2005: a Year of Record Extremes

MARCH/APRIL 2006 • VOLUME 28, NUMBER 2 CONTENTS 1

PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 Tell Congress Couple Devotes Science: The to Protect Wild Life, Work to Foundation of FOCUS Cats and Dogs Saving Gorillas WWF’s Success 2005:A Yearof Record Extremes HOT, STORMY YEAR LIKELY DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE he year 2005 was one of the hottest, stormiest, and driest on T record thanks to global warming, according to WWF researchers. “Scientists have long held that global warming will result in not only increased overall temperatures, but will trigger increased and extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves, floods, and storms,” said Dr. Lara Hansen, WWF’s climate change scientist. WWF compiled a list of extreme weather records using data from government agencies and the World Meteorological Organization. The following are some of the records that have been broken: ■ Tied! Record Heat: According to the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 2005 was as hot as the previous warmest year on record, the 1998 El Niño year. Additionally, NASA, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the UK Meteorological Office agree that 2005 was the hottest year on record for the Northern Hemisphere, at roughly .72 degrees above the historical average. ■ Least Arctic Sea Ice: In September, © WWF / www.JSGrove.com Scientists believe climate change is increasing temperatures and causing the annual Arctic sea ice to melt earlier and form the Arctic sea ice extent (area covered) later, threatening the survival of polar bears. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 ➤

WWF, Red Cross Pulp Mill WWF NEWS Join Tsunami Devastates Swan Martin Sheen Helps WWF Launch New PSA WWF has launched People and Reconstruction Sanctuary in Chile Places, a new public service advertis- UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP EXPANDS TO WWF CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ing campaign featuring the voice of OTHER COMMUNITIES, PROJECTS ACTION TO HALT POLLUTION Emmy Award winner Martin Sheen and the music of Julia Fordham. WWF has formed a unique alliance The TV and radio campaign was with the American Red Cross to provide designed to educate viewers on the great long-term environmental assistance for conservation work that WWF is doing the reconstruction efforts in tsunami- around the globe. It shows beautiful devastated communities in Southeast

© WWF-Canon/Martin Harvey footage of animals and places that are in Asia and Africa. The partnership aims grave danger of being lost, but it also to reduce future economic and ecologi- offers a message of hope and asks viewers to support our efforts to save nature’s cal vulnerability in the tsunami-affected last great places and animals. Visit worldwildlife.org to view the new PSA. areas, and improve long-term survival and success by reconstructing commu- MEMBER NEWS nities in a sustainable way. “We come at this from an environmen- Image provided by Dreamstime.com tal perspective, but clearly it’s about Chile’s famed black-necked swan is a Join WWF’s Wildlife Rescue Team major tourist attraction. more than that,” said Carter Roberts, WWF’s Wildlife Rescue Team mem- president and CEO of WWF. “Helping A WWF-led team of investigators has bers play a key role in assuring that the people in tsunami-impacted coun- found that a recently opened pulp mill WWF has the immediate resources tries to rebuild their shattered lives and in Chile has devastated one of South needed whenever wildlife crises arise. establish sustainable livelihoods goes America’s most biologically outstanding By committing to give on a monthly hand-in-glove with our conservation wetlands, decimating its famed popula- basis, you’ll help to provide a vital, sta- goals. It’s about giving people the incen- tion of black-necked swans, along with ble source of funds from which WWF tive to work for conservation by getting most other bird life. can draw to take action needed to save conservation to work for them.” “What was probably the largest popu- giant pandas, tigers, rhinos, whales, Following the December 2004 tsuna- lation of black-necked swans in South and other wildlife struggling to survive. mi, WWF crafted Green Reconstruction America has been wiped out in less than In order to save paper and postage, Guidelines for use in Indonesia’s Aceh a year. It is an environmental catastro- we’re pleased to offer the option of province and elsewhere, and began phe,” said Clifton Curtis, director of debiting your monthly donations from working with governments and organi- WWF’s Global Toxics program. “Before your bank account or your credit card. zations to demonstrate the practical the pulp mill, there were more than Visit us at worldwildlife.org/join or call advantages of bringing environmental 5,000 black-necked swans in the Carlos 1-800-960-0993 to learn more—and and development goals together in Anwandter Nature Sanctuary. When we become a member today! reconstruction efforts. The guidelines visited the core of the sanctuary in provide a blueprint for an integrated August, we could find only four.” reconstruction plan combining the use of The sanctuary covers more than

TAKE ACTION! WWF Scientists: Unlocking Nature’s Secrets Lu Zhi Urge Congress to Protect Wild Cats and Dogs PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Lions, jaguars, snow leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, and ust off the reception area at WWF’s head- other wild cats and dogs may be quarters in Washington, D.C., you’ll find fierce and powerful, but they are also Jsome of the most exciting and cutting-edge extremely vulnerable. Worldwide, work happening in conservation. This is the lab- they face serious threats from illegal oratory where many WWF scientists, drawing hunting, habitat loss, disease, and on sophisticated Geographic Information Eric Rock many other factors. At current rates Systems tools, are inventorying—and, ultimately, helping to save—our of loss, many of the world’s species of planet’s extraordinary natural riches. wild cats could become extinct in the

