2015, Volume 2
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By the year 2020, earth’s wildlife will share the planet with 7.6 billion people. In the face of mounting pressures, we all share a responsibility to protect the wild species and places on which all lives depend. Our goal is to conserve the world’s largest wild places in 15 priority regions, home to more than 50 percent of the world’s biodiversity. We have a new strategy and a new look. Our logo— a stylized W—stands for wildlife. We cannot do this work alone. We need a collective approach that meets the scale of the challenge. We need you, our supporters, to join us, unified by a shared promise to save wildlife.
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WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. We focus on protecting the iconic species and places least affected by human impact. Our dedication to wildlife spans 120 years, and today we run the world’s largest field programs for great ape, elephant, and tiger conservation. We harness a constellation of expertise across our New York zoos and aquarium to conserve wildlife, advance veterinary health, stimulate learning, and inspire action. This WCS Progress Report provides our generous supporters with updates and insights on core conservation activities.
Zoo Vets in the Field
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he contributions of zoos and aquariums to global conservation are frequently underestimated. Yet they play an increasingly important role in protecting threatened wild species and places worldwide. In addition to educating and engaging millions of visitors each year, these organizations lead conservation efforts both on-site and in the field. WCS’s Wildlife Health Center at the Bronx Zoo is home base for our Zoological Health Program’s veterinary staff. In addition to providing expert care for animals at our parks in New York, these veterinarians travel to field locations with cutting-edge tools, investigating health threats and supporting programs to conserve wild animal populations. In summer 2015, Wildlife Health Center staff traveled to the Philippine island of Palawan to help save thousands of illegally harvested turtles confiscated by authorities during a warehouse raid. Among the more than 4,000 animals seized during the operation were 3,800 Palawan forest turtles—a Critically Endangered species. The turtles were being stored without food or water in concrete tanks, which caused ulcerations and wounds to their shells and legs, in addition to a variety of
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other ailments and injuries. Along with a consortium of other conservation groups, WCS veterinarians responded to the urgent need. WCS Senior Veterinarian Dr. John Sykes was among those working in Palawan to save the turtles. As he explains, “The skills that were brought to bear on this event can truly only be gained through long-term experience in housing and treating turtles in captivity. At the Wildlife Health Center, my experiences are developed and honed every day in treating and caring for WCS’s collection animals.” WCS vets spend their days doing physical exams, administering treatments, and collecting samples to help guide treatment, among other duties. These types of invaluable skills are nearly impossible to develop when working solely with wild populations, as the volume of animals and variety of medical conditions are often more difficult to find. With the help of WCS vets, nearly 3,000 of the turtles have been released in Northern Palawan to date, and the remaining animals continue to receive treatment.
WCS’S BRONX ZOO VETS ASSESSED AND TREATED THOUSANDS OF PALAWAN FOREST TURTLES.
WCS AND OUR PARTNERS PERFORM AERIAL SURVEYS TO CONDUCT ELEPHANT COUNTS.
Elephant Counts in Africa Show Mixed Results
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ince 2014, WCS has been leading savannah elephant counts in a number of countries as part of a collaborative effort called the Great Elephant Census®, a Paul G. Allen project. The results have been mixed, with both population increases and decreases identified. However, all of these counts have given us and our partners valuable insights into the current status of elephants throughout Africa’s savannahs and informed where we should concentrate efforts. Aerial surveys of elephant populations in Uganda’s national parks have shown that their numbers are increasing. Recent results indicate that elephant numbers in the country have risen to more than 5,000 individuals, up from approximately 700 to 800 individuals in the 1970s and 1980s. WCS attributes this promising rise to improved protection, strong Ugandan government leadership, and other focused conservation efforts. Sadly, rampant poaching is causing severe elephant declines throughout much of Africa. In two countries where WCS conducted surveys, Tanzania and Mozambique, there have been dramatic
“Counts have given
us and our partners valuable insights into the current status of elephants.” drops in elephant numbers. Scientists are estimating a 48 percent reduction of Mozambique’s elephants in the last 5 years, down from just over 20,000 to the current estimate of 10,300. The countrywide census results in Tanzania reveal an estimate of 43,330 existing elephants, compared to the 2009 census showing 109,051. This represents an astounding loss of 65,721 elephants in 5 years. The governments of both nations recognize this crisis and are taking steps to protect their elephant populations from further decline. WCS is supporting them in these efforts. WCS also leads major initiatives across Africa to stop the killing of elephants by establishing protected areas, mobilizing ranger patrols, and developing monitoring technology.
