Helicopter Carrying 7 WWF Staff Crashes in Nepal

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 • VOLUME 28, NUMBER 6 CONTENTS 1

PAGE 2 ᮣ PAGE 3 ᮣ PAGE 4 ᮣ Snake Species Science Update WWF: Discovered Protecting in Borneo Nature’s Masterpieces

WWF MOURNS DEATHS OF More on the Web CONSERVATION HEROES Get the latest updates and WF is mourning the tragic loss share your condolences at of seven staff members and 17 worldwildlife.org Wothers who died September 23 aboard a helicopter that crashed in the dedication that the seven amazing con- remote mountainous region of north- servationists from WWF and our deeply eastern Nepal. The helicopter crashed valued partners brought to their work. following a ceremony in which Nepal’s They are conservation heroes and will government handed over be sorely missed by all of us.” BREAKING Benastar to local communities the & Also on board the helicopter were NEWS responsibility for manag- high-ranking government officials, rep- ing the park around the Himalayan resentatives of other agencies, journal- mountain of Kanchenjunga. ists, and Russian crew members. The WWF staff on board included Dr. The Shree Air helicopter was on its

Jill Bowling, conservation director, WWF- WWF-Canon/Neyret way back around noon local time from UK; Dr. Chandra Gurung, country repre- © Ghunsa village, near the foot of sentative, WWF-Nepal; Dr. Harka Gurung, Kanchenjunga, the third-tallest moun- advisor, WWF-Nepal; Jennifer Headley, tain in the world. The helicopter was due coordinator for Himalayas/South Asia to land in Taplejung 20 minutes later, but program, WWF-UK; Yeshi Lama, senior failed to arrive. Severe weather ham- program officer, WWF-Nepal; Matthew pered rescue efforts, and a search team Preece, program officer, Eastern on foot found the wreckage two days Himalayas program, WWF-US; and later, just over a mile from Ghunsa. The Mingma Norbu FSherpOa, manaCging direUc- SDr. Jill Bowling Dr. Chandra Gurung Dr. Harka Gurung Jennifer Headley crash is under investigation. tor, Eastern Himalayas program, WWF- As FOCUS went to press, Carter Biographies and US. Biographies and tributes to these staff Roberts and Ginette Hemley, WWF’s tributes to these staff members can be found on WWF’s Web members can be managing vice president of Field site (worldwildlife.org) and will be in the found on WWF’s Web Programs and Species Conservation, January/February issue of FOCUS. site (worldwildlife.org) were in Kathmandu with the families “The tragic event marks the single and will be in the and friends of the victims. WWF held a greatest loss of life in WWF’s 45-year January/February memorial service there on September history,” said Carter Roberts, president issue of FOCUS. 28, which was declared a national day of and CEO of WWF. “I am humbled by the Yeshi Lama Matthew Preece Mingma Norbu Sherpa CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 ®

biodiversity conservation, and we’re WWF NEWS Over 6 Million now mobilizing an international commitment equal to the region’s importance.” Introducing WWF’s Holiday Catalog Acres Protected The world’s largest river basin, the Honor your friends and family this holiday by helping WWF safeguard Amazon provides one-fifth of the Earth’s Earth’s most precious treasures. WWF’s new holiday gift guide offers a sam- freshwater and houses one-third of its pling of over 160 great gift ideas that can be found online. A sample is includ- in Amazon species, including the world’s highest ed in this issue of FOCUS. LATEST STEP IN WWF’S VISION diversity of birds and freshwater fish. In recent decades, however, the region has Among the unique gift options are the following: TO SAVE AMAZON been seriously depleted by illegal log- •Gift Adoptions: Symbolically adopting any WWF helped achieve another conser- ging, slash-and-burn agriculture, and of the 38 animals in the catalog is vation breakthrough for the planet’s other human activities that are destroy- a fun way to help WWF protect some of the largest rain forest when the Brazilian ing forests at an alarming rate. world’s most threatened animals. Adoptions of government announced the creation of These threats prompted WWF in 2002 $50 or more come with a free plush animal of new protected areas in the Amazon Basin to join the Brazilian government, the the species you adopt. totaling approximately 6.2 million acres. World Bank, Global Environment •Gift Memberships: As WWF members, “This announcement constitutes a Facility, German Development Bank, your friends and family can become full par- huge victory for WWF and its allies in and Brazilian Biodiversity Fund in ticipants in the conservation of Earth’s most our efforts to save this extraordinary launching one of the world’s most ambi- important natural habitats. They’ll receive region,” said Carter Roberts, WWF pres- tious conservation projects, the Amazon great WWF premium items along with their ident and CEO. “The Amazon has long Region Protected Area (ARPA) program. memberships. been acknowledged as a keystone to CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 ® •Extraordinary Gifts: Through a targeted higher-level gift, you can recognize someone important to you by supporting a specific conservation program in a particular region. Opportunities range from tracking sea turtles in the ocean to protecting tigers from poachers to improving the lives of indigenous people. There are many options from which to choose and it’s easy to give. Make your gift choice by perusing the full catalog online at worldwildlife.org/give or by calling toll free 1-800-CALL-WWF (800-225-5993).

