Read the latest edition of our quarterly newsletter, Conservation Calls below.
On Endangered Species Day, we celebrate researcher John Sanare and his passionate team, who are tirelessly working to assess the status, distribution, and conservation threats facing the endangered Beisa Oryx in their last remaining habitat at Lake Natron, Tanzania.
With funding from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, they are conducting comprehensive ecological field assessments, mapping habitat conditions, and identifying key threats to fill critical knowledge gaps. This grant has facilitated habitat surveys, community outreach initiatives, and targeted conservation education aimed at reducing poaching and promoting sustainable land use. Additionally, the funding has empowered local communities by building their capacity for more effective, evidence-based conservation efforts.
By embracing a science-driven and community-focused approach, there is hope that the Beisa Oryx will one day graze freely across Tanzania’s serene landscapes.
#mbzfund #conservation #endangeredspeciesday #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Africa #tanzania #oryx #wildlife #nature #animals
On Endangered Species Day, we celebrate researcher John Sanare and his passionate team, who are tirelessly working to assess the status, distribution, and conservation threats facing the endangered Beisa Oryx in their last remaining habitat at Lake Natron, Tanzania.
With funding from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, they are conducting comprehensive ecological field assessments, mapping habitat conditions, and identifying key threats to fill critical knowledge gaps. This grant has facilitated habitat surveys, community outreach initiatives, and targeted conservation education aimed at reducing poaching and promoting sustainable land use. Additionally, the funding has empowered local communities by building their capacity for more effective, evidence-based conservation efforts.
By embracing a science-driven and community-focused approach, there is hope that the Beisa Oryx will one day graze freely across Tanzania’s serene landscapes.
#mbzfund #conservation #endangeredspeciesday #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Africa #tanzania #oryx #wildlife #nature #animals
Community engagement, particularly through youth education, is essential for global conservation efforts. A prime example is work by researcher Wagner Chaves-Acuña from the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia” and the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina to preserve Isthmohyla treefrogs.
Since 2021, they have partnered with children from the Alto del Jaular school, a small, remote institution in the Cerro de la Muerte area of San José Province, Costa Rica. The aim is to create a connection between the community and the species, instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility for their environment.
At a recent art gallery featuring exhibits from @twanleenders and @Klank97, the children learned about these fascinating frogs while engaging in fun activities like drawing and mimicking their calls.
Currently, they are collaborating with these young minds on exciting projects for the National Science Fair, focusing on conservation initiatives related to Isthmohyla pictipes at the Biological Station Cuericí. With support from the MBZ Fund, we are nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards, planting the seeds for a long-term commitment to conservation.
#worldfrogday #MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #biodiversity #nature #animals #uae #CostaRica #Panama #FrogConservation #Isthmohyla #Ecology #Evolution #EnvironmentalEducation #Frogs #CentralAmerica #Biodiversity #wildlifeconservation #stri #redlistamphibians
Community engagement, particularly through youth education, is essential for global conservation efforts. A prime example is work by researcher Wagner Chaves-Acuña from the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia” and the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina to preserve Isthmohyla treefrogs.
Since 2021, they have partnered with children from the Alto del Jaular school, a small, remote institution in the Cerro de la Muerte area of San José Province, Costa Rica. The aim is to create a connection between the community and the species, instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility for their environment.
At a recent art gallery featuring exhibits from @twanleenders and @Klank97, the children learned about these fascinating frogs while engaging in fun activities like drawing and mimicking their calls.
Currently, they are collaborating with these young minds on exciting projects for the National Science Fair, focusing on conservation initiatives related to Isthmohyla pictipes at the Biological Station Cuericí. With support from the MBZ Fund, we are nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards, planting the seeds for a long-term commitment to conservation.
#worldfrogday #MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #biodiversity #nature #animals #uae #CostaRica #Panama #FrogConservation #Isthmohyla #Ecology #Evolution #EnvironmentalEducation #Frogs #CentralAmerica #Biodiversity #wildlifeconservation #stri #redlistamphibians
With a grant from the MBZF, Dr. Michel Sawan, President of the Lebanese Association for Migratory Birds, embarked on a vital expedition to monitor the endangered Egyptian Vulture in the beautiful Mount Terbol area. This majestic bird is Europe’s only long-distance migratory vulture, making sightings during the spring migration (mid-Feb to mid-May) truly special.
During the monitoring, Dr Sawan and his team spotted three Egyptian Vultures soaring high. Tragically, two were shot dead, and one was rescued after being shot in the wing. These incredible birds face immense threats from poachers who kill them for pride, taxidermy, or illegal trade. Thanks to the MBZ Fund grant, we are making significant strides in combating threats to migratory birds through awareness campaigns in schools and municipalities, including discussions with responsible hunters. We are also covering patrol shifts, collaborating with ISF units for anti-poaching operations, and conducting daily field missions with our dedicated birdwatchers.
