Conservation Collaboration
The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Centers for Species Survival (CSS) network is built on a foundation of collaboration, knowledge exchange and collective action to drive species recovery worldwide. Recently, this vision was brought to life through a visit to Nigeria by Dr. Samuel Ivande, Conservation Coordinator at the Global Center for Species Survival at the Indianapolis Zoo. His visit underscored the importance of fostering synergies across the IUCN SSC network, particularly between the Global Center and CSS Nigeria – the first, and currently the only Center for Species Survival established in Africa.
This visit was sponsored by the Indianapolis Zoo, which partnered with IUCN SSC to create the Global Center in advancement of its mission to “protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.” The Indianapolis Zoo additionally supports field conservation efforts globally, including in Nigeria, and continues to work to support and strengthen capacity for conservation worldwide.
Nigeria holds a unique position within the IUCN SSC network. It is among the few countries with both a national IUCN SSC-affiliated Center for Species Survival and an IUCN SSC National Species Specialist Group. This dual presence presents an exceptional opportunity for Nigeria to leverage global conservation expertise and processes to enhance national biodiversity conservation efforts. The IUCN SSC’s Assess-Plan-Act framework provides a structured approach to species conservation, and CSS Nigeria, in partnership with the Nigeria Species Specialist Group (NgSSG), is well positioned to implement this model at a national scale.
During his visit, Dr. Ivande engaged with CSS Nigeria at the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI) and met with key partners, including the leadership of Benue State University, which currently hosts the Chair of the Nigeria Species Specialist Group. Discussions focused on how Nigeria can further integrate IUCN SSC methodologies into national conservation strategies. One of the key outcomes of these conversations was the ongoing exploration of how to domesticate the IUCN SSC CSS model at the national level. This initiative seeks to develop local partnerships in Nigeria to empower dedicated partner-based staff who will work closely with the Nigeria Species Specialist Group to catalyze and implement priority Assess-Plan-Act conservation efforts.
Dr. Sam Ivande, a Conservation Coordinator at the Global Center for Species Survival, meets with the leadership (Director and his Deputy) of the Center for Conservation Science & Practice.
Dr. Sam Ivande, a Conservation Coordinator at the Global Center for Species Survival, attends the inaugural board meeting of the Benue State University Center for Conservation Science and Practice, which is a partner institution for the Nigeria Species Specialist Group.
Dr. Sam Ivande, a Conservation Coordinator at the Global Center for Species Survival, visits with the Nigeria Species Specialist Group Chair and Center for Conservation Science & Practice Director, Prof. Shiiwua Manu, at Benue State University in Nigeria.
In addition to these high-level discussions, Dr. Ivande delivered presentations to staff and students at both APLORI and Benue State University. His talks emphasized the crucial role of modern zoos as conservation institutions and highlighted the career opportunities available to students who may be pursuing degrees in zoology. Given that zoology and animal science courses are not currently prioritized in this part of the world, these discussions aimed to inspire and guide young conservationists toward meaningful careers in biodiversity conservation.
These efforts align with the broader vision of the IUCN SSC Centers for Species Survival, reinforcing the network’s commitment to developing regionally anchored conservation leadership. By fostering stronger partnerships and building local conservation capacity, CSS Nigeria is poised to be a model for other countries looking to integrate global conservation frameworks into national strategies.
As the CSS network continues to grow, partnerships like these exemplify the power of collaboration in driving conservation impact. Strengthening connections between CSS Nigeria, the Global Center for Species Survival and other SSC entities will enhance conservation effectiveness, ensuring that global expertise translates into meaningful local action for species survival in Nigeria and beyond.
About the IUCN Species Survival Commission
The Species Survival Commission is a science-based network of thousands of volunteer experts from almost every country in the world, all working together toward achieving the vision of “a just world that values and conserves nature through positive action to both prevent the loss and aid recovery of the diversity of life on Earth.”
About the CCS Nigeria
The Center for Species Survival (CSS) Nigeria, established in 2023, is a collaborative initiative between the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI), University of Jos, Nigeria. The CSS Nigeria mission is to address the urgent need for regional-level understanding of birds and biodiversity status and to lead concerted efforts for their conservation. The Center is committed to enhancing capacity building in West Africa and supporting the species conservation cycle through research, training, rigorous Red List assessments, and strategic conservation planning and action.
About the Nigeria Species Specialist Group
The mission of the Nigeria Species Specialist Group (NgSSG) is to provide a national platform to convene and mobilize species experts in Nigeria and to introduce, mainstream, and increase local capacity for the application of IUCN knowledge products and processes to assess the conservation status of species, support conservation planning efforts and strategies that inform appropriate actions and advance species conservation in Nigeria.
This blog originally appeared on the IUCN SSC website and is a collaboration between experts at the Global Center for Species Survival, including Conservation Coordinator Dr. Samuel Ivande.
Published March 10, 2025