CONSERVATION NEWS

WWF Expedition Makes Discoveries in Amazon Dickinson A team of conservationists, biologists and journalists participated in a WWF-led expedition into Brazil’s Juruena National Park. They covered almost 250,000 acres of the park and found species that have never before been seen in this part of the world. See page 7. WWF-Canon/Nigel © WWF and our partners aim to preserve 122 million acres of Amazon rain forest. 2 FOCUS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006

ON THE WEB Our Gifts to the Earth HOLIDAY SHOP AT WORLDWILDLIFE.ORG Browse the online gift center at addition to the items they’ll receive in worldwildlife.org/give to find unique the mail. Reach out to your friends and ideas for your family and friends this family this holiday season with a gift to holiday season. Choose from an animal support WWF and help protect wildlife. adoption, an extraordinary gift, or the PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE gift of WWF membership, and help protect the future of nature. s our boat paused off the coast of When you give an animal adoption A Mozambique, WWF staffer Peter Bechtel gift online, you support WWF’s efforts suggested now might be a good time to get our to protect pandas, tigers, sea turtles, dinner. So we threw out an anchor into the 20 gorillas and other threatened creatures

feet of water, combed through seemingly end- Kittner around the world. Your gift recipient

less sea grass beds, and harvested oysters the Sam will receive free screensavers, desktop size of silver dollars. images, instant messenger icons and a That impromptu supper came during a tour of one of the greatest con- personalized adoption certificate, in servation success stories I’ve ever seen: Quirimbas National Park. The park’s marine reserve, the largest protected area in African waters, uses a combination of harvest and no-harvest zones to safeguard turtles, whales and other marine life while ensuring more fish for the thousands New Snake Species Found in Borneo of people who live within park borders. I saw firsthand some of the results: dozens of right whales breaching Snake Has Ability “I put the reddish-brown snake in around our boat, coral reefs teeming with life, a sea-grass trail left by one to Change Colors a dark bucket. When I retrieved it a of the 150 dugongs thought to remain in Coastal East Africa. Local fish- few minutes later, it was almost ermen are already reporting larger entirely white,” recalled Dr. Mark fish catches than ever before, and Auilya, reptile expert at the “Our goal, other Mozambique communities are Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum clamoring for marine reserves of Auliya Alexander Koenig in Germany and a as always, their own. WWF consultant. is to make a Quirimbas is a testament to WWF’s The ability to change colors is amazing and passionate staff, includ- common in reptiles such as the difference…” ing Aida Safire, a quiet, strong, chameleon, but highly unusual in WWF-Germany/Mark snakes. Scientists speculate that devout woman who was the primary © architect behind the marine reserve. She worked without pay for more The Kapuas mud snake was found in changing colors helps the snake con- than a year and a half because she wanted to leave behind a legacy. In the wetlands and swamped forests. trol its temperature. Like chameleons, essence, it’s the legacy we all want to leave: ensuring that the Earth’s Scientists in Borneo recently dis- snakes are darker during the day to most extraordinary places survive and flourish long after we’ve gone. covered a new species of snake that attract the sun’s warmth, but turn to And that’s just what WWF is doing. From the vast array of our field has the ability to change colors. The a creamy color in darkness. operations, we have now identified 19 places where we can make a large species, the newly named Kapuas The snake belongs to the genus near-term impact. Over the next 10 years, in tandem with our global net- mud snake, was discovered by a Enhydris, which includes 22 other work of affiliates, we will be applying all our know-how, our vision, and our German researcher in the Heart of species, only two of which are wide- passion to preserving these exceptional places for future generations. Borneo, a mountainous region that spread. Borneo is home to 160 Our goal, as always, is to make a difference, which is something our is home to a wealth of animal and known species of snakes, including members do every time they send a contribution. WWF is unique among plant species. the world’s most dangerous snake, conservation groups in recognizing Gifts to the Earth, extraordinary acts the Russell’s viper.

by governments and peoples that change the face of conservation. And LAOS In the last 10 years, more than 360 PHILIPPINES

whenever you give to WWF, you make your own gift to the Earth. THAILAND new animal and plant species have a e S CAMBODIA a This holiday season, we are introducing a new and exciting way to n been discovered on the island of VIETNAM i h C th u Borneo. Through the Heart of Borneo give. Enclosed in this issue of FOCUS is our new WWF holiday gift guide. o S By symbolically adopting animals, by providing gift memberships, and by M A L A Y S I A initiative, WWF is working with the Pacific Ocean directly supporting specific conservation programs, you’ll be a part of island’s three nations — Malaysia, SUMATRA BORNEO WWF’s on-the-ground projects—in Mozambique and around the world. IRIAN JAYA Indonesia, and Brunei—to conserve The catalog offers you the opportunity to spread the message of conser- SULAWESI the rain forest, which is severely JAVA vation to your family and friends, while leaving behind your own legacy Indian PAPAU NEW GUINEA threatened by deforestation. Ocean for future generations. It’s hard to find a better gift than that. I N D O N E S I A

