Species conservation is super cool. Don’t take our word for it, listen to the Conservation Calls podcast. Created for youth, by youth, join our team as we explore the world, uncover amazing species, and share inspiring discoveries. Tune in for a wild ride with humour, passion, and excitement!
Mushroom magic: Rediscovering the Big Puma Fungus
August 4, 2025
In this edition of Conservation Calls, we join the team from Fungi Foundation in Chile as they set out to rediscover the Big Puma Fungus, an incredibly fascinating, quirky, and one-of-a-kind species.Eagle Eye Adventure: It’s not all black and white for this majestic raptor
July 2, 2025
Meet the incredible Black-and-chestnut Eagle, a stunning bird of prey facing serious challenges like human-eagle conflicts, hunting, and habitat loss. This elusive neo-tropical raptor is one of the least-studied species, hidden in dense montane forests. But there’s hope!The Last Bloom: The Story of Ecuador's Wildflower Wonder
May 28, 2025
We often hear about the amazing world of animals on our Conservation Calls podcast, but let’s not forget that plants have some pretty cool stories too… Take the critically endangered wildflower, Gasteranthus extinctus, for example, which is only found in the Centinela...Meet Tyrone the sole Mindo survivor
April 28, 2025
There’s nothing quite like rediscovering a species thought to be lost forever, especially one that faced a deadly fungus! Enter Atelopus mindoensis, a.k.a. the Mindo Harlequin Toad. Meet Tyrone, the incredible sole survivor (or is he…?) of the Mindo...Echoes in the dark: Cave biodiversity battles
March 26, 2025
In this episode, we meet Dr. Iva Njunjic, a cave biologist who has explored over 300 caves across Europe and Asia, where she’s discovered species new to science! And don’t worry, cave animals are small and not scary at all. ...Mexican Miracle: The fight to save the Kangaroo rat!
February 26, 2025
The Kangaroo rat has a unique appearance, with its distinctive hind legs significantly longer than its front, giving it a resemblance to a kangaroo. However, its tale of survival is even more remarkable. Once thought to be extinct for 30...Petrel Power: Wings of hope for the Bermuda cahow!
January 29, 2025
This month, we learn of an incredible tale of a petrel in Bermuda, which was thought to be extinct for over 300 years! Thanks to Nonsuch Expeditions, along with the support of the MBZ Fund and Dolphin Energy, JP Rouja...Voices of Change: 15 Years of Conservation Impact
December 18, 2024
This episode of Conservation Calls is especially meaningful! It celebrates 15 years of species conservation, featuring some words of wisdom from our amazing grant recipients. The highlight of the podcast is a powerful poem titled “If the Fund Had a...Whispers in the Shadows: The Omani Owl’s Fight for Survival in Wadi Wurayah
November 11, 2024
This episode focuses on the important story of owl conservation in the stunning Wadi Wurayah National Park in Fujairah, featuring the elusive and extremely rare Omani Owl as the star. Join Park Ranger Sami Majeed and our Repton podcast...Coexisting with Giants: Navigating Wild Cat-Human Conflict in Indonesia
September 26, 2024
This episode of MBZ’s Conservation Calls is roaring with excitement as we explore how Panthera and project partner Sintas Indonesia are mitigating human-wild cat conflict in the Leuser Ecosystem. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a vast area where humans...Toad Warriors: The Fight for South Africa's Amphibian Future!
August 26, 2024
In this episode, we’re diving into the awesome world of the Western Leopard Toad! Nature Connect in South Africa has come up with a brilliant plan to protect this fascinating and endangered species. Get ready to uncover all the exciting...Manatee Mavericks: Safeguarding Senegal's Gentle Giants!
July 24, 2024
Get ready for an epic podcast adventure filled with intrigue and a hint of enigma! This time, we're diving into the world of the rare and elusive - the African manatees. Join us as we uncover the unique collaboration between...Bolivian Bird Guardians: Protecting the Sky's Colorful Treasures!
June 27, 2024
This episode features an incredible story of how Asociación Armonía is working to protect the critically endangered Red-fronted Macaws in Bolivia. With only 1,200 individuals left, they are implementing various initiatives like safeguarding breeding cliffs, adding nesting boxes, and restoring...Hawaiian Drone Defenders: Soaring to Save cool plant Species!
