By Sanjog KR

Covering an area of 690 sq km of comparatively dry and rocky highlands of the state of Karnataka, the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary lies at an altitude of 1000 m above mean sea level. The degraded forest consists of good quality teak, sandal and other species of trees.

Overview

It was the personal shooting block of the ex-Maharaja of Mysore. The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu adjoins the Bandipur sanctuary, and the forest in continuous. Only the inter-state boundary separates them. The wild animals do not, obviously, respect the inter-state boundary and cross over unchecked to areas that offer more food and water. Today, more than fifty percent elephants in the forests of south India are found in Bandipur.

(more…)

By John T Jones, Ph.D.

The following is a statement by the World Wildlife Fund on their web site: WWF safeguards hundreds of species around the world, but we focus special attention on our flagship species: giant pandas, tigers, endangered whales and dolphins, rhinos, elephants, marine turtles and great apes. These species not only need special measures and extra protection in order to survive, they also serve as umbrella species: helping them helps numerous other species that live in the same habitats.

The truth of the matter is that the disappearance is wildlife is of great concern. Here is one species that the WWF might add to their special list of flagship species: Homo sapiens. Perhaps we fit under the current umbrella.

We humans fit into the picture as mammals. That is we have mammary glands and give birth to live critters rather than lay eggs. We are also vertebrates having back ache when we get old or we lift too much. We are fragile and disruption of the environment of other animals disrupts our environment. Species now extinct can not be resurrected by man. The endangered species MUST be preserved.

(more…)

You can support the San Diego Zoo’s worldwide conservation efforts by donating any of the following vehicles:  Airplanes / helicopters, Boats, Cars, Farm equipment, Horse trailers, Motorcycles / mopeds, RVs / campers, Semi-Tractors, SUVs or Trucks.  Don’t worry about their condition.  Any condition is accepted … even if the vehicle has been in an accident (by the way, have you compared free auto insurance quotes that will still give you good coverage?).  And remember to ask about tax deductible status of your donation.  Contact the zoo for more information.

By Mark Bottell

Imagine a world without wildlife. A world without elephants; a world without tigers; a world without monkeys; or a world without lions. Almost impossible isn’t it? We’ve all grown up taking our wild animals for granted and knowing that, although we don’t get to see them all that often, they’re out there somewhere; where they’re supposed to be, doing what they’re supposed to do. But as more and more of our precious animals become endangered or threatened through loss of habitat, pollution, human interference or disease, the chances of losing some species of animals forever are becoming more and more real. Wildlife conservation is, thankfully, a high profile cause in many parts of the world. However, the responsibility lies with all of us to do our bit, no matter how small, to ensure the preservation of every member of the animal kingdom. So, how can you help?

(more…)

By Mark Bottell

Here are some of the more commonly heard FAQs relating to gap year breaks that you may find useful as you head off for your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Where can I find opportunities to work in wildlife conservation?

Assuming that you are talking about a gap year break as opposed to a career, you may have some great opportunities to choose from. There are specialist providers of such opportunities that could result in you working in places such as India and southern Africa, in some of their magnificent game reserves. Not all the work is based on dry land either! There are, for example, some great opportunities working alongside tiger shark populations.

(more…)

By Randy C Brown

This great country of ours is so blessed with rich landscapes and awe-inspiring terrain from the southern most tip of Florida to the northern tip of Alaska. Nowhere else in the world is there such a diverse array of grandeur, readily available for viewing, within short distances of almost any part of the country. Where once the land was almost barren of many species of wildlife, through wildlife conservation efforts, most of those species have been restored to a naturally healthy population.

Most of us probably think of radical, fanatical behaviorist when we hear the term wildlife conservation, but nothing could be further from the truth. Sure, there are those that take conservation much too far in trying to force their ideals on the rest of us. But true conservationist are concerned with the overall, long-range concept of conservation, not just protecting the lives of the immediate population. Only through proper wildlife management efforts is it possible to maintain a healthy population, no matter what the species.

(more…)

By Manisha Chopra

India is a prosperous land of several species of mammals, reptiles, animals, birds and insects. Still there are many species that are on the verge of extinction. It is not a one day cause, it has been a gradual disaster done by us only.

To fulfill our several dreams and projects we have totally neglected the pros and cons side of our deeds, which resulted as number of endangered species. Increasing urbanization has ruined the habitats of these innocent creatures. Many other causes like expansion of agriculture, rapid industrialization, trade and poaching are responsible for it. Continuous forest cutting has totally disturbed the eco system, that resulted out in the form of global warming and drastic climate change. Also the illegal hunting is one of the causes of extinction of wildlife species.

(more…)

By Mark Bottell

Endangered Wildlife: A Global Issue

Across the globe, more and more animal species face extinction. From the rhinos and great apes in Africa, the elephants in Asia, to the tigers in India, animals are becoming increasingly endangered. Conservation organisers have now developed the concept of gap years for adults where people volunteer to do animal conservation work and take some time out from their jobs. Here are just 4 animals in need of a serious wildlife conservation strategy.

Where Have all the Tigers Gone?

It is estimated that there are only about 4000 tigers remaining in the wild worldwide, making them one of the most threatened species. The habitat of the tiger stretches across South East China, and from the Russian Far East all the way to Sumatra in Indonesia. However, tigers can mostly only be found in tiny isolated pockets.

(more…)