TENDUA

Photo Exhibition “BEAUTÉS NATURELLES” from 4th to 21st November 2015

Myriam Dupuis — 2015-12-16T15:12:28Z

A few days before the start of COP21 in Paris, the TENDUA association wants, together with photographers who support its action, to underline once again their joint commitment to the preservation of the world biodiversity. The exhibition “Beautés naturelles” is open to all curions and the nature loyers who share the same commettent as that of TENDUA.

Having offered generously their images, the most famous professional photographers [1], together with some members of TENDUA [2], as well as photo lab RAINBOW COLOR for the prints and the Mairie of the Sixth arrondissement of Paris for the exhibition space, have made possible this exhibition.
Each photographer has selected one of his favorite shots and the 25 exposed prints are numbered and proposed for sale in order to contribute financially to several study projects, rehabilitation or safeguarding of endangered species in the world by financing the acquisition of camera traps, satellite collars, salary trainers, purchasing drugs ...

The exhibition « BEAUTÉS NATURELLES » is open from Monday to Friday (10:30am to 5pm), on Thursday untel 7 pm, on Saturday (10 to 12am), at the Mairie du 6e arrondissement - Galerie du Luxembourg, 78, rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris.

About Tendua :
TENDUA is a French association, independent and launched in 2008.
Sixteen photographers, professionals and amateurs have joined the association for this public awareness event through nature photography, in order to preserve of biodiversity.

TENDUA supports the following projects in 2015 :

* The study of the Namib Desert lions whose population is estimated at 150 individuals,
* The study and protection of the Colombian tapir, the largest herbivore in South America,
* The Hoolock gibbon's conservation, a highly endangered primate in India,
* The study and protection of the snow leopard throughout its range.
* TENDUA is also part of the collective CAP LOUP for the protection of the wolf in France and raises public awareness of the important role of sharks in marine ecosystems.

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT, MYRIAM DUPUIS

What would a world without color and diversity that nature offers us? Can we allow it goes away to satisfy our insatiable need to consume?

For 40 years, the ecology in France is politicized, while this political debate on ecology is nevertheless exceeded. No matter what is the political color of the government: where are the concrete actions on the long term that allow “to study living things in their environment and interactions between them,” that encourage a peaceful coexistence with spaces allowing wildlife to live?

Yet, each of us is concerned about the air we breathe, the water we consume, the space that we need and all the ecosystemic services provided by the planet.

Today, the time to act will soon be behind us. We know the consequences induced by previous political choices made worldwide: nothing -or so little - in favor of nature, everything is done to produce and consume more. Will the COP 21 be able to achieve what we already know we need to do? We have a chance to change the course of things because technological solutions and / or scientific exist.We must still CHOOSE to apply them, to CHOOSE the future of our environment: with or without nature, OUR CHOICE will define the future of humanity.

The idea of a photo exhibition came from a dual motivation: public awareness to the fragilité of nature and the need to raise funds to continue the actions of TENDUA in order to preserve the nature.
TENDUA is a completely independent association receiving no subsidy and operating only through memberships and donations.

Biographies of the photographers of the exhibition: the “pros”

Julie Boileau
A graduate of the Ecole Nationale Supérieure Louis Lumière in 2011, Julie photography forests, landscapes, territories and Men.
Regularly exposing her images throughout France since 2007 at festivals, Julie met TENDUA for his “Last Call” project, a collection of photographic portraits of anonymous and mediatic people sharing a common point: the preservation of natural biodiversity.
http://www.julieboileau.com/

Fred Buyle
Belgian photographer and free diver, he beats several world records of apnea between 1995 and 2004. After the competition, he focuses on the art of photography, a passion inherited from his great-grandfather, and video diving with a special feature: all shots are taken in apnea. The formula sounds simple: the sea, the natural light, a camera and a single inspiration ... Since 2005, Fred is on the field with marine biologists to participate to conservation projects.
http://nektos.net/

Tony Crocetta
Independent wildlife photographer, tireless globetrotter, Tony has long traveled the world to track down, through his objectives, all holders of feathers, hairs or scales! He puts his bags one day in Kenya, in the heart of the legendary Masai Mara, to devote himself fully to photograph large fauna of African savannas. Tony develops a cheetah protection program in Masai-Mara.
http://www.tony-crocetta.com/

Christine & Michel Denis-Huot
For over 25 years, Christine and Michel Denis-Huot spend several months a year in the bush, mainly in the heart of Masai Mara, where they observe and photograph African wildlife and the environment. Michel has always been fascinated by nature and he fell under the spell of the great wilds of East Africa on his first trip to Kenya in 1973, at the age of 20 years.
http://www.denis-huot.com/

Ivan Kislov
Wildlife photographer of the other side of the world, Ivan lives near the Arctic Circle in Russia. Photography is his hobby that relaxes him from his mining engineer job. He likes to trudge in nature, where nothing seems accessible. And he always feels lucky when he reports “good” pictures. He has already participated in several photo festivals, where his images of polar foxes are just amazing.
https://500px.com/ivankislov/

Pascal Kobeh
Underwater professional photographer since 1996, Pascal Kobeh has published several books and was the main photographer of the Jacques Perrin's film “OCEANS” between 2005 and 2009 (release of the film in 2010). Pascal also won silver in 1997 and gold in 1998 at the Festival of the underwater image of Antibes, and won the year nature photographer prize in the Veolia Environnement Foundation 2010.
http://www.pascalkobeh.com

Yves Lefèvre
Wildlife photographer and diving instructor, Yves has fallen under the charm of French Polynesia there are more than 30 years. He created in 1985 the first diving center in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Rangiroa: the Raie Manta Club. His passion and knowledge of marine life, especially sharks, led Yves to contribute to the implementation of the ban on fishing for all species of sharks in French Polynesia and the creation of the sanctuary Malpelo in Colombia.
http://www.raiemantaclub.com/

Gilles Marquis
Photographer designer, more specialized in food photography and portraits, Gilles is not least a great traveler, always on the lookout for what the world can offer his camera with more than 110,000 km covered in its active! Being a scuba diver, Gilles keeps an open eye and a camera around. Sensitive to the causes that TENDUA defends, Gilles has willingly offered its picture to “NATURAL BEAUTIES”.
http://www.gillesmarquis.com/

Vincent Munier
Professional wildlife photographer since 2002, specialist of winter conditions, Vincent received three times a prize in the BBC “Wildlife Photographer of the Year”. Vincent endorses this sentence of Robert Hainard : “Fighting for nature will allow to avoid the man's conviction”. Author of a doyen books since 2000, he says, “he still believes in the power of images to reveal the beauty of nature and participante in an awareness of the dangers which threaten it.”
http://www.kobalann.com/

Alain Pons
Graphic designer, photographer, editor, Alain is a man of image. For over thirty years he traveled the most beautiful natural sites in the world to photograph wildlife and landscapes. His images reflet aesthetic research through which he wants to show the public the beauty of the nature in order to better raise awareness of the rich heritage in danger of disappearing. Alain knows well TENDUA as it created the logo of the association at its very beginning.
http://www.alain-pons.com/

Biographies of photographers, members of Tendua

Christian Baillet
Christian was 7 years old when, during a visit to the zoo in Vincennes, his parents entrusted him a Scoutbox-light camera and a black and white film 6X8 small holes, but he really invests himself in the photo in 1975 with his first SLR, a Praktica LLC. His thunderbolt for wildlife photography hit him in 1989 during his first trip to Kenya: an article by Pierre Pfeffer CNRS on the African elephant who stated that it remained only 300,000 individuals ... Christian continues traveling the world to grasp its beauty and share it, before it is too late.

Christine Baillet
Editor, writer, passionate about nature in all its dimensions, Christine likes to observe elephant or coon, squirrel or tiger, polar bear or tit, whale or hedgehog, oak or baobab ... all of them deserve attention and respect without having to thank us ! The philosophy of TENDUA goes well to Christine: loving nature for what it is and not for what it brings! After a career that has always been related to the picture, Christine now lives thanks words and keeps writing, but keeps intact passion for nature and photography.

Myriam Dupuis
Traveler, photographer, diver, Myriam is fascinated by the diversity and beauty of the wilderness. Inspired by the strength of the bond between man and nature, she created in 2008 the TENDUA association for the protection of biodiversity.
Wishing to share a global vision of nature, she she tries to be a relay between scientists and public.
Catalyzer of meetings, “agitato” of awareness, TENDUA does not attempt to give lessons. TENDUA is a way for the knowledge of the otherness, whoever he/she is, and whatsoever it is, in the different ecosystems that still exist, with the shared value of respect of life.

Olivier Güder
Olivier had his first wild encounters in the forest of Fontainebleau, privileged place of his passion, where he practices the photo-hunting “à la billebaude” still very frequently. This quest for wildlife leads him regularly to various destinations in Europe, Africa and North America. Active member of several associations of environmental protection, Olivier does not spare his time to the cause of nature.

François Moutou
François is Doctor in Veterinary Medicine, Epidemiologist, specialist of livestock diseases and wildlife zoonoses, Honorary President of the French Society of study and protection of mammals (www.sfepi.org), IUCN expert, mammalogist, author and co-author of several scientific works and outreach on these topics ... and a member of numerous associations of nature conservation, among which TENDUA! François travels around the world with a pair of binoculars and a camera.

PHOTO EXHIBITION: There are still some prints for sale: contact us!

