Read the latest edition of our quarterly newsletter, Conservation Calls below.
With the support of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, researcher Lora Purnamasari and her dedicated team embarked on an essential population survey in February 2025. They journeyed into the peat swamp ecosystems of Kundur Island, Sumatra, in search of the critically endangered freshwater shrimp, Macrobrachium purpureamanus.
This grant empowered the team to access remote and challenging locations, conduct thorough habitat assessments, and actively engage local communities in the search. While the elusive shrimp was not spotted during the survey, the expedition yielded invaluable insights into the ecosystem’s current health and set the stage for developing targeted and adaptive conservation strategies in the future.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Indonesia #shrimp #nature #support #environment
With the support of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, researcher Lora Purnamasari and her dedicated team embarked on an essential population survey in February 2025. They journeyed into the peat swamp ecosystems of Kundur Island, Sumatra, in search of the critically endangered freshwater shrimp, Macrobrachium purpureamanus.
This grant empowered the team to access remote and challenging locations, conduct thorough habitat assessments, and actively engage local communities in the search. While the elusive shrimp was not spotted during the survey, the expedition yielded invaluable insights into the ecosystem’s current health and set the stage for developing targeted and adaptive conservation strategies in the future.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Indonesia #shrimp #nature #support #environment
The Andean Tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), also known as the Mountain Tapir, plays a crucial role as an umbrella species for Andean biodiversity.
It has been assessed by the IUCN as Endangered. However, within Ecuador, its conservation status is even more critical due to accelerating habitat loss, fragmentation, and the lack of robust population data, particularly in the southern Andes.
The MBZ Fund grant enabled Sur Silvestre Foundation to begin collecting this much-needed data through camera trap monitoring and field surveys. It also allowed us to launch community outreach initiatives to raise awareness about the species and its ecological importance.
Through these efforts, local residents have become active participants in tapir conservation, and we’ve laid the groundwork for long-term protection strategies in one of the least-studied regions of the species’ range.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Ecuador #wildlife #nature
#FundaciónSurSilvestre #AndeanTapir
The Andean Tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), also known as the Mountain Tapir, plays a crucial role as an umbrella species for Andean biodiversity.
It has been assessed by the IUCN as Endangered. However, within Ecuador, its conservation status is even more critical due to accelerating habitat loss, fragmentation, and the lack of robust population data, particularly in the southern Andes.
The MBZ Fund grant enabled Sur Silvestre Foundation to begin collecting this much-needed data through camera trap monitoring and field surveys. It also allowed us to launch community outreach initiatives to raise awareness about the species and its ecological importance.
Through these efforts, local residents have become active participants in tapir conservation, and we’ve laid the groundwork for long-term protection strategies in one of the least-studied regions of the species’ range.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Ecuador #wildlife #nature
#FundaciónSurSilvestre #AndeanTapir
At the Fund, just as in the field, we rely on experienced and dedicated individuals to ensure smooth operations at headquarters. One such team member is Azhar Mubarak, our very first intern, who recently celebrated her seven-year work anniversary. A communication graduate from Zayed University, Azhar began her journey supporting administrative and communications tasks, gradually taking on more responsibilities as her confidence and expertise grew. She joined the Communications department and was recently promoted to Communication and Media Relations Specialist.
Beyond her professional achievements, Azhar is constantly inspired by words, culture, and creativity, and enjoys doing pottery in her free time. Her infectious laughter and vibrant personality light up the room. This Emirati Women’s Day, we proudly celebrate Azhar and all Emirati women who are making a meaningful impact.
To access the full interview, visit the link in our bio.
في الصندوق، كما في الميدان، نعتمد على أفراد متمرسين وملتزمين لضمان سير العمل بكفاءة في المقر الرئيسي. من بين هؤلاء، أزهار مبارك، أول متدربة في الصندوق، التي احتفلت مؤخرًا بمرور سبع سنوات على انضمامها. تخرّجت أزهار من جامعة زايد في مجال الاتصال الاستراتيجي المتكامل، وبدأت رحلتها بدعم المهام الإدارية وقسم الاتصال المؤسسي، ومع الوقت نمت خبرتها وثقتها لتصبح عضوًا فعالًا في قسم الاتصال، حتى تمت ترقيتها مؤخرًا لتتولى منصب أخصائية الاتصال والعلاقات الإعلامية.