Of course, WWF’s scientists conduct research beyond these walls. next 25 years. Wild canines are © WWF-Canon/Martin Harvey Cheetahs Deep in the Peruvian Amazon, George Powell and Suzanne Palminteri declining just as quickly. are monitoring the travels of jaguars and other wide-ranging species to You can help these magnificent tems, and as indicator species, their determine how much protected area is enough to save the species animals by urging your congressional health is linked to the health of their most sensitive to habitat loss. Wherever they are, it’s no exaggeration representative to cosponsor the surroundings. to say that the work of WWF’s dedicated researchers is changing the Great Cats and Rare Canids Act. The The conservation of rare cat and course of conservation. act already has close to 70 cospon- canine populations requires a global Science has always been the foundation of everything WWF does. sors and strong bipartisan support, commitment. Unfortunately, many Before we can create a park in Tesso Nilo or the Congo Basin, before we but more backing is needed to obtain countries lack the funding and infra- can save the black rhino or the Sumatran tiger, we need to lay the bio- a hearing and pass the legislation. structure to conserve species of logical groundwork and establish and The bill would help protect more concern. Those countries that are meet measurable goals. And so we than a dozen rare cat and canine taking action need further assis- “Science has set about identifying the most criti- populations outside the United tance in implementing effective con- cal wildlife habitats and finding the States that are recognized as endan- servation strategies. always been most cost-effective solutions for con- gered or threatened. The battle to Take action! Visit WWF’s free serving those habitats that will bring save these animals has repercussions Conservation Action Network at the foundation the highest return on investment. beyond the survival of any single ani- takeaction.worldwildlife.org to help And as technology and under- mal. As top predators, big cats and protect rare cat and canine species of everything standing have evolved, WWF’s scien- dogs are vital cogs in their ecosys- around the world. tists have raised this analysis to new WWF does.” levels of refinement and carried it into every corner of the world. From ON THE WEB the waters of the Mekong River to the forests of the Amazon, from the coral reefs of Southeast Asia to the coffee plantations of Costa Rica, our researchers are unlocking some of nature’s most closely guarded secrets. INTERACT WITH WWF THROUGH THE WEB And no matter where they are, they’re never working in isolation. They’re partnering with colleagues in government and conservation Connect with WWF at worldwildlife.org Conservation Action Network (visit sectors, and they’re sharing their findings in peer-reviewed publica- and get an in-depth look at our amazing takeaction.worldwildlife.org). tions—and raising the learning curve for the entire field. Indeed, one conservation projects around the world. of WWF’s most spectacular recent accomplishments is the creation of ■ Free e-cards and wallpaper: Choose Wildfinder, a powerful search engine that gives scientists—and, in fact, from more than 50 e-cards to send to anyone with a computer—free access to the whereabouts of some your friends and family showcasing 30,000 species. endangered species and habitats The work that our scientists undertake is often incredibly complex, WWF is working hard to protect. but the mission underlying it could not be more basic: saving life on ■ E-newsletter: Sign up for WWF’s free Earth. That’s why, as tools and frameworks continue to evolve, WWF e-newsletter to get up-to-date infor- will remain on the forefront of science-based conservation, pushing the mation on WWF’s conservation suc- boundaries of knowledge. cesses, key environmental issues, and stories from the field. ■ Take action: become an advocate for the environment through WWF’s free

Carter S. Roberts SPECIES SPOTLIGHT Western Lowland Gorilla World Wildlife Fund (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) 1250 24th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037 202-293-4800 The western lowland gorilla is a sub- Threats: They are threatened by poaching www.worldwildlife.org species of the western gorilla and lives in and disease. the vast lowland forests of Central Africa. It FOCUS Published bimonthly Interesting Fact: All gorillas found in zoos is the most numerous and widespread of are lowland gorillas. gorilla subspecies, with a population of President:...... Carter S. Roberts World Wildlife Fund is the leading U.S. organi- approximately 94,000—but recent surveys Visit worldwildlife.org/species to learn zation working worldwide to preserve the indicate a decline due to poaching and dis- Editor:...... Jennifer Seeger more about western lowland gorillas. abundance and diversity of life on Earth. WWF ease. WWF is supporting protected areas Contributors:...... Tom Lalley is affiliated with the international WWF Network, which has representatives in more than 50 and other conservation programs across the ...... Debra Prybyla countries and an international office in Gland, lowland gorilla’s range to ensure that ...... Michael Ross Switzerland.All contributions are tax-deductible. no population is neglected. Copy Editor:...... Alice Taylor Unless otherwise noted, all material appearing in Habitat: Western low- Proofreader:...... Ruth Franklin FOCUS is copyrighted and may be reproduced land gorillas live in the with permission. tropical and subtropical Production:...... Lee Freedman Volume 28, Number 2 (ISSN 0774-3315) forests of Central Africa. Member Services: ...... 202-778-9599 FOCUS is published bimonthly by World Diet: Gorillas are ...... 800-960-0993 Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street, NW, herbivorous, Email: ...... [email protected] Washington, DC 20037. Annual membership feeding on dues are $15.00. Nonprofit postage paid at fruit, shoots, Washington, DC and additional mailing offices. bulbs, a little POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: tree bark, FOCUS, World Wildlife Fund, Attn: Member Services, 1250 24th Street, NW, Washington, and leaves. DC 20037. © WWF-Canon/Martin Harvey MARCH/APRIL 2006 FOCUS 3

CONSERVATION NEWS CONSERVATION PROFILE Chloe Cipolletta & David Greer WWF CAMERA CAPTURES MYSTERIOUS ANIMAL Scientists Unable to Identify Cat-Like Mammal in Borneo

