DOCSLIB.ORG

IS RECRUITING Bird Conservationists

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
IS RECRUITING Bird Conservationists IS RECRUITING Bird Conservationists Bird Conservationists Work to save Mauritian bird species from extinction: this is an exciting opportunity to work with some of the most successful conservation projects in the world, recognized internationally amongst conservationists. The successful applicant will benefit from extensive training in theoretical and practical species conservation. This position best suits those looking for a challenge and an opportunity to gain new skills and experiences. Our projects We have five long-term projects that focus on the conservation of our most threatened endemic bird species i.e., these species are found nowhere else in the world. All five species populations declined dramatically post colonisation due to habitat destruction and introduced predator and competitor species along with a host of other factors. Conservation techniques utilised by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation to date include: clutch and brood manipulations, captive breeding, captive rearing, reintroductions, the provision of supplementary food, the provision of artificial nest sites, control of introduced species and close monitoring of the population. The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation has had great success restoring each of these species’ populations, but there is much work left to be done to secure their long-term survival. This is our main mission at the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, to save species from extinction. Kestrel project Conservation Biologists (ref: KPCB – 2021) The Mauritius Kestrel (Falco punctatus) is the only surviving bird of prey in Mauritius. The species was reduced to four known wild individuals in 1974 and was considered one of the rarest birds in the world. Emergency measures were taken to save the species. Intensive conservation management actions were initiated as of the late 1980s, and as a result, the Mauritius Kestrel population has risen to some 350 birds today and is listed as Endangered. Pink Pigeon project Conservation Biologists (ref: PPCB – 2021) The Pink Pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) population was only 10 individuals in 1990 and was restricted to one small area of forest. Today, due to intensive conservation work, there are over 470 individuals in the wild spread over nine subpopulations. The Pink Pigeon is now listed as Vulnerable. Echo Parakeet project Conservation Biologists (ref: EPCB – 2021) Echo Parakeets (Psittacula eques) are a medium sized parakeet, and only surviving parrot species in the Mascarenes. By the end of the 1980's, around 20 Echo Parakeets remained, making it then the rarest parrot in the world. Intensive conservation management actions taken from that point have led to a dramatic increase in the population, today there are some 800 birds in the wild. The Echo Parakeet is now listed as Vulnerable. Mauritius Olive White-eye project Conservation Biologists (ref: MOWE – 2021) Mauritius Fody project Conservation Biologists (ref: MF – 2021) The Mauritius Fody (Foudia rubra) and Mauritius Olive White-eye (Zosterops chloronothos) are small songbirds (Photo A and B respectively). The management of both species has included ‘marooning’ birds from the mainland on the offshore island of Ile aux Aigrettes to create a new subpopulation. The Mauritius Fody is listed as Endangered, and the Olive White-eye is listed as Critically Endangered. The position Each of the five species projects vary in the day-to-day work. The Echo Parakeet and Mauritius Kestrel projects but can be physically demanding, involving hiking with heavy rucksacks within the Black River Gorges National Park and the Bambou range. All projects mainly consist of practical activities, outdoors, in the forest. Bird conservationist positions also require a lot of time searching for, and observing birds in the forest, and recording all observations in a scientific manner. Qualifications / requirements - All projects We are looking for applicants that have the following qualities/experience: ➢ Qualifications or experience relevant to the position and over 21 years old. ➢ Good level of physical fitness and stamina (ability to walk long distances and carry heavy loads). ➢ Experience working outdoors (especially hiking and navigation in the forest and in difficult terrain). ➢ Ability to work alone, in all weather, in remote and rugged locations. ➢ Full, clean driving licence. Experience of 4x4 off-road driving. ➢ Strong observation skills and patient. ➢ Good practical skills. ➢ Good communicator – written and oral. ➢ Strong initiative and independence; must be able to work unsupervised on a day-to-day basis. ➢ Ability to live and work with teams and persons from different backgrounds in remote arduous conditions. ➢ Willing to live in field stations, on site, in the forests of the Black River Gorges National Park / Bambou range / Ile aux Aigrettes from Monday to Saturday. ➢ Must not be colour blind. ➢ Proven interest in wildlife conservation and the environment. - Echo Parakeet and Mauritius Kestrel projects ➢ Have no fear of heights. ➢ Climbing experience / a willingness to learn how to climb. ➢ A full motorbike licence, or willingness to learn to drive a motorbike. Summary of terms and conditions of employment Location: Black River Gorges National Park / Bambou range / Ile aux Aigrettes Conditions: These will be discussed at interview as they will vary depending on the age and experience of the applicant Policies and procedures: We have policies designed to ensure the well-being of both workers and volunteers e.g., Accommodation, vehicles etc. Recruitment & Selection process Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by e-mail, which will be followed by an interview for the strongest candidates. How to apply • Enter the link below into your browser: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Fj6ggviINUuLLkUODMdr8_xbdqDskkdJvxeF- UcwI3tUQ000UTA0TExNVTBKV1BXV0ZSUlFBV1o5My4u For any queries e-mail at [email protected]. We invite you to visit our website for further information on the projects and on the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation: https://www.mauritian-wildlife.org .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 1 Systematics and Evolution of Kestrels
    Cambridge University Press 978-1-108-47062-9 — The Kestrel David Costantini , Giacomo Dell'Omo Excerpt More Information 1 Systematics and Evolution of Kestrels 1.1 Chapter Summary The family Falconidae constitutes a group of small to medium-sized diurnal raptors whose monophyly is strongly supported. Kestrels are included in the subfamily Falconinae. There are at least 13 species that belong to the kestrel group, but recent genetic studies suggest that the number of kestrel species might be larger, possibly 16. The paleontological and molecular evidence is congruent in suggesting an evolutionary radiation of kestrels from the Late Miocene (4.0–9.8 million years ago) through the Early Pleistocene. However, the geographic area where kestrels originated and dispersed from is unclear. 1.2 Diversification of Falcons The Falconidae is a monophyletic family of diurnal birds of prey that occupy a wide variety of ecological niches and geographic regions (White et al., 1994). Three subfamilies are currently recognised and their validity is supported by both molecular and morphological data (Griffiths, 1999; Griffiths et al., 2004; Fuchs et al., 2012, 2015): (i) Falconinae (falcons, falconets and kestrels), (ii) Herpetotherinae (forest falcons Micrastur sp. and laughing falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans) and (iii) Polyborinae (caracaras) (Figure 1.1). Dickinson (2003) has recognised 11 genera and 64 species of Falconidae, but figures can vary slightly across authors. Both the Herpetotherinae and the Polyborinae occur only in the New World, while the Falconinae (the subfamily to which kestrels belong) are widespread across both the New and Old World with 46 species, 40 of which belong to the genus Falco (Fuchs et al., 2015).
    [Show full text]
  • From to : Building Regional Capacity for Biodiversity Conservation and Monitoring
    From to : building regional capacity for biodiversity conservation and monitoring 2-13 April (field school) & 15-19 April (classroom) 13-31 August (field school) & 3-7 September (classroom) In partnership with Course overview The course “From Mauritius to Madagascar: building regional capacity for biodiversity conservation and monitoring” is the focus of a new three year Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) project aiming to increase regional capacity for biodiversity conservation in the Western Indian ocean. Technical skills for fauna/flora monitoring and ecosystem/species recovery will be developed through two separate field school training sessions conducted each year for the next three years: three weeks in Madagascar and five weeks in Mauritius, including one week in a classroom-based setting in each country. This eight week funded course will provide participants with different field-related experiences, together with the theory and human resource management skills needed to become more effective conservation leaders. It is a unique opportunity to learn directly through exchange of skills and understanding with organisations that have a track record of conservation success in the Western Indian Ocean islands. The programme is delivered by Durrell Conservation Academy, headquartered in Jersey, and Durrell Conservation Training Ltd (DCT) a not-for-profit training organisation based in Mauritius (part of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust) in partnership with the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) and Association Vahatra. Two individuals per cohort will be selected after each eight week course for a place on the following 6 month Post Graduate Diploma in Endangered Species Conservation Management, delivered annually in Mauritius by Durrell Conservation Training Ltd.