بعيدًا عن إنجازاتها المهنية، تستلهم أزهار باستمرار من الكلمات والثقافة والإبداع، وتمارس فن الفخار في أوقات فراغها. شخصيتها الحيوية وابتسامتها المشرقة تضفيان دفئًا وحيوية في كل مكان تتواجد فيه. في يوم المرأة الإماراتية هذا، نحتفل بفخر بأزهار مبارك وبجميع النساء الإماراتيات اللواتي يصنعن فرقًا حقيقيًا ويتركن أثرًا ملهمًا في مجتمعهن.
لقراءة المقابلة الكاملة، تفضّلو بزيارة الرابط في صفحتنا
#mbzfund #conservation #emiratiwomensday #emirati #culture #women #uae #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #wildlife #nature
#يوم_المرأة_الإماراتية #المرأة_الإماراتية #يداً_بيد_نحتفي_بالخمسين
At the Fund, just as in the field, we rely on experienced and dedicated individuals to ensure smooth operations at headquarters. One such team member is Azhar Mubarak, our very first intern, who recently celebrated her seven-year work anniversary. A communication graduate from Zayed University, Azhar began her journey supporting administrative and communications tasks, gradually taking on more responsibilities as her confidence and expertise grew. She joined the Communications department and was recently promoted to Communication and Media Relations Specialist.
Beyond her professional achievements, Azhar is constantly inspired by words, culture, and creativity, and enjoys doing pottery in her free time. Her infectious laughter and vibrant personality light up the room. This Emirati Women’s Day, we proudly celebrate Azhar and all Emirati women who are making a meaningful impact.
To access the full interview, visit the link in our bio.
في الصندوق، كما في الميدان، نعتمد على أفراد متمرسين وملتزمين لضمان سير العمل بكفاءة في المقر الرئيسي. من بين هؤلاء، أزهار مبارك، أول متدربة في الصندوق، التي احتفلت مؤخرًا بمرور سبع سنوات على انضمامها. تخرّجت أزهار من جامعة زايد في مجال الاتصال الاستراتيجي المتكامل، وبدأت رحلتها بدعم المهام الإدارية وقسم الاتصال المؤسسي، ومع الوقت نمت خبرتها وثقتها لتصبح عضوًا فعالًا في قسم الاتصال، حتى تمت ترقيتها مؤخرًا لتتولى منصب أخصائية الاتصال والعلاقات الإعلامية.
بعيدًا عن إنجازاتها المهنية، تستلهم أزهار باستمرار من الكلمات والثقافة والإبداع، وتمارس فن الفخار في أوقات فراغها. شخصيتها الحيوية وابتسامتها المشرقة تضفيان دفئًا وحيوية في كل مكان تتواجد فيه. في يوم المرأة الإماراتية هذا، نحتفل بفخر بأزهار مبارك وبجميع النساء الإماراتيات اللواتي يصنعن فرقًا حقيقيًا ويتركن أثرًا ملهمًا في مجتمعهن.
لقراءة المقابلة الكاملة، تفضّلو بزيارة الرابط في صفحتنا
#mbzfund #conservation #emiratiwomensday #emirati #culture #women #uae #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #wildlife #nature
#يوم_المرأة_الإماراتية #المرأة_الإماراتية #يداً_بيد_نحتفي_بالخمسين
The highlands of the Nepal Himalayas are an endemic butterfly hub, home to the Polyommatus pierinoi and Lopinga lehamanni, both of whom suffer from habitat loss primarily caused by climate change and developmental activities in the region.
With the generous support of the MBZ Fund, Bimal Raj Shrestha and his team have determined the current population and conservation status of these butterfly species, both of which are uncommon in the region and require serious conservation attention.
Through this current project, they filled the conservation knowledge gap, identifying the threats and species within the local communities. Hope still exists as we work with the local population, who have shown a keen interest in conserving these iconic Himalayan butterflies and their habitat.
We strongly believe that this project will have long-term conservation impacts thanks to the incredible work of people like Bimal and other passionate volunteers.
#MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #abudhabi #Nepal #wildlife #nature #NepalHimalayas #EndemicButterflies #Nepalwall #ManangMeadowBlue #Conservation #CitizenScience #HabitatProtection #Annapurna_Conservation_Area
The highlands of the Nepal Himalayas are an endemic butterfly hub, home to the Polyommatus pierinoi and Lopinga lehamanni, both of whom suffer from habitat loss primarily caused by climate change and developmental activities in the region.
With the generous support of the MBZ Fund, Bimal Raj Shrestha and his team have determined the current population and conservation status of these butterfly species, both of which are uncommon in the region and require serious conservation attention.