WF researchers have discovered a Brian Day Wmysterious animal in the dense central forests of Borneo. The mammal, slightly larger than a domestic cat, with Couple Devotes Life Work dark red fur and a long bushy tail, was to Saving Lowland Gorillas photographed twice at night by a WWF camera trap. Leads Habituation, Antipoaching Efforts in Central Africa It is extremely rare to discover a new mammal species of this size and researchers are working to determine if the creature is an entirely new species, or perhaps a new species of the marten or the civet cat, which looks like a cross between a cat and a fox. Some experts believe it could also be a color morph of an existing species, the masked civet. They will set cage traps in the coming months in hopes of learning more. “We showed the photos of the animal to locals who know the wildlife of the

area, but nobody had ever seen this WWF-Indonesia/Dave Augeri creature before,” said Stephan Scientists hope to learn more about the puzzling animal in the next few months. Wulffraat, a biologist who is coordinat- ing WWF’s research on this species. of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brueni) to This strange animal could remain a conserve 87.7 million acres of rain for- mystery, however, if its habitat is not est. Through a network of protected adequately protected. It was pho- areas and sustainably-managed forest, tographed in Kayan Mentarang National this protection would not only benefit Park in Kalimantan, Indonesia, in the wildife, but also help alleviate poverty “Heart of Borneo.” This mountainous by increasing water and food security,

region covered with vast tracts of rain and cultural survival, for the people of WWF forest is threatened by a proposed palm Borneo. Chloe Cipolletta studies a family of western lowland gorillas, acclimating them to oil plantation (see January/February “This discovery highlights the urgent human presence, which will provide opportunities for ecotourism. FOCUS). Announced in July and fund- need to conserve the unique forests in ed by the China Development Bank, the the Heart of Borneo,” said Ginette Their backgrounds couldn’t be more a big effort to change. He’s now one of proposed plan covers 4.4 million acres, Hemley, managing vice president of different: She is the daughter of an our strongest guards.” making it the largest plantation of its field programs at WWF. “Borneo is one Italian economist and he grew up hunt- Both Cipolletta and Greer stress that kind in the world. of the most important centers of biodi- ing and fishing around Kansas City. Yet the key to the success of their pro- WWF is undertaking an ambitious ini- versity in the world, and by acting now Chloe Cipolletta and David Greer found grams is the involvement of the BaAka tiative to protect the island’s forest, we can ensure that it remains a haven love and a shared passion for protect- people, indigenous hunter-gatherers including helping the three nations for both well-known and newly discov- ing the lowland gorillas in Central often called pygmies, who have lived (Borneo is split between the countries ered species.” Africa’s Congo Basin. for centuries in Central Africa. They’ve Cipolletta and Greer, who married in worked hard to involve the BaAka, a traditional BaAka pygmy ceremony in learning the local language and employ- INTERNATIONAL CAVIAR TRADE SUSPENDED 2001, work with the Dzanga-Sangha ing them as expert trackers on the WWF Hopes Ban Eases Pressure on Sturgeon Stocks project in the remote, southwest cor- habituation project and antipoaching ner of the Central African Republic. patrols. he international trade in caviar and traded legally each year is imported by The project oversees the management “We couldn’t do what we’re doing Tother products made from wild Western European countries. Most of the of the Dzanga-Sangha Dense Forest without the BaAka,” Cipolletta said. “I Caspian sturgeon was suspended in caviar in the European market comes Special Reserve, which WWF helped couldn’t get the motivation to do this if January by the Convention on Inter- from Iran and the Russian Federation, establish in 1988, and the Dzanga- I weren’t working on a project I believe national Trade in Endangered Species. the world’s largest exporters. Ndoki National Park. Cipolletta leads a in. I’m strongly motivated by the CITES said it would not approve quotas CITES called for importing countries, team studying western lowland gorillas community.” on sturgeon products because limits did including the United States, to meet and Greer is a park advisor overseeing The couple is also motivated by the not adequately protect the species and their obligations and fully implement antipoaching efforts. support their project receives from failed to take into consideration the the measures to which they have agreed “The gorillas provoke an emotional WWF. widespread illegal trade. in order to ensure that imports are from response in you,” Greer said. “They “WWF is a major reason this place “We welcome this strong action by the legal sources and have proper registra- have a different level of communication, still exists,” Greer said. “Without WWF’s CITES Secretariat and hope that it will tion and labeling. a different level of empathy, under- ongoing commitment, this would be a help preserve the Caspian sturgeon for “It’s time that caviar producing and standing, and so many of their emo- much sadder and more degraded place. future generations,” said Simon Habel, importing countries step up and help tions are overt—they really evoke a lot And even though I’m not required to go director of TRAFFIC North America, wipe out the illegal trade in caviar with of passion in people.” on poaching missions, knowing that I part of WWF’s wildlife trade monitoring tough enforcement measures, including Every day, Cipolletta and her team— have WWF backing me up motivates me network. “Sturgeon have been in dire antipoaching efforts and implementation led by a local BaAka tracker—head out to be directly involved.” straits for some time and it has been of the CITES labeling requirements,” in search of a gorilla family they have clear that something drastic had to be Habel said. been following for years, studying done to stop the rampant trade in illegal where they travel, what they eat, and caviar and to ensure that the legal trade what factors affect their health. Slowly, is sustainable and properly regulated.” the gorillas have become used to Around 60 percent of the caviar that is human presence, making it easier to

dward Parker learn about their behavior and making them accessible for ecotourism. As a technical advisor to the park warden on antipoaching efforts, Greer has faced death threats and gone on © WWF-Canon/E perilous midnight patrols. Yet under his leadership the program has confiscated numerous guns and wire snares. “It’s high intensity stuff,” he said. “It’s for- ever interesting and will make you go crazy at the same time.” One notorious poacher came to Greer after his family members were involved in some fatal accidents. “He approached me and said, ‘I don’t want

