WLTnews ISSUE No. 48 WINTER 2014
Inside this issue... • Update on Big Cat Appeal • Saving Atlantic forest in Brazil • Carbon Balanced project in Vietnam
• Anniversary events • Donation form insert and Christmas cards
Saving Real Acres in Real Places www.worldlandtrust.org
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Special Appeal
£326,000 raised for Big Cats The results of Big Match Fortnight, 1-15 October 2014 Thanks to the generosity of our supporters during Big Cat Big Match Fortnight we have already raised more than £326,000 for critically important Big Cat projects. Although the fortnight has now passed we will continue to raise funds for the Big Cat Appeal and we hope that everyone will help us achieve the £500,000 target over the coming weeks. Our supporters and ambassadors have, once again, enthused, inspired and cajoled so successfully that we have benefited from tens of thousands of pounds of free, high profile advertising and PR for the appeal during Big Match Fortnight. Our donors have told us they like this opportunity to make a donation, knowing that it will be matched pound for pound, and through free advertising, editorial and PR we have reached many new supporters. We hope they will be inspired by our work and become part of our network of regular donors. Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Big Match Fortnight.
One million pounds for Borneo and 2014 Big Match Fortnight Launch: 30 September at the Linnean Society of London.
World Land Trust Blyth House, Bridge Street Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8AB, UK Tel: 01986 874422 Fax: 01986 874425 Email: info@worldlandtrust.org
Dr Isabelle Lackman shows the title deeds of property secured in Malaysian Borneo
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Tigers are magnificent creatures. It would be a tragedy of truly monumental proportions if they were to be lost to the world. Not only that, it would be totally inexcusable on our part but if we don’t act fast to provide them with suitable territory to live in, they will disappear. We mustn’t let that happen. During World Land Trust’s Big Cat Big Match Fortnight all donations were matched pound for pound, but this appeal still needs to raise more funds. Please help WLT reach its target. I can assure you that all donations will go straight to saving tigers and threatened big cats.
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As we go to press:
Sir David Attenborough, Patron, WLT
We began the evening with an update from Dr Isabelle Lackman, Co-Director of WLT conservation partner in Malaysian Borneo, Hutan. The Borneo Rainforest Appeal had reached one million pounds by 7 May 2014, of which £725,000 was raised during Big Match Fortnight in October 2013. Isabelle described the land purchase and protection that has been made possible with these funds. She showed maps and images of wildlife to demonstrate the importance of the land protection that is taking place. When thanking everyone for their support, Isabelle told us that the Malay for thank you is terima kasih. Its literal meaning is: “received with love”. Vivek Menon from Wildllife Trust of India (WTI) launched this year’s appeal for a range of big cat projects. WLT’s work with WTI is to ensure the survival of tigers around Corbett National Park. We also welcomed Mahboobeh Shirkhorshidi representing the Iranian Cheetah Society and Simon Barnes, who talked about the Caucasian Leopard project in Armenia and his visits to WLT project sites where big cats occur.
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Tigers around Corbett National Park, India: the importance of the Chilkiya-Kota Corridor Keeping humans and tigers safe Special Appeal
Traditional routes used by wildlife between Corbett National Park and Ramnagar Forest Division. As funds are raised more protected corridors will be created
Human-tiger conflict
Big Cat appeal, aiming to raise ÂŁ500,000
Since 2010 seven people have been killed by tigers in the vicinity of Sundarkhal in Uttarakhand, northern India. Another was killed in the same area by a leopard. For the Sundarkhal villagers who have lost loved ones, each death is a tragedy.
We still need to raise more funds for our urgent Tiger, Puma and Jaguar projects. Other wild cats will benefit too. To donate, visit www.worldlandtrust.org or use the donation form insert.
The solution With a focus on keeping humans and big cats separate, WLT and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) propose to minimise tragedies by protecting Chilkiya-Kota (Sundarkhal) Corridor, a traditional wildlife route between Corbett Tiger Reserve and Ramnagar Forest Division. The corridor is the most important migration path for tigers, elephants and other wild animals between the two forests of the Corbett Tiger Reserve and Ramnagar. There are known to be five or six tigers regularly using the Chilkiya-Kota corridor, and currently much of this 3.75km wide corridor has been occupied by migrants from Almorah, Garwal and Nainital. They have settled on the banks of the Kosi River, in the heart of the corridor and are working in nearby hotels and resorts.
