Latest news with #ColossalFoundation
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Colossal Foundation Announces the Colossal Species Reintroduction Fund; First-Ever Dedicated Accelerator for Rewilding Animals to Native Habitats Globally
In collaboration with conservation juggernaut Re:wild, Colossal's Fund sets a new standard for wildlife restoration DALLAS, August 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Colossal Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable organization of Colossal Biosciences, the de-extinction company, today announced the launch of its Species Reintroduction Fund. In collaboration with conservation non-profit, Re:wild, this first-of-its-kind fund will dedicate at least $250,000 annually to support every phase of reintroduction–including planning, genetic assessment and post-release monitoring for threatened species across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems worldwide. By providing both financial support and technical collaboration, the Colossal Species Reintroduction Fund will support the release of animals into the wild, restore habitats, increase genetic diversity, and enhance species survival, benefiting both vulnerable wildlife populations and the human communities reliant on healthy ecosystems. "The Colossal Foundation is committed to making extinction a thing of the past. The best way to do that is to stop extinction before it starts. The Fund is one of the ways in which we can accelerate those efforts globally," said Colossal Co-founder and CEO, Ben Lamm. "Now we are doing even more to mobilize resources and expertise to restore wildlife populations on the brink of disappearing all over the globe." The Fund's inaugural cohort of six target species across six projects—and their respective recipient organizations—includes: Bolson tortoise (Critically Endangered) - New Mexico, USA; Turner Endangered Species Fund Black lion tamarin (Endangered) - Brazil; Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas California condor (Critically Endangered) - Idaho, USA; Nez Percé Tribe Golden skiffia (Extinct in the Wild) - Mexico; Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo Vietnam pheasant (Critically Endangered) - Vietnam; European Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Viet Nature Wampukrum harlequin toad (Critically Endangered) - Ecuador; Centro Jambatu Each species faces severe threats—such as habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, and disease—and has experienced dramatic population declines or extirpation from its native range. Yet, each species plays a unique and vital role in its respective ecosystem. Through targeted conservation measures, the Colossal Species Reintroduction Fund strives to mend the harms threatening species survival and halt further biodiversity decline. "Nature is in crisis due to human activities, and ecosystems around the world need our support to remain vibrant and resilient," said Wes Sechrest, Re:wild chief scientist and CEO. "Species reintroductions are critical in many of these places to return functional roles to natural environments–helping species, habitats, and human communities to thrive. We are excited that this new fund is dedicated to efforts at every reintroduction stage, from start to release to long-term management, supporting project teams through key challenges along the long road to ensuring ecosystem health for generations to come." A UNIQUE GLOBAL EFFORT The Colossal Species Reintroduction Fund is the only fund in the world entirely dedicated to supporting wildlife reintroduction and rewilding projects globally. Through this singular focus, the Fund streamlines partnerships and resources to maximize success and scale impact. Projects will be supported for up to 12 months at a time with grant requests up to $50,000 per year considered. Fund Objectives: Strengthening Target Species Populations: Maximizing genetic diversity, abundance, and population viability through responsible conservation translocations that move wild or bred animals into the wild through reintroductions, reinforcements, ecological replacements, or assisted colonization. Restoring Habitats: Going beyond restoration to ensure habitats are managed for sustainable, long-term recovery that supports thriving populations of reintroduced species. Supporting Human Communities: Partnering with local and Indigenous communities to restore healthy ecosystems capable of supporting alternative livelihoods and aligning with conservation goals. Enabling Long-Term Conservation Conditions: Establishing robust management plans and policies that ensure species reintroductions continue to succeed well beyond the project timeframe. Within the next two years, the Colossal Species Reintroduction Fund will work with hundreds of conservationists across dozens of countries in their fight to reverse the species extinction crisis and bring balance back to ecosystems worldwide. Quotes from Inaugural Grantees: Mike Phillips, Director, Turner Endangered Species Fund (Bolson tortoise)"Reintroduction projects on behalf of critically endangered species like the bolson tortoise, known in Mexico as Tortuga Grande, affirm that restoration is an alternative to extinction. To realize that certainty only requires that we choose to act. It is the power of choice that gives me hope. The Colossal Foundation's Species Reintroduction Fund is a choice of the finest kind." Gabriela Rezende, Black Lion Tamarin Conservation Program Coordinator, Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (Black lion tamarin)"It has always been clear to us that managing the endangered black lion tamarin populations