Wildlife Matters Autumn 2014 by David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

AUTUMN 2014: ISSUE 45

Wildlife MATTERS

Elephants

Our work from grassroots to world stage in the fight to save the elephant

Tiger Tales

Amazing sightings, rescues, releases and how an expanding supporter base is helping to make a real difference

The Art of Giving

Beautiful art & gifts that help save wildlife

Judi Dench the importance of leaving a legacy to wildlife

Fulfilling the Art of Conservation

The magazine of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation - saving endangered mammals in the wild www.davidshepherd.org

Welcome to

WHO’S WHO Founder/President:

Wildlife Matters

David Shepherd CBE FRSA

Honorary Vice Presidents:

Mark Carwardine, David Gower OBE, Gary Lineker OBE, Simon King OBE, Mandy Shepherd Trustees:

Lady Melanie Lamb, Nigel Colne CBE, Christopher Cowdray, Nigel Keen, Fiona Luck, Bruce Norris, Andre Pienaar, Avril Shepherd Trading Company Directors: Christopher Oliver, Lady Melanie Lamb, Mary Nugent Chief Executive: Sally Case Finance Director: Mary Nugent Head of Fundraising & Marketing: Anna Richardson Head of Brand & Communications: Vicky Flynn Individual Giving Manager: Erica Wark Fundraising & Events Manager: Georgina Lamb Trading Manager: Lisa Langridge Gallery Assistant: Julia Lilley Comms & Design Assistant: Andrina Murrell Office Manager: Natalie Archer Accounts Assistant: Marianne Watts Wildlife Artist of the Year: Nina Neve TigerTime Manager: Vicky Flynn Conservation Advisor: Mark Carwardine Education Advisor: Andrew White

DSWF Office, Gallery & Trading Company: Saba House 7 Kings Road Shalford Guildford, Surrey GU4 8JU Tel: 01483 272323 Email: dswf@davidshepherd.org Websites: www.davidshepherd.org www.tigertime.info Charity No.1106893 Company No. 4918392 CAF ‘Give as you earn’ No. 001604. VAT Reg No. 414001815

Print: Kingsley Print Ltd Editorial & Design: Vicky Flynn, DSWF Cover Image: Etosha Elephant by Andrew White. Read our special report on the crisis facing the world’s elephants on pages 6-7

Keeping in touch help us cut costs Modern communication channels offer us a host of exciting and cost-effective ways to tell you about our work and help us give more to wildlife. DSWF’s monthly eNewsletter keeps you up-to-date with all our latest news, events and offers and we also provide Wildlife Matters in an online format. If you would like to receive either communication in this way please email your full details to dswf@davidshepherd.org so that we can switch you from printed to digital communications. Or call us on 01483 272323.

I was thrilled to receive a surprise ‘Conservation Achievement Award’ from Dame Judi Dench at our 30th Anniversary Ball (more on page 5)

It was my good friend Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands who, having seen how much my work raised at auction, suggested that I establish a wildlife foundation funded by my art. I soon began to realise that by painting a picture and auctioning it in the right environment, I could raise really worthwhile sums of money. A very early example of this was a picture I painted and auctioned in Nairobi in the early 1960s, which raised enough money to build an artificial waterhole. That conversation with Prince Bernhard happened thirty years ago and it changed not only my life, but the life of my family and many of the animals that we work to protect. The passion I felt to give something back to the wildlife that had helped establish me as an artist, and which suffers so terribly at the hands of man, has never diminished. Indeed, as I grow older, my passion grows stronger, my determination more resolute and I want to do more and more to ensure a sustainable future for the wildlife that I love. I want my grandchildren and their children to enjoy the wonders of the natural world that have played such an enormous part in my life.

I feel desperately sad when I read about the growing illegal trade in wildlife parts. I find it impossible to believe that anyone would prefer an ivory bangle or a tiger skin rug to the living, breathing majesty of that animal in its natural habitat and I urge anyone who shares that view to get involved. The Foundation works at so many levels, from funding grass root conservation; putting the boots on the feet of the rangers in the field, to representing our cause on the world stage; fighting at CITES to ensure that a continuing total ban on the trade in ivory is maintained. You can read about our work in this issue of Wildlife Matters along with the different ways that you can get involved to help.

Today, the Foundation has raised over £7 million for endangered wildlife across Africa and Asia. I like to think that my art, and that of so many other supporting artists, including my daughter Mandy and my granddaughter Emily, has helped raise the money to achieve so many conservation successes and it makes me incredibly proud. I feel that what I began thirty years ago is now in safe hands. My daughter Melanie, who served as CEO for 20 years and is now chairman of the trustees, has helped establish a robust and effective charity that does exactly what it says on the tin: ‘saves endangered wildlife’ and I hope very much that the legacy we have all built will continue to grow. But that growth, and the conservation successes that go with it, are also in your hands. Without your help and without the legacy that you too can give to wildlife, the continuing success of the Foundation cannot be guaranteed. Please, if you can, consider the legacy that you can leave to wildlife. You can find out more on page 25. I hope you enjoy this issue of Wildlife Matters.

You can also follow DSWF and TigerTime on Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter @theDSWF and @TigerTimeNow

100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted

Inside this issue...

5 7 12

10 11

CONTENTS p.5 Celebrating the Art of Conservation our Wildlife Ball in pictures p.7 Wildlife Words with Simon King p.10 Namibia’s black rhino p.11 a bumper year for painted dog pups p.12 anti-poaching successes in Uganda p.15 five Amur tigers return to the wild p.22 shop for conservation with our fabulous art and gifts for Christmas p.24 embracing our fundraisers with a huge thank you!

As we celebrate 30 years of extraordinary achievements by one great man and his Foundation, we must also consider the challenges that the next 30 years will bring for the world’s most iconic wildlife. The human demand for wildlife products has grown out of control. A kilogram of ivory, used only to make decorative trinkets, is now worth thousands of pounds; and the Asian market for ivory is growing fast as economies improve in these increasingly populated countries. This makes ivory a very attractive proposition for organised criminal gangs who have fine tuned the art of shooting an elephant as the sun falls, and hacking off its face with a machete to make a quick getaway before rangers can be mobilised. Some believe rhino horn is now being stockpiled as unscrupulous investors bank on the rhino’s extinction to raise the price to newfound levels. Increasing human demand for natural resources such as land and timber also means the wild tiger remains at high risk with tiny populations now confined to shrinking forests. The tiger’s homelands are increasingly isolated pockets, where gene pools are diminishing day by day.

15 22

Looking ahead by CEO, Sally Case

There are signs that the world is recognising these challenges but much more is needed now. Unless we act, and support words with actions, in the next 30 years the natural earth may become a very different place. With your help we know we can make a difference, so please support our vital conservation projects today and protect our planet for future generations. As these challenges mount, here at the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation we are ensuring we are ready, fit and able to face the next 30 years. I am delighted to announce our new Chair of Trustees, Melanie, Lady Lamb who takes over from Bruce Norris after 14 years of leading our Trustees from strength to strength. We also welcome new Trustee Fiona Luck and thank retiring Trustee Richard Powles for his years of service to the Foundation.

Wildlife Matters Issue 45

News

Exclusive Emily Lamb scarves available now! We are delighted to showcase these beautiful scarves designed by artist Emily Lamb. Made in 100% superfine finished cotton voile with hand rolled edges, 40% of the sale goes to the Foundation to support our work to save endangered wildlife.

You can buy the scarves direct from ‘This Way to Heaven’ at www.thiswaytoheaven.com

Emily Lamb is David Shepherd’s eldest grandchild and is following in the footsteps of her illustrious grandfather using her art to support conservation.

Don’t miss Emily’s exciting exhibition in London this November. Find out more about ‘The Wild Uncovered’ on page 27.

‘Delta’ featuring an iconic elephant image is 240x140cm and £150 ‘Tiger Lines’ is 180x95cm and £100

‘Kai’ joins TigerTime ‘Kai’ by artist Richard Symonds is the latest tiger to join our TigerTime campaign. This beautiful drawing is now available as a limited edition print in two sizes - large (56x42cm) £125 and medium (28x40cm) £80. “Kai is the first of a series of tiger drawings leading up to a very special piece that will be unveiled at the Mall Galleries next summer all of which will support DSWF’s TigerTime campaign and conservation projects,” explains Richard Symonds. To order your copy call 01483 272323.

Emergency Elephant Appeal Thank you to everyone who has supported our Emergency Elephant Appeal to date. Your donations mean that we can support the dedicated team caring for the victims of the growing ivory crisis at the orphanage in Zambia. Since launching the appeal two more orphans have been rescued. With the team and their resources stretched to the limit your support is vitally important.

Just £20 pays to feed a baby elephant for a week as we work to rehabilitate them so that they can begin their long journey back to the wild. If you would like to give, simply call us on 01483 272323 or find out more and donate online at www.davidshepherd.org

Win an original work by David Shepherd Don’t miss out on your chance to win some fabulous prizes in our 30th Anniversary raffle. For just £1 you could be the proud owner of a David Shepherd original pencil sketch (pictured), win tea for two at the Coworth, a hand-made coarse stoneware sculpture by Julie Wilson or a limited edition print from Emily Lamb. The draw takes place on Thursday 15th January - tickets would make a great stocking filler! If you would like a book of tickets please call us on 01483 272323.

