David’s Legacy Lives On...
WILDLIFE MATTERS AUTUMN 2017: ISSUE 51
Inside:
David Shepherd Tribute
FIGHT . PROTECT . ENGAGE: The Art of Survival
Welcome to
WHO’S WHO Founder:
The late David Shepherd CBE FRSA Honorary Vice Presidents:
Mark Carwardine, Saba Douglas-Hamilton, David Gower OBE, Gary Lineker OBE, Simon King OBE, Mandy Shepherd
Wildlife Matters
Trustees:
Lady Melanie Lamb, Nigel Colne CBE, Christopher Cowdray, Nigel Keen, Fiona Luck, Bruce Norris, Andre Pienaar Trading Company Directors:
Christopher Oliver, Lady Melanie Lamb
Chief Executive: Karen Botha Head of Finance: Alison Barrow Executive Assistant: Mandy Gale Head of Communications: Jules Robinson Programmes & Policy Manager: Georgina Lamb Trusts & Foundations Manager: Sally Case Individual Giving Fundraiser: Georgia Boatman Digital Marketing Executive: Luke Judd Office Manager: Natalie Archer Education Manager: Jo Elphick Accounts Assistant: Marianne Watts Fundraising & Events Administrator: Shauna Rees Conservation Advisor: Mark Carwardine Education Advisor: Andrew White
Images courtesy of SRT
Namibia
I am writing to you from deep in the Namibian desert – on a road trip with three girl friends – through the most glorious wilderness probably anywhere on this planet. As we drive through unbelievably staggering landscapes I’ve been reflecting on the work of the project we are visiting. I feel immensely proud of the projects which DSWF supports and the partnerships we’ve formed over the years which protect DSWF Office, Gallery & Trading Company: Saba House some of the world’s most vulnerable 7 Kings Road wildlife. Shalford Guildford, Surrey GU4 8JU Tel: 01483 272323
Email: dswf@davidshepherd.org Websites: davidshepherd.org & tigertime.info
Charity No.1106893 Company No. 4918392 CAF ‘Give as you earn’ No. 001604 VAT Reg No. 414001815 Print: Kingsley Print & Design Editor: Jules Robinson Design: Jules Robinson and Luke Judd Cover Image:
David at Savuti
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We are the longest standing international donor of Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) here in Namibia and it’s inspiring for me to be here again, witnessing their amazing work first-hand. I was lucky enough to know the founder, the late Blythe Loutit, who as well as being a wonderful artist, set up the Trust in the wake of the mid-1980s slaughter of wildlife which included a catastrophic 98% decline of African black rhino. The world’s last remaining population of desert-adapted rhino were facing extinction and rhino numbers were reduced to approximately 60 animals in the remote landscape of Kunene province in Namibia. Blythe took action, forging relationships with the Government and local leaders and securing support in order to establish anti-poaching patrols, monitoring and community education and I feel both lucky and proud to be part of an organisation that has contributed to this remarkable success story; to protect this last truly wild population of black rhino in the world, and bring it back from the brink of extinction. Meeting up with SRT CEO Simson Uri-Khob, who has been with SRT since its inception and knows the landscape, people and wildlife like the back of his hand, we have learned first hand of the problems and issues that face SRT on a daily basis and of the solutions needed to ensure that this population is protected. Its hard to explain in words the privilege, magic and exhilaration of tracking black rhino on foot but we were lucky enough to find three deep in this harsh mountainous desert. Protection of this incredible species has been all about dedicated and vital
monitoring, conducted in a way that sits easily in the local community with whom the rhino have to share their space. The recovery has been slow and steady but has endured, even through the exponential rise in rhino poaching throughout South Africa between 2007-2014 (a growth of over 9000%). Tragically Namibia, especially the North West and Erongo - home to the only free roaming black rhino - has been hit by 6 years of drought and combined with the poaching they have lost over 100 rhinos in the past four years. But with newly acquired skills, targeted funding and partnerships with Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) and the Police, SRT is continuing to protect these precious animals. The ongoing tracking of the Northern team provides a real deterrent and DSWF support is instrumental in keeping this region patrolled effectively from vehicles, on foot and in the air. As well as funding training, monitoring equipment, uniforms and camping kits, performance-based bonus payments and logistical support DSWF is also providing assistance for the investigations team at MET and with evidence collection and DNA sampling for court cases. However the escalating demand for rhino horn across Africa and Asia shows no signs of abating and we have to step up our efforts, both here in Namibia and our other rhino field projects, and continue to support the vital demand reduction programme in China and Vietnam. We can only do this with the support of so many wonderful wildlife supporters around the world. In Blythe’s words “We cannot give up… These beautiful beasts have been here in the oldest desert in the world for over 40 million years... It’s their world too.” And as we drive on through Etosha, every waterhole seething with wildlife, it is just like a David Shepherd painting coming alive...
Melanie Lamb Chair of Trustees
100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
Inside this issue:
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Working together for
Joanna Lumley leads our new DSWF Ambassador programme
WILDLIFE
CEO Karen Botha
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Boots on the ground: 23 Zambian poachers arrested in July
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Collared! Lion projects on track for protection
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David Shepherd: Tribute to our late founder
24
Smile! Tigers caught on camera indicate Smart success
25
Jackie packs a punch for pangolin protection
I am delighted to welcome you to this special edition of Wildlife Matters, with an insert dedicated to our late Founder, David Shepherd. An exceptional man, a legendary artist, and one of the world’s greatest and most dedicated proponents for our wildlife across the world. David’s outspoken approach to difficult policy issues and his unwavering willingness to tackle uncomfortable conversations is now part of our Foundation’s DNA. This, I believe, is why our Foundation is able to make such a significant difference wherever we work. Our project partners are, without exception, dedicated and professional organisations with a deep understanding of the landscapes in which they operate. The relationships between partners and the Foundation are steeped in mutual respect and admiration, nurtured over many years. The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation fights wildlife crime. That was the vision of David, and that is the vision of our Trustees and organisation. We are proud of our record to take a long term approach to achieving significant impact, understanding that a holistic approach to issues surrounding wildlife issues will eventually have greater success for future generations. Moreover, the Foundation continues to fight tirelessly for an end to the domestic ivory trade in the U.K, an issue which always infuriated David. We are incredibly fortunate to have members of the Shepherd family linked to all aspects of our work, and the art that has sustained the Foundations ability to contribute to conservation issues in such a momentous way, continues to be a fundamental part of who we are. The values imbedded in our charity today are the same values that were so important to David during his life. Having joined the Foundation mid-2017, every day is a revelation. I see the passion and dedication enjoyed by its incredible volunteers, many of whom worked directly with David for numerous years; the integrity and loyalty shown by our supporters and donors, and the focus and determination shown by our small team every day to raise funds. I know that most of you reading this are long-time supporters – you already know all of this! Thank you to the Foundation’s Trustees, donors, staff and volunteers for the wonderful welcome I have received. I am proud to work with all of you as we seek to carry on David’s legacy. Please enjoy this wonderful edition of Wildlife Matters and be inspired to continue to support us by what you read today.
Fight. Protect. Engage: The Art of Survival
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News DSWF Fundraising Tops £8.85M DSWF are proud of the £8.85 million that we have raised since our inception in 1984 enabling us to focus on both long term support of vital conservation projects as well as being able to react to specific wildlife crises around the world. All of this hasn’t been possible without your vital support. Please see diagrams below for an overview of where your money has been spent:
Country:
Partnership generates £21,000 for Zambia’s elephant orphans
This amazing donation, which will support the care of orphaned elephants in Zambia, was generated through the sale of Meaco’s top of the range dehumidifier, the DD8L Zambezi. Launched in January 2016, the product was named after an orphaned elephant currently being cared for by the DSWF. “We wanted to add character to this special dehumidifier and after deciding on an elephant it was very important to us to help with elephant conservation rather than just profit from an association with the animal,” explains Chris. “It is a really simple link up and it is something that I would urge other
Winning Website
businesses to think about because it is a really easy way for business to help good causes. About half of our sales are overseas and each box has a card in it explaining about the work done by DSWF so in our small way we are helping to spread the word and getting people to think about elephant conservation too.” Commenting on the donation, DSWF’s CEO, Karen Botha said, “It’s very hard to put into words what this amazing contribution means to us. For a small charity like DSWF, this is a really significant amount. When you consider that £150 will pay a keeper’s salary for a month it gives you some idea of the value that Meaco is adding to the survival of Zambia’s elephants.”
If you would like to discuss fundraising or corporate partnerships with DSWF please contact Karen Botha on 01483 272323.
Species:
DSWF is thrilled to have been named in the Top Not For Profits top 20 list of websites for 2017. Our new site, that launched in January, was praised for its beautiful imagery and easy navigation. If you haven’t visited the site or our new wildlife art shop that was launched in June, please take a look: www.davidshepherd.org & www.shop. davidshepherd.org. “The new websites are something to be really proud of and I’d like to thank the staff and PHA media for all the hard work they put into creating them,” says DSWF CEO, Karen Botha.
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100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
Images courtesy of Rankin, Andrew White
DSWF Founder and President, the late David Shepherd was thrilled to meet Chris Michael, Director of Meaco (U.K) Limited in July to accept a cheque for £21,000.
Joanna Lumley partners with us for Pangolins Over the coming months we are going to be announcing some exciting new species ambassadors for our charity and we are delighted that Joanna Lumley has agreed to represent Pangolins on behalf of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.
“The pangolin, which ought to be a creature prized for its fascinating beauty and habits alone, is steadily being persecuted to extinction. I am proud beyond words to become DSWF’s Pangolin Ambassador: the work that they are funding is vital in saving this wonderful animal, enabling it to live in the wild, free from the predatory and destructive clutches of humans.”
Take Action for Pangolins It is your generous support that helps DSWF fund pioneering projects and campaigns of this kind. Visit our website at www.davidshepherd.org to discover more. We fund Pangolin Protection in Zambia and Uganda and demand reduction campaigns in the far east. See pages 11 & 25 for more about our pangolin protection work and if you would like sign to the petition for a pangolin emoji or make a donation to protect pangolins please visit our pangolin pages on the website.
Wildlife Protection Update By Georgina Lamb, Programmes and Policy Manager
Images courtesy of Rankin, Andrew White
It was recently reported by The Institute for Security Studies that “wildlife crime ranks fourth on the list of the most lucrative forms of organised crime globally” with Rhino Horn and Elephant Tusks being among the highest value items contributing to the illegal trade in wildlife, now a billion dollar industry. The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation will be continuing its work in the International trade arena this coming November by fielding a team of experts to attend and participate at the CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) 69th Standing Committee in Geneva. Building on our successful work in 2016 to support the African Elephant Coalition (AEC) at 17th Conference of the Parties hosted in Johannesburg,
South Africa, which saw some of the most progressive protectionist developments for elephants from the last ten years, we will be working again to support AEC initiatives and ongoing work on both the closure of domestic ivory markets and stockpile destruction and management among other major elephant related issues. We will also be keeping a keen eye on trade issues relating to Rhinos, Pangolins and Asian big cats and look forward to sharing out insight from the meeting in our next instalment. DSWF continues to work alongside legal experts, economist, biologists and CITES trade experts to ensure that the greatest level of protection is fought for on the international stage for those without a voice, the animals we work tirelessly to protect.
