Tiger Habitat Shrinking

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 • VOLUME 28, NUMBER 5 CONTENTS 1

PAGE 2 ᮣ PAGE 3 ᮣ PAGE 4 ᮣ Victories Signs of Travel for WWF Okapi Found with WWF Activists in Africa

Evidence of Amur Tiger Habitat Shrinking Tiger Cubs in Russia In early April, villagers in Russia’s Amur SCIENTISTS CALL ON LEADERS Province discovered the tracks of two tiger cubs—the first sign of tigers in the TO CONSERVE HABITAT region in more than 100 years. Upon AND REDUCE POACHING hearing the news, WWF scientists trav- he world’s tigers occupy 40 per- eled to the region to corroborate the evi- cent less area than was estimated dence. Not only was the evidence solid, Tjust a decade ago, according to a but it indicated that the two cubs were study by scientists from the world’s accompanied by an adult female. This leading tiger conservation organizations. new proof that tigers exist 400 miles But the study also found that large-scale northwest of their core range in conservation efforts have largely suc- Primorski Province means that tigers are ceeded in some areas, raising hopes that breeding and exploring new habitat— similar efforts could be replicated across incredibly good news! the tiger’s present and former range.

At a July press conference at the Kiriliuk National Zoo in Washington, D.C., scien- . tists from WWF, the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, and Save the Tiger Fund called on Asian leaders to commit to reducing poaching and habitat

destruction, the two greatest threats to WWF-Canon/WWF-Russia/V © tigers in the wild. They also urged these A ruler measures the footprint of leaders to joinF the OorganizationsC forU a S an Amur tiger. Villagers found the tiger summit by 2008 to secure a strat- first signs of tigers in Russia’s Amur Province in more than 100 egy to save one of the world’s most years. threatened species. “This is wake-up call for con- Saving tigers is that tigers cannot afford another decade servationists and leaders of the a global effort. like the last one.”

13 Asian countries where tigers Harvey The study is based on new data that Page 7 still exist, that as more habitat is has become available only in the last 10 shrinking, tiger populations are years, including improved satellite data plunging,” said Eric Dinerstein, WWF’s on tiger habitat and land use change, chief scientist and vice president of con- more than 3,400 on-the-ground obser-

servation science. “Overall, tigers are WWF-Canon/Martin vations of tigers from across their © found in just 7 percent of their historic Tigers reside in 40 percent less habitat than they were range, and “human influence” data range. What is obvious from the study is thought to a decade ago, according to a new study. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 ®

WWF NEWS Assessment Finds Sants Name WWF in $20 Million Charitable Trust— Largest Gift to WWF from Individual Donors Alarming Decline in Nepal’s Roger and Vicki Sant have named WWF as beneficiary of a $20 million charitable remainder trust, the largest gift the organization has ever received from individual supporters. Rhinos and Tigers The trust gift was inspired by WWF’s work in the Amazon—one of the most biologically diverse areas of the world and a region of particular interest to the POACHERS TOOK ADVANTAGE Sants. The trust will allow WWF to further our long-term conservation work such as supporting the Amazon Regional OF MAOIST INSURGENCY, Protected Area (ARPA), the largest and most ABSENCE OF PATROLS ambitious tropical conservation project in our history. The goal of ARPA is to establish and per- The first assessment of Nepal’s Royal manently safeguard 125 million acres of protect- Bardia National Park in two years has ed area—roughly the size of California. uncovered an alarming decline in rhino “We are so grateful to Roger and Vicki Sant. and tiger populations, indicating wide- This gift is a reflection of their overwhelming spread poaching during the country’s Foott commitment to the Amazon, and their confi- Maoist insurgency. Surveyors found f dence in WWF,” said Carter Roberts, president only 3 of the 70 rhinos translocated to and CEO of WWF. “This trust is the latest the Babai Valley area of Bardia National demonstration of the Sants’ long-term involve- Park since 1986, and evidence of just 3 WWF-Canon/Jef WWF of the 13 tigers that were reported in © © ment and dedication to WWF and ARPA.” Roger and Vicki Sant Roger Sant is cofounder and chairman emeri- the area between 1998 and 2001. Greater one-horned rhino tus of the AES Corporation, a global power company. In the 1980s, AES was The survey was done soon after an among the first in the power industry to voluntarily reduce carbon dioxide April ceasefire between the Maoist insurgents detained and assaulted four emissions from its power plants. He served as chairman of WWF from 1994 to insurgents and government troops, and members of a rhino monitoring team,” 2000, and is currently on our board of directors. Vicki Sant is president of the was conducted on elephant back by a said Mingma Sherpa, director of WWF’s Summit Foundation and a member of WWF’s National Council. 40-member team that included staff Eastern Himalayas program. “The from WWF, Bardia National Park, and results are discouraging, but WWF will the Department of National Parks. It take advantage of a new climate of MEMBER NEWS became apparent that poachers had peace to revisit and revamp strategies taken advantage of the absence of for antipoaching operations, forge new Help Protect Wildlife Through Your Workplace antipoaching patrols in this critical partnerships, and translate commit- WWF participates in workplace campaigns through Earth Share, a national rhino and tiger habitat, which was con- ments into action.” federation that represents 60 leading conservation organizations. See page 8 trolled by the Maoist insurgents. During the assessment, the team for details. “It became too dangerous to send apprehended two poachers armed with staff to that area in 2004 when Maoist CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 ® 2 FOCUS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006

TAKE ACTION!