Voluntary relocation Villagers live in constant fear and it is not surprising that those who are affected have
wholeheartedly agreed to being relocated to safe areas where they will have their own houses and land ownership. The first phase of relocation involves 50 families whose settlements are within the Panod section of Sundarkhal (Chilkiya-Kota) corridor, which lies closest to the area of animal movement and has
the highest number of human-wildlife conflict cases. The Sundarkhal (Chilkiya-Kota) corridor connects the Corbett Tiger Reserve and Ramnagar Forest Division and is the most vital corridor for tiger, elephant and other wild animals moving between these two forests.
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ED Special Appeal COMPLET SUCCESS: Brazilian Atlantic Forest Appeal
Saving the Atlantic forest: only 7 per cent left Atlantic forest is even more threatened than the Amazon, with only 7 per cent of it surviving in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. WLT is committed to saving as much as possible and is helping our Brazilian conservation partner, REGUA, to extend their reserve in the Serra dos Órgãos mountains, about 80 km northeast of Rio de Janeiro. Our recent appeal has been to raise funds for a parcel of land, protecting 59 acres (24 hectares). This is a small area compared to many other WLT land purchases, but vital to
create a wildlife-safe corridor between land owned and managed by REGUA and the Três Picos National Park. The target of £25,000 has now been raised, thanks to top up funding from the Big Cat Appeal and REGUA is in the process of securing the property which will enable Pumas to extend their territory.
Why so expensive? Pristine land that is close to Rio is being bought for second homes, forcing prices upwards. Building plots can have a devastating effect on wildlife and so it is vitally important to identify strategically important parcels of forest while there is still time. Just 59 acres can make all the difference in saving
populations of wildlife from extinction. The territory of a Puma varies in size, usually in correlation to the amount of food or prey available. The 18,000 acres protected by REGUA is large enough for at least three Pumas, and it is thought that one or two other adults may also be present, their ranges extending beyond the protection of REGUA’s boundaries. The new land purchase is certainly good news for them. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this successful appeal.
Atlantic forest birds, assured a safe haven at REGUA Wildlife artist Steve Cale lives in North Norfolk, where he indulges his love of bird watching and finds inspiration for his art. But he also loves travelling and the image on the right is taken from his sketch book while visiting the Atlantic forest at Reserva Ecológica de Guapi Assu (REGUA).
Painting in watercolours and acrylics, Steve loves nothing more than travelling to the tropics and leading tours. He found great inspiration from his time at REGUA where he enjoyed sketching the rare and brightly coloured birds, many of which are only found in this region. About his experiences, Steve said: “Birdwatching at REGUA is great for an artist as the birds are relatively unafraid of humans, and come to the
feeders near the Lodge where they can be easily observed. In fact I’d encourage anyone with a desire to see a tropical forest for themselves to think about a trip to REGUA. It isn’t hard to get to and the Lodge is really comfortable. It is run by local people who benefit greatly from the project. I can’t wait to go back.” Atlantic forest birds feature on the cover, and also see back page for details.
Steve Cale supports WLT by donating the use of his paintings for Christmas cards. See this year’s selection on our website: www.worldlandtrust.org/supporting/ cards Steve also exhibits in WLT’s Wildlife Art Gallery: www.worldlandtrust.org/gallery/ artists/steve-cale See more of his work at: www.stevecale-artist.co.uk
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How funds from the Big Cat Appeal are saving creatures great and small from Jaguars to tree frogs and salamanders A trail camera image of a Jaguar in the Sierra Gorda Reserve This was the first Jaguar to be recorded by trail camera in the Sierra Gorda reserve a few years ago. When sending this image Roberto Pedraza said: “We are very excited to have this Jaguar photo as we didn't know they occurred there. We were expecting to get Puma on camera. We think this is a young animal and believe that the mother is also in the area as we found quite big tracks. Vivan los jaguares!!!" Since then many images and signs of Jaguar have been recorded and indeed we know They Live!