    [Show full text]
  • Agriculture Modifies the Seasonal Decline of Breeding Success in a Tropical Wild Bird Population
    Agriculture modifies the seasonal decline of breeding success in a tropical wild bird population Article Published Version Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 (CC-BY) Open Access Cartwright, S., Nicoll, M. and Norris, K. (2014) Agriculture modifies the seasonal decline of breeding success in a tropical wild bird population. Journal of Applied Ecology, 51 (5). pp. 1387-1395. ISSN 0021-8901 doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/1365- 2664.12310 Available at http://centaur.reading.ac.uk/37109/ It is advisable to refer to the publisher’s version if you intend to cite from the work. See Guidance on citing . To link to this article DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.12310 Publisher: Wiley All outputs in CentAUR are protected by Intellectual Property Rights law, including copyright law. Copyright and IPR is retained by the creators or other copyright holders. Terms and conditions for use of this material are defined in the End User Agreement . www.reading.ac.uk/centaur CentAUR Central Archive at the University of Reading Reading’s research outputs online Journal of Applied Ecology 2014 doi: 10.1111/1365-2664.12310 Agriculture modifies the seasonal decline of breeding success in a tropical wild bird population Samantha J. Cartwright1*, Malcolm A. C. Nicoll1, Carl G. Jones2,3, Vikash Tatayah3 and Ken Norris1 1Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AR, UK; 2Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Les Augres Manor, Trinity, Jersey JE3 5BP, Channel Islands, UK; and 3Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, Grannum Road, Vacoas, Mauritius Summary 1. Habitat conversion for agriculture is a major driver of biodiversity loss, but our under- standing of the demographic processes involved remains poor.
    [Show full text]
  • The Eradication of Alien Mammals from Five Offshore Islands, Mauritius, Indian Ocean
    The eradication of alien mammals from five offshore islands, Mauritius, Indian Ocean B. D. Bell Wildlife Management International Limited, P.O. Box 14-492, Wellington, New Zealand. E-mail: [email protected] Abstract Following the removal of rabbits from Round Island in 1979 and the publication of a management plan in 1989, the Mauritius Government contracted Wildlife Management International Limited in 1993 to fulfil one of the plan’s recommendations to survey the offshore islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues and to prepare an offshore islands management plan. This plan made a number of recommendations and priorities in relation to the removal of alien species. In 1995 work on the priorities began with the removal of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and hares (Lepus nigricollis) from Gunner’s Quoin, ship rats (R. rattus) from Gabriel Island and mice (Mus musculus) from Ile Cocos and Ile aux Sables. In 1998 cats (Felis catus), ship rats and mice were removed from Flat Island and rabbits (Oryctolagus sp.), which had been illegally released following the earlier eradications, from Gunner’s Quoin. These programmes were hand-laid operations. In all cases the main bait was grain-based pellets containing 0.02gm/kg brodifacoum. The bait was set out on at least half of the maximum grid recommended for the rodent species targeted. The exception was cats, which were trapped in leg-hold traps. Plans are being considered for the re-introduction of reptiles and birds. Some planting of native trees has begun. This paper covers the eradication sector of the management plan. Keywords Ship rat; Rattus rattus; Norway rat; Rattus norvegicus; mouse, Mus musculus; black-naped hare; Lepus nigricollis; feral cat; Felis catus; brodifacoum.
    [Show full text]
  • List of Annexes to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Partnership Agreement
    List of Annexes to The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Partnership Agreement Annex 1: Composition and Terms of Reference of the Red List Committee and its Working Groups (amended by RLC) Annex 2: The IUCN Red List Strategic Plan: 2017-2020 (amended by RLC) Annex 3: Rules of Procedure for IUCN Red List assessments (amended by RLC, and endorsed by SSC Steering Committee) Annex 4: IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, version 3.1 (amended by IUCN Council) Annex 5: Guidelines for Using The IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (amended by SPSC) Annex 6: Composition and Terms of Reference of the Red List Standards and Petitions Sub-Committee (amended by SSC Steering Committee) Annex 7: Documentation standards and consistency checks for IUCN Red List assessments and species accounts (amended by Global Species Programme, and endorsed by RLC) Annex 8: IUCN Red List Terms and Conditions of Use (amended by the RLC) Annex 9: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ Logo Guidelines (amended by the GSP with RLC) Annex 10: Glossary to the IUCN Red List Partnership Agreement Annex 11: Guidelines for Appropriate Uses of Red List Data (amended by RLC) Annex 12: MoUs between IUCN and each Red List Partner (amended by IUCN and each respective Red List Partner) Annex 13: Technical and financial annual reporting template (amended by RLC) Annex 14: Guiding principles concerning timing of publication of IUCN Red List assessments on The IUCN Red List website, relative to scientific publications and press releases (amended by the RLC) * * * 16 Annex 1: Composition and Terms of Reference of the IUCN Red List Committee and its Working Groups The Red List Committee is the senior decision-making mechanism for The IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM.