Taking a Front Seat Zhi to Conservation Lu More Victories for WWF Activists PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Tens of thousands of letters sent by aking to the musical slurs of vesper spar- WWF online activists helped secure Wrows and red-winged blackbirds, I pushed two big victories for the planet aside my tent flap and stepped into acres of end- recently, adding to a long line of wins for the advocates over the years. less prairie in full bloom. And while the sun rose, Schafer

I joined the legendary ecologist Gordon Orians for Kittner Pristine Marine Ecosystem

strong coffee in a tin cup, as we headed out into Sam Is Protected

the sagebrush for a morning walk to learn the WWF/Kevin WWF activists championed pro- © dynamics of grasslands, the life cycles of antelopes, buffalo and sage Hawaiian monk seal grouse, and the history of ranching in this part of eastern Montana—one tection for the Northwestern of our country’s most iconic landscapes. Hawaiian Islands and President Bush Tesso Nilo National Park on the Just last week I had the privilege of joining a diverse group of WWF vol- subsequently designated the area as island of Sumatra in Indonesia. Local unteers and supporters in the Northern Great Plains—a “behind the a national monument, a move that forestry officials had captured the scenes” trip not found in a commercial travel brochure. This was a chance creates the world’s largest marine elephants after they had damaged to experience firsthand the scientific and spiritual riches of this region. reserve and spares the area the dam- crops and homes, and WWF had At the top of a buffalo jump, George HorseCapture, Jr., from the Ft. age that human activities have inflict- come to their aid with food, water, Belknap Indian Reservation, moved us with stories of the drama of historic ed on most U.S. ocean ecosystems. and veterinary help. WWF activists buffalo hunts and the spiritual con- The new monument is a remarkable signed a petition to the president of nection between Native Americans string of islands, reefs, and atolls. It is Indonesia urging him to release the “…witness and these wonderful animals. Famed one of the last large intact marine elephants and safeguard their habi- cowboy poet Paul Zarzyski riveted us ecosystems in the world. tat. In addition, the government has conservation on with salty poems and stories of his pledged to more than double the size Captured Elephants of Tesso Nilo, which is essential to a profound and years growing up with his father, fish- Are Released ing, ranching and riding broncs on the reducing human-elephant conflicts. personal level.” rodeo circuit. Restoration specialists Seven weeks after they were found Lend your voice and help us led us in planting hundreds of wil- chained to trees without food or achieve more successes: Visit WWF’s lows, chokecherries, and cottonwoods as part of WWF’s stream and ripar- water, seven endangered Sumatran free Conservation Action Network at ian restoration project. And local cowboys introduced us to five six-week- elephants were safely released in takeaction.worldwildlife.org. old baby bison, the first ones born on this part of the prairie in more than 120 years, and part of the new herd of wild bison WWF and the American Prairie Foundation are establishing on the reserve. This combination—of remarkable people and landscapes—makes WWF’s ON THE WEB travel program unique and irreplaceable. As a member, you have a similar opportunity through our trips program to witness wildlife and our conser- LEARN, WATCH AND HELP vation projects firsthand. Our member trips allow you to see places through the eyes of a scientist, a local leader, a naturalist, and a WWF staff member, TIGERS IN THE WILD who let you directly experience what you’re helping to save. You can’t participate and not be moved and inspired by the importance of this work. Visit worldwildlife.org/tigers to learn about tigers in the wild.

I came back from the Northern Great Plains galvanized and committed to Filonov Video: At worldwildlife.org/tigers, you can view a short video the audacious vision to restore this landscape. To be sure, our work rests on clip of a tiger on peninsular Malaysia caught by a video cam- engaging the hearts and minds of individuals and families who support our era trap—it’s the first camera trap video ever taken. work. There is no substitute for going there, or following the advice of Camera trap photos: View images of tigers in the wild in our Edward Abbey who said, “It is not enough to fight for the land; it is even more camera trap section at worldwildlife.org/cameratrap. Don’t miss the gallery of images of a rare tiger attack on a camera!

important to enjoy it.” I hope you, too, can take the opportunity to participate WWF-Canon/Vladimir in a WWF-led trip and witness conservation on a profound and personal level. © E-newsletter: Sign up for WWF’s free e-newsletter and stay Siberian tiger After a full day of experiencing the Northern Great Plains, my colleagues up to date on the results of WWF’s work with tigers. and I sat around the campfire, soaked in the sky full of stars, told stories of Adopt a Tiger: Visit the Online Adoption Center to make a symbolic adoption of a bears and bison, and brainstormed the next steps we must take to save this tiger. Your adoption will help WWF fight threats faced by this critically endangered extraordinary place. I have no doubt I learned more at that campfire in species. Montana than I ever would behind my desk in Washington, D.C. SPECIES SPOTLIGHT