Conversation III & the Butterfly Way
Causses du Quercy, Lot, France - © Julie Boileau

Conversation III

Causses du Quercy, France

Julie Boileau

102: This is the number of municipalities gathered in the territory of the regional park of Causses of Quercy established in 1999 in the Lot department and covering 176,000 ha. The park is home to a mosaic of environments, including dry grasslands planted with shrubs that are one of the most characteristic. However, rivers and streams wind their way in limestone substrate and fringed by lush riparian forests are another environment equally remarkable and so precious! Still very useful, some of these riparian woodlands are threatened by the increasing urbanization of villages.

The butterfly way

Causses du Quercy, France

Julie Boileau

We can better understand The major role of these transition areas between terrestrial and aquatic environments when we know that they not only form biological corridors, veritable reservoirs of biodiversity - their leaves, branches and roots in particular provide food and shelter to many invertebrates, reptiles, birds and bats - but also that the interlacing trees' roots can limit bank erosion and purify water by feeding on nitrates and phosphates rejected by the cultures and towns neighbours. Basically, what a difference between cutting a riparian forest in favour of a shopping centre and snatch a mangrove for the installation of a shrimp farming?

* A riparian forest or riparian woodland is a forested or wooded area of land adjacent to a body of water such as a river, stream, pond, lake, marchand, estuary, canal, sink or reservoir. This band is a real buffer between the river and surrounding land.

EVENTIDE
Cap d'Erquy, Bretagne, France - © Julie Boileau

Eventide

Cap d'Erquy, France

Julie Boileau

62: The number of wind turbines that could soon rise up off the bay of Saint-Brieuc, in front of Cap d'Erquy, natural site of 170ha, less than 20km from the cliffs of pink sandstone populated with pines and heather. Home to a rich natural reserve and famous for its Saint-Jacques shells, the bay is a mecca of tourism in Britany. The gigantism of the wind project therefore concerned the environmental associations. Indeed, the installation of concrete piles would require colossal move tens of thousands of tonnes of marine sediment, which is unknown whether the sludge suspension after the operation will not stifle the aquatic landscape and its inhabitants. Besides propagating that far in the water, the sound of explosions will disturb the cetaceans and other fauna. The lifespan of the wind turbines is limited: what is going to happen in 25 years when they will be out of use? What about collision risk of birds here in the colonies, with the huge 90m-wind turbine blade? What about the strength of these giant windmills to wind, currents and waves that potential violence is known, and visual injury caused by these machines that will dominate the sea above 216m? Meanwhile, an Operation Grand Site of caps Erquy and Frehel is conducted to preserve and enhance the natural and local cultural landscape heritage. Logic!

DANCE OF THE DEVILS
Diables de mer, Princess Alice Bank, Faial, Açores - © Frédéric Buyle

Dance of the Devils

Adores, Portugal

Fred Buyle

3.70(m): This is the record size known today for the Chilean sea devil's wingspan, otherwise called “devil giant of Guinea”. Rarely seen, this elegant Elasmobranch is still poorly documented. Nevertheless, we know that it frequents the pelagic waters of the Indian Ocean, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, which makes it significantly less vulnerable than its cousins Mobula and Manta to pressure from coastal fisheries, particularly from Indonesia, the Philippines and Mexico. However, as they suffer from the environmental disturbances caused by excessive maritime traffic and pollution by plastic micro-particles suspended in the water that sea devils ingest. Mobula tarapacana is also a fishing bycatch, trapped by high water gillnets and long lines. To a lesser extent than its parents, it is also being poached because of its gills, prized by the Chinese drug making industry, its flesh then being intended for human consumption or to bait. The species seems to evolve at low density in its habitat and considering low reproductive potential, it is unlikely to be resilient enough to face the growing dangers of anthropogenic activities.

THE LION KINGDOM
Lion, Masai Mara, Kenya - © Tony Crocetta

The lion Kingdom

Masai Mara, Kenya

Tony Crocetta

20 000: This is the estimated number of lions living in Africa today, 10 times less than in the 1970s, when the population of Panthera leo was estimated at 200,000 individuals. Who would believe that this big cat used to live in Europe up until 2000 years ago, and in North Africa only three centuries ago? Now confined to 22% of its historic range, two thirds of its population are concentrated in the East and South of Africa, besides a residual stand of approximately 300 lions living in Western India. Faced with the increasing human pressures that condemn this feline to repeated conflict with man, it must deal with the fragmentation and loss of its habitat to agriculture, industrialization and urbanization; and the dispersion and depletion of its natural prey; poisoning, the fragmentation of its population with the long-term result in genetic isolation and inbreeding; to trophy hunting, to the hunting for the Asian medicine and remedies ... Certainly, the conservation projects are multiplying to save the lion, considered “Vulnerable” by the IUCN, but will they be enough to stop the decline of this king of animals ?

THE REST OF THE SENTINELS
Girafes Masai, Masai Mara, Kenya - © Christine et Michel Denis-Huot

The rest of the sentinels

Masai Mara, Kenya

C&M. Denis-Huot

40(%): This is the percentage of the giraffes' population decline over the past fifteen years. There are now less than 80,000 animals which sporadically populate Africa, most of this population concentrating on the East and South of the continent. Previously there were nine subspecies of giraffes, but recent genetic studies seem to identify six fully-fledged species, some represented by only a few hundred animals.
Considering the threats faced by giraffes, this requires special management strategies for their conservation. The expansion of agriculture and population growth has reduced the areas loved by giraffes. Indeed, the animal faces not only the degradation of habitat by man but, easy to kill, giraffe is also extensively hunted for its meat, its skin, its tail, and some parts are also used for drug making. For example, in Tanzania, the brain and the spinal cord of the giraffes are attributed to the healing properties AIDS, so poaching has increased. The general public seems to ignore the dramatic decline of this iconic silent giant of African savannahs. Nevertheless, the IUCN, which generally considers the “least concern” species, accords the status of “Endangered” species for the Niger and Rothschild giraffes, but other giraffes also deserve this status.

IN THE HEART OF THE FROZEN TURMOIL
Loup gris, Russie - © Yvan Kislov

In the heart of the frozen turmoil

Tchukotka, Russie

Ivan Kislev

60: this is the number of countries in North America, Europe, Oceania and Asia, where a dozen wolf subspecies remain. Having been the most widespread mammal in the world, Canis lupus has lost over a third of its historical range and up to 95% of its previous territory in some countries. Its presence is only sporadic, it was decimated for the same reasons as most other predators: cultural perception of a fantasy animal that haunts our collective imagination, provoking feelings and fears, mixing admiration and visceral hatred. Accused of predation on livestock, the wolf was the subject of fierce persecution and in some areas, remains under pressure from sheep breeders. In other countries it is still-hunted for its fur, the trophy or mere “sport” of hunting. These threats are added to the long list of environmental disturbance generated by man and sensitivity of the species to pathogens such as distemper, rabies, canine parvovirus ... Unequally protected by the countries of residence and despite sometimes very threatened local populations, the species is widely regarded as “least concern” by the IUCN. France is home to some 250 of this highly social canine. In Europe, the wolf is considered as a “protected species” in accordance with the Bern Convention, however France seems to have forgotten this convention and has allowed more than 2000 hunters to kill 41 wolves in 2015.

THE AKTUN HA NYMPHEAS
Cénote Haktun Ha (ou car wash), Péninsule du Yucatan, Mexique - © Pascal Kobeh

The Aktun Ha nympheas

Cénote Haktun Ha, Yucatan, Mexique

Pascal Kobeh

2241: this is the number of identified cenotes (sinkholes) in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Several countries provide safe havens for cenotes, but the Peninsula is home to an extraordinary concentration. Considered by the Maya as sacred wells in connection with the underworld, cenotes are more prosaically natural pits, or sinkholes, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. They usually measure a few tens of meters deep and are notably characterized by an often-circular orifice and vertical walls. With their turquoise and sapphire waters in the heart of a green setting, cenotes are true centres of biodiversity, populated with many endemic animal and plant species. However, human activities exert multiple pressures on these fragile ecosystems. In addition to the attraction to tourists, some are disfigured by all kinds of uses: overly pumped for the water supply for cities, polluted by agricultural chemical input, considered as public landfills where septic tanks are discharged and where people just get rid of household waste, and so on. Several cenotes are already protected, but others are still waiting for action to safeguard and for sustainable management of their precious heritage.

AT THE OCEAN SCHOOL
Baleines à bosse, Rurutu, Polynésie française - © Yves lefèvre

At the Ocean school

Rurutu, Australes, Polynésie française

Yves Lefèvre

90(%): it is the percentage of humpback whales exterminated in the middle of the twentieth century, after decades of intensive hunting for their fat, their meat and blubber. Benefitting from the 1986 moratorium, established by the International Whaling Commission, the humpback whale was classified by the IUCN status of species “endangered” in 1986 and “vulnerable” in 1990. It is now “a minor concern” with the exception of its representatives in the Arabian Sea and Oceania still considered as “endangered”. Everywhere, however, it still faces multiple threats including hunting under the guise of scientific studies; offshore oil and gas development off the South American and African coasts; pollution by plastic micro-particles, chemicals and hydrocarbon pollution; collisions with maritime traffic, noise disturbances and abandoned fishing nets are so many traps ... This long-term traveller crosses the world's oceans, sailing North to South and vice-versa depending on the season, to feed, love and give birth. Because of its wide distribution, the humpback whale has an unevenly implemented protection. Despite a total population estimated of about 60,000 individuals, we need to remain vigilant!