About us: money matters In the 30 years since being formed in 1984, DSWF has spent over £7 million in the support of wildlife conservation projects in Africa and Asia. Highlights include: £560,000 spent in Namibia on the protection of the highly endangered black rhino population in the project area. £600,000 spent in the Indian state of Assam successfully protecting around 80% of the world’s Indian rhinos and a vital population of Bengal tigers.

£880,000 spent in Zambia on establishing and running a holistic conservation programme comprising park protection and forest guard training, an elephant orphanage and community and education programmes. £850,000 spent on fighting wildlife crime around the world with focus on undercover investigations, enforcement and political lobbying to halt the illegal trade in wildlife parts. In the year ended 31 March 2014 income of £1.1 million was received, funding charitable activities of £551,000, educational activities of £140,000 and resulting in reserves carried forward of £477,000.

4 100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted

The stars came out to support TigerTime

Events

Dorchester Wildlife Ball On Friday October 10th the Foundation celebrated 30 years of conservation with a spectacular Wildlife Ball at The Dorchester, London. Attended by a glittering array of celebrities including legendary Queen guitarist, Brian May and Dame Judi Dench, the event showcased the amazing achievements of the last 30 years and called on supporters to continue the fight for endangered wildlife. Entertainment from the South African cast of The Lion King and Dominic Halpin’s swing band lent a celebratory buzz to the evening and, with over £150,000 raised for wildlife it was a truly unforgettable evening. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our work. More photos are available on our website at www.davidshepherd.org

Photo: Rowena Chowdrey

Dame Judi Dench and partner David Mills

David Shepherd with Deborah Meaden, Jane Fallon, Ricky Gervais, Naomi Cleaver and Elizabeth Emanuel

We were thrilled to welcome TigerTime campaign celebrity supporters to Burgh House in Hampstead earlier this year. Actor Ricky Gervais, novelist Jane Fallon, designers Naomi Cleaver and Elizabeth Emanuel joined special guests to hear Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden give a passionate talk on tigers and the urgent need for individuals and corporates to join forces to save the iconic big cats in the wild. You can find out more about the campaign at www.tigertime.info

Queen guitarist Brian May CBE with wife Anita Dobson and DSWF Honorary Vice President and key-note speaker, Simon King OBE

Model and actress Lucy Pinder with racing driver Freddie Hunt

The Shepherd family; Avril, Mel, David, Melinda, Georgina (Peanut), Emily and Mandy - three generations of conservationists

Designer Elizabeth Emanuel with Andrew Marshall

Fresh from their West End show The South African cast of The Lion King gave an inspirational performance

Wildlife Matters Issue 45

SPECIAL REPORT

Elephants

From the world stage to grass roots How DSWF works to protect the elephant

With 20,000 elephants poached across Africa in 2013 recent reports say there are now more elephants being killed than being born. The exact number of African elephants is uncertain. In 2007 estimates ranged from 472,000 to 690,000. Today, the number may well be as low as 250,000. One elephant is killed illegally for its ivory every thirty minutes.

delegates to step up protection of elephants, close trade loopholes such as “pre-Convention” ivory exports from the EU to China, and endorse the new trend of stockpile destructions.

For the first time ever, the CITES Standing Committee officially recognized the destruction of ivory stockpiles, by adopting (amended) proposals by the sponsor states Chad and Philippines. The Over the past three years, If nothing is proposals, which more than 60,000 elephants DSWF and partner done to curb the killing and end NGOs worked hard have been killed in Africa, the ivory trade support, attracted far exceeding the number of to the unthinkable vocal endorsement elephants being born may have to be from several faced; that within African and Asian our lifetimes countries who are elephants could be extinct in the wild, or reduced either elephant range states or traditional ivory to tiny, biologically non-viable populations. consumers. The US also gave some welcome support. The Italian Presidency, speaking for The statistics are there in black and white but the UK and 27 other EU countries, took a the argument about the ivory trade rumbles disappointingly weak position to cover internal on shrouded in shades of murky grey. Pro- differences, but at least the delegate from traders still argue in the face of clear evidence Portugal did not rule out supporting stockpile that continuing or even expanding legal trade proposals at the next Conference of Parties. will stop the poaching. Many conservationists, including DSWF, believe that legal trade has One of our representatives, Rob Hepworth been tested to destruction already over the last takes up the story: 40 years of CITES existence: corruption, poverty and vested interests feed the black market. “We have broken CITES’ long silence on ivory Poached ivory is laundered and legitimised by stockpiles. Encouraging and supporting their legal trade sanctioned under CITES. But crude destruction is important to ensure that stockpiled economic models treating ivory as if it was a tusks are kept from criminals and removed from normal commercial product and used to justify commercial use for good while sending a clear trade simply don’t work in the real world. message that elephants are not to be traded now or in the future. The less good news is DSWF’s team at the CITES meeting in Geneva that the next Conference is not until 2016 – this July - the only meeting in 2014 where and elephants need action before then. This is governments could act instead of talk about challenging as there is a hard core of resistance runaway poaching and ivory smuggling - were amongst a shrinking minority of East Asian and geared up to fight for elephants and a total ivory Southern African countries who still advocate trade ban.The team worked all week to persuade ivory trading for profit in spite of figures showing

“

”

“ Africa’s elephants continue to face an immediate threat to their survival from high-levels of poaching for their ivory and with over 20,000 elephants illegally killed last year the situation remains dire. Due to the collective efforts of so many, we also see some encouraging signals, but experience shows that poaching trends can shift dramatically and quickly, especially when transnational organized crime is involved.”

John E. Scanlon, Secretary-General of CITES 6 100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted

Wildlife words with DSWF honorary vice president

“Today, an African elephant is killed every 30 minutes for its ivory ” an epidemic of elephant poaching across subSaharan Africa, the murder of wildlife wardens who try to protect them, and the increasing involvement of professional criminals and terrorist organisations in the whole, dirty ivory business. “ The DSWF contingent left Geneva with mixed feelings. Dr Roz Reeve was disappointed that CITES decided to carry on its preparatory work for a “Decision Making Mechanism” for authorising ivory trade. “This sends absolutely the wrong signal,” said Dr Reeve. “CITES Parties should be discussing how to end the ivory trade, not how to keep it going. It is alarming that South Africa were reluctant to let CITES endorse the welcome destruction of ivory stockpiles by some countries. It is even more alarming that they will host the next conference but offer only discredited solutions to rampant poaching and warehouses bulging with seized ivory which are an open invitation to criminals.” Holding the next CITES Conference in South Africa will make it a particularly challenging event. However, Roz added, “there are positive signs that a number of countries in Africa, including Botswana and Tanzania, are at last moving towards opposing further ivory trade. China is showing signs it is listening as political opposition to the ivory trade multiplies. The US has set an example with its tough new legislation against ivory trading. We now need to make sure that Europe does not try to walk away from its global responsibilities. The UK must assert itself as a champion of elephant protection, take a leadership role and speak with a much clearer voice both in Brussels and Geneva.” Away from the global stage DSWF continues to support grass roots elephant conservation. In Uganda the success of the anti-poaching patrols

Simon King is resulting in fewer snares being found and more poachers being caught and successfully convicted. “Increasing the anti-poaching presence in the field is an important deterrent, it’s like having more Bobbies on the beat and it’s vital that we maintain funding to ensure that there are enough rangers and the teams are well equipped to confront the increasingly sophisticated gangs they face,” says DSWF CEO, Sally Case. The same is true in Zambia where DSWF founder, David Shepherd, has championed conservation for over 30 years. “While the elephant orphanage project that DSWF helped establish and now funds often takes the limelight, the nuts and bolts of park protection and educating local communities has always come first for us,” adds Sally. “If orphaned elephants need to be rescued and cared for we have to make sure that the habitat we return them to is safe. This year we have invested more funding into park protection in Zambia to provide better training, more operational support and increased welfare for wildlife scouts, as well as investment into rapid deployment teams.” With DSWF funded teams working to protect elephants on the world stage and at the sharp end of conservation one thing is certain - DSWF refuses to give up the fight. As David Shepherd says; “History has shown us the folly of one-off ivory sales and the seemingly impossible task of fighting corruption, greed and embedded traditions but we remain undaunted. We will continue to fight for elephants not as commodities that need our protection but as sentient creatures vital to the sustainability and biodiversity of the planet we share.”

How you can help The elephant is under threat. Help DSWF support the experts fighting for the elephants survival on the world stage and the rangers who risk their lives on the frontline of park protection by donating today online at www.davidshepherd.org or call us on 01483 272323. Thank you.

