Issue No 43 - Spring 2013

WLTnews ISSUE No. 43

SPRING 2013

Inside this issue...

• Chris Packham, a new patron for WLT

• Buy an Acre land purchases • Saving Orang-utans and Caucasian Leopards

• News from our Keepers of the Wild

• Lots of opportunities to have your say. We listen

Saving Real Acres in Real Places

www.worldlandtrust.org

2

What makes the WLT different?

Saving Real Acres in Real Places?

World Land Trust Blyth House, Bridge Street Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8AB, UK Tel: 01986 874422 Fax: 01986 874425 Email: info@worldlandtrust.org

‘Saving Real Acres in Real Places’ is a strap-line that World Land Trust (WLT) regularly uses. But does it describe us as best we can?

Feedback from supporters is that they support us because we ‘do a good job’ and they trust us to use their donation effectively and wisely. Some complain that we are not well enough known and we should promote ourselves more. This ties in closely with the question what does the WLT ‘brand’ stand for? We are very lucky in having Stephen Brunskill, a senior manager from BT, seconded to work for us for six months and the key issue he is looking at is identifying the WLT ’brand’. Armed with the information he gleans we must communicate our message better, and to a wider audience, while keeping our niche clear.

Pondering this, I thought of the old adage ‘Action speaks louder than words’. In our context this translates as ‘Conservation not conversation’.

If I look at the amount of money that has been spent on conservation conferences and research over the years, I come to the conclusion that there would be less of a conservation crisis if that same money had been spent on acquiring land. Of course conferences and meetings have a vital role to play our own symposia with our partner organisations have amply demonstrated the value of face to face Left: One thing that makes WLT different is the close relationships we build with our overseas project partner organisations. Here John Burton (right) is chatting with Alberto Yanosky, Executive Director of Guyra Paraguay. WLT has

meetings. But all too often big conferences do little more than fuel the egos of the attendees.

Time is running out: there is less land available for wildlife, and prices are escalating. So we have to accelerate our activities before it is too late. And WLT has to become better known, in order to raise more money. Maybe our strapline should be ‘Cash and Save, not Slash and Burn’. Seriously though, we would love to know what you think WLT’s strapline should be. Something that will grab attention, and inspire others like you, to support us.

John A Burton, Chief Executive John would love to know what you think makes WLT different and maybe you could even suggest a strapline for us. Email: jburton@worldlandtrust, or send a note to him at the address on the left.

London Event: Spreading the word 16 April, Charlotte Street Hotel We have a few spare places. Read more about this event on page 11.

already funded land purchase in the Atlantic rainforest and Chaco-Pantanal and most recently, our collaboration has focussed on using carbon offsetting to finance protection of forests under imminent threat.

Chris Packham joins Sir David Attenborough and David Gower as a Patron of WLT

“

I feel I know a lot about the Trust already, from speaking with John Burton and sharing many of his views on conservation priorities and population issues.

“

A wildlife fanatic for as long as he can remember, Chris Packham’s parents recall how he tried to ‘collect’ creatures that crept and crawled across their garden lawn before he could even walk.

With a life-long commitment to wildlife, we were delighted when Chris accepted the invitation to become the Trust’s third patron. When accepting he said: I have known the work of World Land Trust, and its CEO John Burton, almost since it was established in 1989. I share its philosophy in terms of working through in-country project partners and raising funds for them to purchase and protect threatened lands as nature reserves to protect their biodiversity.

John was always very supportive in the early days of my career and I have donated the Public Lending Rights in my books to WLT’s Green Ink project for the past 10 years. I am looking forward to being more involved.

Chris Packham with former WLT Intern, Katharine Parkes, at the annual Birdfair, Rutland Water.

3

Buy an Acre project: Bolivia Saving land for just £100 an acre, forever Bolivia is WLT’s newest Buy an Acre project. Since the beginning of the year WLT has been raising funds to support the extension of the Barba Azul Nature Reserve in Bolivia’s Beni savanna.

The land purchase is important because Beni savanna is home to an extraordinary range of flora, fauna and endangered species, and is the only site in the world with large groups of endangered Bluethroated Macaw. There are thought to be fewer than 350 Blue-throated Macaws surviving in the wild and they depend on the Motacu palm (Attalea phalerata), which grows in the forest islands of Beni savanna, for food and nesting cavities.

Bennett Hennessey, Executive Director of Asociación Armonía says

“

The Beni savannas are seriously understudied. Much of the data we have is based on assumptions by people looking at the area from far away. The Beni savannas area often lumped with the Argentinian savannas - as they share many of the same grassland birds, but the Beni region is quite distinct, not being connected to the Argentina savannas, and Beni being a tropical savanna, not temperate like Argentina.