TROPICAL REFLECTION
Rodrigues, Archipel des Mascareignes, Indian Ocean - © Gilles Marquis

Tropical reflection

ile Rodrigues, Océan Indien

Gilles Marquis

85(%): is the percentage of the population of the “ourite” (octopus local name) that have disappeared from the lagoon of Rodrigues, where overfishing has taken its toll.
Rodrigues is the smallest of the three islands of volcanic origin of the Mascarene archipelago with Mauritius and Reunion. The modest and authentic island outcrops approximately 560 km of Mauritius. Covering an area twice that of its landmass, its wealthy lagoon hosts an abundant aquatic fauna. Many Rodrigues find their main source of income, but overfishing has already challenged their livelihoods, not to mention the damage to biodiversity. As such, the example of fishing for octopus is indicative of “smart exploitation” that should prevail in all-economic activity. The scarcity of resources has indeed led the authorities to initiate an annual period of suspension of fishing to enable this smart cephalopod to reproduce. Two months a year, more than 1000 fishermen are deprived of their work, but may perform alternative employment, particularly in favour of the environment (removal of invasive species, cleaning polluted sites, etc.). These measures seem to be effective - the size of octopus and the number of catches are increasing again - and encouraged Mauritius to follow the same policy. “Consuming better”, there is the challenge.

SIX TREE SPARROWS
Tree sparrows, Vosges, France - © Vincent Munier

Six tree sparrows

Vosges, France

Vincent Munier

10(%): This is approximately the proportion of the European population of Eurasian tree sparrows nesting in France. Smaller than the house sparrow, it lives in the countryside, perhaps because it has less chance of compete with its cousin that prefers life in the city ! Despite its wide distribution and its encrypted workforce in millions, this small volatile has declined in Western Europe and has a very unequal fate in different countries. In the UK the decline estimated at 97% in the last thirty years is the most spectacular. In France, from one region to another, Passer montanus flits between stability, decline and total disappearance, which ranks it among the species here “near threatened,” while it is “least concern” at the international level. Changes in agricultural practices, such as land consolidation, increasing the surface of plots and development of monocultures, with consequences for the standardization of landscapes, have strongly affected the tree sparrow during the twentieth century. Nowadays, the use of pesticides continues to dry up its sources of food. The tree sparrow is a valuable indicator of the evolution of agrarian backgrounds. It would be time to take a real care of it despite its modest air.

CAROUSEL OF ZEBRAS
Zèbres de plaine, Serengeti, Tanzanie - © Alain Pons

Le carrousel des zèbres

Serengeti, Tanzanie

Alain Pons

2/3:This is the number of species of zebras whose future is uncertain. Indeed, there are three species of this striped equid. The plains zebra is the most prevalent and has a population of more than 600,000. It is the animal that escorts the wildebeest migration in East Africa and that we imagine at leisure during safaris. Then there is the mountain zebra, with less than 10,000 adults remaining in South Africa and Namibia. Too heavily hunted for its skin, it is also confronted with the agricultural practices that affect its movement and access to water, which earned it the classification of “Vulnerable” by the IUCN. Finally the endemic zebra to Ethiopia and to northern Kenya the Grevy's zebra is the rarest and is on the red list of “Endangered” species by the IUCN. It has lost more than half of its population over the past two decades and now its population is no greater than 2000 animals. At issue is the hunting for meat and traditional medicine, competition from domestic livestock for grazing, habitat degradation and reduction of water sources. Despite legal protection the mountain zebras and Grevy's zebras remain a concern.

BLAZING DAWN
Vautour, Masai Mara, Kenya - © Christian Baillet

Blazing dawn

Masai Mara, Kenya

Christian Baillet

80(%): This is the percentage of the population of 8 African vulture species eradicated over the last three generations. Direct poisoning (targeting) and indirect (from carcasses they eat), and traditional medicine are the main factors that in some countries constitute 90% of the mortality of African vultures. Not to mention the environmental damage caused by human activities (vehicle traffic, the presence of infrastructure, hunting and so on).

Being the last links in the food chain, these large scavenger birds play a key role in natures balance. Devouring the remains of dead animals, they prevent water pollution and the spread of diseases. In India for example, where a similar problem occurred, though of different origin, the collapse of the vulture population has led to the proliferation of stray dogs that have now become the main consumers of carrion, and rabies vectors as well as other pathogens. In Europe, the vultures are not spared either, victims of agricultural pesticides and poisons used for trapping large predators. Most species are nevertheless protected, provided they live in spaces that are protected too!

UNDER THE VITAL RAIN
Elephants, Masai Mara, Kenya - © Christian Baillet

Under the vital rain

Masai Mara, Kenya

Christian Baillet

10(years): This is the time by which the UN organization estimates that more than a third of the world population will be exposed to water shortages. In the Horn of Africa in the forefront, Kenya, like its neighbours, has to cope with repeated droughts. Besides hunger and its attendant loss of life, the absence of water also threatens the whole environment, including animals that succumb to these conditions.

For the elephant, that needs to drink about 100 litres of water per day, drought is a disaster. In 2009 for example, in the region of Samburu, 38 of these majestic pachyderms have disappeared, direct victims of the drought - a phenomenon that some scientists attribute to global warming.
For the record, the climate change is mainly due to the production of various greenhouse gases, however, Africa is contributing far less than the other continents. For example, in 2010 a European Union individual produced 7.3 tons/year of CO2 on average, while Africans have produced only 0.9 tons....

PLACE OF STORMS
Le Hourdel, Baie de Somme, France - © Christian Baillet

Place of Storm

Baie de Somme, France

Christian Baillet

3000 (ha): This is the area in hectares of the Bay of Somme that is protected by the National Nature Reserve, over the total 7000 ha covered by the Bay. Recognized internationally for its ecological richness, the Bay of Somme is one of the Natura 2000 sites and also one of the Ramsar wetland protection sites. In addition to being a centre of gathering for birds, the Bay hosts the largest colony of seals in France. Despite the various measures in place to preserve its rich natural heritage, the Bay of Somme is a victim of water pollution (hydrocarbons, heavy metals etc.) and anthropogenic pressures (fishing, hunting, tourism, sporting and leisure activities).

Consisting mainly of mud flats, non-vegetated salty mudflats, and shores, including salty meadows, the maritime territory of the Bay is threatened with silting, a phenomenon of natural origin, however amplified by man who has reduced the force of the tides and modified the watercourses by building dykes and channelling the water.

LOOKING FOR A NAP
Female cheetah, Masai Mara, Kenya - © Christian Baillet

Looking for a nap

Masaï Mara, Kenya

Christian Baillet

87(%): is the percentage of the cheetahs' population decimated by man over the past hundred years. Fragmentation and loss of habitat resulting from increasing human pressure, the consequent depletion of its prey, trapping, shooting on sight, sport hunting and poaching continue to seriously jeopardize the future of the cheetah. A few centuries ago the population's range extended from Africa to the Middle East Asia, but the continuous decline of the species is now confined to a residual population in Iran and mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Its main bastions are in East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) where the animal occupies only 6% of its historic range, and in Southern Africa (Botswana and Namibia) where that figure painfully reached 21%. This singular feline, a unique representative of its zoological genre, is even more vulnerable as its gene pool is depleted and cheetahs reproduce poorly in captivity. Considered as ‘Vulnerable' by IUCN, it is classified in Appendix I of CITES, except in Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana where it is hunted, when its presence is considered to be detrimental to human interests, however the cheetahs presence increases the economic value of private reserves hosting tourists.

THE LONG WALK
Oryx, Sossusvleï, Namib desert, Namibia - © Christine Baillet

The long walk

Desert du Namib, Namibie

Christine Baillet

45(%): This is the percentage of Oryx that live within private reserves. This gregarious and nomadic antelope has seen its population and distribution dangerously reduced during the XIXth and XXth centuries, as a result of human activities. It became a popular hunting trophy, but is now of great economic importance, especially in South Africa, which explains its massive introduction in private properties, even outside its traditional habitat.

Protected areas are home to 35% of the total species, which therefore find refuge to escape the increasing human pressure. However, the resident Oryx of Southern Africa is not in danger, unlike his cousin of the Northeast of the Horn of African, the Beisa Oryx, that is considered “Near Threatened” by the IUCN, and the other Oryx of North-African and Sahara, the scimitar-horned Oryx also known as the Sahara Oryx, now extinct in the wild and with only a few dozen individuals surviving in captivity. Particularly suited to arid conditions, Oryx finds something to remain hydrated in the plants it eats, and is capable of increasing its body temperature up to 45 ° C to prevent water loss by sweating and panting.

THE MATRIARCH
Éléphante, Tsavo, Kenya - © Myriam Dupuis

The Matriarch

Parc du Tsavo, Kenya

Myriam Dupuis

100: that is the number of elephants that are killed every day in Africa, where nearly 75% of the population have disappeared within the last 40 years. The remaining population of elephants would be around 470 000 animals, two-third living in Southern Africa and one third in Eastern Africa. Decimated in the 19^th century for its ivory, the elephant has disappeared from many countries. The ivory became forbidden in the 1930's only in few countries, but the elephant hunting was very appreciated until in the 1970's. Around 70 000 elephants were exterminated each year for their precious tusks.

Despite its actual classification by IUCN as vulnerable and the interdiction of its trade by its classification in Annex 1 of CITES, some 38 000 elephants are still poached every year all over the African continent. Moreover, the habitat fragmentation, the loss of habitat because of anthropic pressure and human activities' development such as mining, forestry, agricultural exploitation, that increase the human-elephant conflicts - animals being deprived of its usual routes of access to water and its food sources. Unfortunately, the elephant is also a target for a legal “sportive hunting”, governed by “quotas”, whose rich income is not assigned to the protection of the species, as it is usually claimed.

