Braving the Front-lines of Conservation

As thinking people, we pride ourselves on having the ability to create solutions to the problems that present themselves.  Sometimes the answer we seek is simple and straight forward, allowing us a quick fix – but other times, as with efforts to protect wildlife and wild places – finding the resolution often requires delving deep into the issue at hand and starting back at square one.  Such is the approach of the African Predator Conservation Research Organization.  These wildlife warriors are modern day pioneers on the front lines of conservation – creating positive change for animals in a fight against extinction.

Located in the Kwando/Linyanti region of Africa, a diverse group of researchers have committed themselves to venturing out into this untamed landscape in an effort to determine the role that disease, genetics, reproductive potential, nutrition and pathology all play in the survivability of these species.  Veterinary professionals Michael Briggs and Beth Ament routinely set out under the cover of darkness in search of carnivores. While drawing these animals to the truck with the sounds of a wounded buffalo blaring from a portable CD player may seem rather low-tech in today’s modern world, it’s an approach that’s been highly effective. Lions, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, jackals and wild dogs often come perilously close to the vehicle. 

With an eye for the animal’s ultimate safety and the skillful placement of a tranquilizer dart, Briggs and Ament sedate the animal just long enough to conduct a thorough exam and extract blood and fecal samples to analyze back at the laboratory. While there have been no serious incidents to date, collecting information from these animals can be a risky business. There have been tense moments where it appeared that an animal might charge the truck. When asked what brings an Idaho native to work in the wilds of Africa, Briggs jokingly replies “stupidity.” Yet it’s soon obvious that this a labor of love for the doctor, “This is an awesome place, I’ve been doing this a long time and it’s just magic.” Although some areas of Africa such as Zambia and Mozambique are becoming more open-minded toward conservation initiatives, creating long-term policy change in this very political area may just require a little magic.  “We see our goal as providing hard data – and sometimes advice – but the governments there still want to measure how much direct influence outsiders have on decision-making.“ says Briggs.

Despite the dangers and challenges of such work, the valuable information gained from APCRO’s research will provide a baseline for the creation of effective conservation initiatives in the future.  It’s hoped that these results will yield long-term gains for not just one, but several species of carnivores.  This big picture approach is a unique one.  While projects abound to save a single species, APCRO recognizes that these varied carnivore species don’t live in isolation – but instead depend on and compete with one another.  This makes the effects of disease and the animal’s unique genetic make-up vital variable in the ultimate survival of all carnivores. What affects one species may affect the others – and APCRO is taking the first steps toward supplying definitive answers to this important question.  For more information about this organization’s research, please visit http://apcro.org/.

**Please note – APCRO is not a SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Fund supported project.**

 

Giving Captive Bears a Second Chance

Southeast Asia is home to the world’s smallest bear species, the Malayan sun bear. About half the size of an American black bear, these diminutive creatures spend their time living in the tree-tops of Borneo. Despite possessing very lengthy and intimidating claws, it appears that these bears may be defenseless against the growing threats that face them throughout their range. It’s believed that only about 10,000 of these animals remain – leading the IUCN to classify the Malayan sun bear as “Vulnerable” on its listing of endangered species.

In addition to the hardship caused by forest degradation and destruction, sun bears also continue to be hunted illegally for food and medicine, to prevent damage to crops and villages, and to be captured as small cubs for pets. 

Most of the captured bears are young orphans, ex-pets, or victims of bear-human conflicts in degraded forest areas. These bears are now living in highly unnatural conditions, many in small cages with no access to the outdoors or physical contact with other bears. While this fact is upsetting, it has been shown that captive bears that receive proper rehabilitation can be returned to the wild successfully once they’re old enough to live on their own.  For sun bears, this is between 2-3 years of age.

In order to take advantage of this encouraging information, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre has taken on the task of rescuing these bears and giving them another chance to flourish in the wild.  They’ve created a two-stage effort to help the species fight back from the brink of extinction – by providing for the care, rehabilitation and release of captive bears – as well as focusing on education to increase awareness of the plight of the species. 

Perhaps the organization’s greatest strength comes from the fact that they’ve partnered with local governmental agencies such as the Wildlife and Forestry Departments.  This alliance will ensure the long-term success of the project in terms of political support, cooperation from law enforcement, and the availability of additional expertise for the Centre. 

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has supported this group since 2009 and is pleased to help preserve this special species.

 

The Lion: Royal, Regal and at Risk

The wild spaces of Northern Kenya were once the domain of the proud and regal lion – but today these animals live with the challenges of sharing the land with a dangerous neighbor – man.  Conflicts with humans have resulted in lion populations dropping as much as 50 percent in the last two decades.  So what can be done to help these beleaguered beasts?  The Ewaso Lion Project plans to find out.