© WWF-Canon/Hartmut Jungius to do this anymore. I want to change.’ WWF welcomes the suspension of caviar and other products made from wild He helped us confiscate guns and made © WWF-Canon/Martin Harvey Caspian sturgeon, which is threatened by illegal trade. Western lowland gorilla 4 FOCUS MARCH/APRIL 2006

The Foundation of WWF’s SCIENCE: Conservation Success

OR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, WWF HAS BEEN ACHIEVING conservation results in wildlife corridors around the world. What makes us so effective is the foundation of sound and innovative science upon which all of our work is based. In 1997, WWF scientists developed the groundbreaking Global 200—a science- based global ranking of the Earth’s most biologically outstanding terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats. These are the areas where the Earth’s biological wealth is the richest or most distinctive, and where we must fight the hardest for conservation. The Global 200 continues to shape the priorities of conservationists, governments, and international funders, even as WWF scientists deepen and extend its framework. WWF’s science team also provides scientific expertise to WWF’s field programs in the design and implementation of conservation projects, and in conducting targeted research on biodiversity and the factors that threaten it. F “Conserving wildlife is too big and complicated a job to do without a solid underpinning of science,” said Dr. Eric Dinerstein, chief scientist and vice president of WWF’s Conservation Science Program. “The science we’ve been conducting for decades tells us where to work and what to do there. But there’s so much more to do and new frontiers that lie ahead.” WWF scientists continue to pursue the next generation of innova- tions designed to keep WWF on the forefront of science-based conservation. What follows is just a sampling of how WWF is applying science to achieve real conservation solutions. © Brent Stirton/Getty Images/WWF-UK © WWF-Canon/Martin Harvey

WWF RESEARCHERS MAKE PROTECTING FORESTS STRIDES IN PERU AMAZON BENEFITS ADJACENT CROPS

Dr. George Powell, Suzanne Palminteri, What do bees and forest conserva- which forests are often destroyed. and other members of WWF’s Amazon tion have to do with your morning cup “The study illustrates that there are species research team scan the airwaves of coffee? A lot, according to a study by compelling economic reasons for con- over southeastern Peru, listening for sig- WWF’s Dr. Taylor Ricketts, who found serving native ecosystems,” Ricketts nals from radio transmitters placed on a the pollination of coffee plants by an said. “Protecting natural ecosystems variety of wide-ranging birds and mam- adjacent forest’s wild bees resulted in can benefit both biodiversity and local mals. They have found that jaguars, greater yields and healthier coffee people.” white-lipped peccaries, and three macaw beans. The research shows that con- species travel long distances of 20 to 40 serving tropical forests—where bees miles. As new technologies allow us to nest—provides huge economic benefits gather such data for the first time, we are to nearby coffee plantations and answering the question of how much increased profits for farmers in devel- space is needed to support viable wildlife oping countries. populations. With these data, we can show The study, which is the first to quan- government leaders the scientific rationale tify the value of pollination services for the broad expanses of park required from forests in such detail, shows that 7 to effectively protect many species. percent of a Costa Rican farm’s annual “The results tell us that these focal income—$62,000—comes directly from species are wider-ranging than predict- Veterinarian Valeria Moreno (left) and the “pollination services” of two adja- ed, suggesting that very large blocks of Renata Leite Pitman, director of mam- cent forests. The research also indicates habitat will be required to protect them,” mal field work, monitor an anesthetized that the value of tropical forests is like- jaguar. Dr. Taylor Ricketts WWF Palminteri said. ly greater than other land uses for © WWF WWF SCIENTIST DOCUMENTS SCIENTISTS PINPOINT THE WORLD’S LARGEST SPECIES FACING EXTINCTION

FRESHWATER FISH The whooping crane and the Gunnison sage grouse in the United States are two WWF Conservation Science Fellow heaviest recorded since Thai officials of hundreds of species facing imminent Dr. Zeb Hogan is leading a WWF and started keeping statistics in 1981. extinction, but protection of their habi- National Geographic Society project to “My study of giant freshwater fish is tat could help save them, according to identify and study all freshwater fish showing a clear and global pattern: the new research. over 6 feet long or 200 pounds. largest fish species are disappearing,” WWF scientists joined researchers The project drew attention last year Hogan said. “The challenge is clear: we from the Alliance for Zero Extinction in when Hogan documented a 646-pound must find methods to protect these identifying 794 species threatened with Mekong giant catfish netted by fisher- species and their habitats. By acting imminent extinction. Each of these men along the Mekong River in north- now, we can save animals like the species is on a global endangered ern Thailand. The catfish, Southeast Mekong giant catfish from extinction.” species list and is restricted to a single Asia’s largest and rarest fish, is the site on Earth, making it especially vulnerable. According to the scientists, safeguarding the 595 sites around the world that house these species would help stem a global extinction crisis. The study found that just one-third Whooping Crane of the sites are known to have legal pro- USFWS tection, and most are surrounded by “We now know where the emergencies human population densities that are are, but we must act quickly,” said Dr. about six times the global average. The Taylor Ricketts, lead author of the study United States ranks among the 10 and director of WWF’s Conservation countries with the most sites. U.S. sites Science Program. “Conserving these 595 include Torrey Pines in California, a sites needs to be an urgent global priori- cave in West Virginia, a pond in ty involving everyone from national governments to local communities.” Record-breaking Mekong giant catfish Mississippi, and six sites in Hawaii. © WWF/Suthep Kritsanavarin MARCH/APRIL 2006 FOCUS 5