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT Carter S. Roberts Jaguar (Panthera onca) The largest cat in the Americas and third World Wildlife Fund largest in the world, the jaguar gets its 1250 24th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037 name from an Indian word meaning ”he 202-293-4800 who kills with one leap.” Once found www.worldwildlife.org from the southwestern United States Published bimonthly to northern Argentina, today it inhabits only the rain forests of Central and South America. President:...... Carter S. Roberts World Wildlife Fund is the leading U.S. organi- zation working worldwide to preserve the Since jaguars require large areas Editor:...... Jennifer Seeger abundance and diversity of life on Earth. WWF of natural habitat to survive, Contributors:...... Sarah Janicke is affiliated with the international WWF Network, WWF scientists are radio collaring the cats— and other wide- which has representatives in more than 50 ...... Diane Querey countries and an international office in Gland, ranging species—in the southwestern Amazon to develop a better ...... Patricia Sullivan Switzerland.All contributions are tax-deductible. picture of their habitat needs. The data will help us determine what conservation measures are needed to ensure their future. Copy Editor:...... Alice Taylor Unless otherwise noted, all material appearing in Proofreader:...... Ruth Franklin FOCUS is copyrighted and may be reproduced Habitat: Jaguars are found in the rain forests of Central and South America. with permission. Production:...... Lee Freedman Volume 28, Number 6 (ISSN 0774-3315) Diet: They can both climb trees and swim in search of food, which can Member Services: ...... 800-960-0993 be birds, fish, lizards and mammals as large as capybaras (the largest FOCUS is published bimonthly by World rodents) and peccaries (wild pigs). Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street, NW, Email: ...... [email protected] Washington, DC 20037. Annual membership Threats: Jaguars are threatened by hunting and habitat loss. dues are $15.00. Nonprofit postage paid at Washington, DC and additional mailing offices. Interesting Fact: During most of the year, the jaguar lives alone; Gunther POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: only in August or September do males and females get together FOCUS, World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street, NW, P.O, Box 97180, NW, Washington, DC for mating. 20090-7180. FOCUS Visit worldwildlife.org/species to learn more. WWF-Canon/Michel © NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 FOCUS 3

CONSERVATION NEWS DEBT-FOR-NATURE SWAP Congo Basin SHAHTOOSH SMUGGLING RING BUSTED Thai Police Seize Shawls Worth $2 Million Day

WF and TRAFFIC provided infor- Nations Wildlife Enforcement Network Brian Wmation from a covert investigation (ASEAN-WEN), which includes the that led Thai police to bust a smuggling Royal Thai Police, the Thai Department ring dealing in the illegal trade of shah- of Natural Resources, and contributions Debt-for-Nature Swap Protects toosh, a fine wool that can be obtained from WildAid and TRAFFIC, the trade only by killing the endangered Tibetan monitoring network of WWF and the Africa’s Congo Basin antelope. During a raid on three Bangkok World Conservation Union. stores in July, police seized over 250 pur- Other wools can be harvested by Historic Agreement Invests $25 the agreement calls for the government ported shahtoosh shawls, which are shearing or combing, but shahtoosh, Million in Cameroon’s Forests of Cameroon to work with logging com- known in the fashion world for their which means “the king of wools,” can be panies to develop management plans and exceptional quality. A single shawl retails obtained only by killing Tibetan antelopes. ntense lobbying by WWF led France create a demand for certified, environ- for as much as $15,000 and requires the The animals live almost exclusively in Iand Cameroon to sign the first-ever mentally friendly products. Employing fine fur from three to five dead antelopes. the remote Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Central African debt-for-nature swap, 12,000 people, the forest sector is The raid comes after four months of Poaching has drastically slashed the which will see at Cameroon’s largest private employer and undercover work by members of the antelope population because shahtoosh least $25 million the second largest source of export rev- new Association of Southeast Asian shawls can command high prices on the over the next five enue after oil. However, forest sector black market. In 1900, around 1 million Harvey years invested in employment has dropped in recent Tibetan antelopes lived in the wild; protecting parts years, so funds also will be used to today there may be as few as 50,000. of the Congo River reestablish two national forestry schools “These are highly organized criminals Basin, the world’s to train new recruits. who have operated in Thailand with lit- second largest WWF pioneered the concept of using WWF-Canon/Martin Petocz

tle fear of capture or penalty,” said © rain forest and a country’s debt to help fund conserva- Crawford Allen, deputy director of The Congo is home home to some of tion and the first debt-for-nature swap to the Ba’Aka. TRAFFIC North America. “The bust is Africa’s most spec- was successfully executed in Ecuador testament to the value of ASEAN-WEN, tacular wildlife and indigenous groups in 1989. Since then, WWF has played a which is the world’s biggest wildlife law such as the Ba’Aka. vital role in the implementation of debt-

WWF-Canon/Ronald enforcement network and has allowed A debt-for-nature swap relieves a for-nature swaps around the world. © A single shahtoosh shawl can mean the authorities to create a united front government’s foreign debt burden in death of five Tibetan antelopes. against wildlife smugglers.” exchange for the government’s commitment to spend a certain amount of its local currency to safeguard its natu- SCIENCE UPDATE ral resources. The Central African agreement requires Cameroon to ear- FIELD SURVEY IN TANZANIA REVEALS mark funds for four different sectors: education, health, infrastructure and 160 ANIMAL SPECIES natural resources. The agreement was Findings Include New Species of Frog initiated by France’s Debt Development Contract under the Heavily Indebted he first field surveys of the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group, Poor Countries initiative—a joint pro- Harvey TRubeho Mountains in Tanzania Oxford Brookes University, and the gram of the World Bank and Inter- revealed more than 160 animal species, Zoological Museum of Copenhagen national Monetary Fund. including a new species of frog and 11 conducted surveys using a variety Cameroon’s forests are teeming with endemic species. The findings under- of methods including tracking, wildlife, from gorillas and chimpanzees score the importance of protecting camera traps and audio recordings. to forest elephants and bongos. But the WWF-Canon/Martin