This project has been a lifeline during challenging times, enabling them to continue their vital work in highlighting the plight of Lebanon’s migratory birds.
#mbzfund #conservation #worldmigratorybirdday #migration #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #birds #vultures #sustainability #uae #Lebanon #wildlife #nature #support #environment
With a grant from the MBZF, Dr. Michel Sawan, President of the Lebanese Association for Migratory Birds, embarked on a vital expedition to monitor the endangered Egyptian Vulture in the beautiful Mount Terbol area. This majestic bird is Europe’s only long-distance migratory vulture, making sightings during the spring migration (mid-Feb to mid-May) truly special.
During the monitoring, Dr Sawan and his team spotted three Egyptian Vultures soaring high. Tragically, two were shot dead, and one was rescued after being shot in the wing. These incredible birds face immense threats from poachers who kill them for pride, taxidermy, or illegal trade. Thanks to the MBZ Fund grant, we are making significant strides in combating threats to migratory birds through awareness campaigns in schools and municipalities, including discussions with responsible hunters. We are also covering patrol shifts, collaborating with ISF units for anti-poaching operations, and conducting daily field missions with our dedicated birdwatchers.
This project has been a lifeline during challenging times, enabling them to continue their vital work in highlighting the plight of Lebanon’s migratory birds.
#mbzfund #conservation #worldmigratorybirdday #migration #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #birds #vultures #sustainability #uae #Lebanon #wildlife #nature #support #environment
MBZ Fund support for the Karenni Wildlife Protection Initiative has enabled the training and deployment of field rangers and the provision of essential conservation tools and equipment to protect some of Asia’s most important biodiversity.
With MBZ Fund support, Wildlife 1 Conservancy is providing specialist ranger training and field equipment to the Karenni Forest Department to conduct field patrols, monitoring and reporting, protected area demarcation, camera trapping, community outreach and species research. Myanmar is also currently experiencing a violent revolution as a result of the February 2021 military coup that displaced the elected government and security issues are a constant challenge. The project landscape lies within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity hotspot, one of the most biodiverse and threatened regions on earth. It is a globally significant region with high value biodiversity and species endemism and faces significant threats from poaching, logging, mining, habitat loss, wildlife trafficking, conflict and other critical threats.
The project landscape includes protected areas in development with primary forest habitats, wildlife corridors and buffer zones.
📸 Karenni Wildlife Protection Initiative
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity#garmin #sustainability #uae #myanmar #wildlife #trafficking #nature #rangers #environment
MBZ Fund support for the Karenni Wildlife Protection Initiative has enabled the training and deployment of field rangers and the provision of essential conservation tools and equipment to protect some of Asia’s most important biodiversity.
With MBZ Fund support, Wildlife 1 Conservancy is providing specialist ranger training and field equipment to the Karenni Forest Department to conduct field patrols, monitoring and reporting, protected area demarcation, camera trapping, community outreach and species research. Myanmar is also currently experiencing a violent revolution as a result of the February 2021 military coup that displaced the elected government and security issues are a constant challenge. The project landscape lies within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity hotspot, one of the most biodiverse and threatened regions on earth. It is a globally significant region with high value biodiversity and species endemism and faces significant threats from poaching, logging, mining, habitat loss, wildlife trafficking, conflict and other critical threats.
The project landscape includes protected areas in development with primary forest habitats, wildlife corridors and buffer zones.
📸 Karenni Wildlife Protection Initiative
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity#garmin #sustainability #uae #myanmar #wildlife #trafficking #nature #rangers #environment
At the 2025 @abudhabibookfair, The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund launched the Tales of Conservation initiative in collaboration with @abudhabilibraries , led by three inspiring women.
We brought stories of nature, imagination, and biodiversity to children, but what they gave us in return was far more powerful: hope.
• Osha Al Mansoori – the youngest Emirati falconer and species conservation advocate
• Maya Korayem – author of A Dugong Tale, illustrated by Amani Abdullah
• Khawla Al Shehhi – the first Emirati scuba diving instructor, marine researcher, and underwater photographer
These stories weren’t just tales, they were windows into the living world, planting seeds of empathy, curiosity, and environmental awareness in young hearts.
Developed by Azhar Al Mubarak as part of the Year of Community, the initiative proves that storytelling is a powerful way to foster love for nature in the next generation.
Special thanks to Salima Raai for helping bring this vision to life. And to every child who joined us: you are the Guardians of Tomorrow.
This is just the beginning. Stay updated for the next series of Tales of Conservation.
في معرض أبوظبي الدولي للكتاب 2025، قدّم صندوق محمد بن زايد للمحافظة على الكائنات الحية مبادرة “حكايات لحفظ الكائنات” بالتعاون مع مكتبة أبوظبي للأطفال، وبقيادة ثلاث نساء ملهمات.
