Skip to main content

## Search

My Visit

Donate

Smithsonian Institution

## Site Navigation

- Visit   - Hours and Locations
  - Entry and Guidelines
  - Maps and Floor Plans
  - Dining and Shopping
  - Accessibility
  - Visiting with Kids
  - Group Visits     - Group Sales
- What's On   - Exhibitions     - Current
    - Upcoming
    - Past
  - Today's Events
  - Online Events
  - All Events
  - IMAX & Planetarium
- Explore   - Art & Design
  - History & Culture
  - Science & Nature
  - Collections     - Open Access
  - Research Resources     - Libraries
    - Archives       - Smithsonian Institution Archives
      - Air and Space Museum
      - Anacostia Community Museum
      - American Art Museum
      - Archives of American Art
      - Archives of American Gardens
      - American History Museum
      - American Indian Museum
      - Asian Art Museum Archives
      - Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, African Art
      - Hirshhorn Archive
      - National Anthropological Archives
      - National Portrait Gallery
      - Ralph Rinzler Archives, Folklife
      - Libraries' Special Collections
  - Podcasts
  - Mobile Apps
- Learn   - For Caregivers
  - For Educators     - Art & Design Resources
    - Science & Nature Resources
    - Social Studies & Civics Resources
    - Professional Development
    - Events for Educators
    - Field Trips
  - For Students
  - For Academics
  - For Lifelong Learners
- Get Involved   - Volunteer     - Behind-the-Scenes
    - Digital Volunteers
    - Smithsonian Call Center
    - Visitor Information Specialist
    - Docent Programs
  - Citizen Science
  - Work with Us     - Office of Human Resources       - Working Here
      - Employee Benefits
      - How to Apply
      - Job Opportunities
      - Job Seekers with Disabilities
      - Frequently Asked Questions
      - SI Civil Program
      - Contact Us
    - Affiliations
    - Global Partners
- Support   - About Membership
  - Become a Member
  - Renew Your Membership
  - Make a Gift
- About   - Museums and Zoo
  - Research Centers
  - Cultural Centers
  - Education
  - Our Organization     - Leadership       - Secretary Bunch
      - Advancement
      - Communications
      - Administration
      - Education
      - Museums and Culture
      - Science and Research
    - Board of Regents       - Members
      - Committees
      - Reading Room
      - Bylaws, Policies and Procedures
      - Contact
      - Schedules and Agendas
      - Meeting Minutes
      - Actions
      - Webcasts
    - General Counsel       - Legal History
      - Internships
      - Records Requests         - Reading Room
      - Tort Claim
      - Subpoenas & Testimonies
      - Events
    - Equal Employment Office       - EEO Complaint Process
      - Individuals with Disabilities
      - Special Emphasis Program
      - Supplier Diversity Program         - Doing Business with Us
        - Policies and Procedures
        - Additional Resources
    - Sponsored Projects       - Policies         - Animal Care and Use
        - Human Research
      - Reports
      - Internships
  - Reports and Plans     - Annual Reports
    - Metrics Dashboard       - Dashboard Home
      - Virtual Smithsonian
      - Public Engagement
      - National Collections
      - Research
      - People & Operations
      - One Smithsonian
    - Strategic Plan
  - Newsdesk     - News Releases
    - Media Contacts
    - Photos and Video
    - Media Kits
    - Fact Sheets
    - Visitor Stats
    - Secretary and Admin Bios
    - Filming Requests

