The Canadian Species Initiative, or CSI, is working to restore critically endangered species and rewild ecosystems in Canada. CSI is the ‘backyard’ focused conservation program of African Lion Safari®, that builds on its original mission to ensure sustainable populations of species.

Under the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Canada and other countries have made a global commitment to protect 30% of the world’s land, inland waters, and oceans by 2030, aiming to halt biodiversity loss and fight climate change. But, for some species, protection and restoration of habitats will not be enough to keep them from extinction. Very small populations can be caught in an ‘extinction vortex’ where their small size alone puts them at risk.

Working with federal and provincial governments, non-government organizations and international conservation partners including Reverse the Red and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, we have developed a simple method to identify endangered species that will likely require the expertise of zoos and aquariums. We are using scientific tools, workshops and research to help ensure the survival of these critically endangered species. By doing so, we are helping Canada meet its goals under Target 4 of the Global Biodiversity Framework to halt human-induced extinction of threatened species, significantly reduce extinction risk, and safeguard genetic diversity to maintain adaptive potential.