June 3, 2024
This episode dives into the incredible journey of an MBZF-supported project. The National Tropical Botanical Garden are using cutting-edge technology, to rediscover plants once thought extinct in the most remote and hard-to-reach places on the Island of Hawaii. It’s a...Conservation calls, the podcast
April 5, 2024
Raising youth awareness on in situ conservation is key for nurturing future environmental stewards. Teaching them about protecting species in their natural habitats empowers them to grasp the link between ecosystems, biodiversity, and human welfare. This realisation sparked a collaborative...
The endangered “paper tree” (Cochlospermum tetraporum) is the poster child of the Dry Chaco Forest, which spans Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Sadly, this idol is vanishing rapidly, with 9.5 million hectares of the forest lost in Argentina alone since 2000.
With the support of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund field grant in collaboration with the GEF, Axel Gualdoni-Becerra and his team are making a difference. To kick off this conservation campaign, they travelled over 400 km across northern Argentina to survey and protect this vital ecosystem. By combining fieldwork with cutting-edge technology, they aim to map biodiversity and identify key areas for conservation.
Protecting the paper tree means safeguarding the entire Dry Chaco ecosystem for future generations. Join us and Axel in our mission to explore, document, and fight for this incredible forest.
#mbzfund #conservation#DryChaco #SaveTheChaco #SpeciesConservation #ChacoForest #Biodiversity #Fieldwork #ScienceInAction #ProtectNature #GEF #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #sustainability #uae #wildlife #nature #support #environment
The endangered “paper tree” (Cochlospermum tetraporum) is the poster child of the Dry Chaco Forest, which spans Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Sadly, this idol is vanishing rapidly, with 9.5 million hectares of the forest lost in Argentina alone since 2000.
With the support of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund field grant in collaboration with the GEF, Axel Gualdoni-Becerra and his team are making a difference. To kick off this conservation campaign, they travelled over 400 km across northern Argentina to survey and protect this vital ecosystem. By combining fieldwork with cutting-edge technology, they aim to map biodiversity and identify key areas for conservation.
Protecting the paper tree means safeguarding the entire Dry Chaco ecosystem for future generations. Join us and Axel in our mission to explore, document, and fight for this incredible forest.
#mbzfund #conservation#DryChaco #SaveTheChaco #SpeciesConservation #ChacoForest #Biodiversity #Fieldwork #ScienceInAction #ProtectNature #GEF #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #sustainability #uae #wildlife #nature #support #environment
There’s a fun saying: “I’m not weird, I’m a limited edition,” and that perfectly sums up Fungi! They aren’t plants or animals but belong to their own amazing kingdom with unique cellular structures and reproduction styles. This makes fungi super cool and ultra unique.
In this special edition of Conservation Calls, we join the team from Fungi Foundation in Chile as they set out to rediscover the Big Puma Fungus, an incredibly fascinating, quirky, and one-of-a-kind species. Their expedition followed in the footsteps of mycologist Norberto Garrido, exactly 40 years after he first stumbled upon this extraordinary fungus.
Join the Repton podcast crew and Chanda Miyanda as they chat with Daniella Torres, embarking on a sensory adventure that brings this unique rediscovery to life. Access the link in the @speciesconservationfund bio!
P.S. Be sure to follow, rate, and share our Conservation Calls podcast. Your support means the world to us!
#mbzfund #conservation#podcast #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity#fungi #funga #fungifoundation #mushrooms #sustainability #uae #Chile #wildlife #nature #support #environment
There’s a fun saying: “I’m not weird, I’m a limited edition,” and that perfectly sums up Fungi! They aren’t plants or animals but belong to their own amazing kingdom with unique cellular structures and reproduction styles. This makes fungi super cool and ultra unique.
In this special edition of Conservation Calls, we join the team from Fungi Foundation in Chile as they set out to rediscover the Big Puma Fungus, an incredibly fascinating, quirky, and one-of-a-kind species. Their expedition followed in the footsteps of mycologist Norberto Garrido, exactly 40 years after he first stumbled upon this extraordinary fungus.
Join the Repton podcast crew and Chanda Miyanda as they chat with Daniella Torres, embarking on a sensory adventure that brings this unique rediscovery to life. Access the link in the @speciesconservationfund bio!
P.S. Be sure to follow, rate, and share our Conservation Calls podcast. Your support means the world to us!