Carter S. Roberts Amur Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) The Amur, or Siberian, tiger was on the brink of World Wildlife Fund extinction in the 1940s, with no more than 40 1250 24th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037 tigers remaining in the wild.Thanks to vigorous 202-293-4800 antipoaching and other conservation efforts www.worldwildlife.org by the Russians, with support from partners Published bimonthly including WWF, the population recovered and has remained stable throughout the last decade. But poaching of the tiger and its President:...... Carter S. Roberts World Wildlife Fund is the leading U.S. organi- prey, increased logging, forest fires, construc- zation working worldwide to preserve the tion of roads, and inadequate law enforcement Editor:...... Jennifer Seeger abundance and diversity of life on Earth. WWF are threats that could affect the survival of the Contributors: ...... Gina DeFerrari is affiliated with the international WWF Network, which has representatives in more than 50 species...... Debra Prybyla countries and an international office in Gland, ...... Diane Querey Switzerland.All contributions are tax-deductible. Working with Russian authorities and other ...... Sarah Snyder organizations, WWF is tackling these threats by helping Unless otherwise noted, all material appearing in Copy Editor:...... Alice Taylor FOCUS is copyrighted and may be reproduced to establish a network of protected areas that secures inter- with permission. connected habitat for the tiger, by funding antipoaching patrols in the Russian Far East, and Proofreader:...... Ruth Franklin by supporting an ungulate recovery program to increase tiger prey populations. Volume 28, Number 5 (ISSN 0774-3315) Production:...... Lee Freedman FOCUS is published bimonthly by World Habitat: The Amur tiger lives primarily in the forests of eastern Russia, with a few of the Member Services: ...... 800-960-0993 Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street, NW, species found in northeastern China and northern North Korea. Washington, DC 20037. Annual membership Diet: The Amur prefers to eat ungulates, or hoofed animals (such as wild deer and wild pigs).

dues are $15.00. Nonprofit postage paid at Filonov Email: ...... [email protected] Washington, DC and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Threats: Threats include poaching, logging, forest fires, and inadequate law enforcement. FOCUS, World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street, NW, P.O, Box 97180, NW, Washington, DC Interesting Fact: The male Amur tiger is the largest of the tiger species. 20090-7180. FOCUS Visit worldwildlife.org/tigers to learn more. WWF-Canon/Vladimir © SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 FOCUS 3

CONSERVATION NEWS REPORT FROM THE FIELD Gina DeFerrari EVIDENCE OF RARE OKAPI FOUND IN AFRICAN PARK First Sighting of Relative to Giraffe Since 1959 Day Brian Mesoamerican Reef: An Underwater Adventure Coral Survey Opens Eyes to Beauty, Threats to Reef

In June I traveled to Belize to take part in training to do a coral reef survey. I was excited about this survey because it pooled the resources of WWF and our partner organization, The Mesoamerican Reef The Nature Conservancy (TNC). This sharing of labor is essential if we’re going to achieve results across the Stephenson Mesoamerican Reef, which is truly a special place. The reef is the second