IN THE NEWS... Rhino update:
2017 has been a controversial and tragic year for the world’s rhino populations with growing tensions between, governments, international institutions, conservationists and even within the NGO community itself. Conflict and unease have been growing at the same rate as the escalating poaching epidemic which has been sweeping across southern Africa in response to the various suggestions being touted as solutions to curbing the crisis and wanton slaughter.
August 2017 saw the first online live rhino horn auction, held and supplied by private rhino owner John Hume in South Africa. This controversial sale, which the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation publicly condemned, was made possible by a decision taken by South Africa’s top court back in April who ruled in favour of lifting a moratorium banning the domestic trade in rhino horn. Despite an international ban on the sale of rhino horn remaining in place since 1977 the website for the online domestic sale had been translated into both Chinese and Vietnamese. This fact, alongside quotes from Hume himself saying that he has no concern if any of his privately sold stock ends up in Vietnam begs the question over the true motivations of this tragic sale and the sincerity that it was only ever truly a domestic sale with purchase to remain in South Africa alone. Economic greed and human naivety is pushing one of the earths’ most iconic mammals to the brink of extinction. There is however a growing motivation for greater partnership and alliance between like-minded NGO’s now more than ever before to work together and to fight harder to ensure the survival of this iconic species. If you would like to make a donation to our work funding rhino protection please go to davidshepherd.org/ ourwork?category=rhinos
Fight. Protect. Engage: The Art of Survival
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Where we are in the World:
Welcome to our project update pages and thank you for your support Russia, Primorsky Krai Funding protection programmes for Russia’s rare Amur tigers since 1994 Kyrgyzstan, Shamsy Nature Reserve Supporting the work of the Snow Leopard Trust (SLT) in Kyrgyzstan since 2016 Guinea, Haut Niger National Park New project helping combat the illegal trafficking of wild chimpanzees
Mongolia, Tost Mountains Supporting the work of the Snow Leopard Trust (SLT) in Mongolia since 1997 Vietnam, Nationwide New funding of media campaigns aimed at saving pangolins by reducing demand
Namibia, Kunene Region The longest standing international donor of Save The Rhino Trust, protecting the last truly wild populations of black rhinos
India, Nationwide Funding vital anti-poaching, education and illegal wildlife trade investigations in Kaziranga National Park since 1994 as well as rapid response to wildlife emergencies country wide
Thailand, Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex Funding wildlife protection and wildlife trade investigations since 2010
Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park Funding conservation in Uganda since 1998 Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park Supporting painted dog conservation since 1987
Zambia, Kafue National Park Funding an elephant orphanage, anti poaching units, community outreach and education for over 30 years
Guinea • •
New Project: Helping combat the illegal trafficking of wild chimpanzees Current Chimpanzee Status: CITES Appendix 1. Guinea is the last stronghold of the West African subspecies. Estimated 1 chimp lost to the trade every 4 hours. is driven by human activities. Guinea is a major hub for wildlife trafficking in West Africa and chimps end up in China, Russia and the Middle East to service the illegal pet trade, zoos and safari parks.
The Chimpanzee Conservation Centre (CCC) has been successfully rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing chimpanzee victims of wildlife trafficking for the past 20 years. They work closely with governmental agencies to encourage law enforcement and the promotion of education, concerning the killing, capture and ownership of chimpanzees. They also support the sustainable development of the local population, primarily those living around the park since most of the threats to chimpanzees
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100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
Images courtesy of CCC, Will Burrard-Lucas, PDC
Due to the Ebola epidemic (2014-2015) CCC’s education programme was stopped and it was slowly re-started in 2016. However in August this year they were able to visit 16 villages around the Park to conduct a survey to evaluate the level of knowledge of chimp populations as well as their status and other environmental issues in the Park. This survey has enabled them to prepare for their next campaign, funded by the DSWF, starting this month (October) when an education specialist will help to train their local educators. We will also cover the cost of education materials, for a specific program with students from their village partners from Sidakoro and Samboua, where they built a school. A motorbike is also being funded by DSWF which is vital for the educator to reach remote communities in the park and the confiscation of chimpanzees where needed.
Zimbabwe • • •
Painted Dog Conservation, Hwange National Park: supported since 1987 Funding has helped almost double the dogs numbers in Hwange to around 750 Current Painted Dog Status: only around 3,000 left in Africa
The Queen of Hwange Rests in Peace
Her Legacy Goes On… Apart from the loss of Socks, The Painted Dog Conservation project have been having a really good 6 months. Poaching was low due to a tremendous amount of rainfall during the 2017 rainy season (poachers don’t like rain as the animals are dispersed over a larger area) and anti-poaching scouts were deployed into the areas that the dogs were frequenting. With support from DSWF the Painted Dog Conservation Project have also been able to increase the number of scouts employed in their anti-poaching work to 15 and these have included 3 women for the first time. One of these women attended one of PDC’s Iganyana Bush Camps as an 11 year old, so has grown up to support their work!
Peter Blinston, Manager of the Painted Dog Conservation Project brings us the following:
“We are sorry to bring you sad news about the death of Socks. Socks was the alpha of the Nyamandlovu Painted Dog pack. One of six pups born in June 2010, her mother was Vusile, an orphaned dog that was homed for a short while at our Rehabilitation Facility... Socks was the most successful alpha female we have known, producing 33 puppies, of which more than half are still alive today. She was our Queen, our Queen of Hwange and fittingly she rests now, where she died, in the centre of the territory she dominated for more than five years. When she was killed, her pups were only five weeks old and she was still suckling them. By the time we found her, it was also too late to save the pups. We are not sure how, why or what killed her. It was most likely lions, though there were hyena tracks all around her body. Her death has affected us all. We gain little comfort from the fact that her death was a natural occurrence, though certainly being killed in a snare or by a speeding car is harder for us to accept. She was a symbol of success and hope for us - a pack thriving in the area where we do so much of our conservation education work. Fitted with a protective collar that saved her life just weeks ago, the collar bore the marks of a deadly, brutal snare. Our anti-poaching units were deployed time and time again into the forests where she roamed. We protected her with everything we have and all the knowledge we have gained so that she could thrive. Her life has now been cut short and her pack has lost its leader.
The children’s Iganyana Bush Camp programme, which has been running since 2004 and is also funded by DSWF, is an essential part of educating local communities – providing 3 nights, 4 days stay free for all grade six students from the 19 primary schools in the area. The children act out a play called ‘Teach your Children Well’ which illustrates the devastating, wasteful effect of poaching, the impact it has on Painted Dogs and draws parallels with what it would feel like for a child to become an orphan. The children in turn take the message back to their families. Feedback received help to endorse this vital work in changing attitudes, which in turn, leads to the behavioural change needed to create an environment where Painted Dogs can thrive.
Images courtesy of CCC, Will Burrard-Lucas, PDC
Alpha male Browney, and his phenomenal brother Ring, are left to provide for the nine pups born last year. We will of course continue to give them all the support we can and hope that a new queen emerges to take her place along-side them.”
A Village Head and one of the parents visiting the Bush Camp said “It is our responsibility to look after the natural resources and everyone needs to be policeman and report any poaching activities in our villages.” But equally Pertunia, a student from St Francis Primary school said, “ I will be the first person in our family to go into Hwange National Park.” A timely reminder of just how far we still have to go…
Socks formed the Nyamandlovu pack in 2012 with the four males Browney (alpha), Ring, Brush and Target. She had 10 pups in 2013, and raised seven of them to adulthood.
Whilst Socks was the ambassador of our African Painted Dog Adoption Programme, her memory lives on and DSWF will be introducing a new member of the pack for adoption, early in the new year, in order to help continue funding this important work…
Fight. Protect. Engage: The Art of Survival
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Zambia
Anti poaching and community outreach supported by DSWF for over 30 years Established first Elephant orphanage in 2008 (Lusaka) and release facility (Phoenix) Current Elephant Status: 20,839 elephants in Zambia (Great Elephant Census 2015)
was to make sure that she was well enough to travel, so the team monitored her health for several days before transporting her to Lilayi Elephant Nursery, where she could receive the care she urgently needed. It was a challenging drive as she struggled to keep warm and remain calm in the open crate attached to a 4x4 vehicle, but everyone did all they could to make her feel as comfortable as possible, strapping mattresses to the walls of the crate and covering it with a tarpaulin to shield her from the frightful sights and startling noises that would surround her along the way. The journey back was long, as were the days to follow as the team worked around the clock to save her fragile life.
A Second Chance for Mkaliva By Lauren Cawley, Research Assistant at EOP “When the orphan hotline rings, the team at the Elephant Orphanage Project (EOP) prepare themselves for unsettling news. The most recent call was to report an orphaned baby elephant, found all alone in the depths of the Zambian bush. Frightened, confused and yearning for her mother, this traumatised little girl was in desperate need of help. This is Mkaliva’s story of her fight for life… Just three hours after receiving the call, the EOP team set off on the 6-hour journey to rescue Mkaliva, who had been restrained by concerned villagers. Upon arrival, we discovered the dehydrated, grief-stricken elephant, aged just 1 year 10 months. Lost in an unfamiliar world, it was clear that she longed for comfort, but without the security of her herd, the responsibility to care for her was placed in human hands. The priority
The name ‘Mkaliva’ was chosen as it signifies the unity of the three villages that form Kavalamanja, the area in which she was found.
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Once at the nursery, her stable offered security, whilst the smells and sounds of the three other orphaned elephants provided her with reassurance that she was in a safe place. The cruel separation of Mkaliva and her mother meant that she had been deprived of nutrient-rich milk for some time, leaving her with low energy levels that caused her to ‘crash’ on multiple occasions. With the dedicated team by her side 24/7 to administer treatments, she regained her energy and found both her inner and physical strength, to stand each time. And when her temperature dropped during the cold nights, she was kept warm with a heat lamp, hot water bottles and many cosy blankets .
Phoenix Elephants Continue To Rise At Camp Phoenix, release facility, we’re pleased to report that one of our adoptive elephants, Nkala (4 and a half years old), has fully recovered from a couple of health challenges including an allergic reaction to a type of grass and suspected babesia, a blood parasite caused by ticks. Meanwhile, once frightened, newly orphaned baby elephants Chamilandu (11 years and another of the orphans on our adoption scheme) and her friend Btoka (9 years) now roam their wild surroundings in Kafue National Park, often confidently leading the way for Nkala and the other younger orphans. However when their natural instincts fill them with the desire to venture further into the bush, they separate from the herd and set off on their own adventures, with promising independence! They have recently been spending more than 80% of the month outside of the boma in the evenings, reassuring the team that they are following the right path to release back into the wild…
Educating Lolita It’s not only wildlife, but also women in Zambia that are being exploited by the illegal wildlife trade. Single, unemployed women living contiguous to protected areas are known to take in seasonal ‘boyfriends’ i.e poachers seeking accommodation on the boundaries of national parks in exchange for bushmeat and money.
