Read the latest edition of our quarterly newsletter, Conservation Calls below.
Cognisant that people are behind conservation efforts, our commitment extends beyond funding alone. We focus on assisting early career or budding conservationists at the onset of their conservation journey with 63% of our grantees first time recipients, representing the next generation of conservationists. Zafeer Shaikh from the Indus Fishing Cat Project Pakistan is one such example.
“I am sincerely grateful for the invaluable support provided by the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. Receiving this grant has been transformative, enabling us to pursue critical research and initiatives to bridge knowledge gaps regarding the Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in Pakistan, the westernmost limit of its global range. Less than three years ago, we knew virtually nothing about this species in terms of its distribution, status, and threats, but that has all changed. The funding has not only served as a financial boost but also signifies a belief in our vision and mission. My grant has laid a foundation for long-term impact in our field, benefiting a multitude of local wildlife species. Thank you, MBZ Fund, for empowering us to make a meaningful difference and for being a catalyst in our journey toward positive change in wildlife conservation and research in Pakistan.”
#MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #abudhabi #Pakistan #wildcats #fishingcat #animals #catfish #wildlife #nature
Cognisant that people are behind conservation efforts, our commitment extends beyond funding alone. We focus on assisting early career or budding conservationists at the onset of their conservation journey with 63% of our grantees first time recipients, representing the next generation of conservationists. Zafeer Shaikh from the Indus Fishing Cat Project Pakistan is one such example.
“I am sincerely grateful for the invaluable support provided by the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. Receiving this grant has been transformative, enabling us to pursue critical research and initiatives to bridge knowledge gaps regarding the Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in Pakistan, the westernmost limit of its global range. Less than three years ago, we knew virtually nothing about this species in terms of its distribution, status, and threats, but that has all changed. The funding has not only served as a financial boost but also signifies a belief in our vision and mission. My grant has laid a foundation for long-term impact in our field, benefiting a multitude of local wildlife species. Thank you, MBZ Fund, for empowering us to make a meaningful difference and for being a catalyst in our journey toward positive change in wildlife conservation and research in Pakistan.”
#MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #abudhabi #Pakistan #wildcats #fishingcat #animals #catfish #wildlife #nature
This episode of Conservation Calls is especially meaningful! It celebrates 15 years of species conservation, featuring some words of wisdom from our amazing grant recipients. The highlight of the podcast is a powerful poem titled “If the Fund Had a Voice,” which beautifully captures why we should all care about conservation.
This celebratory edition is brought to you by our fantastic Repton Dubai podcast crew, in collaboration with four grant recipients who represent the over 2,800 counterparts making a significant difference in the field. It also features the multi talented nature narrator and sound editor, Chanda Miyanda.
Ready to dive in? Just follow the link in the @speciesconservationfund bio to listen!
P.S. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share our Conservation Calls podcast. Your support inspires us to keep pushing for positive change!
#mbzfund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #poem #celebration #15years #species #wildlife #nature #animals #podcast #environment #wild
This episode of Conservation Calls is especially meaningful! It celebrates 15 years of species conservation, featuring some words of wisdom from our amazing grant recipients. The highlight of the podcast is a powerful poem titled “If the Fund Had a Voice,” which beautifully captures why we should all care about conservation.
This celebratory edition is brought to you by our fantastic Repton Dubai podcast crew, in collaboration with four grant recipients who represent the over 2,800 counterparts making a significant difference in the field. It also features the multi talented nature narrator and sound editor, Chanda Miyanda.
Ready to dive in? Just follow the link in the @speciesconservationfund bio to listen!
P.S. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share our Conservation Calls podcast. Your support inspires us to keep pushing for positive change!
#mbzfund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #poem #celebration #15years #species #wildlife #nature #animals #podcast #environment #wild
The Tiny Squeaker Frog (Arthroleptis kidigo) is an incredibly small species, with adults measuring less than 1.5 cm. This critically endangered frog has existed for about 70 million years, and this project aims to assess its current population and distribution in the Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania.
What makes this project special is that the MBZ Fund grant supports local women in conservation, with Eva Ayoro and her young assistant Sarah Mshanga leading the research. They will create an action plan to protect this unique species and its habitat, reduce threats, and enhance amphibian conservation capacity in the country.
The project will gather essential data on population size, distribution, and threats, addressing gaps identified by the IUCN Red List. Kudos to Eva for empowering young women and demonstrating how engaging youth in conservation can inspire lasting environmental stewardship!
#MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #abudhabi #Tanzania #animals #wildlife #nature #ConservationInAction #SaveTheTinySqueakerFrog #ProtectBiodiversity #ArthroleptisKidogo #WomenInConservation #FieldResearch
The Tiny Squeaker Frog (Arthroleptis kidigo) is an incredibly small species, with adults measuring less than 1.5 cm. This critically endangered frog has existed for about 70 million years, and this project aims to assess its current population and distribution in the Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania.
