WIN! A DOLPHIN RESEARCH TRIP IN SCOTLAND See page 30 THE MAGAZINE FOR WWF MEMBERS SPRING 2017

A KING IN WAITING How you’re helping to secure a future for

RIVERS FULL OF LIFE CELEBRATE EARTH HOUR PANDA PROMISE Meet the people you’re helping 10 ways you can enjoy this global How you’re helping to give to protect the world’s greatest celebration and make a diference everyone’s favourite black- rivers and their rich wildlife for our beautiful planet and-white bear a boost CONTENTS OUR LIVING PLANET REPORT TOGETHER, WE DID IT! 4 10 THINGS TO DO 27 A round-up of all you’ve helped Enjoy Earth Hour even more 2016 WARNED THAT THE us achieve in recent months with our list of 10 great ways you can celebrate our glorious planet WORLD MAY BE FACING BIG PICTURE 6 An orang-utan scales dizzying OVER TO YOU 28 THE BIGGEST EXTINCTION heights in a breathtaking picture Your letters and stories, and all the amazing ways you support us OF WILDLIFE SINCE THE WWF IN ACTION 8 Conservation news, including GIVEAWAYS 30 DINOSAURS. BUT WE CAN our Living Planet Report 2016 Win a place on a whale and dolphin research trip in Scotland, TURN THINGS AROUND... RIVERS OF LIFE 12 or a beautiful elephant book FIND OUT MORE ON PAGE 9 From the UK to Africa, meet the people who are helping us protect CROSSWORD 31 freshwater habitats and their Solve our crossword and win wildlife. By Barney Jefries Freshwater Fishes of Britain PRIDE OF THE MARA 20 NOTES FROM THE FIELD 31 How Michael Kaelo helps local WWF’s Christy Williams catches communities in the Mara to live a naughty young Asian elephant alongside lions. By Mike Unwin disobeying its mother LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE 24 How your support helps us give wild giant pandas a brighter A WARM WELCOME future. By Barney Jefries Welcome to your spring 2017 issue of Action. I wanted to take MEET THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS this opportunity to personally POUL CHRISTY MICHAEL introduce myself to you – our HOVESEN WILLIAMS KAELO valued members. Poul Christy is Michael is manages country the chief It’s a great privilege to join WWF-UK as more than 5,000 ha director at WWF- community ofcer for chief executive – a fantastic organisation of high-yielding crops Myanmar. He says: the Mara Project, in Norfolk using a “To me, there’s no sight which we support. He with hugely expert and committed staf, and sustainable farming more beautiful than a says: “To me, lions are incredibly loyal supporters like you. strategy. He says: “We big tusker walking across like the . WWF has an urgent and truly global need to respect Mother a forest glade. This is They are warriors, with Nature and the soil.” why we do what we do.” courage and strength.” mission for a planet where people and nature can thrive in harmony. As our Living Planet Report 2016 highlighted, the need for action is greater than ever, with huge pressures GET IN TOUCH MEET THE ACTION TEAM on habitats and even more species facing Acting editor Liz Palmer [email protected] extinction. The statistics are shocking: unless [email protected] Loyalty marketing manager Ruth Simms Senior editor Guy Jowett we act now, wildlife populations will decline 01483 426333 by 67% by 2020. You can read more about WWF-UK Living Planet Centre, For Immediate Media Co. this in our Living Planet Report story on page 9. Ruford House, Brewery Road, Consultant editor Sophie Staford Art editor Nicole Mooney I believe it is possible to turn things around, Woking, Surrey GU21 4LL Production editor Steve O’Brien and your support is crucial to this. We can all FOLLOW US Account director Duncan Reid play an integral role in enabling long-term Design director Will Slater change towards sustainable living, and nature wwf.org.uk/facebook Editorial director Dan Linstead © GETTY IMAGES / TOMAS SEREDA / TOMAS IMAGES © GETTY wwf.org.uk/twitter – on which we all depend – must be front and THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS centre of our eforts. wwf.org.uk/googleplus Tara Devi, Charles Guimarães, Poul Thank you again for all that you do to wwf.org.uk/pinterest Hovesen, Barney Jefries, Michael Kaelo, support our work. Iceland’s untamed landscapes Aleric Linden, Nicola Loweth, Nancy epitomise a key challenge of wwf.org.uk/news Rono, Andrew Triggs Hodge, Mike the 21st century – to maintain nature in all of its many forms wwf.org.uk/youtube Unwin, Christy Williams and functions, and to create wwf.org.uk/instagram COVER: LION BY TOM WAY; INSET IMAGES © THOMAS an equitable home for people CRISTOFOLETTI/RUOM FOR WWF-UK | NATURE PL Tanya Steele, WWF-UK chief executive on a fnite planet Produced in association with Immediate Media Co. www.immediatecontent.co.uk THANK YOU “Afer nine years, I leave WWF-UK at a time when our influence has never been stronger. This is thanks in no small part LO RES TOGETHER, WE DID IT! to the lifeblood of the organisation: you, Thanks to your membership, our generous supporters. Thank you!” we continue to protect wildlife and DAVID NUSSBAUM, 3 FORMER CHIEF EXECUTIVE wild places. Here are some of the great things supporters like you These crime-fghting dogs are the

ffth batch of ‘super snifers’ trained INDIA TRAFFIC © have helped achieve to detect poachers in India 2 DID YOU KNOW? 1 ANTARCTICA 6 INDIA 41 wildlife snifer dog squads work YOU HELPED SECURE PROTECTION 6 YOU HELPED INCREASE across India FOR THE ROSS SEA WILDLIFE SNIFFER DOG SQUADS Thanks to you, more than 1.5m sq km of the Ross Sea 5 Thanks to you, another 16 dogs and 32 handlers have graduated around Antarctica will be protected, following a landmark from TRAFFIC India’s snifer dog training programme. They’ll deal agreed by the Commission for the Conservation 4 be a vital asset in our eforts to combat wildlife crime and of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. The Ross Sea is poaching in the country. At a ceremony in Gwalior, the dogs home to one third of the world’s Adélie penguins and gave a magnifcent display of the skills they learned during a quarter of all emperor penguins, as well as three their rigorous nine-month training regime. TRAFFIC is an distinct types of orca. For years, we’ve been working to alliance between WWF and the International Union for the

secure the protection of this globally important marine © ISTOCK Conservation of Nature. The new recruits will join 25 snifer habitat, with your support. It’s now been agreed 1.5M SQ KM dogs already deployed across India to detect illegal wildlife to protect the Ross Sea by establishing a marine DID YOU The new protected area in the products and track down poachers. These dog squads have been protected area which includes no-take marine KNOW? Ross Sea covers 1,550,000 responsible for at least 150 wildlife seizures, 100 arrests and for reserves and research zones that only allow recovering snares, weapons and illegal wildlife products such as The Ross Sea is now sq km – more than six times limited research fshing of krill and toothfsh. the world’s largest tiger skins and bones, ivory and pangolin scales. With your help, the size of the UK © ISTOCK The new measures extend for only 35 years, so the marine protected we’ll continue tackling India’s illegal wildlife trade by expanding next generation of scientists and conservationists area 1 the number of dog squads and other initiatives. will need to work to extend these in the future.

4 5 2 3 BRAZIL MALAYSIA RUSSIAN FAR EAST RUSSIA © ISTOCK BRAZIL STANDS AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE 24 LIVE PANGOLINS RESCUED FROM WILDLIFE TRADER YOU HELPED SHARE YOU HELPED We’re delighted the Brazilian government has ratifed the We’re congratulating Sabah Wildlife Department for contributing to the KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SECURE A MORATORIUM ON OIL global climate deal signed in Paris in 2015. We hope this successful prosecution of a smuggler found with 24 live pangolins. The will encourage other countries to follow suit. According to man was apprehended last February, during a routine vehicle check in AMUR DRILLING IN THE RUSSIAN ARCTIC the United Nations, Brazil currently emits about 2.5% of the Sabah, Borneo, organised by WWF-Malaysia’s anti-poaching team and With your support, we Last September, the Russian government announced a world’s carbon dioxide and other polluting gases. But over the the department. They found the critically endangered animals helped Russian and Chinese temporary suspension of ofshore oil development in the Arctic. past decade, Brazil has reduced its emissions thanks, in part, crammed in cages, along with a 900g sack of pangolin scales. scientists to share and With your support, we’ve been campaigning for governments to eforts to slow deforestation in the Amazon. Sky Rainforest They were destined to be killed for their meat or scales, compare Amur camera trap images for the frst to protect the Arctic against the worst efects of climate change Rescue – which many of you supported – has helped to which are used in traditional Asian medicine. Instead, © LAND OF THE LEOPARD NATIONAL PARK time. The whole population of Amur leopards lives in forests that and exploitation. More than 80,000 supporters signed a keep one billion trees they were rescued, rehabilitated and released