Lend your voice to wildlife Around the world wildlife is under siege. Even with scientific research proving the inefficiency of a badger cull in controlling the spread of Bovine TB in the UK, we have been forced to campaign and urge communities to protest, to protect and to be the voice of the animals that cannot speak for themselves. Worse perhaps is the unregulated, illegal slaughter of wildlife not as a supposed protection from the spread of disease but for the ruthless economic gain of a few selling animal parts to the misguided masses, peddling trinkets and mythical medicines. It is for these innocent victims, for the elephant, the rhino, the tiger, for every animal that is subjected to gross miscarriages of justice in the name of human development or economic gain that we must speak up. When legal measures work to protect wildlife - either by enforcing protection of a particular habitat or ensuring meaningful prosecutions of poachers or criminal syndicates - we have every reason to celebrate. But, when the rule of law is not upheld we must speak up. The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation does just that. It creates a voice for those of us who are passionate about wildlife who, on our own, can make little impact but who, as part of a like-minded group can bring about greater awareness and change. The next few years will be crucial if elephants, rhinos and tigers are to survive in the wild. Please continue to lend your support and your voice as DSWF and its TigerTime campaign take your concerns to the world stage to fight for wildlife. You can find out more about DSWF’s work at CITES in support of a total ban on ivory sales on these pages or go to www.tigertime.info for ways in which you can lend your voice to the fight to ban the trade in tiger parts from all sources.

Wildlife Matters Issue 45

ZAMBIA

Raising awareness and funds for wildlife rescue, education and park protection

Illegal Bushmeat Trade: the unknown threat to Zambia’s wildlife

While elephant and rhino poaching is a huge threat to wildlife populations in Africa there is another, darker threat to the future of endangered species. The lesser acknowledged bushmeat trade is often overlooked in African savannas perhaps due to a misconception that illegal hunting for bushmeat is primarily for subsistence and largely sustainable. However, recent studies have shown that the trade is one of the most significant drivers of illegal killing of wildlife throughout Africa. The term ‘bushmeat’ is used to describe meat from any wild animal that has been hunted illegally. There are several different markets. People living around protected areas may consume bushmeat hunted locally, but a growing commercial trade is supplying wealthy, urban areas where bushmeat is a luxury product consumed at special occasions and seasonal events. Bushmeat has also been discovered in large cities such as London and Paris, supplying a worryingly expanding international market. One of the largest dangers of the bushmeat trade is the main illegal hunting method employed, the snare. This silent killer is a loop of wire (found almost anywhere in Zambia) often

Bushmeat drying courtesy of Carlos Bento

by Sarah Davies, Game Rangers International (GRI)

positioned in a tree, which indiscriminately traps any animal that walks through it. As the animal struggles to get free often panicking in the process, the wire becomes tighter and tighter. This horribly inhumane device results in a painful and prolonged death.

“This silent killer is a loop of wire” Game Rangers International’s Kafue Conservation Project, with funding from DSWF, supports the work being carried out by the brave men of the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) at the frontline of the fight against illegal wildlife crime including the bushmeat trade. Through the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU) based in Kafue National Park, teams of ZAWA Wildlife Police Officers patrol the region, raking for snares and deterring illegal activity. As

well as anti-poaching foot patrols this year the SAPU team has been working closely alongside the ZAWA Investigations and Intelligence Unit based in Lusaka conducting special antitrafficking operations. Since it started in January 2013 the Unit has seen a high level of success: apprehending 152 poachers, confiscating over 5,000kg of bushmeat and 55 weapons, destroying over 500 snares and uncovering illegal bushmeat being supplied by nine restaurants and wholesalers in Lusaka. “DSWF’s support for this work is part of our long-term commitment to grass-roots conservation,” says CEO Sally Case. “Tackling wildlife crime, whether it be investigations into organised syndicates or everyday poaching, is a vital and ongoing part of tackling the bigger picture of protecting the wildlife we love.”

Education: fuelling passion for conservation Day One started with a personal reflection on what makes a good teacher and personal strengths and weaknesses. Day Two saw the delivery of a lesson to 20 pupils who left Lilayi Elephant Nursery full of enthusiasm and excitement for elephants and conservation.

Following the success of April’s teacher workshop, DSWF’s Education Advisor Andrew White returned to the Game Rangers International team in Zambia for Round Two. This month’s focus was to look at successful lesson planning and how to develop classroom presentation skills.

An excited education team flourished under these conditions, enjoying the opportunity to learn from Andrew and the UK education system. And, full of ideas the team set about preparing an elephant viewing lesson for a group of local community children. “Seeing the team united in wanting to create a fantastic learning experience to impart the important knowledge of elephant conservation was heart warming and inspiring,” says Kate Franklin, Project Manager.

“It was great to work with Kate and her team again. The vibe you receive from the team in Zambia fuels your passion for the importance of education in the vital conservation battle,” adds Andrew White. DSWF will be launching a new education pack this autumn. Keep your eye on our website for more news.

100% of all donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full with no costs deducted

On the move... the next step on the road to release Monday June 9 was a big day for two little elephants. Kavalamanja and Maramba packed their trunks and moved from the Lilayi Elephant Nursery near Lusaka to the Kafue Release Facility in Kafue National Park. This is the next, exciting phase of Kavala and Maramba's rehabilitation, moving ultimately towards release into the wild. Now 3.5 and 4 years old the elephants will soon be completely weaned off milk and with the recently completed outer boma at Kafue will be able to move freely, socialise and forage throughout the night; three essential behaviours that are typical of wild elephants.

Their day started with a mild sedation and, under the watchful eye of ZAWA vet Dr David Squarre and Elephant Orphanage Manager, Rachael Murton, they began their ten hour journey in a specially designed game capture vehicle. There was an unforeseen truck stop when Maramba decided to remove the aerial from the vehicle but everything else went smoothly! On arrival they were gently introduced to their new surrogate siblings with the support of the experienced keeper team. There were a few excited trumpets and they were soon walking out into Kafue National Park with their new herd, distinguishable only by the orange mud of Lilayi that still coloured their skin.

Photos: Preparing for the road ahead, Kavala and Maramba are loaded into the truck for the journey from the orphanage in Lilayi to the release facility in Kafue NP before meeting their new herd

Photos courtesy of Game Rangers International, Peanut Lamb, Andrew White

Ntubya - the struggle for survival Ntubya won the hearts of keepers and elephants alike during the short time that she was with the team at the Lilayi Elephant Nursery. Despite roundthe-clock care, this little orphan lost her fight for life on August 25th. Ntubya was severely emaciated when she was found alone in the Musungwa Chiefdom, close to Kafue National Park. On arrival at the nursery she was given constant care and veterinary attention. Unfortunately tests showed a high parasite load and a protein deficiency resulting from starvation due to separation from her mother. Staff at the project did everything they could to stablise Ntubya’s condition but sadly the team could not get control of her stomach upset and her condition continued to deteriorate.

"Unfortunately Ntubya was an elephant that the team could not save," says DSWF CEO Sally Case. "But we thank everyone who supports the orphans that we have successfully helped rescue and which are currently being rehabilitated at the GRI-Elephant Orphanage Project in Zambia. “As the number of rescues and elephants increases - two new babies were rescued as Wildlife Matters went to print - it’s a struggle to find the resources they need. If you have not already donated to our Emergency Elephant Appeal please do. Just £20 can make a world of difference. Thank you.”

How you can help Donate online www.davidshepherd.org or call 01483 272323

Wildlife Matters Issue 45

NAMIBIA

Monitoring and protection for the rare desert rhino The state of play By Bernd Brell, Director: Special Operations & Services, Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) Between 1994 and 2011 Namibia and its rare desert black rhino populations enjoyed a period of relative peace. A peace that was broken in September 2011when the first rhino, a young male, was found in a deliberately set snare. The poachers had done their homework, possibly having observed the movement of the mother and calf for a while before setting the snare on the game trail the animals were using to and from the natural spring. Fortunately a second snare set for the female rhino was removed in time, by a joint SRT and Community Game Guard patrol. This incident was followed by the shocking illegal hunting of a cow and 6 month old calf around Christmas 2012. The female rhino had been shot once, her horns surgically removed, indicating that the suspect had done this before. The six month old female calf spent nearly five days with its dead mother before help arrived; unfortunately she died during the transport to safety due to severe dehydration. With help from the local community, the culprit was arrested and he was sentenced on August 20, 2014 to seven years imprisonment for the illegal hunting of a protected game species. Throughout 2013 Namibia experienced a sharp increase in the illegal hunting of rhino and the illegal possession of horns, losing four more rhino. In two cases nine suspects have been arrested and one set of horns recovered. This year to August, Namibia has lost 13 rhinos; 11 desert black rhino and two white rhinos. Another three desert black rhinos were wounded, but were successfully treated by the

Photos courtesy of Andrew White

How you can help

Save these animals from the brink of extinction. It costs £220 per month to offer a secure livelihood to a reformed poacher as a wildlife guard. Adopt a black rhino and help support their cousins in the wild. Adoptions make the perfect gift - choose from one of six amazing animals. See page 25 for more details.

Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) vet and translocated to safety.

Namibia’s fauna and flora, especially rhino, elephant and lion.

Although no suspects have been arrested so far, two sets of horns were secured. Customs and Airport Police successfully intercepted 14 horns of seven individual desert black rhino and one white rhino, packed in two suitcases, destined for Hong Kong. Three Chinese nationals were arrested and are still in custody. Another Chinese national was arrested during a sting operation, trying to obtain rhino horn on the black market. All the Chinese nationals were denied bail by the state, and are remaining in custody.

As the poaching syndicates spread we are more determined and more focused than ever with the trackers on high alert. One newly developed field operation ‘Mini Census’ is being used to identify risk areas and illegal activities as well as to track and locate rhinos that have not been seen for a long time.