There are many species which potentially are endemic to the Beni savannas, mammals and birds. A study of the Pink River Dolphin found the taxon in Beni to be completely separate from the Amazonian species, thus endemic to Beni.

Also on biodiversity - it should be noted the importance of the Beni savanna for migrant birds of southern South America. It is a very important wintering area for many species. And intensive cattle ranching practices mean the habitat is seriously altered, especially for species that require tall grass for breeding.

The Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco) is the largest and probably the best known species in the toucan family. It is found in semi-open habitats throughout a large part of central and eastern South America and the Beni savanna of Bolivia provides a stronghold.

It’s about ensuring long term survival of wildlife

New Ramsar site includes the Beni savanna

The Barba Azul Reserve currently protects 11,530 acres (4,450 hectares).

By extending the protected savanna, the reserve can provide more habitat for threatened species such as the Jaguar, Puma, and Maned Wolf as well as the Blue-throated Macaw.

In February 2013, to mark International World Wetlands Day, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance designated a new 6.9 million hectare Ramsar site, the Llanos de Moxos in the south west corner of the Amazon basin. The Barba Azul Nature Reserve will form part of the new Ramsar site, the largest ever designated.

While this international recognition is gratifying it should be viewed as only a step in the right direction. Ongoing conservation efforts are urgently needed on the ground if the threatened sites are to gain long term protection.

This Marsh Deer was captured by camera on the reserve by Glasgow University students. There have been several records of the species on the reserve, but this is the first photograph. Part of the protection management of the Barba Azul Reserve will be to protect this vulnerable species.

The Marsh Deer is a landscape species that is particularly threatened by hunting for its large size. The Beni savanna maintains a small isolated population. The extension of the Barba Azul Nature Reserve will greatly assist our efforts to protect this species.

Help us save more land in Bolivia while it is still relatively cheap: prices can’t last.

S

Project Brief: Bolivia

New Project Brief

Saving threatened land in the Beni savanna

The Bolivia Project Brief is now available.

Please phone the WLT office for a copy or download from our website: Ruth Canning/WLT (macaws), Kevin Cox

(

R

www.worldlandtrust.org/documents/ project-briefs/bolivia-brief.pdf

“

www.worldlandtrust.org

4

Buy an Acre project: Colombia Extending Las Tangaras Reserve Buy an Acre project in 2013

1,869 acres being added to Las Tangaras Reserve It is the mission of ProAves, WLT’s conservation partner in Colombia, to protect the biodiversity of the country from surging development and urban expansion.

Ruth Canning, WLT’s Conservation Programmes Officer, has visited the ProAves reserves funded by WLT and she is well aware of the challenges they face, saying:

“

The hard work of the

rangers and ProAves staff was clearly visible as we travelled

between reserves. Deforestation for cattle ranching was evident in the surrounding areas, as

“

was the level of deforestation to make way for coffee plantations.

In the Las Tangaras Reserve a Violet-tailed Sylph (a Chocó endemic) takes advantage of a bird feeder put up by ProAves for staff and visitors to observe the rainforest birds at closer proximity. Las Tangaras Reserve was the focus for Buy an Acre funding in Colombia in 2012, and we can now report that the purchase of 1,869 acres (756 hectares) to extend this reserve is nearing completion.

New reserve for primates Meanwhile, with the support of WLT and WLT-US, ProAves are proceeding with the purchase of seven new properties in north-west Colombia to form a new reserve.

Reserva Natural Titi Together the seven new properties being purchased will form a new reserve: Reserva Natural Titi.

Consisting of largely pristine lowland forest between the Darian highlands and the Colombian Andes, the new reserve is crucial for two of the most endangered primates in the world: the Cotton-top Tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) and the Blackheaded Spider Monkey (Ateles fusciceps), both classified as Critically Endangered

by IUCN. Cotton-top wild population numbers are estimated at just 2,000 mature

Cotton-top Tamarins are thought to number less than 2,000 adults in the wild. New land purchase will protect them. individuals and to date only one small, isolated population is protected in Colombia. The Black-headed Spider Monkey is extremely rare and little known.

Population estimates are between 70-100 individuals in the proposed reserve but it is heavily hunted as locals believe it cures malaria. There is no other known protected population in Colombia.

For a two year period prior to proposing the land purchase, ProAves carried out expeditions into the region to study a block of privately owned lowland rainforest. These studies discovered stronghold populations of both Cottontop Tamarin and Black-headed Spider Monkey. The reserve is also home to Jaguar and tracks are found daily, but the mammals are heavily hunted at present.