this ecologically rich region, which Researchers recorded the calls of two country’s forests are severely threat- © The debt swap will help protect is threatened by deforestation and species of galagos, small nocturnal ened by illegal logging and an underde- Cameroon’s species, including the for- poaching. primates with large, round eyes com- veloped infrastructure. As a solution, est elephant. “We’ve documented some destruc- monly known as bush babies. Some tion already under way, so protecting people believe “bush baby” refers to this mountain range is an urgent pri- the animal’s cries, which sound simi- ority not just for the unique wildlife, lar to the cries of human babies. GOOD NEWS FOR WORLD’S RAREST RHINO but also for the people and economy In one small valley, Nike Doggart of Discoveries Signal Javan Rhino is Breeding of Tanzania,” said Dr. Neil Burgess, the Tanzania Forest Conservation African conservation scientist at Group discovered a new species of or the first time in three years, scien- old or less. On the same day, a second WWF and coauthor of the findings frog—Arthroleptis nikeae—hiding Ftists have found signs of four Javan team came face-to-face with another published in the African Journal of among the leaf litter under the forest rhino calves in Indonesia—exciting news calf, a female, and her mother. And the Ecology. “The Eastern Arc Mountains canopy. The smooth-skinned, brown- for the endangered species, which may following day, the team found a fourth catch and gather water that gener- patterned frog measures about 2.25 have fewer than 60 individuals in the small footprint in a different location. ates about 50 percent of Tanzania’s inches from snout to bottom. wild. Signs of the calves were discovered “The distance between the four areas total electricity through hydropower.” “Surveying just one section of the in Indonesia’s Ujung Kulon National Park where the tracks were found, as well as For 112 days over two years, an Eastern Arc, we discovered a little by a team of biologists, including WWF differences in the sizes of the footprints, international team of scientists from frog no one knew existed,” said staff, park rangers and local people tells us that there are four different Doggart, a lead author of the article. checking on the rhinos after the July calves,” said Matthew Lewis, program “Imagine what other wildlife we may earthquake on the island of Java. officer for WWF’s Species Conservation discover if we can help preserve the “Javan rhinos are probably the rarest program. “We hope to monitor the entire mountain range.” large mammal species in the world, and calves’ progress by capturing photos of they are on the very brink of extinction,” them on one of the many motion- said Arman Malolongan, director general triggered camera traps that we have set of forest protection and nature conserva- up around the park.” tion at Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry. “To discover that this population is breeding—and even slowly growing— gives us hope for the species’ future.” Javan rhinos are the rarest of the world’s five rhino species. Between 28 and 56 Javan rhinos live in Ujung Kulon. The only other known population is in Cat Tien National Park in Vietnam, where no more than eight rhinos likely survive. fiths Grif Harvey For 112 days, an international The team found the first sign of a calf team of scientists surveyed part of the Eastern Arc Mountains. in August: a small footprint along with a They recorded calls of galagos larger footprint belonging to the moth- (left), small primates commonly er. One day later, another set of mother known as bush babies for their and calf footprints of slightly different WWF-Canon/Mike

WWF-Canon/Martin human baby-like cries. © © size was found in a different area. Both WWF hopes to monitor the calves with signs were estimated to be three days motion-triggered camera traps. 4 FOCUS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 Protecting Nature’s Masterpieces Nineteen Priority Landscapes Drive WWF’s New Strategy

uilding on the landmark Global 200 framework, WWF has ramped up our such endangered species as tigers, African and Asian elephants, Indian rhinos, global conservation efforts with an innovative and comprehensive new strat- whales and other marine mammals, great apes and giant pandas. Begy anchored around 19 of the world’s most important natural places. WWF, along with its global network of affiliates, is working in these 19 places to “We’ve determined that the most effective way to make a lasting difference is to address the most serious threats, ranging from unsustainable farming to the burn- focus on those places where we can make the greatest difference. These are global- ing of fossil fuels. We call this local-to-global. WWF bridges our extensive on-the- ly important ecoregions where the conditions are right to deliver results, both local- ground presence with our ability to navigate the big global institutions. ly and globally,” said WWF president and CEO Carter Roberts. “Our goal now is to “We have long recognized that our planet is a delicate and complex set of rela- conserve these vitally important regions by 2015 and to significantly alter the mar- tionships between species, people, habitats, governments and global market forces,” ket forces that drive natural consumption.” said Roberts. “We know that meaningful conservation can’t take place without The list of 19 places—selected by leading scientists, biologists and policy addressing all those factors. experts—includes the world’s largest and most intact tropical rain forests, the most “We know we have set large goals for ourselves. But we are confident that, with diverse freshwater systems, the most varied coral reefs, the most biologically signif- the continued support of our members, we can make measurable progress toward icant deserts and the most productive fishery. The list also includes the habitats of preserving these priority areas for future generations.” Morello

Bering Sea WWF/Steven Northern Great Plains Schafer Rath B.

Chihuahuan Desert WWF-Canon/Kevin U.S. Southeast Rivers and Streams © WWF-Canon/Anthony © LeGuen Gulf of California Schafer Mesoamerican Reef

WWF-Canon/Roger Congo Basin © WWF-Canon/Kevin © © WWF-Canon/Edward Parker Amazon Galápagos Frankham

Valdivia Newby E.

