WLT News - Winter 2015 by worldlandtrust newsletter

WLTnews ISSUE No. 51 WINTER 2015

Inside this issue... • Forests in the Sky Appeal • Buy an Acre land purchases • New amphibian reserve in Guatemala

• Major initiatives in Argentina, Paraguay and Vietnam

• Lifeline for an Indian village protects elephants

Saving habitats Saving species since 1989 Sponsored by

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Big Match Fortnight: Forests in the Sky Appeal 1-15 October 2015

RAISED: £280,000

Special Appeal

Target: £500,000 We still need to raise £220,000 to complete the Forests in the Sky corridor in Ecuador Will you help us achieve this by Christmas?

World Land Trust Blyth House Bridge Street Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8AB, UK Tel: 01986 874422 Fax: 01986 874425 Email: info@worldlandtrust.org Registered Charity 1001291

Ecuador

The Forests in the Sky corridor lies within the larger Llanganates-Sangay corridor, linking the national parks of Llanganates and Sangay The future of these fragile ecosystems is in our hands, and we can act together to save them.

Donate to name an orchid Lou Jost has a number of newly discovered orchid species waiting to be named. To find out more about naming an orchid for yourself or a loved one, and to see a film about these orchids introduced by Sir David Attenborough, see website: www.wlt-orchids.com

A big THANK YOU from Steve Backshall

“

Thank you to everyone who supported Big Match Fortnight 2015. Donations to the Forests in the Sky Appeal poured into the WLT office, via the internet, by post and over the phone. This project has surely resonated with everyone and I’ve been amazed by the generosity of donors – £280,000 in just two weeks is truly inspiring. But we still need to raise the balance, and I’m really hoping we can do this before Christmas. I will be talking about the need to save this pristine corridor of rainforest in Ecuador at every opportunity. WLT is an organisation that punches well above its weight – please pull out all the stops to help us raise the half million target. Thank you again, you’ve been wonderful.

Steve Backshall Naturalist, TV presenter and writer

Ecuador

Los Llanganates NP Fundación Ecominga reserve area Sangay NP

“

The Forests in the Sky Appeal will save cloud forest for threatened and endangered mammals and birds such as the Blackand-chestnut Eagle and Spectacled Bear, as well as myriads of tiny reptiles and amphibians, many waiting to be discovered.

In the Andean cloud forests of central Ecuador, rare and charismatic mammals - Spectacled Bear, Mountain Tapir and woolly monkeys - make their home, together with rare bird species such as the Black-and-chestnut Eagle. Flourishing alongside them are groups of micro orchids, some of the world’s tiniest plant species, which can only survive in the conditions particular to these locations. Defending these extraordinary forests, and the plants and animals that rely on them, is a shared vision for WLT and our Ecuadorian partner, Fundación EcoMinga. To help create a corridor of protected land between Llanganates and Sangay National Parks, WLT launched its Forests in the Sky Appeal to raise £500,000. Situated in the transition zone between the Andes and the Amazon in the province of Tungurahua, the corridor links to areas already purchased and protected by Fundación EcoMinga, with support from WLT. The Forests in the Sky Appeal aims to raise a total of £500,000 to secure a minimum 2,000 acres (more than 800 hectares).

Fundación Ecominga Reserves protect the habitat of threatened species such as woolly monkeys and tamanduas

Special Appeal “Woolly monkeys have been largely eliminated from areas near human settlements. They are among the first animals to disappear when humans occupy a forest, because of their tasty meat. Many are killed every year to feed guests during local fiestas. Our population of woolly monkeys is one of the very few completely safe ones. Virtually all the adult females in this troop of 18 were carrying babies.” Lou Jost, Fundación Ecominga

Woolly monkeys photographed Rίo Zuñac Reserve There are four species of woolly monkey, all originating from the rainforests of South America. Rίo Zuñac Reserve is a reserve already owned and managed by Fundación EcoMinga. The photograph above was taken by Luis Recalde, one of the Rίo Zuñac Reserve rangers funded through WLT’s Keepers of the Wild fund. It was during a visit to check a Black-andchestnut Eagle nest that Luis, and fellow Keeper of the Wild Santiago Recalde, discovered a troop of 18 Woolly monkeys.

