Relief International said nine employees were killed when gunmen stormed the Zamzam camp in El Fasher, in the western Darfur region.

1. What makes the snow leopard truly extraordinary (aside from its obvious beauty)? This endangered cat is considered an umbrella species in its fragile mountain ecosystem. When we protect snow leopards and their habitat, we safeguard countless other species and preserve vital freshwater sources that sustain millions of people who depend upon them downstream. Unfortunately, there may be as few as 4,000 snow leopards left in the wild. If they disappear, the delicate balance unravels, threatening the entire ecosystem as well as humans. It’s up to all of us to ensure that doesn’t happen. 2. Did you know snow leopards have the power to unite people and bring nations together? Thanks to the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), an extraordinary alliance has formed among the 12 nations that share the snow leopard’s mountain habitat. Many member countries have experienced recent armed conflicts with each other and some lack bilateral relations due to geopolitical disputes. Yet the shared mission of protecting snow leopards transcends these differences. These nations set aside their political tensions to partner with each other—and with us—a powerful example of how snow leopard conservation can build bridges and hope. 3. Can traditional beliefs play a role in protecting an endangered species? Yes! Many Indigenous cultures in Asia regard snow leopards as sacred animals and spiritual protectors. With protection and snow leopard tourism, some have started holding snow leopard festivals and celebrations to honor this magnificent creature. This deep cultural connection translates into direct conservation action to protect snow leopards, their prey species and their habitat.  Snow Leopard Festival in Kibber Village in India’s Spiti Valley. People here have been protecting snow leopards in collaboration with us for 28 years, and today, Spiti is known for snow leopard tourism.  4. Would you protect a predator that threatens your livelihood? This is the reality for communities living alongside snow leopards, where a single predation event can cause devastating emotional and financial harm. Yet remarkably, Snow Leopard Trust partner communities are committed to coexistence, developing non-lethal solutions that protect both their valuable livestock and these endangered cats. These include: Community-managed livestock insurance programs to help alleviate the financial burden of snow leopard predation by sharing economic loss and offering compensation for lost animals. Livestock vaccination programs improve animal health, increasing incomes and making it easier to withstand occasional losses to predators. Predator-proof corrals help herders keep livestock safe from snow leopards and other predators. Livelihood enhancement programs such as beekeeping, planting fruit trees, and dairy production improve quality of life, reduce economic impacts from snow leopard predation and promote coexistence with wildlife. Kuban Jumabai, Director of our Kyrgyzstan Program, stands in front of a predator-proof corral.  5. Did you know the people who have the most at stake are doing their utmost to protect these threatened cats? Snow Leopard Trust’s conservation initiatives prioritize collaboration with local and Indigenous communities who coexist with predators living in their backyards. While this is not easy for them to do, these communities have become some of the snow leopard’s fiercest allies. Together, they are currently safeguarding over 60,000 square kilometers of snow leopard habitat from illegal hunting and habitat degradation.  The Snow Leopard Trust conservation programs you support help make all this possible. Chuka and Davkharbayar Dashzeveg are conservation champions in their community even though a snow leopard attacked one of their horses years ago.  The story of the snow leopard is ultimately our own story, told through the eyes of a creature who reminds us of what we stand to lose and what we might still preserve. If you’re looking for a way to make a difference for snow leopards and the planet, this is your chance.   Our conservation strategies to protect these endangered cats and their habitat are working. However, long-term conservation is only possible if we have consistent funding – which is why monthly donors are so vital to our mission. Will you join Team Snow Leopard as a monthly donor?  Photo credits: Jake Davis, Behzad Larry, Prasen Yadav, SLF-Kyrgyzstan, SLCF-Mongolia The post Five Incredible Facts about Snow Leopards and Us appeared first on Snow Leopard Trust.