WWF SCIENTISTS DEVELOP WORLD’S MAPPING THE EARTH’S LARGEST SPECIES DATABASE RIVERS AND WATER SOURCES

ed the world’s most comprehensive dataset of the distributions of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. This database is available for free on WWF’s Web site through WildFinder, an interactive, map-driven tool. It can be accessed at worldwildlife.org/wildfinder. “This is the first study to take a crack at this question at a global scale,” said Dr. John Lamoreux, lead author of the study and former member of WWF’s Conservation Science staff. “While endemism has long been championed for the protection of narrow-ranging Red-eyed tree frog species, our findings demonstrate how beneficial the measure is for the conservation of all vertebrates.” Lamoreux has been using the database to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Virginia and © WWF-Canon/John S. Mitchell he received his degree this year. WildFinder is the result of an eight- year effort by WWF scientists that brought together hundreds of experts. WWF “For the first time, geographic infor- Conservationists have long debated mation for 26,000 species can be found whether it is more effective to focus in one place,” said WWF’s Dr. Dinerstein. their efforts on areas with many endem- “This kind of information is critical for ic, or unique, species or on areas that studies in biogeography, conservation house many species overall. Scientists biology, and natural history, and of from WWF and the University of course for conservation work by govern- Virginia are shedding new light on this ments, NGOs, and development agen- debate, as they establish that conserv- cies. Before WildFinder, finding these ing places with endemic species will data might require a time-consuming also conserve overall species richness. search of hundreds of references. Now, In doing the study, the authors creat- they are available with a mouse click.” Utilizing new remote sensing data, Dr. Bernhard Lehner and other WWF scientists are mapping the world’s river systems at uprecedented quality. The project, called ‘HydroSHEDS’ and funded by the SC Johnson Fund, is producing data that will help con- USING SCIENCE TO servation planners determine where to prioritize their work to protect habitats and eco- nomically important freshwater sources.

SAVE CORAL REEFS © Brent Stirton/Getty Images / WWF-UK

Coral reefs, the most biologically rock pile method to test four designs at orful microorganisms that live in their

diverse ecosystems of the ocean, are © WWF/ Kim Selkoe four sites covering approximately 6,000 tissues. The result is dramatic coral severely threatened by human-caused square meters (about the area of a foot- bleaching. In the waters around American problems such as destructive fishing ball field). Samoa, Indonesia, and the Mesoamerican practices and climate change. “Low budget, large-scale rehabilitation Reef, Dr. Lara Hansen, a WWF climate Dr. Helen Fox (right), WWF marine appears to be a viable option for restoring scientist, is conducting research to conservation biologist, is working with the structural foundation of damaged determine what factors may increase The Nature Conservancy to test several reefs in some places,” Fox said. “How- the resilience of coral reefs to climate low-cost methods of coral reef restora- ever, it is more critical to prevent dyna- change and protect them from bleach- tion in eastern Indonesia’s Komodo mite fishing and other destructive fishing ing. She is examining the roles of National Park, which has been damaged practices. Working with local communi- reducing pollution and creating marine by dynamite fishing. Fox worked in ties to stop these destructive acts will not protected areas in “climate refuges” large rubble field sites, first pilot-testing only protect the coral reefs but also and around coral populations with their three different stabilization methods: restore the reefs’ economic value.” own natural defenses. rock piles, netting over the rubble, and Climate change, another top threat “Our research, which is providing cement slabs. Then, funded by the to coral reefs, is raising ocean tempera- better information about the effects of Healthy coral

Packard Foundation, she scaled up the © WWF-Canon/Cat Holloway tures and causing corals to lose the col- climate change and how to increase ecosystem resilience to these effects, will inform both short-term action plans RESEARCH MAKES CASE FOR MANGROVES and long-term strategies,” Hansen said.

In the aftermath of the December 2004 tsunami, WWF Senior Conservation Scientist Dr. Neil Burgess and other researchers found that coastal areas buffered by mangroves were strikingly less damaged than areas without tree vegetation. Mangroves are tropical trees that border the sea and send out many prop roots that build up and hold coastal land. Although the study only looked at the 2004 tsunami, the study’s authors say that the lessons from the tsunami are transferable to other extreme coastal events, such as storms. While tsunamis are relatively rare events, coastal storms occur many times every year and create significant destruction. “Just as the degradation of wetlands in Louisiana almost certainly increased Hurricane Katrina’s destructive pow- ers, the degradation of mangroves in India magnified the tsunami’s destruction,” Burgess said. “Mangroves provide a valuable ecological service to the communities they protect.” Mangrove reforested area © WWF-Canon/Jürgen Freund 6 FOCUS MARCH/APRIL 2006