Mkaliva’s care cost EOP 25000 kwacha in just the first week. This is equivalent to around £5,550.00 The weeks to follow saw Mkaliva steadily improving, gaining more strength and confidence day by day. Although she is just at the start of the rehabilitation process, the trauma instilled in her during the disturbing days of losing her family is slowly drifting away as she settles into her new herd. Njanji, Kakaro and Kasewe have gained a special family member who will always be known as ‘a little fighter.’ ”
If you’d like to adopt one of the orphaned elephants in Zambia please visit our website https://davidshepherd.org/help-us/adopt 100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
Images courtesy of GRI
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Fearing for their reputations, these unmarried women secretly shelter outsiders in their homes for months on end, unwittingly providing poachers with unrestricted access to the park.
Images courtesy of GRI
Women’s empowerment is the nucleus of GRI’s Community Outreach and Education activities. With DSWF’s support, GRI has established six women’s groups in the communities bordering The Kafue National Park. Through capacity building and the provision of tools and equipment, we have empowered over 150 women to embrace sustainable livelihoods. Each group has initiated their own income generation project in response to the key challenges and demands in their community. Established last September, Shanangoma Women’s Group are managing a chilli nursery to help the farmers in their area combat human-elephant conflict. The dried chilli is used to safely deter elephants from maize crops, with the surplus being sold for chilli sauce production. GRI recently distributed a large bundle of second hand clothing to the group. The women priced and sold these items within neighbouring communities, and have used the profit to set up a poultry farm. In just twelve months, these extraordinary women have boosted their income, independence and food security, and are no longer vulnerable to the promises of strangers….
Boots On The Ground Back on the ground, this airborne intelligence support, has led to success with GRI and DNPW’s operations – with a total of 23 arrests in July alone and seizures including the below:2 Tusks (25kg) 1 Leopard Skin 1 Civet Skin 2 Cars 1 Boat 2 Bicycles 4 Shotguns 1 Home Made Shotgun 1 Muzzle Loader 13 Shotgun Cartridges 9 Snares A large quantity of Bushmeat – total weight estimated well in excess of 200kg from Sable, Roan, Buffalo, Bush Pig, Reedbuck, Hartebeest, Impala, Duiker, Wildebeest, Warthog and Civet. Many of these animals are rarely seen and elusive and it makes it even more tragic that they have fallen victim to the Bushmeat trade. Clive Dickinson, Senior Technical Adviser to the Special Anti-Poaching Unit writes:‘In July, we had the best week in the history of the unit with 5 separate successful operations over 5 days. Starting with a planned ambush and two arrests resulting in a 25kg pair of Tusks and a car being seized, the very next day we arrested 3
Eyes In The Sky DSWF’s funding has been invaluable in purchasing a Savannah VG light sport aircraft for Kafue National Park, Zambia which began operations in July 2017. One of the GRI pilots reports below:‘The plane’s arrival had an immediate impact, providing a great morale booster to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) as they now have access to a much wider coverage of Kafue. It’s a fantastic new platform to gather data not only on illegal activity but also for fire management and conducting wildlife surveys. We have also been lead to believe that some poachers are now reluctant to enter the park because of the higher risk that they will be spotted from the air. We try to fly 5 times a week and cover an average of 200km per flight. We see Roan and Sable on almost every patrol and have recently had 3 great sightings of Eland which are quite rare in the park and not usually seen from the ground. We have managed to locate numerous poacher’s paths – these are the routes they use to get bush meat out of the park and a great place for ambushes to be set up. And we have also located poaching camps which are then investigated by ground teams…’
more poachers along with accompanying home-made shotgun, two bicycles, Sable, Bushpig and Warthog meat. The following day we made another 4 arrests and confiscated two shotguns, a Civet skin, Duiker, Wildebeest and more Warthog. The next day we arrested an illegal fisherman in Blue Lagoon NP seizing his boats, net and fish and over the next 36-48 hours we made 6 arrests seizing a leopard skin, along with Warthog, Impala and Hartebeest meat which had been poached using snares. We have continued with some encounters in August and recoveries so far include bushmeat in excess of 500kg and 3 bicycles.’
For an alternative Christmas gift that makes a difference, why not consider sponsoring a Wildlife Guardian? Your adoption will support the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect wildlife around the world. Visit our website: www.davidshepherd.org/help-us/adopt/wildlife-guardian Fight. Protect. Engage: The Art of Survival
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Uganda • • •
Elephants, Lions, Pangolins DSWF has been funding conservation in Uganda since 1998 supporting the work of the Uganda Conservation Foundation Current Lion Status: c.20,000 - 30,000 population in Africa
Collared! Lion Projects On Track For Protection By Michael Keigwin, CEO, Ugandan Conservation Foundation ‘In 2015 the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Conservation Foundation teamed up to find out more about the lions of Kidepo in Kidepo Valley National Park, in the North East of Uganda. With the landscape dominated by the Narus and Kidepo river valleys, lions were relatively easy to find in the dry season. However, come the wet season, they dispersed. Thanks to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation three lions now have collars on providing park management real time knowledge of where those three lions are. Thanks to having the collars on the lions Johnson Masereka, Chief Park Warden of Kidepo has, on a number of occasions, been able to scramble rangers to areas to push the lions back from community areas where they risked killing cattle and being poisoned. With Southern Sudan bordering the north-west of the park, Kenya to the East and community lands to the west and south, successful conservation of lions in Kidepo is dependent upon what happens during the wet season, wherever they go. DSWF has also provided support for four collars in Murchison Falls where over the past five years, as part of the Recovery of Murchison Falls project, UWA with the support of UCF, has been improving management and conservation across huge regions, including the south of the park. Now far better protected and with a few new tracks opened up, it is obvious there are more lions in the region than first anticipated. With poaching greatly reduced it is easy to see that the number of herbivores is increasing rapidly, something which in due course aerial survey counts will no doubt confirm. Unlike in Kidepo, these lions have a large area to roam with no international borders and very little threat from community interaction. However, UWA needs to know which areas are being used and roughly how many lions are in the region. Tom Okello, Chief Park Warden of Murchison said, ‘Southern Murchison is easily Uganda’s largest ‘chunk’ of land and if we can sustain the protection it needs, we will certainly witness a dramatic increase in lion and other animal numbers in Uganda, at a time of crisis across Africa’. The dry season is not too far away, so we anticipate another being put on a lion in Kidepo Valley and four on lions in southern Murchison Falls National Parks by Christmas, weather permitting!’ N.B DSWF would like to congratulate Ugandan Conservation Foundation’s founder Michael Keigwin (left with his wife and daughter) on being awarded an MBE for his services to African Wildlife and Conservation and the setting up of the Uganda Conservation Foundation. The investiture is at Buckingham Palace on 21st November 2017.
In 2016, after a visit to Murchison Falls, the Dulverton Trust proposed the formation of a coalition group to drive investment into all aspect of park life including security, community projects, sustainable livelihood schemes and education. Through DSWF they have committed significant fundraising as part of a 5 year project. With a grant of £84,000 DSWF and the Ugandan Conservation Foundation (UCF) were able to support the Ugandan Wildlife Authority in the building of two important new ranger posts. A new access road and a bridge were built to an area, previously untouched
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by rangers but with clear evidence of poaching camps, called Got Labwvor (meaning ‘Land of the Lion’) where an 8 man ranger station was completed earlier this year. This will now be a Regional Command Centre, soon to have radio communications, acting as a repeater station for the area. Meanwhile a second ranger post was built in Kololo on the very northern boundary of the park which is the Regional Command Centre covering the northern reaches of Murchsion Falls and a new conservancy area. The North Murchison Conservancy Area comprises of 30,000 hectares and is a vital landscape for both the people and the wildlife. It acts as a vital wildlife corridor but there are competing interests from local communities. A second grant of £76,000 to DSWF in 2017 has funded the creation of a plan to allow the users of the land to derive maximum benefit whilst ensuring wildlife and natural resources are adequately protected and managed. As we go to print, Mike is just back from another visit to the area where he has managed to secure the commitment of the main tribal leader in the area from the Acholi Tribe – which is key to positively engaging most of the communities that will be involved. The various strands are coming together and Murchison is on the brink of re-establishing itself as a vibrant and developing region ready for investment and tourism….
100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
Images courtesy of Will Burrard-Lucas, UCF, James Kydd, Africa Revealed, Andrew White
LAND OF THE LION and a new Dawn for Murchison
Uganda - Pangolins • • •
Pangolin Protection Project Aims: to counter wildlife trafficking of pangolins in Uganda working with the Ugandan Conservation Foundation and Ugandan Wildlife Authority Current Pangolin Status: Population unknown, The most heavily trafficked mammal in the wild
Pangolins in Peril
Images courtesy of Will Burrard-Lucas, UCF, James Kydd, Africa Revealed, Andrew White
The Pangolin Protection Project is currently The illegal trade in pangolins has spiked dramatically in the last few years due to working towards:the demand for pangolin scales and meat commonly destined for China and Vietnam Developing a national policy statement where the meat is eaten and the scales regarding the protection and are believed to cure a range of medical conservation of all the pangolin species problems. In Africa the mammals are within Uganda, which will hopefully sought for bush meat or for their scales serve as an example to follow for other to be used in a wide variety of ethnoAfrican countries. medicinal and spiritual uses. Uganda is in the unique position of potentially being home to all four of the Pangolin species native to Africa, but there is a significant knowledge gap across the whole country and very little is known about their geographical distribution, ecology or behaviour. Thanks to support from the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, the Ugandan Conservation Foundation (UCF) has begun the first pangolin conservation project in Uganda. Working in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the project also brings together expertise and support from WildAid and the Tikki Hywood Trust, Zimbabwe who are sharing their valuable expertise in helping to train selected individuals to become ‘pangolin specialists’. Did You Know? Pangolins are the only mammals in the world covered in scales Their scales are made of keratin, the same protein that makes up our own hair and nails. These scales cover their entire body from their head to their tip of their tail. There is a huge demand for pangolin scales for use as medicinal purposes, yet they have no medicinal value.
Identifying Safe Release Zones (SRZ) with suitable pangolin habitat, within protected areas in Uganda to release healthy and rescued pangolins.