#mbzfund #conservation#podcast #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity#fungi #funga #fungifoundation #mushrooms #sustainability #uae #Chile #wildlife #nature #support #environment
Colocolo is now playing in the big leagues!
Raising awareness in conservation is crucial to highlight a cause you want to drum support for and what better way to do this than to use a national pastime?
In Chile, over 50% of the population are Colo-Colo fans, but few knew about the small wild cat that shares its name: the Colocolo.
Thanks to the support of the MBZF Fund, the Colo-Colo Project made history: for the first time, the Colo-Colo team wore their logo on the field, introducing this wild feline to over 4 million people.
With MBZ Fund, we created videos using real footage from our trail cameras, set up educational stands in the stadium, and brought life-sized replicas of the Colocolo and the Güiña so players like Arturo Vidal could join the call for conservation.
Today, the Colocolo is not just a team, it’s a cause for all Chileans!
#mbzfund #conservation #Gato #Fútbol #GatoColocolo #CocaCola #FutbolChileno #FaunaSilvestre #ArturoVidal #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Chile #nature #environment #football #sports #community
Colocolo is now playing in the big leagues!
Raising awareness in conservation is crucial to highlight a cause you want to drum support for and what better way to do this than to use a national pastime?
In Chile, over 50% of the population are Colo-Colo fans, but few knew about the small wild cat that shares its name: the Colocolo.
Thanks to the support of the MBZF Fund, the Colo-Colo Project made history: for the first time, the Colo-Colo team wore their logo on the field, introducing this wild feline to over 4 million people.
With MBZ Fund, we created videos using real footage from our trail cameras, set up educational stands in the stadium, and brought life-sized replicas of the Colocolo and the Güiña so players like Arturo Vidal could join the call for conservation.
Today, the Colocolo is not just a team, it’s a cause for all Chileans!
#mbzfund #conservation #Gato #Fútbol #GatoColocolo #CocaCola #FutbolChileno #FaunaSilvestre #ArturoVidal #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Chile #nature #environment #football #sports #community
The support from the MBZ Fund has been instrumental in aiding the Toucan Rescue Ranch to launch their conservation breeding program for the critically endangered Yellow-naped Amazon. With this funding, they were able to build specialized enclosures that promote natural nesting behaviours, divide the birds into smaller groups to encourage pair bonding, and microchip and sex each individual to improve medical tracking and increase breeding success. As they approach the breeding season in September, they are optimistic about the outcomes of these efforts.
“This program marks a crucial step toward mitigating human impact and ensuring the survival of this highly threatened species, something we simply could not have achieved without the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund’s support.” Leslie Howle, Executive Director & Founder
#mbzfund #toucanrescueranch #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #costarica #wildlife #nature #support #environment
The support from the MBZ Fund has been instrumental in aiding the Toucan Rescue Ranch to launch their conservation breeding program for the critically endangered Yellow-naped Amazon. With this funding, they were able to build specialized enclosures that promote natural nesting behaviours, divide the birds into smaller groups to encourage pair bonding, and microchip and sex each individual to improve medical tracking and increase breeding success. As they approach the breeding season in September, they are optimistic about the outcomes of these efforts.
“This program marks a crucial step toward mitigating human impact and ensuring the survival of this highly threatened species, something we simply could not have achieved without the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund’s support.” Leslie Howle, Executive Director & Founder
#mbzfund #toucanrescueranch #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #costarica #wildlife #nature #support #environment
At the MBZ Fund, we continue funding for projects that ensure long-lasting impact in species conservation. One remarkable example is our support for the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s innovative work with drone technology to conserve the critically endangered Lysimachia iniki, a unique cliff-dwelling plant found solely on the island of Kauaʻi.
Through our ongoing commitment and repeated grants, we have successfully completed a full circle in this conservation journey. The species was first discovered and described by botanists after Hurricane Iniki dislodged pieces from the cliffs above but conserving it has presented significant challenges due to its exclusive habitat on 1,000m cliffs. Fortunately, drone technology has played a pivotal role in locating previously unknown plants in inaccessible areas.
Led by Ben Nyberg and his dedicated team, a newly developed drone equipped with a cutting arm was deployed to gather seeds and cuttings from plants growing 500m up the cliffs. These remotely collected specimens were nurtured in a conservation nursery, culminating in a significant conservation milestone on the 3rd June. A helicopter transported the plants and botanists into the remote reaches of Kauaʻi, where the plants were successfully reintroduced into their natural habitat.