Spectacled Bear are also reported to be in the area.

Buy an Acre project Save One Acre for £100 with WLT See donation form enclosed or donate online:

www.worldlandtrust.org

5

Buy an Acre / Carbon Balanced project: Ecuador Laipuna Reserve extended, saving Tumbesian dry forest Buy an Acre project in 2013

613 acres SAVED through Buy an Acre Thanks to Buy an Acre funds, WLT has helped Nature and Culture Ecuador (NCI) to purchase 613 acres (249 hectares) of threatened Tumbesian tropical forest to add to the Laipuna Reserve, in south-west Ecuador.

670 acres SAVED through Carbon Balanced WLT’s Carbon Balanced programme has also recently funded land purchase at Laipuna, adding an additional 670 acres (271 hectares) of protected Tumbesian tropical forest. This is the first time that funds from WLT’s Carbon Balanced programme have been used for Tumbesian habitat.

Below: One of the rare species protected by the Laipuna Reserve is the Sechuran Fox (Lycalopex sechurae), also known as the Peruvian Desert Fox or the Sechuran zorro. This species is closely related to other South American “false” foxes or zorro, of which it is the smallest. It is only found in south western Ecuador and north western Peru in Tumbesian habitat.

The Laipuna Reserve now protects a total of 5,197 acres (2,103 hectares) of critically threatened Tumbesian dry forest.

Protection outside reserves is weak With less than 5 per cent of Tumbesian forests remaining, saving what is left is a high priority.

Laipuna is part of a larger area covering roughly 247,000 acres (100,000 hectares) of high quality dry forest straddling the border of southern Ecuador and north western Peru. Both the Ecuadorian and the Peruvian Governments recognise this habitat as a priority for conservation but even so, the forests in this area face numerous threats, especially from expanding farms.

Buy an Acre project Save One Acre for £100 with WLT See donation form enclosed or donate online:

www.worldlandtrust.org

Laipuna: protecting a wildlife gene bank Almost 20 per cent of the plant species in the Laipuna Reserve, in addition to eight species of mammals and 55 bird species are endemic, and found only in this ecosystem. Thirteen species are considered endangered, and over 21 species of amphibians and reptiles have been identified, two of which are awaiting classification. Mammals found in the Laipuna Reserve include Puma, River Otter, Collared Peccary and Sechuran Fox. Despite habitat loss and deforestation outside the reserve, the region still retains

outstanding wildlife value. But existing forest patches, threatened by expanding farmland, are often too small to make them viable for the survival of many species long-term.

Companies contributing to this recent land purchase at Laipuna, through Carbon Balancing their unavoidable emissions, include Tucan Travel, Nikwax, Call Assist, Euromonitor International, Team Aqua, Lovehoney, Maryvale Farms and Wildlife Travel. We thank these and other companies and individuals who have helped save this particular piece of vital Tumbesian dry forest.

www.worldlandtrust.org

6

Buy an Acre project: Mexico Extending the Cerro de la Luz-Cerro Prieto Reserve Finding rare endemic species Buy an Acre project in 2013

The Cerro de la Luz-Cerro Prieto reserve extended Since 2011, Buy an Acre funds have been used to purchase land in Mexico’s Sierra Gorda region in the state of Queretaro, working with WLT’s partner, Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda (GESG).

In the last newsletter (Issue No 42, Winter 2012), we reported on a new purchase of 564 acres. Since then, WLT has provided funding to extend the Cerro de la Luz-Cerro Prieto reserve. The purchase comes not a moment too soon as illegal loggers have been stripping highly prized trees, such as pines, junipers and cedars, from the forested land which will now be protected.

Living laboratory Of the reserve Roberto Pedraza Ruiz, GESG’s Technical Officer, says: “This is a living laboratory where plants have evolved into unique species only found in a small area. The reserve also contains magnificent limestone formations, where the karst is barely covered so there are jagged peaks, big fractured rocks and deep sinkholes.

Recent surveys by botanists have resulted in several new discoveries.

Endemic species have been found, as well as others that are currently being described (Agavaceae, Cactaceae and Lentibulariaceae) highlighting the exceptional botanical value of the flora of the area and the need to protect it.”

Belonging to the butterwort family, (Pinguicula calderoninae), is endemic to this region of Mexico.

Roberto Pedraza was lucky enough to photograph flowering plants on his recent field trip.

The northern border of the newly purchased extension to the Cerro de la Luz Reserve in the Sierra Gorda mountains of Mexico.

