We, therefore, argue that in situ conservation should remain the primary focus of species conservation and that ex situ management as a tool to recover a species should only be initiated as a last resort after using IUCN SSC best practice guidelines. Although we agree that ex situ management can be an important aspect of species conservation, which has been effective for certain species, its use should be considered on a species-by-species basis and incorporate biological, ecological, and socioeconomic information rather than broad-stroke generalizations based on threat levels and inferences about range-country governance. Risks to conservation of species in the wild from promoting ex situ management: response to Farhadinia et al. 2020 Conservation of endangered species may include establishing ex situ populations to provide insurance against extinction in the wild. [Extracted from the article]