New land purchase in Mexico One of the most remarkable tracts of cloud forest in Mexico’s Sierra Gorda, known to be home to Jaguar and Puma, has been saved thanks to WLT supporters. The new land purchase covers 103 acres (42 hectares) and lies on the southern border of Cerro Prieto-Cerro la Luz, another of GESG’s reserves. The reserve extension was a priority to save: “We know there are several endangered species such as Pumas and Jaguars roaming there,” said Roberto Pedraza, GESG’s Technical Officer. Roberto goes on to say: “This property is very special because the limestone is completely covered with moss and bromeliads which have overwhelmed the old-growth cedars, oaks and pines.” For small creatures such as tree frogs, the water captured in the spaces between the pointed leaves of the bromeliads provides an important source of moisture, enough in some cases to raise tadpoles. Referring to these water stores as ‘apartments’, Roberto said: “This property has the most bromeliads I have ever seen. It is quite an amazing place, a salamander and tree frog heaven, for sure, because there are so many apartments, so many bromeliads.”
Director of GESG wins 2014 Wangari Maathai Prize On 6 October, halfway through our Big Match Fortnight, urgently raising funds for big cat projects, we heard that GESG, one of our ‘big cat’ partners had just been notified of a prestigious award. The honour is for GESG’s founderdirector, Martha "Pati" Ruiz Corzo, (mother of Roberto Pedraza) who was awarded the Wangari Maathai Prize by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) in recognition of her pioneering work to preserve forests and alleviate rural poverty in the Sierra Gorda. Since 1997 GESG has carried out an inspired programme of conservation education and training for local communities, turning the reserve into a flagship for public-private ecosystem management. Hundreds of local families benefit from a ‘payment for ecosystem
You can support conservation with GESG in Mexico through the Big Cat Appeal or Buy an Acre. Either way we guarantee that your donation will go directly to saving Jaguar and big cat habitat which, as you can read left, protects the ecosystem for all the other wildlife that depend on it.
services’ programme, receiving financial compensation for conserving and replanting WLT congratulates trees on their “Pati” Ruiz Corzo on land, which in this recognition of her pioneering work turn saves habitats by preserving local watersheds and reducing soil erosion. GESG also works to protect forests by promoting alternatives to subsistence farming, helping rural communities earn a living WLT congratulates “Pati” through sustainable enterprises such as Ruiz Corzo onpreserving this beekeeping, bottling and of her forest fruits,recognition traditional embroidery and pioneerng work ecotourism.
Buy an Acre £100 to save an acre in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador & Mexico. To donate, visit www.worldlandtrust.org or use the donation form insert.
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Cross border conservation: cheetahs and leopards
Conservationists working for the Iranian Cheetah Society (ICS), a new partner for WLT, are working in remote and inaccessible areas of Iran to save some of the world’s most spectacular and imperilled wildlife. At a volatile time in Iran’s history ICS is making ground breaking scientific discoveries and doing an amazing job in raising local awareness of conservation.
Big cat study In 2002, ICS launched a long-term study of the Asiatic Cheetah, one of the world’s least researched Big Cats. Focusing on the arid areas where cheetahs are found they have been able to gather information on cheetah populations, track migration and monitor survival rates. The Asiatic Cheetah is Critically Endangered and found only in Iran. Although once common, it has been driven to extinction in other parts of southwest Asia from Arabia to India including Afghanistan. The total population is estimated to be 40 to 70 individuals, with road accidents accounting for two thirds of deaths. To raise awareness of the Asiatic Cheetah, it was chosen as the emblem for Iran’s national football team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The Iran 2014 World Cup kits featured a watermark of an Asiatic Cheetah. Iran were finally knocked out by Bosnia Herzegovina
The deserts of central Iran provide a last stronghold for Asiatic Cheetah, while the rolling mountains of western Iran are home to Brown Bears and Grey Wolves. The high altitudes of northern Iran shelter Caucasian (Persian) Leopards which WLT is helping protect across the border in Armenia. ICS’s aim is to ensure a long-term future for these and lesser carnivores and their ecosystems
Spotlight on Caucasian Leopards across their range In October, international experts met to discuss Leopard conservation in the Caucasus. Barbara Siebert, Program Director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), WLT’s conservation partner in Armenia, reported that this was the first time FPWC had had the opportunity to present the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge project to an international expert group and discuss ways to integrate FPWC’s work into the broader strategy for leopard conservation. Participants presented working papers on the status of leopard in their respective countries and representatives from WWF Russia outlined their breeding and reintroduction programme for Caucasian Leopard in Sochi National Park. The recommendations and findings of the regular experts’ meetings are intended to serve as a basis of regional, as well as national, conservation plans for the endangered Leopard in all Caucasian countries: Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran and Russia.