What makes this project special is that the MBZ Fund grant supports local women in conservation, with Eva Ayoro and her young assistant Sarah Mshanga leading the research. They will create an action plan to protect this unique species and its habitat, reduce threats, and enhance amphibian conservation capacity in the country.
The project will gather essential data on population size, distribution, and threats, addressing gaps identified by the IUCN Red List. Kudos to Eva for empowering young women and demonstrating how engaging youth in conservation can inspire lasting environmental stewardship!
#MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #abudhabi #Tanzania #animals #wildlife #nature #ConservationInAction #SaveTheTinySqueakerFrog #ProtectBiodiversity #ArthroleptisKidogo #WomenInConservation #FieldResearch
The Black-crested Sumatran langur (Presbytis melalophos), endemic to Sumatra, is a remarkable species known for its striking colour variations. With support from the MBZF Fund, the Sumatran Langur Working Group embarked on a distribution study of this endangered primate.
The team visited 13 villages in northern West Sumatra, collaborating closely with the dedicated PAGARI (Patroli Anak Nagari) community. Their invaluable local knowledge was crucial in successfully observing Presbytis melalophos at eight research sites. Using thermal drones, they identified 13 groups of these fascinating langurs, with sizes ranging from 2 to 10 individuals.
However, the study also revealed significant threats to their survival, including hunting—due to their reputation as pests—land clearing, and agricultural expansion. As we move forward, addressing these challenges is essential to ensure the future of this unique species and the vibrant ecosystems they inhabit.
#MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #abudhabi #Sumatra #animals #primates #wildlife #nature
The Black-crested Sumatran langur (Presbytis melalophos), endemic to Sumatra, is a remarkable species known for its striking colour variations. With support from the MBZF Fund, the Sumatran Langur Working Group embarked on a distribution study of this endangered primate.
The team visited 13 villages in northern West Sumatra, collaborating closely with the dedicated PAGARI (Patroli Anak Nagari) community. Their invaluable local knowledge was crucial in successfully observing Presbytis melalophos at eight research sites. Using thermal drones, they identified 13 groups of these fascinating langurs, with sizes ranging from 2 to 10 individuals.
However, the study also revealed significant threats to their survival, including hunting—due to their reputation as pests—land clearing, and agricultural expansion. As we move forward, addressing these challenges is essential to ensure the future of this unique species and the vibrant ecosystems they inhabit.
#MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #abudhabi #Sumatra #animals #primates #wildlife #nature
Gina Della Togna is setting the amphibian conservation world alight. She serves as the Executive Director of the Amphibian Survival Alliance, a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, and is a member of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund Advisory Board.
Recently, the MBZ Fund awarded its prestigious Dolphin Energy Chairman’s Award to a critical project focused on the Critically Endangered Axolotl. We sat down with Gina to learn more about her lifelong passion for these incredible creatures and what made this initiative so impactful.
Gina’s unwavering dedication to amphibian conservation, has inspired countless others to join the fight. Read the full interview in the @speciesconservationfund bio to discover how Gina and her collaborators are preventing the extinction of the fascinating Axolotl and driving meaningful change for amphibians worldwide.
#mbzfund #dolphinenergy #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Mexico #chairmansaward #interview #wildlife #nature #animals #environment #advisoryboard
Gina Della Togna is setting the amphibian conservation world alight. She serves as the Executive Director of the Amphibian Survival Alliance, a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, and is a member of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund Advisory Board.
Recently, the MBZ Fund awarded its prestigious Dolphin Energy Chairman’s Award to a critical project focused on the Critically Endangered Axolotl. We sat down with Gina to learn more about her lifelong passion for these incredible creatures and what made this initiative so impactful.
Gina’s unwavering dedication to amphibian conservation, has inspired countless others to join the fight. Read the full interview in the @speciesconservationfund bio to discover how Gina and her collaborators are preventing the extinction of the fascinating Axolotl and driving meaningful change for amphibians worldwide.
#mbzfund #dolphinenergy #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Mexico #chairmansaward #interview #wildlife #nature #animals #environment #advisoryboard
Several species of sea cucumbers, including Holothuria scabra, are classified as endangered. This species is heavily traded, particularly exported to several Asian countries such as China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This demand drives the ongoing hunting of sea cucumbers, jeopardising the sustainability of their populations.
H. scabra primarily inhabits microhabitats near mangroves and seagrass beds with muddy substrates. Although this species is nocturnal, it is often found buried during the day.
