Wildlife Heritage Areas’ Post

Peace Parks Foundation is overjoyed by this sighting of a pangolin in Limpopo National Park, in an area that once would’ve been extremely dangerous for this rare and elusive animal. It now roams safely here to the delight of the team – what a privilege and a reassurance to see! All four southern African species of pangolin are under threat from extinction. As the most trafficked mammal in the world, 200,000 of these 64-million-year-old creatures are taken from the wild every year – that's one every four minutes. With them go their vital roles in nature – maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem, by controlling insect populations and protecting forests from termite destruction. Their digging behaviour also mixes the soil and makes it more nutrient-rich. But many mysteries remain...  Limpopo National Park, managed jointly by the Government of Mozambique and Peace Parks, is lucky to have such a hard-working resident helping keep the landscape healthy. For the team, any new insight into their populations and behaviour is key to better protecting them. You can help secure a future for them – reach out, support and donate to pangolin conservation!   Administração Nacional das Áreas de Conservação #Pangolin #PangolinConservation #EndangeredSpecies #ProtectPangolins #NatureWithoutBorders #EcosystemRestoration #LimpopoNationalPark #Wildlife #AnimalAction 

🐅 💚 Ahead of #GlobalTigerDay, which falls on July 29 of every year, let's take this opportunity to get to know more about this majestic and endangered animal. The tiger is an apex predator at the top of the food chain and is a crucial indicator of ecosystem health. Its existence is pivotal for assessing environmental richness. Thus, tigers symbolise wildlife conservation efforts in Thailand. Unfortunately, Southeast Asia's Indochinese tigers are critically declining, and are extinct in  Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. What would happen if tigers disappeared from the forests? Prey populations might  increase beyond the capacity of the environment. This could lead to an increase in grazing and browsing pressure that reduces forest regeneration. Eventually, this could lead to a scarcity of plants that provide various ecosystem benefits.  Thailand remains a beacon of hope for the Indochinese tiger's recovery. They only roam in protected forests, particularly in the Western Forest Complex and Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex. To mark Global Tiger Day, let's raise awareness about the importance of tigers in Thailand, and unite in conserving them for generations to come. #GlobalTigerDay #TigerConservation #WWFThailand #WWF #TogetherPossible

World Pangolin Day World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the 17th of February every year. This day is an opportunity to celebrate these fascinating animals as well as to educate the public about the threats they face and the efforts being made to protect them. Pangolins are small mammals covered with tough, overlapping scales. They are found in Asia and Africa. They are the only mammals who are wholly covered in scales, and they use those scales to protect themselves from predators in the wild. Pangolins play a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling the population of insects and helping to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Pangolin scales, meat, and other body parts are illegally traded, leading to a rapid decline in their populations. To protect pangolins and their habitats as a group, choosing environmentally friendly and responsible tour operators if travelling to areas where pangolins are present, refraining from advocating activities that exploit or harm wildlife, and being vigilant against illegal wildlife trade or poaching are needed. These threats can be mitigated by reporting to local authorities, assisting law enforcement efforts, etc. World Pangolin Day serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our world's incredible biodiversity. Article by: N. Y. Wanniarachchi Design by: Tharindi Thamasha FAPM Nature Team Wayamba University of Sri Lanka #pangolinday #importantdays #wusl #fapmnatureteam