WLT CEO, John Burton writes: Studies have also been carried out to establish the genetic diversity of Caucasian (Persian) Leopards in Iran, as a preliminary to possible translocation projects to countries within their historical range in western Asia. With animal populations increasingly fragmented, and with some regional borders almost impossible for even wildlife to cross, in the future translocation may be essential to maintain genetic diversity by exchanging individuals between the regions. FPWC in Armenia and the Iranian Cheetah Society are both partners with WLT and working to conserve the leopards which roam the Iranian/Armenian border areas. The main population of Caucasian Leopards is in Iran, but there are smaller populations in Armenia and Azerbaijan, and there may even be a few individuals in Syria or Turkey. Creating cross border protected areas is also a recognised way of resolving political conflicts.
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New Carbon Balanced programme in Vietnam
Viet Nature Conservation Centre (Viet Nature), with support from WLT, has officially launched a forest conservation initiative in partnership with Quang Binh Provincial Forest Protection Department.
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For the first time in Vietnam, funding for long-term forest protection and management has been made possible by voluntary carbon finance from the private sector. said Pham Tuan Anh, President, Viet Nature
partners are helping tackle the problem of global warming and protecting species on the brink of extinction.” This long-term project has been secured through collaboration between Birdlife International and IUCN National Committee of the Netherlands (IUCN NL) who have funded a 30-year lease on part of the forest to act as a field base. With input from WLT, the project has been designed to balance the needs of people, wildlife and the environment. Besides supporting forest law enforcement activities, WLT will help provide technical assistance to local people to improve livelihoods, promote sustainable forest management and reduce poaching.
The wildlife Khe Nuoc Trong is home to a wide range of rare wildlife such as the Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica) and Chinese Three-striped Box Turtle (Cuora trifasciata); all three considered Critically Endangered. Also known to be present are the endangered Large-antlered Muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis), Red-shanked Douc (Pygathrix nemaeus), Annamite Muntjac (Muntiacus truongsonensis) and Annamite Striped Rabbit (Nesolagus timminsi).
Comment from a WLT Friend
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This is a wonderful example of what we all around the world should be investing in, as a matter of the highest priority. That our governments seem so sluggish in this regard is an example of their dismal deficiency to recognise the really important from the merely superficial. But not for us, fellow WLT supporters! We (I hope) are only too aware that old growth and largely intact biomes and forests are net carbon sinks - contrary to earlier assumptions that old growths were 'stable' and therefore neither absorbed nor emitted, carbon dioxide. Now we have good grounds for accepting that intact forests are continual carbon sequesters (into soil, and long term peat formation). What better investment for your grandchildren than this initiative? And after all the horrendous aerial bombing and agent orange poisoning of barely a generation ago, that such riches still remain in Vietnam, is Glorious! I say - pay your carbon taxes (there ARE NO carbon tax havens!)