Thanks to funding from the MBZ Fund, the Zoological Community of Celebes,
conducted surveys in Sulawesi, Indonesia, to update distribution data and study the ecology of this species. They also engaged with local fishermen to promote sustainable practices, encouraging them to harvest only a limited number of sea cucumbers and return smaller individuals, allowing them to grow and reproduce.
Together, these efforts not only help protect the sea cucumber populations but also creates a brighter future for marine ecosystems.
#mbzfund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #wildlife #nature #animals #environment #seacucumber #sulawesi #indonesia
Several species of sea cucumbers, including Holothuria scabra, are classified as endangered. This species is heavily traded, particularly exported to several Asian countries such as China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This demand drives the ongoing hunting of sea cucumbers, jeopardising the sustainability of their populations.
H. scabra primarily inhabits microhabitats near mangroves and seagrass beds with muddy substrates. Although this species is nocturnal, it is often found buried during the day.
Thanks to funding from the MBZ Fund, the Zoological Community of Celebes,
conducted surveys in Sulawesi, Indonesia, to update distribution data and study the ecology of this species. They also engaged with local fishermen to promote sustainable practices, encouraging them to harvest only a limited number of sea cucumbers and return smaller individuals, allowing them to grow and reproduce.
Together, these efforts not only help protect the sea cucumber populations but also creates a brighter future for marine ecosystems.
#mbzfund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #wildlife #nature #animals #environment #seacucumber #sulawesi #indonesia
Dung beetles play a crucial role in various ecosystems by providing essential services such as nutrient recycling, biological pest control, and secondary seed dispersal, particularly in tropical savannas and forests. Despite their ecological significance, fundamental studies on the taxonomy and ecology of dung beetles in Cambodia have received limited attention.
The Cardamom Mountains, with their diverse habitats, are thought to support a rich variety of invertebrate species. However, there are no documented scientific studies on the diversity of dung beetles in this unique region. With support from the MBZ Fund, the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation (CBC) is collaborating with the Cambodian Entomology Initiative (CEI) to conduct fieldwork aimed at compiling a checklist and investigating the diversity of dung beetles throughout the seasonal variations of the Cardamom Mountains.
The findings from this project will enhance our understanding of species composition and inform conservation strategies for dung beetles in this vital ecosystem.
#mbzfund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Cambodia #dungbeetle #beetle #wildlife #nature #animals #photography #environment #wild #insect #entomology
Dung beetles play a crucial role in various ecosystems by providing essential services such as nutrient recycling, biological pest control, and secondary seed dispersal, particularly in tropical savannas and forests. Despite their ecological significance, fundamental studies on the taxonomy and ecology of dung beetles in Cambodia have received limited attention.
The Cardamom Mountains, with their diverse habitats, are thought to support a rich variety of invertebrate species. However, there are no documented scientific studies on the diversity of dung beetles in this unique region. With support from the MBZ Fund, the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation (CBC) is collaborating with the Cambodian Entomology Initiative (CEI) to conduct fieldwork aimed at compiling a checklist and investigating the diversity of dung beetles throughout the seasonal variations of the Cardamom Mountains.
The findings from this project will enhance our understanding of species composition and inform conservation strategies for dung beetles in this vital ecosystem.
#mbzfund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Cambodia #dungbeetle #beetle #wildlife #nature #animals #photography #environment #wild #insect #entomology
Thanks to a recent MBZ Fund grant, the Endemic Indonesia Society conducted a population study on the data-deficient Black-browed Babbler (Malacocincla perspicillata) in Sembinai Hill and Goa Loyang Hill, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
In partnership with the local government (Telake Forest Management Unit and Kasungai Village Government) and community, we successfully located 10 individuals of this unique bird, which prefers karst rock formations. Our observations revealed threats such as karst mining, land clearing, and forest fires, but some remote karst clusters remain safe from human activity.
Moving forward, effective communication with local stakeholders is key. By sharing our findings and fostering collaboration, we can develop conservation strategies to protect the Black-browed Babbler and other lesser-known endemic birds in the region.
#mbzfund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Indonesia #birds #wildlife #nature #animals #photography #environment #wild
Thanks to a recent MBZ Fund grant, the Endemic Indonesia Society conducted a population study on the data-deficient Black-browed Babbler (Malacocincla perspicillata) in Sembinai Hill and Goa Loyang Hill, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
In partnership with the local government (Telake Forest Management Unit and Kasungai Village Government) and community, we successfully located 10 individuals of this unique bird, which prefers karst rock formations. Our observations revealed threats such as karst mining, land clearing, and forest fires, but some remote karst clusters remain safe from human activity.
Moving forward, effective communication with local stakeholders is key. By sharing our findings and fostering collaboration, we can develop conservation strategies to protect the Black-browed Babbler and other lesser-known endemic birds in the region.
#mbzfund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Indonesia #birds #wildlife #nature #animals #photography #environment #wild