Understanding Wildlife Crime Scene Investigation  Wildlife Crime Scene Investigation is a crucial discipline that applies forensic science techniques to detect and investigate crimes involving protected species. Much like conventional crime scene investigations, WCSI involves collecting biological evidence such as DNA samples, footprints, fur, and skeletal remains, as well as analyzing ballistic and toxicological data to track down poachers and illegal traders. The training in Chitral focused on enhancing the skills of wildlife officials, law enforcement personnel, and conservation practitioners to improve their ability to curb illegal wildlife trade in the region.  Key Highlights of the Training Forensic Evidence Collection: Trainees learned how to collect, preserve, and analyze biological samples while ensuring proper legal documentation of wildlife crimes. Crime Scene Management: The training provided insights into securing crime scenes, documenting evidence, and understanding wildlife behavior to reconstruct poaching events. Legal Frameworks and Enforcement: Experts provided an overview of Pakistan’s Wildlife Acts and International Conventions such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime), and national laws like the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Biodiversity Act 2015. Case Studies & Practical Exercises: Participants analyzed real-life poaching cases in Pakistan and engaged in simulated crime scene investigations to practice their skills in a controlled environment. The Significance of Chitral for Wildlife Protection Chitral, home to a significant snow leopard population and other threatened species, has been identified as a critical region for conservation. However, poaching remains a persistent threat. The lack of resources, trained personnel, and awareness among law enforcement agencies has made wildlife crime investigation challenging in this region. According to studies, only 3% of reported wildlife crime cases in Pakistan reach law enforcement agencies, indicating a serious gap in enforcement and prosecution. Additionally, the maximum penalty for poaching a snow leopard in Pakistan is PKR 45,000 (approx. $160), which pales in comparison to the high black-market value of snow leopard pelts. Addressing this discrepancy is crucial in ensuring deterrence against illegal hunting and trade. About eight snow leopards are reportedly poached and traded per year. Global Perspective on Wildlife Crime Wildlife crime is a global issue, with illicit wildlife trade estimated to be worth $7–23 billion annually (UNEP, INTERPOL). Wildlife forensics, particularly DNA analysis and ballistics, has been crucial in tracing criminal networks and prosecuting offenders.  The Way Forward The Wildlife Crime Scene Investigation Training in Chitral marks a significant step toward enhancing Pakistan’s conservation efforts. However, much work remains. To effectively combat wildlife crimes, our country team provides the following recommendations: Strengthening Law Enforcement: Enhancing coordination between wildlife departments, police, and judiciary to ensure timely prosecution of offenders. Capacity Building: Expanding forensic training programs to more field officers and local conservationists. Community Engagement: Poaching and illegal wildlife trade can be disrupted through conservation partnerships with communities and incentivizing the reporting of illegal activities when they take place. Policy Reform: Increasing penalties for poaching and illegal trade to act as stronger deterrents. Technology Integration: Utilizing camera traps, GPS tracking, and AI-based monitoring systems to track wildlife movement and detect suspicious activities. As wildlife crime syndicates become more sophisticated, conservationists and law enforcement agencies must stay ahead by utilizing forensic science, legal reforms, and community-based conservation models. By enhancing field staff capabilities and enforcing stringent legal measures, Pakistan is moving toward a future where wildlife thrives in its natural habitat, with minimal threats of illegal hunting and trade. Subscribe to our monthly E-news for more remarkable stories from the frontlines of conservation. Photo credits: SLF-Pakistan Acknowledgments: We extend our sincere gratitude to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department for deputing its staff for the Wildlife Crime Scene Investigation Training in Chitral. Special thanks to Mr. Brian Petrar (Canada) for conducting the Training of Trainers and providing ongoing guidance. This initiative was made possible through the generous support of the UK Government via the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (IWTCF). The post Forensics in the Field: Wildlife CSI Training in Pakistan appeared first on Snow Leopard Trust.