They climbed in the trees to be among the monkeys who showed no fear as they were photographed. There were many juveniles in the group, a clear sign that Fundación EcoMinga's efforts to protect this species are working. These are thought to be Silvery Woolly Monkeys (Lagothrix poeppigii), which occur in Amazonian Ecuador south of the Rio Napo. However, the IUCN Red Data Book lists this species as occurring below 1,600-1,800 metres, while the monkeys spotted inhabit an area that can reach

Tamandua, or Lesser Anteaters, show no fear in the Rίo Zuñac

Photographed above is the Southern species (Tamandua tetradactyla). Tamanduas have been heavily persecuted in the past for their meat and their thick hides, and also for the strong tendons in their tails, which were used to make rope.

Taken on the Río Zuñac Reserve, this Southern Tamandua showed no fear of Keeper of the Wild, Luis Recalde. He was inquisitive and happy to be photographed. Tamanduas are mainly nocturnal, nesting in hollow tree trunks or using the burrows of other animals. Unlike the Giant Anteater they are mainly arboreal. Tamanduas have adapted to avoid puncturing their palms with their sharp claws by walking on the outside of their hands.

elevations of at least 2,400 metres. Luis Recalde has recorded a heartwarming video of the woolly monkeys playing in the trees on the Río Zuñac Reserve which can be viewed on WLT’s YouTube channel. “The monkeys were so relaxed that Luis and Santiago climbed into the trees with them to get better video! I’m not sure which behaviour surprises me the most in this encounter, our guards’ or the monkeys’. It is amazing that they were able to do this, and that the monkeys let them,” said Lou Jost.

Forest in the Sky Appeal Target: £500,000 Still to raise: £220.00 (end October) Please help us reach our target so that we can save all the properties that will create a secure corridor between Llanganates and Sangay National Parks to save continuous habitat for Mountain Tapir, Spectacled Bear, woolly monkeys and tamandua. Lou Jost calls these threatened species, the ‘customers’ for the corridor. “We’ll do everything we can to make it as easy as possible for these large mammals to move from one side of the valley to the other, so that they can find new horizons and keep the genetic diversity high,” he said. See donation form enclosed or donate online:

www.worldlandtrust.org

Buy an Acre funds extend reserves in Mexico The Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve spreads across the state of Querétaro. It is a melting pot of tropical forests, temperate mountains and semi-deserts; the reserve consists of 14 distinct ecosystems. Pines and oaks familiar to European woodlands are draped in spectacular orchids, with red spikes of bromeliads sprouting from their trunks and towering cacti and cycads around them. The diversity of these forests attracts a wealth of wildlife with Black Bears, typical of North America, alongside Jaguar and macaws. With more than 110 other species of mammals, 334 bird species, and 2,308 plant species, many still to be found anywhere else on earth, this is wilderness at its best. But despite having biosphere reserve status much of it is unprotected. (See page 11)

Buy an Acre

Photographed on a GESG reserve, Rhynchostele rossii is an endangered species of epiphytic orchid endemic to Mexico. It is named after John Ross who collected it in 1837

Two reserves in Mexico’s Sierra Gorda have been extended and vulnerable species protected thanks to WLT’s Buy an Acre fund. In Mexico, WLT has been working with Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda (GESG) since 2007 and the partnership goes from strength to strength as the focus remains on expanding the network of existing reserves.

important habitat for the Bearded Woodpartridge (Dendrortyx barbatus). The new property is used by cat species including Jaguar, Puma and Margay. This purchase has greatly improved access as the road to the reserve runs through the new property. GESG will now be able to better prevent any illegal logging on the north side of the reserve.

Hoya de Hielo

Cerro Prieto-Cerro La Luz

In July GESG completed the purchase of 79 acres (32 hectares) to protect more of the ancient cloud forest that is the Hoya de Hielo Reserve. This reserve provides

In September GESG completed the purchase of 150 acres (61 hectares) on the western boundary of Cerro Prieto-Cerro La Luz Reserve.

The Bearded Wood-partridge is endemic to Mexico and classified as Vulnerable by IUCN. It has not yet been photographed in the wild - the bird above was bred in captivity. Although Roberto Pedraza, GESG’s Technical Officer, has seen them in the forest he has never been quick enough with his camera; he is determined to realise his ambition one day

Following an urgent request for funding, WLT has made an eleventh hour donation from the Action Fund to save the only known habitat of the rare Santa Marta Parakeet in Colombia. The funds were used by Fundación ProAves, WLT’s partner in Colombia, to extend El Dorado Reserve just before the deadline set by the property owner. American Bird Conservancy (ABC) had already made major donations to the appeal, and on ABC’s recommendation WLT acted quickly to complete the

Forested with oaks, junipers, pines and cedars, this property was being logged and trees that were hundreds of years old were at risk. As a temporary measure, GESG provided environmental service payments to the owner, to stop the logging until the purchase had been completed.