Dominic Belfield, London
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WLT staff helped Viet Nature design the project, which will protect biodiversity and the ecosystem services of the Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong Forest in Le Thuy District of Quang Binh Province. WLT’s funding comes via the Carbon Balanced programme which enables companies to offset their unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions through the protection and restoration of carbon-rich wildlife habitats in the tropics. The site, in north central Vietnam covers 49,420 acres (20,000 hectares). Le Trong Trai, Director of Viet Nature, believes Khe Nuoc Trong is one of a few remaining ‘biological treasure troves’ of Vietnam. He said: “It would be a sin if we could not maintain it for our future generations.” The project has the backing of the Vietnamese local government and encourages the participation of local forest owners. Roger Wilson (WLT’s Special Projects conservationist) said: “The studies on biodiversity in Khe Nuoc Trong reflect the importance of conservation at the landscape level. By saving carbon rich habitats from destruction, WLT and its
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Anniversary events: WLT Patrons, Council members and Ambassadors show their support Saving Paradise: an acre by acre journey, with Sir David Attenborough BAFTA’s Princess Anne Theatre, Piccadilly, 6 May 2014 WLT celebrated a milestone when patron, Sir David Attenborough, joined guests in central London to celebrate the Trust’s 25th Anniversary on 6 May. In his opening address Sir David affirmed WLT’s conservation model of protecting whole ecosystems through land purchase and protection. He emphasised that although WLT raises the funds to buy the land it is vital that the ownership is vested in people in that country, and that they take on the responsibility of protecting it with support from WLT. “WLT is always on hand to give assistance and advice when called upon and helps overseas partners with the protection of their endangered wildlife by sending funds to employ rangers,” he said. Five of WLT’s overseas project partners gave presentations. Marco Cerezo, representing Fundación para el Ecodesarrollo y la Conservación (FUNDAECO) in Guatemala spoke about working with local communities and how women’s health and education can save wildlife. Vivek Menon from Wildlife Trust of India went on to talk about ethics and humananimal conflict and solutions. Alberto Yanosky of Guyra Paraguay, described the challenges facing his
Sir David Attenborough on stage at the BAFTA Theatre. Left to right: Dr Isabelle Lackman (Hutan), Vivek Menon (Wildlife Trust of India), Alberto Yanosky (Guyra Paraguay), Marco Cerezo (FUNDAECO) and Su Ingle (WLT Ambassador and Master of Ceremonies for the event) organisation in protecting a mosaic of different habitats from Dry Chaco, Pantanal wetland to Atlantic forest.
presented an evocative film made by Jonny Lu in search of rare orchids on Fundación EcoMinga’s reserves.
Dr Isabelle Lackman of Hutan explained the problems of saving land for Orangutans and other threatened species in Malaysian Borneo.
John Burton, WLT CEO, concluded the evening. He thanked Sir David for all his help over the past 25 years and paid tribute to the Trust’s overseas partners. He also thanked all supporters who had contributed towards saving more than half a million acres of threatened land during WLT’s 25 year history.
Lou Jost from Fundación EcoMinga in Ecuador talked about the race to recognise and name species of orchids new to science before we lose them forever. He
25th Anniversary Symposium for WLT Partners Tuesday 6 May - Friday 9 May 2014 Representatives of WLT conservation partners, together with WLT staff. They took part in a press call at the Linnean Society of London on the final day of the symposium and all took part in the making of a video which will be available shortly
The sixth WLT Partner Alliance Symposium was hosted by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It brought together key representatives of WLT’s current conservation partners. In partnership with IUCN NL, WLT has held five symposia for conservation partners since 2006. All have been highly productive, and are strengthening WLT’s Conservation Alliance – a network of like-minded protagonists, all working towards achieving a common goal of nature conservation. It is the partners who own and protect the land purchased through WLT supporter donations.
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More Anniversary events: Chris Packham’s second Controversial Conservation debate David Gower & Friends: an evening in Norwich Killing other people’s birds Royal Society, London, 1 September 2014 Andrew Gilruth, Director of Membership, Marketing and Communications at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, John Burton, WLT Chief Executive, and Garry Marvin, social anthropologist and Professor of Human-Animal Studies at the University of Roehampton. The event was chaired by Alistair Gammell, a WLT Council Member and formerly RSPB’s Director of International Affairs. On the day of Controversial Conservation Chris Packham gave radio interviews and met with a number of journalists. This resulted in excellent coverage on regional radio as well as features in the Independent, Waitrose Magazine, Wild Travel and Mayfair magazine. Bill Oddie was very much part of the debate which provoked lively discussion After the success of Controversial Conservation 2013, Chris Packham was keen to be involved in another public debate for WLT. This year we organised an event to discuss another controversial subject: Killing other people’s birds. This is a common occurrence in many countries including Malta, British Sovereign Territory in Cyprus and Egypt. Here in Britain Hen Harriers, Woodcock and Snipe
are among the migrant birds killed. The event provided a forum to discuss the impact shooting birds has on wildlife and conservation, with a particular focus on the persecution of birds from protected species in the UK and killing birds on migration, as well as the social and environmental implications of hunting. Chris Packham introduced the event and was joined by Bill Oddie and Mark Avery, who are both WLT Council members. The other speakers were
Why is WLT involved in these ‘controversial’ topics? While WLT is not active in the countries that were discussed in this debate, hunting is still an issue on many WLT-funded reserves. While it is possible for reserve rangers (Keepers of the Wild) to protect habitats and terrestrial wildlife it is less easy to ensure protection for birds. Outside reserve areas they can be perceived as threats (for instance the Andean Condor) and birds are still shot ‘for the pot’ so many of the issues raised were just as relevant to WLT supporters.
