WildLandscapes is thrilled to announce the election of two new members to its Board of Directors: William Ambrose and Krista Mitchell Cornell. These distinguished individuals bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and fresh perspectives to our board. Their induction marks the beginning of a transformative chapter for WildLandscapes, heralding a period of enhanced clarity and focus in our mission. Their collective understanding across different sectors promises to propel WildLandscapes into a phase of timely growth and development.
As we embrace this exciting stage, we reaffirm our dedication to our core values and to the vision that has always guided us, now amplified by the strengths of our new board members.
Kenya's remarkable success in conserving critically endangered black rhinos has led to a population increase from 240 in 1984 to 966 today, making Kenya the third-largest rhino population in Africa. To protect these rhinos from multiple threats, including poaching and habitat loss, a stable population of 2,000 is essential. To accommodate this growth, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is conducting a major rhino relocation, moving 21 black rhinos to Loisaba Conservancy, marking their return after a 50-year absence due to poaching.
As 2023 draws to a close, we are thrilled to highlight a year of substantial growth and achievements in our ongoing mission to conserve vital ecosystems. Collaboration has been the defining theme, underlining our belief that progress is rooted in partnerships. Our diverse network of partners, including individuals, non-profit organizations, government agencies, donors, and Tribal communities, has been instrumental in advancing our mission. Their wide-reaching influence and our strategic partnerships have amplified our impact.
In collaboration with our valued partner, Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust, we have successfully protected the rare Renosterveld by acquiring the 'Plaatjieskraal' farm. Spanning 1,425 acres, this expansion doubles the size of the existing Haarwegskloof Reserve. Placing the farm into conservation safeguards the largest remaining area of one of the world’s most critically endangered and biodiverse ecosystems. Since Renosterveld is deemed "100% irreplaceable," this farm acquisition is a triumph for conservation.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has closed a deal acquiring a 306.30-acre piece of New Hampshire’s northern hardwood forest in the Mascoma Headwaters unit of Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. The property will now be added to Conte Refuge in fee simple for its permanent protection. The acquisition of this parcel of land (Unit B) marks a major accomplishment for us and our partners, the Bear Hill Conservancy and the Kilham Bear Center.
With two out of three phases complete, WildLandscapes’ efforts to permanently protect 14,817 acres of New Hampshire’s northern hardwood forest with the Bear Hill Conservancy is well on its way. Phase III will finally maintain an incredible region for biodiversity while creating connectivity between Bear Hill and White Mountain National Forest. In the last two months, we’ve identified a major source of funding that will help us complete this final phase.
Along with seven co-authors, Dr. Vratika Chaudhary, Data Scientist with NatureServe, has recently published her findings after compiling and analyzing six years’ worth of camera-trap data from Pakke Tiger Reserve in northeastern India. The project’s ultimate purpose was to create baseline species-richness and occupancy estimates for the mammalian community of the reserve by taking a full-scale, community-level research approach (which is a rare feat in India).
Combined with anthropogenic factors and occupancy modeling, six years of camera-trap data has now turned into a clearer picture of Pakke’s biodiversity.
WildLandscapes International is assisting the ORCT with securing 1,825 acres of Critically Endangered Renosterveld, one of the most endangered vegetation types on the planet. This vital habitat will adjoin and extend the Nature Preservation, ensuring that it is protected going forward.
These are only two properties with this amount of renosterveld remaining and the only way of securing them is through purchase. Donors have raised half the funds needed for purchase, but without the remaining funds the conservation areas will remain unsecured.
In partnership with Bear Hill Conservancy and Kilham Bear Center, WildLandscapes Conservation and Preservation recently permanently protected over 2,300 acres of land in New Hampshire, now added to Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge and we have plans to preserve over 12,557 more!