Champagne Pool
WAI-O-TAPU, New-Zealand - © Myriam Dupuis

Champagne Pool (Sacred Water)

Mai-O-Tapu, Nouvelle-Zélande

Myriam Dupuis

75(°C): This is the surface temperature of this slightly acid so-called “Champagne Pool”, while its deep geothermal water below is of order of 260°C (500°F). Its crater is around 65m (213 ft) in diameter with a maximum depth of approximately 62m (203 ft) and is filled with an estimated volume of 50,000 m3 (1,800,000 cu ft) of geothermal fluid. It is geochemically well characterised as a potential habitat for microbial life forms. Rather young – less than 1000 years old -, this jewel owes its surreal colour to the presence of sulphur, heavy metals, stromatolites (rock formations of organic origin), thermophilic bacteria and a thick carpet of algae. Visited by tourists and the curious for over a century, the pool is part of the largest geothermal complex in New Zealand, being one of the 129 sites in the country. Despite its potential for energy production amounting to 440 MW, the site is not operated due to the protection it enjoys since 1990. Geothermal resources have long been used in New Zealand contribute about 15% to production electricity of the country, fossil fuels accounting for only 28.5% of the mix, the rest divided between hydro (51.5%), wind (4.6%) and biomass (1.4 %). Geothermal energy is the most dynamic renewable energy sector in the country but the environmental and landscape impact of its development is, as elsewhere, not negligible from the point of view of quantitative and qualitative deterioration of groundwater, destabilization of the land structure, various kind of pollution related to equipment and drilling infrastructure ... Please, don't forget to turn off the lights when leaving!

THE ENCHANTED FOREST
Highlands Tamarins and Usnea, Tévelave Forest, Réunion island - © Myriam Dupuis

The Enchanted forest

Ile de la Réunion, France

Myriam Dupuis

40(%): This is the area of the island of Reunion covered by the heart of the national park, which protects since 2007 a series of volcanic peaks, pitons, cirques and escarpments, forested gorges and mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010. Like many island areas, Reunion is a den of endemic species - 389 plant species are endemic (236 strict endemics and 153 regional endemic) on the around 900 listed -, including the highlands tamarind. The highlands tamarind forest covered almost all around the island before the arrival of men 350 years ago. The highland tamarind (Acacia heterophylla) is growing between 1200 and 2000 m above sea level and can reach 20m high, but it is often lying down by cyclones. Its seeds can remain in the soil for years waiting for a cyclone or a fire that permit their germination. As for the “fishbone beard lichen” or Usnea, it is a lichen that absorbs the minerals in the air: the Usnea are among the most sensitive to air pollutants organizations, making it valuable natural indicators of air quality. This forest, also called tamarinaie, is a fragile environment, colonized by invasive species for which eradication plans are implemented.

LICHEN ON ROCKS
BANFF NATIONAL PARK, ALBERTA, CANADA - © Myriam Dupuis

Lichen on the rocks

Alberta, Canada

Myriam Dupuis

3300: This is the amount of lichen species found in France among the 20,000 actually listed in the world. Lichens are usually the product of the combination of a fungus and an alga, and even if they colonise all kind of organic or non-organic supports, they are not parasites. Devoid of leaves or stems or roots, lichens have no self-defence system or removal mechanism.
Pioneers organisms capable to resist to extreme conditions of heat or cold, lichens colonize the most unfriendly biotopes. They are the first to settle on the rocks and barely cooled lava after a volcanic eruption. They are totally dependent on the atmosphere; their tissues absorb all molecules, including pollutants, they tolerate more or less depending on their sensitivity. For this reason, lichens are precious indicators of an environment; depending on the species to which they belong they accumulate more or less toxic substances (sulphur, nitrogen, heavy metals, industrial dusts, pesticides, etc.) before dying and disappearing. Like other living species on the planet, they are sensitive to global warming and it was found that the distribution of some of them, usually Southern, extended northward. Although studied lichens are still a mystery for science and an essential link to the installation of organic life.

ONE-WAY MIRROR
ALittle egret, Camargue, France - © Myriam Dupuis

One-way mirror

Camargue, France

Myriam Dupuis

20(%): This is the approximate percentage of the total area of the Rhone delta protected by the status of a regional natural park, i.e. 25,000 ha. Offering a great biological heritage, the delta, for which the Camargue is the flagship, is notably composed of salt steppes, lagoons and marshes and shelters countless species, especially birds. A vital stop on the path of highly migratory birds, the Biosphere Reserve alone hosts 398 bird species, more than 50% of those found in France. At the gates of big cities, the Camargue is a fragile environment whose conservation is not without problems: irrigation waters of the Rhone river are charged with pollutants and discharged partly in ponds, contaminating fish and birds; the dune area is threatened by waves, storms and the trampling of visitors, all of which are factors of erosion and degradation of plant communities; the salt steppes are cropped by agricultural activities; Finally, several breeding bird species have their breeding affected by predators. In addition, the region is subject to various legal contexts (private, communal, regional, national and international) that complicate the management of its conservation.

ALONE IN CLOUDS
Magnificent frigatebird, Galapagos islands, Equator - © Olivier Güder

Alone in Clouds

Galapagos, Equateur

Olivier Güder

1000: Is the number of couples of magnificent frigate birds present in the Galapagos Islands. In the Ecuadorian archipelago, a true laboratory of evolution known for its highly unique species, these seabirds have developed a distinct morphology, being larger (wingspan, tail, nose, shanks, etc.) than their equivalent on the continental coastline. Several hypotheses attempt to explain this phenomenon. Among them, the closure of the Isthmus of Panama around 2.8 million years ago may have contributed to the genetic isolation of the bird, even though it is able to travel very large distances. A particular food or reproductive behaviour under the influence of climatic changes during millennia could similarly have created the conditions for this isolation. Although the magnificent frigate birds live in protected places, although busy, considering the weakness of its population, any natural or man-made disaster threatens its future. Some recommend that IUCN grant it with a special status separate from that of the rest of the species which is widespread from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of America, respectively, from Florida to Southern Brazil (including the Caribbean), and California to Ecuador. A small population is also nesting in Cape Verde off the African coast.

MISTY MORNING UP NORTH
Porcupine river, Yukon, Canada - © Olivier Güder

Misty morning up North

Yukon, Canada

Olivier Güder

3: This is the number of national parks in the province of Yukon of the 37 that make up Canada, three spaces covering 26,500 km2 of wilderness, i.e. about 9% of all natural parks or nearly 6% of the whole province of Yukon. Only 36,000 habitants are living upon this huge territory of 480, 000km2: one would believe that Yukon is preserved from anthropic pressure. Unfortunately…! After the rush for gold in the 19^th century, this huge territory near the Alaska is the target for a new kind of rush: the schist gases. Indeed, Canada wants to become one of the leader countries' in these “new” fossils energy, such as oil sands, despite the unbearable environmental cost of such exploitation. The dead landscapes, resulting from the destruction of ecosystems and biodiversity in order to implement exploitation infrastructures, are only the visible part of the iceberg. The hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, that is used for extracting gas needs millions of tons of water with chemical solvents that pollute the water tables, as it happened in the United States. The hydraulic fracturing is also responsible of earthquakes. In 2014, two earthquakes have occurred in British Colombia after the injection of fluids.

THE CASTLE
Drakensberg Massive, South Africa - © François Moutou

The Castle

Massif du Drakensberg, Afrique du Sud

François Moutou

5.000 (km2): This is the area of the Drakensberg escarpment (meaning “Dragon Mountains”), the highest mountain, with its 3480m elevation, straddling the border between South Africa and Lesotho. For its diversity and geographic isolation, the region is recognized as one of the eight hotspots of plant biodiversity in Southern Africa. Indeed there are as many as 2153 botanical species, 247 of which are found nowhere else. There are also thousands of rock paintings of the San people. The whole area forms a heritage which is both natural and cultural, which led to it becoming a World Heritage site by UNESCO. However, on each side of the border, protected areas have become human settlement areas that depend on these attractions for their livelihoods and whose development continues to grow. Agricultural activities and especially livestock grazing are carried out and therefore erode the integrity of wilderness. The environment is also threatened by global warming, reducing snow cover in winter and water availability in the region, resulting in more or less long term contraction of the Alpine area and changes in the plant community.

To follow the exhibition, click here

The wildlife photographer behind its “Carousel of zebras” and Myriam Dupuis

Christine Denis-Huot behind “the rest of sentinels”

François Moutou behind “The Castle”

Julie Boileau behind her “butterfly way”

J-L. Van Den Berghe et Christine Denis-Huot

Myriam Dupuis & Alain Pons

Michèle André, sénatrice

Christine Baillet & Olivier Güder

Olivier Güder, Christine Bailler, J-L. Van Den Berghe

Pascal Kobeh behind his “Nympheas of Haktun Ha”

Pascal Kobeh, Myriam Dupuis, Jean-Luc Van Den Berghe

Michèle André signing the “golden book”

Tony Crocetta behind his “Lion kingdom”

Some members of TENDUA

Alain Pons, Ghislaine Bras, Pascal Kobeh, Christine Denis-Huot

Jean-Luc Van Den Berghe, Carole Mettler, Sylvie Lemaire, Bernard Séret

Marc Giraud & Myriam Dupuis

TENDUA gives to the representative of the NATIVA foundation in France a donation of € 500

The Guestbook

Thank you for all your comments!

Livre d'Or

[1] Frédéric Buyle, Tony Crocetta, Christine et Michel Denis-Huot, Ivan Kislov, Pascal Kobeh, Julie Boileau, Yves Lefèvre, Gilles Marquis, Vincent Munier et Alain Pons

[2] Christian Baillet, Christine Baillet, Myriam Dupuis, Olivier Güder et François Moutou

The humpabck whales of the Indian Ocean

Myriam Dupuis — 2015-07-14T05:35:24Z

For some years, when the austral winter begins in the Reunion island, everyone tries to observe the first humpback whales of the season. The first individuals arrive in June or July, then pregnant mothers appear with singles looking for partners. All have traveled between 5,000 and 7,000 km, from the feeding areas of Antarctica to the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.
In these warm waters the humpback whales give birth to their calves and breed ... as scientists say. The whales sail around Reunion island, Madagascar, Mayotte before returning to the South to feed. They usually leave the warm waters between late September and mid-October.