In all cases, good co-operation between government agencies, supporting NGO’s and the private sector, demonstrated the will by all stakeholders to try and stop, or at least minimize the activities of syndicate driven crime, targeting

Using donkeys to cover the rugged, mountainous terrain and setting up night camps where lions are prevalent increases the threat to the teams. But it is a risk the teams are willing to take in the fight to protect Namibia’s black rhino. Now, more than ever, it is vital that we continue to fund patrols on the ground. Please help us continue this work, please help us protect Namibia’s rhino.

100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted

ZIMBABWE

Anti-poaching and community outreach to save the painted dog Creating a brighter future ten years of the Children’s Bush Camp By Peter Blinston, Managing Director, Painted Dog Conservation, PDC It’s hard to believe that ten years have passed since we began our Children’s Bush Camp programme. In that period, more than 8,500 children have attended the camp and many lives have been changed in a positive way.

There is the story of Wilson Ncube, the young man that turned over a new leaf after attending our Bush Camp. Wilson had been a poor scholar but the Bush Camp inspired him to work hard at school so that he could become a safari guide.

The children who have attended our camp achieve higher grades at school compared to those who have not attended. With education being rightly regarded as the key to life, this simple fact is priceless. The children who have attended our camp consequently have better prospects of employment, of achieving a better standard of living and thus having a greater capacity to care for and protect the wildlife that surrounds them. That’s maybe a long stretch but there is no question that we are on the right path to achieving this.

I vividly remember him running up to me at Victoria Falls, having recognized the PDC vehicle, full of excitement and questions about PDC and our Education Team lead by Wilton Nsimango.

There are individual stories of children like Tendai, who took action to not only remove snares from the forests around her village but also release a kudu caught in a snare but still alive.

There is the story of Pride, the young lady that attended our Bush Camp in 2004, who was inspired to become a teacher and now wants to undertake further studies to become a wildlife journalist so that she can tell the whole world about the wildlife she loves. This is all evidence that the work we are doing with your committed support is making a difference. It’s changing lives and gives hope of a brighter future for the wildlife and in particular the painted dogs that we cherish so much.

Park Life New pups in Hwange

Photos courtesy of PDC, Andy Skillen, Martin Steimer

It’s always great to get good news from the projects we support and we’ve just received news that 2014 has been an exceptional year for painted dogs in Zimbabwe. In June the team had great expectations and were hoping for pups from various dogs, including DSWF adoption dog Socks, and they have not been disappointed. There are nine known dens in the area this year - more than ever before - and DSWF is delighted to report that Socks, the alpha female of the Nyamandhlovu pack, had nine pups! This brings the total in her pack to 20 - the largest pack that the team have ever seen in Hwange National Park. Socks is not the only dog to have had pups this summer. The Makwa pack is now 11 strong, which includes five pups, while the Broken Rifle pack is nine strong including four pups and PDC are still waiting for news on other litters.

One of those dogs is Vusile in the Sisele pack – the mother of Socks. After struggling through various injuries Vusile was treated and released back to the wild by the team and she is now thriving. “The intervention by PDC to help one dog has resulted in the birth of more than 35 pups and the formation of four functional packs in Hwange National Park,” explains Peter Blinston, PDC’s Managing Director. “The name Vusile translates roughly as “being clever” in a street smart kind of way. Hard to argue with that!” Vusile has had another litter this year so we shall see how many more pups she brings into the world to help bolster populations of Africa’s most endangered carnivore. You can find out more about adopting Socks on page 25.

How you can help Just £20 pays for one local child to attend a four day education bush camp inspiring the next generation to value their local wildlife and spread the conservation message to their family and friends. Wildlife Matters Issue 45

UGANDA

Anti-poaching and protection for wildlife and waterways Update from Michael Keigwin, Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF) founder For almost 50 years wildlife in the Southern region of Murchison Falls National Park, Western Uganda, has suffered high levels of poaching. It has not been possible to give adequate protection as there was, until now, only one ranger post in the 3000km² area allowing poachers and hunters to operate for decades, without constraint.

Photos courtesy of UCF

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), with UCF’s help, have devised a plan to reconnect the region and have already started work by constructing two new ranger posts right in the heart of what is regarded as the stronghold of animal population and habitat and, for that reason, an area targeted by poachers. From these two new ranger posts, Bulaya and Mupina, rangers carry out weekly patrols which have resulted in closing no fewer than 20 poaching camps, some of which had clearly been active for many years judging by the quantity of bones found around them. Poachers have been caught and taken to court and successfully prosecuted.

Recently UCF piloted a WILDLEO project in Queen Elizabeth Park with some success and have now launched this in Murchison Falls Park. This project enables a ranger, carrying a geolocation camera - a camera with integrated GPS - to record patrols taking pictures of evidence of poacher activity with every picture mapped with time and date. All of this has resulted in UWA increasing its prosecution rate to over 90% while also helping wardens and rangers to carry out intelligence led patrols.

Above left: a snared giraffe being treated; top, the new ranger post in Bulaya and above a ranger collects snares

UCF have now provided over 20 GPS cameras to Murchison Falls National Park and this is, for the first time ever, providing an understanding of offenders and their practices and also enabling them to map their routes. The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation has been a key supporter in implementing this very successful operation.

“Rangers are motivated, the number of snares has been dramatically reduced and we are working with problem communities to find ways of breaking the cycle of poaching.” Since 2011, when UWA asked UCF to step in and help counter the huge surge in poaching, DSWF has backed all UCF’s efforts allowing them to complete the construction of three ranger posts, one marine ranger post, the purchase of two new patrol boats and engines and the training of marine rangers and now the roll out of the WILDLEO project. The impact is clear for everybody to see. Rangers are motivated and are catching poachers who are being successfully prosecuted with appropriate sentences. The number of snares found in those targeted areas has been

dramatically reduced and the Community Conservation Unit is now working with problem communities to find ways of breaking the cycle of poaching. Meanwhile, the number of animals caught in snares and requiring treatment from the Veterinary Response Unit has declined from one per day to one per month and the number of young animals is on the increase. One of the rangers commented: “Just the presence of the ranger station scares aware the poachers.” The funding provided by DSWF is helping to provide long-term, sustainable solutions to the impact of poaching in Uganda, something that is at the forefront of all our efforts.

How you can help You can support the team by donating towards the following: £700 buys paddles, buoys, life jackets and the anchor for a patrol boat. £2,000 buys mosquito nets, bicycles and geolocation cameras to equip a ranger station.

100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted

CHINA & VIETNAM

Rescuing moon bears from bile farms

CHINA

No domestic ban on tiger skins

Chinese bear bile farm to become a sanctuary

Update from Debbie Banks, Lead Campaigner at EIA The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), greatly values DSWF’s support, not just through their generous giving, but on the political battlefield too. Every campaign starts with solid information and that’s what EIA is all about; getting to the truth of the matter. We share the goals of DSWFs TigerTime Campaign, calling for an end to the tiger trade, with a special focus on China where the legal trade in captive bred tiger parts is stimulating and perpetuating demand. Across Thailand, Laos and Vietnam corrupt captive tiger operations are also involved in illegal international trade. Fuelling this unfettered demand for luxury wildlife products, tiger farming has done nothing to stop the poaching of wild tigers. EIA’s 2013 report documenting the licensed trade in the skins of captive bred tigers in China prompted the Chinese government’s response that this trade is for non-commercial (scientific and educational) purposes only. But, our investigators uncovered evidence that at least one of the taxidermists exposed in 2013 had been given permission to process 40 tigers since 2010. Hardly non-commercial in scale!

Tiger skin rugs have no educational value and all the taxidermists we met, who were licensed to process tiger skin, said that many of their customers are individuals looking for extravagant home décor. We’re pursuing every possible channel to get to the bottom of this. In July, our findings and analysis were verified in an official report for the CITES Standing Committee. With nowhere to hide, China finally admitted in public that there is no domestic ban on the trade in tiger skin. Following intense discussions some very specific recommendations on tigers and Asian big cats were adopted at CITES; countries are to ensure their legislation prohibits domestic trade, including in parts of captive bred tigers; it requires those who are currently trading to report the scale of that trade; it requires countries to report on the volume of existing stockpiles and requires them to destroy the bodies of deceased captive tigers. Between now and January 2016 progress will be assessed by a working group which the UK and Indonesia were poised to offer to co-chair but China beat them to it. Will China take this opportunity to be professional, transparent and objective? Time will tell.

Smudge, the last bear to be born on the Nanning farm (picture courtesy Animals Asia)

Earlier this year at an historic press conference in Beijing, Animals Asia (AA) announced a brand new initiative to convert a bear bile farm in Nanning, China, into a sanctuary following an unprecedented request by the farm manager to rescue and care for its 130 bears. The move was instigated by Mr Yan Shaohong, General Manager, who described the decision to approach Animals Asia as one fuelled by the desire for the company to get out of the increasingly unpopular and ultimately unprofitable industry and a determination that the bears would not be sold on to other farms and continue to suffer cruelty.

Photos courtesy Animals Asia and 'A permit and a tiger skin rug in Xiafeng taxidermy, China © EIA'

The move has been hailed as historic by Animals Asia who see it as a significant step in the ongoing campaign to end bear bile farming. “China has long been outraged by this cruel practice and our statistics show 87% of Chinese are against bear bile farming.,” says AA CEO and founder Jill Robinson MBE. “This negotiation is a result of years of growing awareness and increased opposition, with the bear farmer showing the moral integrity to do the right thing. We believe it can be the start of a wider conversation, with all parties represented, with the aim of finally ending bear bile farming in China”.