Roberto Pedraza recently visited the new property, now part of the Cerro de la Luz Reserve. He reports: “This is one of the highest peaks in the eastern part of the Sierra Gorda, rising to 8,858 feet, and real wilderness; home to Jaguars and Pumas.

One of the reasons I wanted to make this long hike was not in search of big cats but to try and find a tiny endemic butterwort, (Pinguicula calderoninae), that I was led to believe grows just in the north cliff face of this mountain. And there it was, in bloom too. The beautiful bright pink flowers are surrounded by amazing leaves, which are incredibly long and almost like tentacles - the plant uses them to trap moths and flies.

An extra gift of the trip was watching a flock of rare Maroon-fronted Parrots endemic to a northern part of this same mountain range and first recorded here in 1998. It was incredible to hear their shrieks well above 10,000 feet, and then just before sunset a flock of them headed to the forests of the new reserve. It is a good feeling to know that we are protecting their food source - conifers and their cones! Thanks to WLT supporters on their behalf.”

The Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve covers an area of over 946,000 acres (383,000 hectares) consisting of 15 types of vegetation including evergreen and deciduous tropical forest, shrubs and cacti, oak forests, pine forests and cloud forests.

Roberto with Bethan John (centre) and Ruth Canning in the forests protected with help from WLT.

Field Report Few of us, whether staff or supporters, have the chance to visit WLT funded projects abroad, but in November last year, Ruth Canning (WLT Conservation Programmes Officer), spent a month working in GESG’s office in Jalpan. For some of her stay she was joined by Bethan John, WLT’s former Assistant Editor, who is spending 18 months travelling at her own expense to work with WLT’s Latin American project partners.

Accompanied by Roberto, and GESG’s Keeper of the Wild Abel Reséndiz, Ruth and Bethan visited several of the reserves and were impressed to see at first-hand what WLT had helped save.

Read the latest news and Bethan’s Roving Reporter blog on our website: www.worldlandtrust.org/news/index

7

Buy an Acre: funding completed Land purchase success in Guatemala 1,668 acres (675 hectares) acres saved Mission accomplished

An aerial photograph of the Laguna Grande-Sarstún Reserve in Guatemala protected by WLT partner organisation FUNDAECO. The intricate network of lagoons provide vital wildlife habitat that is home to at least 140 species of plants, including four species of mangroves and two species of sea grasses. It harbours 148 bird species, 116 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 18 fish species.

There are at least 52 mammals in the reserve, including Jaguar, Puma and manatee.

By the end of 2012, the land purchase of the Laguna Grande-Sarstún Reserve in Guatemala had been completed thanks to donations through Buy an Acre. WLT continues to support Guatemalan partner, FUNDAECO, through the Keepers of the Wild ranger programme.

Leverage effect Now that funding has been achieved for this reserve it is the responsibility of WLT’s partner, FUNDAECO to manage and protect it. In the autumn of 2012, John Burton, WLT CEO, made a site visit to Guatemala at the suggestion of FUNDAECO’s General Director, Marco Cerezo. The visit was designed to enable John to meet with several business leaders to introduce them to the idea of

environmental philanthropy. Marco believed that if John could describe WLT's successful conservation work worldwide, and the Trust's ongoing The Mexican Black Howler Monkey, classed as Critically partnership with Endangered finds a safe haven in the Laguna GrandeFUNDAECO, then key Sarstún Reserve. representatives of private sector company to FUNDAECO”, companies in Guatemala would be said John “and it suggests that there is a inspired to offer financial support. willingness among business leaders to support local conservation projects.

There was an immediate result when one Private sector firms in the northern business pledged a donation of hemisphere know that 'going green' US$27,000 over the next two years. makes good business sense. Now at last that concept is gaining traction in Latin "This is the first major donation to a America." conservation project to be made by a While in Guatemala John Burton (centre) was able to present Ricardo Coc Caal (left) with a digital camera. Cameras have been donated by Olympus to WLT for use on project sites for monitoring wildlife and recording environmental damage. On the right is Marco Cerezo of FUNDAECO. Ricardo is funded through the Keepers of the Wild programme.

Thank you for helping save the Laguna Grande-Sarstún Reserve Land purchase is completed. Your support has helped save 1,668 acres (675 hectares) of tropical rainforest and a system of lagoons considered to be one of the most threatened habitats in the Caribbean Guatemala region. This land purchase affords greater protection to a whole region as the Belizean side of the river is already a National Park.

www.worldlandtrust.org

8

Help WLT save species from extinction Saving: forest corridors for Orang-utans and adding protection for Pygmy Elephants in Borneo

SABAH (Malaysia)

SARAWAK (Malaysia)

Special Appeal

BORNEO

Following a site visit by journalists and WLT’s Mary Tibbett to Borneo last November, the Trust is more determined than ever to conserve rainforest habitat for endangered wildlife.

Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary KALIMANTAN (Indonesia)

Various Forest Reserves A5 Various Mangrove Reserves

The project area

Two Priority Wildlife Corridors Roads

The fact-finding visit to the Lower Kinabatangan district in Malaysian Borneo revealed the full horror of the effects of the palm oil industry on natural forest.

Lot 2 Lot 1

Villages Sukau A5

Lot 8 Bukit Garam Lot 4

Lot 5

Lot 10a

Despite massive loss of habitat, the Kinabatangan remains a bastion for biodiversity. It is home to ten species of primate, including Proboscis Monkeys, and eight species of hornbill, along with large populations of Orang-utan and Pygmy Elephants.

Lot 9

Kinabat ang

Lot 3 an R i v e r

Bilit

Lot 7 Lot 6 Batu Putih

The Million Pound Appeal

V

WLT’s conservation partner in Malaysian Borneo, HUTAN has just celebrated its 15th anniversary and as the dust settles on the celebrations, HUTAN is preparing for its next great challenge, to create a wildlife corridor along the Kinabatangan River.

To assist HUTAN, WLT is focusing efforts on raising £1 million pounds for land purchase in Borneo. Last autumn an article in The Times by WLT Council member Simon Barnes triggered public interest in WLT’s Borneo Rainforest Appeal. Since Simon’s article was published, WLT has been receiving donations to the Borneo appeal, including a substantial, private donation of £10,000 at the beginning of March.

This support is gratifying and we believe it is possible to raise £1 million.

Funds raised will be used to purchase contiguous parcels of land along the Kinabatangan River to create a wildlife corridor for Orang-utan and other endangered species. If current rates of human encroachment continue the Bornean Orang-utan is at risk of extinction within 35 years.

If we are able to raise these funds it will be possible to connect the Keruak Virgin Forest Reserve with the larger Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary by purchasing property along the river. River habitat is some of the most important for Orang-utans.

A time for pioneering solutions Isabelle Lackman, the Director of HUTAN, believes that:

Pioneering solutions are needed to improve the connectivity between isolated wildlife habitat fragments. With support from WLT’s Borneo Orangutan Appeal we will work to ensure the long-term conservation of Sabah’s unique biodiversity, and to restore more harmonious relationships between people and wildlife sharing the same ecosystems.

“

“

While WLT is raising funds for urgent land purchase in Borneo HUTAN staff are approaching landowners along the Kinabatangan River corridor with a view to negotiating agreements of sale.

•

Life in the field Ongoing monitoring and protection of the reserves continue. Berjaya, a HUTAN ranger, whose post is supported by WLT’s Keepers of the Wild fund, sends regular reports of his activities. He reported that during January increasing the number of river patrols in the lower part of the Kinabatangan successfully prevented illegal timber harvesting in the forests of the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary during the monsoon.

Read more about Berjaya’s work as a WLT Keeper of the Wild on page 10.

Help save Orang-utans To donate, visit www.worldlandtrust.org or use the donation form insert.

9

Help WLT save species from extinction

Special Appeal

Extended: the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge in Armenia It’s official: Caucasian Leopards confirmed in the Refuge Armenia is a landlocked country bordered by Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey. It is important for migratory animals with about 350 bird species recorded in the country.

2013 Breaking news There is now confirmed evidence that the endangered Caucasian Leopard is present in the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge, which WLT supporters helped create.

Research suggests that about a quarter of the animal species in Armenia are internationally endangered.

Location of the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge

In February 2013 the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem carried out genetic tests on samples of scat and fur and confirmed that they are from the Caucasian Leopard, as had been hoped.

This recent finding has boosted conservation efforts enormously. Rangers have stepped up measures to protect the reserve, and to monitor any sites where the Caucasian Leopard may be present.

With your help we can ensure the survival of Caucasian Leopards in this, possibly their last refuge in Armenia.

Confirmation of Leopard in the Refuge has boosted morale and efforts Ruben Khachatryan, founder of WLT’s partner organisation in Armenia, Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), describes the importance of the scientific proof.

“

It demonstrates beyond any doubt that this majestic but unfortunately highly endangered predator still occurs in Armenia and that our efforts to protect its habitat are not in vain.

“

Mary Tibbett, Conservation Programmes Officer at WLT, adds: “This proof is a great boost to conservation efforts in Armenia.