MARKETING PARTNERSH\IPS Kevin Schafer/WWF

Business has an important role to play in achieving spetacular conservation results. The following companies support World Wildlife Fund by raising environmental awareness as well as important funds for conservation. NASA NASA Satellite images from NASA show sea ice changes in the Arctic. Here are side- BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP® by-side comparisons of sea ice from 1979 (left) and 2003. Giraffe is the sixth stuffed animal in a series created and sold exclusively by Build-A-Bear Workshop® to benefit WWF. One dollar of every Giraffe sold at Build-A-Bear Workshop ■ The Most Named Hurricanes in a Record Extremes Season: The U.S. National Hurricane goes to WWF to support their conservation efforts around Continued from page 1 Center predicted 2005 would be a bad the world. To date, WWF has received more than $1 million was the least ever recorded by satellites. year, estimating 18-21 storms. Instead, from Build-A-Bear Workshop. Giant Panda, the first ani- This is a continuation of a 9.8 percent the hurricane season saw 26 named mal in the WWF series, is still available online through per decade decline of perennial sea ice storms, exceeding the official name list worldwildlife.org/shop/ or www.buildabear.com/wwf cover, which is the thicker ice that nor- and moving through the first five letters (877-789-2327) mally does not disappear in the summer. of the Greek alphabet. The present decline makes the current ■ More Storms: Fourteen storms ELEKTROGAMES sea ice extent about 500,000 square became hurricanes, meaning that winds WWF is benefiting from an adventure game for the PC miles or roughly the size of Peru—small- exceeded 74 mph. The previous record produced by ElektroGames and developed by NEKO. er than the historic average (1979 to was 12 hurricanes in one year. WWF Safari Adventures follows 2000). ■ Most Category 5 Storms: Last year Alex and Emma as they explore the African continent, ■ Hot Water in the Caribbean: had five Category Five storms with winds encountering cheetahs, lions, zebras, and many other Waters in the Caribbean were hotter for over 155 mph, the most ever reported. animals along the way. The game is available online and longer than ever before measured by Additionally the report said that four in retail stores nationwide. Fifty cents to one dollar regional monitoring systems. This re- storms made landfall in the United from each game sold will be donated to WWF. sulted in extensive bleaching throughout States, another record. (800-211-6504) the region, from Colombia to the Florida ■ The Most Expensive Hurricane Keys. Only this year’s record breaking Damage: Figures are still not final for COINSTAR, INC. hurricane activity limited additional the 2005 season, however damage from bleaching. Hurricane Katrina alone is already esti- Coinstar, Inc., with a network of almost 12,000 coin-counting machines ■ Record Droughts: A drought in the mated at more than $100 billion. Amazon this year is a multidecadal, if “Climate change is one of the biggest located in supermarkets nationwide, is supporting World not century, record. The western United threats to nature and people, and events Wildlife Fund by accepting coin donations at participating ® States also continued its multiyear like these underscore the need to take supermarkets. Since 2003, Coinstar has collected more than drought. decisive action,” Hansen said. “The only $125,000 in donations to help WWF protect endangered wildlife and their habitats. (www.coinstar.com) ■ Worst Atlantic Hurricane Season: possible answer is to immediately reduce According to the WWF synopsis, the emissions of greenhouse gases that are 2005 Atlantic hurricane season broke known to cause climate change.” TY INC. five records. ShilohTM, a black footed ferret, is the most recent addition to the line of endangered species Beanie Babies® produced and distributed by Ty Inc. WWF is working to restore the Great Plains, home to a variety of species like the black footed ferret. Ty con- tributes 6 percent of the retail price for each WWF Beanie Baby® sold through their Web site. (ty.com/wwf)

Visit worldwildlife.org/shop for more information on the products and WWF partnerships mentioned above.

PUTTING YOUR DONATIONS TO WORK

At WWF, we are proud of our record of keeping the cost of supporting services low. In 2005, © WWF-Canon/Cat Holloway Warm ocean temperatures in the Caribbean are resulting in extensive coral bleach- WWF devoted only 12 percent of ing from Colombia to the Florida Keys. revenues to fund-raising and 6 percent to finance and administration. In other words, 82 cents of every dollar was put to work pro- of the swan population. The scientists tecting endangered wildlife and Swan Sanctuary concluded then that contaminants from Continued from page 1 the habitats they need to survive. the plant contributed to a massive die- We are dedicated to protecting Cruces River in the southernmost off of luchecillo, the aquatic vegetation the world’s wildlife and wildlands Chilean province of Valdivia. An official- that was the swans’ main food source. as efficiently as possible. Thank ly designated “wetland of international Opened just upstream from the you for your continued support! importance,” it was home to more than nature sanctuary in 2004, the CELCO 100 species of rare and endangered plant was twice temporarily shut down © WWF-Canon/Martin Harvey birds, including the Coscoroba swan last year for environmental violations. and the white-faced ibis. It was also the Residents in Valdivia, 30 miles away, largest nesting area in South America complained of noxious odors from the develop a plan to end pollution from the first priority should be strict measures for the black-necked swan, the region’s plant and the WWF investigators found mill. Further research is also urgently to reduce pollution at the source. At the iconic species and a major tourist the facility’s waste treatment, storage, needed to determine the full impact of same time, urgent human health and attraction. and disposal safeguards to be appalling. the pollution on both the environment socioeconomic impacts must be The investigators, who made two vis- The research team, which prepared a and human health. addressed. Thousands of families living its to the area, in August and October, report containing 25 key findings and “The sanctuary has suffered so much in this area are heavily dependent on affirmed earlier findings that pulp waste recommendations, is now urgently call- damage that we won’t know, without tourism and on fishing along the coast, from the plant owned by CELCO, ing on the Chilean government and more research, how long it may take to where CELCO now plans to discharge Chile’s largest timber conglomerate, is CELCO to take immediate remedial restore it,” said David Tecklin, WWF’s liquid waste.” most likely responsible for the collapse measures to protect the sanctuary and Valdivia ecoregion coordinator. “The MARCH/APRIL 2006 FOCUS 7