Meet the Vaquita, the world's rarest marine mammal, facing a perilous battle for survival. 🐬✨ Let's delve into eye-opening facts about these remarkable creature and the urgent need for conservation. Little Cow in Danger: The Vaquita, known as the "little cow" in Spanish, is on the brink of extinction and needs our immediate attention. Lethal Gillnets: Illegal fishing operations in Mexico's Gulf of California use gillnets, leading to the tragic drowning of vaquitas. Discovery and Decline: Discovered in 1958, the vaquita population has plummeted to an alarming low, with estimates as low as 30 individuals. Crisis in Numbers: Within a year, the vaquita population has halved, experiencing a staggering 97% drop, reaching a critical number. Habitat and Biodiversity: Vaquitas reside exclusively in the northern end of Mexico's Gulf of California, a region of immense ecological importance. Bycatch Menace: Unsustainable fishing practices, particularly bycatch from illegal fishing, pose the greatest threat to vaquitas. Totoaba Tangle: Vaquitas face peril due to sharing waters with the totoaba fish, caught for its swim bladders with high demand in Chinese medicine. Illegal Trade: The smuggling of totoaba swim bladders, valued at USD 8,500 per kilogram, fuels the illicit trade driving vaquitas to extinction. Global Call to Action: World Wildlife Fund (WWF) urges an immediate, collective response from governments, NGOs, and society to protect vaquitas and restore the Gulf of California. Imminent Extinction: Failure to act swiftly could result in the irrevocable loss of the vaquita. Share this post to educate your network about the vaquita's critical situation. Contribute to organizations like WWF working tirelessly to protect vaquitas and their habitats. Every donation counts. I am Opeyemi Blessing OYAWALE, a future wildlife researcher and consultant. Join me on this journey of exploration, meaning, and deep learning about wildlife in Nigeria and worldwide. #SaveTheVaquita #MarineConservation #WildlifeProtection #Wildliferesearcher

Happy World Animal Day!  South Africa is home to some of the most incredible wildlife, and today, we’re celebrating by sharing a few fun facts about some of our nation’s famous animals: - The African Elephant is the largest land animal in the world, capable of eating up to 130kg of food in a day! - Lions, often referred to as the "kings of the jungle," can sleep up to 20 hours a day to conserve energy. - Rhinos, another one of the Big Five, have been around for over 50 million years and are a key species in South Africa’s conservation efforts. At STS, we believe in protecting the environment, not just for people but for wildlife too. That’s why our solar solutions, for example, reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a healthier planet for all living beings. It’s not just our solar that shines a light for animals – our people are equally committed to caring for the natural world and volunteer at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary regularly. We all must play a part in protecting our beloved animals. What is your favourite animal? Let us know in the comments below. #WorldAnimalDay #Wildlife #Conservation #AfricanElephant #Lion #Rhino

This video was captured in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). There are currently three species of otters confirmed in Lao PDR which are listed globally as Near Threatened or Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The three include Asian small‐clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus), Smooth‐coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). Watch here: https://lnkd.in/ei6EfCPC Asian otter species are declining in population trend due to factors such as habitat loss, prey overharvesting by humans, illegal hunting for wildlife trade, and illegal capture to supply exotic pet markets. Otters still urgently need to be monitored and studied to help the conservation for otters. Source: Coudrat, C.N.Z., Chutipong, W., Sukmak, M., Sripiboon, S & Klinsawat, W. 2022. Taxonomic status of otter species in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, Lao PDR, based on DNA evidence. Ecol Evol. 12(12): e9601. All Rights Reserved: Vilayvone Sengmany Discover the exciting developments of the Saola Foundation for Annamite Mountains Conservation by signing up to our captivating newsletter. To subscribe: https://lnkd.in/e9xWAyza Elevate your impact! Support the Saola Foundation's conservation efforts in the Annamite Mountains. Your donation can make a lasting difference for biodiversity and local communities. To donate: https://lnkd.in/ewGpaNYe #saola #saolas #AnnamiteMountains #Annamites #SaolaFoundation #conservation #Laos #Vietnam #CriticallyEndangered #speciesonthebrink #ASAPSpecies #WildlifeConservationSociety #Otter #WCSLaoPDR

World Giraffe Day World Giraffe Day is celebrated on June 21 every year.This day was initiated by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation in 2014 to celebrate the world's tallest animal on the longest day or night (depending on which hemisphere you live in) of the year. Giraffes are the world's tallest mammals. Most giraffes live in grasslands and open woodlands in East Africa. In addition, many populations are declining, with giraffes now considered 'vulnerable' to extinction. The global population of giraffes is estimated to be approximately 111,000 individuals, a figure that represents a decrease of nearly 30% since the 1980s. World Giraffe Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of giraffes, as well as to highlight the challenges they face in the wild. Giraffes are facing a decline in their population due to habitat loss and other threats. By celebrating World Giraffe Day, organisations and individuals aim to educate people about the importance of giraffes in the ecosystem and the need to protect these majestic animals for future generations. Article by : R.R.Dilki Praveesha Design by : Prabodha Gamage FAPM Nature Team Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

