International Joint Project Ended March, 10

With this joint project named "Safer World for Animals", our aim was to emphasize the endangered animals around the world and contribute to save endangered animals. At the first stage of the project, we wanted to prepare "Endangered Species Bulletin" to be aware of and share some resolution advisories. 20 fellow Rotaract clubs helped us. All of us gave an example of the endangered animals and talked briefly about the ways to help them in our countries and/or how we could make world a safer place for animals.

Please click here to read the bulletin:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0kNQY7zeUvfdjN6bmxaWTRXZkk/edit

"Endangered Species Bulletin" prepared by Bostanli Rotaract Club in collaboration with
Rotaract Club of Rajdhani, RID 3290, Nepal

Rotaract Club of Ponzan, RID 2230, Poland

Rotaract Club of Szabist Karachi Mid-City, RID 3271, Pakistan

Rotaract Club of Dombivli RID 3140, India

Rotaract Gezira Sporting Club, RID 2450, Egypt

Rotaract Club of Veracruz Puerto, RID 4190, Mexico

Rotaract Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town, RID 3292, Nepal

Rotaract Club of Cairo Royal, RID 2450, Egypt

Rotaract Club of Aberdeen, RID 1010, Scotland

Rotaract Club of Kocatepe, RID 2430, Turkey

Rotaract Club de Leiria, RID 1970, Portugal

Rotaract Club of LAU Byblos, RID 2450, Lebanon

Rotaract Club of IoBM, RID 3271, Pakistan

Interact Club of Novosibirsk Initiative, RID 2225, Russia

Rotaract Club of Nis-Constantine The Great, RID 2483, Serbia

Rotaract Club of Glyfada, RID 2470, Greece

Rotaract Club of Sao Paulo Espro, RID 4610, Brazil
Rotaract Club of Casa Elfida, RID 9010, Morocco
Seattle University Rotaract Club, RID 5030, United States

Bostanli Rotaract Club would like to express the most sincere thanks to all participants.

RID 5030 - SEATTLE UNIVERSITY ROTARACT CLUB

Texas Horned Lizards (Horny Toads):

The Texas horned lizard, though not a federally recognized endangered species, is becoming increasingly rare in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico. 

It is only one of 13 different North American species of horned lizards. Though this reptile is most commonly referred to as a toad or frog, it is actually a lizard. Its body is short and round with many spines on the head and back, though the only real horns are the two on the head, while the others are specialized scales used for protection against predators. Texas horned lizard also protects itself from predators with its coloring, which differs depending on the color of the area’s soil, used as camouflage, puffing up to look bigger and harder to swallow and running fast for short distances and then stopping to disorient the other animal. In addition, they can shoot streams of blood out of their eyes, though this is not used as defense but is an uncontrollable reaction when frightened.

Texas horned lizard is a predator itself, preying mainly on harvester ants, though they also eat beetles and spiders. Their form of hunting for food is the patient method, where they will sit and wait a few yards away from an ant colony to avoid being swarmed until a lone ant wanders nearby. They then take a few fast, short steps, capture the ant with its tongue and swallow it whole. In response to their environment, Texas horned lizard has adapted to have a high conservation of water. Most of their water can be consumed through the 70 ants they eat per day, however they can also collect and drink water from off of their backs. They are most commonly seen at temperatures ranging from 80°-90° during the months of March-September, and hibernate in holes in the ground from October-February.

This animal has become endangered for many different reasons:

• The use of pesticides, killing off harvester ants, the lizard’s main source of food.

• The use of herbicides, which reduces the harvester ant’s source of food, thereby reducing the harvester ant population.

• The poisoning of ants in residential areas. Though harvester ants are fairly harmless, these colonies are easily visible and targeted.

• Droughts, which have become increasingly common in these areas.

• Increased numbers of roads and vehicles. Texas horned lizards like to lie on the roads in order to increase their body temperature with the heat of the pavement, and are susceptible to being run over.

• Increased numbers of predators, such as feral cats, cattle egrets and grackles.

• The collection of Texas horned lizards as pets. It was very common from 1900-1980 to capture these lizards and sell them as pets to Europe and eastern-US, though this was not a sustainable practice due to their very specific diet. This has been outlawed, though some populations of lizards have yet to recover.