David Gower & Friends Blackfriars Hall, Norwich, 2 September 2014 their own sparkle and wit to the evening. A champagne reception followed. Thanks to sponsors Naked Wines and the Greek Olive Company. Thanks also to Barrington Sports who donated a cricket bat which was auctioned and signed for the winner by David Gower. WLT supporters, Rachel and Howard Nicholson attended the event. They told us:
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We just wanted to say thank you for organising a wonderful night in Norwich. We enjoyed ourselves immensely. We felt welcomed from the moment we walked in the door and the whole evening was very well organised and put together. We were unsure how the champagne reception would work but were thrilled with the informal, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. We came up from London specially, treating ourselves as it was our 10th Wedding Anniversary. Being massive cricket fans and conservation supporters it was perfect! It was a great treat ... Thank you!
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WLT patron and former England cricket captain David Gower thoroughly engaged our audience as he reflected on a lifetime’s passion for sport and wildlife. David was joined on stage by writer and journalist Simon Barnes and Bill Oddie, both WLT Council members who added
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Ambassadors and Friends raise funds for WLT projects during anniversary year
Anniversay Event
Ambassador Andrew Squire donates painting and raises £2,100 for WLT’s Colombian projects Andrew Squire’s exhibition of recent work, curated by Stafford Gallery in association with Wimbledon Fine Art, took place between 21 September and 5 October. At the private view Andrew’s Spectacled Bear painting was auctioned to raise funds for WLT. Director of Wimbledon Fine Art, Andrew Stoppani, introduced Master of Ceremonies, TV and Radio personality David Hamilton who thanked the artist for donating the painting and confirmed that the galleries and framer had waived their fees so that WLT would benefit from all monies raised. Before the painting went under the hammer, Wimbledon resident Ana Contreras, wife of Robert Giles (WLT Council member), spoke about her work with WLT’s Colombian conservation partner, Fundación ProAves, sharing her personal experiences of the reserves that ProAves has been able to initiate with funding from WLT. She described how she had the opportunity to help create Las Tangaras bird reserve, which protects 7,000 acres (2,830 hectares) of threatened Chocó forest, one of the
world’s biodiversity hotspots. The reserve shelters several species of birds and frogs in danger of extinction but, as Ana explained, its unique flora and fauna need constant protection from the threats of deforestation, gold mining, hunting and illegal trafficking. Ana had also had her own encounter with a Spectacled Bear: “I had the good fortune to see a male Spectacled Bear in the Spectacled Bear painting donated by Andrew Colibri del Sol Reserve in Squire. Andrew chats with Jane Cooper, an art Colombia. Normally shy, collector and Wandsworth resident, who this bear just looked at me purchased the painting and carried on eating, knowing that he was safe,” Cooper as a 40th wedding anniversary she said. present for her husband. Andrew chose to paint the bear and Judy Stafford curated the exhibition toucan specially for the auction. He said: and organised the auction. She said: “We “The bear is a wonderful subject because are delighted to be donating more its essence can be conveyed very simply, than £2,000 to World Land Trust – and and the toucan is an iconic symbol of at the same time to have been able to the jungle.” raise awareness of the Trust and its The painting was bought by Jane conservation work.”