Going Global

s part of our commitment to Forestry. The cutting of trees and the A protect the world’s most unsustainable management of forests extraordinary lands and waters, claim nearly 36 million acres of natural WWF and our partners are working forests every year—an area bigger to transform the larger regional and than the state of New York. global forces that threaten people Fishing. The market forces driving the and nature everywhere. global fishing industry have destroyed Agriculture. Unsustainable farming coral reefs and other marine environ- causes erosion and pollution, ments and have left at least 75 percent decreases crop production and of the world’s fisheries either fully

drives the conversion of Parker exploited or overfished. wildlands to farms. Bärtschi WWF-Canon/Edward © WWF-Canon/André © NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 FOCUS 5

Amazon: largest tropical rain forest on Earth A Track Record of Success and source of one-fifth of the world’s freshwater

A 45-year history of results, a solid foundation in science, and a global network of affiliates Amur-Heilong: vast forests, longest river in and partners leave WWF uniquely equipped to save nature on a grand scale. the Eastern Hemisphere, last refuge of the Our singular method of linking on-the-ground conservation with policy work and private- Siberian tiger and Amur leopard sector engagement produces lasting conservation successes. And our attention to the lives of indigenous peoples allows us to build a sustainable balance between humans and nature. Bering Sea: among the world’s most productive marine ecosystems, icy waters providing With a reach that extends to more than 100 countries and that embraces every field from more than 50 percent of the U.S. fish catch international development to disaster relief, WWF is able to coordinate efforts at every level, working with local and international governments, multinational corporations and individual Borneo and Sumatra: tropical forests con- communities to reduce threats to habitats, animals and people. taining an estimated 15,000 plant species and the endangered Asian elephant and orangutan

Chihuahuan Desert: one of Earth’s three most diverse deserts, with nearly a quarter of the world’s cactus species

Filonov Coastal East Africa: a tapestry of natural wealth, from colobus monkeys in the mountains to elephants roaming vast woodlands to dugongs in coastal waters

Gunther Coral Triangle: the world’s most abundant variety of coral reef plants and animals, including hundreds of commercially important fish Yangtze species

WWF-Canon/Michel Eastern Himalayas: a mosaic of nature- © Harvey revering cultures, religions and ethnic groups, Eastern Himalayas

d with landscapes ranging from lush forests to n u

e snowcapped mountains r F

Mekong e g

r Galápagos: isolated archipelago where virtu- © WWF-Canon/Martin Harvey ü J / WWF-Canon/Martin n ally all the reptiles and mammals exist nowhere o © n a else on Earth C - F

Coral Triangle W W Gulf of California: highly productive waters © WWF-Canon/Elizabeth Kemf © that are the source of 60 percent of Mexico’s annual fish catch and home to more than 25 Borneo and Sumatra species of whales and dolphins Coastal East Africa Madagascar: world’s fourth-largest island, with 98 percent of its land mammals— including lemurs—found nowhere else on Earth Prudente Mekong: home to one of the world’s great Madagascar rivers, over 60 million people, and nearly 100

WWF/Cede distinct ethnic groups © Mesoamerican Reef: Western Hemisphere’s most diverse coral reef, critical habitat for the sea turtle, manatee and whale shark, the largest fish in the sea Harvey WWF’s 19 Priority Landscapes Namib-Karoo: unique desert system contain- ing 3,500 plant species, about half of which WWF Network Presence exist only here

Northern Great Plains: prairie grasslands WWF-Canon/Martin Terrestrial Areas

U.S. Southeast Rivers and Streams: holds Wildlife Trade. The killing of endan- some of the richest freshwater biodiversity in gered wildlife for money and food is the world, rivaling that of the Mekong Delta the most pressing threat to elephants, and Amazon Basin tigers, gorillas and many other species. Valdivia: world’s second-largest temperate International Lending. Large amounts of money are invested in rain forest and the only one in South America, development projects that may have with hundreds of endemic species ruinous impacts on species, people and Yangtze: rivers that provide water to one-third the environment. of the Chinese population and forests that are Carbon Use. The global warming trig- the sole wild refuge of the giant panda

gered by the burning of fossil fuels errettaz T threatens to extinguish countless species and to destroy some of the world’s most precious places. WWF-Canon/Michel © 6 FOCUS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006

MARKETING The Kanchenjunga Conservation Helicopter Crash Area is known for its rich biodiversi- Continued from page 1 ty, spectacular scenery, and vibrant PARTNERSHI\ PS Schafer/WWF mourning by the Nepal government. cultural heritage. The WWF staff “Many people have asked how who perished were instrumental in Kevin they can help. We will talk with the the government’s decision to turn families of our colleagues to under- over the area to local communities. Business has an important role to play in achieving spectacular conserva- stand how we can best support “The colleagues we have lost had tion results. The following companies support World Wildlife Fund by rais- them. And we will also talk with dedicated their lives to conserving ing environmental awareness as well as important funds for conservation. them on how we can best honor and the extraordinary natural resources recognize the legacy of their work,” of Nepal and of the Earth. Their BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP® Roberts said. deaths are a huge blow to conservation efforts in Nepal and world- Introducing Snow Leopard, the seventh and newest wide,” said James Leape, WWF’s friend in the Build-A-Bear Workshop series. This director general. “They will be endangered species—native to Central and South greatly missed.” Asia’s high altitude areas—is facing habitat degradation, loss of prey, pelt trading and conflict with herders. For The helicopter crashed following a each Snow Leopard sold, one dollar goes to WWF to

Harvey ceremony in Ghunsa village, in which protect and conserve wildlife around the world. To Nepal’s government handed over to local communities the responsibili- date, Build-A-Bear Workshop has given $1 mil- ty of managing the park around lion to WWF through the sales of its WWF Kanchenjunga, the world’s third high- Collectibear® stuffed animal series. Giant Panda, est mountain. The area is home to spectacular wildlife, including the the first animal in the WWF series, is still available WWF-Canon/Martin endangered snow leopard. online. (worldwildlife.org/shop or buildabear.com/wwf 877-789-2327) ©

BARNES & NOBLE

For 2007, Barnes & Noble has produced 12 different wall calendars featuring photos of endangered wildlife from giant pandas to polar bears to wild cats— as well as two different spiral-bound engagement desk calendars featuring Baby Animals and Wolves. WWF receives approximately 3 percent of the retail price of the calendars—and when you purchase any of the calendars through the secure WWF Web site, WWF receives an additional 5 percent of the retail price. (worldwildlife.org/shop)

MICROSOFT Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species, in stores now, brings some of the world’s most threatened and endangered species and their habitats to this build-your-own-zoo game. Microsoft is contributing $25,000 from the sale of the expansion pack to the WWF Network.