• Increased human development.

Seattle University Rotaract Club – RID 5030 UNITED STATES

RID 9010 - ROTARACT CLUB OF CASA ELFIDA

Barbary Macaques:

Known for being one of the most caring species, the Barbary macaque or Maccaca Sylvanus is one of the world’s old monkey species. Originated from Europe, Barbary macaque today is restricted to isolated forest fragments in Morocco and Algeria. The specie today is threated and its population is estimated to only 10000 individuals between both countries.

The Maccaca Sylvanus is classified as the only African representative of the 19 extant species. It is the only surviving primate in Africa. In Morocco, the Maccaca sylvanus can be found in Northen mountains of the country and in the Middle and High Atlas mountains., more specifically in the Bou Tferda Valley through Demnate all the way to the Ourika Valley. Because of its small number and major habitat reduction, the Barbary macaque lives in groups of up to 80 individuals of both sexes, surrounded by a highly promiscuous mating system. Its diet consists mostly of oak and cedar as major component, and then comes fruits, tree leaves and other plant parts.

The Barbary macaque has been formally recognized by the World Conservation Union in 2012 as a vulnerable taxon. In the early 1980’s, it was estimated that 65- 75% of the world’s remaining population of Maccaca Sylvanus lived in the cedar forest area of the central Middle Atlas, which represents the largest refuge of the North African ecosystem. But over the last years, the population’s density of Maccaca Sylvanus decreased at a very high rate. In 2005, surveys showed an average of 15 to 20 individuals in the Middle Atlas per km 2. By 2006, surveys conducted a massive decline in the density by 80%, allowing 0 to 1 specie km 2. The national forestry department in Morocco today works to raise public awareness about this animal, trying to reduce illegal trades and commercial issues of this specie.

Rotaract Club of Casa Elfida – RID 9010 MOROCCO

RID 4610 - ROTARACT CLUB OF SAO PAULO ESPRO

Here in Brazil there are many endangered animals like, deer-in-marsh, Jaguar, Mono-Collier, red-yellow-faced, blue macaw, Mutum-the-northeast among others.

All they need protection and a place where they are housed properly or does not occur where the direct interference of man over nature, since it is driven only by their own interests, of course the place of every animal is in nature, but unfortunately due to the major problems facing today came, jungles, forests and other habitats outdoors, is no longer considered safe enough, due to the presence of hunters, smugglers and etc.

I think that in order to help them and make sure our animals have more freedom and a better life, without having to hide or fight to the death to escape, would create more departments animal protection, stricter laws against maltreatment, there should be an audit also stronger and less corrupt compared the trafficking of animals in Brazil and indeed the culprits should be punished and jailed for making an innocent animal a prisoner.

People can also help with small and punctual actions, no matter what they do as long as they do, when they realize denouncing any risk or if they know of any person who uses this practice.

Each of us doing our part now mobilizes people to join the cause of protecting the animals and make our world a safer place for them!

Rotaract Club of Sao Paulo ESPRO – RID 4610, BRAZIL

RID 2470 - ROTARACT CLUB OF GLYFADA

Sea Turtles:

Fossil records lead to the conclusion that sea turtles are contemporaries of the dinosaurs. Although dinosaurs disappeared, turtles continue to survive to the present date.

Out of the seven species in the world, only three can be regularly found in the Mediterranean (loggerheads - Caretta caretta, green turtles - Chelonia mydas and leatherbacks - Dermochelys coriacea). Of these three only the loggerhead sea turtle nests in Greece. The most important nesting beaches are in Zakynthos (Bay of Laganas), Peloponnesus (Bays of Kyparissia, Lakonikos and Koroni) and on Crete (Rethymno, Bay of Chania and Bay of Messara). The beaches of Zakynthos have an extremely high nesting density. The density on one beach (Sekania) may reach about 1500 nests per km, one of the highest in the world.

The loggerheads’ carapace is heart-shaped and has five pairs of costal scutes. The colour of the carapace is reddish brown but can be obscured by a covering of green algae. The plastron is pale yellow. Loggerheads tagged in Greece have been recovered over a wide area, up to 1500 km away, in Italian, Tunisian, Libyan waters suggesting purposeful non-random movement. Most of the recoveries are from the Gulf of Gabes in Tunisia and the northern part of the Adriatic Sea which probably indicate that these are the preferred wintering areas for loggerhead turtles. The most serious threats to loggerheads in the Mediterranean are tourist development of nesting beaches and incidental catch in fishing gear.

