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Studying and saving Yosemite's diverse wildlife, including many threatened species.

The park’s protected landscape supports an astounding array of wildlife, including more than 400 kinds of mammals, birds, amphibians, fish and reptiles, and provides a haven for threatened and endangered species. Your support can fund projects to study and protect animals that make their seasonal or year-round homes in Yosemite.

Current Projects

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Sierra Nevada Red Fox Research
Use remote cameras, genetic analysis, and scientific models to inform strategies for saving the Sierra Nevada red fox, a rare subspecies believed to be on the edge of extinction.
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Bighorn Sheep: Saving a Species
Work toward saving endangered Sierra Nevada bighorns by translocating individuals, tracking populations, and building resilience in three Yosemite-area herds of wild sheep.
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Peregrine Falcon Protection
Monitor peregrine falcon nests, implement targeted climbing route closures to protect young falcons, and share inspirational peregrine conservation success stories with climbers and visitors.
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Songbird Science
Study Yosemite’s migratory and resident birds to guide habitat restoration projects, track population trends in relation to climate change, train young biologists, and engage visitors in wildlife conservation.
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Bat Habitat and White-Nose Syndrome
Assess the unprecedented threats of climate change and invasive disease affecting Yosemite bats by monitoring local bat populations and engaging with park visitors.
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Spotted Owl & Changing Fire Landscape
Survey the California spotted owl population in Yosemite to understand the long-term impacts of the 2013 Rim Fire on mortality and habitat.
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Imperiled Fishers Habitat Study
Uncover the impact of climate-driven wildfires and tree mortality on the endangered Pacific fisher by supporting park staff in monitoring populations with remote cameras, GPS collars, and scientific models.
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Amphibians and Aquatic Wildlife Restoration
Recover Yosemite’s imperiled aquatic wildlife by monitoring endangered and threatened species — Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frogs, Yosemite toads, western pond turtles, and more — and conducting novel reintroductions in the park.
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With your support, wildlife experts help ensure that Yosemite’s diverse animals, from tiny butterflies to 250-pound black bears, can thrive in their natural habitats. Donor-funded projects have helped park wildlife teams bring endangered bighorn sheep back to the Cathedral Range after a century-long absence; restore populations of California red-legged frogs and western pond turtles; record the first sighting of a rare red fox inside the park in 99 years; dramatically reduce bear-related incidents through visitor education, effective food-storage solutions and bear-monitoring technology; and much more.

To learn more about how donors’ gifts have made a difference for Yosemite wildlife, check out our past projects.

Areas of Focus

Thanks to supporters, we’ve provided over $152 million to Yosemite for more than 800 completed projects. Donor gifts help improve trails, restore habitat, protect wildlife, inspire the next generation of nature-lovers and more. Explore our funding areas to see current and past projects.