straddle the border between north-east China and the far east of WWF petition in 2015, which urged oil giants to suspend standing in the Amazon ISTOCK © back into a forest reserve in Sabah and the man Russia. The big cats travel between the two countries, so it’s vital we drilling in the Russian Arctic for 10 years to reduce the negative and to fund our policy was fned over £4,700. Thanks to you, we’re gain a clearer picture of their numbers and movements. Last August, efect on the environment. “The moratorium is a frst, but team’s work with the working with TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade we supported the frst joint monitoring project between scientists important step towards environmental security in the Arctic,” Brazilian government. monitoring network, to reduce demand from Russia’s Land of the Leopard National Park (where our adopted said WWF-Russia’s Alexey Knizhnikov. “We’re sure our petition for illegal wildlife products such as leopard, Narva, lives) and Beijing Normal University. The teams helped to secure this outcome.” We hope the Russian government FIND OUT MORE pangolin scales, to increase anti- registered 89 diferent adult Amur leopards in the camera trap photos will take this opportunity to redirect fnancial support away about climate change poaching patrols, and to push for that were recorded in Russia and China between 2013 and 2015. from risky ofshore development in the Arctic. progress on page 8 tougher penalties on wildlife crime.

4 | Action Spring 2017 Action Spring 2017 | 5 BIG PICTURE PROTECTING FORESTS

TROUBLING TIMES

Bornean orang-utans are in trouble. Since the 1950s, much of their habitat has been destroyed and their numbers have declined dramatically. But, together, we can help safeguard these gentle giants and their forest home. Between 1990 and 2004, orang-utans in Borneo lost more than 40,000 sq km of habitat to oil palm plantations – that’s an area twice the size of Wales. Last year, they were reclassifed as ‘critically endangered’ by the IUCN, an indication of how perilously close to extinction these great apes are. Orang-utans cannot live without the forest. And the forest – not to mention all the rare wildlife and people that depend on it – cannot thrive without them. This stunning photo by Tim Laman was the overall winner of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016 competition. It perfectly illustrates the orang-utan’s incredible arboreal abilities and connection with its forest home. Here, an orang-utan climbs a fg tree, high above the rainforest canopy of the Gunung Palung National Park, in West Kalimantan, one of the few protected orang-utan strongholds in Indonesian Borneo. The young male clings to a strangler fg that entwines the tree as he climbs 30 metres straight up to feast on fresh fgs. Tim knew the hungry ape would keep returning until the fruit was fnished, so he climbed up the fg tree a few days before this image was taken and positioned his remote-controlled cameras to capture the orang-utan’s face from above © TIM LAMAN / WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2016 and the magnifcent rainforest beyond. This breathtaking image reminds us of why forests are so crucial to some of the world’s most endangered species. So we’re working with Borneo’s government to increase the area of protected forest, establish wildlife corridors and promote sustainable palm oil production. You can help by adopting an orang-utan at: wwf.org.uk/orangadopt

See more incredible images from Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016 at: www.nhm.ac.uk

6 | Action Spring 2017 Action Spring 2017 | 7 WWF IN ACTION WWF IN ACTION © GETTY IMAGES / CHESNOT | © GETTY IMAGES | © GETTY / CHESNOT IMAGES © GETTY © RICHARD STONEHOUSE / WWF-UK / WWF-UK STONEHOUSE © RICHARD

Our recent challenges and triumphs for wildlife and the environment 1.5°C The Paris Climate Change Agreement is our best Countries signed chance to tackle the issue of climate change up to the Paris and save the planet Agreement have agreed WWF ambassador Sir that they will David Attenborough gave a rousing address at our try to limit Lecture global average LIVING PLANET REPORT temperature rise to 1.5°C, IT’S IN OUR HANDS: BUILDING A RESILIENT PLANET OUR Living Planet Report 2016 agriculture and the illegal wildlife trade. rather than 2°C, warned that the world may be facing the We’re depleting our natural resources – biggest extinction of wildlife since fresh water, clean air, fertile soils – at a faster above the pre- the dinosaurs. But we can turn rate than they can replenish themselves, putting industrial level things around. our own future at risk. Our ambassador Sir The report – which is produced in partnership David Attenborough spoke at our inaugural with the Zoological Society of London – is the Living Planet Lecture last year. He noted: “In my Half a degree may world’s leading, science-based assessment of lifetime I have seen something of the marvellous not sound much, the health of the planet. It tracks thousands of range of wild species with which we share the species’ populations and examines how the way planet. But due to the changes which today afict but it would: we live our lives is afecting nature. the world, no one born tomorrow will have the For years, scientists have been warning that opportunity to see such variety. We must surely • Keep sea level human actions are pushing life on Earth towards do all we can to protect what remains.” rise 10cm lower a sixth mass extinction. And they suggest we’re By understanding the impact we’re having by the end of the entering a new era in Earth’s history – the and what’s driving it, we can reverse the decline CLIMATE CHANGE century Anthropocene – in which humans rather than in wildlife populations, and avoid a mass natural forces are driving planetary change. extinction. With your support, and by working • Reduce the Evidence in our report shows this is a real threat. with government and business, we can create a A NEW ERA FOR CLIMATE ACTION STARTS NOW risks of severe Between 1970 and 2012, populations of vertebrate resilient planet for people and nature. degradation species (mammals, birds, fsh, amphibians and You can watch the full lecture at: WE’RE CELEBRATING It all happened sooner than climate change.” and replace them with clean to coral reefs reptiles) declined, on average, by 58%. The report wwf.org.uk/lprlecture the fact that the historic anyone could have imagined after An important part of the Paris and secure renewable energy. predicts that by 2020, these wildlife populations Paris Agreement on climate the deal was agreed at the Paris Agreement is the commitment We can use less energy by making • Ensure shorter are on course to decline by an average of 67% ACT NOW #FOROURPLANET change has entered into Climate Conference (COP21) from countries to ensure that the our home heating and transport tropical from 1970 levels, unless urgent action is taken. ■ Sign up to tell the government you want force, and over 120 nations in December 2015. Following average global temperature stays more energy-efcient. We can stop heatwaves Extinction rates are now thought to be running them to take ambitious action to protect our have ratifed the agreement. decades of international well below a 2°C increase on pre- deforestation. And we can at more than 100 times their natural level due to environment, at home and overseas: Last October, the international wrangling, it gives the world industrial levels, and to try and change the way we produce and • Limit a activities including deforestation, unsustainable wwf.org.uk/lpr treaty to address climate change, hope that global leaders are now limit the increase to 1.5°C. This consume food. reduction in known as the Paris Agreement, serious about dealing with the will signifcantly reduce the risks Limiting the temperature yields of crops The Living Planet Index measures the abundance of terrestrial, freshwater and marine met the minimum requirements climate challenge. and impacts of climate change. rise won’t be easy, so we need like wheat for it to enter into force after the With your support, we’ve But even a 1.5°C increase will governments, businesses, leading wildlife populations. It shows that between 1970 and 2012: and maize European Union joined China, worked tirelessly to achieve this result in large and disruptive experts and supporters like you to India, Brazil, the US and many outcome. Stephen Cornelius, climate impacts, particularly help us drive the changes. • Curb the loss of other countries in formally WWF-UK’s chief adviser on for poor and vulnerable available fresh ratifying the treaty. climate change, said: “The communities, as well as already HOW YOU CAN HELP water in the This means that as of the end of momentum is great – now well fragile ecosystems (see right). ■ Switch of your lights for 2016, 121 nations, which together over half the countries in the That’s why we need to take WWF’s Earth Hour at 8.30pm Mediterranean account for more than 80% of the world have ratifed. We urge urgent action now to reduce on 25 March and show your region Terrestrial-38% populations Populations-81% of freshwater Marine-36% populations world’s greenhouse gas emissions, the others to do so as quickly greenhouse gas emissions. support for action on climate have declined, on are now committed to limiting as possible and for all of them For example, we can rapidly change. Find out more at: Find out more on our blog: wildlife have declined by have declined, on the rise in global temperatures. to redouble action to fght phase out the use of fossil fuels wwf.org.uk/myearthhour wwf.org.uk/parisblog average, by 38% an average of 81% average, by 36% 8 | Action Spring 2017 Action Spring 2017 | 9 WWF IN ACTION © WWF-UK IMAGES © GETTY PROJECT © TL2/LUKURU CITES NEWS IN BRIEF OUTCOMES