Threats to Survival:

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) has declared 6 species of sea turtles as endangered or critically endangered. The threats for sea turtles are both natural and man-induced.

Natural Threats: There are of course natural threats to the survival of sea turtles, their hatchlings and eggs. Weather is a prime factor. Wind, rain and cold and unnaturally high tides, all take their toll on turtles at all stages of their lives. Temperatures below 14°C stun even adult turtles. Beach erosion destroys nesting beaches. The natural enemies of eggs and hatchlings vary depending on geographical location. In Greece, foxes, dogs and occasionally jackals may dig up the eggs. Hatchlings racing for the sea are sometimes eaten by those animals as well as by martens and rats, or by birds like crows, gulls and cormorants. Once the hatchlings have reached the sea they may be devoured by large fish such as sharks.

Threats from Man:

1. Capture by fishermen for exploitation purposes (meat, accessories)

2. Poaching of eggs for consumption

3. By-catch in fishing gear resulting in drowning or being killed by fishermen.

4. Nesting beaches are dramatically shrinking because of development, especially tourist development.

a) Lights shining on the beaches disorient both nesting females and hatchlings trying to get to the sea.

b) Sand compaction due to vehicular traffic may disturb the balance of gases and their absorption by the eggs.

c) Beach furniture on the nesting areas often make an impenetrable wall that denies access to the back of the beach for nest construction.

d) Heavily trafficked beach paths, planting shade trees, or setting up umbrellas result in lower sand temperatures which has an impact on the incubation of the nest.

e) Human presence on the nesting beaches at night scares sea turtles trying to nest.

f) Sand castles and vehicle tracks may trap hatchlings in their race to the sea.

5. Pollution of the seas is yet a further threat. Turtles often mistake discarded plastic bags for jellyfish, tar balls or a chunk of polyethylene for something to eat. If they consume these foreign substances their intestines may become clogged and they may die.

Reference:
- http://www.archelon.gr/

Rotaract Club of Glyfada – RID 2470, GREECE

RID 2483 - ROTARACT CLUB OF NIS-CONSTANTINE THE GREAT

Griffon Vulture:

Serbia abounds in diverse flora and fauna. However, that natural treasure rapidly dwindles and gets depleted with time. We are the main cause of it, and we are also the only ones to stop it, and prevent the irreversible and inestimable losses that occur due to our negligence and irresponsibility. There are 215 plant and 429 animal species in Serbia which have been put under our country’s strict protection as natural rarities. Among the endangered animal species there are 273 bird species, as well as 66 mammal species. The protection also extends to 41 species of invertebrates, 34 insect and 15 fish species. Out of 6 bio-regions that exist in Europe, 5 are present in Serbia. That fact alone tells a lot about the richness of biodiversity that exists here. At present, the survival of many plant and animal species is at risk, as many species face extinction, and a great number had already become extinct. Like most other countries, Serbia has its Red Books where there are lists of extinct and critically endangered species. Some of the rare and endangered animal species are the following:

• Apollo butterfly

• Saker falcon

• Alpine salamander

• Western capercaillie

• Ferruginous duck

• Griffon vulture

• Eastern imperial eagle

There is also the Black Book of flora and fauna, which contains the list of several thousand species, sadly, forever destroyed by man. Serbia too can be found in it, with 4 species, endemic to Serbia, irretrievably lost from the world’s gene pool. Some of the species that can no longer be found in our country are the black vulture, white scavenger vulture, little bustard, bearded vulture, black grouse and many more.

The Griffon vulture is a large scavenger bird, from the Accipitridae family, which inhabits the areas of southern Europe, southwest Asia and north Africa. It is 93-110 cm long, and weighs 6 to 13 kg. In appearance, it is a typical Old World vulture, with a bare, white head and neck, yellow bill, broad wings and short tail feathers. Its chicks are nakedat hatching. Like other vultures, it is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks.It often grunts and hisses, especially when feeding. It nests on mountain cliffs, laying one egg.