“

Thanks to WLT, the property is safe from logging, and another section of the ancient forests of Sierra Gorda is now protected,

“

said Roberto Pedraza of GESG

purchase. The land purchase extends the El Dorado Reserve by 148 acres (60 hectares).

Buy an Acre projects Save One Acre for £100, (half an acre for £50 or quarter of an acre for £25) See donation form enclosed or donate online: www.worldlandtrust.org

Complex land purchase in Guatemala secures important refuge for amphibians San Isidro Amphibian Reserve Remote, and for the most part untouched, the Cuchumantanes mountains of Guatemala are home to an extraordinary range of rare amphibians. In recent months, thanks in part to funding from WLT, a reserve has now been created specifically to protect these species, several of which are Critically Endangered. This was a particularly complicated land purchase for WLT’s Guatemalan conservation partner Fundación para el Ecodesarrollo y la Conservación (FUNDAECO) who, for many months, worked tirelessly to collate all the necessary documentation needed to create this important refuge for amphibians. WLT funding will protect 822 acres (324 hectares) in the San Isidro Amphibian Reserve which will ultimately protect 2,280 acres (922 hectares).

A complex negotiation There were 109 different land owners involved in this land purchase making the negotiations particularly complex. Many of the owners did not have up-to-date documents and FUNDAECO assisted land

Black-eyed Leaf Frog (Agalychnis moreletii) one of the Critically Endangered species now protected by San Isidro Amphibian Reserve owners in their registration for new ID documentation. WLT congratulates FUNDAECO on a remarkable achievement in bringing this land purchase to a successful conclusion. WLT’s funding for the reserve came from a number of key supporters including Puro Fairtrade Coffee and another company wishing to remain anonymous. Other funders included Global Wildlife Conservation, Rainforest Trust, International Conservation Fund of Canada, Amphibian Survival Alliance and philanthropist Andy Sabin.

Amphibian treasure trove

Director of FUNDAECO, Marco Cerezo, signs the San Isidro purchase agreement

San Isidro is home to a treasure trove of amphibian species, including the recently discovered Cuchumatan Golden Toad (Incilius aurarius) and the beautiful Blackeyed Leaf Frog (Agalychnis moreletii). Of the 20 amphibian species that live in or near San Isidro, 10 are classified as Critically Endangered or Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The remoteness of the Cuchumatanes mountain range has protected much of the

forest to date, but increasing pressures from the coffee industry put these forests at risk. Local and international scientists and conservationists have identified the area as one of the highest priorities for immediate conservation action in the country.

‘Missing link’ species The Finca Chiblac Salamander (Bradytriton silus) and Long-limbed Salamander (Nyctanolis pernix) were discovered by students Paul Elias and Jeremy Jackson in the cloud forests of the Cuchumatanes mountains in the 1970s. These salamanders turned out to be missing links that tied together the evolutionary tree of new world tropical salamanders. But after that extraordinary discovery they then went unseen for more than three decades, until rediscovered more than 30 years later. In 2014, FUNDAECO’s Carlos Vasquez led an international team of scientists that included Paul and Jeremy to the site where they rediscovered them. Now, thanks to WLT and other generous funders, the future of these rare creatures is secure.

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WLT partners protect wildlife on the reserves you have helped create Helping threatened species thrive Buying land and creating nature reserves has always been the top priority for WLT. But once the land has been saved and its protection vested in our local conservation partners, there is the ongoing challenge of ensuring that the wildlife it contains is safeguarded. Many of the reserves contain a huge species diversity and all, without exception, include species that are threatened or endangered on a worldwide basis. Our partner reserves have

been referred to as ‘the gene pools of the future’ and while captive breeding and reintroduction programmes have a role, there is nothing better than allowing wildlife to flourish in its natural habitat.

Action Fund

WLT is receiving more and more good news stories about increased numbers of wildlife in the reserves you have helped create. On these pages we have featured just a few examples. The majority of stories come to us from WLT-funded Keepers of the Wild

(reserve rangers) and sometimes the information is part of an external survey or published in local press. We were delighted to learn that the Yellowshouldered Parrot breeding success on Margarita Island in Venezuela was featured on the TV programme “Recorriendo Realidades” (Touring Realities). The host, renowned Venezuelan news reporter Johnny Ficarella, visited the reserve and the report was broadcasted through the Globovision channel, which could be watched all over Latin America on DirecTV.