through translocation and reintroduction is a key strategy not only for saving the species, but also for restoring the functional diversity of its native habitat—the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. But this work requires deep technical expertise and the courage to take significant risks. Having partners like the Colossal Foundation's Species Reintroduction Fund empowers us to meet this challenge and brings us one step closer to ensuring these populations move further away from the brink of extinction." Arely Ramirez Garcia, Freshwater Fish Conservationist, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo (Golden skiffia)"Bringing Skiffia francesae back to the wild is more than conservation—it's an act of love and responsibility. This tiny, golden fish once danced through the clear waters of Mexico, and its silence today is a reminder of how easily beauty can be lost. But extinction is not destiny. When we choose to act, to care, to restore, we rewrite that story. The Colossal Foundation's Species Reintroduction Fund is not just a lifeline for Skiffia francesae—it's a promise that hope can live again in the water." Gary Ward, Bird Curator, Zoological Society of London (Vietnam pheasant)"We are delighted to receive this support from the Species Reintroduction Fund. This vital support will significantly advance our efforts to restore Vietnam pheasant back into safe wild habitat. We extend our sincere thanks to all of our partners on the Vietnamese Pheasant Recovery Team and our supporters who share our vision for a viable, secure, and stable population of Vietnam pheasant in the wild with protection supported by people locally, nationally, and internationally, this marks a major milestone." Ben Goldsmith, Chair, Conservation Collective (Species Reintroduction Fund Advisor)"Restoring missing native species to their former range is not only a moral imperative, but vital for ecological restoration, and utterly joyful. I'm so happy to have the opportunity to work on this initiative." Dr. Axel Moehrenschlager, Chair, IUCN Species Survival Commission Conservation Translocation Specialist Group (Species Reintroduction Fund Advisor)"Preventing the extinction of species that share our planet is the global priority for wildlife conservation. Conservation translocations like reintroductions are powerful to help species, restore ecosystems, and inspire hope for a brighter future. By launching and growing this Species Reintroduction Fund, we aim to empower current and emerging conservation champions to escalate responsible and courageous conservation actions around the world." APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR NEXT COHORT The Species Reintroduction Fund is now seeking additional applications for its second cohort of grants. Proposals are encouraged from nonprofit, government, and academic organizations around the world with innovative strategies to reintroduce threatened species and restore critical habitats. For additional details, including fund eligibility criteria, deadlines, to submit an application, and program guidelines, visit: ABOUT THE COLOSSAL FOUNDATION The Colossal Foundation is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting the use of cutting-edge technologies for conservation efforts globally to help prevent extinction of keystone species. The organization deploys de-extinction technologies and support to empower partners in the field to reverse the extinction crisis. Learn more at ABOUT RE:WILD 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. Learn more at WEBSITE & SOCIALSWebsite: Instagram: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn: Facebook: TikTok: BlueSky: View source version on Contacts PRESS CONTACTS: R&CPMK / Thinkerbell / colossal@ Devin Murphy / dmurphy@ Lindsay Renick Mayer / lrenickmayer@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
4 days ago
- General
- Business Wire
Colossal Foundation Announces the Colossal Species Reintroduction Fund; First-Ever Dedicated Accelerator for Rewilding Animals to Native Habitats Globally
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Colossal Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable organization of Colossal Biosciences, the de-extinction company, today announced the launch of its Species Reintroduction Fund. In collaboration with conservation non-profit, Re:wild, this first-of-its-kind fund will dedicate at least $250,000 annually to support every phase of reintroduction–including planning, genetic assessment and post-release monitoring for threatened species across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems worldwide. By providing both financial support and technical collaboration, the Colossal Species Reintroduction Fund will support the release of animals into the wild, restore habitats, increase genetic diversity, and enhance species survival, benefiting both vulnerable wildlife populations and the human communities reliant on healthy ecosystems. 'The Colossal Foundation is committed to making extinction a thing of the past. The best way to do that is to stop extinction before it starts. The Fund is one of the ways in which we can accelerate those efforts globally,' said Colossal Co-founder and CEO, Ben Lamm. 