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1. Protecting marine sanctuaries on the island of Siquijor in the Philippines

   Posted on 5:00pm Saturday 3rd Oct 2020

   There are some amazing people doing great things for nature and conservation.   On the island of Siquijor in the central Philippines, Women have got together to protect marine sanctuaries from poachers and illegal fishers, even though they only have paddles and kayaks.   They are prepared to risk their lives to protect there are. The waters are full of rich coral reefs and fish diversity – but they are being impacted by both illegal fishing which has impacted on the coral reefs and reduced fish diversity and its abundance, and climate change. This video tells the story of the women.  One woman has been shot at – but she is determined and her efforts resulted in the arrest of the person shooting at her. Watch and be inspired… The video was supported with a grant from the Earth Journalism Network. Source:  Mongabay.com

    

2. Rhinos de-horning operation to save this endangered species

   Posted on 2:00pm Sunday 17th May 2020

   On 16 May, the UK’s Daily Telegraph brought news of an amazing secret operation to dehorn hundreds of African rhinos. They are all threatened by increased poaching during the pandemic. Over the next two weeks, up to 400 black and white rhinos will have their horns removed to protect them from poachers.  About 70 have been dehorned so far  The rhinos are dehorned with electric saws.  They are sedated.  The horns grow back in about 3 years.    The exact location in Africa is secret at the moment.  There is an enormous risk to the team of vets and rangers and the last thing anyone wants is for poachers to find out their whereabouts, for the safety of all concerned, people and animals. The Aspinall Foundation and rescue organisation Rhino 911 are involved.    Rhino horn can trade for tens of thousands of pounds a kilo.  It is used in medicine and as a status symbol. This really is a last resort;  because tourists have stopped visiting as the coronavirus brought lockdown into being, poachers have stepped up to do more poaching.   De-horning is a last resort but the situation is critical for rhinos Once removed, the horns are photographed and taken by armed guard to a secure vault where they are categorised. Never should we look back and say "I should have helpd them when I had the chance."  Unknown (from Rhino 911's website) Visit Rhino 911’s website here.  You can donate to Rhino 911 to help.  Donations help in three ways: Treating rhinos and transporting them if they  have injuries or need surgery;  De-horning rhinos, which has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to deter poachers from harming and killing rhinos;  Rescuing rhinos;  many are treated for injuries and airlifted to one of many rhino orphanages that Rhino 911 works with.  Plus, of course donations are given to the orphanages so that they can buy the special formula milk every growing rhino needs! There’s a video you can watch at but carries a warning that some parts of it may be disturbing to some viewers. Visit Rhino 911’s facebook page Keep safe, everyone involved. Images copyright to Rhino 911

    

3. Help put more rangers into Sumatra to protect tigers

   Posted on 3:00pm Thursday 16th Apr 2020

   Are you a tiger lover?  Do you want to help tigers in Sumatra? Fauna and Flora International are looking for donations to put more rangers into the field in Sumatra to protect tigers. 100 years ago, Javan and Balinese tigers prowled the jungles of Indonesia.  Over generation after generation of tiger, mother after mother taught cub after cub how to fit the islands they were born on.  They became unique – each a subspecies in its own right.     But people slaughtered them.  They were tracked, found, killed and skinned to enhance the prestige of the big-game hunter or fill the coffers of a wildlife trader.  Both are now extinct.  They’ve gone.  And on the next island along – the same thing is happening again. There are fewer than 400 Sumtran tigers left.  That number is going down.  They are critically endangered. Help Fauna and Flora International protect tigers with a £3 donation. ©Fauna and Flora International Despite the persistent efforts of conservation teams, there aren’t enough areas that are protected to stop poachers getting through and setting deadly snares. The tigers have no idea about all of this.  They don’t have a clue.   They cannot avert the slaughter they see don’t coming.  We need to make a stand and learn from the mistakes we’ve made before.  We cannot lose these tigers from Sumatra.  Fauna and Flora International are putting rangers in place.  They are training and equipping them to remove the snares and keep poachers away.  Then the beautiful Sumatra tigers can be safe in the wild again. In short, donations will put more rangers into the field. Please help Sumatran tigers today with a £3 donation!  Let’s put more rangers into the field and protect tigers.

    

4. Please see this video from Gravitas - how nature is reclaiming its spaces due to the Coronavirus

   Posted on 2:00pm Friday 10th Apr 2020

   Sometimes you see something on the internet or on television that really hits you hard and makes a point extremely well. I saw this video, this afternoon, and I wanted to share it with you.  Please share it with everyone you can. The ultimate message is that we SHARE this planet.  It demonstrates how dominant the human race has become - and how selfish.   I am not going to tell you anymore about it - please just watch it for yourself.   Here it is: Thank you, Gravitas. Please vow to make a difference today.  Find out how to reduce your impact on the earth's resources here.