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At the WCS Zoos 1. Zoo Quests Make Learning Fun This year WCS launched a new series of programming with support from corporate sponsors. Bronx Zoo and Central Park Zoo Quests were designed to enhance the guest experience and encourage learning through nature play, citizen science, guided tours, scavenger hunts, and more. Educators and teen docents brought zoo exhibits to life with activities focused on wildlife species, animal behaviors, scientific tools, and why conservation matters at home and around the world. Our inaugural 2015 program included three Quests at the Bronx Zoo and one at the Central Park Zoo. Visitors learned how birds take flight, explored diverse biomes, and made connections between WCS’s city parks and field conservation, among other activities. WCS is grateful to our corporate partners for sponsoring Zoo Quests, and we hope to expand these programs in 2016. • • • •
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Canon U.S.A., Inc. Empire BlueCross BlueShield JetBlue Airways Corporation NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
2. 2. An Interactive Garden In summer 2015, the Bronx Zoo unveiled its first family-friendly garden to connect visitors to the natural processes of plant life and highlight sustainable gardening. The exhibit featured three areas: the pollinator garden, highlighting the role of butterflies and bees in nature; the “learn how to grow” garden where children could dig, rake, and plant seeds to learn the process of cultivation; and the vegetable garden, with crops that both animals and humans could eat. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with 37,000 visitors enjoying the garden and its various programs and activities throughout the summer.
3. New at the Children’s Zoo A North American porcupine was born this year at the Bronx Zoo. The baby is just one of several new animals at the Children’s Zoo, which has welcomed more than 200,000 visitors since its re-opening earlier this year. The enhanced exhibits, colorful graphics, and play experiences are making this exhibit even more memorable for young visitors. Among other new features, young visitors can climb a tree to find a bird’s nest (just like a coati foraging for eggs) or wander through a maze of bamboo, hiding like a pudu.
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4. Lesser Adjutant Storks 7. Roosevelt Elk at at the Bronx Zoo the Queens Zoo A pair of lesser adjutant storks successfully hatched two chicks at the Bronx Zoo. With the help of the Zoo’s husbandry techniques, these stork parents accepted the abandoned egg of a different, less-experienced adult pair, and are raising both chicks as their own.
5. Little Penguins at the Bronx Zoo The new little penguins at the Bronx Zoo’s Aquatic Bird House are the world’s smallest penguin species at about 13 inches tall. This colony came from the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia as part of a breeding program, which is vital to ensuring the survival of the species in the wild.
6. Pudu at the Queens Zoo The Queens Zoo has welcomed the birth of a southern pudu fawn. The pudu is the world’s smallest deer species—only 12 to 14 inches at the shoulder. WCS works within the pudu’s native range in Chile and Argentina to curb habitat loss and other threats.
A Roosevelt elk calf born at the Queens Zoo has joined the rest of the herd in the Zoo’s woodland habitat. Roosevelt elk weigh approximately 25 pounds at birth and can grow to up to 1,100 pounds, making them one of North America’s largest land animals.
8. Juliana Pigs at the Prospect Park Zoo A young trio of Juliana pigs are the first-ever pigs to call the Prospect Park Zoo home. They are the smallest breed of miniature pig, weighing less than 65 pounds as adults—a fraction of what a standard-sized breed would weigh.
“From the time we were children through the time we had children, the Children’s Zoo has been a place to play, to learn, and to be inspired.” – The Stromfeld Family
9. Zebu at the Prospect Park Zoo A miniature zebu calf was born at the Prospect Park Zoo. The zebu is one of the oldest breeds of cattle, believed to have originated in southern India around 6,000 years ago. Adult mini zebus can weigh up to 500 pounds and measure 3 to 4 feet in length.
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WITH HELP FROM WCS’S WILDLIFE CRIMES UNIT, INDONESIAN AUTHORITIES RECENTLY ARRESTED TRADERS OF HELMETED HORNBILL CASQUES (KNOWN AS “GOLDEN IVORY”).