How to recognize a humpback whale?

Humpback whale (calf) in Reunion Island

The humpback whale is considered an adult when it reaches the size of 10-11 meters at about 4-5 years old; it is then sexually mature.

M. Dupuis

TENDUA's volunteers accompany the sea excursions organized by the diving club the DODO PALME to encounter these graceful giants. The humpback whale (Megaptera novaenglea) is one of the most recognizable cetaceans thanks to three characteristics:

Pectoral fins reaching 1/3 of the length of its body, i.e. about 5m for 15m. Females are slightly larger than males and can measure between 16 to 19 meters long (from 14 to 16m for a male) ;
The head and lower jaw are covered with rounded protuberances called tubercles, which are hair follicles, characteristic of the species. These “knobs” come from the vibrissae of his ancestor called Pakicetus some 50 million years ago. Up to now, it seems that each knob includes a single hair. These follicles would be sensors indicating the quality of water such as temperature, salinity, deep.
Finally, humpback whales are famous for their spectacular breaching that you are never tired of admiring.

An amazing acrobat!

Humpback whale jumping out of water in Reunion Island

To get his body out of the water - about 30 tons - the humpback whale must reach a speed of 15 NM!

M. Dupuis

Described as “playful and joyful” by Herman Melville in 1851 the most acrobatic whale performs amazing breaching out of the water. To propel its thirty tons out the water, the humpback whale must reach the surface at a speed of 15 NM! It thus manages to make tendrils above the water, but these are not the only breaches it can do.

It is not known exactly why they breach. In fact, it is such a good question that scientists themselves are still trying to answer it.
There are a number of different hypotheses.
Nevertheless, people mostly agree that this spectacular behavior occupies an essential place in their communication system. Breaching may be a way to communicate (“Here I am! Over here!”), by generating a large splash and a loud noise.
Is this marking territory? a call? a complex game? or simply a show of strength?

Humpback whale “dancing”

et 1, et 2 et 3!

M. Dupuis

Behaviors include breaching, spy-hopping, lob-tailing, tail-slapping, fin-slapping, peduncle throws, charging and parrying. This has led to speculation amongst scientists that lobtailing is, like breaching, a form of non-vocal communication. A breach or a lunge is a leap out of the water also known as cresting. The distinction between the two is fairly arbitrary: cetacean researcher Hal Whitehead chooses to define a breach as any leap in which at least 40% of the animal's body clears the water, and a lunge as a leap with less than 40% clearance.

The humpback whale can also hit the surface with its two pectoral fins (the whale is on its back) or only with one pectoral fin : Australian scientists consider that a female that hits the surface such a way is “inviting” males to come closer....But when a whale hits the surface with its tail (it is then on the belly), in a such called “tail-slapping”, it is a sign of nervousness and agressivity: do not forget that the caudal fin (tail) is about 4 m wingspan, it makes a huge noise and better not to be around...

Spy-hopping

M. Dupuis

Spy-hopping is when the humpback whale puts only the head out of water, much like a periscope; its vision is both earthly and submarine. Is it to see or rather to hear what it does not see under water, like the specific sounds of the near shore? We observed a young whale calf poking out its head several times (“spy-hopping”), just before his mother did a full twist out of the water a twenty meters from him: teaching by observation?
Also, on several occasions a “spyhopping” whale calf was observed, just before it repeated per series of 10 the same “gesture” that his mother had shown him once or twice ...

When spy-hopping, the whale rises and holds a vertical position partially out of the water, often exposing its entire rostrum and head. Spy-hopping is controlled and slow, and can last for minutes at a time if the whale is sufficiently inquisitive about whatever it is viewing. Generally, the whale does not appear to swim by fluke propulsion to maintain its “elevated” position while spyhopping, instead relying on exceptional buoyancy control and positioning with pectoral fins. Typically the whale's eyes will be slightly above or below the surface of the water, enabling it to see whatever is nearby on the surface.
Spy-hopping often occurs during a situation, where the focus of a whale's attention is on a boat, such as whale-watching tours, which they sometimes approach and interact. Often spyhopping might not be used for looking but instead for hearing, for exemple in order to hear better when they are near the line where waves begin to break in the ocean as this marks out their migration route. It can therefore be said that spy-hopping behaviour is used for many different reasons across a wide range of species.

Lobtailing and slapping

Humpback whale jumping out of water in Reunion Island

M. Dupuis

Lobtailing is the act of a whale lifting its fluke out of the water and then bringing them down onto the surface of the water hard and fast in order to make a loud slap. Whales tend to lobtail by positioning themselves vertically downwards into the water and then slapping the surface by bending the tail stock. They are likely to slap several times in a single session. Lobtaling often occurs in conjunction with other aerial behaviour such as breaching. They may also slap their fin against the water for a similar effect, known as pectoral or fin slapping.
The sound of a lobtail can be heard underwater several hundred metres from the site of a slap. This has led to speculation amongst scientists that lobtailing is, like breaching, a form of non-vocal communication. Thus the lobtail is probably important visually as well as acoustically, and may be a sign of aggression.

One hypothesis of breaching is that whales are trying to shake parasites off of their skin. Another popular theory says that they might breach simply to scratch an itch. The impact of the animal hitting the water may have the same effect for the whale as a dog rubbing itself against a tree to try to scratch fleas off of its back. It is thought that breaching helps remove barnacles and lice from their skin. A whale when arriving from the Pole can have up to 500kg of parasites!

Compositor and performer

Acrobatics is not the only art that masters the humpback whale; it is also distinguished for its songs.
The male is a Distinguished singer : it composes an annual real “tube” that it performs together with other males. It sings head down, motionless at 10-20 meters deep, or it moves slowly at 2-3 km/hour. This position seems to allow it to save energy for passing the air from his lungs to his laryngeal bag near his vocal cords in melodious back and forth, and without any bubbles. Without stopping to sing, the whale goes breathing on surface every 10 to 20 minutes and comes back quietly to its position.

These compositions, among the most complex in the animal kingdom, seem to obey a score that does not leave room for improvisation. Discovered in the late 50s by the US Navy sonars, these “songs” were decrypted by Payne and McVay in 1971. The humpback whales are the only ones to have such a repertoire!

Vocalises du 4 août 2016-La Réunion

Tendua

The song is composed of sounds with very different resonances: acute squeals, more serious trumpet tunes, squeaks, whistles, clicks, screaming, humming, roaring, bellowing ... All these sounds are quite strange ! they constitute basic elements of the song : they are organized into sequences to form sentences that last a few seconds. The repetition of phrases (ten times) composed a theme. The theme is in turn repeated several times before the whale performs other sounds that will produce new phrases and new themes. A song is composed of about 6 themes that are repeated in the same order every time. At the end of the sixth theme, the whale takes its melody at the beginning of the first theme.

These “songs” cover tens or hundreds or thousands of kilometers; they are produced by air movement within the respiratory tract of the animal, without no need for the latter to exhale: there is therefore no bubbles, making the phenomenon almost “supernatural”.

Why do they sing?

That's a good question! Because we can't ask them, so we'll never really know. Scientists have many hypotheses (or guesses?) as to why whales sing.

Their songs could play a major role in guiding animals during the migration through the ocean ;

Another hypothesis is that of the «lek mating system». A lek is an aggregation of males that gather to engage in competitive displays, in order to entice visiting females who are surveying prospective partners for copulation. Leks are commonly formed before or during the breeding season. By singing, whales males take on some territories that are in visual and auditory range of their congeners. To occupy maximum of space and multiply opportunities to mate with a female, they stay away from each other, separated with some kilimetres, rather like a beacon to allow reproductors to locate themselves on a territory of several thousand kilometres.
The similarity of their song shows quite clearly that they are not seeking to distinguish themselves from each other, the selection will be later during the clashes;

The songs would be the expression of a secondary sexual characteristic under hormonal control, capable of stimulating ovulation in females. Thus, humpback whales males that escort a lactating female would sing, perhaps, to excite and stimulate ovulation, which is considered possible soon after birth. It is also possible that the lament of solitary males also have the same vocation melody;

The Whale songs are assumed to have an important role in mate selection; however, they may also be used between males to establish dominance.

And what about females?

Humpback whale (calf) in Reunion Island

Ventral grooves run from the lower jaw to the umbilicus about halfway along the underside of the whale. These grooves are less numerous (usually 14–22) than in other rorquals but are fairly wide. The humpback's pectoral fins are proportionally the longest fins of any cetacean.

M. Dupuis

Whales females do not either remain silent!

We know that in addition to all the attentive and impregnated gestures with tenderness that can be observed, mother whale also communicates vocally with her calf : her vocals are more acute and much shorter than the males' singing, there are more like short and clear signals ! ...

And the calf vocalises to in response but is it really rehearsing ... or answering to his mother?

Expert in communication

Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins(Tursiops aduncus) in Reunion Island

M. Dupuis

The humpback whale is a rather good-natured: it tolerates quite well our human curiosity, provided of course that we respect the current Approach Chart instructions in the Reunion island, to respect the animals and in no case to prosecute or harass them!

Sometimes, the Indo-Pacific dolphins swim around whales.
Humpback whales are also known to appear in mixed groups with other species, such as the blue whale, fin whale, minke whale, gray whale, and sperm whale.

