by Kirsten Howard In September 2016, after almost 50 years of managed breeding and conservation efforts, the giant panda was upgraded from "endangered" to "vulnerable" on the IUCN red list. Now, there are between 1800 and 2050 giant pandas in the world, and the number is increasing. It’s not the first time a species has been dragged back from the brink. Here are eight other animals that have made a comeback—with help from conservation laws and dedicated scientists. 1. American Alligator American alligators, the largest reptile in the U.S., are found across in the Southeast in wetlands, rivers, and even golf courses. But once upon a time, the alligator was on the verge of extinction, thanks to the popularity of its skin as material for shoes, jackets, and bags.