This innovative approach is proving invaluable in the fight against plant extinction. As donors, witnessing the transformation of a dream into reality is incredibly rewarding. Supporting this ambitious project has not only led to significant achievements for the Lysimachia iniki but has also made a profound impact on biodiversity conservation.
#conservation #MBZFund #success #endangeredspecies #plants #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Hawaii #reintroduction #nature #speciesconservation #wildlifeconservation #uae #support #environment
At the MBZ Fund, we continue funding for projects that ensure long-lasting impact in species conservation. One remarkable example is our support for the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s innovative work with drone technology to conserve the critically endangered Lysimachia iniki, a unique cliff-dwelling plant found solely on the island of Kauaʻi.
Through our ongoing commitment and repeated grants, we have successfully completed a full circle in this conservation journey. The species was first discovered and described by botanists after Hurricane Iniki dislodged pieces from the cliffs above but conserving it has presented significant challenges due to its exclusive habitat on 1,000m cliffs. Fortunately, drone technology has played a pivotal role in locating previously unknown plants in inaccessible areas.
Led by Ben Nyberg and his dedicated team, a newly developed drone equipped with a cutting arm was deployed to gather seeds and cuttings from plants growing 500m up the cliffs. These remotely collected specimens were nurtured in a conservation nursery, culminating in a significant conservation milestone on the 3rd June. A helicopter transported the plants and botanists into the remote reaches of Kauaʻi, where the plants were successfully reintroduced into their natural habitat.
This innovative approach is proving invaluable in the fight against plant extinction. As donors, witnessing the transformation of a dream into reality is incredibly rewarding. Supporting this ambitious project has not only led to significant achievements for the Lysimachia iniki but has also made a profound impact on biodiversity conservation.
#conservation #MBZFund #success #endangeredspecies #plants #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Hawaii #reintroduction #nature #speciesconservation #wildlifeconservation #uae #support #environment
The species Parosphromenus gunawani, also known as the Licorice Gourami ‘gunawani’, was first identified in 2012 (Schindler & Linke, 2012). This endemic species is found exclusively in the Muaro Jambi peat swamps. However, following its initial discovery, there have been no further studies or monitoring activities related to P. gunawani in the area.
With a grant from the MBZ Fund, ENVIIRO Foundation, through the Blackwater Expedition, successfully conducted an exploration to rediscover P. gunawani in Muaro Jambi, Indonesia. Through this expedition, we are strongly committed to conserving this critically endangered species and promoting it globally as an aquatic icon that can only be found in Muaro Jambi, Indonesia.
📸 @triprabowo27
#speciesconservation #criticallyendangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #conservation #MBZFund #biodiversity #sustainability #aquaticecosystems #peatswamps #indonesiabiodiversity #uae #Indonesia #wildlife #nature #environment
The species Parosphromenus gunawani, also known as the Licorice Gourami ‘gunawani’, was first identified in 2012 (Schindler & Linke, 2012). This endemic species is found exclusively in the Muaro Jambi peat swamps. However, following its initial discovery, there have been no further studies or monitoring activities related to P. gunawani in the area.
With a grant from the MBZ Fund, ENVIIRO Foundation, through the Blackwater Expedition, successfully conducted an exploration to rediscover P. gunawani in Muaro Jambi, Indonesia. Through this expedition, we are strongly committed to conserving this critically endangered species and promoting it globally as an aquatic icon that can only be found in Muaro Jambi, Indonesia.
📸 @triprabowo27
#speciesconservation #criticallyendangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #conservation #MBZFund #biodiversity #sustainability #aquaticecosystems #peatswamps #indonesiabiodiversity #uae #Indonesia #wildlife #nature #environment
Wrightoporia araucariae is a wood-decaying fungus with a flat, resupinate form, typically tound on dead trunks and branches of Araucaria angustifolia. Its subtle appearance makes it difficult to detect in the field. Classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, the species is known from only five records and faces threats to both its host and its shrinking habitat —the endangered Araucaria Forest.
To address this, the MIND.Funga research group at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), with support from the MBZ Fund, is leading a conservation project. The initiative aims to map its distribution, sequence its DNA, and explore ex-situ cultivation.
