EDGE of Existence programme
The EDGE of Existence programme is the only global conservation initiative to focus specifically on threatened species with a significant amount of unique evolutionary history.
© Alasdair Davies EDGE species have few close relatives on the tree of life and are often extremely unusual in the way they look, live and behave, as well as in their genetic make-up. They represent a unique and irreplaceable part of the world’s natural heritage, yet an alarming proportion are currently sliding silently towards extinction unnoticed.
Highlighting Priority Species
Priority mammal, amphibian and coral species have already been identified, and work is now underway to develop EDGE lists for birds and sharks.
The primary goal of the EDGE of Existence programme is to ensure that that conservation is in place for every priority EDGE species within five years of their initial assessment.
EDGE Fellows
©ZSL /Jonathan Baillie The EDGE of Existence programme invests in conservation at a grass-roots level by helping aspiring conservationists in developing countries to take the lead in researching and conserving their local EDGE species. Find out more about EDGE Fellows
Be a champion for EDGE
With 100s of species on the EDGE we need all the help we can get!
Join us on the EDGE
EDGE Coral Reefs
EDGE coral reefs highlights 10 priority species for conservation that reflect the rich diversity of an ecosystem often referred to as the ‘rainforests of the oceans’. Saving these species could hold the key to the future adaptation of coral reefs to climate change. Find out more about EDGE Corals
EDGE Mammals
© Eladio Fernandez Elephants, rhinos and pandas are well-known EDGE mammals, but 70% of the highest priority species remain poorly-understood, such as the venomous Hispaniolan solenodon and egg-laying long-beaked echidnas, which are in urgent need of conservation attention. Find out more about EDGE Mammals
EDGE Amphibians
© Dr S.D. Biju A staggering 85% of the top 100 EDGE amphibian species are currently receiving little or no conservation attention; including the human-sized Chinese giant salamander, the Sagalla caecilian and the bizarre Indian purple frog. Find out more about EDGE Amphibians
View gallery of some of the amazing and unique EDGE amphibians