“It was built as a herder station in Soviet time and served as a home for a herder for around 20 years. It became a ranger cabin in 1995 and I visited it many times over the last 15 years. It has a cozy small room, which serves as both a dining and sleeping area. The old metal stove can heat the room in a short time. When it rains or snows outside, herders bring their horse saddles inside. The familiar scent of horses, livestock dung burning in the stove and food mingle in the air. After a hard-working day, we have a quick dinner and go to bed early. When we are 7-8 people, we are like tinned fish. If we fall asleep early, I sometimes wake up around midnight. Our food attracts our little friends, the mice. They are noisy at night, organizing marathons in the room. They chase each other, run through our sleeping bags, noisily trying to make holes in our food bags. As the fire dies, the hot room starts to cool down. The old wood frames on the three windows let fresh, cold air enter the room and it touches my face. In the wilds of Sarychat, I get plenty of sleep in a short time. I wake up in the deep night, open my eyes, look at the clear sky from my bed and think about the galaxy and thousands of other things. I see hundreds of shining stars, falling stars. When the moon is up and there is snow, I can see the mountains clearly. Sometimes, I hear wolves howling. I used to think, what shall we do if a bear comes to the cabin? We often saw a bear’s pugmarks around the outside, even on the window glasses, but it never entered inside. Until this summer. This summer, a bear broke into the cabin at least four to five times. Fortunately, it entered when the rangers were not there. It broke all three windows and kitchen utensils. We set a camera trap inside and recorded how the bear was making a mess. But we enjoyed watching it and no one got angry. Bear in Cabin 1 Bear in cabin 2 We were able to pay for the cabin repairs thanks to funding from local responsible tourism efforts and the family of Nancy Wheatland Biglow, who made a donation in Nancy’s memory. We replaced the old wood frames with strong new ones and added metal protection on the windows and door to make them bear-resistant. Now, the cabin is warmer, safer, and a bit more comfortable. But maybe it lost a little something? I don’t think it will let me feel fresh and cool air on my face at night anymore. When I wake up in my bed in the city, I often think about Sarychat’s night view from the cabin window.” Kuban and Sarychat’s rangers use this cabin as a base for their work to protect snow leopards and their prey. Long-term conservation like this is only possible with consistent funding – which is why monthly donors are so vital to our mission. Will you join Team Snow Leopard as a monthly donor? If you join before Earth Day, you’ll be invited to a special online LIVE Chat Event with Kuban on April 22 at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT. Photo credits: SLF-Kyrgyzstan, SLCF-Mongolia Acknowledgments: We thank the family of Nancy Wheatland Biglow for their generous donation in her memory. The post The Starlit Cabin: Where Wild Things and Rangers Meet appeared first on Snow Leopard Trust.

Last year, an award ceremony commemorated twenty of the best rangers from Mongolia’s snow leopard habitat. The ceremony was the first of its kind in the country and celebrated the brave accomplishments of the country’s wildlife protectors, especially community rangers whose work often goes unacknowledged. The initiative was funded by a grant from the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund of the UK Government. Boldbaatar, pictured above, was hailed as the “best of the best” among the 20 assembled rangers. He was awarded for his outstanding service in preventing and detecting illegal wildlife trade and poaching. He safeguards Tengis Shishged, a protected area in northern Mongolia’s Khuvsgul province. This protected area encompasses the taiga forest bordering Russia, also called the Red Taiga. With towering coniferous trees, this area is not a typical home for snow leopards. And yet, an adult snow leopard is said to have been detected in this region after 50 years, according to a nationwide population estimate in 2021. Researchers set up 43 camera traps in this northern area and captured photos of a single snow leopard three times. Click to view slideshow. More than snow leopards, this area is better known for its population of brown bears and is often called the Valley of Bears. Past studies suggest the area is part of the historic range for snow leopards. The lone wanderer detected on camera traps might indicate snow leopards recolonizing the Khoridol Saridag mountains after decades of mining and hunting that used to occur before this area came under the protection of rangers like Boldbaatar. Boldbaatar’s recognition comes with a remarkable list of accomplishments. In the past year, he has detected illegal hunting of wild boars, fined three individuals for trespassing and disturbing wildlife in a strictly protected area, prevented illegal fishing by tourists and extinguished an unattended wildfire hazard. Rangers go on regular patrols twice a month in their allocated area. In addition to looking out for illegal hunting or unlawful activity, they log all wildlife they encounter. Last year, Boldbaatar observed 51 species over 154 wildlife encounters during his monthly patrols in the taiga. He has spent a remarkable 197 days in the wild, including a 19-day “deep” patrol along the Russia-Mongolia border. His deep commitment, along with that of other rangers, ensures that Mongolia remains a sanctuary for snow leopards, even a lone wanderer in its most remote corner. Subscribe to our monthly E-news for more remarkable stories from the frontlines of conservation. Photo credits: Myagmar Ragchaa and Tumursukh Jal The Citizen-Ranger Wildlife Protection Program is funded by the UK Government through the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund. The post Guarding a Lone Wanderer In the Valley of Bears appeared first on Snow Leopard Trust.

