Phoenix Species Project: $200 Million Initiative to Rescue 100 Endangered Species

On March 15, 2026, foundations led by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jeff Bezos announced the Phoenix Species Project, a joint effort of DiCaprio’s nonprofit Re:wild and the Bezos Earth Fund. The partnership pledged $200 million—$100 million from each organization—to fund the recovery of 100 species across 30 countries.

Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeff Bezos lead $200M project to save threatened species

Habitat loss, pollution, over-exploitation and climate change are accelerating biodiversity decline worldwide. The Phoenix Species Project is presented as a large-scale philanthropic response, moving beyond short-term grants toward sustained, multi-year investment.

Hollywood Reporter

• Funding: $200 million (even split).

Jeff Bezos and Leonardo DiCaprio put $200 million behind 100 endangered species across 30 countries. The list includes rare lemurs and pangolins to a ‘living fossil’ echidna

• Scope: 100 critically endangered species covering mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, invertebrates and plants.

Jeff Bezos and Leonardo DiCaprio put $200 million behind 100 endangered species across 30 countries. The list includes rare lemurs and pangolins to a ‘living fossil’ echidna

• Geography: Work in 30 countries with more than 100 partners.

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• Selected species: Golden-crowned sifaka (Madagascar), Hickory Nut Gorge green salamander (USA), Bowmouth guitarfish (Indo-Pacific), Visayan warty pig (Philippines), Cozumel harvest mouse (Mexico), Pink land iguana (Galápagos), Malayan pangolin (Southeast Asia), Tanzania’s pancake tortoise, Starry-night harlequin toad (Colombia), Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna (New Guinea).

Jeff Bezos and Leonardo DiCaprio put $200 million behind 100 endangered species across 30 countries. The list includes rare lemurs and pangolins to a ‘living fossil’ echidna

Funding will support captive-breeding, habitat restoration, disease management and invasive-species control, with technical guidance from the IUCN Species Survival Commission.

Jeff Bezos and Leonardo DiCaprio put $200 million behind 100 endangered species across 30 countries. The list includes rare lemurs and pangolins to a ‘living fossil’ echidna

The Phoenix Species Project will publish regular updates on population trends and threat-reduction metrics via its website and social-media channels. Ongoing funding will enable partners to shift from emergency interventions to sustainable conservation programs.

Hollywood Reporter