A “Yogi” whale...

Humpback whales also know how to stay immobile. Some individuals were observed remaining immobile on the surface for more than 45 minutes, but also vertically, upside down and the caudal fin to the outside, for 15 min. The latter attitude was seen particularly among breastfeeding animals. It can be also thermo-regulating, the tail being irrigated by many blood vessels, it would lower the overall temperature of the body, or why not? a rest position, but that is not innate: we saw whales calves training but to no avail!

Their apnea last up to 30 minutes. We observed that when they are navigating, they breath every 6-8 minutes. The humpback whales breathe voluntarily.
Probably like dolphins, for each sleep phase, the two cerebral hemispheres take turns, one at rest while the other remains active. While sleeping, the whale can navigate; it then rises to the surface to breathe then plunges just as slowly. A whale can repeat about 6 times in one day these rest cycles. Each cycle lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. Scientific observations indicate that a “relaxed” whale rests with its swinging arms (= pectoral fins downwards) and the caudal fin inclined downwards. Be relax...

The threats and the International Whaling Commission

Just over forty years after its creation in 1946, and after noting the near extermination (90%) populations of humpback whales, the International Whaling Commission established in 1986 a moratorium to stop commercial whaling, which 3 countries have still not signed and continue to hunt whales: Japan, Iceland and Norway.

This moratorium does not mean a total cessation of whaling, despite the loss recorded of over 200 000 humpback whales only in the Northern hemisphere. Phillip Clapham, a leading global specialist, estimated from 90 000 to 100 000 the number of humpback whales that lived In the Southern hemisphere, before the industrial fishing years. In the 80s, they remained just over 5000 ...

Humpback whale in Reunion Island

M. Dupuis

A moratorium's clause provides that “the Commission would draw up a” comprehensive stocktaking “of the effects of this decision on whale stocks and consider modification of this provision and the establishment of new catch quotas.”
The Scientific Committee of the IWC now identifies populations of various cetaceans, includingthe humpback whales of the northern and southern hemispheres.

Although populations of humpback whales are doing better now, they are still facing many threats: hunting, of course, but also the underwater gas and oil and the mining exploration activities, construction and urbanization of coastlines and side effects of industrial fishing, and the global warming that rarefy their food.

Our ignorance remains high...

Do not forget all the questions still unanswered.
Because they live in an open environment, in a vast maritime domain, mostly underwater, humpback whales are difficult to observe and remain poorly understood. The researchers therefore emit more hypotheses than certainties. There are many questions, and every answer brings on new questions!
To date, for example, no one has been able to explain how whales learn to sing: by imitation? By cultural transmission of “musical notes”? How and why they are changing their songs?
Males sing only under two different circumstances: when they are alone, and when they accompany a lactating female. The songs are the same, but do they have the same goal?
Can all the males sing? Is it a privilege reserved for an elected member with a particular mission within the group? Is there a specific geographic areas to sing, as might suggest some observations? What triggers the start of a song? And its end? ...
Beyond the song, do the humpback whales use a “vocabulary” ? Is it common to all the humpback whales or is it “regional” ? A “sound library” emitted by the humpback whales of the Indian Ocean is under creation ...

Watching and swimming with humpback whales is an extraordinary opportunity.
They are exceptional ambassadors of the underwater world, then, please, let's learn to respect their environment, our oceans, our seas, our rivers, our mountains, our countryside and cities by our daily actions! Thank you for them ... and for all of us!

The Namib Desert Lion Conservation Project

Myriam Dupuis — 2013-04-19T19:22:18Z

The Desert Lion Conservation Project covers an area of 51,380 km2 in the Kunene Region that includes the Palmwag, Etendeka & Hobatere Concessions, the Skeleton Coast Park, and bordering Communal Conservancies. 

Lions presence in Namibia

In Namibia lions distribution is restricted to Etosha National Park, Kaudom Game Reserve, parts of the Tsumkwe Districts, the Kunene Region, and the Caprivi Region.

This vast area, consisting of protected areas and hyper arid environments, is home to a population of about 150 wild lions.
Yet it is thanks to the 28 years work of Professor Stander that this threatened population has grown from about twenty lions at the program beginning to 150 today.
This increase in the population of lions is not going without conflict with local populations. Lions attack their livestock, and, in retaliation, rural populations kill lions by shooting or poisoning them.

TENDUA supports the Desert Lions Conservation project which different aspects are presented below.

Biology

Lions are easily recognizable : they have a tawny coat, creamy underbellies and tufted tails. Males have manes and are powerfully. They have five digits on the front feet and four digits on the back feet, with sharp claws that are fully retractable. Lions are the largest carnivores in Namibia. Adult male lions weigh between 160 -240 kg and adult females 100 to 170 kg.

Spoor

Lion's spoor, front foot

Patte avant : 129x138mm

The tracks of male lions, presented here, are larger than those of females. The front foot is much wider than the back foot. Average measurements for males are presented (width x height) : front foot - 129 x 138mm and back foot - 118x 137mm.

Sociability

The lion is the only truly social member of the cat family, living in prides numbering from 4 -30 animals. The pride sizes and home ranges depend on the availability of food. When prey is abundant prides tend to be larger and home ranges smaller.

Leonardo, equipped with a collar in 2008, shot in 2010

P. Stander

Up to four adult males live with a pride. Sub-adult males disperse from their natal pride to become nomadic or form small coalitions. Lions are most active at night when most of the kills are made. During the day they rest in the shade.

After a gestation period of 104 - 110 days, litters of 1-6 cubs are born in a secluded spot such as thickets or long grass. The cubs are hidden at first and join the pride after 3-6 weeks. Lactating lionesses will allow other cubs in the pride to suckle. Mortality of lion cubs is high at 80% and is mostly due to starvation. Independence is reached at 3 to 4 years old. Male lions can live for 10 to 12 years and females from 12 to 16 years.
Mortality of adults is mostly human related through poisoning, trapping and shooting. Starvation resulting from injury is another factor.

Lionesses and cubs

P. Stander

Oestrus is often synchronised resulting in synchronised births. Females share the raising of the cubs, resulting in improved cub survival during synchronised births.

Communication

As a social animal, the lion offers a rich palette of sounds and attitudes that enables him to interact with other members of the pride, whether to express his feelings (anger, anxiety, contentment. ..) or inform the intruders that they are not welcome.
The lion's roar is famous, and it is thanks to the flexible cartilaginous structure of the body supporting the larynx and the shape of the vocal cords. The lion can not actually roar until the age of 2 years. The scope of the roar is at average of 5 km.

Lionesses' conservation...

M. Dupuis

In addition to its roar, the lion is not stingy in communication: one recognizes at least eight other distinct sounds: grunts, growls short or prolonged, sniffing, soufflements, yelping, “meows” and “squeaks” of cubs. These are all ways for lions to reassure them, communicate and express their concerns, their anger or contentment ... And beyond the “oral” language of lions, just as our domestic cats, they have a complex body language, facial expressions and postures for the delight of photographers!

Project Approach

Human-lion conflict is arguably the biggest threat to lions in Namibia, and elsewhere in Africa. There is need for proactive management of human-lion conflict to ensure the long-term conservation of the species.

In 1998, Docteur Philip Stander started an intensive research project on the desert lions, termed The Desert Lion Conservation project, aiming to collect sound ecological data, to address human-lion conflicts, and to develop a conservation strategy. Applied research and sound scientific data on lion movements and dispersal, and the ecological mechanisms that regulate the population are fundamental to this process.

P. Stander on the field

P. Stander

Lions are fitted with radio collars and are tracked and observed to record behaviour, movements, grouping patterns, reproduction and mortality. Lions are tracked using GPS and satellite technology, a light aircraft (fitted with radio-tracking equipment) and by vehicle. Direct observations and monitoring lions in the field for extended periods are the primary means of collecting data. Lions over the age of two years are marked or radio collared, and individual records are kept of all lions in the population. Emphasis is placed on monitoring lions that disperse and occupy new habitats, and on those that live near local communities. Human-lion conflict is addressed by developing localised conflict management plans.

Dr. P. Stander is the expert the most recognized for felines, especially the lions adapted to the Namibian desert. It is the only one working full time on the population to which he devoted the last 14 years. Doctor of the University of Cambridge in 1994, his thesis on the social evolution of felines has been awarded the prize “TH Huxley” of the Zoological Society of London (LZS). He worked 28 years at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Namibia (MET), and was in charge of the study of large carnivores of the Etosha National Park in Bushmanland and the Kunene region.

Goals of the « Desert Lion Conservation Project»

The 2^nd lioness Xpl17 equipped with a collar, born in 1995, dead in 2008. We know she had at least 5 litters and 8 cubs raised to adult lions.

P. Stander

1. Collect baseline ecological data on the population dynamics, behaviour, and movements of lions.
2. Monitor the key ecological & biological parameters of the desert lion population.
3. Monitor the frequency & impact of conflicts between people and lions.
4. Develop & implement human-lion conflict management plans at local community level.

Kids of Xlp-17

P. Stander

5. Develop & promote specialised lion eco-safaris and other forms of sustainable utilisation.
6. Collaborate with Government, local communities, and NGO's to further lion conservation.
7. Make important information available to the world, through publication and the Internet.

Conclusion

As a species, the lion is highly adaptive and resilient. Current research findings demonstrate that Desert lions can survive in extreme conditions. They do not need to drink water and feed on gemsboks, ostriches, and occasionally on seals. They breed rapidly under ideal conditions and are quick to expand into areas of suitable habitat.

How to address human-lion conflicts ?