Many threatened ACTION INTERVIEW species received greater protection, ANDREW TRIGGS HODGE including the African Olympic rowing champion and ROARING SUCCESS For the frst time on record, grey parrot, thresher In November we launched our wind turbines – such as WWF ambassador Andrew these near Glasgow – have African grey parrots are trapped and silky sharks, Tiger Protectors campaign. The generated more electricity Triggs Hodge has a lifelong for the illegal wildlife trade, but and devil rays TV advert tells the story of an than was used in the whole greater protection will hopefully ordinary family who wake up of Scotland on a single day connection to fresh water. We keep them fying free asked him to share some of his to fnd a tiger in their home, CLIMATE CHANGE CONSERVATION injured by a poacher’s snare. favourite river experiences… The beautiful big cat you see in the advert is entirely SCOTLAND MEETS CLIMATE TARGET SIX YEARS EARLY! WHERE DID YOUR LOVE OF CITES UNITES TO PROTECT WILDLIFE Domestic ivory computer-generated. IN JUNE last year, the Scottish Strong action to reduce emissions not only WATER SPRING FROM? GOVERNMENTS HAVE unsustainable wildlife trade. markets will be Ad agency JWT and special government published its climate fgures tackles climate change and helps protect the My love of and respect for water was agreed to provide greater Governments voted to closed where they efects company MPC were for 2014. They showed that Scotland had people, habitats and species feeling its impacts. protection to a host of maintain the international born on the river Wharf in Yorkshire. As a contribute really generous to help us met its 2020 target to reduce greenhouse It can also create jobs in the renewables sector, child, it was a constant source of fuel for threatened species and ban on trade in ivory and rhino produce a memorable advert gas emissions by 42%, six years early! warmer homes from more afordable and cleaner my imagination. I swam and played in it, boost eforts to tackle horn, while adopting global to poaching or which tells the compelling story Thank you to all our WWF supporters who heat sources, and less polluting travel options, canoed on it, caught fish and crayfish, and wildlife trafcking. bans on international trade illegal trade of why tigers need us. have been campaigning for action to reduce our such as cycling and electric vehicles. watched it flood. Every time I return home, Over 180 countries are bound in pangolins and African grey emissions. Every nation must play a part, and The Scottish government is bringing forward I love to get back on its banks. by the new agreements on parrots. The conference also NEW PALM OIL SCORECARD we’re delighted that Scotland is leading the way new climate legislation this year, and has wildlife trade, following the 17th imposed strict controls on the Palm oil is in nearly half of all by shifting its electricity generation away from published a draft climate action plan to show how WHAT’S DAWN ROWING LIKE? conference of the Convention international trade in silky and packaged products we buy in fossil fuels and towards renewables. But there’s it will meet future climate targets. We’re calling My fondest memories of rowing aren’t on International Trade in thresher sharks, devil rays, and the supermarket, but growing still a long way to go to avoid the worst impacts for ambitious, strong and transparent plans to from races or the Olympics: they’re of the Endangered Species of Fauna on all species of rosewood tree. it irresponsibly can devastate of climate change. Unfortunately, transport make sure we continue to be climate leaders. tranquillity of rowing along the tree-lined and Flora (CITES) in South Africa With your support, The international forests and wildlife. We scored emissions have hardly changed since the 1990s, last autumn. WWF contributed to strong Thames at Molesey in Surrey, among trade in all eight 137 global companies on their and only a tiny fraction of the heat for our homes Find out how you can help at: the cork fields at Lake Avis in Portugal With much of the world’s agreements by countries to put use of sustainable palm oil and businesses comes from renewable sources. wwfscotland.org.uk and above Victoria Falls on the Zambezi. wildlife threatened by in place much-needed initiatives pangolin species in 2015, and found that while Dearest of all is dawn breaking on Rudyard poaching and unsustainable to control illegal trade in in Africa and Asia many British companies are trade, governments united to wildlife. Critically, governments leading the way, others are not © ISTOCK lake, in Stafordshire, where I started was banned rowing. It was a crisp, frosty morning, urgently protect threatened agreed to monitor progress and doing enough. For more, visit there wasn’t a breath of wind and, as we species, and bolster the respond with sanctions where palmoilscorecard.panda.org DEFEND ’S LEGACY? rowed through the mist, the water was global response to illegal and there is inaction. THE UK government is set to release a 25-year like glass. Environment Plan that will shape the future

of our country over the coming decades, and FEDERATION RUSSIAN THE OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES NATURAL OF © MINISTRY could transform the UK’s environment. WHY DO YOU SUPPORT WWF? PICTURE STORY Think about your beloved wild places – We’re all connected through a ‘water web’. the beaches you visit in summer, the colours Respect for water is essential to looking THREE CHEERS FOR THREE CUBS of autumn woodlands, the rivers that snake afer all aspects of this precious web. A BEAUTIFUL Persian leopard has given birth to triplets across the landscape. Think about the quality And raising awareness is the basis for in a Russian breeding centre. The cubs are in good health of the air you breathe and the need to tackle increasing respect. and may one day be released into the wild as part of a climate change. Do you know most of the reintroduction programme. Persian leopards are endangered rules and regulations that protect our natural HOW CAN WE ALL HELP? globally and the population in this area dramatically declined environment come from the European Union? We need every person to take action! during the 20th century. With support from WWF-Russia, Now is the time to let the UK government Try to reduce your water usage at home and the reintroduction centre was established in Sochi National know what’s important to you, and call on consider the water that went into producing Park to breed and train cubs to live independently so that, one them to go further and lead the world in the products you buy. For example, beef is day, they will repopulate the area. Last July, the frst three a staple of our diet, but it takes up to 8,000 graduates of the programme were released into Russia’s setting standards that protect precious The rehabilitation centre wildlife and wild places, both at home gallons of water to produce just 1lb. So try Caucasus State Nature Biosphere Reserve. The leopards had has bred 14 Persian leopard and abroad. Find out more and get to consider eating beef as a treat, not a reached sexual maturity, proven their hunting prowess and cubs to date. The three newest additions are being involved at: wwf.org.uk/ourfuture staple. Our buying choices have the power demonstrated a healthy fear of humans. They each wore a nursed by their mother to make companies work to save water. GPS collar so that we can track their progress. 10 | Action Spring 2017 Action Spring 2017 | 11 FRESH WATER PROTECTING RIVERS

We’re working with local communities to reduce the impact of farming on the Mara river. The water is now cleaner, supporting people and wildlife alike © JONATHAN CARAMANUS / GREEN RENAISSANCE WWF-UK We all need fresh water to survive – wildlife and people alike. So at WWF, we’re working hard to help protect freshwater habitats around the world. From to the Amazon, India to East Anglia, let’s meet the people working with us to keep rivers healthy

12 | Action SpringRIVERS 2017 OF LIFE Action Spring 2017 | 13 FRESH WATER PROTECTING RIVERS CHARLES GUIMARÃES ACRE, BRAZIL “My grandfather was a fsher of pirarucu in the Charles. “Nowadays we can sync our 1960s,” says Charles Guimarães, from Acre in smartphones with a computer and see all the the Brazilian Amazon. “He used to say there information about who’s fshing, which lake were lots of fsh back then, but by the ’90s, has most fsh over the year, and identify the most of them had disappeared.” largest species in a particular lake.” The pirarucu, or arapaima, is a prize for As well as helping them to fsh more fshermen like Charles. efciently and sustainably, this