'Now we are doing even more to mobilize resources and expertise to restore wildlife populations on the brink of disappearing all over the globe.' The Fund's inaugural cohort of six target species across six projects—and their respective recipient organizations—includes: Bolson tortoise (Critically Endangered) - New Mexico, USA; Turner Endangered Species Fund Black lion tamarin (Endangered) - Brazil; Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas California condor (Critically Endangered) - Idaho, USA; Nez Percé Tribe Golden skiffia (Extinct in the Wild) - Mexico; Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo Vietnam pheasant (Critically Endangered) - Vietnam; European Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Viet Nature Wampukrum harlequin toad (Critically Endangered) - Ecuador; Centro Jambatu Each species faces severe threats—such as habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, and disease—and has experienced dramatic population declines or extirpation from its native range. Yet, each species plays a unique and vital role in its respective ecosystem. Through targeted conservation measures, the Colossal Species Reintroduction Fund strives to mend the harms threatening species survival and halt further biodiversity decline. 'Nature is in crisis due to human activities, and ecosystems around the world need our support to remain vibrant and resilient,' said Wes Sechrest, Re:wild chief scientist and CEO. 'Species reintroductions are critical in many of these places to return functional roles to natural environments–helping species, habitats, and human communities to thrive. We are excited that this new fund is dedicated to efforts at every reintroduction stage, from start to release to long-term management, supporting project teams through key challenges along the long road to ensuring ecosystem health for generations to come.' A UNIQUE GLOBAL EFFORT The Colossal Species Reintroduction Fund is the only fund in the world entirely dedicated to supporting wildlife reintroduction and rewilding projects globally. Through this singular focus, the Fund streamlines partnerships and resources to maximize success and scale impact. Projects will be supported for up to 12 months at a time with grant requests up to $50,000 per year considered. Fund Objectives: Strengthening Target Species Populations: Maximizing genetic diversity, abundance, and population viability through responsible conservation translocations that move wild or bred animals into the wild through reintroductions, reinforcements, ecological replacements, or assisted colonization. Restoring Habitats: Going beyond restoration to ensure habitats are managed for sustainable, long-term recovery that supports thriving populations of reintroduced species. Supporting Human Communities: Partnering with local and Indigenous communities to restore healthy ecosystems capable of supporting alternative livelihoods and aligning with conservation goals. Enabling Long-Term Conservation Conditions: Establishing robust management plans and policies that ensure species reintroductions continue to succeed well beyond the project timeframe. Within the next two years, the Colossal Species Reintroduction Fund will work with hundreds of conservationists across dozens of countries in their fight to reverse the species extinction crisis and bring balance back to ecosystems worldwide. Quotes from Inaugural Grantees: Mike Phillips, Director, Turner Endangered Species Fund (Bolson tortoise) 'Reintroduction projects on behalf of critically endangered species like the bolson tortoise, known in Mexico as Tortuga Grande, affirm that restoration is an alternative to extinction. To realize that certainty only requires that we choose to act. It is the power of choice that gives me hope. The Colossal Foundation's Species Reintroduction Fund is a choice of the finest kind.' Gabriela Rezende, Black Lion Tamarin Conservation Program Coordinator, Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (Black lion tamarin) "It has always been clear to us that managing the endangered black lion tamarin populations through translocation and reintroduction is a key strategy not only for saving the species, but also for restoring the functional diversity of its native habitat—the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. But this work requires deep technical expertise and the courage to take significant risks. Having partners like the Colossal Foundation's Species Reintroduction Fund empowers us to meet this challenge and brings us one step closer to ensuring these populations move further away from the brink of extinction." Arely Ramirez Garcia, Freshwater Fish Conservationist, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo (Golden skiffia) "Bringing Skiffia francesae back to the wild is more than conservation—it's an act of love and responsibility. This tiny, golden fish once danced through the clear waters of Mexico, and its silence today is a reminder of how easily beauty can be lost. But extinction is not destiny. When we choose to act, to care, to restore, we rewrite that story. The Colossal Foundation's Species Reintroduction Fund is not just a lifeline for Skiffia francesae —it's a promise that hope can live again in the water." Gary Ward, Bird Curator, Zoological Society of London (Vietnam pheasant) 'We are delighted to receive this support from the Species Reintroduction Fund. This vital support will significantly advance our efforts to restore Vietnam pheasant back into safe wild habitat. We extend our sincere thanks to all of our partners on the Vietnamese Pheasant Recovery Team and our supporters who share our vision for a viable, secure, and stable population of Vietnam pheasant in the wild with protection supported by people locally, nationally, and internationally, this marks a major milestone.' Ben Goldsmith, Chair, Conservation Collective (Species Reintroduction Fund Advisor) 'Restoring missing native species to their former range is not only a moral imperative, but vital for ecological restoration, and utterly