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Home , Cuban solenodon, EDGE Species, Flagship species, Lake Lerma salamander, Sulu hornbill

EDGE OF EXISTENCE

CALEB ON THE TRAIL OF THE TOGO SLIPPERY FROG Prioritising the Empowering new 10 weird and wonderful conservation leaders 1 2 From the very beginning, EDGE of Once you have identified the most in Existence was a unique idea. It is the need of action, you need to find the right people only conservation programme in the to protect them. Developing conservationists’ world to focus on animals that are both abilities in the countries where EDGE YEARS Evolutionarily Distinct (ED) and Globally exist is the most effective and sustainable way to Endangered (GE). Highly ED species ensure the long-term survival of these species. have few or no close relatives on the tree From tracking wildlife populations to measuring of life; they represent millions of years the impact of a social media awareness ON THE of unique evolutionary history. Their campaign, the skill set of today’s conservation GE status tells us how threatened they champions is wide-ranging. Every year, around As ZSL’s EDGE of Existence conservation programme reaches are. ZSL conservationists use a scientific 10 early-career conservationists are awarded its first decade of protecting the planet’s most Evolutionarily framework to identify the animals that one of ZSL’s two-year EDGE Fellowships. With Making an impact are both highly distinct and threatened. mentorship from ZSL experts, and a grant to set in the field Distinct and Globally Endangered animals, we celebrate 10 The resulting EDGE species are unique up their own project on an EDGE species, each 3 highlights from its extraordinary work animals on the verge of – the Fellow gains a rigorous scientific grounding Over the past decade, nearly 70 truly weird and wonderful. as well as practical experience. Each intake of impassioned conservationists ‘EDGE species are distinct in how they Fellows begins with a four-week training course from all over the world have look, live and behave, and in their genetic in essential conservation tools, delivered in completed the EDGE Fellowship make-up,’ explains EDGE of Existence priority EDGE regions such as Madagascar, programme and made an impact programme manager Nisha Owen. ‘For Costa Rica, Nepal, Kenya and the Philippines. in the countries where they live. example, the flagship species for EDGE Fellows then head back to work with their A key part of this has been getting are the three long-beaked . chosen species, keeping in touch with tutors local communities on board with These curious lay eggs like via Skype. Many Fellows are also juggling full- conservation. Take Caleb Ofori- ; have distinctive snouts and long time work alongside their projects – but then, Boateng in Ghana, who enlisted tongues for poking into the ground to conservationists are a very committed species! the support of local people to find ants; and grow spines for protection. Towards the end of their course, participants help create a protected area for If these extraordinary animals became gather at ZSL London to hone their the Togo extinct, a whole chunk of evolutionary leadership skills and find ways to scale up their slippery frog. Caleb used what he history would disappear with them.’ project, such as applying for new funding. calls ‘conservation evangelism’ to Many such animals in need of urgent educate communities about their conservation action have previously EDGE FELLOWS TAKING precious local frog population, been overlooked because they weren’t as PART IN FIELD TRAINING even setting up clubs IN MADAGASCAR ‘charismatic’ as species such as in local schools. and , or were poorly known. For 10 And in the Bahamas, Nikita years, the EDGE programme has been Shiel-Rolle’s love of the sea and putting these species on the map and fascination with the towering working to guarantee their future. To pillar inspired her to set up date, EDGE lists have been created to marine monitoring programmes highlight the most unique and threatened that have in turn enthused teams mammals, , and birds, of young volunteers. with the latest addition, EDGE reptiles, In Croatia, Dušan Jelić has launching this year, and the team has also revealed the secrets of the olm – mapped the world to reveal the regions a sightless, lungless, cave-dwelling with the greatest EDGE . that can live without food for 10 years. Dušan helped develop a groundbreaking To discover more about technique to detect the presence EDGE species and our of the olm by checking for its THE LONG-BEAKED projects and people DNA in water, and successfully IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S all over the world, head secured further funding to

MOST UNIQUE ANIMALS DEBORAH WALD WORDS: to edgeofexistence.org continue his project.