TigerTime support grows by staggering 965% Since March DSWF’s TigerTime Campaign has seen its social media reach rise by a staggering 965% on Facebook, an additional 39,000 people have signed up to our call to ban the trade in tiger parts and another 4,500 have followed the campaign on twitter.

hit 18 million people; another statistic we’re keen to grow over the next 12 months.”

“It’s really exciting to see this growth,” says campaign manager, Vicky Flynn. “Our aim to raise awareness of the plight of the tiger is really taking off and, with all our celebrity supporters working with us, a single tweet can potentially

Help us keep fighting to end the tiger trade and raise funds for DSWF funded tiger projects in India, Russia and Thailand. Find out more at www.tigertime.info @TigerTimeNow

This amazing ability to reach out to people on social media recently helped secure a US$10,000 bonus on an Animal Planet fundraising campaign for our project in Assam.

One bear whose life has been changed completely is Smudge, a tiny three month old cub representing the last one ever to be born on the Nanning farm. She is now being given a diet that will sustain her growth and enough toys and enrichment to ensure that her life is full of interest and fun – so different from the solitary confinement that awaited her if Animals Asia had not undertaken the Peace by Piece initiative.

How you can help By adopting a moon bear you will help support the rehabilitation of the bears in Vietnam and China, providing them with stimulating outside areas where they can spend their wonderful days of freedom. See page 25.

Wildlife Matters Issue 45

MONGOLIA

Research, anti-poaching and community programmes to protect the snow leopard

Reaching the Million Dollar Landmark by Snow Leopard Trust’s Siri Okamoto Many DSWF supporters are familiar with Snow Leopard Enterprises (SLE), the Snow Leopard Trust’s flagship conservation handicrafts programme that DSWF has played a pivotal role in developing for more than 15 years.

involving 29 communities and covering over 25,000km2 of snow leopard habitat - enough, researchers estimate, to protect about 250 snow leopards, or about a quarter of the nation’s entire snow leopard population.

SLE helps snow leopards, as well as rural herders who share snow leopard habitat, by buying beautiful wool handicrafts from herder communities and helping to sell these crafts internationally - they are even available in the DSWF gallery in Surrey. In return, herders sign contracts designed to protect snow leopards and other wildlife.

Now, thanks to your incredible support, SLE is close to reaching its biggest milestone ever: in the past 10 years, the programme has raised almost $1million for snow leopard conservation!

Many herders in rural Mongolia have to sell their raw sheep, goat and camel wool for pennies per pound. But through SLE, women are able to earn at least £60 (US$100) annually.This extra income is a tremendous incentive for herders to protect snow leopards. Women use these funds for food, medicine and school supplies. Many say that SLE gives them more control over their family’s wellbeing and a greater sense of pride in their own abilities.

Photos courtesy of SLT and Dennis Conner

In Mongolia, SLE is the largest grassroots snow leopard conservation programme in the country

“We have built up an amazing relationship of mutual trust and respect within the communities” “This is just the beginning,” says Jennifer Snell Rullman, SLT’s Assistant Director of Conservation, “SLE is opening new doors and opportunities for communities and conservation.” Through SLE, communities are taking part in conservation education and outreach, and in 2014 we are beginning to train community members to help with basic wildlife monitoring. We’re also excited to be working with all SLE communities in Mongolia to help them better understand their legal rights and to protect and sustainably manage their lands; key to enabling them to continue their traditional livelihoods and safeguard their lands from negative development, including unlicensed mining. In August DSWF representative Hugh Dickson travelled with Jennifer to Mongolia to review the impact of DSWF support.

Hugh Dickson and Jennifer Snell with local herder

"The thing that impressed me most was that everyone we met from regional and local officials to individual herders and their families were asking for more,” says Hugh. “More training, advice, lobbying and technical support showing that we have built up an amazing relationship of mutual trust and respect within the communities where we work and, as a consequence, the lives and livelihoods of these communities are becoming closely tied to snow leopard conservation." We’re grateful to DSWF for supporting SLE and its growth over the years. Every dollar earned has helped build a solid foundation of trust and collaboration with herder communities and today we have more opportunities for snow leopard conservation than ever before.

100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted

RUSSIA

Anti-poaching and educational awareness to protect the Amur tiger Five go wild in Russia Raising awareness for Amur tigers Art and action have come together in Russia this year to help raise awareness for the Amur tiger. In the summer, to tie in with International Tiger Day, young wildlife artists sent more than 2,000 paintings of Amur tigers and leopards to the DSWF supported Phoenix Fund for its ninth annual drawing competition. The winning entries have been made into wall and pocket calendars and are being sold to help raise funds and awareness. The last weekend of September also welcomed a spectacular display in Vladivostok, the capital of Primorsky province, Russia, in support of the Amur tiger. A collaboration between Phoenix Fund, environmental NGOs and local authorities, 2014 represents the 15th anniversary of this colourful festival designed to raise awareness of the importance of the rare Amur tiger to biodiversity in the Russian Far East. For the first time ever it was held over two days. Thousands took to the streets in a colourful parade demonstrating the concern and affection Russians have for their tigers. “We now have to turn this passion into action and work hard at funding anti-poaching and park protection as well as campaigning for an end to the trade in tiger parts,” said DSWF’s TigerTime manager, Vicky Flynn

Helping Big Cats DSWF works to save big cats in Russia, India, Thailand and Mongolia supporting 20% of the world’s wild tiger population and 25% of Mongolia’s snow leopards. Education, community outreach, anti-poaching, monitoring and campaigning through TigerTime all play key parts in the projects we support. If you love big cats please donate. www.davidshepherd.org or call 01483 272323 Or see www.tigertime.info and get involved!

Earlier this year the biggest ever release of rehabilitated Amur tigers took place in the Russian Far East when five of the rare cats were returned to the wild. This incredible event was made possible thanks to people from all over the world including those who made donations for the animals’ food and medication. “Human animal conflict is increasing as people continue to expand into or destroy wildlife habitat,” explains Phoenix Fund Director, Sergei Bereznuk. “In most cases when humans and wildlife collide sadly it’s the wildlife that suffers, leaving adults dead and their cubs orphaned. Rescue and rehabilitation gives these wild cats a second chance to live free in their natural habitat.” In May, after a long rehabilitation period the first three Amur tigers were released into the wild in Zhelundindsky Wildlife Refuge, in the northwestern part of the Amur tiger range with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in attendance. Two tiger brothers, Kuzya and Borya, together with their sister Businka had been found in November 2012. Extremely emaciated, frostbitten and unable to survive on their own in the wild, they were taken to a rehabilitation centre in Primorsky Krai. Sadly, the tigress died after succumbing to Feline calicivirus disease. Ilona, the third tiger to be released was found in February 2013 when she was six or seven months old. Before their release Kuzya, Borya and Ilona were given a full health-check and fitted with satellite collars to allow rangers and scientists to monitor their movements. In June, the remaining two cubs Svetlaya and Ustin left the rehabilitation centre for release into the north of the Jewish Autonomous Region, a 1,200km non-stop drive followed by an all-terrain vehicle ride into the Zhuravliny Wildlife Refuge. At dusk, the cages were set down far from human settlements in an area rich in wild boar and deer. “Monitoring of all five tigers is now ongoing,” says Sergei. “And the good news is that the satellite data shows they have adapted successfully and are now enjoying their freedom.” Although Kuzya was one of the most cautious tigers, after the release he moved off alone and within the first two months covered over 200km. Initial worries about his ability to hunt successfully were put to rest when remains

Above: Three of the five released cubs, from top: Svetlaya, Borya and Ustin (courtesy of Inspection Tiger)

of a large boar were found near him. Svetlaya and Ustin stayed together for a while before separating and slowly establishing their own territories. None of the five tigers have strayed near human settlements. “We are delighted that these tigers have been successfully returned to the wild. They represent such vital diversity in the Amur tiger population that is estimated at fewer than 500. Phoenix would like to thank everyone who contributed to the tigers rehabilitation through DSWF. Your support means that the tigers now have the chance of a long and happy life,” adds Sergei.

Wildlife Matters Issue 45

INDIA

Indian Update

Anti-poaching, community outreach, education and undercover investigation The team take up the story: “We had already checked a few trap locations and downloaded the data from the cameras and, because of heavy rain in the night, had to carry out some maintenance to the cameras too. At 11’o’clock, as we approached one of the anti-poaching camps, we saw a tiger on the other side of the river about 70m away. It was happily mud bathing.

RHINO CASUALTIES At the time of going to print, 22 rhinos had been killed in Assam this year, most of them in and around Kaziranga National Park. Six poachers were shot dead during encounters with forest staff and over 22 arrests have been made.

Jorba, the DSWF funded sniffer dog, spent the monsoon period undergoing extensive training in Guwhati returning fresh to the field to carry on his vital work in tracking down poachers. Since his deployment, Jorba has managed to successfully assist investigators and forest guards in ten cases. His amazing nose leads the team from the scene of the crime literally to the poachers front door helping post– poaching investigation unearth more clues for enforcement agencies to follow up the culprits. Jorba has worked alone since August 2011 but will be joined by a second dog this November.

