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.
WildLanscapes International united key players in Kenyan conservation for high-level meetings in Washington, D.C. this past June. This collaboration marks a milestone in our ongoing conservation efforts, as it is the first time our partners have come together as a coalition to lobby congress.
Our goal: advocate for increased U.S. financial support for African conservation, with a special focus on creating a contiguous habitat for Eastern black rhino in Laikipia.
WildLandscapes Director of International Operations, Vanessa Stephen, recently travelled to North-eastern India for a site visit to an exciting ongoing project and to potentially seek new opportunities. This area is an incredible biodiversity hotspot, boasting an impressive array of over 376 plant species, 106 non-timber forest products, and 200+ bird and 90+ butterfly species recorded. It is also home to a massive diversity of larger wildlife, including rare and endangered species such as the Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, and greater one-horned rhinoceros.
WildLandscapes' ambitious "Green Heart of the Everglades" project is one step closer to completion, with the first phase of the 11,141-acre land acquisition nearing public ownership. The site, which is set to become a vital piece in the jigsaw puzzle of south Florida's Greater Everglades Ecosystem, is already proving to be a hotbed of biodiversity.
Laikipia County – known for being Kenya’s stronghold for rhinos – has long been a key target for wildlife poachers. Since a resurgence in poaching in East Africa a decade ago, players in Laikipia have been stepping up their enforcement efforts in an attempt to protect their ever-threatened wildlife. With the help of some furry friends, anti-poaching efforts have shown great promise.
Protecting important landscapes isn’t easy work, so we think celebrating success in conservation is important when you find it. That’s why we’re proud to share that Kelly McDowell, Senior Project Manager with WildLandscapes, is the recipient of the 2021 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Realty Land Legacy Award for his exceptional work with the National Wildlife Refuge System!
Click to read more about Kelly’s accomplishments and additional WildLandscapes staff updates.
For conservationists and preservationists, the slight, implicit difference between “conservation” and “preservation” in connotation is significant because, in practice, it indicates a difference in how to carry out protection. WildLandscapes focuses on adaptive landscape conservation that protects land for wildlife and people while allowing for uses like, for example, sustainable ranching on landscapes in Florida.