WILD ABOUT / SUMMER 2017 39 EDGE OF EXISTENCE

THE CUBAN GREATER FUNNEL- EARED WAS THE FOCUS OF A SEYCHELLES EDGE Investing in RECENT EDGE EXPEDITION Looking for the world’s FELLOW DIANA RENAUD 4 the future 5 most elusive animals (RIGHT) IN THE FIELD As well as focusing on essential Exploring unknown territory, speaking with work to protect wildife in the local communities, testing state-of-the-art field, raising wider awareness of technology in the field… It’s all in a day’s work conservation has always been a for conservationists trying to confirm the key EDGE goal. Since 2014, ZSL’s existence (or extinction) of an EDGE species. EDGE team have been producing Until 2007, one of the three top EDGE free courses on conservation for mammals, Attenborough’s long-beaked the United for Wildlife online echidna (named after the famous broadcaster), learning platform. These courses was thought to be extinct. Then, 46 years since are accessible to anyone around its last recorded sighting, an EDGE expedition the world, at any age, and require discovered telltale ‘nose pokes’ – holes made no prior conservation knowledge. by its beak while digging for worms – in Papua Learners can choose from a range New Guinea. In Cuba, two more recently of introductory topics, covering key rediscovered mammals, the Cuban conservation concepts, people’s and greater funnel-eared bat, were focuses of roles in conservation, and the use a recent EDGE trip (see below). of technology; or explore specific Sometimes the search for one species has areas, such as how we prioritise surprising results. In 2010, EDGE Fellow Grace Supporting new species and areas for conservation, Wambui was on the trail of the golden-rumped protection for wildlife or the illegal wildlife trade. sengi in north-east Kenya. This small 6 Participants can take these can be recognised by the patch of gold fur on EDGE research is not only yielding new data about the world’s rarest animals – it is also video-based courses at their own its rear – but this patch wasn’t visible in an providing vital evidence in the fight to defend them. In the Seychelles, the Critically pace, with quizzes to test their image of a sengi caught on camera by the team. Endangered sheath-tailed bat is now protected in law, an incredible achievement on the knowledge and opportunities to ZSL scientists are finding out more about this part of EDGE Fellow Diana Renaud, a conservation officer at the Seychellois Ministry of earn badges for their hard work. sengi’s distribution and , to determine Environment and Energy. Her hard work was instrumental in securing the legislation, There is also an online and classify this potentially new species. which makes it illegal to kill or disturb the species. The DNA of the sheath-tailed she forum to connect with fellow studies can be traced back 38 million years, but there are thought to be fewer than 100 left learners from around the world ZSL OLIVER R WEARN, in the wild. Encouragingly, Diana’s research in the field shows that recent drastic declines and discuss topical issues or share in population are reversing, and juvenile bats have also been spotted. inspiring conservation stories. Field notes from… So far, courses have been made available in English, Spanish, The EDGE team recently led the first ZSL expedition Mandarin, Vietnamese and Hindi, to Cuba to investigate its unique wildlife and forge Now The Seychelles sheath-tailed bat gets its name from a and more than 10,000 people in 196 new partnerships, as Carolina Soto Navarro explains you membrane between its hind legs that extends over its tail, countries have signed up to learn CUBA know and can be used to fine-tune its steering during flight. more about conservation. ‘Cuba is home to some unique ‘At the Cueva La Barca we surveying for signs such as burrows species, including the Cuban mapped the distribution and droppings, and setting motion- solenodon, a -like mammal of the greater funnel-eared bat triggered cameras, but we have yet Why not sign up for one with a toxic bite, and the Cuban through sound-recording devices, to find this rare creature. of the inspirational, and greater funnel-eared bat, a species as well as using photogrammetry ‘On an expedition, you need a completely free, online known only from fossils until a (photo mapping) to build up a 3D plan B if things don’t quite go to conservation courses EDGE IN NUMBERS... living colony was found in a remote model of the cave. It’s a crucial plan. For example, we needed developed by the EDGE team? Head cave, Cueva La Barca, in 1992. Very for this species, providing a 4x4 for our trip into Pico Cristal to learn.unitedforwildlife.org EDGE Fellows have been supported and little information exists on either, the humid conditions it seems to National Park, but renting an off- trained by ZSL over the past decade so we were keen to learn more. We favour for breeding. Entering the road car is easier said than done. 68 also wanted to build relationships dark for the first time was mind- We ended up climbing the steep with Cuban partners, find potential blowing, with thousands of bats of roads in a tractor for four hours – countries have been the subject of EDGE EDGE Fellows and develop the different species flying around us, an unforgettable experience! conservation projects or expeditions skills of two early-career UK and dozens of Cuban cockroaches, ‘We are now aiming to return to 36 conservationists. The trip was boas and giant crabs scuttling or Cuba next year to continue this made possible by the Erasmus slithering away into their burrows. work, to develop our partnerships EDGE species have been the subject Darwin Barlow Conservation ‘We also travelled to the Pico with the country’s capable and of field conservation projects Expedition fund for up-and-coming Cristal National Park, hoping to motivated conservationists and to 63 conservation leaders, dedicated to discover the Cuban solenodon explore the possibility of setting up IN SEARCH OF THE CUBAN one of ZSL’s founding Fellows. outside its known range by other projects with EDGE species.’ SOLENODON IN THE PICO of EDGE species are currently receiving CRISTAL NATIONAL PARK ⅔ little or no conservation attention 40 SUMMER 2017 / WILD ABOUT / ZSL.ORG ZSL.ORG / WILD ABOUT / SUMMER 2017 41 EDGE OF EXISTENCE