A RESCUED PANGOLIN
Major Arrests Deter Criminals from Trade
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ildlife trade is an international, multibillion dollar commercial enterprise, a large proportion of which is illegal. Within Asia, some of this trade starts in Indonesia. Working with key partners, WCS operates the Wildlife Crimes Unit within Indonesia. The team protects threatened species in four ways; we gather intelligence, facilitate vital information sharing, help strengthen law enforcement, and advance national policy on wildlife trafficking. The Unit has substantially bolstered the number of wildlife-related arrests; the successful prosecution rate is more than 90 percent, compared to only 5 percent where WCS is not involved. Over the past several months, the Wildlife Crimes Unit has assisted Indonesian authorities with more than seven successful arrests and prosecutions of major wildlife traffickers. These have included the arrest of a pangolin smuggler en route to China with 5 tons of frozen pangolins, and the sentencing of an orangutan trader—arrested while attempting to sell a one-year-old female orangutan as a pet—to two years in prison. These arrests send a clear message that wildlife trafficking in Indonesia will not be tolerated, and serve as a deterrent to other potential traders. WCS has received reports
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A RESCUED BLUEWINGED LEAFBIRD
“The successful prosecution rate is more than 90 percent, compared to only 5 percent where WCS is not involved.” that, in response to the large percentage of successful busts, several poachers and traffickers in the country have recently quit the nefarious business, now believing that the risk is far greater than the reward.
“Ocean Wonders: Sharks! will showcase marine life in the beautiful and complex communities of the Hudson Canyon.”
New York Aquarium Key Exhibits Take Shape
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he transformation of the New York Aquarium is nothing short of dramatic and awe-inspiring, with construction reaching new milestones. WCS and Turner Construction celebrated this past June the “topping out” of the Ocean Wonders: Sharks! building by raising the United States flag on its top floor. The third floor and concrete work along with the roof are complete. The ramp that wraps around the building as it leads to the roof is well underway, with the spiral entry taking shape. All of the acrylic windows, with the exception of the touch pool acrylic window, have been placed in the various aquaria, including the largest acrylic window for Canyon’s Edge. Testing has already begun to ensure this tank is watertight. When complete, this majestic exhibit will showcase marine life in the beautiful and complex communities of the Hudson Canyon, part of the New York Bight and one of the world’s busiest marine waterways. The transformation of the New York Aquarium will strengthen WCS’s capacity to connect the citizens of the city and the wildlife that surrounds them.
#Mashmeet at the New York Aquarium In partnership with Mashable, WCS hosted a summer #Mashmeet at the New York Aquarium. Some of the best Instagrammers in the New York metropolitan area gathered to photograph marine life at the Aquarium after hours. Stunning silhouettes and playful perspectives of the Aquarium and fish collections can be seen within Instagram under #mashmeet and #undertheseameet. Prizes to the best photographers included a whale watching tour of New York area waters and tickets to a National Geographic Live event.
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rich marine heritage here, and to preserve it through our policy work. The transformed New York Aquarium will be a place where people discover wildlife and incredible geography, and learn how that overlaps with our own use of the ocean. We will offer the unparalleled experience of a few hours of peeking into that world, along with a lifetime of staying connected through our education programs, advocacy work, and ongoing research at WCS.
Is it tough to inspire local conservation of an environment that is underwater and cannot easily be seen?
A Conversation with Jon Forrest Dohlin Jon Forrest Dohlin is Vice President and Director of the New York Aquarium (NYA). Jon helps guide the New York Seascape Program based at the New York Aquarium, the first WCS field conservation program located in New York City.
Why are New York’s waters important? JON FORREST DOHLIN: New York City’s existence is owed to its natural harbor where the ocean meets a series of estuaries and is joined by a major river, making for an incredible watershed. That’s why the Dutch settled here. Seafood fed the growing population and water connections along the Hudson River spurred trade. The ecological and economical richness of the area was vital to the European settlement of New York City and the city’s growth that continues today. The health of our waters is central to our quality of life here—from increased recreational activity, economic development, and commercial and recreational fishing, to the rediscovery of our maritime heritage.
What role does the NYA play in the marine planning, policy, and education needs of New York? JFD: We are investing with our partners $250 million toward creating an experience to inspire people and provide an access point to join campaigns to understand the
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JFD: The difficulty in marine conservation is the fact that we’re terrestrial creatures, and it’s an environment that for the most part is mute in terms of our ability to perceive it. When you think about New York and its iconic imagery, most of it is from the water, looking at the land. The water is a blank slate that makes for a romantic setting for this incredible man-made thing that is the city. The real challenge is to reverse that perspective and make that blank surface come alive in the richness of what lives underneath. This challenge is also a great opportunity for a marine conservation program, and it’s what makes an aquarium such a wondrous experience. However beautiful and immersive it may be, you’re looking into a place that is foreign to you as a human being and that’s what makes it so fascinating in many ways. It’s a powerful moment. An aquarium provides that peek, that window into the diverse wilderness that exists in the deep waters so few get to see and experience.
