The Species Reintroduction Fund: A Global Rewilding Initiative
Project Details:
We at the Colossal Foundation are excited to announce the creation of the Colossal Species Reintroduction Fund. Committed to supporting species reintroduction projects around the world, this fund aims to restore earth’s wild places by putting missing and at-risk species back into the ecosystems that need them.
A species reintroduction is one component of a broader conservation practice called rewilding. Rewilding aims to restore an ecosystem to a natural, self-regulating state. By reintroducing keystone species to ecosystems from which they’re missing, we can restore important ecological functions that allow those ecosystems to thrive.
As the biodiversity crisis looms large, we recognize the work of species reintroduction efforts around the world, and we are committing $250,000 annually to support programs engaged in this work. By supporting the returns of these endangered and at-risk species, we can not only restore balance but prevent other species from going extinct. In our mission to make extinction a thing of the past, the Species Reintroduction Fund represents another hopeful step forward.
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.
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.
Each year, the Colossal Foundation will provide $250,000 in funding to established species reintroduction projects chosen in collaboration with foundation advisors. The inaugural class of supported species reintroduction projects were 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 2025
New Mexico, USA
Keystone burrower whose underground networks regulate soil moisture and shelter hundreds of desert species.
Brazil
Primary seed-disperser accelerating regeneration of fragmented Atlantic-Forest canopies.
Idaho, USA
North America’s largest scavenger; removes carcasses and limits disease across mountain ecosystems.
Mexico
Endemic Mexican species that signals good water quality and healthy native fish communities.
Vietnam
Elusive forest fowl that rustles leaf-litter, renewing understory life in one of Asia’s rarest woodlands.
Ecuador
Beautifully colored amphibian whose recovery marks healthy Andean headwaters.
Interested in receiving funding from the Species Reintroduction Fund?
Apply Today
Submit your application to [email protected] and show your support for the Species Reintroduction Fund by following @colossal and our partners on Instagram.