Beautiful bowl, inspired by the wildlife of Bolivia, sells at Bonhams for £2,750 Acclaimed potter, Maureen Minchin, a WLT Friend, usually chooses British wildlife as her subject, but she was so inspired by the images we showed her of the animals of Bolivia that she chose them for a new range of her work. Several pieces were auctioned in Bonhams’ Decorative Arts from 1860 sale, on 1 October 2014. The donated bowl measured 42cm and depicted wildlife of the Beni savannah including Jaguar, Giant
Anteater, Marsh Deer, Greater Rhea, Hornbill, Cattle Egret, Blue Throated Macaw, Toco Toucan, Black Masked Finch and other animals and birds. Bennett Hennessey is Executive Director of WLT’s conservation partner in Bolivia, Asociación Armonía. He said: “Maureen’s ceramics have absolutely captured the essence of the Barba Azul Nature Reserve. This important donation will help ensure that 28 mammal species and 250 bird species have a safe home to thrive
and reproduce.” Maureen’s work is featured in numerous private and public collections world wide including that of Henry Rothschild. We thank her for donating this wonderful bowl and also Bonhams for waiving the auction house fee. Photo credits: Cover: Luiz Claudio Marigo / Naturepl.com (main), Steve Cale (tanager), Alan Martin (toucan), Luciano A Breves (hummingbird); Page 2: Shutterstock.com (tiger, puma, jaguar), David Bebber (Sir David Attenborough), WLT (Isabelle Lackman); Jo Dale (Tiger); Steve Cale (Atlantic forest birds); Page 5: GESG (camera trap jaguar & ‘Pati’ Ruiz Corzo); Page 6: M. Eslami; Page 7: WLT (top right), Viet Nature (forest); Page 8: David Bebber (top), McCluskey International (below); WLT/Claire Whittenbury (top left), Emma Tozer (top right), WLT (Simon Barnes & Bill Oddie), Rachel and Howard Nicholson; Page 10: WLT/Christina Ballinger (top), Bonhams (below); WLT (Kites Hill, Miss Pointer & Holly Paton), Richard Porter (Trevor Poyser); Back page: WLT (top).
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Remembering WLT in your will: legacies are a lifeline for wildlife and their habitats I’m remembering World Land Trust in my will. Will you? “I am a great fan of the work of the WLT. I am proud that it will benefit from my will.”
Trevor Poyser Publisher (retired) of T&AD POYSER
Jane Pointer gifted Kites Hill in Gloucestershire to WLT as a living legacy in 1999. This is the Trust’s only UK reserve
Legacy saves land at home and abroad WLT has been named as a major beneficiary in the will of long time supporter Miss Jane Pointer. Miss Pointer had been donating to WLT since 1991 when she joined a trip to Belize led by John Burton. In 1999, determined to permanently protect her own piece of wilderness in the Cotswolds, Miss Pointer gifted Kites Hill to the Trust. Thanks to this living legacy, she was able to watch Kites Hill being transformed into a wonderful nature reserve. “Jane Pointer has been a dedicated supporter of WLT, both in life and death. We are very grateful to her, and we will make sure that her name and memory live on,” said John. Miss Pointer died on 26 January 2014 after a short illness.
Thinking of visiting Kites Hill? Kites Hill can be found just off the A46 between Stroud and Cheltenham, just before Prinknash Abbey (grid reference 875133) in Gloucestershire. Entrance to the reserve is free. Parking is very limited, at the entrance gate.
Kites Hill: open to the public The Kites Hill Reserve near Painswick in Gloucestershire covers 40 acres (16 hectares) of ancient beech woodland and meadows. Part of the Cotswolds Commons and Beechwoods Site of Special Scientific Interest, the beechwood is also recognised at a European level and Kites Hill falls within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Work on the reserve includes hedgerow maintenance, coppicing the hazel woodland and clearing invasive sycamore. In 2009, a pond was created which has proved a magnet for invertebrates such as Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator) and moisture loving plants such as Ragged Robin. Cattle grazing on the organic meadows keeps dominant grasses under control and allows Pyramid Orchids, Yellow Rattle and other wild flowers to flourish. New interpretation panels have recently been installed illustrating the three habitats at the reserve. WLT’s conservation partner at Kites Hill is The Conservation Volunteers (TCV). Holly Paton, Project Officer at TCV
In 1973, Trevor Poyser founded T&AD Poyser with his wife Anna, specialising in books on ornithology. He was closely associated with the British Trust for Ornithology, publishing the first of several bird atlases in 1976. When Trevor and Anna retired in 1990, the business, which was by then one of the most important ornithological publishers in the world, was sold to Academic Press. Since then it has undergone several changes, but the imprint continues to flourish to this day as part of Bloomsbury Publishing. Always a keen ornithologist and conservationist, Trevor now lives in North Norfolk and has been a WLT Friend for many years.