# Animals and Ecosystems

                - Share IconShare Icon                   - 
                  - 
                  - 
                  - 
                  -
                -                   - 
                  - Print
                  -      
The Smithsonian recognizes the need for species and habitat protection and conservation in order to safeguard Earth's biodiversity. Through its various research centers, collaborations, and public outreach initiatives, we contribute to scientific knowledge and public awareness, playing a role in protecting habitats and promoting sustainable practices.
How We Save Species
The Smithsonian is dedicated to advancing the science of species conservation. We conduct research on endangered species, study their behavior and ecology, and develop innovative conservation techniques. We also operate extensive captive breeding programs to restore endangered populations and conduct reintroduction efforts to establish species back into the wild.
       Smithsonian Sparks  Six Animals the Smithsonian Has Helped Save from Extinction         Conservation efforts play an important role in bringing endangered species back from the brink.         Sidedoor Podcast  The Sex Lives of Giant Pandas         With a little help from science, the once-endangered giant panda is making a comeback.         Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute  Spawning Hope
Smithsonian scientists and partners invented the processes and tools for cryopreserving corals. Now, more than 37 species are conserved in a global biorepository.
       Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute  Frog Fertility Clinic
Artificial fertilization could be the key to rescuing Panama’s endangered frogs from extinction.
       Sidedoor Podcast  Birds, Birds, Birds!         Three billion birds have gone missing since 1970. In this episode, we go bird-spotting with Pete Marra, and learn what each of us can do to bring birds back.         Sidedoor Podcast  The Wild Orchid Mystery         Scientists at the Smithsonian are working to protect orchids and their habitats, but first they need solve a surprisingly difficult problem: how to grow one.  Under the Water
Smithsonian researchers study the ocean and freshwater ecosystems around the world. Using collections, SCUBA, submersibles, and more we ask questions about marine biodiversity, coastal ecosystems, coral reefs, the deep sea, and the impact of climate change.
       National Museum of Natural History  Ocean Portal
Join the Smithsonian Ocean Portal website in exploring the ocean and its life.
       Smithsonian Environmental Research Center  Coastal Research
SERC scientists research coasts around the world and run studies that can last decades. 
       MarineGEO  Research in Action
MarineGEO works with a network of partners to discover how coastal ecosystems work and ensure they keep working.  
       National Museum of Natural History  Deep Reef Observation Project
This research program explores marine life and monitors changes on deep reefs in the southern Caribbean.
On the Land
The Smithsonian conducts a wide range of land-based research through its various research centers and programs. This research contributes to our understanding of terrestrial ecosystems, informs conservation efforts, and supports sustainable land management practices.
       Forest Global Earth Observatory  Global Forest Research
A global network of scientists and forest research sites dedicated to advancing long-term study of the world's forests.
       Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute  Restoring America's Prairie
Follow ecologists into the field as they attempt to answer big conservation questions in an even bigger place: the American prairie.
       Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute  Soil Science
STRI’s soil scientists are getting closer to understanding one of the most important factors driving the nature of tropical tree communities.
       Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute  Virginia Working Landscapes
Guides and quick-reference resources for learning about creating wildlife habitat, controlling invasive species, and promoting native biodiversity.
What Can I Do?
Protecting species and ecosystems is a collective effort, and every action counts. By engaging with the Smithsonian and taking steps to protect species and promote habitat conservation, you can play a role in preserving biodiversity and contributing to a sustainable future.
       Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center  Live Bird Friendly
Are you ready to join the Bird Friendly® movement? Get started and find out how you can make a difference for birds.
       Smithsonian Collaboration  eMammal: See Wildlife, Do Science
Place “camera traps” in your community to assist researchers in answering questions about mammal distribution and abundance.
       Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute  Neighborhood Nestwatch
A citizen science project where participants can help scientists to monitor migratory birds. 
       Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute  Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation
Explore hands-on, interdisciplinary programs in conservation for undergraduates, graduate students, professionals, and high school students. 
       Smithsonian Gardens  Winter Garden Maintenance for Wildlife Friendly Habitats
If you are not looking forward to raking up all those leaves and cutting dormant perennials, you are in luck!
       Smithsonian Sparks  Escape of the Invasives         Learn about six common invasive plants and get suggestions for native stand-ins to plant instead.            Footer logo      
Link to homepage
      Footer navigation      - Contact Us
- Accessibility
- Job Opportunities
- Inspector General
- Records Requests
- EEO & Supplier Diversity
- Shop Online
- Host Your Event
- Press Room
- Privacy
- Terms of Use
      Social media links      - Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter
- YouTube
      Email signup form      Yes, I would like to receive email from the Smithsonian.Deny submitSign up for Smithsonian e-news:        Email powered by BlackBaud (Privacy Policy, Terms of Use)  Back to Top