Breeding: The Griffon vulture breeds in gorges, on steep limestone rocks. The female lays only one egg in the period from the end of January to the beginning of April. The parents take turns sitting on the egg for 52 to 57 days. The chick is able to fly at three months, but it is still dependent on its parents, so it keeps close to them and the nest until the age of one, when it starts to roam freely until it reaches full maturity.

Habitat: It inhabits the subtopic climate zone, the Mediterranean area, from the Maghreb to the Himalayas. The northern borders of its habitat are the Caucasus and Crimea, while the southern are the Sahara, the Arabian Desert, and the Deccan Plateau in India. Its nesting territories in Serbia are the gorges of the rivers Uvac, Milesevska, and Tresnjica, to the west and south-west of the country. Full grown birds colonially concentrate on a wider nesting space, while the younger ones wander in great distances. In the past, it was often hunted and poisoned in Serbia, but its numbers are now on the rise, owing to the improvements in conservation and feeding. In Serbia, there are currently about 60-65 pairs of the Griffon vulture in the western parts of the country, around Zlatar mountain, and also 35 birds in the gorge of the river Tresnjica. The species is also under legal protection from hunting.

Is there a way to prevent further extinction of the endangered species?

We know that there is more than one way to do that, but the most effective and beneficial must be changing our attitude towards the environment and our surroundings. We are a part of nature, and without it we cannot survive. That is why we have to use it properly, and not more than is needed. The process of reusing materials can help to a great extent, because it reduces the exploitation of natural resources, and in that way keeps the whole ecosystem healthy and diverse. Already endangered species are meticulously recorded in the aforementioned Red Book, after which their condition and numbers are regularly followed.

It is also necessary to pass laws which would protect the habitats and establish strict natural reserves, where the activity of man must be reduced to a minimum. Establishing national parks represents the most comprehensive way of protection in our country. In them, man’s harm to nature is reduced to the lowest possible level and as such, they represent the greatest chance for the preservation of unpolluted nature and for an undisturbed development of a large number of plant and animal species.

Rotaract Club of Nis-Constantine the Great – RID 2483, SERBIA

RID 2225 - INTERACT CLUB OF NOVOSIBIRSK INITIATIVE

Przewalski’s Horse:

Przewalski’s horse is stockily built in comparison to domesticated horses, with shorter legs. Typical height is about 132 cm, length is about 2.1 m. Their weigh around 300 kilograms. The coat is generally dun in color with pangaré features, varying from dark brown around the mane (which stands erect) to pale brown on the flanks and yellowish-white on the belly and around the muzzle. The legs of Przewalski’s horse are often faintly striped, also typical of primitive markings. The tail is about 90 cm long, with a longer dock and shorter hair than seen in domesticated horses.

In the wild, Przewalski’s horses live in small, permanent family groups consisting of one adult stallion, one to three mares and their common offspring. Offspring stay in the family group until they are no longer dependent, usually at two or three years old. Bachelor stallions and sometimes old stallions, join bachelor groups. Family groups can join together to form a herd that move together.

The World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Species listed the Przewalski’s horse as extinct in the wild until 2008. Causes of extinction were hunting, harsh climate, loss of habitat, and loss of water sources to farm animals. However, successful re-introductions qualified this species for reassessment in 2008 and they are now classified as critically endangered. Currently, there are around 1500 animals remaining in zoos and breeding facilities, carrying genes from 14 founders. Because loss of genetic diversity threatens their continued survival, the National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center and other institutions around the world maintain breeding populations that serve as a source of animals for re-introduction in Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan. Thanks to their effort nearly 400 horses now roam in re-introduction sites in Mongolia and China.

Cool Facts:

• Przewalski’s horses have never been tamed for riding, which means that they are the last truly wild horse in existence today.

• Przewalski’s horses have 66 chromosomes, two more than domestic horses.

• The Mongolian name for these horses is "takhi," which means "spirit". Horses are central to Mongolian culture and takhi are a symbol of their national heritage. The Chinese call the Przewalski’s horse "yehmah".

• These horses were scientifically described in the late 19^th century after Polish naturalist Colonel Nikolai Przewalski obtained a skull and hide of this seldom-seen animal and shared them with scientists at a museum in St. Petersburg.