Department of Interior Weakens Migratory Bird Protections Niki Wed, 04/16/2025 - 08:24 Photo by Koji Hirano April 16, 2025 Washington, DC—Late last week, the Department of the Interior reissued a legal opinion that weakens the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) by no longer penalizing individuals and corporations for the incidental killing of birds protected under the law. This reinterpretation reverses a decades-long interpretation that the MBTA prohibits both intentional take and incidental killing stemming from an otherwise lawful activity.Interior reissued this opinion in response to an executive order President Trump signed on his first day in office, directing agencies to suspend certain actions that impact energy development. This opinion was originally issued in 2017 during the first Trump administration. A federal court ruled this policy to be illegal, and it was subsequently rescinded by the Biden administration.The 1918 MBTA protects over 1,100 species of birds and their eggs from “take” (including killing, capturing, selling, trading, and transport) without a permit. Narrowing the MBTA’s scope to prohibit only intentional—not incidental—take is a drastic change in interpretation designed to shield the oil and gas industry and electric utilities from liability for the millions of birds their activities kill each year. Birds die from colliding with these operations’ buildings and infrastructure, being electrocuted by power lines, and being poisoned by oil spills and chemical holding ponds, among other hazards. These industries will now be allowed to forego reasonable and cost-effective precautions to avoid deaths.“The prohibition on incidental take is a critical aspect of the MBTA and has been enforced for decades to address birds’ deaths from routine industry operations, as well as major environmental disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon and Exxon Valdez oil spills,” said Johanna Hamburger, director and senior attorney of AWI’s Terrestrial Wildlife Program. “This policy removes the incentive for companies to adopt commonsense strategies to reduce threats that their operations pose to birds, and it will likely once again cause the deaths of millions of additional birds in the coming years.”This loss of protections comes at an already perilous time for birds. A 2019 study found that there are 3 billion fewer birds in North America today compared to 1970, largely due to habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, and other human-caused factors. Birds play an important role in ecosystems, and scientists cite an urgent need to address threats to birds to prevent population collapse and the associated loss of ecosystem integrity, function, and services.AWI consistently opposed moves to weaken the MBTA during the first Trump administration, and we will continue to do all we can to protect migratory birds from this unlawful policy change. We encourage you to take action to help birds, as well, by improving habitat, stopping window strikes, and adopting other practices around your home to protect our feathered friends. Media Contact Information Kim Meneo, Animal Welfare Institutekim@awionline.org, (202) 446-2116 The Animal Welfare Institute (awionline.org) is a nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1951 and dedicated to alleviating animal suffering caused by people. We seek to improve the welfare of animals everywhere: in agriculture, in commerce, in our homes and communities, in research, and in the wild. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and LinkedIn for updates and other important animal protection news.

Trump Administration Seeks to Slash Habitat Protections for Endangered Wildlife aalberg Thu, 04/17/2025 - 17:59 April 17, 2025 Washington, DC—Today the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (the Services) issued a proposed rule that would undermine protections for habitat that threatened and endangered species need to survive by rescinding the agency’s decades-old definition of “harm.” This would make protecting and recovering imperiled wildlife far more difficult, diminishing the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).One of the ESA’s primary protective measures is a prohibition on the “take” of species listed as threatened or endangered under the law. “Take” means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect such animals.Since 1975, the Services have defined “harm” in this context to include killing or injuring wildlife by significantly modifying or degrading habitat. Thirty years ago, in Babbitt v. Sweet Home, the US Supreme Court upheld this definition, finding it to be in accordance with the standard dictionary definition of the word, the broad purpose of the ESA, and the ESA permitting system enacted in the 1980s. “This definition of “harm” recognizes that wild animals cannot survive if the habitat they rely on for food, shelter, and raising young is obliterated,” said Johanna Hamburger, director and senior attorney of AWI’s Terrestrial Wildlife Program. “Under the proposed rule, destroying trees that birds need for nesting and rearing chicks, filling in wetlands that fish depend on for spawning, and paving over grasslands that reptiles require for foraging would no longer be prohibited.”Habitat loss due to destruction, fragmentation, and degradation is the leading cause of wildlife population declines. With more than 1 million species globally at risk of extinction in the next few decades, including 27 percent of the world’s mammals, 41 percent of amphibians, 21 percent of reptiles, and 37 percent of sharks and rays, protecting habitat is vital to stemming the tide of extinction. Media Contact Information Kim Meneo, Animal Welfare Institutekim@awionline.org, (202) 446-2116 The Animal Welfare Institute (awionline.org) is a nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1951 and dedicated to alleviating animal suffering caused by people. We seek to improve the welfare of animals everywhere: in agriculture, in commerce, in our homes and communities, in research, and in the wild. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and LinkedIn for updates and other important animal protection news.