Photo courtesy of Suzi Eszterhas

DOG TRAINING

“As we watched, a second tiger came to the water. It was amazing. To see one Kaziranga tiger is incredible but to see two! And then a third appeared, took a drink then slipped back into the tall elephant grass on the river bank. Our hearts were thumping and we just kept staring at the two tigers that remained, unable to believe our luck. When they moved into the shade of the tall grass we couldn’t believe how incredible our morning had been.

Magic Moments in Kaziranga The tigers of Kaziranga, Assam are famous for a number of reasons; they are among the biggest in the Bengal tiger family and the most elusive. So, catching them on camera trap is usually the only way we get to see them … but sometimes, just sometimes, magic happens. Before the monsoon the DSWF funded monitoring team set off on what they thought would be another routine ‘day in the office’. Binita, Munjali and Arif and their regular guard Mr Prodip Bora, set off to monitor the camera traps in the park and were soon welcomed by a one-horned Indian rhino mother and calf.

CLEAN WATER & WELL SAFETY Further south DSWF is funding two rapid action programmes. In Tamil Nadu solar powered water purification units are being installed at remote anti-poaching camps in the Nigriri Forest Department.These will allow staff access to fresh water preventing them from catching waterrelated diseases.

Although extremely rare – Kaziranga is the last stronghold of the species – they can regularly be spotted grazing on the vast alluvium plains that make Kaziranga so rich in wildlife. Seeing the calf, however, was a real treat.

“Just as we thought we’d seen everything the third tiger returned and with him were two more grown up cubs. What a day!” The team had never seen anything like it; five Kaziranga tigers – a happy, healthy, tiger family living wild and free in one of the world’s most amazing landscapes. “We felt overwhelmed,” adds Binita. “We didn't want to leave the majestic scene but we had work to do and we left the tiger family to relax on the banks of the river surprised that an hour had passed!” “While checking the cameras we continued to smile and think about our encounter. Yes this is Kaziranga, a place that sometimes allows us a glimpse into its beautiful soul, a place where you never know what is waiting for you. But to ensure that others too can witness these glimpses of magic we must continue to provide a safe and secure environment for tigers to survive and thrive and to make sure that future generations have these forests, these plains and these moments of pure magic.”

Meanwhile in Jharkland work is ongoing to close off some of the wells that are a hazard to wild elephants. Heavy rainfall delayed construction of the fencing for this project but it will continue as soon as the monsoon has passed.

100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted

THAILAND

Anti-poaching, community outreach, education and undercover investigation

“The tiger track plaster casts I helped make are for something very special”

The intern’s tale Name: Elosia Constance Rhoda Wild Hometown: London, UK. Studying: MSc Conservation & International Wildlife Trade University: Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology at University of Kent. Internship: 3 Months.

Photos courtesy Suzi Eszterhas, WTI, Arif Hussain, Michael Vickers and Freeland

Starting my internship at Freeland Foundation, Thailand I had no idea what to expect. As an MSc student focusing on wildlife trade, it is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of the work to protect tigers. During my first few weeks, I found my feet in a complex organisation that works in wildlife conservation and counter-trafficking as an intern within the Surviving Together programme supported by DSWF. Focused on protected area conservation in Eastern Thailand, the programme includes ranger training, monitoring of tigers and other species and community outreach projects. These projects are building a stronger relationship between the parks, rangers and local communities bringing everyone together to protect tigers and their habitat in Thailand. In my second week I joined a field visit to the protected areas in Eastern Thailand where Surviving Together works. It was a great experience to see the amazing natural beauty of Thailand and meet the field staff and patrol rangers who work to protect it. I learnt about camera-trapping and monitoring systems that help document some of the last

wild Indochinese tigers. Cameras are set up throughout the protected areas allowing the staff to see what species are present. Sadly, these camera traps also capture poaching activity which, over the past year, has increased rapidly as more poachers enter the forest in search of Siamese rosewood.

field was amazing; I learnt how to identify wildlife by scats and tracks, including tiger, dhole and banteng - all part of Thailand’s amazing natural heritage. Freeland and the rangers' knowledge of these species within the parks is vast, but more is learnt each day through the monitoring programme too.

Part of my trip included helping with training courses for rangers from across the region. Improving enforcement skills is more important than ever. Rosewood poaching has quickly become one of the biggest challenges that these parks face not only threatening this rare tree species, but also tigers and other wildlife. Even during my visit we saw armed poachers being brought out of the forest by rangers on patrol.

We documented prominent tiger tracks and created plaster casts. Made with plaster-of-Paris these casts are normally used by parks to create a physical record of tiger presence. The one’s I helped create however are for something rather special that DSWF is planning for next summer - watch this space!

I toured sites where majestic, century-old trees had been felled, some ending up piled in planks in massive storage facilities where rangers have seized lumber being trafficked out of the forest. It brought to life the problem at hand and made me feel a whole new level of respect for the work protected area rangers do every day. They are working on the front line to conserve and protect the biodiversity of these forests and risk their lives to keep the armed poachers from wiping out endangered species. Conditions are often wet and arduous, the heavy rains constantly transform the landscape, in some cases washing out roads and turning small streams into raging torrents. This made getting to some of the cameras quite difficult. As a budding conservationist working in the

Back in the office in Bangkok data is analysed, reports are compiled to inform supporters of progress made, meetings are held with partners, and, just when the hiking boots have dried, it is time to lace them up again. I’ve learnt so much about the diverse work that Freeland does and how important it is to work closely with protected area rangers; to build and sustain their capacity to protect Thailand’s natural heritage. Without Freeland and the work that these frontline rangers do it would be a very different story for tigers and other endangered species here. So a huge thank you to DSWF and all its generous supporters for helping to keep the projects funded and the forests safer.

Wildlife Matters Issue 45

EDUCATION

Working with young people and schools to raise conservation awareness Message from our captain Dear Young Friends This summer was a really exciting time for sports fans like me. Although England’s performance in the World Cup wasn’t quite what we had all hoped for they certainly kicked off the international season with more promise. Those highs and lows are familiar to all sportsmen and women - you win some, you lose some – but whatever the outcome winning is what we ultimately all strive for. It’s the same with conservation. Defending wildlife is a really tough job. With more and more threats to habitat and the animals themselves, tackling the issues that keep elephants, rhino and tigers safe can be really hard. The key is to keep trying, whatever the opposition throws at you pick yourself up and keep going! That’s what the DSWF team do. For thirty years they have faced seemingly insurmountable odds as they work passionately to save endangered wildlife. But, they will be the first to tell you, that they can’t do it without you – without a dedicated team of supporters who keep cheering them on and shouting for the good guys! There are a couple of changes to the line-up going into 2015 with a new look Global Canvas competition and a refreshed education website. I hope you’ll take the time to explore them both (more details on these pages and online). When you think that all the world’s tigers could fit onto one football pitch it makes you realise just how important your support for wildlife is. Please, join in, get involved, raise awareness and shout with all your heart for wildlife. It’s up to you to make sure that wildlife is on the winning side as you grow up and team DSWF will be supporting you all the way.

AD O L N W NEW POSTERS! O D E FRE Discover more about endangered animals

with our fabulous new animal fact posters. Full of interesting facts you can download them FREE on our education website under each species.

http://davidshepherdeducation.org

Make a big splash with your art and poetry in our NEW LOOK Global Canvas competition Get creative and enter DSWF’s new look Global Canvas art and poetry competition! We’re looking for imaginative groups under 16 years of age to use art, poetry, sculpture and words to create a mini-exhibition to reflect the 2015 theme ‘We can heal our World’. So get together with your friends, class, year or school and send in a photograph of your

proposed exhibition along with any poetry as word documents plus 200 words describing how you have interpreted the theme. Your exhibition should fill a wall space 6x6ft and a table 6ftx2ft and if your group is successful you will be invited to display your work at the prestigious Natural History Museum in London on March 19th 2015. Entry costs £20 per submission and you have until 23rd January 2015 to email your photos to dswf@davidshepherd.org with the title ‘Global Canvas 2015 Submission’ along with your completed entry form.

Full details are available online at:

http://davidshepherdeducation.org/competitions

Good luck! Gary Lineker, OBE Captain of Young Friends

100% of all donations you send marked for specific projects in the field go in full with no administration costs deducted

FUNdraising round-up

There has been some amazing fundraising for DSWF projects by schools and individuals far and wide this year. Dom Foord, Dan Wells and George Walton from Dane Court School, Kent walked the Pilgrims Way from Canterbury to our Shalford office - an amazing 125km non-stop - with their teacher Andrew White (pictured left with CEO Sally Case) to raise funds for education projects in Zambia. There were plenty of blisters but they were still smiling! St Catherine’s, Bramley are planning a fabulous fundraiser with a Sixth Form Dinner Dance in November and DSWF has been named as the official charity for Stowe School. We are looking forward to some great partnerships and fundraising events!

If you or your school would like to get involved with fundraising please contact Erica on 01483 272323

Pocket money for Inka A Birthday Gift for Tigers Huge thank you to Natasha and Olivia Ward who asked for money to help tigers instead of birthday presents and donated over £60 to TigerTime. We think that’s a grrrreat idea!