Interact Club of Novosibirsk Initiative – RID 2225, RUSSIA

RID 3271 - ROTARACT CLUB OF IoBM

Rotaract Club of IoBM joined to this project by talking about "Animal World" project that is run by them.

Who are we?

We are a team of young students, working for social action project under “ACTIVE CITIZEN PROGRAM” of British Council and The Visionary Foundation of Pakistan. 

What is “Active Citizens Program”?

Active Citizens Program is a non-profit program run by the British Council in partnership with civil society organizations who share our vision. The program works with those people who have demonstrated they have local social responsibility, including students, youth workers, women’s groups, educators and faith leaders. Working together, these local influencers build trust and understanding, develop skills and deliver projects on urgent themes such as poverty, literacy, democracy and climate change, and connecting local and international agendas through the program.

What is “Animal World”?

Each day hundreds of animals die because of ignorance. The project “Animal World” aims to create awareness regarding animal welfare in the society so that we can make this world a better place for them to live because earth is their home too. We use animals for our own benefit daily and also abuse them. We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves

School Workshops:

We initiated school workshops because we wanted to develop a sense of responsibility in children and teach them that how they can care and protect animals. Through our initial survey we got to know that poor children are more involved in animal abuse that’s why we targeted non-profit schools first. We have conducting fun learning workshops at Creek School of IoBM and Government School of NawabShah in January, 2013. We received great response from student and school’s administration helped us well as encouraged us. We didn’t have funds but we were full of passion and enthusiasm. We tried a lot for sponsors but failed because of short period of time. This even didn’t discourage each of us and we gathered our pocked money and invested for this great cause. When we give little love, we get little love for our own self and we think that is the best return on investment. We inspired and encouraged 60 students so far through this project and have planned to do more.

Rotaract Club of IoBM – RID 3271, PAKISTAN

RID 2450 - ROTARACT CLUB OF LAU BYBLOS

Siberian Tiger:
In a capitalist world, the move towards industrialization and development seems to dominate over the importance of the ecosystem. As a result, deforestation and extinction of a lot of animals took place. In an effort to stop this phenomenon from recurring, global efforts are made to protect the various species that are now on the endangered list.

For example, the Siberian Tiger, also known as Amur Tiger is one of the many animals that are highly declining in numbers. In 2005, there were 331-393 adult sub-adult Siberian tigers in this region, with only a breeding adult population of about 250 individuals. The population has been stable for more than a decade due to intensive conservation efforts, but partial surveys conducted after 2005 indicate that the Russian tiger population is declining! The Siberian tiger is reddish-rusty or rusty-yellow in colour, with narrow black transverse stripes. The fur of the Siberian tiger is moderately thick, coarse and sparse compared to that of other felids living in the former Soviet Union. It is mainly found in Russia with some found in China and it is the largest living felid and ranks among the biggest felids to ever exist. 

Siberian tigers reach sexual maturity at four years of age. They mate at any time of the year. Two or four cubs are usually born but there can be as many as six. The cubs are born blind in a sheltered den and are left alone when the female leaves to hunt for food. Cubs are divided equally between genders at birth. However, by adulthood there are usually two to four females for every male. The female cubs remain with their mothers longer, and later they establish territories close to their original ranges. Male cubs, on the other hand, travel unaccompanied and range farther making them more vulnerable for attacks.

The decline of this extraordinary species is mainly caused by poaching; the illegal hunting of tigers in the area is the reason they are at risk of extinction. Plus, in the past, the building of railroads seemed to cut off the population in specific parts thus confining it to a limited area and number.

Recommendations for Conservation:

Awareness on the effects of poaching and the risk of extinction of this species is the key solution to save these amazing animals. Plus, further measures have been taken to ensure the survival of tigers and their safety.

Tigers are included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I, banning international trade. Furthermore, in 1992, the Siberian Tiger Project was founded, with the aim of providing a comprehensive picture of the ecology of Siberian tiger and the role of tigers in the Russian Far East through scientific studies. By capturing and outfitting tigers with radio collars a lot of data is gathered concerning the way they live. These data compilations will hopefully contribute toward minimizing poaching threats due to traditional hunting. The Siberian Tiger Project has been productive in increasing local capacity to address human-tiger conflict with a Tiger Response Team, part of the Russian government’s Inspection Tiger, which responds to all tiger-human conflicts.

