Read the latest edition of our quarterly newsletter, Conservation Calls below.
Project leader Tulshi Laxmi Suwal is leading efforts to protect the Critically Endangered Chinese pangolin in the ancient city of Kirtipur, nestled in the foothills of the Kathmandu Valley. With support from the MBZ Fund, Tulshi and her team have initiated an eco-tourism project that promotes pangolin conservation. This grant marks a significant step in strengthening the capacity of local forest users, training them to become pangolin guardians, and actively involving them in monitoring efforts through data collection. Also, local chicken farming served as a livelihood support initiative for marginalised communities through this program.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #pangolin #sustainability #uae #nepal #wildlife #nature #animals #support #environment
Project leader Tulshi Laxmi Suwal is leading efforts to protect the Critically Endangered Chinese pangolin in the ancient city of Kirtipur, nestled in the foothills of the Kathmandu Valley. With support from the MBZ Fund, Tulshi and her team have initiated an eco-tourism project that promotes pangolin conservation. This grant marks a significant step in strengthening the capacity of local forest users, training them to become pangolin guardians, and actively involving them in monitoring efforts through data collection. Also, local chicken farming served as a livelihood support initiative for marginalised communities through this program.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #pangolin #sustainability #uae #nepal #wildlife #nature #animals #support #environment
Meet the Kanga Warty Frog (Callulina kanga), an amphibian found exclusively in the beautiful Kanga Forest Reserve in Morogoro, Tanzania. This unique species, classified as Critically Endangered, is facing severe threats from habitat loss due to human activities. With a natural habitat of less than 10 km², every action counts!
Support from the MBZ Fund enabled the Mbeya University of Science and Technology to conduct essential field research in Kanga Forest Reserve, focusing on the frog’s population size, habitat quality, and raising awareness. These frogs primarily inhabit trees, camouflaged among branches and leaves, and their survival is tied to the protection of their forest habitat. Currently, their population is small, found along the river near Difinga village. While past studies identified two individual species at elevations of 760m and 1,140m, our project excitingly documented four individual species of Callulina kanga at new locations, two at 1,027m and two at 1,064m. However, we must remain cautious, as human activities like agricultural encroachment threaten this precious habitat.
Join us in our mission to conserve this rare species and its ecosystem!
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #amphibians #frogs #sustainability #uae #Tanzania #wildlife #nature #animals #support #environment
Meet the Kanga Warty Frog (Callulina kanga), an amphibian found exclusively in the beautiful Kanga Forest Reserve in Morogoro, Tanzania. This unique species, classified as Critically Endangered, is facing severe threats from habitat loss due to human activities. With a natural habitat of less than 10 km², every action counts!
Support from the MBZ Fund enabled the Mbeya University of Science and Technology to conduct essential field research in Kanga Forest Reserve, focusing on the frog’s population size, habitat quality, and raising awareness. These frogs primarily inhabit trees, camouflaged among branches and leaves, and their survival is tied to the protection of their forest habitat. Currently, their population is small, found along the river near Difinga village. While past studies identified two individual species at elevations of 760m and 1,140m, our project excitingly documented four individual species of Callulina kanga at new locations, two at 1,027m and two at 1,064m. However, we must remain cautious, as human activities like agricultural encroachment threaten this precious habitat.
Join us in our mission to conserve this rare species and its ecosystem!
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #amphibians #frogs #sustainability #uae #Tanzania #wildlife #nature #animals #support #environment
On this World Bonobo Day—when we celebrate the peaceful, loving, yet endangered bonobo—we at the Bonobo Conservation Initiative (BCI) wish to express our thanks to an earlier grant from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. A grant in support of our bonobo conservation program at Lilungu allowed BCI and our local partners to take steps to protect their forests in prime bonobo habitat and to conduct bonobo monitoring programs. Since then, we have formed new partnerships which will advance our goals of safeguarding this important bonobo site, where we have worked for 20 years.
We’ve conducted intensive tracker training, learned more about the composition of multiple bonobo groups and constructed a new conservation center. With local communities, we are working to officially protect the ~5,000km2 area and to develop sustainable funding through the UN REDD+ program. We are truly grateful for the role that the MBZF has played in helping us protect the iconic bonobo!
#WorldBonoboDay #SaveTheBonobos #mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Tanzania #wildlife #nature #animals #support #environment
On this World Bonobo Day—when we celebrate the peaceful, loving, yet endangered bonobo—we at the Bonobo Conservation Initiative (BCI) wish to express our thanks to an earlier grant from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. A grant in support of our bonobo conservation program at Lilungu allowed BCI and our local partners to take steps to protect their forests in prime bonobo habitat and to conduct bonobo monitoring programs. Since then, we have formed new partnerships which will advance our goals of safeguarding this important bonobo site, where we have worked for 20 years.
We’ve conducted intensive tracker training, learned more about the composition of multiple bonobo groups and constructed a new conservation center. With local communities, we are working to officially protect the ~5,000km2 area and to develop sustainable funding through the UN REDD+ program. We are truly grateful for the role that the MBZF has played in helping us protect the iconic bonobo!