Desert-adapted lions in Namibia occur mostly outside protected areas in the Kunene Region. The unique landscapes of the northern Namib Desert, abundant wildlife, and high levels endemism, makes the Kunene Region an important area for tourism.
The lion is an important flagship species for the growing tourism industry. Although the desert-adapted lions are valuable to tourism, the local communities have to share their land with these free-ranging large carnivores. Lions often prey on domestic livestock and farmers respond by shooting or poisoning lions, to protect their livelihood. The local communities have to bear the costs of living with lions, but they do not always share in the benefits from tourism.

There is a need for sustainable-use of lions through eco-tourism, with tangible benefits to the communities, and for proactive management of human-lion conflicts. The conservation of lions in the Kunene Region is therefore essential to address Human Lion Conflict, and to conserve a flagship species for the tourism industry.

Desert Lions' density

The Kunene Lion Project contributes to this process by studying the density, demography, and population ecology of lions. Through applied research and monitoring, the study collects sound scientific data to guide management strategies and the implementation of a National Lion Conservation Strategy.

Details of Studies

Namibian lions have been studied and monitored intensively since 1980 (Junker & Stander 2001). The Carnivore Atlas (Stander & Hanssen 2004) estimates a population of 562-894 lions in three density distribution categories (below). There are five sub-populations, and only the reintroduced population (Kalahari Game Lodge) is isolated. The low-density distribution area represents both resident lions, at low density, and nomadic or dispersing lions. There is good evidence of lions moving between the Kunene/Etosha sub-populations, and between the Caprivi/Kaudum sub-populations. The two western sub-populations are effectively cut-off from the east, where lions form part of a larger population linking southern and East Africa.

Monitoring of key ecological parameters is essential for conservation.
There is a need to implement monitoring programmes for all four sub-populations of lions. A basic monitoring design is proposed for each of the four sub-populations.
The lion prides, sub-groups and individuals fitted with GPS collars are divided into nine areas. This division is based on lion grouping patterns and movements during the past 12-15 years, habitat and the ephemeral rivers.
The map below indicates the approximate areas of the nine main groups of lions.

Lions' prides followed by GPS

IMPORTANT :
The lion population in Africa is strongly declining due to human activities: farming and urbanization of the savannah as a result of high population growth. Lions are classified as a VULNERABLE species by IUCN, which means an high risk of extinction in the wild.
Estimates range between 20 and 25,000 lions when there were at least 100,000 in the 60s. Some wild lions prides are trying to survive in Mali, Somalia, Kenya and Namibia. Parks, such as Kruger in South Africa, are “managing” the largest populations (10% of the total population only in the Kruger Park).

Desert Lion

P. Stander

The Indian Kogis speak to their “little brothers” from Western world

Myriam Dupuis — 2012-10-20T14:23:42Z

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Kogis' Lands

Tchendukua - DR

On October 11^th, 2012, two Kogis representatives gave a lecture at Vincennes thanks to the French association Tchendukua that works to redent them their ancestral lands they have been dispossessed.
Juan Gabriel and José Mamatacom Limako explained very clearly the Kogis' vision of nature, of our Mother-Earth.

In 1997, Tchendukua was able to buy 123 acres for restoring the Kogis' lands, then 1235 acres in 2000 and 4448 acres in 2012. On these lands, 350 people live, distributed in 80 families out of 3 villages. The current project, named after the valley of Mendihuaca, consists in the acquisition of 2471 more acres. These lands are sacred to the Indians Kogis: they belonged to Tayrona that they are descendants.

Kogis' village

Tchendukua - DR

The “Mendihuaca project” is planned on 3 years and requires the collection of 1 million euros. To the question “why do you need this land?”, the Kogis have just answered they take care of the water and the forest, without which men cannot live. 70% of the Kogis' lands are forests that nobody touches and that “produce” oxygen for the planet ... They take care of nature for all of us, “little brothers”, so that we can enjoy fresh air and fresh water ... Fortunately they are there to remind us to do what each of us should do, and to warn us: if we go on the way we do, we are going to disappear.

The Kogis live in harmony with the nature

Tchendukua - DR

“No doubt you do not know, but when you are giving back land to us, you do not just give it back to us so we can cultivate this land, you are giving back sacred sites, the sites of our ancestors where we can do our work to protect the traditional things. On these lands in the Sierra, through”cuentas“that you bring us, we can make the necessary offerings to keep the law. all the material you bring us allow you to find words, to keep the memory and expand our thinking to keep it alive, strong.”

“The signs are numerous: global warming, climate change, depletion of the sea, rivers and lakes, death of coral (See our Newsletter N ° 7)...”
Back to the laws of nature, simple recommendation and hit in the corner of common sense, it seems. But how do that, while we are generations raised “above ground” for the vast majority, having lost contact with nature as it is really, and not as we want it for our entertainment, rest or vacation...
The Kogis compare the Earth to a human body to whom increasingly violent surgeries are undertaken simultaneously : one by one, piece after piece, her organs are removed to get oil, gas, minerals.
The ability of a body to regain health is well known to all medicines. However, there is a threshold beyond which it is no longer possible for the body to regenerate. “If we continue to abuse nature, diseases will spread” ... and finally death.

“We do not have papers, we work in the heart and soul.”

Tchendukua - DR

What can do the “little brothers” that we are, so numerous and poorly educated, so little aware of our past, our present, our future?
The Kogis' proposal is as follows: “find a collective relationship with the nature.” This involves for us an awareness, that will allow a change of mindset, and also a change of attitude. Human laws that we have built over time definitely cannot exempt themselves from the laws of nature.
“We think differently, but we must find a common thought to develop a single path. This path is nature conservation. We need to find him. Nature will show us what to do.”

Thank you to Juan Gabriel and José Mamatacom Limako, Eric Julien, founder of Tchendukua. Tendua supports Koguis' actions together with the Nativa Fondation.

The Danta of Colombia or the extinction of the forest gardener

Myriam Dupuis — 2012-05-21T17:55:47Z

Tapir's ID card

Tapir's calf

After a gestation period of 13 months, the female gives birth to a single calf that weighs 5-6 kg. It has distinctive white spots it will lose at about 8 months. It is weaned at the age of 10 months and reaches its adult size at 18 months. It will be sexually mature at about 3 or 4 years.

DR-Internet

“La Danta” or tapir is the largest terrestrial mammal in South America. Belonging to the Perissodactyla order, it is related to Equines (horses) and rhinocerotidae (Rhino). Quite massive , it is almost the size of a small pony. In all species, the female is larger than the male and the young looks the same: a reddish brown hair with streaks and white spots.

Tapir's footprint, Colombia.

The tapir betrays its presence by leaving its droppings on the bank, as well as deep footprints in the mud or sand. Its fingers have a clover-shaped typical footprint.

M. Dupuis

We know little about their habits, but it seems they are monogamous. These animals are extremely aloof and it is very difficult to see them in nature, despite their large size. Tapirs often hide during the day. At night they roam the forest in search of food on a territory estimated at around 10 km2. The presence of water is essential to tapirs: it refreshes them and rid them of parasites. They do not hesitate to dive to escape their few predators (mainly humans and jaguars).

The tapir has a strictly herbivorous diet. Very selective, it feeds on seedlings, fruits and seeds it collected with its short prehensile trunk. Its wide teeth are perfectly adapted to cut branches and break seeds. The tapir plays a key role in forest regeneration by scattering with excrement seeds of some consumed species. That is why it has been given the nickname of “forest gardener”. Finally, the disappearance of the tapir has a direct impact on the forests' diversity and structure.

Three + One species

The 4 Tapirs' species

The 3 American tapirs and the Asiatic one.

DR- Internet

In the world there are four species of Danta or Tapirs, three in America (Tapirus terrestris, Tapirus pinchaque, Tapirus bairdii) and one in Asia (Tapirus indicus).
Colombia houses the three American Tapir branches, being the country with more species. All the Tapirs are threatened of extinction due to the loss of their habitat and the hunting mainly.
In addition to the three species, Colombia also holds the Colombian Tapir subspecies (Tapirus terrestris colombianus, Hershkovitz 1954), which is endemic to the country and is critically endangered of extinction. There are also two other subspecies: Tapirus terrestris terrestris, Linnaeus, 1758 and Tapirus terrestris aenigmaticus, Gray, 1872.

Origine

Mountain Tapir, Tapirus pinchaque

One of the first photographs taken of the páramo tapir in the region. Today, the goal is to consolidate photo stations in the “salados”, monitored by the locals. The Mountain or Wolly Tapir is classified Endangered (EN) by the IUCN.

Nativa

The Tapirs are very ancient animals. Several hypotheses are trying to explain the origin of the present Tapirs in Colombia. The first proposal by the scientist Hershkovitz in 1954 says that the 3 present species in Colombia were originated from North America, and they independently migrated to Central and South America. The first tapir that arrived to Colombia was the Mountain Tapir or Tapirus pinchaque, in a period of time where the level of the sea in equatorial latitudes dominated the tempered climate.
Later, when the Andes mountains rose and the temperature increased at sea level, other species of tapirs were able to invade these new tropical habitats established at the base of the Andes: the Central American Tapir or Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii), the last immigrant to Colombia.

The second hypothesis of the scientific Haffer in 1970, suggests that species of tapirs in Central and South America, the Tapirus terrestris and Tapirus bairdii, originate from the Mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), an immigrant ancestor, who came to the Andes during its rising.