Shedding light on the 7 least-known species EDGE research has added enormously to our understanding of the world’s little-known species – and none more so than the pygmy three-toed sloth. Found only on the island of Escudo de Veraguas, which separated from Panama around 9,000 years ago, this sloth adapted rapidly (evolutionarily speaking) to its new home, shrinking in size compared to its mainland relatives. Very little was known about these sloths, thought to number fewer than 500, until EDGE Fellow Diorene Smith Cabellos began researching them. To understand their movements, she fitted animals with GPS trackers (which were road-tested by the sloths at ZSL ). Alongside her day job as a zoo curator and vet, Diorene continues to wade into the mangrove swamps to carry out twice-yearly sloth surveys. She is also raising awareness of the need to protect them with schools, fishermen and divers. Last year, Diorene was named a Disney Conservation Hero – an award from THE PEARL BUBBLE CORAL the entertainment giant and conservation funder for WAS THE FOCUS OF RESEARCH those going above and beyond for nature. BY SYLVANNA (RIGHT)

Fighting to Raising the profile CAN YOU SPOT THE save coral reefs of amphibians TAYLOR’S SALAMANDER? 9 8 Around a quarter of all marine species can be The launch of the EDGE Amphibians list in found living in coral reefs – despite the fact 2008 highlighted that 85% of the world’s 100 that reefs only occupy 0.1% of the marine most unique amphibians are receiving little environment. The launch of EDGE Corals in 2011 or no conservation attention. highlighted the astonishing diversity of coral Mexico is home to nine of the top 20 species, as well as the array of other wildlife they EDGE amphibians. Taylor’s salamander, are home to. However, with three-quarters of for example, is one of the only amphibians reefs already threatened due to overfishing and in the world that is able to live in salt water, pollution, the added impact of climate change in the high-altitude volcanic crater of Lake could easily wipe them out for good. The pygmy Alchichica in eastern Mexico. It lives and In 2013, EDGE Fellow Sylvanna Antat went Now three-toed sloth’s breeds in its juvenile state without ever in search of the pearl bubble coral, a genetically you outer fur is often metamorphising into an adult form, as distinctive and globally , off know covered in algae, many amphibians do. Like other EDGE the inner islands of the Seychelles. Covered in giving it a green hue in the country, such as the fleshy, bubble-like protuberances by day, pearl that helps it in its Lake Lerma and granular salamanders, it is bubble coral extends thick tentacles to catch native mangrove forest. under threat from pollution, falling water passing food at night, and can form vast colonies. levels and disease, but EDGE Fellows have Sylvanna’s research found that the pearl bubble been fighting to save these species through coral was equally abundant in protected and a coordinated approach. Alejandro Calzada unprotected areas of the ocean, but favoured Arciniega is leading a nationwide effort to clearer, cooler waters. document the distribution and habitat of Leading the first ever all-woman marine park Mexico’s salamander species, while Alfredo survey team, Sylvanna’s project bolstered the WE NOW KNOW MORE ABOUT Hernández Díaz has engaged with local communities and officials to improve the management of capacity of conservationists working across the THE PYGMY THREE-TOED SLOTH, THANKS TO FIELDWORK BY Lake Alchichica. There has been good news, too: thanks to the work of EDGE alumnus Karla Pelz Seychelles islands, and raised awareness of the DIORENE (ABOVE RIGHT) Serrano, the Lake Lerma salamander has been taken off the Critically Endangered list. region’s important marine species.