Despite the clear evidence that Jaguars are doing well in WLT-funded reserves the Paraguayan Chaco has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world, which poses a serious risk to the country’s wildlife.

In response to the threat of deforestation, WLT has funded the acquisition and protection of habitat in three regions in Paraguay: the Dry Chaco, the ChacoPantanal wetlands and the Atlantic forest.

Good news stories

Jaguar sightings in Paraguay Guyra Paraguay has sent close-up images video and stills - of a Jaguar (Panthera onca) near Three Giants Biological Station in Paraguay’s Chaco-Pantanal. The images were recorded on a WLT trail camera, funded by People’s Trust for Endangered Species, and will contribute to a study of Jaguars in Guyra reserves currently being carried out. The Paraguayan Chaco-Pantanal is one of the world’s remaining strongholds for the Jaguar. The images underline the importance of protecting Jaguar habitat in Paraguay and the significance of the wildlife monitoring work carried out by wildlife rangers (Keepers of the Wild) across the NGO’s network of reserves. Looking down to the Emerald Green Corridor

Jaguar prints in Emerald Green Corridor, Misiones, Argentina Meanwhile, over the border in Argentina, Jaguar prints have been recorded in Lote 8 of the Emerald Green Corridor, funded by WLT support. The Emerald Green Corridor, which links Moconá Provincial Park to Turvo State Park in Brazil, has created a safe haven of over 100,000 acres for a wealth of threatened wildlife. The images of the prints were first published in June 2015 by Proyecto Yaguareté, an Argentine conservation initiative that aims to ensure the longterm conservation of a viable population of Jaguar in the Atlantic forest.

A good year for rare parrots

Action Fund

Breeding success for Yellow-shouldered Parrots in Venezuela 2015 has been a good year for Yellowshouldered Parrots nesting in the dry forests of Venezuela’s Margarita Island. This success is in large part due to the efforts of Keeper of the Wild Pablo Millán (below), whose job it is to guard the nests

from poachers who regularly attempt to steal chicks to supply the illegal pet trade. Ranger Pablo is employed by Provita, WLT’s conservation partner in Venezuela. Since the beginning of the 2015 breeding season, Pablo and fellow rangers have been guarding the nest site round the clock and their efforts have paid off. In May, Provita confirmed a record number of 97 hatchlings in 30 nests. Of these, 71 birds were ringed but it was decided to leave the rest unringed as the location of some nests meant that reaching them would cause disturbance. Classified as Vulnerable, the Yellow-

Good news for the Great Green Macaw in Ecuador

Fundación Pro-Bosque, a WLT conservation partner in Ecuador, manages Cerro Blanco Protected Forest, one of the last remaining dry forests in the country. Located close to Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil, the flagship species of the reserve is the Great Green Macaw. Classified as Critically Endangered in Ecuador there are less than 80 individuals left in the wild. In July 2015 Keeper of the Wild, Armando Manzaba, recorded six Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus guayaquilensis) in the north west part of reserve. Keeper of the Wild, Armando Manzaba guards the nests of the small population of Great Green Macaws in the Cerro Blanco Protected Forest. He also assists with the care and feeding of captive bred birds prior to them being released into the wild

He reported: “The macaws arrived at 6.30am and stayed for about two hours, visiting an area of the forest where Pigio trees (Cavanillesia platanifolia) are common. They stayed close to the ranger station, perched in a Pigio tree. Similar behaviour was observed when the macaws returned a week later. “The fact that there were five Great Green Macaws in a flight cage nearby may have attracted the wild macaws. “During the time we were watching them they were constantly calling, and their calls were answered by the birds in the flight cage. This bodes well for when the captive bred macaws are released.”

shouldered Parrot (Amazona barbadensis) is one of Venezuela’s most threatened birds, constantly at risk from thieves and an abundance of natural predators. To protect vital habitat for these and other threatened species, WLT raised funds in 2009 to help create the Chacaracual Community Conservation Area, which covers 1,809 acres (732 hectares). WLT now supports the protection of the reserve and its wildlife through Keepers of the Wild.