    [Show full text]
  • Recovery of the Endangered Mauritius Kestrel from an Extreme
    632 ShortCommunications [Auk, Vol. 103 Recovery of the EndangeredMauritius Kestrel from an Extreme Population Bottleneck STANLEY A. TEMPLE Departmentof WildlifeEcology, University of Wisconsin,Madison, Wisconsin 53706 USA The MauritiusKestrel (Falco punctatus) is a severely that a circular area of about 28 ha approximatelyde- endangeredspecies (King 1981)whose entire popu- scribesa kestrel'sterritory size. lation in the wild reached a low of only 2 pairs in By systematicallyinspecting the remaining habitat 1974 (Temple 1974, 1977). Temple (1978) speculated for all potential nesting cliffs (basedon characteris- that a spontaneous "tradition-shift" (sensuWilson tics of 1974-1977 nests) and plotting nonoverlap- 1975: 13) in nest-siteselection may have been initi- ping, circular 28-ha territories around each usable ated in the kestrelpopulation in 1974.This shift from site, I estimatedthat only about 18 cliff-nestingpairs nesting primarily in tree cavitiesto nesting in holes could be accommodated in the available habitat. If and nicheson cliffs was initiated by the single suc- nonbreeders,whose 120-hahome rangesoverlapped cessfullybreeding pair in 1974 and seemsto have by 50%, filled in all areasnot occupiedby breeders, permitted the kestrels to reproduce more successful- the carryingcapacity of the remaining habitat around ly. They had previously sufferedheavy nest losses the Black River Gorgeswould be approximately 66 (mostlikely to introducedmacaques, Macaca fascicu- kestrels. laris).All young kestrelsfledged since 1974 were from Between 1973 and 1977 the size of the kestrel pop- sites on cliffs and subsequentlyadopted cliffs for ulation was monitored closely. Becauseof the small nesting when they establishedtheir own breeding population size, total countsof individuals were pos- territories. There are no records of tree nests since sible.
    [Show full text]
  • Breeding Biology and Food Habits of the Madagascar Kestrel (Falco Newtoni) in Northeastern Madagascar
    j. RaptorRes. 39(2):149-155 ¸ 2005 The Raptor ResearchFoundation, Inc. BREEDING BIOLOGY AND FOOD HABITS OF THE MADAGASCAR KESTREL (FALCO NEWTONI) IN NORTHEASTERN MADAGASCAR LILY-ARISONRENE DE ROLAND,JEANNENEY RABEARIVONY, HARILALAINAROBENARIMANGASON, AND GILBERTRAZAFIMANJATO ThePeregrine Fund's Project in Madagascar,B.P 4113, Antananarivo(101), Madagascar RUSSELL THORSTROM 1 ThePeregrine Fund, 5668 WestFlying Hawk Lane, Boise,ID 83709 U.S.A. ABSTRACT.--Westudied MadagascarKestrels (Falconewtoni) on Masoala Peninsula, northeastern Mada- gascarduring the 1997 and 1998breeding seasons. We locatedfive nestsites and observedeight nesting attemptsduring the two breeding seasons.All nestswere in tree cavitiesand averaged13.8 + 2.0 m (SE) above the ground in trees averaging22.8 +- 0.8 m (SE) in height (N = 5 nests). Egg laying took place from mid-Septemberto the first week of October.The modal clutch sizewas 4 + 0.9 (N = 6 nests, range 3-5 eggs).The incubationperiod averaged28 d, varying from 27-29 d (N = 5 nests).Hatching occurred from the middle of October to the first week of November with young fledging in late No- vember.Of 24 eggslaid in six nests,13 (54%) hatched,and seven(54%) of thosehatchlings fledged; thus, a total of 1.2 young fledged per breeding attempt were produced and overall nest successwas 50%. The MadagascarKestrel diet of 338 identifiedprey wascomposed of 93.8% lizards(N = 317), 2.6% insects(N = 9), 2.4% amphibians(N = 8), and 1.2% birds (N = 4). KEYWORDS: MadagascarKestrel; Falco newtoni; nestingbiology; food habits;nests;
    [Show full text]
  • CEPF Final Project Completion Report