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Sounding the 10 alarm for birdlife The launch of the EDGE Birds list in WEAR IT FOR 2014 revealed that the Philippines is WILDLIFE! particularly rich in unusual birdlife, WHAT’S with no less than 11 EDGE species. NEXT? High street fashion brand Shortly after the list launched, ZSL Oasis is working with ZSL on experts and local conservationists It’s been an exciting a clothing collection with a came together for a series of 10 years for the EDGE conservation message. We workshops in the Philippines to programme – and there’s asked the store’s design director, address the bleak future facing these more to look forward to: Clive Reeve, about the thinking birds, largely due to deforestation for behind the Wildest Dream range – and agricultural development. Species why he’s excited to be working for wildlife under threat – all found nowhere else • REPTILES ON THE EDGE With the top 100 EDGE Reptiles list – include the Negros bleeding-heart, WA: Why did Oasis decide to team up with ZSL? launching this year, the world’s most a red-chested forest pigeon; the CR: It’s really important to create more awareness brilliant white Philippine cockatoo; Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally of the in the world, and ZSL’s the Sulu (thought to number Endangered reptile species will be in work to protect wildlife is vital not just for us, but fewer than 30 in the wild); the Cebu the spotlight – look out for more on also future generations. Trendwise, lots of pretty Wild About flowerpecker, a multicoloured this in upcoming issues of . prints such as leopards and snakes have been songbird believed extinct until Meanwhile, scientists are also working emerging on the catwalks. We thought it would be a rediscovered by birdwatchers in on EDGE lists for sharks and plants. wonderful opportunity to showcase ZSL’s amazing 1992; and the , one conservation work, so we gave them a call! WEBSITE MAKEOVER The EDGE of the largest and most powerful • WA: How did you create the range? website, edgeofexistence.org, is birds of prey, with a distinctive crest CR: After a research trip to ZSL London Zoo, our print of neck feathers. Work is under way getting a makeover to mark the designer, Jacqueline Colley, and the rest of the design on action plans to protect these 10th anniversary of the project. team worked on recreating the wonderful animals irreplaceable populations, which Check it out for the latest project we saw on our visit. It was important to us that the are not only vital to the Philippine news, species information and regular animals were as true to life as possible, and we , but also hold so much blogs from Fellows working in the worked closely with the ZSL team to ensure they evolutionary history between their field. You can also find the ZSL EDGE of were correctly portrayed. Existence team on Facebook or follow wings. Recent successes include a WA: Do you have any favourite animals that are them on Twitter @EDGEofExistence. survey of Mount Mingan in central captured in the collection? Luzon by EDGE Fellow J. Kahlil CR: Personally, I have a soft spot for bugs, so I love Panopio that confirmed the presence • REALLY WILD FASHION This summer the cute, bug-striped T-shirt! We wanted to represent of three Philippine eagles, spurring we are launching an exciting new as many different species as possible – even the bugs on local efforts to designate the area collaboration with fashion favourite and beetles. My favourite pieces also include the as a critical habitat. Oasis. Inspired by EDGE species and dragonfly knit, and the intricate vine print with packed with beautiful animal prints, cheetahs, monkeys and snakes. the store’s Wildest Dream summer WA: Do you think the collection will be a hit? Top of the 100 collection will help support our vital Now EDGE birds list is CR: Yes, I like to think the Oasis customer has a you conservation work with wildlife. caring side, and loves animals. I hope the collection know the giant ibis, the See right for more details! highlights the good work ZSL does – and that our national of customers enjoy wearing it as much as we enjoyed Cambodia, which is Critically creating it! Endangered due to human and hunting. Look out for the Wildest Dream Don’t collection at Oasis stores this miss summer – purchasing one of the beautiful pieces will support our conservation work with the world's most endangered species.

THE PHILIPPINE EAGLE IS ONE OF MANY UNUSUAL SPECIES OF BIRD FOUND IN THE PHILIPPINES

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