WWF-Canon/PJ longest in the world, stretch-

© ing more than 600 miles A research team has found evidence of the rare okapi in the Congo’s Virunga National Park. Until recently, the region was used as a hideout for rebel groups, f r o m t h e t i p o f t h e preventing researchers from entering the area. Yucatan Peninsula in Join WWF on a Snorkeling Mexico, along the coasts Safari! See page 4 for a fter nearly 50 years, evidence of the lope, which also had not been recorded of Belize and Guatemala, listing of WWF’s exciting Aokapi—the closest known relative in the area for 50 years. to the Bay Islands of travel adventures. to the giraffe—has been discovered in The lowland sector of Virunga Honduras. It boasts a stun- WWF © Virunga National Park in eastern National Park has been used as a hide- ning array of coral and Gina DeFerrari Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). out for different rebel groups over the tropical fish and provides The sighting—the first since August past 20 years, preventing ICCN from habitat for endangered sea turtles, croc- looked surprisingly like a slightly 1959—was made during a recent survey patrolling the areas. The difficult ter- odiles, and manatees. But the reef is fac- splayed stack of yellow pencils. led by WWF and the Congo Institute for rain has also prevented logging and ing severe threats, including the runoff The fish were just as impressive. Nature Conservation (ICCN). farming, which, according to WWF, of pesticides and fertilizers, overfishing, Parrot fish in countless hues used their Still rare and threatened, the okapi explains why the rare species has sur- poorly regulated coastal development beak-like mouths and strong jaws to lives only in the tall primary forests of vived unnoticed. and tourism, and global warming. scrape the surface of corals, and then eastern DRC, mainly in the Okapi “The rediscovery of okapis in Virunga WWF and TNC have undertaken this excreted the ground coral in a chalky Wildlife Reserve. The species was origi- National Park after almost half a centu- survey for two reasons: first, to deter- residue. Many of the coral heads boast- nally discovered farther east in the ry is a positive sign. As the country is mine whether the network of parks and ed resident yellowtail damselfish, little forests of what is now Virunga National returning to peace, it shows that the reserves along the reef is adequately cobalt-blue fish that spend their days Park, which was created in 1925 and protected areas in this troubled region protecting the range of habitats that cultivating, patrolling, and getting their today is a World Heritage Site. are now havens for rare wildlife once make up the reef ecosystem, and sec- sustenance from little algal gardens on The survey team also included staff more,” said Dr. Richard Carroll, director ond, to assess the extent to which glob- the coral. from Gillman International Conservation of WWF’s Congo program. “Key species al warming is affecting the reef. I kept my eyes open for damaged and as well as trackers from the local have survived a critical period, but a lot After spending two days learning dead coral and unfortunately saw quite Bambabuti and Twa communities, who remains to be done to preserve them.” how to identify dozens of species of a bit. Some of the damage was due to know how to spot signs of okapi. The WWF and ICCN have been working coral and fish, my fellow trainees and I the natural process of life on the reef, team was studying the status of the with local communities in Virunga since finally made it out to the reef. From the but especially warm waters were the forests and species such as elephants 1987, despite recurrent unrest in the dock of the Fisheries Department in cause of the bleaching of some corals. and chimpanzees when they recorded area. Conservation activities include the Belize City, we motored seaward Even corals accustomed to tropical 17 okapi tracks, including prints in the participatory demarcation of the park’s through mangrove islands that provide waters can’t escape the impacts of mud and evidence of browsing and boundaries, peaceful relocation of ille- important habitat for manatees, and global warming. dung. The team also noted the presence gal settlers, community agroforestry then out into the expanse of clear After two days of studying picture of the rare bongo, a large forest ante- projects, and environmental education. turquoise Caribbean water. slides, recognizing the corals underwater Once we found our survey site, we and conjuring up their names was a descended about 20 feet to an underwa- thrill—the coral colony that was former- SCIENCE UPDATE ter paradise bursting with life. The vari- ly just a lumpy mound was now ety and beauty of the coral colonies was Monastraea annularis. But beyond magnificent: The elliptical star coral exposing me to the reef’s astonishing WWF CAPTURES FIRST PHOTO OF WILD RHINO IN BORNEO looked like so many little oddly shaped beauty, the trip opened my eyes to the Shy Animals Rarely Seen in Wild mouths, stretched open and crammed real threats of global warming and rein- motion-triggered camera trap set the “Heart of Borneo.” A handful of together on a helmet-sized dome. The forced my belief that we must take Aup in a remote jungle by WWF and rhinos are thought to survive in addi- lettuce coral looked like, well, lettuce. action if we’re going to stop it. It was the the Sabah Wildlife Department has tion to the 13, scattered across Sabah The golf ball coral also lived up to its trip of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to expe- captured the first-ever photo of a but isolated from each other. name. And the yellow pencil coral rience another underwater adventure. rhino in the wild on the island of Conservationists hope that the pop- Borneo. The rhinos in Sabah, Malaysia, ulation is viable and will reproduce if spend their lives in dense jungle where they are protected from poaching. A they are rarely seen, so it’s difficult to full-time rhino monitoring team, fund- photograph them in the wild. ed by Honda Malaysia, was estab- The rhino is believed to be one of 13 lished in December in Sabah to moni- whose existence was confirmed dur- tor the rhinos and their habitat, and ing a field survey last year in the inte- keep poachers away. In February, the rior forests of Sabah, an area known as team set up the camera traps, which are remotely activated by infrared triggers when animals walk by. “These are very shy animals that are almost never seen alive in the wild,” said Matthew Lewis, program officer for WWF’s Species Conservation program. “The photos we get from the camera traps will eventually give us a better idea of the population structure Holloway

WWF by allowing us to identify individual © rhinos: males, females and, we hope, WWF/Cat

A camera trap captures a photo of an © elusive wild rhino in Borneo. calves.” The Mesoamerican Reef, the second longest reef in the world, boasts an amazing collection of coral, including lettuce leaf coral. 4 FOCUS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006

China etter W De with WWF in 2007! for a richly rewarding experience of nature’s showcase WWF-Canon/Bernard Travel © Harvey

Kenya Baja California WWF-Canon/Martin ©

Join us on a wildlife expedition led by expert naturalist guides in the company of like-minded travelers. Venture to the world’s most extraordinary wildlife-watching destinations...for the journey of a lifetime!

