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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

Amphibian Conservation
Restore native amphibian populations, including by reintroducing Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frogs, California red-legged frogs and Yosemite toads to healthy lakes and meadows.
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Bighorn Sheep: Saving a Species
Work toward saving endangered Sierra Nevada bighorns by continuing to build resilience in the three Yosemite-area herds of wild sheep.
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Fisher Habitat Study
Identify potential Yosemite habitat havens for the endangered population of Pacific fishers in the southern Sierra Nevada, where major wildfires are leading to severe habitat loss.
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Mountain Lion Research
Draw on noninvasive research methods, including genetic analysis and camera images, to study Yosemite’s mountain lions and gather data for a statewide species conservation plan.
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Peregrine Falcon Protection
Monitor peregrine falcon nests, implement targeted climbing-route closures to protect young falcons, and produce a video about Yosemite’s peregrine success story.
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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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Songbird Science
Study Yosemite’s migratory and resident birds through a long-standing MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) program, train young biologists, and engage visitors in wildlife conservation.
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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 $140 million to Yosemite for more than 700 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.