Ugandan Conservation Foundation Pangolin Project leader Rebecca Sandoval said, “We are hoping these measures will lead to the increased protection and conservation of pangolin species in Uganda and improved implementation of the recent up-listing at CITES*. The willingness of Uganda to take steps to support pangolin conservation provides an important opportunity to learn more about how to effectively protect the various species, and how they might be conserved in other countries across Africa.”
Why not adopt a Pangolin for Christmas?
Training enforcement officers in pangolin Standard Operating Procedures who will be able to identify the different species, be fully aware of the national and international laws that protect pangolins and carry out rescues and the care of rescued animals. They will also hopefully be able to engender empathy from local people as a result of the training.
Marimba is our ambassador for the African Pangolin. By adopting Marimba you will help fund vital anti-poaching and community outreach work to help protect precious populations in Africa. This very unique adoption comes with a handmade cotton pangolin individually and lovingly made by a women’s community group in Zambia that helps provide alternative incomes to those living close to wildlife. Adopt Marimba at: https://davidshepherd.org/help-us/adopt
Provision of cages and small rescue kits to support the work of the Ugandan Wildlife Authority when encountering illegal pangolin seizures who will also be trained on how to deal with live pangolins as soon as they’re rescued.
Fight. Protect. Engage: The Art of Survival
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India • • •
DSWF has been funding The Wildlife Trust of India on and off for 15 years New project -Preventing hunting of Fishing Cats Global population suspected to have declined by 30% or more in the past 15 years In May this year, the Wildlife Trust of India initiated a Rapid Action Project (RAP) to mitigate issues relating to conflict and build awareness among local communities about the importance of fishing cats and the need to preserve their wetland habitats. The RAP, which has been funded by DSWF, is being executed in association with a local researcher in the Amta Block administrative area of the Howrah district. Twelve Fishing Cat Protection Committees (FCPCs) have been formed from among different village communities in the region, with members (about 60 thus far) chosen on the basis of their interest and willingness to help protect fishing cats. A consultative workshop was recently conducted with officials from the State Biodiversity Board, the Biodiversity Monitoring Committee, and the Fishing Cat Protection Committees in Amta Block II which included discussions about ecological history, traditional knowledge and the documentation of biodiversity. The importance of wetland biodiversity, which is crucial to the survival of fishing cats, was highlighted among Block Development officials, Panchayat Samiti (local self government) members and villagers.
Like a Cat out of Water
In addition to these community engagement initiatives, camera traps have also been deployed in Amta Block under the RAP. More will be deployed soon in strategic areas to monitor fishing cat presence and their behaviour in the ever changing landscape. The project is as yet in a nascent stage but it is hoped that as it progresses, its community-driven approach will build the foundations of the slow but steady recovery of fishing cat numbers in West Bengal. For some amazing moving fishing cat footage please visit https://youtu.be/d4jrxqy3c9w
The Wildlife Trust of India, supported by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, is engaging with village communities in the state of West Bengal to protect the declining local population of fishing cats…
Images courtesy of WTI, Arkaprava Ghosh
Debobroto Sircar, Assistant Manager, reports: ‘The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is one of several smaller wild cat species prowling the Indian subcontinent. It is a nocturnal, medium-sized cat usually found near swamps, marshlands, oxbow lakes, tidal creeks and mangroves. Extensive habitat loss and a rise in retaliatory killings due to increased conflict with humans have caused an estimated 30% decline in the global population of these felids within the last 15 years. In India, fishing cats are recorded from the Himalayan foothills of the Terai region (North India), Bharatpur in the western state of Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal in the east. Listed as ‘Vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red List, they are accorded the highest protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, but the rampant destruction of their wetland habitats – which are being converted into agricultural land or otherwise fragmented and destroyed to meet the resource needs of the country‘s burgeoning human population – is a major cause of concern. Fishing cats are also targeted by hunters and poachers for their skin and meat. The fishing cat is the state animal of West Bengal and there are strongholds of the species in the marshes of the Howrah and Hooghly districts. However, studies have indicated a 44% decline in habitat and an increase in conflict with humans. Five fishing cats were also killed by hunters in the Howrah district in 2015, which has previously reported fishing cat deaths due to hunting and poaching.
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100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
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David Shepherd 25 April 1931 – 19 September 2017
Whilst the world of art and wildlife conservation is mourning the loss of David Shepherd, Nigel Colne CBE, Trustee of the David Shepherd Foundation remembers a man who’s whole life was an inspiration… “My first encounter with David took place well over 20 years ago. As a Director of M&S I held a sporting charity evening each year with a specific cause as the focus. I had always had an interest in African Wildlife and I knew of David the world famous artist and of the Foundation he had established to protect endangered wildlife around the world. I spoke to Melanie, one of David’s four daughters and offered to make DSWF the beneficiary of this event and was delighted when David and his wonderful wife Avril agreed to be our guests on the night (which I have to admit involved a modest amount of gambling)! I think they had a great time and at the end I was able to present David with a cheque for over £15,000 for DSWF. Ever courteous, a day later I received a lovely letter of thanks from David - full of gratitude but with a hand written addition - “I managed to loose six quid”. That was David’s impish sense of humour and fun but realised he combined this with a passion and anger over the way that mankind was treating his only home - our Earth - and our treatment of the wildlife within it. I found his concerns deeply moving and demanding of support. Every week of every year that I knew David he drove forward this message - we must halt the decline of species such as his beloved Elephants, Rhino, Tiger, Leopards and the gentle Pangolin and many other mammals. And he preached this message to everyone he met - from Presidents and Royalty to supporters and the young - he spoke with passion but also with a simplicity which meant he educated and inspired young people from around the world and he loved doing this as much as the young enjoyed hearing from him. He believed that this younger generation held the key to any long term opportunity for us to reverse current attitudes. Within a year I had accepted an invitation to become a Trustee of DSWF and to share and help with its work at first hand. Over 20 years of working closely with David made me appreciate what a tenacious and outspoken advocate he was. He was shocked and saddened by the steep decline in the numbers of so many iconic species at the hands of man; at the insatiable appetite for tusks, horn, and animal parts particularly because of the demand from China and South East Asia. He abhorred the brutality of modern poaching and the evil influences behind this trade. He dedicated his life to fighting these issues and there is no doubt that he and his Foundation have played a really valuable part in informing public and political consciousness around the world. Now he has left us but all of us who knew and loved him must redouble our efforts to ensure the only legacy David would have wanted - that there are sufficient funds and new ideas to ensure that the work he started continues to flourish and expand.
“Such great memories of a great man: a ride in his beloved helicopter; a trip to Zambia and lunch with President Kaunda; ‘This is Your Life’ with Michael Aspel; painting a life-size lion model for Born Free; tea with David and Avril, just a few months ago. These are a handful of our personal memories of an outstanding gentleman, his inspirational work, his boundless enthusiasm, his profound compassion, his prodigious talent and his amazing family. There was only one David Shepherd and his spirit is with us always!” Virginia and Will Travers
His much loved daughters and grand-children each spoke at David’s recent funeral - it was a particularly moving part of the service. One of them read this - written in the 19th Century by A P Stanley - it could of been written today with David Shepherd in mind: ‘He has achieved success who live well, laughed often, and loved much. Who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task Who has left the world a better place than he found it Who has never lacked appreciation for earthly beauty nor failed to express it Who has looked for the best in others and given the best he had Whose life was an inspiration and whose memory is a benediction’
I s infli path teas resp
That was the David Shepherd that I was proud to know and admire so much. Rest in peace dear David.”
I a kno His han wal glob
Nigel Colne CBE
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“On with very pain inim styl
Nigel and David
Dav
“Today is a sad day for wildlife but wildlife to sa a day for y a huge th ank you to everything David for he has done . We must ce the legacy he lebrate has left behi nd and hope our hearts th with all at there are many more Shepherds’ de ‘David veloping th e same pass talent for w ion and ildlife. Dav id, you will missed. Than be hugely k you for yo ur talent, yo passion, your ur empathy, yo to help wild ur tireless ef life and the forts pe that wildlif e. The world ople who protect needs more Shepherds. David With love, M ichaela Stra achan”
“He did more for conservation than almost anyone else.” Mark Carwardine, BBC Wildlife Magazine
“One could only admire the passion with which he fought to defend the very existence of the animals he painted so beautifully in his own inimitable and instantly recognisable style. I shall miss all the teasing that we inflicted on each other whenever our paths happily crossed, that sort of teasing that comes only from mutual respect. I am incredibly proud to have known him and his gorgeous family. His legacy is there for all to see, hanging poignantly not just on my walls but on thousands across the globe.” David Gower
“If I were a n elephant I would be st anding now with the rest of th e huge herd o followers, q uietly keepin f g vigil over o ur departed warrior. M ay he rest in peace.” Joan na Lumley
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Through dedication and hard work the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation has influenced policy, shifted attitudes and provided an unwavering voice for wildlife conservation from grass roots to the world stage for over 30 years. Conservation successes are hard won and vitally important to the survival of endangered wildlife and we are so grateful to you, our donors and hugely proud of raising over £8.5 million to help save wildlife since David started up the Foundation in 1984. Amongst DSWF’s successes and those of which David was most proud are the following: Helping to set up Game Rangers International which supports the brave men and women on the front line of the war against poaching. (Having worked tirelessly since his first visit to Zambia in the early 1960’s to support many conservation initiatives.) Establishing Zambia’s first Elephant Orphanage to rescue, rehabilitate and release the innocent victims of ivory poaching. DSWF co-funded the first Aerial Support Unit for the Kafue National Park in Zambia. The ‘Eyes in the Skies’ capability provides a vital deterrent and disrupts known poaching routes in a key species protection habitat. DSWF funding established the first ever Pangolin Protection Programme in Zambia to rescue and release these wonderful creatures as part of a targeted countrywide anti-trafficking and awareness campaign. Helping secure Uganda’s Murchison Falls Conservation Area from poaching. By injecting vital funding we have been able help elephant populations recover from almost near extinction. Populations now exceed over 1,000 elephants, often seen in large healthy herds roaming wild. Helping to educate over 10,000 children in Zimbabwe through interactive, engaging and intuitive conservation programmes to provide a fuller understanding of the importance of conserving wildlife and its habitat. Providing over 20 years of vital funding and support to ensure the survival of one of the last truly wild black rhino populations in Namibia, enabling populations to emerge from the brink of extinction. Working to fund undercover investigations exposing the cross boarder trafficking routes and criminal syndicates behind some of the largest and most prolific wildlife crime families in the world. Helping to save the Amur Tiger from certain extinction in the 1990’s. As part of an international coalition DSWF successfully cracked down on uncontrolled poaching and raised awareness among the international community. Today there is a healthy and sustainable population of more than c.450 wild tigers in the Russian Far East. Helping to establish a hugely successful community defence force in Assam, India. By inspiring and engaging local communities they have volunteered themselves as the first line of defence at the UNESCO world heritage site to protect their native wildlife. Building capacity in Tost Nature Reserve, Mongolia, through use of scientific data on snow leopards, empowering local communities to successfully apply for protected area status creating one of the largest continuous Snow Leopard habitats in the world. Engaging with the Kyrgyzstan Government and a local NGO to re-wild a former hunting concession allowing for the safe development of the fourth most significant snow leopard habitat in the world as a protected natural area. Establishing the two leading art events in the conservation calendar. Global Canvas, a youth and schools art competition and Wildlife Artist of the Year, the UK’s premier wildlife art competition. Both combine art and conservation with stunning results, helping raise awareness and vital funds for species protection. DSWF was pivotal at CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) 2016, in bringing about decisions to end any future process for the trade in ivory. The same conference saw DSWF playing an instrumental role in bringing together countries on agreed text regarding the closure of domestic ivory markets.
