EDGE of Existence programme

The EDGE of Existence programme is a research and conservation initiative that focuses on species deemed to be the world's most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. Developed by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the programme aims to raise awareness of these species, implement targeted research and conservation actions to halt their decline, and to train in-country conservationists (called EDGE Fellows) to protect them.

EDGE species are animal species which have a high 'EDGE score', a metric combining endangered conservation status with the genetic distinctiveness of the particular taxon. Distinctive species have few closely related species, and EDGE species are often the only surviving member of their genus or even higher taxonomic rank. The extinction of such species would therefore represent a disproportionate loss of unique evolutionary history and biodiversity. The EDGE logo is the echidna.

Some EDGE species, such as elephants and pandas, are well-known and already receive considerable conservation attention, but many others, such as the vaquita (the world's rarest cetacean) the bumblebee bat (arguably the world's smallest mammal) and the egg-laying long-beaked echidnas, are highly threatened yet remain poorly understood, and are frequently overlooked by existing conservation frameworks.

The Zoological Society of London launched the EDGE of Existence Programme in 2007 to raise awareness and funds for the conservation of these species. As of 2024, the programme has awarded fellows funds to help conserve 157 different species in 47 countries. The programme lists key supporters as the Fondation Franklinia, On the EDGE, and Darwin Initiative. Donors include the IUCN, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and numerous non-governmental organisations and foundations.

In 2024, researchers at the programme identified EDGE Zones that make up 0.7% of Earth's surface but are home to one-third of the world's four-legged EDGE species.