ONLINE MAGAZINE STORE CHINA PAKISTAN NEPAL BHUTAN The MVP Online Magazine Store has over 600 Kathmandu magazine titles to choose from at savings of up to INDIA 85 percent off newsstand prices. Whether you

BANGLADESH Benastar renew, subscribe for the first time, or give a gift & subscription, 40 percent of your purchase amount will go directly to WWF. (worldwildlife.org/shop)

Visit worldwildlife.org/shop for more information on the products and WWF partner- WWF-Canon/Neyret

site and enjoy reading about our proj- ance the needs of wildlife and humans,” “WWF’s Gift Planning team frequent- Creative Sisters ects in the field. Megan said. ly works with unusual gifts, but we were “We especially like that WWF’s work The Wika sisters soon decided they very impressed by the Wika sisters’ Raise Funds is global and you work so closely with wanted to do even more to fund global efforts on our behalf,” said Timothy governments and local people to bal- conservation. Since both girls like to Sharpe, director of WWF’s Gift Planning read, they hit on the idea of selling spe- program. “When I talked with Lynn for Wildlife cially designed animal bookmarks. after receiving the girls’ package, it was BOOKMARK EARNINGS Mariah used her artistic abilities to immediately clear that this family DONATED TO WWF create 10 different designs—including believes in turning concern into action.” tigers, pandas and sea turtles—and Megan and Mariah continue to learn A family vacation last year to the San Megan used her analytical and business about wildlife, and recently traveled to Diego Zoo inspired Megan and Mariah skills to market them and keep track of Vancouver Island to glimpse one of their Wika to take some extraordinary action funds raised. They worked together to favorite animals in its natural habitat. to help save endangered animals. print and laminate the bookmarks for “We were inspired by a trip to Sea World “The trip gave us an up-close-and- sale at school and to family and friends. where we saw orcas, and decided that personal look at some of the animals we Impressed by the girls’ initiative, we needed to see them in the wild,” said had studied and researched before- their parents Lynn and Kevin offered to Mariah. “We researched on the Internet hand,” said Megan, 15. “We were already match any money they raised in order to find the best place to see them.” interested in wildlife and their habitats, to double their donation to WWF. The more the sisters immerse them- but we came back from the trip wanting “We’re thrilled that they’ve taken such selves in nature, the more committed to do something to protect endangered an active interest in conservation issues they become to raising awareness about species.” at a young age,” Lynn said. wildlife and wild places. “We’re very

Megan and 13-year-old Mariah of ika That family teamwork paid off grateful for WWF’s hard work to save Blaine, Minnesota, began saving their W recently when Megan and Mariah sent the world’s species,” said Mariah, “and ynn babysitting money to donate to a con- L WWF $1,000 worth of bookmark earn- we’re proud to support it.” Through their bookmarks, Megan and servation group. They chose WWF Mariah Wika are raising awareness and ings, along with an additional $1,000 because they often visit the WWF Web funds for endangered wildlife. from their parents. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 FOCUS 7

WORLD WILDLIFE FUND Harvey WWF Expedition Makes Discoveries in Amazon UNCOVERS NEW SPECIES TRAVEL OF FRESHWATER FISH

WWF-Canon/Martin A WWF-led expedition into the © heart of Brazil’s Juruena National UPCOMING ADVENTURES! Park has uncovered an entirely new R.Isotti-A.Cambone MAYAN CULTURE & WILDLIFE OF BELIZE & TIKAL species of freshwater fish, as well as Join us as we explore beautiful rain forests, towering mountain species that have never before been peaks, and the crystal blue waters of Belize, as well as the mys- seen in this part of the world. terious and ancient ruins of Tikal. This journey blends both the Using boats, jeeps, a helicopter and an cultural history of the ancient Maya with the natural riches of airplane, a team of conservationists, the rain forest and reef. On forest excursions look for intrigu- biologists and journalists covered Rath almost 250,000 acres of the park in

B. ing wildlife—such as howler and spider monkeys, toucans and blue morpho butterflies—and on snorkeling excursions just over three weeks. They found experience some of the more than 60 species of coral and 500 new occurrences of frog, fish, species of fish that call these waters home.Accompanying you bird, tree and primate species. throughout,WWF expert Gina DeFerrari will talk about WWF’s Scientists are still determining work to protect the Mesoamerican Reef. whether some of these are new WWF-Canon/Anthony to science. © February 10–18, 2007 “These discoveries aren’t TANZANIA: THE GREAT just exciting for scientists,” SERENGETI MIGRATION SAFARI said Matthew Perl, WWF’s Join us on this exciting safari to see Tanzania’s legendary director of Amazon Region wildlife migration. Each February immense herds of wilde- Protected Areas. “They really beest and zebra congregate on the Serengeti’s short-grass reinforce the conservation plains to feed and calve. The sight of new life everywhere is value of this area and the larg- an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Predators er Amazon ecoregion.” ambiens/R.Isotti-A.Cambone also abound, and for lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas it Hooper The newest and third-largest is a time of plenty. Take daily excursions into the vast savan- of Brazil’s national parks, Juruena