For those wishing to make a donation to commemorate David’s life and to help DSWF continue to protect the wildlife that David loved, please call the Foundation Tel: 01483 272323 or visit the website www.davidshepherd.org Thank you.
Words from the Field... “There will never be another man like David. His work and dedication to protect Namibia’s rhino inspired hundreds of others to follow. We know he will be greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with you all.” Simson Uri-Khob, Save the Rhino Trust
“It was my privilege to meet David on many occasions, his warmth and generous spirit was both comforting and inspirational for me. His commitment and support for conservation was and remains exceptional. Very few people ever step up as he did to be with us in our time of need, he is quite exceptional”. Peter Blinston, Painted Dog Conservation “Over the last 23 years straight, Freeland has never had a more faithful and committed supporter of our wildlife protection work than David Shepherd. He trusted us and put his art, passion and faith into our cause like a good loyal friend. And it paid off. Because of the support from David and his amazing family and staff, we have managed to help save tigers, rhinos, elephants and big cats, while also making the life of rangers and other wildlife protectors safer. While wildlife crime continues, we’ve managed to slow it down by disrupting some of the world’s biggest criminal gangs, while helping poachers become protectors. And that was because David and his organisation were willing to support our new approaches when others didn’t dare. He knew what felt right and he just did it. Life is too short to live any other way. Thank you, David for your help and for showing us how to live.” Steve Galster, Director of Freeland
“There are people in one’s life that inspire a change in one’s behaviour, outlook and interests. Hearing David talk in Aldershot when I was no older that six years old, changed my life, forever. What a legacy he has left us. We’ve been so lucky to have known him.” Michael Keigwin, UCF
“We are very sad to see David go – such a wonderful man. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the man, his art, and all that he and his foundation have accomplished. He has left an indelible mark on the world with his humanity, creativity and action to create a world that embraces all life forms. Our warm thoughts and condolences to the Shepherd family, and all those at the foundation.” Michael Despines, Executive Director, Snow Leopard Trust
“David touched so many people lives, mine included. Somehow through the ongoing challenges we endure I firmly believe David will always watch over us - a strong ally whose spirit will continue to help us in very special ways that we will never fully understand. It gives me great hope for conservation in Zambia and beyond. The bull elephant mating with our matriarch Chamilandu on the day that David passed is a sign. No bull elephant will ever pass my view without me thinking about him and his legacy. Now more than ever, we need to build on this legacy and empower more rangers to protect wildlife and the wild spaces within which they live. As the President said, David was a Zambian living in England - and we shall cherish his memory always. I feel blessed and privileged to have known David Shepherd and it is my great honour to be able to build upon his legacy - this giant of conservation will never be forgotten.” Sport Beattie, CEO, Game Rangers International “It was with great sadness that everyone at Phoenix learned about David’s passing. I remember his gentle spirit and loving nature. We know David as one of the greatest wildlife artists and a devoted conservationist who was an inspiration to me and I believe everyone around him. We would be honoured to share the legacy of David’s outstanding life and to let the kids into his passion for tigers and their preservation
at the Namba eco-centre this week. Our thoughts are with you at this time. With deepest sympathy.” Sergei and the Phoenix team, Russia
“We all join hands to deliver our best to secure the future of wildlife.” Bibhab Talukdar, Aaranyak, India “We are very saddened to learn that David is no longer with us. A pioneer, leader and champion of the conservation world, David used his talents and generosity of spirit to protect the natural world and bring its iconic inhabitants alive for generations of people, rich and poor, around the globe. We may have lost a wildlife hero, but he has left a legacy that will reverberate and continue to have impact in a myriad of small communities across Africa and Asia. It has been an honour for us to count David, and DSWF, amongst our friends.” Mary Rice and Debbie Banks, EIA
“Today our head master spoke about David in assembly and we all said a prayer. Our pupils will remember all the lovely art projects we all took part in and the lucky pupils who met him will never forget the time he spent with us this year telling us stories of his adventures, such as the time a Jaguar was on the roof of his jeep in the pouring rain and the windscreen wipers would not work, so the driver grabbed the jaguars tail to wipe the window. We are honoured to have been awarded his personal award for the last two years, but most of all to know of a role model who did so much for the protection of wildlife. Our pupils are richer with the understanding of why we need to protect the wildlife.” Julie Moreton, Head of Art, Spratton Hall
The Man who loved Giants: The Continuing story… As the author of a book with a similar title (published in 1989), David told of his exploits around the world, travelling in everything and anything from Lancaster bombers and HMS Ark Royal to bush jeeps and anti-poaching helicopters. He was always hunting for evermore exciting subjects from Her Majesty the Queen Mother and his steam engine Black Prince, to polar bears and jumbos – always with the cause of conservation on his mind. The ‘Giants’ were his beloved elephants and steam engines! But David was also known as a ‘Gentle Giant’ himself. He dedicated over 60 years of his life to protecting some of the world’s most iconic and endangered animals and the amazing stories and messages of support that so many have recently shared, showed his reach across the world and revealed that David invested in people as much as he did wildlife. As an artist he captured the essence of every being he painted and the fragile relationship between humanity and the natural world and he captured the true spirit of each creature highlighting the reality of what the world could lose. The Foundation is David’s ‘Giant’ legacy and we consider it an honour and a privilege to continue his story for many generations to come. Please help us to make more giant strides in our work to protect wildlife and leave many more of their footprints on our world.
“One of the last conversations I had with Dad was inevitably about conservation. In particular how he wanted to help set up an education centre in Zambia to continue to raise awareness of the critical importance of wildlife to the local people without whom there is no hope. With an elephant being slaughtered every 20 minutes, I promised Dad we would continue his fight to end the killing. It would be a wonderful tribute to our ‘Man Who Loved Giants’ to be able to make this last wish come true through funds raised in memoriam. He would be immensely proud and I hope and pray that this dream will become a reality in his name.” Melanie Lamb
In Memoriam: The David Legacy Appeal. If you’d like to contribute, please call Tel: 01483 272323 or donate online at
www.davidshepherd.org/help-us/appeal/in-memoriam-david-shepherd
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“I believe he has gifted a very strong and magic charge, of whats left in the space between. He is to us all in His giant being, One of the True Great Tuskers. Always keeping his distance from the Herd , but close enough always for us to feel his presence. That cheeky , strong… often destructive in the best of ways…but wild wild wild energy, remains. We his family and friends that gather here today were his constant and familiar Herd, that he kept close. Yet his SPHERE of inspired influence and such untamed positivity , reaches far and wide. As the Great Tuskers once roamed upon all continents, so does he now. I personally feel very lucky to have shared a language with my Grandfather beyond words, as we played in mind and spirit together through the world of paint. To me he has just moved away, as grumpy old BULL elephants do…. Watching from afar. He’s a rockstar still, didn’t give a damn, in the purest and noblest of ways... And as I head to Mana Pools in Zimbabwe next week with paint box in tow to find those wild elephant herds again somewhere in the deep bush, I’ll take shelter under some fig or acacia tree. And raise a brandy and ginger to you mate ;)” Emily Lamb
Images courtesy of Dave Back, Aaranyak
“The greatest thrill of my life is to be able to repay in fair measure the debt I owe to the animals I paint and which have brought me such success. We all have a debt to pay for our stay here. This is mine.�
India • •
DSWF has been funding vital anti-poaching, education and illegal wildlife trade investigations in Kaziranga National Park since 1994 Kaziranga is home to 2/3 of the world’s last surviving one-horned rhinos and approx c113 adult Bengal tigers
Head and Horn above Water The worst floods in thirty years have hit key rhino bearing areas in Assam. In July, 70% of Kaziranga National Park and Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary were submerged when the Bramaputra River flooded while renewed flooding in August has led to continued disruption. Whilst the world reels from the recent flooding, devastating people and animals around the world, the animals of Kaziranga National Park are used to the seasonal floods triggered by the monsoon, that helps maintain the rich alluvial flood plains that characterise the rich biodiversity of the area. Even though this year was particularly bad, we are glad to report that much of the area’s wildlife has migrated to higher ground and tigers are excellent swimmers! This doesn’t come without its risks as they may be forced to travel away from the safety of protected areas. Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, of the DSWF funded Aaranyak Society reports:‘The annual flood so far hit twice in rhino bearing areas. The first round was in 2nd week of July which submerged about 70% of Kaziranga NP and Pabitora WLS and the second round flood hit again from 12th August 2017 which is still continuing. On the afternoon of the 14th August I visited Pabitora WLS. About 80% of Pabitora WLS was under water. Rhinos, especially mother and calf remain together and so far still have grass or aquatic plants under the flood water in Pabitora. The rhinos are taking shelter in highlands and roads which are high enough to withstand the current phases of flood. During this time it is support from DSWF that helps provide extra staff and volunteers to work around the clock to ensure the safe passage of wildlife, including tigers from parks to high ground…’
Images courtesy of Dave Back, Aaranyak
Rhino Goes to School with Rhino Quiz
Aaranyak, with support from DSWF, have been conducting Rhino and Tiger Goes to School activities over the past few years that have reached over 20,000 students. To renew interest, Arif Hussain, Aaranyak’s community educator working around Kaziranga NP has developed a new digital rhino quiz device which students can use to check their knowledge on the Greater One Horned Rhino. Initially starting with five questions as a test model, a number more questions are due be added soon but as feedback has already been really positive amongst both school students and their teachers they will also be developing a Tiger Quiz device in the coming year.
Sniffing out trouble: New dog Misky joins the pack
Malinois is currently under training in various natural habitats in Assam and will join the K9 team this winter. These highly trained dogs pick up the scent at the scene of a wildlife crime and follow it back to the criminals involved providing valuable support to the Wildlife Crime and Monitoring Programme and Misky’s chief trainer feels she will be a good tracker dog in the field. She will join Jorba (the first dog that DSWF supported in 2011) and Babli, along with another three new dogs that have been funded by NABU-Germany. The strengthened squad will be deployed across key rhino bearing areas in Assam to help tackle the poaching of the rare one-horned Indian rhino. The dogs ability to track down poachers from the source of a crime has proved invaluable in gathering evidence for criminal convictions while their presence in the region also sends out a strong zero-tolerance message to would-be poachers.