How will the new New York Aquarium impact the region? JFD: If you look at the visitation to the New York Aquarium even in its current state of construction, you realize how much people want, enjoy, and look for a public aquarium in their overall cultural landscape. There is great demand for what we do, and it can’t be overstated how much it will mean for visitors to see brand new exhibits, as well as more engaging content linked thematically to local conservation efforts.
Inspiring a New York Ocean Ethic
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he New York Seascape Program, based at the New York Aquarium, is working to build a vocal constituency for local marine wildlife and habitats. Earlier this year, WCS helped secure an unprecedented victory that will protect deep sea corals in the marine canyons off the Mid-Atlantic Coast. Among the most fragile of these, the underwater Hudson Canyon is home to deep-sea corals that provide food and shelter for some of the most iconic and threatened species in the Atlantic Ocean. WCS alone generated nearly 13,000 public comments from our aquarium and zoo visitors and online activists in support of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Deep Sea Coral Amendment. This was an important conservation outcome, which demonstrated how WCS’s capacity for public engagement enhances our scientific research and policy expertise. The New York Aquarium seeks to generate powerful connections to the ocean for the 22 million people living along the coast in the tri-state area—all potential stewards of the seascape. In summer 2015, renowned underwater photographer Keith Ellenbogen began to capture first-ever photographic documentation of New York’s marine wildlife in their natural habitats. This catalogue of images (which includes the petrel on this report’s cover) will advance scientific understanding and take people on a visual journey to discover the astounding diversity and splendor of New York’s marine life.
The transformation of the New York Aquarium, with its expanded collection of aquatic wildlife and growing conservation programs, will build awareness of marine life and habitats in local waters. Visitors to the new Ocean Wonders: Sharks! building at the New York Aquarium will see new interactive exhibits with over 115 marine species that thrive in the New York seascape, and will learn how to make everyday choices to protect them. The transformation will include a new science education curriculum and expanded outreach, and will provide immersive opportunities for students of all ages. More than ever, the New York Aquarium will serve as a beacon for learning and a resource for local marine conservation.
New York Aquarium Leads Local Shark Research In an effort to study the movements and habitat use of sharks in New York’s waters, the New York Seascape Program succeeded in fitting more individual sharks with acoustic and satellite tags this season. Data gathered from the sharks’ travels are helping scientists learn more about their habitat needs in order to better protect them from threats. The data collected so far suggest that parts of the Great South Bay may be a nursery ground for the sand tiger shark.
SHARK RESEARCH BY THE NUMBERS 2015:
16 Shark tagging trips 19 Acoustic receivers
in Great South Bay
10 Sand tiger sharks
tagged with acoustic tags
2 Blue sharks tagged with satellite tags
SINCE 2012:
27 Acoustic tags
(sand tiger sharks)
9 Satellite tags
(6 shortfin makos and 3 blue sharks)
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STACY JUPITER
ROGER FOTSO
INAOYOM IMONG
WCS Scientists Recognized Worldwide STACY JUPITER
INAOYOM IMONG
Early Career Conservationist Award
2015 Whitley Award
The Society for Conservation Biology has honored Dr. Stacy Jupiter—Melanesia Program Director for WCS—with its Early Career Conservationist Award, which celebrates the achievements of conservationists that have been out of school for 10 years or less. Stacy began working with WCS in 2008, eventually becoming Director of the Fiji program. In 2014, she moved into her current position. In this role, Stacy works to conserve biodiversity while optimizing human livelihoods. She aims to expand WCS’s work to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
ROGER FOTSO National Geographic Society/ Buffett Award for Leadership in African Conservation WCS ornithologist and conservationist Roger Fotso is this year’s recipient of the National Geographic Society/ Buffett Award for Leadership in African Conservation. Roger has directed WCS’s Cameroon program since 1998. His influential work has included halting the illegal rail transport of bushmeat, which has cut the volume of bushmeat transported by train by nearly 70 percent. Under Roger’s leadership, WCS has helped create three national parks and two wildlife sanctuaries, and is actively involved in managing and protecting these parks. Thanks to these and other successful initiatives, Roger and his team have been instrumental in protecting Cross River gorillas—the world’s rarest and most endangered great apes.