nas and secluded woodlands to glimpse these animals as houses such imperiled species as WWF/Fritz well as rhinos, hippos, buffalos and elephants. Stay in classic the jaguar, giant otter, harpy eagle © tented camps and fall asleep to the alluring night sounds of and Amazonian manatee. The area WWF-Canon/Homo WWF-Canon/Roger

the African bush. was first explored in the 19th century © © February 26–March 10, 2007 by a Russian team led by Georg MONARCH BUTTERFLIES OF MEXICO Heinrich von Langsdorff. Of the 39 men This popular expedition is offered by our Conservation Travel who started the expedition in Saò Paolo, Provider, Natural Habitat Adventures. Each autumn masses of only 12 survived. Langsdorff himself con- monarch butterflies embark on a remarkable journey of up to tracted malaria while crossing the Juruena River and shortly after 2,500 miles from Canada and the northeastern United States became insane. Since then, the region’s inaccessibility has left it largely unexplored by scientists. A WWF-led expedition to Jurenga to their ancestral wintering grounds in Mexico. Standing in National park recorded 200 species of the midst of hundreds of thousands of these wondrous black The recent WWF expedition recorded sbirds.ome 2 00 bird species in the park, and orange creatures—carpeting the forest floor, blanketing as well as ocelots (wild cats) and the Amazon river dolphin, a threatened the trees, and filling the air around you with their fluttering freshwater species that had never before been documented in this area. WWF presence—is one of the world’s most memorable wildlife scientists say even more new or endemic species may be uncovered in future Pölking experiences. This custom-designed trip gives you several expeditions. opportunities to experience the monarch phenomenon in dif- Perl said the findings will help WWF and its partners develop scientifically ferent sanctuaries. sound conservation plans for the region, which is threatened by agricultural WWF/Fritz expansion and illegal logging. © Multiple departures, January–March, 2007

ALSO COMING! CHILEAN FJORDS AND CAPE HORN...FEBRUARY 22–MARCH 9, 2007 Amazon of the key tools to reversing that destruc- VIETNAM: WILDLIFE & CULTURE...... MARCH 23–APRIL 8, 2007 tion is to create protected areas. We are Continued from page 1 AMAZON RIVERBOAT JOURNEY ...... MARCH 23–APRIL 1, 2007 now very close to building a conservation WWF contributed $11.5 million to the corridor that will help stem and even MICRONESIA SNORKELING SAFARI ...... MAY 5–20, 2007 program’s initial endowment, with the reverse the degradation of the southern Let WWF take you to the best places on Earth to see spectacular wildlife in its natural envi- ultimate goal of creating some 80 reserves Amazon.” ronment! Travel in comfort and safety with small groups of congenial people who share your and parks in the region by 2010. If suc- The most important of the newly cre- interest in wildlife and wildlands, and learn firsthand about WWF’s conservation priorities. And cessful, the efforts of WWF and its part- ated areas is Juruena National Park, remember, by traveling with us, you are supporting WWF’s conservation work around the globe. ners will secure nearly 122 million acres located in the Brazilian states of Mato We take care of all the planning. So come along —for the adventure of a lifetime! of protected Amazonian rain forest—an Grosso and Amazonas. At 4.7 million To receive detailed itineraries for these or other exciting WWF membership trips to North and area larger than the state of California. acres, Juruena is now Brazil’s third- South America, Africa, Asia, the Arctic, Antarctica, or the South Pacific, please complete and “The recent decree by the Brazilian largest park after Tumucumaque National return the form below, or government is a big step forward in pro- Park (9.6 million acres) and Jau Phone: 202/778-9683 or toll-free 888/WWF-TOUR (993-8687) tecting the Amazon’s rain forest and in National Park (5.7 million acres), both Email: [email protected] realizing ARPA’s overall goal,” said of which were established earlier under Visit: worldwildlife.org/travel Matthew Perl, WWF’s director of Amazon ARPA. The government decree also Region Protected Areas. “People are now established the Rio Iriri Extractive Please send me brochures for the following trips: recognizing that the destruction of the Reserve, an additional 1 million acres J Belize and Tikal J Chilean Fjords and J Amazon Riverboat Journey Amazon is a major concern and that one adjacent to Terra do Meio. J Tanzania: Great Cape Horn J Micronesia Snorkeling Safari Migration Safari J Vietnam: Wildlife and J Trips to other destinations: A copy of World Wildlife Fund’s latest financial report may be obtained by writing to World Wildlife Fund, 1250 Twenty-Fourth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037; (202) 293-4800. Residents of the following J Monarch Butterflies Culture ______states may obtain information directly by contacting the state agencies listed below. REGISTRATION WITH OR LICENSING BY A STATE AGENCY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, J Please add me to your mailing list to receive WWF travel brochures APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THAT STATE. Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE Name ______OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA. SC NO. 00294. Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, documents Address______and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations laws can be obtained from the Secretary of State,Charitable Division,State House,Annapolis,MD 21401. Michigan: MCIS No. 9377. City ______State ______Zip ______Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of World Wildlife Fund may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. New Jersey: Information filed with the Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation may be obtained from the Attorney WWF membership number ______General of the State of New Jersey by calling 973-504-6215. New York: A copy of World Wildlife Fund’s (FROM THE MAILING LABEL ON THIS ISSUE) latest annual report can be obtained from World Wildlife Fund or from the Office of the Attorney General Panda Tracks, a monthly email newsletter, will keep you informed about WWF membership trips by writing the Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. North Carolina: Financial information about World Wildlife Fund and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation throughout the year. It features reports and photos from past expeditions, information and itineraries Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information on current trips, and special announcements about new trip offerings. of World Wildlife Fund may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll- free,within Pennsylvania,1-800-732-0999. Virginia: Financial statements are available from the State If you would like to receive Panda Tracks, please provide your email address: Division of Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. Washington: Information relating to ______, or sign up on our Web site at worldwildlife.org/travel. the financial affairs of World Wildlife Fund is available from the Secretary of State, and the toll-free number for Washington Residents:1-800-332- 4483. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a Return to: WWF Membership Travel Program, 1250 24th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20037-1132 summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston,WV 25305. 8 FOCUS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006