A new dog has joined the K9 anti-poaching dog unit in Assam that DSWF helped establish in 2011. Known as Misky, the female Belgian
Fight. Protect. Engage: The Art of Survival
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Mongolia • •
Supporting the work of the Snow Leopard Trust (SLT) in Mongolia since 1997 (funding research, monitoring, anti-poaching & local community programmes) Status: Killed locally to protect flocks & internationally for Chinese medicine Population c3,500 - 6,000 in Mongolia
Eco-Snow ‘Summer is one of our favourite times of the year’ writes Siri Okomoto, Snow Leopard Trust ‘because that’s when we get to take children into the mountains for ecocamps. David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and Snow Leopard Trust are great believers in opening up the natural world to children and awakening their conservation awareness and leadership skills. Through these ecocamps, children gain improved attitudes towards wildlife and become conservation messengers within their own communities.
This year, in July, we held two sessions of eco-camps in Mongolia’s South Gobi Province. A total of 40 children, ages 10-14, were able to attend as well as their teachers. All the children come from nomadic families and the eco-camps are a special experience where they can relax, explore, and discover the natural world and local wildlife through a new lens. At eco-camps, nobody sits still. Through movement, role-play, drawing, writing and many other activities, children learned about the lives of Snow Leopards, ways we can protect them, how the food chain works, adaptations of local plants and animals, and climate change. This year we also packed every day full of thought-provoking exercises. We challenged children to consider how they would protect and wisely use rangelands for the good of wildlife and livestock. And we asked them how to conserve water in the dry Gobi Desert environment. The favourite activity by far was hiking into prime snow leopard habitat. Sadly we went another year without seeing a snow leopard, but the children loved it nonetheless and were awed by a herd of wild prey.
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What made this year extra special was that we shared it with children from the Sevrei region. We have been collaborating with Sevrei district since 2013 for camera
trapping surveys and training national park rangers. For the last few years, Sevrei environmental and governmental administrators have been requesting an expansion on our collaboration. In February 2017, we organized a snow leopard day event in Sevrei District Centre to introduce our programs. Then in June, 20 children from Sevrei school participated in eco-camps for the first time. At the end of the camps, we surveyed children to hear about their learning and perceptions. Children expressed their belief that “All living things deserve to live and need help in order to do so.” They gained an understanding of the “importance of snow leopards and other animals in nature and their roles,” and said they would take home messages such as “pasture is the base of all living things and therefore we need to use it wisely.” They also were keen to share what they had learned with their families and their friends to help the cycle of conservation awareness continue.’ We’d like to thank you, our Wildlife Matters readers and DSWF supporters for another successful summer of eco-camps in Mongolia, and for making possible this special program that blends fun and adventure with environmental responsibility.’
100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
Images courtesy of SLT, Roberto Isotti, Dennis Conner, Freeland
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Kyrgyzstan • • •
Supporting the work of the Snow Leopard Trust (SLT) in Kyrgyzstan since 2016 Helping to turn a former hunting concession into a nature reserve Snow Leopard Status: Population c200-400
Eco-Home
Tigers in Thailand
Last year, DSWF helped convert a former hunting concession into a nature reserve for snow leopards and wild prey in Kyrgyzstan. Now, thanks to further DSWF support, this reserve, called Shamshy, is receiving a much-needed infusion of repairs and upgrades.
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Since 2010 DSWF has been funding wildlife protection and wildlife trade investigations in Central Thailand, home to one of the last remaining populations of Indo-Chinese tigers
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Population: Important remnant tiger population numbering just c200 in this area. Just 3,500 remain in total in the wild
The Shamshy Wildlife Sanctuary is co-managed by Snow Leopard Trust and Snow Leopard Foundation in Kyrgyzstan along with Government of Kyrgyzstan.
A cabin located in Shamshy, that according to rumours was originally built in the 1970’s to accommodate the Shah of Persia for a hunting trip that never happened, had fallen into ruin. Thanks to DSWF it is being repaired, refurbished and turned into the official base camp of the Shamshy Wildlife Sanctuary. It will host researchers and small eco-tourism groups, and will serve as a classroom and camp for local students who will come to the area to learn about the mountain ecosystem, the majestic snow leopard and the various other species that call Shamshy home.
Images courtesy of SLT, Roberto Isotti, Dennis Conner, Freeland
This spring, a local team headed to the Snow Leopard Trust and Snow Leopard Foundation in Kyrgyzstan, installed a new roof, replaced all windows, and installed solar panels to supply the cabin with independent, clean, renewable, and free energy. Amongst other upgrades, the team also renovated the interior, adding an inviting bench and table and renovations are 70% complete. “Once the work is finished, Shamshy will be the foremost eco-education centre in the country, said Kuban Jumabai uulu, the Snow Leopard Trust’s Program Director in Kyrgyzstan. “And it’s only 2 hours from the capital, Bishkek, so it will be very convenient for visitors who want to learn more about Kyrgyz wildlife.” ‘We’d like to thank DSWF for supporting this capital project, and making Shamshy into a base for snow leopard research and environmental education. This is a new pilot project that would not be possible without your support!’
IN THE NEWS... The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has improved the snow leopard status from ‘endangered’ to ‘vulnerable’. However this doesn’t mean that snow leopards are safe and they still face a high risk of extinction in the wild. The Snow Leopard Trust opposes this change and plans to challenge the decision with the IUCN believing it could have severe consequences for the species.
The future of the Indo-Chinese tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti) in Southeast Asia looks bleak. According to the IUCN Red List, official estimates place the total population at 35 but unofficially, there are reports that focused poaching has likely eliminated viable populations in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam and large parts of Myanmar. It is possible that fewer than 200 individuals are left in Thailand. However, despite declines elsewhere, breeding has recently been documented by Freeland, DSWF’s partner on the ground, in the Don Phayayan-Khao Yai Forest in Thailand, for the first time in 15 years. DSWF’s funding of ranger training has improved enforcement skills and parkbased monitoring continues to reveal important information on tigers, prey and threats, including Rosewood poachers. Building on these gains we are also supporting Freeland in bolstering their existing community based educational programmes and their expansion of teacher-led educational outreach to schools near tiger reserves.
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Russia • •
Funding protection programmes for Russia’s rare Amur tigers since 1994 Population: c540 including many listed in the Red Data Book. With a total area of 1.16 million hectares, it is the biggest protected area to hold Amur tigers in Russia, and probably the biggest tiger reserve in the world! Other exciting news is China’s declaration to complete a new 1.5 million hectare trans-border national park for tigers and leopards in 2020 which will be located in the provinces bordering the Land of the Leopard National Park in the east with plans to protect and study the Amur leopard population and the southwestern population of the Amur tigers!
SMILE! Tigers caught on camera indicate SMART success There are about 540 Amur tigers in the Russian Far East today. But despite sustained conservation efforts over recent years and encouraging recent monitoring results, the big cats still remain at risk due to poaching, logging, forest fires, and prey depletion. According to official statistics and trusted sources, as many as 11 Amur tigers died from January through June 2017. Thanks to continuous support from the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, Phoenix have continued implementing a tiger monitoring and reporting tool known as SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) in seven Amur tiger “source” sites which have already indicated tiger protection success. The SMART program, which integrates data from anti-poaching patrols and analyses current on-site poaching trends helps rangers improve their effectiveness and has enabled managers to curb poaching and allocate scarce resources more effectively by identifying areas that are most at risk. One of the indicators of successful antipoaching work at one of our SMART sites - Land of Leopard National Park – is the amazing camera trap photos of an Amur tiger family! This summer the camera trap captured the tigress with two cubs during playtime – and this behaviour means that the tiger family is feeling comfortable and safe.
“These pictures are unique because they show not just a tiger walking by, but an entire episode from the life of a healthy tiger family,” said Yekaterina Blidchenko, Land of the Leopard research fellow and a zoologist at the Tiger Centre. “The cubs are 4-5 months old; they cannot fully control their bodies yet too well, so it is very important for them to play such group games. It develops muscles and helps train them in hunting skills. However, first and foremost, it’s the social experience and the mother tigress is the first and main teacher. What we see here is the behaviour of happy animals that have enough food and a tigress who has time to play with her cubs.” Following the great results at all of our SMART project sites we are continuing to expand the program to new protected areas. SMART has been running in Anyuisky National Park, since last April 2016 with data showing that initial patrols at the park are satisfactory. Exciting news is that we have recently started work at a seventh site in the Amur tiger’s range in the Russian Far East, the Bikin National Park, after its director secured political support for the introduction of SMART from his superiors at the ministry in Moscow. Bikin National Park was created by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation in November 2015, and is home to 51 species of mammals and 194 species of birds,
Children from all over Russia and Korea recently expressed their love for these big cats through participation in Phoenix Fund’s annual international drawing contest. The competition, supported by DSWF has a jury, consisting of representatives of protected areas and educators, who were faced with the difficult task of selecting no more than 30 of the best drawings from 3,273 submitted entries for a wall calendar for 2018. This year, the entries arrived from Primorsky and Khabarovsky krais, Moskovskaya, Chelyabinskaya, Amurskaya and Jewish autonomous provinces, Republic of Crimea and Republic of Korea and the standard, as usual was very high.
As we go to print, thousands of people are once again gathering in the streets of Vladivostok in celebration of the 18th Tiger Day, which DSWF supports annually. It’s so encouraging that Vladimar Putin declared 2017 to be ‘The Year of Ecology’ - a decision which has drawn even more public attention towards environmental issues and support in protecting ecological and biological diversity. We’re launching a new Amur tiger adoption in time for Christmas. Keep your eyes on the website in the coming months.
Vietnam • •
Saving Pangolins by reducing demand in China and Vietnam Pangolin Status: Population unknown. At least 100,000 killed a year for their meat and scales.
Jackie Packs a Punch for Pangolins
video) on China’s Youku, Tencent, Meipai and Weibo sites and apps (in addition to over 1 million ‘likes’).
DSWF is supporting WildAid’s campaign to reduce the demand for pangolins and pangolin products in China and Vietnam. We have been funding a campaign designed to educate and build awareness of the poaching crisis and dispel myths about any curative properties of pangolin scales.