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WCS’s Inaoyom Imong is a winner of the prestigious Whitley Award for his work to protect the Cross River gorilla. The Award is organized by the Whitley Fund for Nature, a UK charity that champions outstanding grassroots leaders in nature conservation across the developing world. Inaoyom collaborated with local communities in Nigeria to establish the Conservation Association of Mbe Mountains, a group working to manage this region sustainably and secure it as a designated wildlife sanctuary. Under Inaoyom’s leadership, WCS protects this area’s Cross River gorillas. Only 200 to 300 remain.
DANIELA DE LUCA Italy’s Order of the Star Recognized for her extensive research and conservation of endangered mammals in Tanzania, WCS’s Daniela De Luca was awarded the Order of the Star of Italy. Daniela, a native of Rome, is the Senior Scientist for WCS’s Southern Highlands Conservation Program in Tanzania. In the Mt. Rungwe-Kitulo landscape, Daniela conducted a seven-year study on the conservation status of the region’s small carnivore species such as genet, striped pole cat, and African striped weasel. More recently, across the Southern Highlands, she conducted the first-ever field studies of clawless and spot-necked otters.
DANIELA DE LUCA
A POSSIBLE NEW SPECIES OF ROBBER FROG IS ONE OF THE MANY DISCOVERED DURING THE MADIDI EXPEDITION.
Madidi Expedition Sparks Discovery
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CS is the conceptual and scientific lead of the Identidad Madidi expedition in Bolivia’s Madidi National Park, now underway after years of careful planning and preparation. This project, which involves an in-depth investigation of 14 different habitat types over 18 months, aims to bring attention to the unique biodiversity of Madidi and showcase Bolivia’s natural heritage. The expedition began on May 22, the International Day of Biological Diversity. Between June and September, the team ventured across the first five study sites through montane savannahs, dry montane forests, paramo grasslands, high Andean puna vegetation, and elfin treeline forests. During this journey, the experts added an impressive 100 species of vertebrates to the official list of species found in the park. One of these is a possible new species of robber frog. The discovery was made by two herpetologists on the expedition from the Bolivian Faunal Collection, and came about when they noticed the frog’s distinctive orange inner thighs. A literature review
supports this discovery as a probable new species, and genetic studies are underway to confirm this. Other discoveries—including three catfish, a spectacled lizard, and a gladiator frog—could also be new species, and the team is currently working to verify their uniqueness. The most recent leg of the expedition, which began in October, explores the Amazonian rainforest and foothill forest. With such positive results so far, the explorers are energized about the prospect of more new discoveries to come as they travel to other sites. You can follow the exciting findings and incredible photos from the expedition on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @IdentidadMadidi Identidad Madidi is funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and other generous supporters.
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Made possible by a generous grant from the Brooke Astor Fund for New York City Education in The New York Community Trust, this partnership will help prepare future generations to create sustainable cities and promote conservation stewardship in urban areas.
Discovery Guides a Success
A TEEN DOCENT SHOWS A VISITOR A HORSESHOE CRAB AT ONE OF THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM’S TOUCH POOLS.
Inspiring Youth to Solve Problems NYC Students Envision a New Future
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CS is partnering with local public schools to implement hands-on STEM curricula using an innovative web platform designed and developed by our own scientists. Visionmaker NYC (formerly called Mannahatta) allows the public to virtually develop and share eco-friendly, durable landscape designs. Users can experiment with the ecosystems, lifestyles, and climate of the city, then publish their visions for the city of the future. This cutting-edge scientific application has helped teachers create hands-on learning experiences, consistent with current and emerging NY State Mathematics, Science, and Technology (MST) and Common Core standards. Throughout the 2014 to 2015 academic year, WCS provided teachers with a total of 16 hours of professional development on the platform and 3 or more in-school coaching meetings. We also organized an expo for students from each school to present their visions to peers and WCS staff.
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In our last WCS Progress Report, we reported on the expansion of our Discovery Guides program for teen volunteers during summers at our New York parks. Program participation this year exceeded expectations, with 325 teens enrolled. Throughout the season, our Discovery Guides organized 96 Elephants campaign stations, “nature play” stations, and “story time” stations. They also assisted with the Bronx Zoo and Central Park Zoo Quests, and interacted with guests at various exhibits, answering questions about the animals. Upon completion of the program, the teens reported that being a Discovery Guide improved their public speaking skills, customer service skills, and animal knowledge. WCS is excited to continue to expand this program in the summers to come.