#WorldBonoboDay #SaveTheBonobos #mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Tanzania #wildlife #nature #animals #support #environment
Understanding and protecting threatened fish species is essential for maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem, especially when these species are teetering on the brink of extinction. This is especially true for Fynbos fish species endemic to the Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve in South Africa, which we have chosen to support with our latest round of funding. To learn more about the significance of this project and the timely impact of the MBZF Fund grant, we asked Ross Kettles, Operations Manager of Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve, for his insights.
“In 2024, the Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve launched a project to learn about our fynbos fish - the indigenous freshwater fish species in the river systems close to Africa’s southernmost tip, through funding support from Fondation Segré through IUCN Save Our Species. We clearly saw the significant threats they face. That’s why we were thrilled to receive new funding support from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund in 2025. Now we can start implementing steps to protect these species, especially the Endangered Heuningnes redfin (Pseudobarbus sp. nov. Heuningnes) and Heuningnes galaxias (Galaxias sp. nov. Heuningnes). This is such an important step forward if we’re to prevent them from going extinct - and this is only possible thanks to our incredible donors.”
#MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #abudhabi #SouthAfrica #nuwejaarswetlands #fish #fynbosfish #animals #wildlife #nature
Understanding and protecting threatened fish species is essential for maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem, especially when these species are teetering on the brink of extinction. This is especially true for Fynbos fish species endemic to the Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve in South Africa, which we have chosen to support with our latest round of funding. To learn more about the significance of this project and the timely impact of the MBZF Fund grant, we asked Ross Kettles, Operations Manager of Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve, for his insights.
“In 2024, the Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve launched a project to learn about our fynbos fish - the indigenous freshwater fish species in the river systems close to Africa’s southernmost tip, through funding support from Fondation Segré through IUCN Save Our Species. We clearly saw the significant threats they face. That’s why we were thrilled to receive new funding support from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund in 2025. Now we can start implementing steps to protect these species, especially the Endangered Heuningnes redfin (Pseudobarbus sp. nov. Heuningnes) and Heuningnes galaxias (Galaxias sp. nov. Heuningnes). This is such an important step forward if we’re to prevent them from going extinct - and this is only possible thanks to our incredible donors.”
#MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #abudhabi #SouthAfrica #nuwejaarswetlands #fish #fynbosfish #animals #wildlife #nature
The Endangered Vanilla atsinanensis, a stunning leafless orchid species was officially described in 2023 and found exclusively on Madagascar’s east coast. Its flowers can reach almost 15 cm in width, making them some of the largest in the vanilla genus, which currently encompasses 126 species.
Thanks to the support of the MBZ Fund, Dr. Vincent Droissart, in collaboration with the @ird_fr, @mobotgarden, University of Antananarivo, and ADAFAM—the very organization that discovered this species—are on an exciting mission to uncover its ecological and reproductive secrets.
Firstly, they confirmed its presence in the Betampona Integral Nature Reserve, a key habitat for this rare plant. They also identified two known localities where the species thrive: Betampona and the Ambodiriana forest, managed by ADAFAM. Through the use of climbing gear with cameras positioned 20 metres high, they collected crucial data on the pollination of this species.
Additional expeditions in 2025 will monitor fruit and seed dispersal as well as observe the next flowering cycle. Together, we can take action to protect this extraordinary species and its precious habitat!
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #plants #sustainability #uae #madagascar #wildlife #nature #animals #support #environment
The Endangered Vanilla atsinanensis, a stunning leafless orchid species was officially described in 2023 and found exclusively on Madagascar’s east coast. Its flowers can reach almost 15 cm in width, making them some of the largest in the vanilla genus, which currently encompasses 126 species.
Thanks to the support of the MBZ Fund, Dr. Vincent Droissart, in collaboration with the @ird_fr, @mobotgarden, University of Antananarivo, and ADAFAM—the very organization that discovered this species—are on an exciting mission to uncover its ecological and reproductive secrets.
Firstly, they confirmed its presence in the Betampona Integral Nature Reserve, a key habitat for this rare plant. They also identified two known localities where the species thrive: Betampona and the Ambodiriana forest, managed by ADAFAM. Through the use of climbing gear with cameras positioned 20 metres high, they collected crucial data on the pollination of this species.
Additional expeditions in 2025 will monitor fruit and seed dispersal as well as observe the next flowering cycle. Together, we can take action to protect this extraordinary species and its precious habitat!
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #plants #sustainability #uae #madagascar #wildlife #nature #animals #support #environment
Zamia pygmaea, often referred to as a “living fossil,” is a remarkable species endemic to Cuba, playing a vital role in its ecosystem through complex biological interactions. This research aims to uncover the intricate relationships between Zamia pygmaea and the diverse flora and fauna that surround it. Understanding these interactions is essential for biodiversity conservation and effective ecosystem management, especially in the face of climate change and habitat loss.
With a MBZ Fund grant, Project Manager Enrique González Pendás and his team will utilise field observations and ecological modeling to gain valuable insights into the role of Zamia pygmaea within its habitat. By doing so, they aim to contribute to the preservation of this unique species and its environment. The funding will directly support our efforts to explore these critical biological dynamics, providing significant implications for conservation strategies and enhancing our ecological understanding. Together, we can ensure the longevity of this extraordinary species and the health of its ecosystem.
