Rare Species Conservatory Foundation

CONSERVATION TRENDS - RSCF utilizes the "flagship species" concept, whereby the conservation of key species leverages protection of biologically diverse ecosystems. This concept evolved from the sobering observation that historical conservation approaches often targeted only individual, high profile, and charismatic animals. Effective flagship species not only characterize diverse ecosystems, but also connect cultural, political and social value systems to nature. The human component is crucial, since collectively we must shoulder the responsibility of preserving what remains of nature. Conservation strategies for pinnacle species like Brazil's golden-lion tamarin and the east African bongo antelope must foster broad protected-area policies and protection for whole ecosystems, thereby benefiting a myriad of plants and animals.

Below are brief descriptions of RSCF's programs. Click the links for detailed reports and information.

AFRICA
Bongo Repatriation Program

In January, 2004, RSCF airlifted 18 captive-bred bongo antelope from the United States to the Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. This marked the first step in the recovery of the species in the wild, and began a grass-roots conservation mission in Kenya. At the same time, RSCF Research Associate Lyndon Estes has been monitoring and photographing a small, wild population of mountain bongo discovered within Mt. Kenya National Park. Partners in this program include the United Nations Foundation, the Kenya Wildlife Service, White Oak Conservation Center, and many more.

Giant Sable Relocation Program

Found only in central Angola, the giant sable is one of the most impressive and critically endangered African antelope. In 2009, an effort was undertaken to group nine remaining female sable in Cangandala National Park with a single male sable relocated from Luando Reserve. This protected breeding group represents a last-chance against extinction.

Wildebeest - A Life Time of Movement

RSCF Trustee Dr. Richard Estes has dedicated his life to the study of the wildebeest, arguably one of Africa's most famous hoofed animals. The epic annual migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest has a direct impact on the health of Africa's ecosystem as a whole, and the migration is threatened by climate change and exploding human populations.

Black Rhino - On the Edge

From 18 May - 3 June 2009, RSCF trustee Mark Davis, DVM assisted a team of rhino specialists translocating 29 black rhinos in the Lowveld region of Zimbabwe. Poaching of black rhinos for their horns has escalated in Zimbabwe, with only 415 now remaining--down from 2000 in 1988.

At the moment, translocation is the only hope for Zimbabwe's remaining black rhino.

EASTERN CARIBBEAN

Dominica Parrot Recovery Program

Dominica's national bird, the Imperial Amazon Parrot, finds sanctuary within the Morne Diablotin National Park. Since the MDNP's creation in 2000, seven additional parcels of land have been included, expanding the Imperial's protected area to over 10,000 acres.

Bahama Parrot Recovery Program

Extensive de-forestation on Abaco Island has forced the Bahama parrot to nest on the ground in limestone cavities. This leaves the birds, eggs and chicks vulnerable to fire, flooding, and ferel cats. RSCF, working with Research Associate Caroline Stahala, began hanging artificial nest cavities in remaining pine forests in the hopes the birds will choose to nest in trees once again.

With your support RSCF can continue working to protect and preserve our planet's vanishing natural resources. Your tax-deductable gift will ensure vital conservation and recovery programs continue.

BRAZIL
Red-browed Amazon Recovery Program

Perhaps no other animal group in history has captivated the human imagination like parrots. Since Columbus's time, parrots have been captured, bought, sold, given as gifts to Kings and Queens, and graced many a livingroom. The Red-browed Amazon from Brazil once numbered less than 200 in the wild, and was destined for extinction. Captive breeding and management in the United States and abroad has brought this amazing parrot back from the brink.

RSCF recently partnered with the Curitiba Zoo in Brazil to help establish a captive breeding and research center for red-brows. The long-range goal is to establish a captive colony in Brazil for eventual reintroduction into protected areas and national parks.

TEAMWORK AND PARTNERSHIPS
Successful wildlife conservation depends on teamwork. Our joint efforts in Kenya and the Eastern Caribbean demonstrate how strong in situ and ex situ partners can work together quickly and effectively. The Mountain Bongo Recovery Program engages zoological institutions, private conservation partners, and international NGOs -- all focused on restoring bongo in the wild. Our longstanding partnership with Dominica's Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division proves that flagship species conservation really works -- from the creation of the Morne Diablotin National Park in 2000, to broad conservation efforts to protect Dominica's unique biodiversity for future generations.

What we do in the Caribbean, South America, and Africa creates a model that can be used to design recovery programs elsewhere. This free exchange of information, ideas, and technology builds the foundation for successful, long-term conservation solutions.