Teens Enlist Visitors to Protect Local Marine Wildlife and Habitat
In summer 2015, teen docents at the New York Aquarium taught visitors the importance of the region’s deep-sea corals and canyons while raising public awareness for the opportunity to protect them represented through the Deep Sea Corals Amendment. The amendment, which was approved by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council in June, was proceeded by a public commentary period where drawings and signatures from visitors expressing support for conservation were submitted. Following the amendment, teens gathered commentary from visitors thanking the Council for voting to protect 38,000 square miles of deep sea floor habitat.
Keeping Bison Wild
Intertribal Bison Alliance
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he bison herd of Yellowstone National Park is one of only nine remaining truly wild herds in North America. Of those nine, Yellowstone’s is the largest, making this group critical to the ecological future of the species. Nevertheless, they are managed less like wildlife and more like livestock. To address this problem, WCS has worked closely with conservation partners on a new joint report, “The Future of Yellowstone Bison Management.” The report includes scientific and policy recommendations for the development of the new Yellowstone-Area Bison Conservation Plan, which will help wild bison to make an ecological comeback. WCS and our partners are advocating for the new plan to be finalized and implemented by the end of 2016. Since the last bison management plan was finalized in 2000, conservationists have learned a great deal about the species, including its ability to co-exist with humans as wild animals. In the past, clashes involving wild bison and livestock on public lands were common, as bison posed disease risks to cattle, such as brucellosis. However, collaboration among conservationists, government agencies, and area ranchers have significantly lowered transmission of the disease, and conflicts have been significantly reduced.
Thank you for helping us save wildlife and wild places around the globe. Learn more at wcs.org / TheWCS @TheWCS @TheWCS +WildlifeConservationSociety
Additionally, changes in Montana beyond Yellowstone’s boundary have made conflict-free habitat available year-round. Currently, when bison leave Yellowstone each winter to find food, they are permitted only on limited adjacent land and then pushed back into the park each spring. Our recommendations include using available public land in Montana as bison habitat, thereby treating bison like other Yellowstone wildlife. With more room to roam, fewer bison will need to be shipped to slaughter (about 600 were removed in this manner in 2015). This management approach could save taxpayers millions of dollars annually. Wild bison shape the landscape through grazing, paving the way for other species that share the North American plains ecosystem. Culturally, they have inspired, sustained, and connected people for centuries.
On August 13, the Stoney Nakoda Nation and the Samson Cree Nation became the most recent signatories to the Northern Tribes Buffalo treaty, which establishes intertribal alliances for collaborative restoration of bison. These tribes join the 11 tribes and First Nations from Montana and Alberta that first signed the treaty in September 2014. WCS helped facilitate the treaty, working closely with the tribes to determine which landscapes should be included, and how to practice ecological restoration on these tribal lands.
With deep appreciation to: Dwi Nugroho Adhiasto, Keith Aune, Elizabeth Bennett, Christy Burkart, Paul Calle, Merry Camhi, Noah Chenin, Tom Clements, Peter Clyne, Kenneth Conley, Ray Davis, Jon Forrest Dohlin, Lisa Eidlin, Judy Frimer, Simon Hedges, Brian D. Horne, Brian Johnson, Mary Kilbourn, Julie Kunen, Peter Laline, Amanda Lindell, Don Lisowy, Megan Malaska, Lilian Painter, Andrew Plumptre, Kaitlyn Sephton, John Sykes, Kathryn Thompson, Karen Tingley, Kira Topik, Win Trainor, Mariana Varese, Robert Wallace, and Randi Winter Executive Editor: Mary Deyns Brandão Managing Editor: Sarah Walker Writers: Jennifer Orlando, Sarah Walker, Christine Westphal
Art Direction: Drew Albinson Designer: Kathleen Oscadal Staff Photographer: Julie Larsen Maher Editorial Support: Libby Del Greco
Photos: Front And Back Covers, p.3 (Inside Logo), p.11, p.12 (Left), p.12 (Second From Left) © Keith Ellenbogen; p.4 © Lisa Eidlin/WCS; p.5 © Cristián Samper/WCS; p.6, p.7, p.9 (Left), p.14, p.15 Julie Larsen Maher © WCS; p.8 (Top Left) © Dewantoro/WCS; p.8 (Top Right) © Paul Hilton For WCS; p.8 (Bottom) © WCS; p.9 (Right) © Jonathan Suarez; p.10 Drew Albinson © WCS; p.12 (Second From Right) © Whitley Fund For Nature; p.12 (Right) © I & C Photography; p.13 © Mileniusz Spanowics/WCS
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