#mbzfund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #cuba #plants #wildlife #nature #photography #environment #wild
Zamia pygmaea, often referred to as a “living fossil,” is a remarkable species endemic to Cuba, playing a vital role in its ecosystem through complex biological interactions. This research aims to uncover the intricate relationships between Zamia pygmaea and the diverse flora and fauna that surround it. Understanding these interactions is essential for biodiversity conservation and effective ecosystem management, especially in the face of climate change and habitat loss.
With a MBZ Fund grant, Project Manager Enrique González Pendás and his team will utilise field observations and ecological modeling to gain valuable insights into the role of Zamia pygmaea within its habitat. By doing so, they aim to contribute to the preservation of this unique species and its environment. The funding will directly support our efforts to explore these critical biological dynamics, providing significant implications for conservation strategies and enhancing our ecological understanding. Together, we can ensure the longevity of this extraordinary species and the health of its ecosystem.
#mbzfund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #cuba #plants #wildlife #nature #photography #environment #wild
Santiago Turcatti Oviedo and his team are leading vital efforts to protect the pampas cat, the most endangered small wild cat in the Western Hemisphere, across Uruguay and Brazil. With support from the MBZ Fund, the Rock and Pampa project achieved a significant milestone by documenting the species with camera traps—marking the first live record of the pampas cat in Uruguay in over a decade. So far, the project recorded eight sightings: four living individuals and four deceased. These findings result from monthly monitoring of key roadways in both countries, highlighting the threats this elusive feline faces.
The project’s impact extends beyond the pampas cat, raising awareness for other native felines like Geoffroy’s cat and the margay. A key component of the project is environmental education. The team engages with schools and local communities, helping to build chicken coops to reduce human-wildlife conflict and install educational signage about native felines and traffic safety.
The project not only protects the pampas cat but also fosters coexistence and inspires greater conservation awareness in the region.
#mbzfund #speciesconservation #biodiversity #rockandpampa #smallwildcats #estamosaca #wildlifeconservation #lentoporlafauna #uae #uruguay #rivera #cat #catlover #animal #animalconservation
#environment
Santiago Turcatti Oviedo and his team are leading vital efforts to protect the pampas cat, the most endangered small wild cat in the Western Hemisphere, across Uruguay and Brazil. With support from the MBZ Fund, the Rock and Pampa project achieved a significant milestone by documenting the species with camera traps—marking the first live record of the pampas cat in Uruguay in over a decade. So far, the project recorded eight sightings: four living individuals and four deceased. These findings result from monthly monitoring of key roadways in both countries, highlighting the threats this elusive feline faces.
The project’s impact extends beyond the pampas cat, raising awareness for other native felines like Geoffroy’s cat and the margay. A key component of the project is environmental education. The team engages with schools and local communities, helping to build chicken coops to reduce human-wildlife conflict and install educational signage about native felines and traffic safety.
The project not only protects the pampas cat but also fosters coexistence and inspires greater conservation awareness in the region.
#mbzfund #speciesconservation #biodiversity #rockandpampa #smallwildcats #estamosaca #wildlifeconservation #lentoporlafauna #uae #uruguay #rivera #cat #catlover #animal #animalconservation
#environment
The generous support from the MBZ Fund has been crucial to our efforts to protect the critically endangered Marsh Antwren (Formicivora paludicola), an endemic bird found in marshes of São Paulo state in southeast Brazil. With the funding, SAVE Brasil have been able to monitor the Marsh Antwren population, and make significant progress in the process for establishing two protected areas to safeguard this species and its fragile environment. With the first grant we received from the Fund in 2018, we were able to support the municipality of Guararema in creating the first ever protected area for the Marsh Antwren, and thanks to the recent grant we are replicating this model in Salesopolis and Sao Jose dos Campos municipalities, to create a mosaic of wildlife refuges to protect the species.
Together with MBZ Fund and our other supporters we are making strides toward a future where the Marsh Antwren thrives in its natural habitat.
📸 @bennett_Hennessey
#mbzfund #conservation#savebrasil #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #birds #sustainability #uae #brazil #wildlife #nature #animals #support #environment
The generous support from the MBZ Fund has been crucial to our efforts to protect the critically endangered Marsh Antwren (Formicivora paludicola), an endemic bird found in marshes of São Paulo state in southeast Brazil. With the funding, SAVE Brasil have been able to monitor the Marsh Antwren population, and make significant progress in the process for establishing two protected areas to safeguard this species and its fragile environment. With the first grant we received from the Fund in 2018, we were able to support the municipality of Guararema in creating the first ever protected area for the Marsh Antwren, and thanks to the recent grant we are replicating this model in Salesopolis and Sao Jose dos Campos municipalities, to create a mosaic of wildlife refuges to protect the species.
Together with MBZ Fund and our other supporters we are making strides toward a future where the Marsh Antwren thrives in its natural habitat.
📸 @bennett_Hennessey
#mbzfund #conservation#savebrasil #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #birds #sustainability #uae #brazil #wildlife #nature #animals #support #environment