© JONATHAN CARAMANUS / GREEN RENAISSANCE WWF-UK Native to the Amazon, it’s By 2050, demand information enables Charles and one of the largest freshwater for water is his fellow fshermen to persuade Arapaima are an important food fsh species for many communities. fsh in the world, growing up others to conserve the area. Our management initiative will projected to grow © FREDERICO BRANDÃO | SIMON RAWLES/WWF to three metres long. It’s a Arapaima thrive in healthy rivers ensure there’s food for everyone valuable source of food and by more than and lakes surrounded by forest. income for local families. “We shared the information with Unfortunately, years of local communities to persuade WATER overfshing have led to a them not to deforest the edges of drastic fall in numbers. the lakes,” says Charles. “Some We’ve helped Nancy Today, arapaima can only people didn’t believe there are still to farm in a way that -SAVING TIP be fshed if there’s a strong pirarucu here, but we proved them increases the productivity 55% of her land and protects To save water and energy, management plan in place. But in remote parts wrong. The number of pirarucu, and other the Mara river fll your kettle with only the of the Amazon, that’s not easy to enforce. smaller fsh, has increased in these lakes. amount of water you need. Thanks to funds raised through Sky They can now be used to repopulate other Using a lid on saucepans Rainforest Rescue, which many of you lakes that aren’t used for fshing.” WATER supported, we’ve given local people like We’re supporting Acre’s arapaima fshers will reduce the amount Charles smartphones to monitor illegal fshing to achieve Marine Stewardship Council of water lost -SAVING TIP NANCY RONO and help them rebuild fsh populations. certifcation. This will enable them to sell their “Responsible fshermen can take pictures produce into new markets and give them more By running your bath MARA, KENYA of any unauthorised people fshing,” explains incentive to conserve these Amazon giants. just an inch shorter, From its source in the Kenyan highlands to used to be in bad shape, because of the water you could save, on its mouth in Lake Victoria, the Mara river shortage,” she says. “Before, the river was so sustains some of the most incredible wildlife dirty – all things were dumped there. This We’ve been helping local average, fve litres on the planet. This area hosts one of nature’s caused diseases and people got very sick.” fshermen in Acre, such as of water Charles, to reduce poaching greatest spectacles, as tens of thousands of With your support and through the HSBC and manage harvesting of , zebra and gazelle travel from the Water Programme, we’ve been working with arapaima, so that fsh stocks can increase Serengeti in to the people like Nancy to make sure the Mara river in Kenya, braving crocodiles lurking in the can continue to provide enough clean water river and lions and leopards for people and nature alike. To lying in wait. On average, each make her farming practices more It isn’t only this stunning person in the UK water-friendly and prevent erosion, wildlife that depends on the uses around Nancy has planted avocado and Mara’s life-giving waters. A banana trees on high ground, growing human population where they can absorb water, and relies on the river for drinking napier grass as fodder for her Nancy talks to WWF- and growing crops too. But cow at the borders of her land. Its Kenya’s Kennedy Onyango as more land is cleared for root systems stop soil and vital about increasing the agriculture and root systems nutrients from being washed into productivity of her farm are removed, the fertile 150 the river when the rains come. topsoil is washed away when it We’ve helped more than 500 Nancy and her sons rains, clogging the river with litres farmers in Nancy’s area to improve (l-r) Dominick, Alfred and Collins sediment. Increasing demand of water each day the way they manage their land will have a for water to supply crops, – and it’s made a big diference. brighter future livestock and industry has The river here is cleaner and free- also seen too much water abstracted from the fowing, and Nancy’s farm is fourishing. She’s Mara. This has reduced water fows, degraded even built a shop to sell her fresh produce. the ecosystem and afected local people. “Now my farm is in good shape, I can see the Nancy Rono, a single mother with three prospects are good,” she smiles. “The income young boys, farms an acre of steep land above helps me to pay for the children’s school fees. one of the Mara river’s tributaries. “My farm They’re going to have a good life.” 14 | Action Spring 2017 Action Spring 2017 | 15 FRESH WATER PROTECTING RIVERS

Tara and a growing number of With our support, Poul conservation champions, the “BEFORE WE GET TO HAVE A has worked to improve Ramganga Mitras, are helping POUL HOVESEN the water quality to preserve the Ganges, around his farm by one of the most sacred HEALTHY RIVER, WE HAVE TO NORFOLK, ENGLAND adopting sustainable yet dirtiest rivers in farming practices the world East Anglia’s Broads, England’s largest CHANGE OURSELVES. IF WE’RE wetland, cover just 0.6% of the UK, but are home to a quarter of our rarest and most PART OF THE PROBLEM, WE’RE endangered species – from bitterns and otters to swallowtail butterfies. A total PART OF THE SOLUTION TOO. of 66 species, such as the Norfolk hawker dragonfy, are unique to the area. THE CHANGE BEGINS WITH US” Feeding this watery landscape is a network of rivers, including iconic chalk streams such as the River Wensum. England is home to more than three-quarters of the world’s chalk streams, but only around 25% of them are in good health. The situation in this part of the country is especially dire, with 90% of rivers failing to meet European environmental quality standards. Pollution from agriculture is a major factor. That’s why we’ve been working with WATER farmers such as Poul Hovesen to develop and demonstrate good examples of sustainable -SAVING TIP and water-sensitive farming. It’s part of our EU-funded WaterLIFE project, and Fix any dripping taps our partnership work with Coca-Cola. around your house or This is driving collaboration with farmers, garden. A dripping tap can businesses, communities and government waste 15 litres of water a to improve the health of rivers in England day, or 5,500 litres of and Wales. TARA DEVI water a year For the past 10 years, Poul has been trialling various methods to reduce the WATER RAMGANGA, INDIA impact of agricultural pollution on local waterways, while maintaining the farm’s To Hindus, the River Ganges or ‘Ganga’ is local ingredients, Tara decided to give it a try. output and proftability. These range from -SAVING TIP sacred, its waters cleansing and purifying. Tara Many were sceptical, including her husband. relocating tracks and gateways to reduce Remember to turn of the HOW YOU CAN HELP Devi remembers the morning walks of her But that changed when they saw the results. run-of into rivers, to rainwater harvesting tap while brushing your childhood along the banks of the Ramganga, “The frst harvest, the roots were stronger and planting wild fowers to attract wild teeth – a running tap We believe it’s possible to meet the one of the Ganges’ main tributaries – the clear, and there was no disease. The yield was much birds and insect pollinators. wastes more than water needs of both people and clean water, and the sense of better — instead of 300 kilos, By rotating the crops he grows, and nature – if water is managed wisely. health and peace it brought. Of all Earth’s water, we had 400.” Now Tara has growing cover crops over winter to keep six litres per minute With your support, we’re helping But things have changed. persuaded more than 65 other the nutrients in the soil, he’s managed to to protect, restore and conserve Industrial pollution, small farmers near her village improve yields, while signifcantly reducing freshwater resources in the UK and agricultural chemicals, to follow in her footsteps. the need for man-made chemical fertilisers HOW WE’VE HELPED around the world. sewage and waste have left the Tara is part of a growing and pesticides – and their subsequent These successes would not have been Drainage ditches slow Ramganga’s waters anything movement we created with impact on the River Wensum. down run-of from But you’re not only helping people possible without the support of the but pure. As a community the help of the HSBC Water Poul stresses that he’s no small-scale farm tracks, which like Nancy, Charles, Tara and Poul. 2.5%is fresh water, and HSBC Water Programme, since 2012: reduces the sediment You’re also supporting our work health worker, Tara sees the Programme – the Ramganga organic farmer. “We’re a 2,000-hectare, and contaminants problems that poor water of that, only 1% is Mitras (‘friends of the 1,824 km of river and 537,239 high-input, high-output business,” he fowing into rivers with many governments, businesses quality and sanitation bring available to use; Ramganga’). Around 4,000 hectares of wetland have been says. “To begin with, a lot of people were such as the Wensum and communities to secure new every day, and as a farmer, she people – from farmers and protected in fve river basins concerned that we’d end up reducing legislation that will better protect wants to do something about it. the rest is locked businesses to students – are © THOMAS CRISTOFOLETTI / WWF-INDIA agricultural yields, but it’s been quite the the world’s fresh water. And you’re In Kenya, 45,000 people have “I’ve seen cucumbers grow in glaciers, ice caps working in their communities opposite. Now we have a lot of interest and enabling us to improve river basin been empowered to improve the and dam planning in key areas. to abnormal sizes with just a and groundwater to bring the river back to life. visits from other farmers. © NEIL ALDRIDGE / WWF-UK management of water resources shot of fertiliser, and I’ve seen “People have to understand “I believe we can farm in a way that in the Mara river basin We all need fresh water for our people sufer from lethal diseases because of that our actions are polluting the river,” says protects our watercourses, while ensuring survival. It’s vital for life to exist on polluted water,” she says. When WWF visited Tara. “Before we get to have a healthy river, food security for people,” he says. “We don’t More than 149,000 people have Earth. If you’d like to do more to help, her community to demonstrate how industrial we have to change ourselves. If we’re part of need to close down agriculture to protect reduced their fshing or farming you can donate by visiting chemical fertilisers and pesticides could be the problem, we’re part of the solution too. our environment. We can all work together, impacts with our help wwf.org.uk/water replaced with natural alternatives made from The change begins with us.” learn and get it right.” 16 | Action Spring 2017 Action Spring 2017 | 17 CONSERVATION IN ACTION LIONS PRIDE OF THE Lions and peopleMARA in Kenya’s Maasai Mara have always been intrinsically linked. With your help, we’re working to ensure they maintain a peaceful coexistence © GETTY IMAGES / ANUP SHAH / ANUP IMAGES © GETTY

As top predators, lions play a crucial role in keeping the Mara ecosystem healthy. By protecting the lions’ landscape, we’re also helping the Maasai, who rely on local natural resources