    CEPF Final Project Completion Report Organization Legal Name: Mauritian Wildlife Foundation Support to Private Sector to Engage in the Project Title: Conservation of Mauritus' Threatened Endemic Birds Grant Number: 65990 CEPF Region: Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands 2 Enable civil society to mainstream biodiversity and Strategic Direction: conservation into political and economic decision- making. Grant Amount: $222,225.00 Project Dates: July 01, 2016 - June 30, 2019 Date of Report: September 26, 2019 Implementation Partners List each partner and explain how they were involved in the project Ferney Valley Conservation Trust (Bambou Mountains): Provided a field station at the release site; and assisted with the maintenance of the field station and clearing; Provided release aviaries for the Echo Parakeet and Pink Pigeon; and assisted with the maintenance of those structure; Provided logistical support when needed; Provided assistance with the marketing of the MWF's conservation initiatives. Ebony Forest (Chamarel): Provided accommodation at the release site; and assissted with its maintenance; Provided release aviaries for the Echo Parakeet and Pink Pigeon; and assisted with the maintenance of those structures; Provided logistical support when needed; Provided assistance with the marketing of the MWF's conservation initiatives. Frederica Reserve (Bel Ombre): Provided access and tenting facilities at the release site; storage facilities including freezer; Provided assistance with the marketing of the MWF's conservation initiatives. National
    [Show full text]
  • THE PREDATION ECOLOGY of the MAURITIUS KESTREL (Falco Punctatus)
    THE PREDATION ECOLOGY OF THE MAURITIUS KESTREL (Falco punctatus) Citation: Fox N C, B I M Fox and T Bailey. 1985 The Predation Ecology of the Mauritius Kestrel Falco punctatus. The Peregrine Fund Note: This manuscript has been electronically scanned and some minor errors introduced. If in doubt on any detail, please consult the authors. February 1985 By Nick Fox BSc, CEd, PhD, RF, Project leader Barbro Fox, BEd, Research assistant Tom Bailey, Research assistant The Peregrine Fund, Inc. Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850, USA financed this research. *This report is an unpublished draft manuscript copyright the senior author, who accepts responsibility for statements made therein. CONTENTS - SUMMARY - INTRODUCTION - ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1.1 The distribution of potential habitat for kestrels 2.1 Habitat survey 2.2 Method 2.3 Results 2.4 Open ground 2.5 Acacia scrub 2.6 Lowland exotic forest 2.7 Scrub 2.8 Semi-scrub 2.9 Degraded indigenous forest 2.10 Full indigenous forest 2.11 Rocks 2.12 Results 2.13 Deterioration of the indigenous forest 2.13a Natural degradation 1 | P a g e 2.13b Unnatural degradation 2.13c Destruction 2.14 Forest conservation 3.0 To assess which areas currently hold kestrels 3.1 Methods 3.2 Results 3.3 Nest site selection 3.3a Protection from the sun 3.3b Protection from prevailing winds 3.3c Protection from cyclones 3.3d Protection from predators 3.4 Factors affecting the distribution of kestrels 3.4a Availability of hunting habitat 3.4b Availability of nest sites 3.4c Climatic variables
    [Show full text]
  • Mauritius & Reunion Extension
    Field Guides Tour Report Madagascar 2019: Mauritius & Reunion Extension Nov 2, 2019 to Nov 25, 2019 Phil Gregory & local guide For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE. Reunion "Olive" White-eye was one of the more common endemics that we saw on the extension. Participant Mike Walsh got a nice shot of this bird feeding in some flowers. This year the afternoon departure from Tana on Air Mauritius was delayed for an hour and we got to our hotel at Flic en Flac around 1000 pm, where they had kindly kept a dinner for us, which almost no-one wanted, being happy with fruit and yogurt. The contrast with Madagascar was very striking, with good roads, no heavy lorries and no zebus, plus very different living conditions. Our day around Mauritius was excellent and in good weather, with Mauritours doing a fantastic job and local guide Jean-Claude being great. We could not go to our usual site at Bel Ombre as construction of a golf course has blocked access, so Jean Claude took us instead to Chamerel where we saw the first Mauritius (Mascarene) Paradise-Flycatcher we had seen in some years. Bassin Blanc gave us Mauritius Bulbul and Mauritius Olive White-eye, two very good pick-ups, though trying for Mauritius Cuckooshrike proved hopeless at what was a good site until recently. This species is now down to around 30 birds and is likely to go extinct, I fear. The short boat trip to Ile aux Aigrettes sanctuary was again good, and we enjoyed great looks at Pink Pigeon, Mauritius Fody, close Mauritius Olive White-eyes and a wonderful 105-year-old 200 kg adult male Aldabra Giant Tortoise.