“Our partnership with WWF will WORLD WILDLIFE FUND WWF, Red Cross Join strengthen our understanding of the rela- Continued from page 1 tionship between long-term development with the creation of sustainably man- and the environment,” said Bob Laprade, TRAVEL aged fishery, agriculture, and aquacul- senior program advisor for the Tsunami ture industries. Recovery Program for the Red Cross. “Sustainable rebuilding means creat- “This collaboration will help to ensure © WWF-Canon/Martin Harvey UPCOMING ADVENTURES! ing long-term solutions, not quick fixes,” that our programs in areas such as recon- said Anita van Breda, who oversees struction, disaster preparedness, and KINGDOM OF BHUTAN WWF’s Green Reconstruction program. water and sanitation are designed and Join us to experience the breathtaking splendor of the “Sustainable use and good stewardship implemented according to environmental Himalayas, a region of incomparable natural richness and of natural resources also reduces com- guidelines.” beauty, on a fascinating trek to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Spring munity vulnerability to natural disasters WWF’s van Breda hopes to expand travelers will witness the peak of the vibrant rhododendron while generating greater long-term eco- efforts to other parts of the world. bloom. Autumn travelers will see black-necked cranes on their nomic options and benefits.” “The combined efforts of a humanitar-

annual migration in the Phobjikha Valley. Spend two nights in Martin Harvey Since the partnership was formed ian agency and a conservation organiza- a comfortable tented camp in the mountains and witness an extraordinary array of unique early last year, the Red Cross has called tion is a partnership based on sound, sus- birds. Visits to markets and museums will enhance your understanding of the daily life of the on WWF to provide assistance in the tainable resource management with Kingdom’s peoples and expose you to Bhutan’s traditional arts.You will also learn about WWF’s development of fisheries programs and potential to provide resiliance against the conservation work. End your journey with a challenging hike to see the impressive Tiger’s Nest, the sourcing of sustainable building eventuality of future disasters,” she said. one of the Kingdom’s most beguiling temples. materials. April 24–May 8 and October 30–November 15, 2006

KENYA MIGRATION SAFARI On this new summer safari during the peak of the migration season, you will discover some of Kenya’s most impressive species. During daily wildlife drives, witness great herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope as they cross the African plains. You may even spot a cheetah in pursuit of a swift gazelle. Near

Martin Harvey towering Mount Kenya, visit Sweetwaters Game Reserve, home to notable species such as lions, buffalos, elephants, leopards, and rhinos. Visit Jane Goodall’s sanctuary for chimpanzees before continuing to Samburu Game Reserve, where you will find species not seen in other parts of Kenya, such as reticulated giraffes and Grevy’s zebras. Spend four full days in the legendary Maasi Mara National Reserve, with its sweeping views across the savanna. Expert guides enhance your understanding of life on the African plains. July 6–16, 2006 ALASKA WILDLIFE ADVENTURE: PRUDHOE BAY TO DENALI On this new expedition you will have the rare opportunity to explore some of the wildest landscapes in North America and learn about some of the issues conservationists face there. From the sweeping tundra of the Arctic coastal plain, across the dra-

matic and beautiful Brooks Range, and on to Denali National Anthony B. Rath

Park, you will discover a rich variety of the continent’s most impressive wildlife. Caribou and © WWF-Canon/Jürgen Freund musk ox, brown bears and wolves, all emerge to take advantage of the short season of plenty WWF is developing sustainable fisheries programs in Southeast Asia and Africa. and the endless, sunlit Arctic days. Visit Prudhoe Bay oil field and learn about how climate change affects this fragile northern habitat. Cross the Arctic Circle and explore seldom-visited Gates of the Arctic National Park at the time of the migratory bird nesting season. On foot and in vehicles, explore awesome Denali National Park in search of sure-footed Dall sheep, lum- bering brown bears, and intriguing wolves. We urge you to register for this trip soon for your chance to see some of America’s last great wilderness areas. WWF IN YOUR July 8–17, 2006 EMAIL INBOX ALSO COMING! Do you want to explore WWF’s conservation work CHINA’S PANDAS & THE YANGTZE RIVER...... May 6–23, 2006 online but don’t know where to start? Sign up for WWF’s email PANTANAL: BRAZIL’S GRAND SAVANNA ...... June 17–26, 2006 newsletter and we will send you ARCTIC CIRCLE & THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS ....August 17–30, 2006 monthly updates about our work WILD SIBERIA & LAKE BAIKAL...... August 28–September 9, 2006 to protect endangered species and their habitats and new features on Let WWF take you to the best places on Earth to see spectacular wildlife in its natural environment! Travel in comfort and safety with small groups of congenial people who share your inter- our award-winning Web site. Each est in wildlife and wildlands, and learn firsthand about WWF’s conservation priorities. And issue contains exciting animal pho- remember, by traveling with us, you are supporting WWF’s conservation work around the globe. tos, stories from the field, updates on key environmental issues, and tips on To receive detailed itineraries for these or other exciting WWF membership trips to North and how you can get involved. Visit our Web South America, Africa, Asia, the Arctic, Antarctica, or Australia, please complete and return the site at worldwildlife.org to sign up today. form below, or Phone: 202/778-9683 or toll-free 888/WWF-TOUR (993-8687) Email: [email protected] Visit: worldwildlife.org/travel