Ghanaian actress and TV host Joselyn Dumas is speaking up for pangolins - and she’s asking you to join the fight against wildlife crime! 🐾👏 Pangolins, known as the most trafficked mammals on the planet, are being hunted to extinction for their meat and scales. Over a million have been taken from the wild in the past decade. These shy, scaly animals play a vital role in our ecosystem by keeping ant and termite populations under control. Yet, their numbers are dwindling fast. Here’s what makes pangolins special: 🔹 Three species are found in Ghana: black-bellied, white-bellied, and giant ground pangolins. 🔹 They give birth to just one offspring a year, making them especially vulnerable to overexploitation. 🔹 Their scales, made of keratin like our fingernails, can weigh up to 20% of their body weight. Despite being similar to fingernails, these scales are in high demand for use in traditional medicine. 🔹 They are insect-eating machines! One pangolin can consume up to 20,000 ants and termites a day, helping maintain balance in our ecosystems. Sadly, all pangolin species are now threatened with extinction (IUCN), and the illegal bushmeat trade not only endangers pangolins but also disrupts entire ecosystems. Spread the word and report wildlife crime - poaching steals from us all. #WildAfrica #WildlifePSAs #WildlifeAmbassadors #Ghana #SayNoToIllegalBushmeat #JoselynDumas #SavePangolins

When you think of endangered wildlife in Africa you may think of the African Elephant or the Black Rhino, but what about Sandalwood? 🤔 Operating in Kenya and Tanzania, Big Life Foundation seeks to help secure East Africa’s wildlife, protecting 1.6 million acres of wilderness in the Amboseli-Tsavo-Kilimanjaro ecosystem. However, amongst the endangered species that typically grab the most headlines, Big Life is also fighting a silent battle to protect the poaching of African Sandalwood. Often sought out for it is uses in cosmetics, perfumes, and medicines around the world it is a plant in high demand, combined with its slow growth and minimal protection, the species could face extinction. Take a look at this video from the rangers at Big Life and how their vital work is tackling deforestation and promising a future for East Africa’s Wildlife 🌍 Through our #ActionFund, we are able to fund land protection, allowing Big Life to continue their vital work in the 77,000 ha (190,000 acre) Greater Amboseli ecosystem! 🔗 Learn more about our partner Big Life Foundation: https://ow.ly/hg3G50T35jL

𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐬 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄, 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄? 𝐑𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐬—icons of strength and resilience—are fighting a battle for survival. Today, they face relentless threats from poaching, habitat destruction, and illegal wildlife trade. As stewards of this planet, we must ask ourselves: What more can we give to protect these ancient giants? At 𝗥 𝗪𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, through our Ecovibes Project, we’re committed to safeguarding these magnificent creatures, not just for today but for future generations. But we can't do it alone. 🔍 𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸? 𝗥𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀, 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀. 𝟵𝟬% 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲. 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗿𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲. This isn’t just about saving a species—it’s about preserving an entire ecosystem. Rhinos are keystone species, playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy grasslands that support biodiversity and sustain local communities. 💡 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘠𝘖𝘜 𝘥𝘰? 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 that protect rhinos and their habitats. 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲—every signature, every share counts. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀—spread the word about the importance of saving rhinos for the health of our planet. 🛑 𝗥𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗼. 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻. Join 𝗥 𝗪𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 and the global community in making a stand. This is the moment where every action counts, and your support can be the difference between life and extinction for these incredible creatures. 𝙇𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙮. 𝙇𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙. #WorldRhinoDay #LetRhinosLive #SaveOurRhinos #RWinFoundation #Ecovibes #WildlifeProtection #ProtectBiodiversity #NoToPoaching #RhinoConservation #TogetherWeWin