18 | Action Spring 2017 Action Spring 2017 | 19 CONSERVATION IN ACTION

All male lions must disperse from Things get a theirI’ll birthwrite pridea caption at around when the As chief community lot tougher age of two, in order to establish a AGEING image has been chosen I’ll ofcer for the Mara for male lion territorywrite of their a caption own. Mara when lions the Lion Project, Michael cubs when “TO THE MAASAI,” disperseimage early, has around been 18 chosen months, I’ll travels around, they reach and many simply disappear LIONS write a caption when the visiting local adolescence SAYS MICHAEL KAELO, Maasai villagers

“A NIGHT WITHOUT / WWF-UK RENAISSANCE / GREEN CARAMANUS | JONATHAN / WWF-UK EDWARDS | © RICHARD SHAH / ANUP IMAGES © GETTY A LION’S ROAR IS AN INCOMPLETE NIGHT; On average, a female gives birth to three cubs. At birth, IT MEANS SOMETHING the cubs are blind IS MISSING”

The cubs can crawl after two days and walk after three weeks

hen a lion roars,” explains “ Michael Kaelo, W “it is saying: ‘this is my land, this is my land, this is my land!’” The females integrate their He pauses to watch the cubs into the pride at six to sun slip closer to the horizon. “To the eight weeks’ old Maasai,” he goes on, “a night without a lion’s roar is an incomplete night; it means something is missing.” Michael should know. He was raised in Michael and the Maasai Mara, and used to encounter lions a colleague plan the day’s while walking to school. What’s more, he’s The cubs are weaned operation at HQ at six to seven months now chief community ofcer for the Mara Lion Project, which is supported by WWF. The son of a livestock herder, he’s uniquely pen and killed more than 200 of the 240 courage is indelible. “This Working with the Mara Lion Project, also wants local communities to appreciate placed to help the community meet the animals inside. Such incidents can destroy in itself inspired respect for and with your support, Michael has the positives of having lions around: not challenge of living with lions. livelihoods. “Lions are a threat,” confrms lions,” Michael explains. identifed simple, practical measures only that the big cats are rooted deep in A recent spate of retaliatory attacks on the WWF-Kenya’s technical adviser, Drew McVey. But today, with the relentless that make a big diference. Many Maasai Maasai cultural heritage – and that once big cats means that Michael’s personal insight But the Maasai have long lived with this march of agriculture and families have circular bomas (livestock gone, that heritage dies with them – but Males mature by three years has become invaluable. “People and danger and, in the past, accepted that it development forcing people and enclosures), traditionally built from thorn also that they bring tangible benefts. He when they’re ousted from their lions have always lived together,” he came with the territory. “We were lions into ever-closer proximity, branches, into which animals are herded explains the ecology: how lions, as apex birth pride by the resident male insists. “Now all we have to do is always taught that lions are an the competition has grown more at night. When these bomas are not predators, are vital to the ecosystem and manage how this living together DID YOU important part of our culture and intense and the conficts more properly maintained, lions break in and that by removing them, and thus allowing is done.” With the human that, without them, the Maasai bitter. Michael fears that, in the steal livestock – or, conversely, panicked herbivores to proliferate, grazing is depleted population in the area doubling KNOW? people wouldn’t be happy,” process, this ‘sense of respect’ livestock break out and run into for wild animals and cattle herders alike. Up to 80% of cubs explains Michael. He refects on every nine years, this has never die before the age risks being lost. “We Maasai trouble. Moreover, inexperienced boys He describes, too, how people from been more urgent. of two growing up with the big cats as used to hunt lions with spears,” are today often left tending the herd. around the world visit the Mara to admire The confict between lions neighbours. “Every evening as the he laments, bemoaning today’s its lions and how this tourism means Sub-adult males wander and the Maasai made headlines in sun went down we expected lions to more indiscriminate poisonings. IMPROVING HUSBANDRY revenue, whether from renting land or nomadically for up to two years, December 2015 when the famous Marsh roar,” he recalls. “It made us feel part of “But killing a lion in a subtle way “Attacks are happening because of fnding employment at the lodges. Jobs often forming coalitions with pride – stars of Big Cat Diary – was poisoned a bigger system than just humans. We’d hear is easier than risking your life.” improper management of livestock,” confer status on young Maasai who, in a their brothers (or more rarely with unrelated males) in retaliation for livestock killings. Three lions lions and we’d feel that everything was OK.” Michael stands in the middle. Michael explains. On his community former age, might have achieved the same died. While this incident provoked outrage, He knows lions and he knows visits, he demonstrates how to build prestige through killing a lion. “Today, there Michael knows that the issue is a complex one. A CULTURAL ICON the people. His challenge, in this sturdier bomas by reinforcing them, and are other ways in which a boy can become “I have livestock,” he explains. “I know how it Lions were once enshrined in Maasai culture changing world, is to fnd ways in encourages back-up deterrents such as a man,” Michael explains. He plays his feels to lose them.” through an initiation rite, in which a young which the two can coexist without lighting fres and using scarecrows. own part, teaching a curriculum of wildlife It’s hardly surprising that livestock herders man who killed a lion graduated as a moran, coming to blows. “Modernisation is Meanwhile he’s working to increase activities in schools, aimed at inspiring the sometimes feel aggrieved. Predators can or warrior, thus acquiring standing in the coming,” he acknowledges, “and we awareness. Most people already know next generation of local conservationists. At four to fve years, males do serious damage. Michael recounts one community. Though this hunting is no longer must learn how to combine the old that killing a lion brings hefty fnes and Today, fve Mara schools boast wildlife displace a male from another incident in which hyenas broke into a sheep legal, the association between lions and and the new.” imprisonment – or both. But Michael clubs, set up with the help of the Mara Lion pride and breed with the females 20 | Action Spring 2017 Action Spring 2017 | 21 CONSERVATION IN ACTION LIONS

In order to claim a territory, a nomadic young male lion must fght the HOW TO COLLAR A LION incumbent dominant male for it. Battles can be bloody – and only the BROEKHUIS J.F. | © 2016 RENAISSANCE / GREEN CARAMANUS © JONATHAN / WWF-UK| EDWARDS | © RICHARD SINGH / ADITYA IMAGES © GETTY strongest will win

Michael advises the local Maasai herders about how to keep their livestock safe from lions STEP 1 A team comprising a scientist, ranger and vet identifes a suitable sub-adult male lion. They wait for a moment when the lion is accessible and relaxed, then fre a tranquiliser dart. The lion usually retreats to cover before the sedative takes efect.

In local schools, Michael teaches children about lions and their importance in the Mara ecosystem

STEP 2 If the darting is successful, the lion will Project, through which children can enjoy two and four years of age. They have not yet team can warn local communities when remain tranquilised for around 20 minutes. with understanding. “I love my job because I our livestock. Another is the nature that everything from tree planting to trips into established themselves in a pride so they one is approaching their area. Results have The team monitors its condition and collects know I’m making a diference,” says Michael. surrounds us: wildlife, trees and mountains. the Maasai Mara National Reserve. These wander widely, often into community areas. also identifed key road-crossing points – biometric data and blood samples. A GPS And he’s confdent that his work is paying I hope that in future we will see Maasai people are helping dispel many of the old myths Gathering data in this way is vital to our another threat to the cats – and, according to collar is fxed around its neck, ensuring it fts of. “We’re increasing people’s awareness and living in harmony with lions once again. and fears about lions, and helping teach the conservation eforts. Research has already Drew, have shown “just how good lions are properly and causes no discomfort. changing their lives.” I hope we can create an environment where positive and fun side of living with wildlife. revealed that the Mara’s resident male lions at hiding.” This work would not be possible Drew agrees, confrming that poisonings lions can be free and people can beneft.” It’s on these visits that Michael’s work is tend to enjoy an unusually long tenure – often without your continued membership. Now are now fewer and, today, when a lion becomes These challenges may seem overwhelming. perhaps most rewarding. “Kids are so excited presiding over their pride for around four to tourist lodges are on board, sharing data with trapped inside a fence, the community is more But with Michael and you, our incredible about the environment,” he enthuses. “You see fve years, compared with just two or three in one another and their guests, the network of likely to report it than to kill it. “People are members, on his side, Drew is undaunted. the expression on their faces when they spot the neighbouring Serengeti. This may explain knowledge is extending even further. beginning to feel the benefts,” he confrms. “When you work with great people,” he their frst lion! You feel their joy. You know why so many sub-adults are forced out to Meanwhile, as the database continues to “Michael and his team have done a great job in grins, “you can change lives.” the satisfaction that you’ve been able to touch the reserve margins where they come into expand, Michael is out visiting the Maasai’s engaging the community.” a life.” He understands that convincing the confict with people. By targeting these males homesteads and talking to his people. There’s still a long way to go. As a scientist, next generation is the key to success. “They for collaring, the team is learning where and It’s not always easy. “People can become Drew studies population dynamics and are the leaders of tomorrow,” he explains. “We when they travel, and getting insight into why. bitter as a result of their losses,” he admits. succession rates. He knows that lions, as an ADOPT A LION challenge them to come up with ways to help “When there have been cases of confict, they indicator species, help measure the human As well as your membership, animal us live with lions.” INCREASING UNDERSTANDING expect something from you – some form of footprint on the environment. And he adoptions give a huge boost to our Michael’s students have recently been Such information will not in itself resolve compensation. They feel that you’re going to appreciates that this project won’t save lions work. They help to fund the Mara able to witness the latest phase of this work. the confict, admits Drew, but it is swelling a give them something back as a way of saying on its own; it’s only by working with partners Lion Project and its vital work with Last March, the team ftted GPS collars on database of empirical science that will inform ‘sorry’ for their loss. We don’t do that.” STEP 3 – government, tourism, communities – that local communities to monitor lion seven lions to track their movements. This all future conservation initiatives. “Rigorous But if anyone can placate an angry livestock The vet administers an antidote to awaken it will achieve its long-term goal of securing a movements and reduce confict project has already provided key insights. science is a resource on its own,” he stresses. herder and help them see the bigger picture, the lion. The team watches until the future for the lions of the Mara. between people and lions. So why Researchers know that ‘problem’ lions – “It enables others to make sound decisions.” it’s one of their own; someone who knows lion is fully recovered and back on its For Michael, however, it goes beyond not become part of our pride today? those that resort to killing livestock – tend The collaring has practical benefts too. their hardships, greets them respectfully – feet. The collars are pre-programmed to science. “To the Maasai, life is a composite Just visit: wwf.org.uk/lionadopt to be sub-adult males, typically between By monitoring the lions’ movements, the following Maasai protocol – and talks to them automatically drop of after one year. of many elements,” he refects. “One is 22 | Action Spring 2017 Action Spring 2017 | 23 PROTECTING RARE SPECIES GIANT PANDA