    [Show full text]
  • FAUNA UNIT the National Parks & Conservation Service and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation Have Been Actively Involved in Co
    FAUNA UNIT Contact Details: Ms. H. Naujeer Tel No.: 465-4053 Email: [email protected] The National Parks & Conservation Service and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation have been actively involved in conserving several animal species from extinction. Below is a list of the birds which are native to Mauritius and Rodrigues: Common Name Scientific Name IUCN Status Origin Population Mauritius Falco punctatus Endangered Endemic to 350-400 Kestrel Mauritius Pink Pigeon Nesoenas mayeri Endangered Endemic to 400 Mauritius Echo Parakeet Psittacula eques Endangered Endemic to 550-600 Mauritius Mauritius Terpsiphone Least Concern Endemic to 400-800 Paradise bourbonnensis Mascarene Flycatcher desolata Mauritius Zosterops Critically Endemic to 180-270 Olive-white Eye chloronotos Endangered Mauritius Mauritius Black Hypsipetes Vulnerable Endemic to 400-900 Bulbul olivaceus Mauritius Mauritius Coracina typica Vulnerable Endemic to 100-250 Cuckoo-shrike Mauritius Mauritius Fody Foudia rubra Endangered Endemic to 240-330 Mauritius Mauritius Grey- Zosterops Least Concern Endemic to 60,000 white Eye Mauritianus Mascarene Mascarene Aerodramus Near Threatened Native to NA Swiftlet francicus Mauritius Mascarene Phedina barbonica Least Concern Native to NA Martin Mauritius Rodrigues Fody Foudia flavicans Near Threatened Endemic to 8,000 Rodrigues Rodrigues Acrocephalus Near Threatened Endemic to 4,000 Brush Warbler rodericanus Rodrigues Gerald Durrell Endemic Wildlife Sanctuary The Gerald Durrell Endemic Wildlife Sanctuary (GDEWS), also known as the Black River Aviaries, has been set up in 1976 by the Forestry Service and International Council for Bird Preservation (now Birdlife International) for saving endangered birds and bats, endemic to Mauritius and Rodrigues. GDEWS also worked on the captive breeding of the Mauritius Kestrels, the Pink Pigeons and the Echo Parakeets.
    [Show full text]
  • MWF Annual Report 2019
    ANNUAL REPORT 2019 24th March 2020 THE MAURITIAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) is a Registered Charity established in 1984. MWF works in close cooperation with the Government of Mauritius and the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, formalized in separate memorandums of understanding. The headquarters is located in Vacoas, Mauritius and the Rodrigues branch is based in Solitude. MWF is the only Mauritian NGO to be exclusively concerned with the conservation of terrestrial endemic species and their habitats, and in Rodrigues has a specialization in habitat restoration. The principal objective of the organization is to save threatened native and endemic species from extinction. Achievements MWF’s best known achievement is the saving of the Mauritian Kestrel. The MWF, has in recent years, brought the Pink Pigeon, the Echo Parakeet and the Mauritius Fody back from the brink of extinction. MWF's work in the area of captive-breeding and hands-on wild management of endemic animals is of internationally high repute. Our expertise is also being used in Rodrigues to address problems caused by degradation of habitat. Here we are propagating native plants in nurseries and planting them out to restore vegetation communities. The Foundation also works actively to restore offshore islands, by removing exotic vertebrates and plants and by restoring vegetation and vertebrate communities. The MWF is currently working on several islands including Ile aux Aigrettes, Round Island, Ile Cocos and Ile aux Sables. All of these are high profile projects of national and global biological significance. The MWF believes that the work it is doing benefits the Mauritian nation both for the present and future generations.
    [Show full text]