ContactsCraig Rieben
703 358-2225
craig_rieben@fws.gov
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a new report, The Great Ape Conservation Fund Summary Report 2001-2007, outlining ape conservation efforts supported by the Fund. The report highlights the major issues confronting ape species in Africa and Asia and the contribution of the Great Ape Conservation Fund in combating a diverse range of threats jeopardizing the future survival of our closest genetic relatives.
Today, the world's ape species -- gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos in Africa and orangutans and gibbons in Asia -- are threatened with extinction. Hunting, illegal trafficking, human conflict, disease, habitat loss and degradation have all contributed to severe declines in most ape populations. However, recent surveys of Western lowland gorillas in the Congo, funded in part by the Great Ape Conservation Fund, have given cause for hope that in a few limited areas, apes are thriving. Unfortunately this is not the case for most ape populations, which remain perilously close to extinction.
Designed to respond rapidly to high priority conservation needs for these species, the Great Ape Conservation Fund was established by Congress in 2000. From 2001-2007, in Africa the Service's Wildlife Without Borders Program provided $8,858,942 in a total of 18 countries through 139 projects. During the same period, in Asia the Service provided $4,153,768 in a total of 11 countries through 112 projects. These grants were awarded to range state governments and local and international non-government organizations. They supported applied research and efforts to strengthen law enforcement, conduct conservation education, safeguard vital habitat, combat infectious disease, and provide economic incentives for conservation.
Examples of funded projects include:
- The Fund supported work on Borneo's Kinabatangan River, home to some of the largest and most diverse concentrations of wildlife in Borneo, including Bornean orangutans. Biologists are studying how the orangutans adapt to changes in their natural habitat to determine whether orangutans can survive in exploited areas over the long-term. The results of this study will be used to design a management plan for the Kinabatangan orangutan population and to guide management of wild orangutan populations in other multiple-use forests.
- In China, the Fund is supporting the implementation of a conservation plan for the Hainan gibbon. The plan emphasizes law enforcement patrols, improving the capacity of nature reserve staff, increasing public awareness, and providing the information necessary to improve habitat on currently degraded land. A survey in 2004 confirmed the presence of 17 individual gibbons on Hainan Island.
- The Fund was among the inaugural donors to initiate conservation activities for the endangered Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli). Working with government authorities and local communities, collaborators are developing and implementing a conservation and management plan for this small, isolated population. The plan emphasizes applied research, habitat protection, and conservation education. Progress has been made in the past year to secure government support from the two host countries for improved protection on the ground.
The Great Ape Conservation Fund is a significant U.S. government contribution to the global effort to conserve apes. To download a free copy of the report visit, http://www.fws.gov/international/animals/gaprogram.htm or email
MSCF_GreatApes@fws.gov and provide a name, full mailing address, email address, and phone number to receive a copy in the mail.
For more information about the Great Ape Conservation Fund, visit http://www.fws.gov/international/animals/gaprogram.htm.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance, fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service, For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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