By: Associated Press

October 21, 2018

LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. (AP) -- A group dedicated to preserving rare species is partnering with a South Florida university to help save critically endangered wildlife.

The Palm Beach Post reports the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation has partnered with Florida International University in an effort to save the world's most critically endangered wildlife.

The Tropical Conservation Institute is nonprofit wildlife conservation center will be located in Loxahatchee. It's planned as a hub for international wildlife conservation, research, training and education.

One of TCI's biggest programs includes the conservation and recovery of the Florida grasshopper sparrow, a small, ground-nesting songbird native to South and Central Florida.

TCI also does extensive field work with West African crocodilians, pangolins, lemurs, global reef sharks, marine mammals and freshwater turtles, while research associates work with elephants, bats and other species.