The English and Mandarin versions also produced in partnership with The Nature Conservancy were released at a press conference in Beijing on 22nd August which reached huge live broadcast and social media audiences and the team is now working on distributing the TV and print ads throughout China with the Vietnamese film and billboard advertisements being launched this Autumn… The DSWF office has been busy fundraising for pangolins with a ‘Pounds for Pangolins’ campaign, calling on UK residents to dig out their old pound coins (which expired on October 15th) and donate them to pangolin protection. Movie and TV star Joanna Lumley has also agreed to be DSWF’s official pangolin ambassador (see page 5) new funding has been allocated to a pangolin project in Uganda and DSWF have even started campaigning for the introduction of a pangolin emoji. It has been a busy year for pangolins! Find out more about our work funding pangolin protection at www.davidshepherd.org
Images courtesy of Simone Sbaraglia, Phoenix, Luke Massey, WildAid, Edwin Tan
In February this year, filming took place in Los Angeles for ‘Kung Fu Pangolin’ a promotional film starring actor, director, producer and martial arts hero Jackie Chan in which Chan trains the scaly anteaters to protect themselves from poachers using kung fu, but he finds that curling up is the only thing they are able to do. The animated pangolins (created by the leading special effects house Tau/PHD Films, which did the CGI work for the film ‘Life of Pi’) develop ninja-like skills behind Chan’s back, to defend against a would be poacher. To accompany the video, a billboard advertising campaign paired Jackie with one of the animated pangolins, encouraging viewers to protect them by not buying their products. A press conference in May was attended by representatives from media outlets and resulted in over 120 articles and over 2.9 million views of campaign content (blog and
Fight. Protect. Engage: The Art of Survival
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Education Hello! My name is Jo Elphick and I am the education manager for David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF). During my two years in this role I have spoken to over 11,000 children about the work of the charity and endangered wildlife and 4,618 of those children have also taken part in workshops. I feel incredibly lucky to do this job, as I’m passionate about wildlife and conservation. It’s a huge privilege to share this enthusiasm with the children I meet, and hopefully to help to inspire them to care about the natural world. The art workshops that I do with the children are a lovely way to engage them further and it’s wonderful to see the pride on their faces when they have finished their work of art. I work with children and young people aged between 4 and 18 years, so every day is different! One day I can be making tiger faces with reception children or creating animal habitats out of matchboxes with 10 year olds, and the next I could be working in a senior school helping students to research endangered animals and create posters about them to present back to the class. Back in May, I was fortunate enough to visit one of the education projects that DSWF supports in Zambia. It was a lovely experience for me to run two of the workshops I normally run with the children in the UK for some local school children. As it was during the school holidays, when I arrived there was no-one there, however as soon as the headmaster rang the bell the children began to appear and we soon had a full classroom! I spent two mornings with them, the first was spent making elephants out of recycled milk jugs and the second making 3D elephant habitats out of paper plates. The children were shy at first but soon got stuck in and seemed to really enjoy the activities. I also visited the elephant orphanage and now when I visit schools, I can talk about the projects and the elephants from first-hand experience. One of the questions I am always asked at the end of talks is “Have you met the elephants?” and now I can tell them that I have, that I have helped to make up their enormous bottles of milk, watched them being fed and walked with them in the bush, I think these personal experiences help bring my talks to life and make them have a greater impact.
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Get crafty at one of our Library workshops
If you think that a school you know might be interested in a visit from us, please contact Jo on her Email: jo.elphick@davidshepherd.org We can organise a visit to suit you, from a 20 minute assembly to an art workshop, all tailored to the key stage and free of charge (NB We also run full Conservation Education Days, for which there is a charge) Please note that geographical restrictions may apply.
Our library workshops for children are proving to be very popular, especially during their school holidays. We have been inundated with little wildlife enthusiasts keen to find out more! Recently we held a pangolin morning at Reigate library, a rhino morning at Crawley library and a tiger morning at Redhill library. The children make something crafty to take home whilst learning about endangered wildlife. Keep a look out for more events during the school holidays on the website, or follow us on twitter for updates: @DSWFeducation
FUNdraising thank-you’s The lovely reception children at Earlswood Infant and Nursery school have been busy, following a visit from us and Augustus, our life-size toy Amur tiger earlier in the year. As a part of their enterprise week, all 4 classes made and sold clay necklaces, raising well over £100 to help tigers, thank you reception, we think you’re completely roarsome! Ardingly Prep School have continued with their fantastic fundraising efforts , holding a fabulous charity fair at the end of last term to raise money for DSWF. The children ran stalls and got stuck in with everything from making and selling waffles to styling hair, all in the name of wildlife. Along with the activities they held earlier in the year they have now raised almost £3000 - thank you so much to the wonderful staff and children of Ardingly Prep, you’re all amazing!
David Shepherd (below) visiting St Georges, Hertfordshire in June. They had been studying his work as part of their GCSE and were delighted when he agreed to visit them and chatted to them as they painted!
Meanwhile at St Paul’s school in Dorking, the year one children were very busy helping with chores at home to raise money to help elephants. They raised a trumpetingly good £70! Thank you for all of your hard work year one! If you or your school are interested in fundraising for DSWF please see our downloadable FUNdraising pack at www.davidshepherd.org/education and do keep us posted, we’d love to hear what you get up to!
100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
INTO the
Global Canvas: Annual Children’s Collaborative Art Competition
WILD
The annual DSWF Global Canvas Art Competition is part of David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s Art for Survival programme and was established in 2004 to encourage young people to express their concern for the environment through art. We encourage an emphasis on wildlife but all the Earth’s wonderful flora and fauna is there to be represented in as creative a way as possible!
Entry is open from now until February 1st so why not get your thinking caps on? Come ‘Into the Wild’ with us and you might be lucky enough to have your entry shortlisted for the Natural History Museum event next March! Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to get creative and have fun whilst celebrating the incredible wildlife with whom we share our planet. The competition is open to groups of children (for example an art club, a class or a whole school) aged 16 and under.
the prestigious Natural History Museum in London on March 15th 2018, when the final judging and prize giving ceremony will take place. The deadline for entries is February 1st 2018. We can’t wait to see what you come up with! Please see the website for more details, terms and conditions. If you have any questions please email: jo.elphick@davidshepherd.org One of the entrants in our 2017 Global Canvas Art competition has recently been chosen to make up one of our official charity Xmas cards. Congratulations to Caleb British International School, Nigeria for these giraffes!
So get painting, drawing, sculpting, sewing or knitting and create a mini exhibition based on the theme ‘Into the Wild’. Fifteen entries will be shortlisted to display their work at
Buy DSWF Xmas cards at: shop.davidshepherd.org
NEW IN 2018 FREE ENTRY & CASH PRIZES! More at: www.davidshepherd.org Fight. Protect. Engage: The Art of Survival
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Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star... Watch out for our new t-shirt design by Elizabeth Emmanuel. Coming soon in a variety of different styles sizes and colours for Christmas!
WILD ideas for Christmas
From stocking fillers to large works of art, hand-made items to unusual gifts in kind, make your Christmas presents count this year by helping to save wildlife at the same time…
For Him
For Her
Bring out the Tiger in Him with a Bengal Tiger adoption (£32) or buy him a Tiger Eyes limited edition print by Julie Rhodes.
Look through our selection of African wildlife inspired neckerchiefs (100% voile) and luxury cashmere scarves from £40 - £235.
Sponsor A Wildlife Guardian - £32 to support those brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect wildlife around the world. Donate £20 for the purchase of a new pair of boots for a Ranger in Uganda.
Perfect for her kitchen dresser – a Simon Griffiths cold cast Bronze dormouse £40 or a Robin Fox Sassy wren - £42.
Select one of our books including a selection of David Shepherd’s (on planes, trains and art) or order a fantastic piece of artwork from our shop.
Touch her wild, majestic nature by adopting Ariun. Ariun is our elusive snow leopard ambassador who symbolises the beautiful nomadic mountain spirit of this species - £32
For the Dog/Cat A selection of Masaii bead collars and leads from £7.50 upwards.
Stocking fillers For £3 you could help protect Tiger rangers in Thailand with leechproof socks! £15 for a pewter rhino necklace from ‘Wildlife Bronze’. A Bruce Little mini-pewter Zebra sculpture costs £39.
For parents and grandparents You could buy a membership for a friend or a member of your family. For £32 your membership includes a David Shepherd Print, Study of Elephants, worth £25, a Bi-annual edition of Wildlife Matters Magazine, a discount on selected artwork and gifts, DSWF appeals, regular news updates, special offers with affiliated partners.
From parents and grandparents A £50 donation will enable a child in Zimbabwe to attend the Painted Dog Bush Camp Education Programme so that they learn about the wildlife on their doorstep and the importance of protecting it.
Our adoptions Wildlife adoptions make the perfect gifts for both you and wildlife worldwide. Each pack comes full of information about your species ambassador, as well an exclusive print and wherever possible a hand-made toy. We have a wide range to choose from tigers to snow leopards, elephant to rhino, pangolin to painted dogs. For more information visit our website: https://davidshepherd.org/help-us/adopt
Christmas Cards Send those you love a message with one of our Christmas cards This year’s selection of 8 cards priced £7 (inc p&p). Designs by David Shepherd, Mandy Shepherd and Global Canvas and Wildlife Artist of the Year entries.
One of five books by Suzie Laan £4.99
For details and to order anything featured on these pages please look online www.shop.davidshepherd.org or call us on Tel: 01483 272323 Special Limited Edition ‘Three generations’ Pack – 10 designs priced £8.50 (inc p&p). (Includes David Shepherd, Mandy Shepherd, Emily Lamb as well as Global Canvas and Wildlife Artist of the Year entries). Bumper Packs - £12 or 18 cards includes one pack of 8 of this year’s selection of Christmas cards and a mixed pack of 10 different designs celebrating last years ‘Ten years of Wildlife Artist of the Year’
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Events The Art Of Survival
In keeping with the ethos and heritage behind our work, we are launching an Art Ambassadors Programme at Christie’s from 4th – 7th November 2017 with a stunning collaborative exhibition of original works by each of the six hugely talented artists who have each been invited to be part of the charity’s mission to raise awareness and funds to save wildlife through highly visual and emotive media. The Art Ambassadors chosen for this first year are:• • • • • •
Simon Max Bannister, sculptor (B. 1982 – South Africa) Domenica de Ferranti, sculptor (B. 1986 – London David Filer, graphite pencil artist (B, 1986 – Zimbabwe/ South Africa) Emily Lamb, painter (B. 1985 – Africa and Cornwall) Mandy Shepherd, painter (B. 1960 – England) James Kydd photographer (B. 1977 South Africa)
Outlining the concept, DSWF founder and artist, the late David Shepherd said, “In choosing our Art Ambassadors we looked for people whose lives and work are absorbed by nature and epitomise what it means to be a wildlife artist and conservationist; someone who lives and breathes nature and who inspires others to become advocates for conservation.” For more information https://davidshepherd.org/art/art-ambassadors
Annual Wildlife Ball
Each of our new Art Ambassadors are also generously donating one of their pieces of work to the live auction at DSWF’s spectacular annual Wildlife Ball which is taking place at The Dorchester, Park Lane on Friday 10th November 2017. Tickets priced £200 for members include a champagne reception, dinner with fine wines, entertainment from the RFU’s official anthem singer Laura Wright, dancing and additional auction items including tea with Joanna Lumley! Book here for tickets for a spectacular evening to help us raise funds for wildlife. https://davidshepherd.org/events/eventswildlife-ball-dorchester
David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation annual
Wildlife Ball Friday 10 November The Dorchester Hotel Ballroom Park Lane, London
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£200 members £220 non members Table of 12: £2,400 VIP Table (Limited number) £5,000 Call us for more information on 01483 272323 or email dswf@davidshepherd.org
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Wildlife Artist of the Year Entries open for 2018 A look back..