joyful. I'm so happy to have the opportunity to work on this initiative.' Dr. Axel Moehrenschlager, Chair, IUCN Species Survival Commission Conservation Translocation Specialist Group (Species Reintroduction Fund Advisor) 'Preventing the extinction of species that share our planet is the global priority for wildlife conservation. Conservation translocations like reintroductions are powerful to help species, restore ecosystems, and inspire hope for a brighter future. By launching and growing this Species Reintroduction Fund, we aim to empower current and emerging conservation champions to escalate responsible and courageous conservation actions around the world.' APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR NEXT COHORT The Species Reintroduction Fund is now seeking additional applications for its second cohort of grants. Proposals are encouraged from nonprofit, government, and academic organizations around the world with innovative strategies to reintroduce threatened species and restore critical habitats. For additional details, including fund eligibility criteria, deadlines, to submit an application, and program guidelines, visit: ABOUT THE COLOSSAL FOUNDATION The Colossal Foundation is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting the use of cutting-edge technologies for conservation efforts globally to help prevent extinction of keystone species. The organization deploys de-extinction technologies and support to empower partners in the field to reverse the extinction crisis. Learn more at ABOUT RE:WILD 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. Learn more at
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Extinct giant bird being brought back to life
(NewsNation) — The group that resurrected the dire wolf species is looking to reestablish a giant bird, native to New Zealand, with the backing of legendary filmmaker Peter Jackson. The moa bird, which has been extinct for 600 years, could make a return to the world. The herbivore weighed 500 pounds and stood about 12 to 13 feet tall. The flightless bird was sacred to the Maori people, the native populace of New Zealand. According to their oral traditions, they were a largely docile bird. According to a study in Quaternary Science Reviews, they became extinct due to overhunting by humans. 'Peter Jackson was really excited about the work that we're doing. He knew we were working on the mammoth, the Tasmanian tiger, and then the dodo, and he was very upset that we were not working on the moa,' Ben Lamm, who founded The Colossal Foundation, told 'Elizabeth Vargas Reports.' Ghislaine Maxwell should testify before Congress: Dershowitz 'If we can ever bring back species that we as mankind had a role in their extinction, while also building technologies to help conservation, (we can) help to return something that's sacred, back to the Maori people, the indigenous people of New Zealand, all while kind of inspiring kids. It kind of checked all of the boxes,' he added. Lamm noted that Jackson 'offered to accelerate the efforts with funding.' The moa birds will be reintroduced into areas on the South Island of New Zealand allocated by the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre. Lamm added that the moa birds will have the capacity to reproduce with themselves thanks to engineered additional genetic diversity that allows previously extinct animal populations to reproduce. 'Our goal is to build sustainable populations with enough genetic diversity that they can thrive on their own.' The foundation 'doesn't have to make more for New Zealand, they can actually just build up their own flock over time,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Business Wire
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
The Colossal Foundation Partners with Yellowstone Forever and the Yellowstone Wolf Project To Revolutionize Wolf Conservation Through Advanced Acoustic Monitoring Technologies
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Colossal Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of Colossal Biosciences, today announced a strategic partnership with Yellowstone Forever, the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park, to support Yellowstone National Park's Wolf Project and its innovative bioacoustics efforts. The new collaboration aims to transform the way conservationists monitor and protect wild wolf populations by integrating advanced acoustic monitoring technologies, machine learning pipelines, and continuous ecological data collection. The project will focus initially on the wolf population in Yellowstone National Park. By deploying next-generation integrated acoustic and video camera traps, the project will collect around-the-clock bioacoustics data from wolves and other wildlife in Yellowstone that share wolf pack territories. These recordings will be analyzed by a sophisticated, modular software pipeline developed by the Colossal Foundation's artificial intelligence team, which uses machine-learning algorithms to parse massive vocalization datasets—an approach that can be replicated for multiple species inside Yellowstone and beyond. The custom-built models will automatically identify individual howls, chorus howls, and even gunshots, cluster calls by acoustic 'fingerprint,' and extract key metrics—such as pack identity, size, and even pup presence—allowing for non-invasive census, movement, and behavior studies. In time, the software will be able to provide deeper insights into wolf communication and social dynamics, all while employing innovative monitoring methods that minimize human impact. "Wolves play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, yet they face significant risks from human activities," said Matt James, Executive Director of the Colossal Foundation. 