قدّمنا للأطفال قصصًا عن الطبيعة، الخيال، والتنوع البيولوجي، لكنهم في المقابل منحونا شيئًا أعظم: الأمل.
• عوشة المنصوري – أصغر صقارة إماراتية وناشطة في حماية الأنواع
• مايا كريم – مؤلفة “حكاية الأطوم”، المصوّرة بريشة أماني عبدالله
• خولة الشحي – أول مدربة غوص إماراتية وباحثة بحرية ومصوّرة تحت الماء
هذه القصص لم تكن مجرد حكايات، بل نوافذ فتحت قلوب الأطفال على عالم الكائنات الحية، وزرعت فيهم بذور التعاطف والفضول والوعي البيئي.
المبادرة التي أطلقتها أزهار المبارك ضمن “عام المجتمع”، تؤكّد أن السرد القصصي أداة قوية لزرع حب الطبيعة في الأجيال القادمة.
شكرًا لزميلتنا سليمة راعي على دعمها في تحويل هذه الرؤية إلى واقع.
ولكل طفل شاركنا هذه اللحظات: أنتم حُرّاس الغد!
هذه مجرد البداية… تابعونا لمعرفة المزيد عن السلسلة القادمة من “حكايات لحفظ الكائنات”
#MBZFund #Conservation #endangeredspecies #TalesOfConservation #YearOfCommunity #Biodiversity
At the 2025 @abudhabibookfair, The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund launched the Tales of Conservation initiative in collaboration with @abudhabilibraries , led by three inspiring women.
We brought stories of nature, imagination, and biodiversity to children, but what they gave us in return was far more powerful: hope.
• Osha Al Mansoori – the youngest Emirati falconer and species conservation advocate
• Maya Korayem – author of A Dugong Tale, illustrated by Amani Abdullah
• Khawla Al Shehhi – the first Emirati scuba diving instructor, marine researcher, and underwater photographer
These stories weren’t just tales, they were windows into the living world, planting seeds of empathy, curiosity, and environmental awareness in young hearts.
Developed by Azhar Al Mubarak as part of the Year of Community, the initiative proves that storytelling is a powerful way to foster love for nature in the next generation.
Special thanks to Salima Raai for helping bring this vision to life. And to every child who joined us: you are the Guardians of Tomorrow.
This is just the beginning. Stay updated for the next series of Tales of Conservation.
في معرض أبوظبي الدولي للكتاب 2025، قدّم صندوق محمد بن زايد للمحافظة على الكائنات الحية مبادرة “حكايات لحفظ الكائنات” بالتعاون مع مكتبة أبوظبي للأطفال، وبقيادة ثلاث نساء ملهمات.
قدّمنا للأطفال قصصًا عن الطبيعة، الخيال، والتنوع البيولوجي، لكنهم في المقابل منحونا شيئًا أعظم: الأمل.
• عوشة المنصوري – أصغر صقارة إماراتية وناشطة في حماية الأنواع
• مايا كريم – مؤلفة “حكاية الأطوم”، المصوّرة بريشة أماني عبدالله
• خولة الشحي – أول مدربة غوص إماراتية وباحثة بحرية ومصوّرة تحت الماء
هذه القصص لم تكن مجرد حكايات، بل نوافذ فتحت قلوب الأطفال على عالم الكائنات الحية، وزرعت فيهم بذور التعاطف والفضول والوعي البيئي.
المبادرة التي أطلقتها أزهار المبارك ضمن “عام المجتمع”، تؤكّد أن السرد القصصي أداة قوية لزرع حب الطبيعة في الأجيال القادمة.
شكرًا لزميلتنا سليمة راعي على دعمها في تحويل هذه الرؤية إلى واقع.
ولكل طفل شاركنا هذه اللحظات: أنتم حُرّاس الغد!
هذه مجرد البداية… تابعونا لمعرفة المزيد عن السلسلة القادمة من “حكايات لحفظ الكائنات”
#MBZFund #Conservation #endangeredspecies #TalesOfConservation #YearOfCommunity #Biodiversity
Exciting discoveries await at Lake Tiu in central Sulawesi, Indonesia! Nestled 70-80 meters above sea level, this stunning habitat is home to the endemic fish species, Oryzias soerotoi. First identified in 2012, we recently re-collected these remarkable fish in a new location during our November survey!
Lake Tiu, consisting of three lakes and boasts a diverse ecosystem with various fish species, including kosa, carp, and catfish. Sadly, the beauty of this lake is under threat from nearby oil palm plantations and nickel mining.
Researcher, Abdul Ghani and his team are on a mission? To map the distribution and habitat of Oryzias soerotoi while raising community awareness about the importance of preserving this unique environment. Together, we can ensure the sustainability of this incredible species!