Their goal is to study the factors affecting lions and discover the threats that have placed them in this vulnerable situation.  The project will focus on documenting the lion’s movements in the wild and assessing the nature of their greatest conflicts with humans.  This information will be used to create long term conservation strategies that will protect the interests of this remarkable species.

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Fund started support of this study in 2009 and is currently awaiting a status report from the field.  We are pleased to promote the preservation of this remarkable species.

 

The Cheetah Challenge

Active and agile, the cheetah holds the title of the speediest land mammal – but that may not be enough to save this fast feline. Cheetah populations across the globe are dwindling, with some sources estimating that only 9,000 to 12,000 cats remain.  The problem stems from our growing world.  People are now building in areas that used to be safe spaces for the cheetah – and many see the animals as a threat to their livestock.   As these farmers eliminate the cheetah they encounter, they also unknowingly force them one step closer to extinction.   

Luckily, all is not lost for the cheetah. Botswana has one of the largest remaining cheetah populations – and a new project is working to protect these proud predators.  Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB) has vowed to maintain populations of free ranging cheetah by teaching individuals how to co-exist with the wildlife around them.  Farmers have access to site visits, community meetings, and training workshops, and a support hotline.

The cheetah’s long term survival now depends upon raising awareness of their plight.  School education is a vital aspect of this program – teaching local youth the ecological importance of predators and encouraging them to see cheetahs as a national resource to be conserved. The Sea World & Busch Gardens Fund has supported CCB since 2010 and shares their belief that only by learning to live in harmony with the world around us can we hope for a better future.

 

The Snow Leopard: Left out in the Cold?

The snow leopard is a magnificent, large cat found throughout the higher reaches of the Himalayas. These athletic animals have been known to leap as far as 50 feet – and take down an animal three times their weight. Yet these capable cats have been fighting a battle that’s hard to win – the race against extinction.

It’s estimated that there are only 3,500 to 7,000 snow leopards left in the world. In India, snow leopards still roam throughout the northernmost portions of the country, and a new project plans to keep it that way.

The Snow Leopard Trust was formed to foster support for snow leopard conservation and increase an understanding of this fragile mountain ecosystem.  It strives to create a balance between wildlife conservation and sustainable development in these regions – through grazing-free reserves, livestock insurance programs, conservation education for children, and research and monitoring of the individual cats.

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has supported this group since 2008 and deeply believes in the preservation of the special species.

 

Disappearing Act: Grevy’s Zebra

Fun Fact:  When staring at a herd of Zebra, all of the animals may look alike – but in truth, their stripe patterns are as distinctive as fingerprints are in man.

Not So Fun Fact:   Some species of Zebra are so close to extinction that fewer than 2500 remain today.

Such is the case for Grevy’s Zebras.  These gorgeous creatures are becoming extremely rare and in need of a plan for survival.  Luckily these horse-like mammals have a guardian in the “Grevy’s Zebra Trust” (GZT) – a Kenyan effort whose main goal is protecting and monitoring populations against poaching and persecution.

Currently, the only remaining herds of Grevy’s zebra live in northern Kenya and three small pockets in Ethiopia – and some of these areas have little or no conservation knowledge at all.  To help, GZT developed the Grevy’s Zebra Ambassador Program which hires local people to raise awareness and develop a long-term, community-led action plan for the safety of the striped species.

Since most of the animals are killed for food, any plan to help them must include the cooperation of local authorities and the Kenya Wildlife Service.  Reporting and follow-up on poaching is crucial.  The program plans to assist these efforts by improving radio communication networks – and strengthening the Wildlife Service patrol presence in the area.

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has supported the GZT since 2007 and believes that only by learning to live in harmony with all of nature can we hope to preserve the Earth’s richest resources.  Helping the Grevy’s Zebras to survive will also promote the overall conservation of all wildlife in the area – and that’s the best fact of all.

 

Painted Dog

When thinking of endangered species, the dog is the last animal to come to mind – but one type of dog, the African Painted Dog, is indeed are rare find these days.  In the last 100 years, it’s estimated that populations have dropped a whopping 99 percent – down to just 3000 remaining dogs.  Luckily the Painted Dog Conservation Program (PDCP) is doing its part to help the species come back from the brink of extinction.

The organization does this by focusing on research, education, and community awareness. The poaching threat in Zimbabwe remains an ever present menace, with poachers using readily available copper telephone wire to construct deadly snares.  In response to this, the Painted Dog Anti-Poaching Unit was created – and to date has recovered more than 2270 snares. That said, efforts to curtail poaching have a long way to go – with only four poachers arrested this year. The problem stems from a lingering governmental unwillingness to invest in anti poaching regulation.