Although possibly reduced to as few as 15 animals in Armenia, the Caucasian Leopard subspecies is resilient and we believe it can be saved. But if it is to prosper in the wild, we need more research and monitoring, improved

protection for habitat, and tougher action against hunters and poachers. If we don’t take steps now, it may be too late.”

The Caucasian Leopard is the largest subspecies of leopard. In recent years, their population has been devastated by uncontrolled hunting.

Leopards don’t know borders “Leopards don’t know borders”, explains Ruben. “Their migration routes cover not only a corridor through Armenia but also reach out to Iran and Azerbaijan. Much more field exploration is necessary to map and understand this regional leopard corridor.”

FPWC is working to strengthen regional cross-border cooperation in order to form a leopard coalition uniting relevant NGOs and governmental institutions in all countries of the South Caucasus. Says Ruben “The involvement of international partners such as WLT and IUCN Netherlands is of vital importance for this process.”

Help save the Caucasian Leopard To donate, visit www.worldlandtrust.org or use the donation form insert.

Caucasus Wildlife Refuge Extended FPWC has successfully agreed a lease of 2,718 acres (1,100 hectares) of land to extend the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge.

The agreement brings to a successful conclusion negotiations that started last autumn. The territory in question is on the southern border of the Khosrov Forest State Reserve, and a 25-year lease has been negotiated. As an unexpected bonus, and due to FPWC’s skilled negotiations, the total area to be leased is 741 acres (300 hectares) more than the initial target of 1,977 acres (800 hectares). This means that all three existing areas of the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge will now connect to the Khosrov reserve.

www.worldlandtrust.org

10

Spotlight: Keepers of the Wild Danjugan Island, Philippines Ecuador and Borneo Cover picture

Danjugan Island: a land purchase success In November 2012 Charity (Chai) Apale became WLT’s second female Keeper of the Wild. A marine biologist, Chai works on Danjugan, a small but very important tropical island in the Visayan group in the Philippines, saved by WLT. “The best aspect of working on the reserve is doing the things that I’m passionate about,” Chai told WLT. Danjugan Island, along with its fringing reefs, was in urgent need of protection in the 1990s when the island’s owners were considering selling to unsympathetic developers.

Thanks to donations from WLT’s supporters, the island was saved in 2000 and has been protected ever

since as Danjugan Island Marine Reserve and Sanctuaries (DIMRS).

Chai, working for WLT’s project partner, Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation (PRRCFI), coordinates their conservation programme. This includes protecting the reserve from poachers and illegal fishing activities, coordinating research studies, and developing community activities including mangrove tree planting and coastal clean-up events.

Chai is a marine biologist and has a particular interest in marine life around the island, especially the Giant Clams (Tridacna gigas), which measure up to one metre across.

This photograph of a wild Spectacled Bear was taken on the Fundación EcoMinga reserve in Ecuador. It was taken by a WLT Keeper of the Wild, Luis Recalde, and it was taken on what is now the Naturetrek Reserve, purchased with funds made available by UK wildlife tour operator, Naturetrek.

Luis saw the bear when he was an hour or two from home, but he didn't have his camera with him. He ran down the mountain and got his camera and ran back, and the bear was still there, eating fruit! This is one of many photos he took that day.

A big job for Berjaya in Borneo Berjaya Elahan, funded through WLT’s Keepers of the Wild, helps safeguard 49,420 acres (20,000 hectares) of protected forest in the Lower Kinabatangan floodplain, in Sabah in NE Borneo. Living locally in the village of Sukau, alongside the Kinabatangan River, ranger Berjaya works for WLT partner organisation HUTAN. He has a huge responsibility watching over some of Borneo’s most iconic species and is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week in case WLT supports 22 reserve rangers through there are reports of hunting or illegal felling Keepers of the Wild, but more are of trees within the protected area. He loves needed to help protect reserves. his job and would like more training to continue improving his conservation See donation form enclosed or donate knowledge. He would really appreciate more online: www.worldlandtrust.org rangers to help with this work.

Keepers of the Wild:

Above: Fundación EcoMinga ranger, Luis Recalde, is funded through WLT’s Keepers of the Wild appeal. Here he identifies a snake found at the Cerro Candelaria Reserve.

11

Dear WLT: Should we join the Big Give Christmas Challenge this year?

Have your say and we will listen

This was a wonderful amount to raise but some supporters believe that WLT should run its own online fundraising campaign along the lines of the Big Give. Clearly there are pros and cons, but two of our donors have neatly summed up the two sides of the argument.

“

“

Why not choose a better time of year, ie not Christmas? Maybe in October, so that it doesn't clash with any other major events such as Children In Need?