When nests are threatened by poaching a proactive approach is required Programme for Belize (PfB), WLT’s first conservation partner, has reintroduced five Yellow-headed Parrots (Amazona oratrix) after it was deemed necessary to rescue them from their nest site earlier in the year. The parrot chicks were discovered by Keeper of the Wild Milgar Molina in a location where the chances of poaching were extremely high. For their own safety PfB staff removed them from the nest, working in partnership with Belize Bird Rescue. They were cared for between April and September when the door to the flight cage was left open during the day for the parrots to explore. Populations of this species are in rapid decline in Belize, as a result of hunting and collection for the illicit pet trade; they are also persecuted for crop damage.

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Protection of Annamite Lowland Forest in Vietnam funded through Carbon Balanced programme The Annamite lowland forests of north central Vietnam contain exceptionally high levels of biodiversity and are important on a global scale. But despite their international importance, the forests are suffering from illegal logging and wildlife is threatened by rampant hunting. WLT is working with Viet Nature Conservation Centre to protect the entire forest of Khe Nuoc Trong. The area covers 49,420 acres (20,000 hectares) and is part of a larger 202,626 acre (82,700 hectare) area which extends into neighbouring Quang Tri Province. Funding is through WLT’s Carbon Balanced programme. By protecting and aiding the recovery of the forest, approximately 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions will be sequestered every year. The project is being designed to internationally recognised standards and aims to achieve third-party certification of net positive climate, social and biodiversity benefits.

WLT is working in Khe Nuoc Trong which is situated in Quang Binh Province and borders Quang Tri Province and Laos. As well as its importance for biodiversity, the forest has been designated as a Watershed Protection Forest and provides clean water to local communities

Red-shanked Douc: a character of Khe Nuoc Trong Vietnam Gulf of Tonking

ANNAMITE LOWLANDS

TRUONG SON

Laos LONG DAI BAC HUONG HOA NATURE RESERVE

KHE NUOC TRONG QUANG TRI PROVINCE

The Endangered Red-shanked Douc (Pygathrix nemaeus) is a species of Old World monkey, thought to occur only in north and central Vietnam and Laos. It is one of the more eccentric looking of all primates, sometimes referred to as the ‘costumed ape’. It sports maroon-red ‘leggings’ and white fur ‘arm warmers’; its hands and feet are black. The golden face is framed by a white ruff, which is fluffier in males. The eyelids are a soft powder blue. The word douc (pronounced ‘dook’) is a Vietnamese word meaning monkey. The douc is arboreal and diurnal, eating and sleeping in the trees of the forest.

Herpetology survey records three species new to Khe Nuoc Trong An amphibian and reptile survey recently carried out by Viet Nature with support from WLT has uncovered three species new to Khe Nuoc Trong Forest and Quang Binh province. The Bow-fingered Gecko (Cyrtodactylus pseudoquadrivirgatus) (photographed), Square-headed Cat Snake (Boiga kraepelini) and the Granular Spiny Frog (Quasipaa verrucospinosa) have not previously been

recorded. In total the study recorded 31 species of reptiles and 26 species of amphibians. Of these species, 10 are listed on the IUCN Red List, including Bourret’s Box Turtle (Cuorag albinifrons bourreti), which is Critically Endangered.

Photo credits: Cover: Tropical Herping; Page 2: Luis Recalde (Black-and-chestnut Eagle), Lou Jost (Spectacled Bear), Tropical Herping (frog (Osteocephalus buckleyi); Steve Backshall; Page 3: Luis Recalde (both); Page 4: WLT/Ruth Canning (forest), Murray Cooper (Santa Marta Parakeet); en.wikipedia.org (frog), FUNDAECO (Marco Cerezo); Page 6: Guyra Paraguay (Jaguar), Emerald Green Corridor (WLT); Jaguar prints (Guardaparques Ministerio de Ecologia); Page 7: Provita (Yellowshouldered Parrots and Keeper of the Wild), Pro-Bosque (Great Green Macaws and Keeper of the Wild), Programme for Belize (Yellow-headed Parrots); Page 8: Viet Nature Conservation Society (both); Page 9: Guyra Paraguay (Marsh Deer); Stacey Manley & Gareth West/WLT (elephants), Wildlife Trust of India (bridge), Peter Stewart (Taita Apalis); Page 11: Jenna-Louise Baird; Back page: Fundación Pro-Bosque (tree planting).