Thanks to decades of successful conservation work, wild panda numbers are starting to recover. But the population remains scattered and vulnerable, so there’s still lots to be done PANDA A SYMBOL OF SUCCESS Things are looking up for giant pandas, thanks to your support. But there’s still much to do, as the black-and-white bear is not out of the woods yet

We’ve always had a special bond with giant China. Back then, pandas were in a bad way. pandas. So you can imagine our delight at the Once found throughout China and northern announcement last year that they’re no longer parts of Vietnam and Myanmar, their range ofcially endangered. had dwindled to just six isolated mountain Last September, the giant panda was areas in the Chinese provinces of Gansu, classed as ‘vulnerable’, rather than its Shaanxi and Sichuan due to expanding previous status of ‘endangered’, on the human populations and development. The International Union For Conservation’s Red frst nationwide census in the mid-1970s had List of Threatened Species. The new listing counted 2,459 giant pandas in the wild, but came after the results of a census released last habitat loss coupled with poaching for their year, which found 1,864 giant pandas in the pelts saw numbers fall by 50% to 1,216 over wild in China – a 17% increase in a decade. the following decade. While an increase in the overall population is fantastic news, our work with pandas is far BACK FROM THE BRINK from complete. Despite its new categorisation, We worked closely with the Chinese the species remains at risk. Some panda sub- government to stop the panda’s decline. populations are decreasing, particularly those Logging, poaching and trade in panda found in the smallest and most degraded pelts were banned, and a network of panda areas of habitat, while others are very small reserves was set up to protect key areas of and cut of from the rest of the population. habitat. The next panda census, in 2000–04, It’s likely that climate change will reduce estimated a population of 1,596, suggesting the size of the panda’s bamboo forest habitat that our work was beginning to bear fruit. over the coming decades. Predictions suggest Over the following decade, the Chinese

that the area of suitable habitat will fall by at government really ramped up conservation YANGE / YONG CHINA © WWF least a third by the end of the century. eforts to establish nature reserves where The panda’s comeback is the result of giant pandas can live, breed and move around decades of dedicated conservation – and safely. We helped set up 27 new reserves thanks to your support, we’ve been at the covering almost 12,000 sq km of panda heart of it. In 1980, WWF became the frst habitat – an area the size of Yorkshire. We international organisation invited to work in replanted bamboo in degraded areas, and

24 | Action Spring 2017 Action Spring 2017 | 25 PROTECTING RARE SPECIES

The panda’s habitat is home to millions of people

HOW YOU’VE HELPED PANDAS AND PEOPLE

By introducing With our support, 13 a new design of nature reserves have beehives, we've been upgraded to doubled the national status, which income of local 13 villagers in the means they’re entitled to more Qinling mountains resources for conservation

We’ve donated more than 550 helped create wildlife corridors linking infrared camera protected areas. In total, the area used traps to support by pandas has increased by more than 550 monitoring eforts 10% since the third national survey and around two-thirds of the wild giant population now lives in secure We’ve planted protected areas. more than 500 At the same time, hectares of we worked hard to reduce 500 bamboo to restore the pressure on panda habitat. degraded panda habitats and We’ve provided more than 6,000 create new wildlife corridors households in giant panda areas with fencing and installed wildlife crossings under fuel-efcient wood stoves and biogas systems, roads. We’ll be using our experience to make We’ve helped which means they don’t need to take so much sure that the needs of pandas and other more than 6,000 wood from the forest. And we’ve helped wildlife are taken into account when planning households local communities increase their incomes by and building new developments in the region. in giant panda

implementing alternative livelihood projects, A good example of how that can work in 6,000 / WWF SCHALLER B. | © GEORGE / WWF GIESBERS / EDWIN | © NATUREPL.COM © WWF-CHINA areas to adopt fuel-efcient wood such as beekeeping. practice is the National Highway 108 stoves and biogas systems through the Qinling mountains. Built in the FACING FUTURE THREATS 1970s, the busy road created an impassable While the overall panda population is barrier between two large panda populations. growing, their future remains precarious. But in 2007, the road was rerouted through The population is divided into at least 33 a tunnel, and by replanting and restoring HELP PROTECT PANDAS groups or ‘sub-populations’, many of which bamboo habitat we helped to create a wildlife You’re already helping us to give wild are very small. No fewer than 24 groups are corridor linking the two populations. The giant pandas the boost they need, thought to be at high risk of becoming extinct work fnally paid of when, in 2015, pictures thanks to your membership. locally. And the pandas’ habitat could become from camera traps showed that pandas more fragmented as new roads and other from both populations were interacting with But if you’d like to do more, please infrastructure are built in the region. That each other. consider adopting a panda. Your will restrict the bears’ ability to move around With your support, we’ll continue to protect contribution will help us to establish to interbreed and feed, at a time when climate pandas and their bamboo forest habitat – wildlife corridors and protect their change is likely to reduce the area of suitable which also shelters countless other species, bamboo forest home. Just visit bamboo habitat. as well as preventing erosion and fooding and wwf.org.uk/pandaadopt That makes our eforts to preserve, restore regulating water supplies for tens of millions Watch remarkable camera trap and connect areas of panda habitat more of people downstream. Together, we’ll make footage of pandas at crucial than ever. In recent years, we’ve sure our famous panda logo remains a wwf.org.uk/pandafootage helped remove more than 15 km of artifcial symbol of conservation success.

26 | Action Spring 2017 TEACH YOUR ENJOY THINGS FAMILY DINNER BY STARGAZING CANDLELIGHT Thanks to the dark What could be more TO DO FOR 1skies overhead, woods and 2romantic than a candlelit forests are often wonderful supper? The Sustainable places to see the stars. Restaurant Association is The Forestry Commission organising special Earth EARTH HOUR ofers a beginner’s guide to Hour evenings in locations stargazing in the forest, around the country. Find Sign up to show your support for action on including fun activities, your nearest participating 1climate change0 this Earth Hour, at 8.30pm on top tips and more at: restaurant and book at: Saturday 25 March, and try these activities forestry.gov.uk/stargazing wwf.org.uk/myearthhour

TAKE A DRAMATIC SIGN UP 10 OF GO FOR A MOONLIGHT TRIP TO THE THEATRE YOUR FRIENDS CITY PROWL Ambassador Theatres around To celebrate Earth Hour’s Last year, UK the country are celebrating 10th anniversary, why attractions Earth Hour and inspiring their not ask 10 of your friends from Big Ben to 3customers to make a change 4and family to sign up to Earth Hour 5Brighton Pier spectacularly for our planet. 2017? You could even encourage switched of their lights for Earth Find a participating your club or community to join in Hour. To fnd out which landmarks theatre near you and organise something special to are switching of in your area, visit and add a little drama show the planet some love this Earth our Earth Hour map, choose a good to your Earth Hour: Hour. To fnd out more, just visit viewpoint and watch the great switch- wwf.org.uk/myearthhour wwf.org.uk/myearthhour of: wwf.org.uk/myearthhour