Through this current project, they filled the conservation knowledge gap, identifying the threats and species within the local communities. Hope still exists as we work with the local population, who have shown a keen interest in conserving these iconic Himalayan butterflies and their habitat.
We strongly believe that this project will have long-term conservation impacts thanks to the incredible work of people like Bimal and other passionate volunteers.
#MBZFund #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #abudhabi #Nepal #wildlife #nature #NepalHimalayas #EndemicButterflies #Nepalwall #ManangMeadowBlue #Conservation #CitizenScience #HabitatProtection #Annapurna_Conservation_Area
The Earless Monitor Lizard (Lanthanotus borneensis) conservation project, supported by the MBZ Fund, marked a significant first step in Amat Ribut’s conservation journey in Indonesia. The Fund’s backing provided essential moral support and enabled Amat and his team to conduct challenging initial surveys during the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely limited field activities.
Locating this elusive species proved difficult due to a lack of scientific information and local communities’ hesitance to share knowledge, given the lizard’s high commercial value and the pressures from hunting. Although their initial survey yielded no sightings, the team continued to gather data on its potential habitat. After four years, their commitment paid off as they finally found a lone individual, making their work all the more rewarding.
Despite this success, the species continues to face severe threats from hunting and illegal trade, compounded by land conversion pressures. We remain hopeful that future conservation initiatives will emerge to protect this unique species.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity#lizard #sustainability #uae #Indonesia #wildlife #nature #environment
The Earless Monitor Lizard (Lanthanotus borneensis) conservation project, supported by the MBZ Fund, marked a significant first step in Amat Ribut’s conservation journey in Indonesia. The Fund’s backing provided essential moral support and enabled Amat and his team to conduct challenging initial surveys during the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely limited field activities.
Locating this elusive species proved difficult due to a lack of scientific information and local communities’ hesitance to share knowledge, given the lizard’s high commercial value and the pressures from hunting. Although their initial survey yielded no sightings, the team continued to gather data on its potential habitat. After four years, their commitment paid off as they finally found a lone individual, making their work all the more rewarding.
Despite this success, the species continues to face severe threats from hunting and illegal trade, compounded by land conversion pressures. We remain hopeful that future conservation initiatives will emerge to protect this unique species.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity#lizard #sustainability #uae #Indonesia #wildlife #nature #environment
In 2017, The Fund supported the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme in Sumatra by funding the reintroduction of 15 orangutans into the Jantho Nature Reserve in Aceh Province.
Since then, the initiative has expanded rapidly, leading to the successful reintroduction of another 81 orangutans since then. These reintroductions bring the total number of orangutans released into the reserve to 186 individuals! Since our initial support, the SOCP conservation team has also monitored the successful births of 8 orangutans in Jantho to mothers that have been released.
As part of their ongoing efforts to monitor the new orangutan population in Jantho, the SOCP Forest Patrol team encountered 30 orangutans and located 1,112 nests, showing that the population now ranges over approximately 250 km² of forest, an area 38.9% larger than the Nature Reserve itself.
Importantly, all members of the SOCP’s Forest Patrol Team are local community members, highlighting their commitment to developing conservation leaders within the community. This approach not only ensures the sustainability of the initiative but also empowers the community to actively protect their natural heritage, making it a worthy celebration on World Orangutan Day.
#mbzfund #conservation #orangutanhaven #discovernature #SumatranWildlife #worldorangutanday #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Sumatra #Indonesia #nature
In 2017, The Fund supported the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme in Sumatra by funding the reintroduction of 15 orangutans into the Jantho Nature Reserve in Aceh Province.
Since then, the initiative has expanded rapidly, leading to the successful reintroduction of another 81 orangutans since then. These reintroductions bring the total number of orangutans released into the reserve to 186 individuals! Since our initial support, the SOCP conservation team has also monitored the successful births of 8 orangutans in Jantho to mothers that have been released.
As part of their ongoing efforts to monitor the new orangutan population in Jantho, the SOCP Forest Patrol team encountered 30 orangutans and located 1,112 nests, showing that the population now ranges over approximately 250 km² of forest, an area 38.9% larger than the Nature Reserve itself.
Importantly, all members of the SOCP’s Forest Patrol Team are local community members, highlighting their commitment to developing conservation leaders within the community. This approach not only ensures the sustainability of the initiative but also empowers the community to actively protect their natural heritage, making it a worthy celebration on World Orangutan Day.