Galápagos Island Voyage Rain Forest Rivers Mongolia Expedition Borneo Wildlife Adventure January 13 – 22, aboard the Islander, of South America June 9 – 24, $6,210 August 17 – September 2, $5,495 from $4,150 March 21 – April 5, aboard the Clipper Adventurer, from $8,980 NEW! Alaskan Parks & Wildlife Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan Costa Rica & Panama June 9 – 16, $5,035 November 5 – 21, $TBA January 20 – 27, aboard the Amazon Riverboat I SeaVoyager, from $3,970, including free March 23 – April 1, aboard La Amatista, Coastal Southeast Alaska, NEW! Patagonia Expedition roundtrip airfare from Miami from $3,348 July 29 – August 9, aboard the Sea November 8 – 17, $TBA Lion from $4,840 NEW! India & the NEW! Vietnam: Wildlife & Culture Casablanca to South Africa Brahmaputra River March 23 – April 8, $5,895 Kenya Migration Safari October 18 – November 8, $33,950 January 24 – February 11, $7,810 July 30 – August 9, $4,998 Micronesia Snorkeling Safari Amazon Riverboat II Baja: Among the Great Whales May 5 – 19, $7,995 NEW! Spitsbergen & November 9 – 18, aboard La Amatista, February 17 – 24, aboard the Sea Bird, the White Sea from $3,348 from $3,990 NEW! China & Tibet August 3 – 19, aboard the Clipper May 18 – June 3, $6,490 Adventurer, from $9,880 NEW! Southwest Pacific Odyssey NEW! Chilean Fjords & Cape Horn November 22 – December 11, February 22 – March 9, aboard the Bering Sea: Kamchatka to Alaska Namibia & Botswana Safari aboard the Clipper Odyssey, from $8,545 Clipper Adventurer, from $6,895 June 12 – July 26, aboard the Clipper August 4 – 20, $12,395 Odyssey, from $9,280 NEW! Antarctica, South NEW! Around the World Georgia, & the Falklands by Private Jet November 15 – December 5, aboard February 24 – March 18, $42,950 the Clipper Adventurer, from $10,480 “Our fellow travelers were Tanzania Migration Safari Galápagos Islands Voyage February 26 – March 10, $5,715 wonderful! WWF always attracts like- December 8 – 17, aboard the Islander, minded travelers to its group trips.” from $4,150 Kenya & Tanzania Safari February 24 – March 9, $7,230 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 FOCUS 5

Belize

NEW! Belize & Guatamala: NEW! Islands of Diversity, Voyages I and II The Mayan Heartland Thursday Island to Bali: March 11 – 26, February 10 – 18, $3,598 aboard the Clipper Odyssey, from $8,980 Join us to explore beautiful rain forests, towering mountain Bali to Brunei: March 23 – April 7, peaks, the crystal blue waters of Belize, and the mysterious and aboard the Clipper Odyssey, from $8,480 ancient ruins of Tikal. On forest excursions look for intriguing Join us on one or both of two new voyages to Indonesia, a collage Rath

wildlife, including howler and spider monkeys, toucans, and blue of fascinating cultures and lush landscapes, including unique flora B. morpho butterflies. Snorkel among the colorful and fascinating and fauna on land and underwater. Both voyages cross two marine wildlife of the Mesoamerican Caribbean Reef. Joining you will be ecoregions recognized by WWF as unique priority areas for protection. WWF representative Gina DeFerrari, who leads WWF’s conserva- Accompanied by WWF experts Eric Wikramanayake on Voyage I, and tion efforts in this region. Al Lombana on Voyage II, learn about species and ecoregion

conservation efforts in this area. WWF-Canon/Anthony © Ybarra errettaz Mitchell T S.

Borneo Central America WWF-Canon/Gustavo WWF-Canon/Michel WWF-Canon/John © © ©

WWF Trips: Fun for the Family Interested in traveling with WWF in 2007? Bring the kids or grandkids along on one of our exciting 2007 family pro- grams! Each program features activities specifically geared toward kids, as Join our travel mailing list by filling out and clipping this coupon. Mail or fax well as adults, and provides the perfect venue for young explorers to learn it back to us (or call us toll-free), and we’ll send you trip brochures as they become about the natural world through firsthand experiences. available. Galapagos Family Be sure to check out our comprehensive Web site for updates and more detailed information about all of our journeys in 2007. June 30 – July 9, aboard the Islander, adult from $4,150, under 18 from $3,650 Mail: 1250 24th St., NW, Washington, DC 20037

Fax: 202-659-1673 ¡ NEW! Family Baja Voyage Phone: 888-WWF-TOUR (993-8687) July 7 – 14, aboard the Sea Voyager, adult from $3,990, Email: [email protected] under 18 from $3,490 Visit: worldwildlife.org/travel NEW! Tanzania: Holiday Family Safari December 15 – 27, adult $5,290, ages 12-15 $5,090, ages 6 -11 $4,790 Name ______

Address______“The WWF Travel Program has been a City ______State ______Zip ______source of great pleasure and fulfillment Email Address______for me—you make travel pleasant, safe, Membership Number ______interesting. You take me to places I (from mailing label on this issue) would never go to otherwise.” Panda Tracks, our monthly email newsletter, will keep you informed about WWF trips throughout the year. It features reports and photos from past expe- ditions, information and itineraries on current trips, and special announce- All trip prices are based on double occupancy, are subject to change, and do not ments about new trip offerings. Harvey include airfare unless stated otherwise. Upon request, brochures will be mailed as soon as they become available. If you would like to receive Panda Tracks, please provide your email address: ______WWF-Canon/Martin © 6 FOCUS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006