Throw a Green Party CONSUMER CORNER Keep in mind your environmental impact when you’re hosting your next Invest in holiday party. Instead of disposable WWF’s Green plastic or paper tableware, put out reusable plates, silverware and napkins. Holiday Guide Borrow or rent them if you don’t have enough. This is the time of year when con- Jungius sumerism soars—and with it, our envi- Reuse and Recycle ronmental impact. In fact, between Be sure to donate or recycle any

Thanksgiving and Christmas, household wrapping paper, boxes and holiday Harvey/cheetah waste increases by more than 25 per- cards you don’t plan to use next year or cent. Here are some ideas to make your save for craft projects. holidays less wasteful—and perhaps WWF-Canon/Hartmut © If you get a Christmas tree, find out if less stressful. your community has a program that the Future. the Future. WWF-Canon/Martin Create More Memories, Less Stuff chips discarded trees into mulch to be Plan Ahead © Gifts of experience can create lasting used for public landscaping or made Does your niece really need that memories for your friends and family. available to homeowners. Some com- A WWF Charitable Gift Annuity is one gizmo that will probably be thrown in Consider low-environmental-impact gifts munities even use Christmas trees in way to supplement retirement income the trash after the holidays? Before you for yourself or a loved one as you help like movie passes, tickets to a sporting lakes and ponds to create habitats for head to the mall, make a list of gifts save life on Earth. event, or a cooking class. Also think about fish. Contact your municipal and coun- your friends and family really want or giving them gifts of time, like coupons for ty governments for details. Benefits Include need. And remember to stick to the free babysitting or a gourmet meal. ● Reliable Fixed Payments for Life list—stop yourself from splurging at ● Immediate Tax Savings the checkout counter. ● A Living Legacy for Conservation Buy Locally Made Products FOCUS ON … Single-life Gift Annuity Rates:* Select gifts made locally, which saves Age Rate Age Rate on transportation and shipping, and in JOIN WWF’S WILDLIFE RESCUE TEAM 65 6.0% 80 8.0% turn reduces energy use and emissions. 70 6.5% 85 9.5% WWF’s Wildlife Rescue Team members play a key role in 75 7.1% 90+ 11.3% assuring that WWF has the immediate resources needed when- Give Smart Gifts Filonov *These rates are for illustration purposes and sub- Instead of buying clothes or toys ever wildlife crises arise. By committing to give on a monthly ject to change. Contact us for rates for other ages basis, you’ll help to provide a vital, stable source of funds from or for two-life gift annuity rates. Minimum age for this year, teach your kids about annuitants is 65; minimum gift amount is $10,000. wildlife. Adopting an animal in their which WWF can draw to take action needed to save giant pandas, tigers, rhinos, whales, and other wildlife struggling to survive. For more information and to request name is a fun way to help them learn your gift annuity proposal, please con- about endangered species like pandas, In order to save paper and postage, we’re pleased to offer WWF-Canon/Vladimir tact WWF at our toll-free number or via

the option of debiting your monthly donations from © tigers and gorillas while supporting email: your bank account or your credit WWF’s efforts to protect them. Peruse 1-888-WWF-WILL WWF’s new holiday gift guide (included card. Call 1-800-960-0993 or visit worldwildlife.org/join to learn more— (1-888-993-9455) with this issue of FOCUS) or visit [email protected] worldwildlife.org/give for information. and become a member today! Note: For general membership inquiries, please call 1-800-960-0933.

For A Living Planet... NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 • VOLUME 28, NUMBER 6 Support World Wildlife Fund Frankham WWF-Canon/James © Common woolly monkey ¡ I’ll help save endangered wildlife wherever it is threatened, whenever it is IN THIS ISSUE: YES! threatened. I have enclosed a check to World Wildlife Fund for $ ______. FHelicopterOC TragedyUS in Mr./Mrs. Nepal: WWF Mourns Loss Miss/Ms. ______of Conservation Leaders Address ______Protecting Nature’s City ______State______Zip ______Masterpieces Member I.D.# ______Phone (______) ______WWF Achieves Another (see mailing label) Success in Amazon Email Address ______

I Check here if this is a change of address. Important: To help us serve you better, please provide your old address. I Please send information on how I can include WWF in my will, trust, or estate plans, or make a gift to WWF that provides me with income for life. Please enclose your tax-deductible check along with this form and return to: World Wildlife Fund 1250 24th St., NW P.O. Box 97180 A M F 0 7 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 Washington, DC 20037 Round Island, Bering Sea © WWF-Canon/Kevin Schafer