Remembering WLT in your will Every legacy we receive, whether large or small, will be a lasting legacy to safeguard the world’s remaining wilderness. We always recommend seeking legal advice when writing or amending a will but for a confidential conversation please contact John Burton, WLT CEO, by phone 01986 874422 or by email: jburton@worldlandtrust.org. Or you can write to him at WLT, Blyth House, Bridge Street, Halesworth IP19 8AB.
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Birdfair 2014: Rutland Water, 15 -17 August WLT wins Best Conservation Stand WLT’s Trail Camera Competition, in association with The Times, is open to entries from organisations concerned with conservation of wildlife and the environment.
Every day was busy and we were thrilled to win first prize for Best Conservation Stand. Rodrigo Zaraté, conservationist representing Guyra Paraguay, and Bennett Hennessey, Executive Director of Armonía in Bolivia, joined our stand and talked
with visitors about ecotourism and bird watching in their countries. Thanks to Puro coffee for providing free beverages and for designing our award-winning stand and also to sponsors Swarovski Optik and Enterprise Plants. Additional thanks to WLT Ambassador Sarah Class and Bill Oddie who performed A Musical Flight, organised by WLT, in the events marquee on 16 August.
New book raises funds for WLT’s Brazil projects Jones with a positive message about saving the environment. The book has received great reviews and a percentage of sales are donated to WLT’s Brazilian Atlantic forest projects.
World Land Trust art gallery, in association with The Wildlife Art Gallery at Lavenham, exhibits paintings, sketches, sculpture and ceramics by influential wildlife artists. The gallery, based in the WLT premises in Halesworth, is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm. www.worldlandtrust.org/gallery
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The eco-thriller Jabujicaba is a novel set in Brazil - its release timed to draw attention to environmental issues in Brazil while the spotlight was on the World Cup and the Olympics upcoming. Author Sigrid Shreeve wants her lead character to become a female Indiana
For terms & conditions and entry form please go to our website: www.worldlandtrust.org/trail-cam/ entry-form Closing date: 31 January 2015 Sponsored by Enterprise Plants
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Birds of the Atlantic forest of Brazil These birds depend on threatened forest for their survival. Top: Green-headed Tanager (Tangara seledon); middle: Channel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos vitellinus). Bottom: Sombre Hummingbird (Campylopterus cirrochloris).
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The regular monthly contributions made by WLT Friends are tremendously important because knowing funds have been pledged in advance enables us to plan future land purchase and conservation projects. You can become a Friend in your own right or you can give the gift of WLT Friendship to someone you know. Both of you will receive WLT Friends’ benefits: in return for a monthly donation of £5 (or more) Friends receive priority booking for WLT events and news updates as well as the satisfaction of knowing they are joining a community that is committed to helping WLT save some of the world’s last wilderness.
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Give a gift of WLT Friendship for 2015
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WLT News is printed on Carbon Balanced Paper. By using Carbon Balanced Paper through World Land Trust publications, in 2013 we have saved 960kg of Carbon and preserved 71 sqm of critically threatened tropical forest. Carbon Balanced Paper is one of the most sustainable forms of communication and will reduce your carbon footprint and promote CSR. www.carbonbalancedpaper.com Printed on Revive 100 Recycled paper, available from PaperlinX. Printed by Kingfisher Press Ltd, wide format, digital and Litho Carbon Balanced Printer based in Suffolk. www.kingfisher-press.com
Save One Acre for £100 in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico Support the Big Cat Appeal Plant a native tree in Ecuador for £5 or 5 trees for £25 See donation form enclosed or donate online: www.worldlandtrust.org
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Once again, Birdfair proved to be an excellent showcase for the work of WLT and its conservation partners.
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Kelly Jacobs whose job it is at WLT to co-ordinate everything concerned with Birdfair, poses with Rodrigo Zaraté from Guyra Paraguay by WLT’s new exhibition stand
There are four categories - three for still images: classic animal portrait, unusual animal behaviour, endangered species and new discoveries, and a moving images category: wildlife behaviour. The winner of each category will win a prize of £2,000 for their wildlife conservation organisation and the overall winner will collect an additional £3,000, making the top prize £5,000.