|
Wild4Ever, in cooperation with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has begun an exciting conservation initiative that has begun with the conservation of one of the world’s rarest waterfowl, the white wing wood duck. The duck, with less than 1000 left alive, has been found to survive in the forested wetlands of northern Cambodia. Wild4Ever has funded a group that has found WWWD’s in the area and even discovered nest sites, something never before reported in Cambodia. Wild4Ever has funded the protection of the nest that was rewarded by the observed hatching of 7 ducklings this summer. We will continue to monitor this group to gain valuable information on this rare and elusive specie.
In addition, Wild4Ever is working with WCS staff to create a conservation cooperative with a local village to protect a potential waterfowl nesting area. We will also work with local people in a conservation education program that will hopefully involve ecotourism to support their efforts. A very exciting project with great early success
UPDATE 2010:
Dr. Riggs and W4E board member Chris Simmons of Houston Texas recently funded their own trip as Wild4Ever representatives to further the ongoing Cambodia project. W4E's ongoing support continues to fund WCS rangers protecting known nesting and feeding sites of white wing wood ducks and greater adjutants. We also continue to fund WCS's local community nest site protection programs for nesting birds. In addition, W4E is funding local community conservation education meetings and..... we are happy to report that our Wild4Ever funded conservation bird blind is completed and operational!! This blind on an important wildlife wetland and is part of a community wildlife protection project and will allow eco-tourists from around the world come to the area to view these endangered species. It will also bring funds to the local village to guide tourists to the blind and to run the nearby WCS eco-conservation camp, serving as further protection to the area. Wild4Ever was proud to be the first "eco-tourists" to try out the conservation camp and bird blind! It was a great experience and the WCS and local cambodian community should be very proud of their efforts....efforts that will serve the conservation of Cambodian wildlife for years to come!
|