“

(Dominic Belfield, WLT supporter) Dominic believes that with a longer donations period (it was only for three days last year) WLT will have a rewarding response, as well as being free from Big Give’s admin fees of 4%.

John Smart, on the other hand, believes that the Big Give offers a great opportunity to focus fundraising efforts through a major national appeal.

John commented that the Big Give website worked better in 2012 and even referring back to 2011 when there were

This is an excellent way to contribute knowing that one’s gift is doubled and then topped with Gift Aid… Yes to having another ‘BG’ Event next year.

“

Last December WLT took part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge which raised over £90,000 for Keepers of the Wild.

(John Smart, WLT supporter) problems, he commented that “the determined won through”.

It is worth noting that the Big Give only matches online donations. If WLT were to run its own challenge then all donations would be matched.

So, what do you think?

Should we take part in the 2013 Big Give Christmas Challenge? Or should we take on the challenge and extra commitment of running one ourselves?

Please complete the questionnaire on the back of the letter insert in this newsletter and return to WLT Office, Blyth House, Bridge Street, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8AB. We really appreciate your response which will help us to decide.

Thank you.

Spreading the word A WLT London event to be held at the Charlotte Street Hotel, 5-7 Charlotte Street, W1T 1RJ 16 April, 6 - 8.30pm Join us for a lively evening of brief inspirational presentations on how to put across the WLT message. Speakers include acclaimed children’s author Nicola Davies, writer and journalist Simon Barnes and TV presenter Su Ingle.

We have ten tickets to give to supporters on a first come first served basis.

To claim your ticket phone: Viv Burton 01986 874 422 or email: vburton@worldlandtrust.org

Photo credits: Cover: Luis Recalde; Page 2: WLT (both); Page 3: Paul B Jones (toucan), Ross Macleod (macaws), Glasgow University (deer); Page 4: ProAves (hummingbird), Dmitry Kovtun / Shutterstock.com (tamarin); NCI (sign), Roland Seitre/naturepl.com (fox); Page 6: Roberto Pedraza Ruiz (all); Page 7: Robin Moore (aerial shot), Kevin Schafer/naturepl.com (monkey), WLT (group); Page 8: Sergey Uryadnikov / Shutterstock.com; Page 9: Vasiliy Koval / Shutterstock.com; Page 10: PRRFCI (Chai), WLT (Danjugan Island and Berjaya Elahan), Luis Recalde (bear), Fundacion EcoMinga; Back page: Zhou Zhefeng (camera-trap).

Who’s Who at WLT Patrons: Sir David Attenborough OM CH, FRS David Gower OBE, Chris Packham

Honorary President: Dr Gerard A Bertrand

Trustees:

Myles Archibald (Hon Treasurer), Sir Kenneth Carlisle, Gil Child, Rohini Finch (Chair of Trustees), Simon Lyster, Bruce Pearson, Jonathan Self, Dr Nigel Simpson, Andrew von Preussen

Council Members: Dr Simon Barnes, Dr Diana Bell, Mark Carwardine, Kevin Cox, Dr Lee Durrell, Willem Ferwerda, Alistair Gammell, Robert Giles, Mark Leaney, Alan Martin, Bill Oddie, Iain Orr, Richard Porter, Elaine Shaughnessy, Mark Stanley Price, Sue Wells

Chief Executive: John A Burton WLT News production: Editor: Viv Burton Print: Kingfisher Press Ltd Design: www.wearedrab.net

WLT works with 27 Overseas project partners: Argentina: Fundación Patagonia Natural Exec Director: José María Musmeci Fundación Naturaleza para el Futuro (FuNaFu) Exec Director: Luis Castelli Fundación Biodiversidad, Argentina President: Obdulio Menghi Armenia: Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife & Cultural Assets Director: Ruben Khachatryan Belize: Programme for Belize Exec Director: Edilberto Romero Bolivia: Armonia Exec Director: Bennett Hennessey Brazil: Fundação de Proteção à Natureza O Boticário Exec Director: Maria de Lourdes Nunes Reserva Ecologica de Guapi Assu (REGUA) Project Director: Nicholas Locke Chile: Fundación Melimoyu President: Carlos Cuevas Cueto

