of topographic maps in Coastal East Africa. This will help local scientists know what habitats are where, and ultimately improve management of these delicate ecosystems. Read more.
Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund
The Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund offers a variety of programs designed to further the science behind lasting conservation. Read more.