Please send me brochures for the following trips: A copy of World Wildlife Fund’s latest financial report may be obtained by writing to World Wildlife ❏ Kingdom of Bhutan ❏ China’s Pandas ❏ Wild Siberia Fund, 1250 Twenty-Fourth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037; (202) 293-4800. Residents of the ❏ Kenya Safari ❏ Brazil’s Pantanal ❏ Trips to other destinations: following states may obtain information directly by contacting the state agencies listed below. ❏ ❏ REGISTRATION WITH OR LICENSING BY A STATE AGENCY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR Alaska Prudhoe Bay & Denali Arctic Circle & Norwegian Fjords ______IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THAT STATE. ❏ Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE Please add me to your mailing list to receive WWF travel brochures OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITH- IN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA. SC NO. 00294. Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, Name ______documents 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: Address ______MCIS No. 9377. 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. City ______State______Zip ______New Jersey: Information filed with the Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation may be obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling 973-504-6215. WWF membership number______New York: A copy of World Wildlife Fund’s latest annual report can be obtained from World (FROM THE MAILING LABEL ON THIS ISSUE) Wildlife Fund or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing the Charities Bureau, 120 Panda Tracks, a monthly email newsletter, will keep you informed about WWF membership trips 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 Licensing Branch at 1-888- throughout the year. It features reports and photos from past expeditions, information and itiner- 830-4989. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of World Wildlife Fund aries on current trips, and special announcements about new trip offerings. 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 Division If you would like to receive Panda Tracks, please sign up on our Web site at worldwildlife.org/travel of Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. Washington: Information relating to or provide your email address: ______. 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 Return to: WWF Travel Program, 1250 24th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20037-1132 obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston,WV 25305. 8 FOCUS MARCH/APRIL 2006

list of simple household product recipes ■ Plant native plants and trees—they CONSUMER CORNER for making your home toxic-free. tend to grow better than introduced species because they are naturally Invest in Get Rid of Stuff the Right Way Green-Up Your adapted to the local growing condi- Many people forget that they can tions. They are also less prone to dis- Spring Chores recycle or donate cell phones, comput- ease, and tend to need less watering Spring is a great time to clean out the ers, eyeglasses, batteries, appliances, and fertilizing than nonnative species. attic and garage and prepare the yard and other items they’ve stopped using. Ask someone at your garden center and garden for summer planting. Keep Visit earth911.org to find out how to or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov to find out these environment-friendly tips in mind dispose of your old items. what plants are native to your area. as you get your home in order. When cleaning out your basement or garage, never pour antifreeze, oil, paint, Make the Switch or other chemicals on the ground, into to Organic Cleansers storm sewers, or down the drain. Many FOCUS ON … Now is a good time to make your communities hold collection days for home a safe environment by switching household hazardous waste. Call your FREE WWF COMPUTER the Future. to toxic-free cleansers. There are a local government for more information. WALLPAPER © WWF-Canon/Martin Harvey/Leopard number of safe vegetable-based Plant a Natural Garden A WWF Charitable Gift Annuity is one cleansers that you can purchase at your way to supplement retirement income local supermarket. Better yet, you can The pesticides you use on your lawn for yourself or a loved one as you help easily make your own inexpensive and in your garden can be dangerous to save life on Earth. cleansers using safe ingredients such as your health and the environment. Benefits Include soap, vinegar, lemon juice, and borax. Instead, create a beautiful yard using ● Reliable Fixed Payments for Life Visit worldwildlife.org/consumer for a natural methods. ● Immediate Tax Savings ■ When selecting plants, choose those ● A Living Legacy for Conservation that naturally repel insects. Certain herbs and flowers—including basil, WWF Single-life Gift Annuity Rates:* chives, mint, marigolds, and chrysan- Decorate your computer desk- Age Rate Age Rate themums—can be mixed in with top with this free computer wall- 65 6.0% 80 8.0% other plants to help keep pests away. paper from WWF. Choose from a 70 6.5% 85 9.5% 75 7.1% 90+ 11.3% ■ Leave grass clippings on the lawn series of photos and transform when mowing. The clippings quickly your computer into a tropical rain *These rates are for illustration purposes and sub- ject to change. Contact us for rates for other ages decompose and return nutrients to forest, a school of swirling fish, or or for two-life gift annuity rates. Minimum age for the soil. The process reduces the even a forest inhabited by lov- annuitants is 65; minimum gift amount is $10,000. need for fertilizers and eliminates able giant pandas. Simply visit For more information and to request some waste entering our landfills. worldwildlife.org/wallpaper and your gift annuity proposal, please con- ■ Don’t use peat in your flowerbeds and download your free wallpaper tact WWF at our toll-free number or via vegetable gardens. Peat is taken from along with your subscription to the email: ancient bog land, and its harvest free WWF e-newsletter. We feature 1-888-WWF-WILL destroys some of our most precious new wallpapers all the time, so (1-888-993-9455) wildlife areas. Instead, make your check back regularly to see what [email protected] own compost with grass clippings and you can turn your desktop into next. Note: For general membership inquiries, vegetable scraps from the house. please call 1-800-CALL-WWF. © Brent Stirton/Getty Images/WWF-UK MARCH/APRILFOCUS 2006 • VOLUME 28, NUMBER 2

For A Living Planet... Support World Wildlife Fund © WWF-Canon/Homo ambiens/R.Isotti-A.Cambone Diademed sifaka ✁ I’ll help save endangered wildlife wherever it is threatened, whenever it is YES! threatened. I have enclosed a check to World Wildlife Fund for $ ______. Mr./Mrs. Miss/Ms. ______Address ______City ______State______Zip ______Member I.D.# ______Phone (______) ______(see mailing label) IN THIS ISSUE: Email Address ______2005: A Year of Record ■ Check here if this is a change of address. Weather Extremes Important: To help us serve you better, please provide your old address. ■ WWF Scientists: Please send information on how I can include WWF in my will, trust, or Uncovering Nature’s estate plans, or make a gift to WWF that provides me with income for life. Secrets Please enclose your tax-deductible check along with this form and return to: World Wildlife Fund Green-Up Your 1250 24th St., NW Spring Chores Washington, DC 20037 AMF060900000 Lava heron © WWF-Canon/Homo ambiens/R.Isotti-A.Cambone