Members Endorse MARKETING

WWF Travel Adventures PARTNERSHI\ PS Schafer/WWF Kevin ‘FREQUENT FLYERS’ RETURN TO MICRONESIA FOR THIRD TRIP Business has an important role to play in achieving spectacular conservation results. The following companies support World Wildlife Fund by rais- In order to enhance our members’ ing environmental awareness as well as important funds for conservation. understanding of the natural world and the challenges facing conservation, WWF CREDIT CARDS WWF began offering wildlife-watching trips in 1983. Our unique journeys take travelers to regions of the world rich in biodiversity, places that represent some of the most outstanding terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecoregions on Earth. Since our very first tour, we’ve gained a following of faithful adventur- WWF ers, “frequent flyers” who join us on a Margie and Gene Rosholt tour every year. Some even travel with WWF several times a year. ecoregion has some of the richest and WWF members Gene and Margie most diverse coral reefs in the Pacific, Chase offers WWF Visa or Mastercards in three endangered species designs — Rosholt have taken four trips, traveling with around 300 species of coral, and tiger, panda, and whale. When you use your WWF credit card to make a pur- to Belize, Tonga & Fiji, and twice to some of the most intact examples of chase, WWF receives 1 percent of the sale. Chase also contributes $50 for each Micronesia to snorkel some of the open Pacific coral atolls. new WWF credit card account opened and activated online. Since 1995, WWF world’s most treasured coral reefs. In “Each day reveals wondrous new has received more than $10 million from this program to help fund WWF’s fact, they love WWF’s snorkel adventure sites in this uncrowded paradise. The worldwide conservation efforts. to Micronesia so much, they’re going for astonishing snorkel in Jellyfish Lake— a third time, on our 2007 program. where we floated among millions of BARNES & NOBLE The Rosholts have snorkeled all over stingless jellyfish—by itself is worth the Barnes & Noble has produced 14 different 2007 WWF calendars featuring the world, but they say the magnificent trip,” Margie said. wildlife and wildlands from around the world. WWF receives approximately array of fish and corals of Micronesia is They also enthuse about the WWF 4 percent of the sales price for each calendar sold. Barnes & Noble has also truly amazing. In fact, the Palau Marine staff who accompany them on their trips. “All the WWF representatives have Join WWF on been top notch. Having them along cer- tainly makes for a seamless, fun trip,” a Micronesia she said. Adventure Our 2007 snorkeling adventure in Palau will again feature WWF marine Join Meredith, Ron, and the Rosholts scientist Meredith Lopuch. Meredith on WWF’s next Micronesia snorkel- accompanied the Rosholts on their developed four boxed sets of WWF holiday cards. The four sets—polar bears, ing adventure, May 5–20, 2007, 2004 adventure to Micronesia and the cardinals, giant pandas, and penguins—each feature two different photographs and find out for yourself what keeps Rosholts say that her work in marine per box of 20 cards and envelopes. WWF receives 5 percent of the sales price. bringing them back to this conservation helped them to under- Both calendars and cards are available exclusively through Barnes & Noble unmatched destination. All of our stand and better appreciate the biologi- stores and their Web site. trips are led by naturalist guides and cal diversity of marine ecosystems. POSTAL COMMEMORATIVE SOCIETY WWF staff, and you will travel in the Naturalist Ron Leidich will lead the trip, congenial company of others who as he has done several times in the past. WWF’s stamp program features wildlife share your commitment to the con- “Ron is one of our favorite guides. commemorative stamps issued by coun- He’s incredibly passionate about shar- tries around the world. Sets of four stamps servation of wildlife and wildlands. ing his knowledge of marine biology, as are canceled with the official First Day of Most important, however, your par- well as World War II history in the Issue postmark. Wildlife fact pages accom- ticipation helps advance conserva- Pacific. We’ve learned so much from pany each set of WWF First Day Covers, tion around the globe. him,” Margie said. and a collector’s album is also provided. This program provides critical funding to support WWF’s mission of saving endan- WWF EXPERT JOINS MEMBERS ON ASIAN VOYAGE gered species and habitats. Visit worldwildlife.org/shop for more information on the products From an early age, marine biologist Al Lombana of and WWF partnerships mentioned above. WWF STAFF PROFILE WWF’s Conservation Science program was absorbed by the abundant life in his backyard pond and surrounding woods, observing the intricate ecosystems that seemed so mysterious. Pursuing that passion, his research is devoted to how the design and function of marine reserves influence artisanal fisheries and the local community. PUTTING YOUR DONATIONS TO WORK An avid scuba diver and snorkeler, he tries to spend At WWF, we are proud of our record of keeping the cost of supporting services low. In 2005, whatever non-work time he can in the water. That’s why WWF devoted only 12 percent of revenues to fund-raising and 6 percent to finance and he’s especially excited to be accompanying WWF members administration. In other words, 82 cents of every dollar was put to work protecting endan- on our Islands of Diversity voyage. The island-hopping gered wildlife and the habitats they need to survive. We are dedicated to protecting the world’s wildlife and wildlands as efficiently as possible.Thank you for your continued support! WWF adventure cruise through Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei offers the chance to learn about varied cultures while discovering a unique and diverse mix of flora and fauna.