In August 2010, China and Russia agreed to enhance conservation and cooperation in protected areas in a Tran’s boundary area for Siberian tigers. China has undertaken a series of public awareness campaigns including celebration of the first Global Tiger Day in July 2010, and International Forum on Tiger Conservation and Tiger Culture and China 2010 Hunchun Siberian Tiger Culture Festival in August 2010.

In December 2010, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS Russia) and Phoenix Fund initiated a project in co-operation with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) to improve the protection of tigers and prey species in four key-protected areas. 

Rotaract Club of LAU Byblos – RID 2450, LEBANON

RID 1970 - ROTARACT CLUB DE LEIRIA

Iberian Wolf:

Over the last century, the number of Iberian wolves has decreased. This species used to be spread over the Peninsula and now of the remaining 2000, only 300 of them are in Portugal territory. The reasons for this rapid disappearance are due to the destruction of their natural habitats, meaning that they are provided with less shelter and food. Moreover, they now have more competition of wild dogs (which are growing in number).
 

Besides that, the wolf is known for the danger it poses to men, either by attacking them, their cattle (sheep, cows, chicken and horses). The reaction from shepherds is to hunt them (protecting their cattle) or poisoning them. It is, nevertheless, sometimes wild dog’s fault and not the wolf’s.

As with any other animal, the loss of a species implies negative externalities to the harmony of the ecosystem they inhabit. By offering compensation to shepherds who are attacked by wolves, it could refrain them from harming the wolves. However, despite this solution, only the symptom is cured, and not the whole disease. The main reason behind these attacks is the hunger of these animals. Thus, if they are preserved, respected and fed, they would not need to cause unfortunate encounters.

 

Rotaract Club de Leiria – RID 1970, PORTUGAL

RID 2430 - ROTARACT CLUB OF KOCATEPE

White-Headed Duck:

White-headed duck is considered endangered due to a large reduction in populations in the last 10 years. Most of this decline is due to habitat loss and hunting, but inter-breeding with ruddy duck is a more recent threat. In Turkey, drying up of Burdur Lake would lead to extinction of this species where the lake has lost one third of its size.

                                                female                                          male

Characteristics: The white-headed duck is a small stiff-tailed, omnivorous duck, which breeds in Spain and North Africa, with a larger population in western and central Asia. Length of this species is between 43 and 48 cm, while they weigh between 580 and 750 g. Adult males have a grey and reddish body, a blue bill and a largely white head with a black cap and neck. Adult females have a grey-brown body with a white face and a darker bill, cap and a cheek stripe. 

Habitat: White-headed ducks inhabit freshwater lakes as well as alkaline, saline, and eutrophic lakes connected with larger wetland complexes. Breeding sites of white-headed ducks contain dense vegetation and are small and shallow, with depths between 0.5 and 3 m. Wintering sites are usually larger, deeper and contain less emergent vegetation.

Threats:

• Drought: The drought in Central Asia in 2000-2002 has greatly reduced the amount of wetland habitat for white-headed ducks. Many important sites (including Burdur Lake) for the white-headed duck have dried out completely, or have had a much lower water level and greatly reduced water surface in some years.

• Habitat loss: The natural drought conditions have caused significant loss of habitat for the white-headed duck. In addition, the unsustainable use of water resources for irrigation and the pollution of wetlands have further reduced the extent of suitable habitat. Water levels in the remaining wetlands of importance for the white-headed duck have also been reduced.

• Hunting and disturbance: Although hunting of the white-headed duck is banned in most countries, illegal hunting still occurs. Additionally, fishing, overgrazing and agricultural activities in and around lakes have both direct and indirect effects on the white-headed duck.

Recommendations for Conservation:

• All countries need to undertake a review of their national policy and legislation to ensure adequate legal protection for the white-headed duck and its enforcement.

• Sustainable management of water resources is needed to ensure adequate allocation of water to maintain the viability of wetland habitats used by the white-headed duck.

• Site conservation measures, such as the establishment of an international network of sites of importance for migratory water birds including the white-headed duck, need to be pursued.

• A flyway-wide project should be developed for the conservation of the white-headed duck and its wetland habitats through building and strengthening links between wetland managers and organizations involved in the conservation of the white-headed duck across the region.