Major funding takes WLT’s conservation initiatives to another level. Good news for Paraguay and Argentina BOLVIA

Pantanal ChacoPantanal Reserve

Campo Iris Reserve Dry Chaco

2015 has seen some really innovative conservation in South America, due to a grant from the Arcadia Foundation

BRAZIL

Tobich Reserve

Cerrado

PARAGUAY

Humid Chaco Atlantic Forest ARGENTINA

San Rafael Reserve

Above: Main habitats are labelled in green

The grant of US$1.8 million over three years gives 50 per cent funding for WLT to carry out innovative and original conservation initiatives, building on its successful track-record in Argentina and Paraguay.

NORTH AMERICA

EQUATOR

Atlantic Ocean

SOUTH AMERICA

PARAGUAY

TROPIC OF CAPRICORN

Pacific Ocean Atlantic Ocean

This backing allows WLT to move very swiftly when opportunities arise and three major land acquisitions have already been completed in Paraguay. Meanwhile, other components of the grant allow us to explore new and different avenues of securing threatened habitat such as leases, easements and management agreements, and of securing long term financing to maintain them. WLT is faced with a constant stream of potential opportunities to fulfil its mission of securing new areas of highly important natural habitat under effective conservation management. Many of these come to nothing for a wide range of reasons that are revealed as we carry out due diligence. But many more, and certainly more than we can currently take on, are true opportunities that can make a real difference to the continued existence of important tracts of natural habitat. The common feature, though, is the ability to act swiftly and decisively to take advantage of the moment and for that one needs funding readily to hand. This is where the Arcadia funding has proved so strategic. It also points to the general importance of grants and donations from larger foundations, and donations from individuals who want to leave a living legacy. Funding for these purposes enables us to take our mission both in securing and maintaining conservation land to another level. John Burton, CEO WLT

The Marsh Deer, (Blastocerus dichotomus), is the largest South American deer. Threatened throughout its range Paraguay is a last stronghold, but numbers continue to decline where they are not protected. Threats include poaching, disease and loss of habitat. This image was taken in Guyra Paraguay’s ChacoPantanal Reserve, near to the Three Giants Biological Station

Significant land purchases in Paraguay WLT has, with the support of Arcadia grant funding, financed the acquisition by Guyra Paraguay of three properties totalling 17,223 acres (6,973 hectares). The aim is to increase habitat connectivity across the Chaco through additions and linkages between protected areas, plus improved management capability.

Protecting ChacoPantanal Two of the properties, Fortin Galpon and Islas del Paraiso, total 7,413 acres (3,000 hectares) in the Chaco-Pantanal. This mosaic of swamp, savanna and dense low forest has long been a conservation target for WLT resulting in the purchase of properties making up the Three Giants. More recently, under the carbon-financed Paraguay Forest Conservation Project, the Tobich property has now been secured. These new properties are some 30 km upriver from the Three Giants and further protect a range of Pantanal specialities (Jaguar, Giant Otter, Marsh Deer) It is an Important Bird Area especially for migrant wading birds, a Ramsar site (an internationally important wetland) and is part of the Chaco Biosphere Reserve. The new properties are also strategically

positioned, adjoining both the 74,132 acre (30,000 hectare) northern sector of the Rio Negro National Park and, across the river in Bolivia, the Otuguis National Park.

Dry Chaco protection The third property, Cañada del Carmen, covers 9,813 acres (3,973 hectares) in the Dry Chaco. This habitat is also a longstanding WLT conservation target and the area shares the qualities of Campo Iris, which lies to the north-east, including the presence of seasonal water – a rare commodity in the Dry Chaco. The three properties have been purchased from the Paraguayan NGO IDEA (Institute for Environmental Law and Economics). Originally IDEA secured the areas for their historic importance in the Chaco War between Paraguay and Bolivia in the early 1930s, hence the cross-border configurations on the Peace Park model. The organisation has changed its modus operandi to concentrate on its core legal functions and is divesting of its properties. Without WLT action with Guyra Paraguay, the two Chaco-Pantanal areas would have been sold on the open market and most probably transformed into cattle ranches following the common pattern throughout the Chaco.

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Bridge funded by WLT is a ‘lifeline for Indian village’ and is protecting elephants too WLT has helped fund a hanging bridge for the people of Jade Gindam in India as a compensation measure for the protection of the Rewak-Emangre Elephant Corridor located in the Garo Hills.