The organization believes that the greatest hope comes from directly involving local community members and making them care about the plight of the dogs.  One such successful effort involves the school children of the area. Over 5000 students have attended “Bush Camp” since the program began. During the camps, children are taken for drives where they’re able to see a great variety of wildlife.  For many, it’s their first time seeing these animals. The most excitement was generated with the recent sighting of three painted dogs crossing the road just in front of the vehicle, providing the perfect example of why many of the dogs are killed on the roads by motorists.  This unfortunate fact prompted an immediate discussion about how the use of things like reflective radio collars and road signs labeled “Painted Dog Crossing” can help prevent road kill deaths.

After the trips, many children express a desire to pass on the message of conservation on to their parents and peers.  Some have even suggested that older people should come for lessons since they’re the main culprits when it comes to illegal hunting activities.

The SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is pleased to help support the organization’s efforts to help preserve this valuable species.

 

Tiger Track

The Sumatran Tiger is the smallest subspecies of tiger in the world – but these proud predators have a big problem – they are dangerously close to extinction.  It’s believed that only about 500 tigers remain, making conservation efforts throughout the rainforests of Sumatra vitally important.

Until as recently as fifty years ago, a vast rainforest stretched across the entire length of the island. Today, the lowland rainforests are almost entirely gone, having been converted to oil palm and pulp wood plantations or replaced by settlements. This leaves only small fragments of forest for the tigers to call home.

In order to help preserve the species, the Indonesian Ministries of the Interior, Public Works, Environment, and Forestry developed a land use plan designed to restore and protect critical areas.  They established four “Tiger Conservation Landscapes” that are each anchored by a protected area and contain some of the largest remaining blocks of lowland rainforest.

However, the greatest threats to these animals come from man.  Poaching driven by the illegal wildlife trade remains a huge problem – and conflicts with the growing human population often results in retaliatory killing of the animals.  In order to ensure tiger survival, enforcement efforts must be strengthened immediately to prevent further losses and further encroachment.

Although the Sumatran tiger is in a battle for survival, the species has a powerful ally in the World Wildlife Fund. The organization has created a project that lays the foundation for long-term anti-poaching effort to protect tigers and their prey in the area. By collaborating with government enforcement agencies, they’re working to strengthen tiger protection mechanisms by developing more effective enforcement management and monitoring systems.  One way they’re doing this is through the use of GPS units to enable tiger tracking capability. To date, more than 20 individual tigers have been photo-trapped on the landscape.

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has supported the World Wildlife Fund on many projects since 2004 and is pleased to support tiger conservation efforts in Sumatra.

 

High-Tech Carnivore Protection

Zambia is an area of vast beauty with diverse wildlife, landscapes and people.  While this richly unique area holds huge potential for conservation, the logistics of working in this remote and rugged environment are extremely challenging.

Lions and wild dogs living in this untamed portion of the world are becoming increasingly endangered due to poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and disease.  With support from the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, the Zambian Carnivore Programme has begun to address these concerns by using remote download GPS radio-telemetry tracking equipment. 

Since July 2011, they have deployed nine radio collars on lions and wild dogs in the Luangwa Valley area. The collars not only allow conservationists to study and track populations of lion and endangered wild dog – but also to detect snared individuals quickly and deploy rapid-response animal recovery teams to remove snares and give animals a second chance at life. Recently, rescuers responded to the needs of a collared lioness with a deadly snare entwined around her neck. Due to their ability to respond in a timely fashion, the snare was successfully removed and the animal has recovered.

This useful technology is a necessary component for the protection of carnivores living in this very large area of remote wilderness. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is pleased to play its part in enabling the Zambian Carnivore Programme to expand their efforts in gathering vital ecological information about threatened lion and endangered wild dogs in Zambia.

 

Saving the Sharks

Sharks are some of the most feared fish in the sea – but in some parts of the world they’re the ones that are in need of protection.   A new conservation project in conjunction with the Argentine Museum of Natural Sciences is providing tools for education that this area has never seen before – information that could save the critically endangered tope shark.

With the help of a Sea World & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund grant, Buenos Aires has recently started tagging sharks for the first time in order to provide the scientific data needed to create a Natural Protected Area. This information is necessary to protect the species which are often the target of sport fisheries in Argentina.

By monitoring shark and ray nurseries, they can the track patterns of several shark species, including the endangered tope shark.  In addition, monies from the Conservation Fund have enabled them to add over a dozen anglers to aid in tagging, two teachers and four fish guides.  Outside the protected area, they’ve expanded their reach by convincing two sport angler clubs at Santa Cruz province to incorporate the catch, tag and release practice in their tournaments.

The initial efforts of the program have even been so successful that their work has inspired another scientific team to start tagging sharks at Chubut province.  These advancements show that by coordinating efforts and sharing information with others we can make significant strides towards protecting this stunning species.