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Conservation Overview
Terrestrial Animals African Wild Dog
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Marine Animals |
Forests Native Forests & Sustainable Use
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African Wild Dog (Lycaon Pictus) IUCN Status: Endangered (at very high risk of extinction in the wild) The African Wild Dog has disappeared from much of its former range. The largest remaining populations occur in Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park, with approximately 800 individuals in each. Major threats: ongoing conflict with human activities, continued persecution, infectious disease and habitat fragmentation. |
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Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis) IUCN Status: Critically Endangered (at extremely high risk of extinction in the wild) Once the most numerous and widespread rhino species, black rhino numbers fell from several hundred thousand to approximately 3,600 in 2004. Dramatic population declines were driven by incessant hunting and habitat destruction through land clearing for agriculture and human settlement. Major threats: continued habitat destruction and poaching for the international trade in rhino horn (for use in Chinese medicine & for ornamental use). |
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Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri) IUCN Status: Data insufficient to classify Pancake tortoises are small, flattened tortoises that live on rocky outcrops and kopjes. They are endemic to East Africa, occurring within a small range in Kenya and Tanzania. These tortoises live in deep, narrow crevices which they can wedge themselves into for protection. Major threats: The popularity of wild-caught pancake tortoises as pets in the USA and Europe is having a severe impact on their native populations. The impact is worsened because they have a low reproductive rate. The Pancake tortoise's already limited habitat is destroyed by raiders breaking open crevices to get at them. |
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Small Mammals Many of Africa's small mammal species are vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss, persecution and/or human use. Unfortunately, there has generally been a lack of focus on these smaller and lesser known species. The CS Wildlife Fund aims to find out what small animal species are most at risk in East Africa, and what can be done to help these animals, and raise awareness about their plight within the local and wider communities. |
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Snakes & Lizards Snakes and lizards are misunderstood and despised in many cultures around the world. Much of this fear arises from a lack of knowledge and understanding about these animals, their value within the ecosystem and how to live with them. Through the CS Wildlife Fund, we aim to educate local people about the ecological value of snakes and lizards, how to handle them in different situations and simple first aid techniques in case of venomous snake bite. Ultimately, CS Wildlife Fund aims to set up education and rehabilitation centres for reptiles and other animals. |
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Green Turtle (Chelodina mydas) IUCN Status: Endangered (at very high risk of extinction in the wild) Green turtles are relatively large marine turtles that migrate across open seas and are found in tropical and warm temperate seas. Like Hawksbill turtles, Green turtles are threatened with extinction. Major threats: Hunting of nesting females coming ashore and poaching of their eggs; trade in their body parts, such as their shell; development on or close to nesting beaches destroys nesting habitat or confuses hatchlings; incidental capture by commercial fishers. | ||
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Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) IUCN Status: Critically Endangered (at extremely high risk of extinction in the wild) Hawksbill turtles are relatively small compared to other marine turtles. Adults have beautifully marked shells, with amber centred scales and radiating red, yellow, honey and black streaks. This attractive turtle is under serious threat of extinction. Major threats: The single greatest cause of its decline is its heavy persecution for its beautifully marked shell. The shell is the sole source of commercial “tortoiseshell”. Further threats include incidental capture in fishing nets where the turtles are simply discarded, poaching of adults and eggs for human consumption, and loss of nesting beaches to development. | ||
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Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) IUCN Status: Vulnerable (at high risk of extinction in the wild). The whale shark population is in decline. It is the world's largest fish and reaches lengths of up to 18m. It is a filter-feeder and preys primarily on zooplankton but may take other small organisms such as small fish and squid. Whale sharks are most often encountered whilst feeding close the surface. Major Threats: One of the major threats faced by the species is its high value on the international market. The sharks are targeted by Asian fisheries for their meat and their highly prized fins, particularly in Taiwan. |
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Native Forests & Sustainable Use In the fight to save animals from extinction, the very habitat that sustains them is often forgotten. We recognise the importance of not only maintaining protected areas but also of reclaiming degraded or cleared land and returning it to its natural state. In addition, we recognise the importance of enabling local communities to use their land sustainably. The CS Wildlife Fund is working to raise awareness of the importance of sustainability. As part of this commitment, we support the work of the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group in replanting of native vegetation to form a corridor connecting two forests in the Mufindi District of the Southern Udzungwa Mountains. The TFCG has been working in the area since 1995, providing support for participatory forest management, working with six villages. |
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