Travel with Al on Voyage II, March 23–April 7, 2007, from Bali to Brunei. Extend your explorations on Voyage I, March Moss 11–26, which sails om from Australia to Bali. Harvey WWF-Canon/T © WWF-Canon/Martin © SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 FOCUS 7

dence of tiger presence. These land- Tiger Habitat scapes cover more than 682,000 square Saving Tigers: A Global Rescue Effort Continued from page 1 miles. The study also identified 20 tiger Recognized throughout the world for its unmis- which quantifies human impact on the conservation landscapes that are of glob- takable beauty and power, the tiger faces an land. The study highlights several suc- al priority and have the highest probabil- uncertain future. No more than 5,000 likely cessful conservation and restoration ity of sustaining tigers over the long term. remain in the wild, most in isolated pockets projects and recommends that those These landscapes include the mangrove spread across increasingly fragmented forests efforts be expanded and replicated else- forests of the Sundarbans; the sal forests stretching from India to Vietnam and from the where in the tigers’ range. For example, and grasslands of the Terai Arc Russian Far East to Sumatra, Indonesia. in the Terai Arc Landscape in northern Landscape; the dry forests of Corbett- Tigers are threatened by many factors, includ- India and Nepal, and in the Russian Far Sonandi in northern India; Thailand and ing loss of habitat, growing human populations, East, tiger populations illegal hunting of tigers and their prey, grew after poaching Tiger Conservation Landscapes and expanded trade in tiger parts used in

was reduced and new traditional medicines. Due to the region- Filonov protected areas were al-to-global nature of the threats to tigers, created. governments and conservation organiza- Scientists identified tions will need to work together to con- 76 “tiger conservation serve and protect critical habitat, and landscapes” across limit poaching and trade. WWF-Canon/Vladimir

Asia—areas that have WWF and our conservation partners © both sufficient habitat are working to combat these threats to support at least five and save the tiger. Our action plan iden- Amur tiger tigers and recent evi- tifies seven focal tiger landscapes where the chances of long-term tiger conservation are best, and four additional areas where conservation opportunities are good. In each of these landscapes, WWF is helping to establish and manage protected areas, reduce poaching, and work with local communities to support tiger conservation.

Myanmar’s Tenasserim moun- proper conservation strategies to make tains; the temperate forests of the Russian sure our children and grandchildren live Eric Dinerstein (left), WWF’s chief scientist, announced details of the Far East; and the lowland rain forests of in a world with wild tigers. The next step tiger habitat study at a press con- Sumatra’s Tesso Nilo Landscape. is to get commitments by country leaders ference on July 20 at the lion and “The good news is that we know much to collectively put tiger conservation on tiger exhibit at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. The study finds more today about tigers and their habi- their countries’ agendas.” that tigers now occupy only seven tat than we did 10 years ago,” said Colby The study was funded by Save the Hatzai/WWF percent of their historic range. Loucks, senior conservation specialist at Tiger Fund, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Jill

Alarming Decline Continued from page 1 locally made muzzle guns. Four weapons and a large cache of ammunition were seized along with more than 660 pounds of smoked meat of Sambar, spotted deer, CHINA barking deer, and four-horned ante- lope—all important prey species for tigers and other carnivores. In addition, the surveyors found that almost all the NEP T AL guard posts inside the Babai Valley had E R been destroyed by the Maoists. A I Based on the findings, WWF immedi- A ately conducted emergency meetings R C with Nepal’s Department of National INDIA Parks and Wildlife Conservation and the Nepal Army, who committed to conduct- ing regular antipoaching patrols in WHERE IS THE TERAI ARC? Bardia National Park before the mon- soon rains begin. One new antipoaching overing nearly 12,000 square miles team will be established inside Bardia as Cof Nepal-India borderland, an area Foott soon as possible, while arrangements are f slightly larger than Maryland, the Terai being made to create new antipoaching Arc boasts some of Asia’s rarest and posts and set up camera traps to monitor most prized wildlife. In addition to rhi- wildlife around the entire Babai Valley. nos, a spectacular assemblage of large

“The situation obviously is very WWF-Canon/Jef mammals lives in the Terai Arc, includ- © alarming and requires urgent action,” Officials carefully gather data before moving an anesthetized rhino in Nepal’s Royal ing Asian elephants and perhaps the Sherpa said. “But we’ve achieved suc- Chitwan National Park. WWF has assisted in translocating greater one-horned rhi- highest density of tigers on the planet. cess in the past in restoring rhinos and nos from Chitwan to Royal Bardia National Park since 1986. tigers and we’re confident that we can turn this situation around.” A copy of World Wildlife Fund’s latest financial report may be obtained by writing to World Wildlife Fund, There is positive news elsewhere in 1250 Twenty-Fourth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037; (202) 293-4800. Residents of the following states may obtain information directly by contacting the state agencies listed below. REGISTRATION the Himalayas. On May 29, a rhino was WITH OR LICENSING BY A STATE AGENCY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, born in Sukla Phanta wildlife sanctuary APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THAT STATE.