It was a wonderful night for wildlife as our 2017 Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition opened with a private view and awards evening at the Mall Galleries in London on Tuesday 27 June. The breathtaking collection of works that celebrate and champion all species is a stunning and stark reminder of how much we could lose if we do not protect the natural world and its wildlife. “The faces of various different endangered species gazed off the wall, their eyes front-and-centre, piercing right through you. All around the room, pairs of vibrant eyeballs demanded your attention. Together, they created a powerful and sobering effect,” wrote Chris Fitch in his review in Geographical Magazine Selecting winners from this beautiful collection was not an easy task but the judges were unanimous and it was Claire Harkess’ watercolour entitled ‘Walrus of MagdeleneFjord I’ (pictured below) that stole their hearts. The work not only took the Wildlife Artist of the Year title but was independently selected by editor of The Artist Magazine, Dr Sally Bulgin, as her winner too. “Watercolour is a difficult medium to master but Claire Harkess has expressed the qualities beautifully with an economy of colour to create a very understated but powerful work,” said Dr Bulgin. “The winning artists came from across the UK and around the world with many attending the Preview Evening from South Africa and Australia. We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the artists, sponsors, judges and buyers who help make this such a special occasion for wildlife,” said DSWF’s Sally Case. As the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundations’ (DSWF) 2017 Wildlife Artist of the Year – Claire Harkess received the £10,000 top prize and, as winner of The Artist Magazine, editors choice award, she will be featured in their magazine this autumn.
The 2017 Winners Overall £10,000 sponsored by Mr & Mrs Covey: Claire Harkess – Walrus of Magdalene Fjord I – Watercolour Runner up £1,000 David Cooke – Orangutan Animal Behaviour Category Winner: Peter Stewart – Dazzle and Dust. Earth’s Beautiful Creatures Category Winner: Corinne Zollinger – Weathered – clay with a rust patina. Hidden World Category Winner: Brooke Walker – Okapia Johnstoni. Into the Blue Category Winner: Matthew Polluk – The Eloquence of Seduction. Urban Wildlife – Category Winner: Paul Hawdon – Double Glazing Vanishing Fast Category Winner: Atsushi Harada – Tomorrow. Wings, Feathered or Otherwise Category Winner: Pascal Chesneau – Manchots Empereur
A look forward... You can enter NOW for the 2018 Wildlife Artist of the Year competition, complete with new category, ‘Earth’s Wild Beauty’ With a £10,000 top prize and the opportunity of your work exhibited for sale at the prestigious Mall Galleries in London next summer it’s a competition too good to miss! Entry is open to all artists 17 years of age and over. There is a second prize of £1,000 and 6 category winners will receive £500 each. The closing date is 12th February 2018. For more info visit: https://davidshepherd.org/ events/wildlife-artist-yearexhibition
Congratulations to all our 2017 winners! And we hope their work will inspire you to enter for 2018!
Fight. Protect. Engage: Art of Issue Survival Wildlife The Matters 51
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Discover a World of Wildlife Art
Stormy Skies £195 plus p&p, mounted limited edition print, 68 x 37cm
Iconic artwork from our late founder David Shepherd
In The Mists of Rwanda £795 plus p&p, limited edition silkscreen print, 64 x 46cm
The Ivory is Theirs £40 plus p&p, open edition print, 76 x 38cm
Study for Tiger Fire £50 plus p&p, limited edition print, 23 x 15cm
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100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
Ocean Rhapsody £15 plus p&p open edition print 39 x 51cm
Shade £25 plus p&p mounted limited edition print, 30 x 30cm
Serengeti Friends £295 plus p&p, limited edition print, 76 x40cm
Hippos by Mandy Shepherd £30 plus p&p mounted limited edition print 30 x 30cm
Sketch for the Tiger £35 plus p&p limited edition print, 21 x 17cm
Ostrich by Mandy Shepherd £30 plus p&p mounted limited edition print 30 x 30cm
Warthog by Mandy Shepherd £30 plus p&p mounted limited edition print 30 x 30cm
The next generation of Shepherd wildlife art by daughter Mandy Shepherd and granddaughter Emily Lamb
To order a print or for more information please call us on 01483 272323 Visit our online shop to explore the wonderful world of wildlife art. From originals to prints you’ll find a or got to shop.davidshepherd.org fabulous choice of styles to suit all budgets.
African Fish Eagle by Emily Lamb £150 plus p&p mounted limited edition print 38 x 48cm
Carmines by Emily Lamb £80 plus p&p, limited edition canvas box print, 30 x 30cm
shop.davidshepherd.org
Blue Print by Emily Lamb £15 plus p&p limited edition print 25 x 31cm
Fight. Protect. Engage: The Art of Survival
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Going Wild For Wildlife A huge thanks to our inspirational ‘Wildlife Warriors’ who have been busy undertaking amazing challenges around the world to raise funds and awareness for DSWF. Chloe is trekking to Everest Base Camp Chloe Hurst is passionate about wildlife and conservation, hoping to follow a career within the industry, and has decided to trek to Everest Base Camp this October for DSWF! She is currently in the midst of her
killing people in the areas he would have been walking and it was far too dangerous to continue. Undeterred, Chaz, returned in August 2017 to complete his challenge, avoiding certain areas and as we go to print he has just reached the Indian ocean and completed his adventure. He walked c3000KM (over 4 million steps) and it took him 127 days! Chaz, who has currently raised over £1000 for DSWF, said “It’s a sad reality that if we don’t act now then we might lose some of the most precious and interesting creature to have ever graced this earth!“ To show your appreciation of Chaz’s trek please visit his Just giving Page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ walkingthezambezi To find out more about the projects DSWF funds in Africa please visit our website https://davidshepherd.org/ our-work Amber Barker took on Kilimanjaro
Wildlife Warriors
training, attending 4 gym sessions a week with additional walking outside around the Cornish Coast. So far Chloe has raised over £1,000 for DSWF and if you would like to support her challenge please visit her JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving. com/fundraising/chloe-hurst-everest Stephanie D’Arth is running a half marathon for wildlife Stephanie’s half marathon takes place on October 8th, where she will be running 13.1 miles for DSWF! Stephanie has raised over £1,000, if you want to show your support for Stephanie please visit her virgin money page on http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/ fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage. action?userUrl=stephaniedath If you’d like to run the London Marathon and be part of Team DSWF next April please visit our website https://davidshepherd.org/events/ london-marathon-2018 Chaz Powell has walked the Zambezi Chaz started his challenge in August 2016,
hoping to walk the length of the Zambezi River. However his wildest journey was cut short. Rebel forces were taking hostages and
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Climbing Kilimanjaro had been a lifelong dream of Amber’s but when she set herself the challenge she hadn’t hiked for more than half a day. However Amber finally achieved her dream in August, raising £700 for DSWF at the same time. “ I was very lucky to see Elephants on the drive to the base of Kilimanjaro and was reminded of the tireless work that DSWF fund to bring an end to the ivory trade and the rescue and rehabilitation of elephants orphaned by the practise. This spurred me on throughout my trek, especially in those moments when you’re feeling the effects of the altitude and feel like you can’t go on.” Congratulations to Amber and we wish her luck on her next challenge. Flying in the Face of Fear Having said doing a tandem sky dive was something she would never do, Catherine Corlett’s new mantra was ‘being brave’ so by jumping out of a plane from 15,000ft she faced her fears head on whilst raising funds for DSWF at the same time. Catherine completed the dive on 13th August. “It was terrifying but amazing! I chose to raise funds for DSWF because the dreadful poaching of elephants and rhinos is a cause very close to my heart” Catherine has surpassed her target of £500 and raised an amazing £685.00 for DSWF! If you’d like to support our work
funding anti-poaching patrols for elephant and rhino please visit our website https://davidshepherd.org/ our-work
Saddling up for wildlife This year’s DSWF RideLondon team took on the 100 mile challenge with huge courage and great results, helping to raise over £5,000 for endangered wildlife. Chris Barrow from Alton, Colin March from Farnham and seasoned veteran David Walker from Malvern, took on the challenge, cheered on by the crowds and achieved some great results. Their times were: Chris Barrow 05:22:39, David Walker 06:50:43 and Colin March 08:14:08. “Everyone at DSWF would like to extend a huge thank you to this year’s RideLondon team for helping to raise awareness and funds for endangered wildlife,” says DSWF CEO, Karen Botha.”We are extremely proud of our volunteers who give their time and energy to support what we do.”
If you are interested in taking on this exciting challenge in 2018 please visit https://davidshepherd.org/events Walking for tigers Huge thanks to Anthony Bellamy and his great team of walkers who took up the Six Town Challenge in Staffordshire for our TigerTime campaign again this year. They had a great day and raised over £800 to support our tiger conservation projects in India, Thailand and Russia. Thank you!!!
If you are looking for adventure and want to become a DSWF Wildlife Warrior then EXPLORE our website to find out more www.davidshepherd.org
100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
They say elephants never forget….WILL you? Life is fragile. We need your help. Please spare a moment to stop, think and ponder the future… In just 10 years elephants could be extinct, tigers have already lost 93% of their historical range and 98% of all African rhinos were wiped out in the mid 1980’s. BUT the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation is already making a real difference in fighting to protect these and other species around the world and our funding has successfully enabled populations of black rhino to emerge from the brink of extinction… By creating a WILL and kindly remembering us, your money will make a real difference in ensuring the future of endangered species around the world.
“We share this fragile world with all creatures. Don’t leave their survival to change. Making a Will is one of the ways we ensure the world is a better place for those we care about. Please leave a lasting legacy to future generations”. Dame Judi Dench
For more information please visit our website: www.davidshepherd.org/ help-us/legacy or Telephone Georgia on: 01483 272323
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Images courtesy of Shannon Wild
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Fight. Protect. Engage: The Art of Survival
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Entries Open NOW For: Wildlife Artist of the Year 2018
Seven categories to suit all artistic styles and mediums. ÂŁ10,000 TOP PRIZE The finalists will form part of a stunning exhibition hosted at the Mall Galleries, London. Closing date 12th February 2018 For full details and rules of entry please see www.davidshepherd.org or call 01483 272323
The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation is a UK registered charity (1106893) working to save endangered wildlife | David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, Saba House, 7 Kings Road, Shalford, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8JU UK, Tel: 01483 272323 Email: dswf@davidshepherd.org - Image courtesy of Stefano Zagaglia - 2017 shortlisted finalist