RHINO & TIGER GO TO SCHOOL!

Photos courtesy of DAA Management Ltd, Suzi Eszterhas, Aaranyak

The Rhino andTiger Goes to School programme continues to spread the word about the importance of wildlife in Assam, India. Since the schools returned from their summer holidays in August the team visited seven schools and during September to November will visit schools around three national parks; Orang, Kaziranga and Pabitora. Audio visuals and lots of games along with the lovely rhino masks (shown below) help children who live close to real rhinos and tigers to develop long lasting love for the endangered animals!

Huge thank you to Iona Mandal - one of our 2014 Global Canvas Poetry winners - for saving her pocket money and sending it to us to help Namibian rhino Inka and her family in the wild. Inka is our adoptive rhino - so why not help Inka and her friends by adopting her too! See page 25 for details.

Join I get to meet lots of amazing animals around the world for my TV show, Andy’s Wild Adventures, so it’s great to be involved with DSWF who work hard to protect endangered wildlife. Tigers are one of my favourite animals and, like elephants and rhinos, they play a very important role in their environment. If they disappear lots of other species of plant and animal will also be affected. If you love tigers too why not join me and sign up to CubClub, part of DSWF’s TigerTime campaign to ensure the future of tigers in the wild? Find lots of tiger facts, fun and more at

www.cubclub.tigertime.info

I’m heading off on my next wild adventure soon but I’ll be back next time! Thank you for being part of the DSWF team and helping to protect our world’s wildlife and their habitats.

Andy Day

P.S. Go on your own wild adventure with DSWF’s brand new education website with lots of downloadable facts and fun for you and your school at www.davidshepherdeducation.org

Wildlife Matters Issue 45

Wildlife Artist of th French sculptor scoops £10,000 wildlife art prize French sculptor Pascal Chesneau was named the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s 2014 Wildlife Artist of the Year at a prize-giving event at the Mall Galleries in London on June 2. Pascal accepted the £10,000 top prize from wildlife artist and conservationist, David Shepherd CBE and special guests and DSWF supporters, conservationist Mark Carwardine and actress Pam St Clement. Commenting on the winning piece chairman of the judges, Mark Carwardine said: “Who couldn’t love it? It stopped me in my tracks and I kept going back to see more.” Created from recycled metal, Transparence Elephant (above) was once a car bonnet and now represents the strength and transience of the elephant in the wild. A delighted winner, Pascal’s evening was completed when his winning piece sold. “The range of talent on show was, once again, quite extraordinary,” says DSWF CEO, Sally Case “We’d like to thank all the artists, sponsors, visitors, staff and volunteers who helped make this such an amazing event in the wildlife art calendar,” Details of how to enter the 2015 competition and event dates can be found on the back of this copy of Wildlife Matters. We look forward to seeing you next summer!

Full winners list: Overall Winner - sponsored by Neil and June Covey: Transparence Elephant by Pascal Chesneau Runner up: Aiming by Choon Chew Endangered Wildlife - sponsored by Carol Cordrey. Winner: Rhino by Rohan Chhabra (India) Wildlife in Action – sponsored by Powertraveller. Winner: Aiming by Choon Chew (Singapore) Wildlife in 3D - Winner: Transparence Elephant by Pascal Chesneau (France) Wild Life - sponsored by the Oliver Foundation. Winner: Sword of the Desert by Stefano Zagaglia (Italy) Wildlife in Monochrome – sponsored by Gary Hodges. Winner: Rook by Suzie Dafforn (Maidstone) Young & Wild - open to 17-25 year olds - sponsored by Gc Timepieces. Winner: Shirokuma by Liara K Crane (Southampton)

Silver Artist - open to over 60 year olds sponsored by Silversurfers.com. Winner: Ptarmigan Descent by Philip Lawson Johnston (Oxford) The David Shepherd Choice – the piece chosen by David Shepherd CBE as his favourite in the competition. Winner: Vulture Club by Martin Buffery (Oxhill Warwickshire) People’s Choice - chosen by visitors to the exhibition. Winner: Sunrise on the King by Stefano Zagaglia (Italy) Pictured above.

100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted

New for 2015! Nine categories to suit all styles AND the chance to be featured in The Artist magazine, the 2015 Wildlife Artist of the Year is bigger and better than ever! Our eighth Wildlife Artist of the Year competition opened for entries on September 1st. This wellestablished competition continues to attract some of the best wildlife artists in the world both professional and amateur and gives a fantastic platform for emerging young artists with the Young & Wild category. “The breadth and strength of the talent that emerges for Wildlife Artist of the Year never ceases to amaze me,” says David Shepherd CBE. “Amazing too is the ability of my small, Surreybased team in running such a major international event.” The winners: Opposite page Pascal Chesneau. Left Rohan Chhabra. Above Choon Chew,

he Year 2014

Nine categories to suit all styles, a £10,000 prize purse, the chance for a feature in The Artist magazine, a week-long exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London and all profits donated to support wildlife conservation make up an irresistible palette of prizes. Entry runs until February 13th 2015. See the back page for details or go online to enter at www.davidshepherd.org/way/

The Artist Magazine Award As editor of The Artist, and publisher of our sister title Leisure Painter, I am delighted to confirm our closer ties with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and Wildlife Artist of the Year competition and exhibition with the introduction of The Artist Magazine Award, to be offered to an artist selected personally by the editor. The award will consist of a feature article on the successful artist in The Artist magazine, which will increase the profile of the artist and offer invaluable exposure to a worldwide and discerning audience via our print and digital issues. Wildlife conservation is close to all our hearts at The Artists’ Publishing Company, and of course painting is also our passion and raison d’etre, so the synergy between our organisations couldn’t be closer. We look forward to a successful 2015 competition and exhibition and to profiling our prizewinner in a future issue of The Artist. New logo_Layout 1 02/07/2014 14:52 Page 1 Dr Sally Bulgin The winners: Above left Suzie Dafforn. Above Stefano Zagaglia. Right, Philip Lawson Johnston. Above right Liara K Crane

Publisher of The Artist and Leisure Painter magazines

artist Wildlife Wildlife Matters Matters Issue Issue 45 45

SHOPPING for wildlife

Make your Christmas gifts extra special this year by helping to save wildlife too. Visit us at the gallery in Shalford or shop online at www.davidshepherd.org

Fabulous new prints by Mandy Shepherd Ostrich, Hippos ,Warthog - Limited editions of 100. Mounted size 30.5cm x 30.5cm. £55 each or buy all three for £130 and save £35

How to order (1)

To order any of the featured works, please visit: www.davidshepherd.org call 01483 443852 or email dswf@davidshepherd.org Last order date: All UK orders received by December 19 will be delivered in time for Christmas. Profits from all sales help to fund DSWF projects.

Christmas cards Like a Ball By ZeZe Lai (1)

Ten cards with envelopes featuring the greeting: With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Card size 148mm x 105mm. £4.50 per pack, plus p&p, please see below. (2)

Tenuous by Sevina Yates (2)

Ten cards with envelopes featuring the greeting: With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Card size 210mm x 990mm. £4.50 per pack, plus p&p, please see below.

Masai Beads by Emily Lamb (3) (3)

Ten cards with envelopes featuring the greeting: With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Card size 148mm x 105mm. £4.50 per pack, plus p&p, please see below. Postage and packing for cards and notelets: £2.95 for five packs and under. Please call 01483 443852 for postage rates over five packs and for overseas orders.

DSWF Gallery DSWF Gallery in Shalford is a fabulous place to visit this Christmas. Inside you will find a wonderful collection of unique cards and gifts, including jewellery, accessories, candles, Kenyan beaded dog collars, baobab jam, Mongolian felt products and Zimbabwean beaded animals. And of course, we hold one of the largest collections of David Shepherd prints and a variety of work by other leading wildlife artists. Can’t make it to the gallery? Don’t worry, there is a fantastic selection available online too, see

www.davidshepherd.org

Find us at 7 Kings Road, Shalford GU4 8JU. We are open from Monday to Friday 9am5pm and Saturday10-4pm.

Exhibitions

1- 31 December - Beauty of the Beasts by Emma Bowring

Emma is a wildlife artist working in oils;.'When you walk into a room and see one of my paintings, I want you to experience the life, beauty and character of the animal I am portraying’ Beautiful framed oils, limited/open edition giclee prints and canvases, greeting cards.

1-30 November Art by Jo Maynard Pet Portraits and Wildlife

Come and see detailed and lifelike pencil drawings of pets and wildlife. Browse and buy lovely signed limited edition prints, mugs and greeting cards. You can also commission Jo to draw your pet or buy a gift voucher for a portrait. A perfect Christmas gift!

The above exhibitions are subject to change, so please do check our website www.davidshepherd.org for up to date information about gallery events. If you are interested in holding an exhibition at DSWF Gallery, please do contact lisa.langridge@davidshepherd.org for more information.

Wildlife Matters Issue 45

Thank you

for your support

The Foundation and the animals that it protects would not survive without the support and enthusiasm of our supporters, both individual and corporate. Read on to find out how you could get involved and to see the amazing things people do for wildlife.