• A comprehensive population-monitoring programme should be developed to monitor the distribution and status of the white-headed duck in the Central Asian region during the wintering, migratory and breeding seasons.

• Research is urgently required to define the migration routes of the white-headed Duck and identify the population boundaries. Population surveys at all historical sites and all potential sites for the species are an immediate concern.

References:

- http://jncc.defra.gov.uk

- http://en.wikipedia.org

- http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu

- http://www.talking-naturally.co.uk

Rotaract Club of Kocatepe – RID 2430, TURKEY

RID 1010 - ROTARACT CLUB OF ABERDEEN

Red Squirrel:

The 132 years since the introduction of the American grey squirrel has seen the rapid demise of our native red. Scotland in now home to over 75% of the entire UK red squirrel population.

Incursion and establishment by pox carrying grey squirrels is now the single largest threat to red squirrels in Scotland. The Squirrelpox virus is harmless to greys but is lethal to the native reds, with squirrels dying a horrible death over two weeks. The Squirrelpox virus also has the devastating effect of speeding up the rate at which grey squirrels displace and replace reds (usually about 15 years) by a factor of twenty, denying researchers adequate time to develop an effective vaccine for reds or a contraceptive for greys, along with targeted ways of administering them. The current lethal grey squirrel control effort is essential in order to ensure that red squirrels survive long enough to benefit from future non-lethal methods of control.

In the past 50 years, the population of red squirrel in Scotland has dropped more than 50%. Conservation of natural habitat, control of the grey squirrel population and support to dedicated organizations - by donations, volunteering, or simply report a sighting of a red squirrel by text or phone to help identification and monitoring - are still the main ways to prevent this endangered species from disappearing.

References:

- http://www.red-squirrels.org.uk

Rotaract Club of Aberdeen – RID 1010, SCOTLAND

RID 2450 - ROTARACT CLUB OF CAIRO ROYAL

Rotaract Club of Cairo Royal joined to this project by conducting a PD session about the endangered animals in their country.

Rotaract Club of Cairo Royal – RID 2450, EGYPT

RID - 3292 ROTARACT CLUB OF KATHMANDU MID-TOWN

Snow Leopard:

Snow Leopard is a moderately large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central Asia. In Nepal, their habitat area is of about 30000 sq. KM and their population is estimated to be around 300-500. Apart from Nepal, the snow leopard is currently restricted to Asia in Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and possibly also to Myanmar.

In 1972, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) placed the snow leopard on its Red List of Threatened Species as globally “endangered”; the same threat category was applied in the assessment conducted in 2008.

The diet of the snow leopard varies across its range and with the time of year, and depends on prey availability. In the Himalayas, it preys mostly on bharals (Himalayan blue sheep). Smaller prey consists of woolly hares, various rodents, and birds such as the snow cock. 

In Nepal, they are found in the following national parks and conservation areas:

• Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site)

• Shey-Phoksundo National Park

• Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

• Annapurna Conservation Area

Conservation: Major threats to the snow leopard include prey base depletion, illegal trade, conflict with local people and lack of conservation capacity, policy and awareness. In Nepal’s Himalayan region, reduction of natural prey due to competition with livestock, killing of snow leopards in retribution for livestock depredation, lack of trans-boundary cooperation, and human population growth or poverty are one of the major reasons for the declining population of snow leopards.

The following measures can be adopted for the conservation of snow leopard in Nepal and its surrounding Himalayan regions:

• Grazing management and livestock husbandry: promote livestock grazing practices that reduce impacts on native wildlife; promote husbandry practices which reduce livestock vulnerability to snow leopard predation and improve efficiency and yield

• Financial incentives for communities to conserve snow leopards; including wildlife-based ecotourism (e.g., snow leopard treks)

• Improve conservation education and awareness among the local communities

• Strengthen national legislation and conservation policies by filling gaps in range state legislation to prohibit the hunting, killing, possession, sale and trade of snow leopards

• Strengthen law enforcement capacity by tightening controls along known trade routes; establish anti-poaching teams to detect and deter illegal killing

• Strengthen international cooperation to enforce trade bans through adherence to CITES resolutions

References:

- http://en.wikipedia.org

- IUCN Red List (http://www.iucnredlist.org)

- http://www.fanpop.com

Rotaract Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town – RID 3292, NEPAL

RID - 4190 ROTARACT CLUB OF VERACRUZ PUERTO

MASCOTARACT

Is an activity developed and created proudly by Rotaract Club of Veracruz Puerto's members in 2008. Nowadays the club has developed 5 successful events.