Despite numerous expeditions, no new individuals have been found. increasing concerns about its survival and prompting deeper investigation
into its ecological needs and threats.
🔬Researchers: Dr. Elisandro Drechsler dos Santos, Dr. Daniela Werner, Dr. Mateus Reck, Dr. Mauro Westphalen, Dr. Genivaldo Alves-Silva, Biol. Kelmer Martins-Cunha
📹 Mateus Mendonça
#Wrightoporiaaraucariae #Biodiversity #AraucariaForest # AtlanticForest #RareSpecies #MINDfunga # UFSC #BrazilianFunga #RioGrandedoSul #SantaCatarina #Parana #mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation
#speciesconservationfund #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #fungi
Wrightoporia araucariae is a wood-decaying fungus with a flat, resupinate form, typically tound on dead trunks and branches of Araucaria angustifolia. Its subtle appearance makes it difficult to detect in the field. Classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, the species is known from only five records and faces threats to both its host and its shrinking habitat —the endangered Araucaria Forest.
To address this, the MIND.Funga research group at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), with support from the MBZ Fund, is leading a conservation project. The initiative aims to map its distribution, sequence its DNA, and explore ex-situ cultivation.
Despite numerous expeditions, no new individuals have been found. increasing concerns about its survival and prompting deeper investigation
into its ecological needs and threats.
🔬Researchers: Dr. Elisandro Drechsler dos Santos, Dr. Daniela Werner, Dr. Mateus Reck, Dr. Mauro Westphalen, Dr. Genivaldo Alves-Silva, Biol. Kelmer Martins-Cunha
📹 Mateus Mendonça
#Wrightoporiaaraucariae #Biodiversity #AraucariaForest # AtlanticForest #RareSpecies #MINDfunga # UFSC #BrazilianFunga #RioGrandedoSul #SantaCatarina #Parana #mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation
#speciesconservationfund #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #fungi
Exciting news from the beautiful shores of Antigua and Barbuda! We are thrilled to partner with EAG Antigua on a new project in the Northeast Marine Management Area (NEMMA) focused on the critically endangered Antigua Racer. Once the World`s rarest snake, this harmless non- venomous species was saved from the brink of extinction throughdedicated conservation led by the EAG and its partners.
The stunning coralline islands and vibrant marine ecosystems of the NEMMA show the power of rewilding, but threats from tourism, development and invasive species persist. This initiative helps implement the Antiguan Racer Conservation Action Plan, focused on monitoring, translocation, biosecurity, and habitat restoration and
community outreach to ensure a safer future for this unique species.
With support from the MBZ Fund, EAG Antigua is dedicated to maintaining the invasive predator-free status of these crucial offshore islands. Together, we`re committed to empowering locals and enhancing conservation efforts to protect one of the Caribbean`s rarest treasures, and
the ecosystems it calls home.
📷 @sherryfilms_
#mbzfund #conservation#worldsnakeday #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Antigua #snakes #ecologist #fieldwork #wildlife #nature #support environment #Conservation #SaveOurSnakes #AntiguanRacer
#AntiguaandBarbuda #EAGAntigua
Exciting news from the beautiful shores of Antigua and Barbuda! We are thrilled to partner with EAG Antigua on a new project in the Northeast Marine Management Area (NEMMA) focused on the critically endangered Antigua Racer. Once the World`s rarest snake, this harmless non- venomous species was saved from the brink of extinction throughdedicated conservation led by the EAG and its partners.
The stunning coralline islands and vibrant marine ecosystems of the NEMMA show the power of rewilding, but threats from tourism, development and invasive species persist. This initiative helps implement the Antiguan Racer Conservation Action Plan, focused on monitoring, translocation, biosecurity, and habitat restoration and
community outreach to ensure a safer future for this unique species.
With support from the MBZ Fund, EAG Antigua is dedicated to maintaining the invasive predator-free status of these crucial offshore islands. Together, we`re committed to empowering locals and enhancing conservation efforts to protect one of the Caribbean`s rarest treasures, and
the ecosystems it calls home.
📷 @sherryfilms_
#mbzfund #conservation#worldsnakeday #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Antigua #snakes #ecologist #fieldwork #wildlife #nature #support environment #Conservation #SaveOurSnakes #AntiguanRacer
#AntiguaandBarbuda #EAGAntigua