World Wildlife Fund's Gift Catalog - 2008-2009 - (Page 4) Conservation First-Hand Learn how WWF experts conduct vital research and build partnerships with local communities in the places we’re striving to protect. Tracking tigers in Asia Studying marine biodiversity LOCATION: Cambodia, Nepal, India, Indonesia PROJECT: Recently WWF naturalists returned from a series of expeditions to study tigers in their native habitat. There are few things more thrilling than seeing a tiger in the wild, and visual observation is the best way to confirm tiger populations. In Cambodia we saw only one tiger track, but we observed jungle cats, a jackal and a herd of 10 elephants. Then in Nepal we saw two tigers, as well as abundant prey species. In India we were able to observe a tiger soaking in the water for two hours. And in Indonesia we saw fresh tiger tracks on the ground — a good sign. RESULTS: Our teams confirmed the presence of tigers in some vulnerable areas. But we also saw numerous incursions into tiger habitat, including rubber factories and palm plantations. Such human activities not only destroy habitat, they also disrupt the corridors that tigers need to naturally roam and mate. LOCATION: Coral Triangle PROJECT: Earlier this year WWF helped lead a team of marine biologists and other scientists to study the Halmahera area of the Coral Triangle. The goal was to study the marine biodiversity here and learn about the health of the reefs themselves. On Rau Island we found a colorful, thriving coral garden. By only the second day we had counted over 200 species of coral and over 500 species of fish! Seeing Olive-Ridley turtles, which are endangered, was a special treat. But there were also signs of distress to this vulnerable area. In Kau Bay we saw indications that a poison, cyanide, had been used in fishing. At Tagalaya and Takau Islands, we saw signs of blast fishing, which involves using dynamite to destroy reefs. RESULTS: We saw both promising and alarming signs along our journey. Clearly further studies will be needed here. We’re fortunate to have the assistance of local scientists and to be working with communities to encourage sustainable fishing practices and livelihoods. For more updates from the field, please visit www.worldwildlife.org/firsthand There you will read about WWF experts and their exciting on-the-ground experiences protecting species and preserving habitats. 4 http://www.worldwildlife.org/firsthand
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