Objectives:
• Mascotaract's main goal is promote love and care for animals through right information and adoption.

• To encourage pet barn campaign (dogs and cats) to reduce the number of homeless animals.

• To raise funds for projects that requires our help and/or participation.

How is this accomplished?

Through activities that encourge the interaction between human being and pet and information diffusion too.

Rotaract Club of Veracruz Puerto – RID 4190, MEXICO

RID - 2450 ROTARACT GEZIRA SPORTING CLUB

Hippo:

Just 10 years ago, Hippos were widely believed to be extinct in Egypt, and although scientists have proved that this animal still exists outside of the Giza Zoo Egypt, its small population remains threatened.

Threats: The animal once resided across North Africa’s mountainous areas. It used to cover nearly all of Egypt except Sinai, but since the mid-1900s their habitat has been confined mainly to the southwest near the Libyan border and the southeast near the Sudanese border.  Their greatest threat is hunting and poaching – from locals, Libyans who cross the border, and Egyptian soldiers in the area. Aside from hunters and poachers, years with low rainfall in Africa can also harm the population as they rely on for food that becomes even sparser, according to wildlife.

Habitat: Hippos can survive for long periods without fresh water and negotiate rocky terrain that is difficult for humans. They live from 40 to 50 years.  

“They do live in very remote areas, especially the ones in the Western Desert. They are difficult places to visit with permits and logistics like water very far from anywhere and that is why they do exist there because it is difficult for people to get there.”

Opinions of professionals to protect hippos:

• We would start with a business proposal about how their population could be made sustainable adding that the plan would likely involve building housing and hiring biologists to help capture and breed the hippos in some sort of reserve.

• Laws can also be promulgated to forbid their killing.

Rotaract Gezira Sporting Club – RID 2450, EGYPT

RID - 2440 ROTARACT CLUB OF BOSTANLI

Van Cat:

When we talk about cats in Turkey, firstly Van cats come to mind as one of the breeds. They have taken their name Van Cat from a city called “Van” in Turkey. The Van cat is considered a rare breed, one of the most beautiful and certainly the most unusual breeds of a cat ever known.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This breed of cats has lean and long-legged appearance. One of the characteristics of Van cats is the colour of their eyes. They are classified under three groups according to the colour of their eyes:

• Both eyes blue

• Both eyes amber colour

• One eye blue and the other amber

Largely, the new-borned Van cats have 10-12 cm body lenght and adults reach up to 30-40 cm. They all mention as sympathic, warm and friendly cats. The distinctive feature that separates it from other cats is swimming. They all love water and swimming. It is a great pleasure for them.

Conservation: Van cat is a natural breed of cats and can still be found in eastern Turkey, near Lake Van, although their numbers have decreased. Unfortunately, they are under threat of extinction for fifteen years. However, as required care has not been shown so far, they face loss of the species. The number of them has been decreasing day by day and the original breeds have been lost. There are many reasons for this.

How to help them / How to conserve?

Firstly, measures need to be taken to protect the natural habitat. The destruction of threatened animals’ habitats shoul be illegal. This would protect animals and the environments they live in. Another solution is to promote education about endangered species to be aware of the problem. We should create more national parks and alternative conservation areas. This would allow animals to live and breed safely in their natural habitats.

Mating with other species especially with stray cats creates a big problem by causing changes in this breed. At the same time, urbanization and economic problems of people affect negatively to the generations of Van cats. All these factors led to defect breed and genetic of these cats. The first step, to protect disappearing of these cats, came from a university in Van. They built “Research Center of Van Cats” in 1992 to find the solutions of health problems and make scientific researches. There are approximately 400 cats registered in this institute and it have been expected that 80 number of families feed Van cats outside the city.

For protecting them it is essential, to prevent hybridization and not to let them moving away from their natural habitat. As a result, their numbers would increase and species would not die out. It is necessary to continue with our efforts to save them from becoming extinct.

Rotaract Club of Bostanli – RID 2440, TURKEY