'Our support of this project combines mission-critical conservation needs, such as remote monitoring and deterrence of wildlife conflict, with Colossal's strength in frontier technologies. With this fusion, we can create a blueprint for AI-driven wildlife protection worldwide.' As of January 2024, there were at least 100 wolves in Yellowstone National Park across numerous packs and many breeding pairs. Acoustic monitoring will let researchers track population trends, pack membership changes, territory use, and responses to environmental or human disturbances with minimal intrusion, fostering better coexistence between wolves and local communities. 'Yellowstone Forever is grateful to receive support from the Colossal Foundation to further the groundbreaking work of the Yellowstone Wolf Project and expand the bioacoustic monitoring of Yellowstone's wolves,' said Sam Barkley, Chief Development Officer for Yellowstone Forever. Over the past year, a team of hardware and software engineers at Grizzly Systems Inc. has been developing advanced solutions like the GrizCam, which integrates long-lasting camera traps with built-in acoustic recorders. Their contributions have significantly advanced the project's capacity to collect high-quality data suitable for comprehensive biological research. Jeffrey Reed, CEO of Grizzly Systems, Inc., said: 'The mission of Grizzly Systems, Inc. is to advance field science, combat wildlife crime, deter livestock depredations, and build the digital wild, sparking curiosity, education and advocacy for the next generation of tech-savvy conservationists. AI is used to sort through this data at a fraction of the cost it would take to sort through manually. Together with Colossal and the biologists at the park, we're deciphering the secrets of wolf communication. Nowhere else in the world is able to decode wolf 'language' like this.' The Colossal Foundation's support of the Wolf Project's bioacoustics effort has led to the procurement of 25 additional GrizCam units that are to be deployed within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Data capture and recording will begin immediately upon deployment. Early successes in the project include the creation of a wolf-classifier, trained on a few-shot classifier previously developed by Colossal's AI core, that can identify individual and chorus howls with over 92% accuracy. The Colossal Foundation is also seeking to expand the impact of this technology beyond Yellowstone's borders. Working alongside the Nez Perce Tribe—long-time leaders in wolf management across Idaho—the project will deploy a pilot network of GrizCam units on tribal lands. By pairing technical training and data analysis support with the Tribe's on-the-ground expertise and traditional ecological knowledge, the coalition will build local capacity for non-invasive wolf monitoring while honoring tribal sovereignty and deep cultural ties to the species. 'For the Nez Perce people, the wolf, or hîmiin, is more than a keystone species—it is a relative that is woven into our culture and our obligations as caretakers,' said Eric Kash, Director of the Nez Perce Tribe's Wildlife Division. 'Integrating bioacoustics technology with our on-the-ground expertise will sharpen our ability to track packs and share data across tribal and federal boundaries. Partnerships like this ensure that modern science and Indigenous knowledge move forward together for the benefit of wolves and the ecosystems they sustain.' 'We invest our time and expertise on projects that we believe will have a big impact for local stakeholders and in time, the whole of conservation,' said CEO and co-founder of Colossal Biosciences Ben Lamm. 'By merging AI, bioacoustics, and rugged field hardware, we're addressing some of the major challenges afflicting conservation and creating a scalable framework that can support coexistence wherever wolves roam.' ABOUT THE COLOSSAL FOUNDATION The Colossal Foundation is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting the use of cutting-edge technologies to conservation efforts globally to help prevent extinction of keystone species. The organization deploys cutting-edge de-extinction technologies and support to empower partners in the field to reverse the extinction crisis. ABOUT YELLOWSTONE FOREVER Yellowstone Forever is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park, with the mission to protect, preserve and enhance the park through education and philanthropy.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
The Colossal Foundation Partners with Yellowstone Forever and the Yellowstone Wolf Project To Revolutionize Wolf Conservation Through Advanced Acoustic Monitoring Technologies