Elephants are protected in the Rewak-Emangre Elephant Corridor The bridge was inaugurated by Smt Hiramoni R Marak, the Nokma (Chief) of the village Speaking at the event, the Nokma recalled how in the past people were averse to WTI’s work and even protested against the wildlife conservation work in the region. Smt Marak said:

“

Under such hostile circumstances, WTI could have given up but they never did. Finally good has overcome the bad and the result is this hanging bridge which we have always dreamt of. We will no longer be cut off from the rest of the area during rains and will not lose belongings while crossing the river. It was not unusual for people to lose their weekly ration and shoes while trying to cross.

Jade Gindam resident, Bosnath N Marak said:

“

This is not a bridge but a lifeline for the people of this village which gets cut off from the main town for two to three months during monsoons. We are grateful to WTI and WLT for this support.

“

The bridge’s funding and construction was managed in partnership with Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). Jade Gindam, a key village within the Rewak-Emangre Elephant Corridor, situated in the Indian state of Meghalaya, was declared a Village Reserve Forest in 2013 because of its importance as a traditional migration route for elephants in the Garo Hills. The Village Reserve Forest designation reflects a commitment by the community to take responsibility for local conservation efforts. In return the conservation organisations that funded the corridor made a commitment to improve conditions in local villages such as Jade Gindam. The bridge was built to enable villagers safe passage to adjoining areas during the hazardous monsoon season. The waterlevel rise during the rainy season is dramatic, with the river rising by tens of metres overnight. For the past 15 years people either had to swim across the river or be isolated from the surrounding area for two to three months. Construction of the bridge began in 2014, and an official opening ceremony was held in June 2015. The bridge was inaugurated by Smt Hiramoni R Marak, the Nokma (Chief) of the village.

What it means for the village of Jade Gindam With a permanent bridge providing a route to surrounding villages, local people have better access to healthcare and supplies. School attendance rates have increased because pupils are able to go to school throughout the year, with improved job prospects as a result.

Forest lease lifeline for the Taita Apalis, one of the world’s rarest birds Nature Kenya has successfully secured a lease of Msidunyi forest in an effort to protect 6 per cent of the world’s remaining population of Taita Apalis

(Apalis fuscigularis). The lease was funded by WLT, RSPB and African Bird Club. Measuring 15.5 acres (6.28 hectares), Msidunyi is an area of forest in private ownership on the western side of Vuria peak in the Taita Hills of south eastern Kenya. The forest is home to the Taita Apalis, one of the world’s rarest birds. Severely threatened by habitat loss, the Taita Apalis survives only in isolated forest fragments and occupies a tiny range of 1,235 acres (500 hectares). Classified

as Critically Endangered the entire population may number as few as 150 individuals. The immediate future of the Taita Apalis is dependent on the effective conservation of the forest fragments that provide its natural habitat. The Msidunyi lease is an important first step towards securing the future of this species, and in the longer term the aim is to restore and protect the habitat found between these forest fragments.

Dear WLT . . . Concern over national park protection

Dear WLT, As you know I’ve been a supporter for a long time and I’m pleased to be sending my donation for Big Match Fortnight. I am however a bit worried (after I visited the Cusuco National Park in Honduras, which is being steadily destroyed), about how effective WLT is in protecting the habitat in the land that you buy. Have you commissioned any external reviews of the effectiveness of your programme? I would welcome such a report being on your website, forgive me if it is already there and I have missed it. Ted Willis

John Burton, WLT CEO, responds Dear Dr Willis, Thank you very much indeed for your generous support over the years. Regarding your query about land protection. I believe you are referring to the security of national parks, rather than the reserves created by WLT and protected by our overseas conservation project

partners? Governments (as in the UK) will often create a national park to recognise the environmental importance of an beautiful region, but unfortunately throughout the world there are financial and human resource constraints that mean protection isn't assured. One of the reasons WLT was established was to purchase land from private owners, where title was clear, and then to put it into the hands of local environmental groups, with a proven track record, to protect it into the future. Several reserves funded through WLT are within 'paper parks’ such as the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. This is a large area of unique biodiversity that the government has recognised, but does not have the resources to protect. WLT’s Mexican partner, Grupo Ecologico Sierra Gorda (GESG) purchases the land and works with the local community to ensure its protection. Our conservation partners report to us regularly and where illegal incursion is discovered act quickly to rectify the situation. To help our partners protect their reserves we started the Keepers of the Wild programme a few years ago to

fund the employment of rangers. Rangers have a presence on the reserve, which is vital, they have cameras and trail-cams to record incidents and they are also able to monitor and record wildlife. WLT makes regular site visits to overseas project areas, as do donors, and other representatives of the Trust, and we aim to be as transparent as possible. It would quickly become evident if there were problems in protecting a particular reserve. We have not felt it necessary to conduct any external review but if a donor wished to fund such a review I am sure neither WLT nor our partners would have the slightest hesitation in being involved. As I mentioned, over the years there have been occasional cases of encroachment, illegal logging and poaching of wildlife from time to time, but fortunately these have been minor, and have been resolved by local actions. The case you refer to is one referring to a national park, and not one we could influence. See our website for Frequently Asked Questions: www.worldlandtrust.org/about/howwe-work/faqs