EXPLORE A FOREST MAKE SOME NOISE! Calling all talented AFTER DARK musicians! Could you The Forestry Commission hold a fundraising England is running concert or gig to support after-school events for and celebrate our 6families throughout March. 7brilliant planet – and share your Find an event near you on our great music at the same time? For Earth Hour map: wwf.org.uk/ tips and fundraising resources, myearthhour visit: wwf.org.uk/resourceseh

SEE HISTORIC MAKE YOUR SHARE YOUR SITES SWITCH OFF OWN LANTERNS EARTH HOUR WIN! The National Trust will Have fun with the family STORIES be showing its support for by making your Earth Hour by switching own Earth We’d love to hear how you celebrated 8the lights of at key properties – 9Hour lanterns out of 10Earth Hour, and we’ll feature the best stories and photos so why not pop along? recycled materials, such in a future issue. As a thank you, you’ll be entered in You can fnd out which as jars, and decorating a prize draw to win one of fve sets of four tickets for ones are taking part them with tissue paper. the Coca-Cola London Eye. Send your stories marked on our Earth Hour OFF Then share the pictures ‘Earth Hour Comp’, with your name, address and phone map: wwf.org.uk/ of your creations using number, to the address on page 3 or email them to myearthhour #EarthHourUK [email protected] by 7 April 2017. For T&Cs, visit wwf.org.uk/compterms

Action Spring 2017 | 27 GREEN SPACES Around 80% WOODLANDS of us live in urban NATURAL LANDSCAPES The British timber industry areas, but we all need nature are vital for is recreation and tou worth £1.9 billion a yea for our health and wellbeing. Visitors to natio rism. r We nal parks in England but that’s only part o could save £2.1 billion in health f the value and Wales contribute WETLANDS forests provide. They also attract costs more than Inland wetlands, such as lakes, ponds, every year if we all £5 billion to the local economy. visitors, reduce pollution, lock had access to qu Nature- marshes and reedbeds, supply us with ality based tourism up carbon, help prevent green spaces. in Scotland supports clean water worth an A v estimated iew Every year £1.5 billion foods and provide green s of a almost 40,000 jobs. a year just in terms of nature tourism in water clean water. is wo pac quality. They can l value e Scotlan also help The tota rth up to d is worth reduce fooding downstream. Floo of UK woodsed at is t ding c £300 £1.4BN he UK a estimat a yea ost t least £270BN r £5BN las DO IT FOR YOUR PLANET t winter

e couldn’t survive without the gifts nature provides, such as clean air and water, fertile soils and a stable climate. Natural habit ats are also vital to our economic p POLLINATION Wvaluable raw materials and otherrosperity, benefts, providing from Imagine if farmers controlling oods to fltering out pollution. had to pollinate crops by But our na tural world is often taken for granted, hand! Luck as fores ily bees do it for ts are cleared, o free. ceans overfshed, The value of pollin polluted and soils rivers Bee pollination ation eroded. This is having a major to UK agriculture has been impact, both on se our wellbeing and rvices are estimated at in the UK and globally. Part of the problem our econom is thaty, RIVERS worth about £440 million a Rivers provide water year. The the va for industry, invertebrates ht at lue of nature isn’t widely recognised or taken agricultu keep soil into account in the decisions governments and re and our homes, but £440M s fertile for growing they’re also important for tourism, eac crops are businesses m h year also crucial. ake. That needs to recreation and our quality of life. Healthy The good news is that this is startingchange, fast.t ater Restoring the good health of 75% freshw In 2011, a government report estimated othe hap pen. ts could of rivers, lakes and wetlands would habita economic value yield of the UK’s natural assets as at boost the econom least £1.5 tril y by £8.5 billion lion – about the size of our a year – and reduc

national income that year. And there’s evidencetotal e food risks. © ISTOCK £8.5BNa year that restoring natural habitats could have huge social a nd economic benefts. ith signifcant new housing and infrastructure developmen t planned in th the value of nature helps informe UK, it’s where vital thatand how these developments take place. We also want COASTAL HABITATS Coastal mudfats and saltmarshes governments and businesses to invest in FISHING Recovered protect people and property inland fsh stocks preserving and enhancing our natural as N Fishing is vital to many coastal yield atural food from storms, erosion and rising could that nature con sets, so protection is communities. UK boats landed tinues to beneft us all, forever. seas, valued at a service valued at £1.5 756,000 tonnes of wild-caught billion a £1.4BN year. Restoring natural sea fsh and shellfsh in 20 annually habitats can be more cost effective worth 14, £1.5BN £861 million. But if fsh a year than building sea defences. stocks recovered to t he levels of 50 years PUT NATURE FIRST POLL ago, this could generate benefts Y © FOLIO Find out more of £1.4 billion a year. about valuing ION B nature and watch our animation

READER RAT wwf.org.uk/value nature UST L IL MAKING A DIFFERENCE Nature is fundamental to our existence on OVER TO YOU! HAVE YOUR SAY! this planet and it’s vital that we preserve Congratulations on a great it. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than issue of Action (autumn 2016). being somewhere wild, watching animals We know you’ve done some really great You asked ‘Should we place an in their natural environment. economic value on nature in There are many organisations dedicated stuf for us since the last issue of Action, order to protect it?’ My answer to conservation, but I support WWF so why not tell us about it? These are is ‘Yes’. I think it’s sensible because it not only cares, it’s efective and your excellent article, too. WWF recognises that protecting your pages – let’s celebrate you! What nature does for us, made our planet isn’t about a single issue a strong case for economic or approach. It’s about animals, the assessment of the value of environment, local people and even nature. This information will be politics – so a holistic strategy is required. useful for discussion, debate There’s a lot to worry about in this MY WILD and decisions in the civic arena world, so it’s always good to hear about the – and for persuading businesses progress WWF is making. I was thrilled that it’s in their best interests to to learn that tigers are starting to recover. HE‘ART’ protect nature. Does this take As individuals it’s easy to believe there’s us down the wrong path? I think nothing we can do, but if we join together I am a 20-year-old watercolour that if an economic assessment with WWF there is hope. By leaving a GIVE A GIFT THAT LASTS artist with a passion for seems to us to undervalue legacy, I hope to help WWF carry out its There are many ways you can leave wildlife. I love to paint some aspect of nature, then it is vital work in the future. I’d like to feel that a legacy to WWF. To fnd out more, the creatures of our for conservationists to improve in some small way I’ve made a diference. please contact Maria on 01483 412459 A GREEN CHRISTMAS beautiful planet – they that assessment. Allison Hill, Teddington, Middlesex or [email protected] In the last issue of Action, you asked inspire me so much. I David Morris, Clwyd for our green Christmas tips. I use believe there’s a lot we newspaper to wrap up my presents can learn from them. THE POLL RESULTS more ethically. I carefully choose I started painting three a picture page that refects the years ago, when ‘Should we place an RUNNING WILD recipient’s taste or hobbies – fshing I found a paintbrush I’m a trail runner. I like to hear the birds and for a fsherman, football for a fan, and it changed my life! economic value on smell the rain. So there was only one way to etc. Then I arrange the paper so I’ve always been a supporter of WWF. nature in order to mark my 40th birthday – I decided to run 40 that the image is on the top of the Without the charity’s eforts, many wild km every day for 40 days. After this momentous gift. The magazine supplements are species would be lost by now. We need protect it?’ decision, it seemed only natural to raise money excellent for smaller gifts. I tie up the more people to stand up and fght for for a charity. When I asked my son which parcel with coloured string, or other threatened animals – they don’t have a charity to support, he replied: “We need to help recycled trimmings I collect every voice, but we do! I paint wildlife to try make the world a better place for nature.” year when the wrapping is torn of. A and shine a light on what’s going on, to 60% On 4 June 2016 I started running across the handmade label completes the job. show people that if things don’t change Surrey Hills. It was everything I imagined – This has proved to be a big family soon these creatures will be no more 50% euphoric (and painful), flled with wonderful favourite. I do hope others will like it. than just a memory. friends and amazing views. On day 26 I ran

Margaret Bossom, Cambridgeshire Shannon Burns, Batley, West Yorks 40% to WWF-UK’s Living Planet Centre, where I was greeted by a crowd of cheering staf!