DALLAS, May 08, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Colossal Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of Colossal Biosciences, today announced a strategic partnership with Yellowstone Forever, the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park, to support Yellowstone National Park's Wolf Project and its innovative bioacoustics efforts. The new collaboration aims to transform the way conservationists monitor and protect wild wolf populations by integrating advanced acoustic monitoring technologies, machine learning pipelines, and continuous ecological data collection. The project will focus initially on the wolf population in Yellowstone National Park. By deploying next-generation integrated acoustic and video camera traps, the project will collect around-the-clock bioacoustics data from wolves and other wildlife in Yellowstone that share wolf pack territories. These recordings will be analyzed by a sophisticated, modular software pipeline developed by the Colossal Foundation's artificial intelligence team, which uses machine-learning algorithms to parse massive vocalization datasets—an approach that can be replicated for multiple species inside Yellowstone and beyond. The custom-built models will automatically identify individual howls, chorus howls, and even gunshots, cluster calls by acoustic "fingerprint," and extract key metrics—such as pack identity, size, and even pup presence—allowing for non-invasive census, movement, and behavior studies. In time, the software will be able to provide deeper insights into wolf communication and social dynamics, all while employing innovative monitoring methods that minimize human impact. "Wolves play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, yet they face significant risks from human activities," said Matt James, Executive Director of the Colossal Foundation. "Our support of this project combines mission-critical conservation needs, such as remote monitoring and deterrence of wildlife conflict, with Colossal's strength in frontier technologies. With this fusion, we can create a blueprint for AI-driven wildlife protection worldwide." As of January 2024, there were at least 100 wolves in Yellowstone National Park across numerous packs and many breeding pairs. Acoustic monitoring will let researchers track population trends, pack membership changes, territory use, and responses to environmental or human disturbances with minimal intrusion, fostering better coexistence between wolves and local communities. "Yellowstone Forever is grateful to receive support from the Colossal Foundation to further the groundbreaking work of the Yellowstone Wolf Project and expand the bioacoustic monitoring of Yellowstone's wolves," said Sam Barkley, Chief Development Officer for Yellowstone Forever. Over the past year, a team of hardware and software engineers at Grizzly Systems Inc. has been developing advanced solutions like the GrizCam, which integrates long-lasting camera traps with built-in acoustic recorders. Their contributions have significantly advanced the project's capacity to collect high-quality data suitable for comprehensive biological research. Jeffrey Reed, CEO of Grizzly Systems, Inc., said: "The mission of Grizzly Systems, Inc. is to advance field science, combat wildlife crime, deter livestock depredations, and build the digital wild, sparking curiosity, education and advocacy for the next generation of tech-savvy conservationists. AI is used to sort through this data at a fraction of the cost it would take to sort through manually. Together with Colossal and the biologists at the park, we're deciphering the secrets of wolf communication. Nowhere else in the world is able to decode wolf 'language' like this." The Colossal Foundation's support of the Wolf Project's bioacoustics effort has led to the procurement of 25 additional GrizCam units that are to be deployed within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Data capture and recording will begin immediately upon deployment. Early successes in the project include the creation of a wolf-classifier, trained on a few-shot classifier previously developed by Colossal's AI core, that can identify individual and chorus howls with over 92% accuracy. The Colossal Foundation is also seeking to expand the impact of this technology beyond Yellowstone's borders. Working alongside the Nez Perce Tribe—long-time leaders in wolf management across Idaho—the project will deploy a pilot network of GrizCam units on tribal lands. By pairing technical training and data analysis support with the Tribe's on-the-ground expertise and traditional ecological knowledge, the coalition will build local capacity for non-invasive wolf monitoring while honoring tribal sovereignty and deep cultural ties to the species. "For the Nez Perce people, the wolf, or hîmiin, is more than a keystone species—it is a relative that is woven into our culture and our obligations as caretakers," said Eric Kash, Director of the Nez Perce Tribe's Wildlife Division. "Integrating bioacoustics technology with our on-the-ground expertise will sharpen our ability to track packs and share data across tribal and federal boundaries. Partnerships like this ensure that modern science and Indigenous knowledge move forward together for the benefit of wolves and the ecosystems they sustain." "We invest our time and expertise on projects that we believe will have a big impact for local stakeholders and in time, the whole of conservation," said CEO and co-founder of Colossal Biosciences Ben Lamm. "By merging AI, bioacoustics, and rugged field hardware, we're addressing some of the major challenges afflicting conservation and creating a scalable framework that can support coexistence wherever wolves roam." ABOUT THE COLOSSAL FOUNDATION The Colossal Foundation is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting the use of cutting-edge technologies to conservation efforts globally to help prevent extinction of keystone species. The organization deploys cutting-edge de-extinction technologies and support to empower partners in the field to reverse the extinction ABOUT YELLOWSTONE FOREVER Yellowstone Forever is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park, with the mission to protect, preserve and enhance the park through education and WEBSITE & SOCIALSWebsites: Twitter: Instagram: LinkedIn: Facebook: View source version on Contacts COLOSSAL PRESS CONTACTS:R&CPMK - Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