Colombia: ProAves Exec Director: Alonso Quevedo Ecuador: Fundación Jocotoco Exec Director: Rocío Merino Utreras Fundación Pro-Bosque Exec Director: Eric von Horstman Fundación EcoMinga Exec Director: Javier Robayo Nature and Culture International Director (Ecuador): Renzo Paladines Guatemala: Fundación para el Ecodesarrollo y la Conservación (FUNDAECO) General Director: Marco Cerezo Honduras: Ecological Association of San Marcos Ocotepeque (AESMO) Exec Director: Víctor Saravia O India: Wildlife Trust of India Exec Director: Vivek Menon Kenya: Nature Kenya Exec Director: Paul Matiku Malaysia: HUTAN Co-Directors: Isabelle Lackman & Marc Ancrenaz LEAP Spiral Exec Director: Cynthia Ong Mexico: Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda Technical Officer: Roberto Pedraza Ruiz

Paraguay: Guyra Paraguay Exec Director: Alberto Yanosky Philippines: Philippine Reef & Rainforest Conservation Foundation Project Director: Gerardo L Ledesma Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania Acting CEO: Paul Nnyiti Venezuela: Asociación Civil Provita President: Franklin Rojas Zambia: Wildlife & Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia Acting Director: Patrick Shawa

Institutional Partners: BirdLife International IUCN National Committee of the Netherlands: WLT Contact: Marc Hoogeslag Acciónatura Director: Francesc Giro

World Land Trust - US 25 Horner Street, Warrenton, VA 20186 USA Email: info@worldlandtrust-us.org www.worldlandtrust-us.org

www.worldlandtrust.org WLT teams up with BBC Wildlife magazine and sponsors, Enterprise Plants and Páramo for this year’s camera-trap competition The winning image in BBC Wildlife Wildlife magazine’s 2012 Camera-trap Competition, sponsored by WLT and Páramo.

Overall & Category Winner (Animal Portraits) awarded the £3,000 research grant was this beautiful image of Chinese Leopard captured by Zhou Zhefeng for a project funded by the Shanxi Wocheng Institute of Ecology and Environment.

www.discoverwildlife.com/gallery/ bbc-wildlife-camera-trap-photoyear-2012-winners

Become a WLT Friend and pledge £5 or more each month. Funds go to the WLT Action Fund for WLT’s most urgent project needs.

Why I have become a Friend “One of the main reasons I chose to join WLT is because of Sir David Attenborough’s endorsement. I was also influenced by the pledge on the website stating that my money will not go on furry toys (up until that point I had been leaning toward other organisations where they give you such a toy). I also really look forward to reading the WLT newsletter. I hope in a few months to be able to double or triple my donation (I appreciate £5 is not a lot and wish to do more, however at the moment it is what I can commit to).”

Ben Hinchliffe (Robertsbridge)

WLT News is printed BO N AR on Carbon Balanced Paper, saving 267kg of carbon and BO N preserving 22 sqm of AR critically threatened tropical forest.

Carbon Balanced Paper is one of the most sustainable forms of communication that will reduce your carbon foot print and promote CSR. www.carbonbalanced paper.com

We recently re-launched our WLT Partners donor category as Friends of World Land Trust. This has been a great success and has seen numbers of supporters making monthly donations by direct debit almost double.

R PE

C

Last word

C

Printed on Revive 50 Recycled paper, available from Howard Smith Paper Group, Robert Horne Group & The PaperCo

B

See the 2012 winners, runners-up and commended images on the BBC Wildlife magazine website:

We thank Páramo for sponsoring the BBC Wildlife Camera-trap Competition between 2010 and 2012. This year they are donating the prize for the British Wildlife category: a top of the range Páramo Halcon jacket worth £310.

B A L A NC

The deadline for entries to the 2013 Camera-trap Competition is 31 July. The winners will be announced in the December issue of BBC Wildlife magazine on sale on 20 November. You can enter online at: www.discoverwildlife.com

BBC Wildlife and WLT are delighted to welcome WLT long-term corporate supporters Enterprise Plants, as the sponsor of the 2013 competition. They will be donating the research grants for the Animal Portraits, Animal Behaviour and New Discoveries categories.

PA

2013 Competition

New sponsor for 2013

ED

Launched in 2010, the competition has been raising awareness and funds for conservation by showcasing the most exciting and revealing camera-trap images captured by conservationists around the world. Judges give particular weight to the contribution that each image makes to scientific knowledge.

The prize money does not go to the individual but direct to the conservation project to help strengthen their resources.

Camera-traps have revolutionised the way that conservationists study animals in the wild, gaining intimate knowledge of their behaviour and leading to some astonishing new discoveries. They are contributing enormously to scientific knowledge, hopefully leading to improved conservation of the species. We look forward to seeing 2013 entries: we are never disappointed.

If you aren’t already a Friend, please consider joining us. If you are, and would like some Friends leaflets to give to people you think would be interested, let us know.

You can complete a Direct Debit form online: www.worldlandtrust.org/supporting/ friends.htm