30% Nature was all around me, on every run, making me feel alive. And I’m so pleased I was

20% able to make a small diference to the amazing FOR THE LOVE OF POLAR BEARS work WWF does. There’s little in this world

I study music at the Royal Conservatoire was miserable. But every day I appreciated 10% that’s more important than nature, and I will of Scotland. And since I’m no runner and the amazing support of my family – continue to support WWF for all my life, to help 0%

my baking is disastrous, I decided to busk especially my grandmother who helped make the world a better place for my son. The t ’ no traditional music at the 2016 Edinburgh me pay for an amplifer – and friends, who yes Panda made me do it! don know Fringe Festival to raise money for WWF. carried the WWF banners and gathered maybe Sarah Rollins, Farnham, Surrey I’ve loved polar bears ever since my uncle crowds to watch. gave me a toy as a child. So I was delighted I often visited WWF Scotland and am © GETTY IMAGES when I discovered I could help protect them proud to support the work of such a great JOIN THE FLOCK AND SING YOUR NEWS by adopting a polar bear on Svalbard with charity. Thank you for making sure the We all love summer and the amazing wildlife it brings – so why not share your stories and photos of your favourite WWF. I named my polar bear toy ‘Helga’. money goes directly to protect polar signs of summer? Email your letters and photos to [email protected] Because space is tight, please keep letters Busking the Fringe for three weeks was bears on Svalbard. to 150 words. Though we read every one, we cannot acknowledge them and must reserve the right to edit them. tough, especially on days when the weather Callum Morton, Glasgow 28 | Action Spring 2017 Action Spring 2017 | 29 COMPETITIONS NOTES FROM THE FIELD WIN A TWO-DAY WIN! CROSSWORD PROTECTING FUTURE GENERATIONS A DOLPHIN Solve our crossword and you could win a copy VOYAGE STUDYING UK RESEARCH of Freshwater Fishes of Britain, worth £16.99 MARINE MAMMALS TRIP 12345 67 A fantastic opportunity for six people to join a marine monitoring expedition of the west coast of Scotland 89 10

Three lucky winners will net a place for themselves and a ©

companion* on Silurian, the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin CHRISTY Trust (HWDT)’s research yacht, which was featured in

your summer 2016 magazine. The team conducts surveys 11 12 13 WILLIAMS of whales, dolphins and porpoises in Hebridean waters, including WWF’s adopted dolphins. 14 15 The winners will set sail from the Isle of Mull for two 16 17 days, from 3–4 August 2017, to learn how HWDT scientists Even the biggest parents can have trouble keeping small ofspring under control. Asian elephant monitor the Inner Hebridean bottlenose dolphin pod 18 19 and other marine species. You’ll help with the survey and families live in matriarchal herds with a complex social structure and sophisticated communication. become ‘marine mammal scientists’ for two days. The prize 20 21 includes food and accommodation on the yacht, but does not The oldest female is the leader, so that the others include transport to the Isle of Mull. can learn from her experience and accumulated For your chance to win, please tell us, in 500 words, why you knowledge of their home range. Male calves live with their mothers 22 23 until they’re old enough to fend for themselves. But, like children,

deserve a place on this trip of a lifetime. Mark your entry ©

‘Silurian Comp’ and send it to the address (below). ANTHONY they don’t always do as they’re told. Please be aware, this is not a whale-watching experience I used to work in India’s Terai Arc Landscape, an area of hills, forest and foodplains. One winter night in Rajaji National Park,

– it’s a scientifc survey. No experience is needed as full DICKENSON WWF Action crossword 35: spring 2017 issue. Compiled by Aleric Linden training will be provided. Further details at: wwf.org. I heard elephants passing in front of the Dholkhand feld station on uk/compterms. As with all wild animals, sightings are After solving the crossword, take each letter from the shaded their way to the main forest camp. I turned on the GPS receiver to

/ see if it was one of our collared groups, and picked up the signals of

unpredictable and there is no guarantee of seeing marine WWF-UK squares (going from left to right and top to bottom) to spell out mammals during the trip. Find out more about HWDT’s the prize word. To be in with a chance to win, just send a postcard Mallika, the matriarch, and Tipu, a magnifcent bull known for his large tusks. As I gazed out, sure enough, there was Mallika, strolling

work: whaledolphintrust.co.uk | with the prize word to the address on page 30 or email it to

©

by unhurriedly, her daughter Malavika and a young calf at her heels. M. [email protected] The closing date is 17 March 2017.

*This competition is for over-16s only. Under-18s must bring BROOK She paused and gave a long rumble ending with a grunt. She was a parent or legal guardian as their companion. Clues across Clues down calling to DivT, her son, a handsome, six-foot-tall youngster of about 6 _ fooding, the possible result of 1 Carbon _ , they allow businesses and six or seven years old. But there was no response. sudden heavy rainfall (5) individuals to compensate for their 7 Lake Müritz is located in which own environmental impact (7) European country? (7) 2 _ World, the developing nations (5) FAMILY AFFAIRS REMEMBERING ELEPHANTS HOW TO ENTER 8 Animal-watching holidays (7) 3 Plants commonly found on pampas, Moments later, Tipu the magnifcent tusker strode into sight, his 10 _ whale, largest of the toothed whales (5) savannah and prairie (7) gait regal, his tusks gleaming white in the moonlight. Right behind We have three copies of this spectacular photobook to give away ACTION GIVEAWAYS 11 The coast redwood is a notably tall 4 These divide separate adjacent species of what? (4) drainage basins (10) him was DivT. The pair snifed the ground where Mallika had Send your entry, along with Imagine waking up one morning to 12 Freshwater systems like the Ganges 5 _ , endangered primates stood. It was a memorable sight – the tallest and oldest tusker in your name, address and and Zambezi (6) also known as bonobos (5) fnd that, overnight, poachers had Rajaji and his junior, separated by at least four feet in height and phone number, and the 16 Greater one _ rhinoceros, vulnerable 7 Initials of the technology often used in killed the last wild elephant in Africa. species native to India and Nepal (6) collaring and tracking animals such as 40 years in age. competition you wish to It’s unthinkable, isn’t it? But with 17 Cut down trees (4) lions (3) The peaceful scene was broken by another long rumble from enter – e.g. Elephant Comp, around 20,000 elephants poached 20 This ‘giant’ is Africa’s biggest antelope (5) 9 Rain and snow are the main providers Mallika, now some distance away. DivT, perhaps feeling all grown Silurian Comp, etc – to Action 21 They may be temperate or boreal (7) of this vital resource (5,5) here every year, and numbers lower up in such imposing male company, ignored her. Enough was Mag, WWF-UK, Living 22 Cleaner, in an environmental sense: 13 Sea _ , a crucial part of the polar bear’s than ever, it’s a genuine possibility. more colourful too? (7) habitat (3) enough. Mallika’s angry growl throbbed through the night air, Planet Centre, Ruford That’s why more than 65 wildlife 23 One of the four species of girafe 14 How wind or water is removing soil, her command unmistakable. And DivT – bravado gone – gave a House, Brewery Road, along with northern, southern and rock, etc (7) photographers have come together to short, frightened trumpet and scampered of at top speed to Woking, Surrey GU21 4LL. reticulated (5) 15 Petroleum-derived material produce the most beautiful book on commonly used to make bags, report to his mother. Only one competition per bottles, etc (7) This was typical of Mallika. She was a great matriarch and elephants ever made – a memorial AUTUMN 2016 ANSWERS: entry please. Or send an 18 Lough _ , freshwater lake in Northern should the worst happen – and to do Prize word: TOXIC. mother; gentle, yet frm when required. For me, the moment email with your chosen Across 1. Litter 5. Crack 9. Refneries Ireland. By area, Britain’s largest (5) highlighted the strong bonds between an elephant family their bit to help protect these incredible competition in the subject line 10. Cycad 11. Ocelots 13. Snow leopard 19 Wildlife _ , the illegal trade in items animals for future generations. We to [email protected]. 15. Extinct 17. Quake 20. Middle East such as ivory, rhino horns, tiger and how these are integral to the survival of its members. The closing date for the 21. Asian 22. Factor 21. Mantled 23. Iran parts, etc (5) have three copies, worth £45 each, to 24. Clean 25. Hybrids competitions is Friday 17 March Down 2. Ivory 3. Tornado 4. Rift 6. Rural 21 Russian _ East, home to most of the give away. Just send a postcard marked 2017. For terms and conditions, 7. Crested 8. Knock-on 12. Glacier few remaining Amur leopards (3) Christy ‘Elephant Comp’ to the address (right). visit wwf.org.uk/compterms 13. Sixties 14. Aquatic 16. India 18. Kyoto Christy Williams, Asian elephant expert and country 19. Calf director, WWF-Myanmar 30 | Action Spring 2017 Action Spring 2017 | 31 MAKE YOUR 2017 #35 • SPRING • ISSUE • ACTION

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