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #fish #ricefish #sustainability #uae #Indonesia #wildlife #nature #support #environment
Exciting discoveries await at Lake Tiu in central Sulawesi, Indonesia! Nestled 70-80 meters above sea level, this stunning habitat is home to the endemic fish species, Oryzias soerotoi. First identified in 2012, we recently re-collected these remarkable fish in a new location during our November survey!
Lake Tiu, consisting of three lakes and boasts a diverse ecosystem with various fish species, including kosa, carp, and catfish. Sadly, the beauty of this lake is under threat from nearby oil palm plantations and nickel mining.
Researcher, Abdul Ghani and his team are on a mission? To map the distribution and habitat of Oryzias soerotoi while raising community awareness about the importance of preserving this unique environment. Together, we can ensure the sustainability of this incredible species!
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #fish #ricefish #sustainability #uae #Indonesia #wildlife #nature #support #environment
Meet Wolffsohn’s viscacha (Lagidium wolffsohni), pronounced “wolf-sewns vi-skah-chuh”, and locally known as vizcacha austral o vizcacha de la patagonia, is a rare species of rodent and currently listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN! Found in the rocky Southern Andes of Chile and Argentina, this high-altitude inhabitant faces increasing threats from climate change.
Researcher, Fernando Novoa explored an area 400 km north of its known range in La Araucanía, Chile, where climbers have spotted the species, but its presence remains unconfirmed. With support from the MBZ Fund, he deployed camera traps to gather vital data on its distribution and ecology.
By identifying new populations and protecting key habitats, he aims to enhance conservation efforts for this elusive species and raise awareness in local communities. Together, we can help safeguard its fragile high-altitude environment!
#MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #abudhabi #animals #wildlife #nature
Meet Wolffsohn’s viscacha (Lagidium wolffsohni), pronounced “wolf-sewns vi-skah-chuh”, and locally known as vizcacha austral o vizcacha de la patagonia, is a rare species of rodent and currently listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN! Found in the rocky Southern Andes of Chile and Argentina, this high-altitude inhabitant faces increasing threats from climate change.
Researcher, Fernando Novoa explored an area 400 km north of its known range in La Araucanía, Chile, where climbers have spotted the species, but its presence remains unconfirmed. With support from the MBZ Fund, he deployed camera traps to gather vital data on its distribution and ecology.
By identifying new populations and protecting key habitats, he aims to enhance conservation efforts for this elusive species and raise awareness in local communities. Together, we can help safeguard its fragile high-altitude environment!
#MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #abudhabi #animals #wildlife #nature
Huai Khayeng Nature Park is a 35-hectare reforestation initiative located on the edge of Thong Pha Phum National Park in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand, near the Myanmar border. Acquired by Thailand Wild in 2008, the park initially saw the planting of 5,000 trees in its barren upper regions, while the remaining areas were left to regenerate naturally. Remarkably, by 2018, springs began to flow on the property, aiding the revival of its natural vegetation. In 2023, conservationist Darryl Sweetland installed two trail cameras and was thrilled to capture footage of civets, leopard cats, and a Sunda Pangolin.
Inspired by these developments, Darryl decided to improve the park’s habitat. Following a fire in March 2024, he applied for and received a grant from the MBZ Fund. This grant facilitated the installation of new firebreaks, the clearing of tall grasses, the creation of a large water pool, and the purchase of additional trail cameras. On the 11th of November 2024, one of these cameras recorded a video of a Sunda Pangolin, followed by another sighting of the species a few weeks later in a different area of the park.
Amazing work Darryl and team, this is an exciting development.
#MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae#Thailand #pangolin #abudhabi #animals #wildlife #nature
Huai Khayeng Nature Park is a 35-hectare reforestation initiative located on the edge of Thong Pha Phum National Park in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand, near the Myanmar border. Acquired by Thailand Wild in 2008, the park initially saw the planting of 5,000 trees in its barren upper regions, while the remaining areas were left to regenerate naturally. Remarkably, by 2018, springs began to flow on the property, aiding the revival of its natural vegetation. In 2023, conservationist Darryl Sweetland installed two trail cameras and was thrilled to capture footage of civets, leopard cats, and a Sunda Pangolin.
Inspired by these developments, Darryl decided to improve the park’s habitat. Following a fire in March 2024, he applied for and received a grant from the MBZ Fund. This grant facilitated the installation of new firebreaks, the clearing of tall grasses, the creation of a large water pool, and the purchase of additional trail cameras. On the 11th of November 2024, one of these cameras recorded a video of a Sunda Pangolin, followed by another sighting of the species a few weeks later in a different area of the park.
Amazing work Darryl and team, this is an exciting development.
#MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae#Thailand #pangolin #abudhabi #animals #wildlife #nature