We’d like to thank everyone who has helped raise funds and awareness for us and the endangered animals we support including:

Our fantastic fundraisers: Our dedicated Ride London team: David Walker, Jason Coleclough, Alex Sharp and Tom Rose who all braved storms to cycle for us! Our amazing London Marathon team: Gail Long, Philip Wheeler, Helena Thorp and Jason Millward Eles Tyres and Servicing, Cranleigh for their wonderful £2,500 cheque. Miranda Bellchambers for her incredible support for rhinos from her Friendship Party Andrew White for taking on his second Ride Zambia challenge - respect! Andrew White (again!) and pupils Dom Foord, Dan Wells and George Walton who walked non-stop from Canterbury to Shalford! Our wonderful Guildford street collectors; Jacqueline Bruce, Gary Cassap, Gail Long,Vicky Alexander, Georgina Allen. Sponsored sky-divers Tina Cooper, Emma Hanlan-Baker, Katie and Sean McSheehan, Emma Keeling, Jo-Anne Davies and Danny France who threw themselves out of a plane for wildlife! Talented baker Sarah Robson who is spreading awareness and raising funds with her delicious cakes! The amazing Michaela Strachan and her son Ollie (left) who donated their £12,000 prize money from the ITV quiz show ‘Big Star Little Star’ to our snow leopard project!

The DSWF30 fundraisers: Pet Doctors, Shalford for making us their nominated charity at the annual fete dog show. Ellie Elliot and her little dog Ruby completed a sponsored 10km walk organised by Guildford District Rotary Club Jayshree and Jayraj Punatar, of Shalford Post Office, for their donation of 30 commemorative 50p pieces. Amanda and Barry Butler who took on the challenge of driving 30 counties in 30 hours and raised £2,500 (so far!). All the golfers who took part in our inaugural golf day at Wildwood Golf and Country Club and helped raise over £3,000. Reserve your place at the 2015 event next May by calling the number below! Matt Peel who climbed Snowdon in September and raised over £300.

The TigerTime team Neil MacGregor who has raised a fantastic £2,260 for TigerTime by giving up alcohol for a year! Sam Jones for her sponsored silence for tigers. Val Green for her red carpet extravaganza event that raised £1,066. Everyone who donated to our Emergency Elephant Appeal.

Thank you! Happily Ever After Thank you to Mike & Ann Griffiths and Jane & Matt Coverdale who raised money for DSWF on their wedding days in lieu of favours and wedding gifts. What a lovely idea!

GET INVOLVED - Call Erica on 01483 272323 if you’d like to run the 2015 London Marathon, cycle in RideLondon100 for DSWF or get involved with any fundraising events including the 2015 golf day. We can’t wait to welcome you on board!

100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted

How you can help

support endangered wildlife

Life is better with friends Join our new look membership scheme and help us make a lasting difference to wildlife At DSWF we work hard to ensure that wild habitats remain safe for endangered species including elephants, tigers, rhinos, snow leopards and painted dogs. Throughout this issue of wildlife matters you can read about our work and the huge difference that your support makes to the vital conservation projects that we support. One of the best ways to show your support is to become a Friend of the Foundation*. There are different levels of Friendship for individuals and families to lifelong supporters and each of you will help us ensure a sustainable future for the wildlife that we love.

You’ll enjoy a special gift, exclusive invitations and special discounts.

Become a friend to wildlife today For more information see the leaflet that came with this magazine or go online at www.davidshepherd.org or call us on 01483 272323. Prices start at just £32 a year *If you are already a member you will automatically be brought into the new scheme

Leave a legacy Since 1984 DSWF has fought to ensure the future of some of the most threatened wildlife in Africa and Asia, accomplishing groundbreaking achievements including: - reducing poaching in Russia, allowing wild Amur tiger populations to increase from 100 to over 400 - establishing Zambia’s first elephant orphanage to rescue, rehabilitate and release the innocent victims of ivory poaching

- funding the first anti-poaching dog squad in Assam to track down rhino and tiger poachers - launching TigerTime, a campaign to save the tiger in the wild and bring an end to the illegal trade in tiger parts But we need to fight even harder in the future and we need your help to do it. By leaving a legacy you can make a lasting difference for generations to come.

Act today, make your pledge to wildlife. Call 01483 272323 to find out more

“Don’t leave the survival of endangered wildlife to chance . Making a will is one way in which we can ensure the world is a better place for our grandchildren and future generations,” Dame Judi Dench

ADOPTIONS make the perfect gift

Adoptions make the perfect gift for someone you love and for wildlife. With each pack bursting with information about your animal or ranger and gifts including an exclusive pencil sketch print by David or Mandy Shepherd and a soft toy or baseball cap there is no better way to support your favourite animal or the brave men and women on the front line of conservation.

At just £32 they are great value for money for you and for wildlife! Joining our snow leopard, tiger, moon bear, elephant, painted dog and rhino adoptions is the Wildlife Guardian adoption helping to support the true heroes of conservation. This great new adoption comes with an exclusive new sketch by Mandy Shepherd (shown right) and a pack full of information plus a DSWF baseball cap.

Adopt today - call 01483 272323 or buy online at www.davidshepherd.org Wildlife Matters Issue 45

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation on 30 years of Wildlife Conservation

01784 430533 | KINGSLEYPRINT.CO.UK 10 MINUTES FROM GUILDFORD

GU3 1NE

B3100

A281

FARNHAM

SHALFORD

A248

DORKING

A31

PUTTENHAM

SUNRISE

A281

COMPTON

GUILDFORD CREMATORIUM

10 MINUTES FROM A3

B3100

B3000

GUAVA

GUAVA SERVICE CENTRE

GODALMING BRAMLEY

M RSHA HO

ADVERTISE here and help support endangered wildlife call 01483 272323

Congratulations to the

THE POWER TO SURVIVE

POWERMONKEY EXPLORER 2 TOUGH WATERPROOF MOBILE CHARGER

Dropped off a cliff, driven over by a 4x4, submerged in a river, exposed to searing heat and plummeted to well below freezing – and it still has the power to keep on going. The powermonkey explorer 2 is compact, tough, waterproof and it’s 6,000mAh Lithium-Ion battery can charge all your 5V devices such as tablets, smartphones, digital cameras, GPS, satellite phones and much more. If you can dream it, we can power it at powertraveller.com

iPad, iPhone and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries

Guava Jaguar Land Rover Service Centre supporting DSWF

YOU CAN CHARGE:

Pick up your Guava Loyalty Card from Guava or the DSWF Gallery (includes DSWF offers)

Guava Guildford Service Centre, Astolat Way, Peasmarsh, GU3 1NE guava.guildford.landrover.co.uk guava.guildford.jaguar.co.uk - 01483 543724

CAMERA

GOPRO

GPS

SMARTPHONE

TABLET

SAT PHONE

Silversurfers, proud to be supporting the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation ENJOY

Silversurfers.com bursting with news, views, features, games and social forums for over 50s.

www.silversurfers.com

CLEAR LEGAL ADVICE FOR BOTH YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS Call: 01483 302000 email: guildford@rhw.co.uk We are located at Ranger House next to Guildford Train Station

www.rhw.co.uk

Divorce & Family Law Employment & Corporate Law Wills & Probate Conveyancing

100% of donations for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On for wildlife 2014/15 Join us for some great events December 7 Steam Day at our Gallery in Shalford A fabulous day for steam enthusiasts as the Clan Line and David Shepherd visit Shalford. Browse and buy from a wide selection of steam images plus gifts and cards and meet David at the Gallery from 1pm. Clan Line expected at 2.20pm.

December 2 - 23 David Shepherd Exhibition at the Rountree Tryon Gallery London In this exclusive exhibition DSWF founder, David Shepherd CBE, celebrates his life as a leading wildlife artist and conservationist. Including many previously unseen pieces, David will show and sell some of his private collection of oil paintings and drawings.

1- 31 December Beauty of the Beasts by Emma Bowring

Contributions from the sale of two special pieces (shown below) will go to DSWF to protect wildlife throughout Africa and Asia. For more information see: www.rountreetryon.com or call us on 01483 272323

Emma is a wildlife artist working in oils;.'When you walk into a room and see one of my paintings, I want you to experience the life, beauty and character of the animal I am portrayingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Beautiful framed oils, limited/open edition giclee prints and canvases, greeting cards.

Wildlife Matters Issue 45

Detail of image courtesy of Pascal Chesneau

Call for entries 2015: www.davidshepherd.org

Enter the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s annual ART COMPETITION - help save wildlife

N0 I W0,00day! £1Enter To

Enter the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s annual ART COMPETITION - help save wildlife

Wildlife Artist of the Year 2015

Nine categories to suit all artistic styles and mediums Endangered Wildlife, Wildlife in 3D, Wildlife Portraits, Wild World, Wildlife in Monochrome, Original Prints, Contemporary Wildlife, Silver Artist and Young & Wild

Expert judges include David Shepherd, fellow artists, conservationists and art critics. PLUS - your chance to win a feature in The Artist magazine with The Artist Magazine Award

Entry from now until February 2015

For full details and rules please see www.davidshepherd.org or call 01483 272323

Detail of image courtesy of Nick Oneill

Fishing Eagle courtesy of Davina Bosanquet

Exhibition June 29 - July 4 Mall Galleries London. Private preview and prize-giving Monday 29 June 5.30-9pm by invitation only