The Species Reintroduction Fund: A Global Rewilding Initiative
Project Details:
About the Species Reintroduction Fund
The Colossal Foundation commits $250,000 annually to supporting rewilding initiatives around the world. Prioritizing keystone species, biodiversity hotspots, and indigenous partners, the Species Reintroduction Fund offers both financial support and access to Colossal’s de-extinction toolkit.
Rewilding is the practice of restoring an ecosystem to a natural, self-regulating state by restoring natural processes, enhancing biodiversity, and reintroducing keystone species. The Species Reintroduction Fund supports rewilding at all stages of development—from feasibility research and habitat protection to reintroductions and sequencing for genetic diversity.
In our mission to make extinction a thing of the past, the Species Reintroduction Fund represents another hopeful step forward. You can support this initiative by following @Colossal and our partners on social media. Help us spread the word—hope is never extinct!
Apply for the Species Reintroduction Fund
Interested in receiving support for your rewilding project? You can apply for our next round of supported projects by filling out and submitting an application.
In Partnership With
Re:wild protects and restores the wild. We have a singular and powerful focus: the wild as the most effective solution to the interconnected climate, biodiversity and human wellbeing crises. Founded by a group of renowned conservation scientists together with Leonardo DiCaprio, Re:wild is a force multiplier that brings together Indigenous peoples, local communities, influential leaders, nongovernmental organizations, governments, companies and the public to protect and rewild at the scale and speed we need.
The Power of Rewilding
Strengthening Species
Boosting genetic diversity and population viability through responsible translocations.
Restoring Habitats
Managing ecosystems for sustainable, long-term recovery of reintroduced species.
Empowering Communities
Partnering with local and Indigenous groups to support livelihoods and conservation.
Ensuring Long-Term Success
Creating robust management plans for lasting conservation impact.
Preventing the extinction of species that share our planet is the global priority for wildlife conservation. This fund empowers conservation champions to escalate responsible and courageous actions worldwide.
How the Species Reintroduction Fund Works
Fusing cutting-edge science, indigenous knowledge, and worldwide partnerships, the Species Reintroduction Fund is an annual commitment on behalf of the Colossal Foundation toward global species reintroduction initiatives. Created in association with Re:wild, the fund aims to support a wide variety of species in biodiversity hotspots around the world. Supported projects will also receive access to genetic tools, innovative new technologies, training, and organizational support from the Colossal Foundation to maximize impact.
Supported projects are chosen by prioritizing:
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At-risk keystone species
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Biodiversity hotspots
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Indigenous voices
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Desire for deep partnership
We are currently accepting applications for next year’s support projects. You can find the Request for Partnership here.
Supported Projects in 2026
Canada
The sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) is the largest sea star in the world, reaching over 1 meter across, with up to 24 arms and brilliant colors ranging from purple and orange to red and yellow.
Brazil
The brown howler monkey is an endemic Atlantic Forest primate famous for its powerful, resonant calls that can carry several kilometers through the canopy.
Palmyra Atoll
The Sihek is a small, brilliantly colored forest kingfisher with cinnamon-orange and iridescent blue plumage, endemic to Guam and culturally treasured by the Chamoru people.
Guatemala
Campbell’s alligator lizard is a critically endangered arboreal reptile found only in a single mountain system in Guatemala.
Southeast Asia
Banteng are wild forest cattle native to Southeast Asia and among the region’s most threatened large mammals, instantly recognizable for their bright chestnut coats.
Australia
The Northern Quoll is Australia’s smallest mainland quoll and a charismatic carnivorous marsupial native to northern Australia.
North America’s Great Plains
The black-footed ferret is one of North America’s rarest carnivores. Ferrets were thought extinct in 1979 until a chance rediscovery near Meeteetse, Wyoming in 1981.