Foott A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE in the Terai Arc, bringing the population f Florida: up to eight. And a rhino population in OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA. SC NO. 00294. Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, documents another part of Babai Valley has tripled and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations laws can be obtained from the since 1986, from 11 to 33. Secretary of State,Charitable Division,State House,Annapolis,MD 21401. Michigan: MCIS No. 9377. Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of World Wildlife Fund may be obtained WWF-Canon/Jef

A History of Saving Nepal’s Rhinos © from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. New Jersey: Information filed with the Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation may be obtained from the Attorney WWF began assisting in translocating Most of Nepal’s greater one-horned General of the State of New Jersey by calling 973-504-6215. New York: A copy of World Wildlife Fund’s greater one-horned, or Indian, rhinos from rhinos live in Royal Chitwan National latest annual report can be obtained from World Wildlife Fund or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing the Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. North Carolina: Financial infor- Nepal’s Royal Chitwan National Park to Park, where the population has risen mation about World Wildlife Fund and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation new homes in Royal Bardia National Park from as few as 60 rhinos in 1971 to more Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information in 1986, as part of an ongoing effort to bol- than 600 today. The increase in rhino of World Wildlife Fund may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll- free,within Pennsylvania,1-800-732-0999. Virginia: Financial statements are available from the State ster rhino populations across the range of populations has enabled the park’s popu- Division of Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. Washington: Information relating to Nepal’s protected areas. In 2003, WWF lation to be used as a source of rhinos for the financial affairs of World Wildlife Fund is available from the Secretary of State, and the toll-free num- helped translocate the 100th rhino, thus translocation to other areas, including ber for Washington Residents:1-800-332- 4483. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, creating a viable population in Bardia. Royal Bardia in the Terai Arc. Charleston,WV 25305. 8 FOCUS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006

wear new shoes as much as possible CONSUMER CORNER for a least two weeks before your departure. 3. Photocopy your credit cards or record Travel Tips their numbers, as well as your travel- While traveling with the WWF mem- er’s check numbers, taking one copy ber travel program, or on any interna- with you and leaving another with tional trip, doing a few simple things friends or family at home. If your cred- before you leave will ensure that things it card or traveler’s checks are lost or go smoothly and you have the experi- stolen, the folks back home can better ence of a lifetime! help you cancel them right away. 1. Make two photocopies of the photo 4. Place your name, home address, and ID page of your passport; leave one phone number inside each piece of copy at home and carry the other one luggage, taping it securely to an obvi- with you on the trip, separate from ous place. If your luggage tags are your passport. If your passport is lost torn off and/or your luggage is tem- Harvey or stolen, the copy will make it easier porarily lost, your contact info will Happy Half to replace. You can also carry an help match you with your bags. expired passport, separate from your 5. Pack souvenirs together in one bag, current passport, to make replacing a separate from your other personal Birthday! lost or stolen passport easier. Bring a belongings, to expedite Customs WWF-Canon/Martin © few extra passport-style photographs Morello inspection. Keep all sale receipts with with you just in case. you in your hand luggage. 2. New footwear should be comfortably Steven A tourist photographs a fur seal on the f you turn 70-1/2 this year, you may broken in before your trip. Try to Galápagos Islands. Ialready know that you will be joining the ranks of those who may be required to take—and pay taxes on—mandatory FOCUS ON … minimum withdrawals from your IRA, 401-k or other qualified retirement plan or face a stiff penalty from the IRS. SUPPORT WWF IN YOUR WORKPLACE If you find you do not need the extra You may be able to help WWF protect endan- through the Combined Federal Campaign income and would like to perhaps lessen gered wildlife and threatened habitats through (CFC). WWF’s CFC campaign number is 0927. your tax burden, consider using your a charitable giving campaign in your workplace. You can learn more about Earth Share cam- forced withdrawals to make charitable WWF participates in workplace campaigns paigns from your personnel office or by visiting gifts to help WWF protect the future of nature. through Earth Share, a national federation that their Web site at earthshare.org or by calling represents 60 leading conservation and envi- 800-875-3863. For our free booklet, Giving Through ronmental organizations. You can donate to Don’t forget to mention that you are a WWF Retirement Plans, please call WWF Gift WWF via payroll deductions through Earth member—and thanks for supporting our con- Planning at 1-888-993-9455 or email: Share campaigns at many private companies servation work through Earth [email protected]. and state and municipal government agencies. Share. If you are a federal employee you can give For general membership inquiries, please call 1-800-960-0993.

For A Living Planet... SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 • VOLUME 28, NUMBER 5 Support World Wildlife Fund Harvey WWF-Canon/Martin © Giraffe ¡ YES! I’ll help save endangered wildlife wherever it is threatened, whenever it is threatened. I have enclosed a check to World Wildlife Fund for $ ______. FOCUS Mr./Mrs. Miss/Ms. ______Address ______City ______State______Zip ______Member I.D.# ______Phone (______) ______(see mailing label) Email Address ______IN THIS ISSUE: I Check here if this is a change of address. Tiger Habitat Shrinking Important: To help us serve you better, please provide your old address. I Please send information on how I can include WWF in my will, trust, or More Victories estate plans, or make a gift to WWF that provides me with income for life. for WWF Activists Please enclose your tax-deductible check along with this form and return to: WWF Travel Tips Southern right World Wildlife Fund whale, Patagonia 1250 24th St., NW © WWF-Canon/James Frankham P.O. Box 97180 Washington, DC 20037 A M F 0 7 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 TRAVEL WITH WWF IN 2007!