#mbzfund #conservation #orangutanhaven #discovernature #SumatranWildlife #worldorangutanday #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Sumatra #Indonesia #nature
𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘪 is a rare tree endemic to Northern Sumatra, Indonesia and assessed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN List of Threatened Species. Indonesia is home to 27 other species of 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘢, yet not enough is known about them to understand whether or not they’re endangered.
With support from the MBZ fund, a research team from the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia and Universitas Samudra have undertaken field expeditions to remote forest habitats of Sumatra to assess the populations of 3 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘢 species: 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘦, 𝘔. 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴, and most recently, 𝘔. 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘪. Their work has shed some much-needed light on these rare species to better understand their conservation status, as well as collected material from the wild populations that can be grown and studied in botanic gardens.
Important outcomes of this project will result in these species having complete assessments on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, a key objective of the Global Conservation Consortium for 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘢. Led by the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the GCCM supports the conservation of 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘢 species around the world.
🎥 Dr. Iyan Robiansyah @iyan_robiansyah
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Indonesia #plants #magnolia #nature #support #environment
𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘪 is a rare tree endemic to Northern Sumatra, Indonesia and assessed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN List of Threatened Species. Indonesia is home to 27 other species of 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘢, yet not enough is known about them to understand whether or not they’re endangered.
With support from the MBZ fund, a research team from the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia and Universitas Samudra have undertaken field expeditions to remote forest habitats of Sumatra to assess the populations of 3 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘢 species: 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘦, 𝘔. 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴, and most recently, 𝘔. 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘪. Their work has shed some much-needed light on these rare species to better understand their conservation status, as well as collected material from the wild populations that can be grown and studied in botanic gardens.
Important outcomes of this project will result in these species having complete assessments on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, a key objective of the Global Conservation Consortium for 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘢. Led by the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the GCCM supports the conservation of 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘢 species around the world.
🎥 Dr. Iyan Robiansyah @iyan_robiansyah
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Indonesia #plants #magnolia #nature #support #environment
Amid the serene grandeur of the Danau Toba highlands lies a story almost lost to time, the tale of Harpesaurus modiglianii, a rare horned lizard, both endemic and mysterious. First documented over 125 years ago, the species vanished from scientific records, only to be rediscovered in 2018, reigniting hope and curiosity.
A team of herpetologists from North Sumatra ventured deep into the challenging highland forests, retracing its elusive presence. Their work uncovered the species’ dramatic history and the serious threats it now faces, hunting and habitat loss.
With support from the MBZ Fund, Wild Heritage of Sumatra Foundation are advancing research to understand its bioecology, map its distribution, and develop conservation strategies. This is more than the story of a rare reptile, it is a call to safeguard North Sumatra’s natural heritage and to protect the fragile, irreplaceable wildlife it shelters.
A truly remarkable story to celebrate World Lizard Day.
#MBZFund #sumatranwildlife #herps #sumatranendemic #whisindonesia #herpetologermania #herpetofauna #reptile#worldlizardday #lindungisatwasumatera #StopAnimalTrade #IndonesianWildlife #AlamKitaIdentitasKita #HutanUntukKehidupan #OnlyInIndonesia #DidYouKnow #ScienceIsCool #BiodiversityMatters #naturenerd
Amid the serene grandeur of the Danau Toba highlands lies a story almost lost to time, the tale of Harpesaurus modiglianii, a rare horned lizard, both endemic and mysterious. First documented over 125 years ago, the species vanished from scientific records, only to be rediscovered in 2018, reigniting hope and curiosity.
A team of herpetologists from North Sumatra ventured deep into the challenging highland forests, retracing its elusive presence. Their work uncovered the species’ dramatic history and the serious threats it now faces, hunting and habitat loss.
With support from the MBZ Fund, Wild Heritage of Sumatra Foundation are advancing research to understand its bioecology, map its distribution, and develop conservation strategies. This is more than the story of a rare reptile, it is a call to safeguard North Sumatra’s natural heritage and to protect the fragile, irreplaceable wildlife it shelters.
A truly remarkable story to celebrate World Lizard Day.
#MBZFund #sumatranwildlife #herps #sumatranendemic #whisindonesia #herpetologermania #herpetofauna #reptile#worldlizardday #lindungisatwasumatera #StopAnimalTrade #IndonesianWildlife #AlamKitaIdentitasKita #HutanUntukKehidupan #OnlyInIndonesia #DidYouKnow #ScienceIsCool #BiodiversityMatters #naturenerd