Remembering WLT in your will Jenna-Louise Baird has succeeded in her fundraising challenge reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, after 5 long days of climbing. “Once I reached the peak all the trials and tribulations were soon forgotten. The views were amazing and the sense of pride and accomplishment was overwhelming! Not only had I achieved my personal goal I also had the opportunity to make a difference in the world we live in by doing it for World Land Trust,” said Jenna-Louise on her return to Britain. Jenna-Louise Baird has raised £2,300 for WLT by climbing Uluru Peak at the top of the world’s tallest free standing mountain.

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 Vivien Burton, Director of Communications, by phone 01986 874422 or by email: vburton@worldlandtrust.org. Or you can write to her at WLT, Blyth House, Bridge Street, Halesworth IP19 8AB.

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Handy new carbon calculator enables you to calculate your flights’ carbon dioxide emissions Quick, simple and effective

easy way, on their phone, tablet or laptop.” Chris Redston, a long-time WLT supporter who funded the project, said, “My wife, Adela, and I are delighted to see the launch of the MyFlightCarbon calculator, and we hope that it raises thousands of pounds to save threatened

The Body Shop supports the planting of a million seeds in Ecuador

To use the Carbon Calculator, visit

http://myflightcarbon.com

Cover Story

The seeds of a million native trees will be planted in Ecuador thanks to a new range of skincare oils from The Body Shop. The initiative has been developed in partnership with WLT and Ecuadorian partner, Fundación Pro-Bosque, and the trees will restore tropical forest cover where land has been degraded. The Body Shop is donating more than £100,000 to this project through sales of its Oils of Life™ skincare range. Cerro Blanco Protected Forest covers 15,000 acres (6,078 hectares) on the slopes of the coastal Cordillera Chongon Colonche in south west Ecuador. Despite being very close to the bustling city of Guayaquil, the Cerro Blanco protected forest is one of the best remaining examples of biodiversity-rich seasonally dry forest in south west Ecuador.

forests. We hope that all WLT supporters will use the calculator when they fly, and also promote it to their friends, family and colleagues via email and social media.” The Flight Emissions Carbon Offset Calculator incorporates the latest technology. Using an application programming interface, the calculator communicates remotely with airports to ensure that airport data used within the application is up to date. Each offset is individually assigned to a WLT Carbon Balanced project designed to maximise biodiversity benefits and the sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The programme enables individuals and companies to offset their carbon dioxide emissions while helping conserve threatened forests.

Close to Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil, the Cerro Blanco protected forest is a vital wildlife refuge. The Body Shop is funding the planting of a million native seeds to restore forest in areas where it had been lost

This stunning image of a Tarsia Leaf Frog (Phyllomedusa tarsius) was one of a collection sent to us by our partners at Nature and Culture International (NCI). All the photographs captured on NCI reserves in Ecuador, including Maycu, which is supported by WLT, were taken by visitors from Tropical Herping: www.tropicalherping.com Founded by young and talented photographers, biologists and herpetologists, Tropical Herping uses photography as a mechanism for conservation.

The handy new Flight Emissions Carbon Offset Calculator, recently launched by WLT, enables travellers to calculate and offset their flights’ carbon dioxide emissions quickly and easily. Air travel accounts for 6 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, with carbon dioxide emissions from air travel amounting to around 34 million tonnes in 2012. With our new calculator, travellers can now address their carbon footprint by first calculating the carbon dioxide emissions linked to air travel, and then offsetting them through WLT’s Carbon Balanced conservation programme. Adela Pickles, who designed and developed the calculator, in collaboration with Chris Dixon, Joint Managing Director of The Little Red Bridge Ltd, said, “We have been very happy to develop the World Land Trust Carbon Calculator, as we think that many people these days want to be able to offset their flight emissions in a quick and