Wildlife Heritage Areas

This week, we're focusing on communities who dare to protect whale sharks 🦈. Each of these projects leverages the power of responsible wildlife watching to balance economic benefits with the need for conservation. They help protect whale sharks from exploitation while educating and inspiring tourists to become advocates for marine conservation. 🦈 Citizen Science 🔬 Whale Shark Spotting Programme in the Maldives 🇲🇻 Objective: Engage tourists 🎒 in research and conservation through a "citizen science" approach. Details: In the Maldives, tour operators encourage visitors to participate in collecting data on whale sharks by photographing 📸 the unique spot patterns on their skin. These images are uploaded to a global database (such as Ecocean’s whale shark identification database) and used to track the movements and behaviour of individual sharks. This approach helps scientists gather more extensive data than possible through research alone while raising tourists' awareness of conservation efforts. Success: The project fosters a deeper connection between tourists and whale sharks and has contributed valuable data for conservation planning. 🦈 Whale Shark Tourism 🎒Certification Programme Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres, Mexico 🇲🇽 Objective: Implement strict standards for eco-friendly whale shark tourism. Details: The Whale Shark Tourism Certification Program in Mexico was developed to regulate tour operators and ensure the safety of whale sharks. Certified operators must adhere to guidelines 📝 such as limiting the number of boats and swimmers 🏊♂️ allowed near sharks, prohibiting touching or feeding the animals, and keeping a safe distance to avoid disturbing their natural behaviour. Tourists are educated about the importance of conservation through briefings before each tour, helping to minimise harmful human impacts. Success: This certification has reduced unsustainable practices, leading to improved conservation outcomes while maintaining a thriving tourism industry. 🦈 Whale Shark Tourism Development, Mafia Island, Tanzania 🇹🇿 Objective: Create sustainable tourism 🎒opportunities that protect whale sharks and benefit local communities. Details: Mafia Island is one of the few places where whale sharks can be seen year-round. Tourism operators work closely with conservation organisations to develop community-led tourism initiatives that emphasise environmental stewardship. Educational 👨🏫 programs for locals and tourists focus on whale shark biology and the importance of maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. Funds from tourism activities directly support local schools, healthcare 🏥, and shark protection efforts, incentivising community participation in conservation. Success: This project has provided sustainable livelihoods while fostering a culture of whale shark protection. #futureofwildlifetourism #wildlifeheritageareas #whalesharks

Happy International Whale Shark Day! 🦈 Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the largest species of fish 🐟 in the world and belong to the shark family. These gentle giants can grow up to 40 feet (12 meters) in length and weigh as much as 20.6 tons. Whale sharks are filter feeders, primarily eating plankton, small fish, and other tiny organisms. They are found in warm, tropical waters around the world, often near the surface. 🌊 These highly migratory sharks travel great distances in search of food and are generally solitary creatures but are sometimes seen in groups when feeding in areas with abundant food. They are slow swimmers, moving at about 3 miles per hour (5 km/h). The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies them as endangered, primarily due to threats from fishing, habitat destruction, and the impacts of climate change. International Whale Shark Day is an opportunity to not only celebrate these beautiful sharks but also to raise awareness of the threats they face and the organisations and communities that are working to protect them, including: Marine Megafauna Foundation The Madagascar Whale Shark Project Foundation Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme The Shark Trust 📸 Sebastian Pena Lambarri #whalesharks #sharks #InternationalWhaleSharkDay #wildlifeheritageareas #whaleshark #InternationalWhaleSharkDay2024 #responsiblewildlifewatching

This is wonderful news from Algoa Bay Whale Heritage Area, 🐋 where the local community has been working together to take action against dangerous ship-to-ship fuel transfers, known as 'bunkering.' ⚓ The campaign has successfully prohibited the practice for almost a year, and the results are already impressive, seeing the world's largest colony of African penguins 🐧 grow by 70%. Read more below:

How do you identify a truly responsible wildlife watching experience? 🦍 🦋 🐬 🦅 🐋 🦒🐊 🦉 📊 Take part in our poll ⬇, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Whether 🦆 bird spotting or 🐳 whale watching, seeing wildlife in the wild can be a life-changing and mutually beneficial experience. It’s often these enchanting moments that forge meaningful relationships between people and nature and provide communities with an incentive to fund the protection of critical habitats. Wherever you are in the world 🌍 , whatever wildlife you’re hoping to see, ensuring that guides, providers, and visitors act in the best interest of wildlife ultimately means these experiences are more ethical and more viable in the long run. Wildlife experiences can and should be mutually beneficial to people and animals, but sadly, that’s not always the case. So, how do you separate the good from the bad and identify a truly responsible wildlife watching experience? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Please vote in our poll and add your thoughts to the comments. We'll then summarise the findings next week! Thank you 🙏

This week, we're focusing on communities who dare to protect elephants 🐘 as part of the celebrations surrounding World Elephant Day, which took place on Monday, August 12th. Today, we're diving deeper into the incredible achievements of The Mahouts Elephant Foundation "LIFE: Living in the Forest with Elephants" initiative in Thailand 🇹🇭. This candidate Elephant Heritage Area has pioneered the rescue and rehabilitation of wild elephants from a life of misery in captivity to freedom in the rainforests of northern Thailand. Here are a few highlights from this wonderful story that has reconnected a local community with its elephants once more. 1. Mahouts and Elephants coexisting 🤝 The project integrates the traditional knowledge of mahouts (elephant caretakers) with modern conservation practices. Mahouts live and work with the elephants in their natural habitat, promoting a deep understanding and respect for these animals. Local mahouts are trained in modern conservation techniques, wildlife monitoring, and sustainable forest management, ensuring that their traditional skills are complemented by contemporary practices. 2. Forest Restoration and Habitat Protection 🌴 The project involves planting native tree species to restore and expand elephant habitats, ensuring they can access sufficient food and water sources. By implementing sustainable agricultural practices, the project also aims to reduce habitat fragmentation and degradation. 3. Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation 🐝 Innovative barriers, such as beehive fences, deter elephants from entering human settlements and agricultural fields without harming them. Educating local communities about safe and effective ways to coexist with elephants, including early warning systems and safe practices, avoids conflicts. 4. Ecotourism and Sustainable Livelihoods 🎒 Developing ecotourism initiatives that provide alternative income sources for local communities reduces their dependence on activities that may harm elephants and their habitats. Tourists can experience the natural environment and learn about elephant conservation directly from the mahouts. Tourists also support local artisans and entrepreneurs in creating and selling handicrafts and other products that promote cultural heritage and conservation awareness. By combining traditional knowledge with modern conservation techniques, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and fostering strong community involvement, the Mahouts Foundation's LIFE project creates a holistic and innovative approach to protecting elephants in Thailand. This model not only benefits the elephants but also enhances the well-being and resilience of the local communities living alongside them. 👏 Learn more about the LIFE Elephant Heritage Area https://lnkd.in/enGw4EyH #elephants #elephant #wildlifeheritageareas #futureofwildlifetourism

Continuing the celebrations for World Elephant Day 🐘 we’re looking at five innovative ideas to address the threats elephants face as part of our 'Communities Who Dare to Protect Nature' series: ✈ 1. Drone Surveillance and Monitoring In recent years, drones have become hugely important for monitoring and protecting elephants. Utilising drones equipped with cameras and thermal imaging to monitor elephant populations and detect poachers has helped many organisations. The drones provide real-time data, allowing rangers to respond quickly to threats and ensuring better elephant protection. This technology has significantly reduced poaching incidents in monitored areas. 🐝 2. Elephant-Friendly Honey Production Initiated by the Elephant and Bees Project, beehive fences have been implemented in Kenya and other countries to deter elephants from raiding crops and simultaneously promote honey production. Elephants naturally avoid bees, so placing beehives around farms creates a barrier that keeps elephants away from crops. This method not only reduces human-elephant conflict but also provides an additional source of income for farmers through honey sales. You could argue it’s been a sweet success! 📡 3. GPS Collars and Real-Time Tracking Conservationists and researchers, such as those at Save the Elephants use GPS data to understand elephant behaviour and habitat use. This information is crucial for creating effective conservation strategies, such as establishing wildlife corridors and protecting key habitats. Real-time tracking also helps alert communities of approaching elephant herds, reducing conflicts. 🔬 4. Elephant Sterilisation Programmes In regions where elephant populations exceed the carrying capacity of their habitats, such as certain parts of South Africa, sterilisation programmes have been introduced. These programmes, like those conducted by Humane Society International, involve darting elephants with contraceptives. This approach helps balance elephant populations with available resources, preventing habitat degradation and ensuring long-term sustainability. 🌴 5. Elephant Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Organisations like the Wildlife Trust of India have been instrumental in securing and restoring elephant corridors. These corridors enable elephants to move between protected areas without coming into conflict with human settlements. By maintaining connectivity, these initiatives help preserve genetic diversity and support the overall health of elephant populations. 🙌 Hope for the future These innovative approaches demonstrate the diverse strategies employed to protect wild elephants worldwide. By leveraging technology, community involvement, and scientific research, conservationists and animal welfare experts are making significant strides in ensuring the survival and well-being of these majestic animals. 📸 Matthew Spiteri #elephants #elephant #conservation #worldelephantday #wildlifeheritageareas #futureofwildlifetourism

Happy World Elephant Day! 🐘 Today (August 12th), we celebrate Elephants, the largest terrestrial animal living today. Did you know that each year, an estimated 20,000* African elephants are illegally killed for their tusks, and it's not just the poachers threatening the future of elephants. African elephant habitats have declined by over 50% since 1979, and Asian elephants are now found in just 15% of their original range. This loss of space increases the chances of elephants entering farmers' fields, damaging crops, and harming people. Other factors that contribute to habitat loss include the conversion of forests for agriculture, livestock farming, human infrastructure, commercial logging, plantations for biofuels, extractive industries, poverty, armed conflict, and displacement of people. It's not hard to see why the African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is classified as Endangered. The LIFE Elephant Heritage Area is situated in over 90,000 acres of luscious protected rainforest near the border between Thailand and Myanmar. Living In the Forest with Elephants (LIFE) is dedicated to preserving the magnificent forest and caring for the rescued elephants that call it home. You can learn more here https://lnkd.in/enGw4EyH and we'll be taking a deeper look at this project later this week. World Elephant day 🐘 is an opportunity to not only celebrate these beautiful animals but also to raise awareness of the threats they face and the organisations and communities that are working to protect them, including Mahouts Elephant Foundation How Many Elephants - International NGO Born Free Foundation World Animal Protection WWF Save the Elephants * figure according to WWF. 📸 Harvey Sapir #elephants #WorldElephantday #savetheelephants #africanelephant #asianelephant #wildlifeheritageareas

Today is International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. There are an estimated 476 million Indigenous Peoples in the world living across 90 countries. They make up less than 6 per cent of the world's population,but speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures. Indigenous Peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic and political characteristics distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Indigenous Peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years. Yet, throughout history, their rights have been violated. Indigenous Peoples today, are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognises that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life. At Wildlife Heritage Areas, we are committed to working with local communities that cherish their natural heritage and actively participate in preserving wildlife and habitats. Visitors to Wildlife Heritage Areas are treated to unparalleled wildlife encounters guided by enthusiastic local experts. These experiences not only support local economies but also bolster crucial conservation and animal welfare initiatives. Each Wildlife Heritage Area is a testament to a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife, showcasing the pride and dedication of the communities involved. In order to raise awareness of the needs of these population groups, every August 9th commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, chosen in recognition of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982. https://lnkd.in/ghR-5Zv #indigenouspeoples #indigenousday #indigenouscommunities #wildlifeheritageareas

Welcome 🥳 to the first in our 'Communities Who Dare to Protect Nature' series, where we highlight local communities that cherish their natural heritage and actively participate in preserving wildlife and habitats in innovative ways. As part of the celebrations around International Tiger Day earlier this week, we're kicking off with these iconic big cats. 🐅 Each community listed below combines innovation with traditional knowledge and modern technology to help wild tigers. Their efforts not only protect tigers but also ensure sustainable development and harmony between humans and wildlife. 1. 🐯 Bardia Community Forest User Group, Nepal🇳🇵 💡 Innovations: - Community-Based Anti-Poaching Units (CBAPUs): Local community members are trained and equipped to patrol forests, monitor tiger populations, and report poaching activities. - Smart Patrols with Technology: Use of GPS and smartphone apps to log data, track tiger movements, and detect threats in real-time. 📉 Impact: - Significant reduction in poaching incidents. - Improved data collection and monitoring of tiger populations. 2. 🐯 Village Wildlife Guardians, India 🇮🇳 💡 Innovations: - Livestock Insurance Schemes: To reduce retaliatory tiger killings, local communities have created insurance schemes to compensate farmers for livestock losses caused by tigers. - Alternative Livelihood Programs: Promoting eco-friendly livelihoods such as beekeeping and eco-tourism to reduce dependence on forest resources. 📉 Impact: - Reduction in human-tiger conflicts. - Sustainable economic benefits for local communities. 3. 🐯 Russian Far East Indigenous Community, Russia 🇷🇺 💡 Innovations: - Land Stewardship and Indigenous Knowledge: Leveraging traditional ecological knowledge to manage tiger habitats sustainably and prevent illegal logging and poaching. - Community Rangers: Indigenous people are trained as rangers to monitor tiger populations and protect their habitats. 📉 Impact: - Preservation of critical tiger habitats. - Strengthened enforcement against poaching and illegal activities. To discover more about Wildlife Heritage Areas and our designation programme, click here: https://lnkd.in/eBUThhMs If you know a local community that cherishes its natural heritage and actively participates in preserving wildlife and habitats, registration for our online application process takes just a few minutes: https://lnkd.in/ef_b2FRG 📸 - Mathew Schwartz, light festival, South Korea 📸 - Gaurav Sharma, Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India 📸 - Tanusree Mitra, Gomira dance, West Bengal #tigers #tiger #responsiblewildlifewatching #wildlifeheritageareas #futureofwildlifetourism

Wonderful news on the back of #InternationalTigerDay, the tiger population has more than doubled over the past two decades in a series of protected areas in western Thailand.🐅 🇹🇭 A study https://lnkd.in/eZSqbmdQ published in Global Ecology and Conservation, and detailed in Mongabay, documents a steady recovery of tigers within the HKK-TY reserves in Thailand’s Western Forest Complex since camera trap surveys began in 2007. The most recent year of surveys, which concluded in November 2023, photographed 94 individual tigers, up from 75 individuals in the previous year and from fewer than 40 in 2007. The tiger population grew on average by 4% per year in Hua Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest and longest-protected of the reserves, corresponding to an increase in tiger density from 1.3 tigers per 100 square kilometres to 2.9 tigers/100 km2. Highlights: 📸 Camera-trapping data revealed in a new study show a steady recovery of tigers in Thailand’s Western Forest Complex over the past two decades. 🦌 The tiger recovery has been mirrored by a simultaneous increase in the numbers of the tigers’ prey animals, such as sambar deer and types of wild cattle. 🌴 The authors attribute the recovery of the tigers and their prey to long-term efforts to strengthen systematic ranger patrols to control poaching as well as efforts to restore key habitats and water sources. 🐯 Experts say the lessons learnt can be applied to support tiger recovery in other parts of Thailand and underscore the importance of the core WEFCOM population as a vital source of tigers repopulating adjacent landscapes. Thailand is the final stronghold of the Indochinese tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti), the subspecies having been extirpated from neighbouring Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam over the past decade due to poaching, habitat loss and indiscriminate snaring. Persistent markets for tiger skins, bones, and other body parts used in traditional medicines in China and Vietnam drive poaching and illegal trade, which present the main threat to the big cats. Fewer than 200 tigers are thought to remain in Thailand’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, only a handful of which are sufficiently undisturbed and well-protected to preserve breeding tigers. Read more in Mongabay https://lnkd.in/eBUjpq5w 📸 Image by Evelyne Josse from Pixabay #tigers #tiger #globaltigerday #responsiblewildlifewatching #wildlifeheritageareas