The main threats: habitat loss and hunting

Across South America, deforestation is the main threat to the survival of the species. We estimated that on 40% of its distribution, the tapir has a low probability of survival. The hunting therefore represents a major problem as, most of the time, the number of killed tapirs is too high compared to the natural capacities of regeneration of the species.
These animals are catalogued as “umbrella species”: protecting these species indirectly protects the many other species that make up the ecological community of its habitat. Being the largest in size, tapirs need more space than other species, and, consequently, if we help them, we are also helping all the associate biodiversity that shares the tapir's habitat.

The objectives of the Colombia Tapir Fund

After six years of working with the conservation of the Tapir in Colombia, the Nativa Foundation establishes the Colombia Tapir Fund. The objectives of the Colombia Tapir Funds is to collect donations mainly from people and organizations that wish to participate in the preservation of the Tapir, by means of the Monitoring Program of the Colombian Tapir that the Nativa Foundation is leading at the present time.

Monitoring program of the Colombian tapir

Maned Tapir, Tapirus terrestris

This image represents the first phase of an 11-year cycle of work of the Nativa Foundation. The first satellite telemetry collar installation and operation onto a tapir from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (Snowy Mountain Range of Santa Marta), Northern Colombia.

Nativa

Working for several years on conservation of the Tapir and its associated biodiversity, the Nativa Foundation is now able to identify and monitor these mammals through trap cameras with the collaboration of the influential communities for a successful strategy.

In this way, Nativa is looking forward to establish a network of photo-collecting's stations where evidences of current presence of Tapirs have been established, and where the people who cohabit with these animals, are those who monitor the program, with the support of the Nativa Foundation and the corresponding Regional Independent Corporations and National Natural Parks. 
The Nativa Foundation will state the presence of the Tapirs in the places of implementation of the Monitoring Program, afterwards it will educate interested people in each locality about the use of the trap cameras. Most prominent will enter the monitoring program, where they will receive an economic repayment or in-kind compensation for installing and maintaining trap-cameras and take photos.

Key to the success of this program is the involvement of indigenous people and the villagers' participation

Baird's Tapir, Tapirus bairdii

The Nativa Foundation plans to start investigative and conservation actions for the Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) in Chocó, Northern Colombia.

Nativa

Since some time now, the Nativa Foundation is working with the country people from Tambo Robado, in the rural district of La Castellana in San Agustín, Huila, on the photographic monitoring of the “salados” or “saladeros”, where the tapirs go frequently. Today, the goal is to consolidate photo stations in the salados, monitored by the locals, as well as initiating the snap shooting cycle, tagging them and then collecting biological samples and body measurements, and then, evaluating population of these enigmatic mammals. All the field procedures are done by the local people together with the Nativa Foundation.

Nativa has already collected information and established good contacts in the Chocò region at the border with Panama in order to work on the current presence of the Baird's tapir.

Western Hoolock Gibbon

Fabrice Borgese — 2011-11-27T23:56:08Z

Hylobates hoolock hoolock

The Western hoolock gibbon (Hylobates hoolock hoolock) is of the ape family as are bonobos, chimps, orang-utans and gorillas

SVAA

The Western hoolock gibbon is the target of intensive poaching and a victim of the reduction of its habitat. It is the only ape in India; it is classified among the 25 most endangered species of monkeys in the world.

Habitat loss over the last 3-4 decades suggests that western hoolock gibbons have declined from more than 100,000 to less than 5,000 individuals (a decline of more than 90%). The contiguous forests have borne the brunt of persistent human impacts. Isolated forest fragments hold a few families of about 1–4 individuals; numbers insufficient for long-term survival.

Hoolock Gibbon female

It lives in Myanmar (ex-Burma), South of China, East of Bangladesh and North-East of India. It feeds 60% of the time, especially on fruits

SVAA

About 100 locations of western hoolock gibbons have been recorded in India. In 2005, 77 of those locations had less than 20 individuals, and 47 of these had less than 10. A Population Viability Analysis (PVA) predicted a 75% decline in the population in India and a 95% decline in the population in Bangladesh over the next two decades, based on the current effects of human impacts.

Huro conservation program

SVAA

The population trends for the western hoolock gibbon observed over recent years in Bangladesh and north-eastern India indicate a very rapid decline in numbers for which very little has been done in the way of mitigation. Immediate measures are required by governments, forest departments, local communities and NGOs to limit habitat destruction, initiate or improve habitat restoration and upgrade implementation of protective measures.

The aim of the Huro conservation program is to open the first centre to accommodate and host animals victims of illegal trade (Western hoolock gibbon, Langur, Assam macaque, Loris...) that have been confiscated by authorities, to reinforce wild population with a rehabilitation program and to improve the relationship with the neighbouring villages resulting from ecotourism development.

For more information: http://www.association-svaa.com/

Deforestation

Fabrice Borgese — 2011-11-27T22:08:11Z

Russian far-East forest

M. Dupuis

According to the results of the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2010 by the UN, the most comprehensive assessment to date, the world's forests account for just over 4 billion hectares or 31% of total area of emerged land. The five countries representing over half of the global forest area are Russia, Brazil, Canada, the United States of America and China. The rate of deforestation and loss of global forests remains alarming despite being decreased from 16 million ha per year in the 90's to 13 million ha from 2000 to 2010.

The forest absorbs one third of global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels into the atmosphere, according to an international study that alert, in parallel, on the tragic consequences of deforestation in the context of global warming.

Deforestation

What does deforestation mean? It is defined as, “the destruction of forests by cutting down or burning trees to create agricultural or urban spaces, or to use the wood for heating or construction”. The consequences are the disappearance of ecosystems, erosion of grounds and climate change.

Palm oil in Asia

The scale of deforestation is alarming

Concerning Indonesia the figures are as follows:

Loss of over 50% of its forest in the last fifty years,
Two million acres per year are destroyed, i.e. one football field every 15 seconds,
98% of tropical forests in Indonesia could disappear by 2022,
The main reason is the predicted tripling of oil palm plantations by that date.

Having deforested, sacrificed their forests, Malaysia is experiencing its 4^th generation of palm trees and has exported its “know-how” to Indonesia. A palm tree begins to produce oil at about 4 years and is productive for 20 years. The addition of fertilizer will allow it to pursue its production for another twenty years. Besides the artificial fertilizers, the problem connected to this monoculture is the impoverishment and pollution of soils and waters generated by the decomposition of the colossal organic mass of these plantations.

Big Malaysian, Indonesian and Sri Lankan consortiums produce 85 % of the palm oil consumed in the world (38 million tons in 2006 against 21 millions in 2000) and sell it to international groups such as Unilever that produce a range of products from physical care to food and maintenance. The only reason of this craze for the palm oil is its moderate production cost, which is not echoed, of course, on the consumers, but allows a higher profit margin.
In fact, palm oil can be found in practically all products of everyday life: the famous chocolate paste Nutella, chocolates, sweet and salted biscuits (mark Björg, Organic products from Monoprix Department store in particular and Naturalia), detergents, creams and soaps (Dove), cosmetics, soups, breads (Harry's), etc. …

TENDUA is helping KALAWEIT to fight against deforestation

A palm tree with oil begins to produce at about 4 years until 20 years, The addition of fertilizer will then allow to pursue this production

Kalaweit

As of now, there is no label “certified organic production” for palm oil. The only valid label this day is the clear label “WITHOUT palm oil” indicated on certain products (some Jacquet's breads). Be vigilant: “vegetable oil” means usually palm oil: olive or colza oil would clearly be indicated. The Organic or vegan labels can contain palm oil.

Anyway, the suggested approach of rich countries that want to export their know-how is about how to manage durable forestry. But at a closer look, the exploitation of the Southeast forest resources is increased because of the needs for wood in construction and paper for the North. Are we just trying to make ourselves feel better or is this the only opportunity not to destroy everything?
While we “look” for solutions “to prolong the resources”, the forest disappears and the ecosystems which live there as well: rivers are polluted, the ground and aquatic fauna dies …

Soya in South America

16 % of the Amazonian forest has been converted into soy culture. According to studies made by Lester Brown [1] in 2005, out of 220 million tons of soy produced all over the world, 15 million tons are consumed “directly” by human beings (tofu, soy milk, yoghurts, candles, cosmetics), 144 million tons to feed livestock, in particular dairy cows, pigs and poultry: soy oil cake is very rich in proteins (In France, soy represents 70 % of the consummate oil cakes [2]).
This culture is rapidly growing because it favors a fast and low cost growth in animals. The top 2 producing and exporting countries are Brazil and Argentina. This is without even mentioning the problem of OGM soya… Still 33 million tons are produced for soy oil among which 7% are used for agro-fuel. The environmental and human cost is very heavy: in South America, in 100 years, more than 90 tribes dependent on the forest disappeared with their language, knowledge and culture.

Brazil concentrates 13 % of the world forest surface, with the vastest portion of rain forest. In the South American region, Brazil, then Peru, Colombia, Bolivia and Venezuela represent 84 % of the regional forest surface.

In 2011, according to the Brazilian institute of space researches (INPE, according to the Portuguese acronym), the deforestation would tend to slow down in Brazil, at least, on the short term. In July, indicates the INPE, the Brazilian forest moved back of 224,94 square kilometres. Certainly, it represents the equivalent of the surface of Marseille, but this surface is 53,6 % less important than that deforested in July, 2010, underline the Brazilian authorities. This good news must be nevertheless put in perspective over time. Between August 2010 and July 2011, the Amazonian forest lost, effectively, 2.654 km2, a figure in increase of 15,6 % in one year.

The deforestation of the Amazonian forest is followed by the system Deter (detection of the real time deforestation) by the INPE. This device uses the images of NASA monitoring satellites, which glance through the Amazonia daily. Their resolution is 250 meters. These satellites are capable of detecting zones of deforestation of more than 25 hectares. This system is so used to indicate where and when the forest was cut.

It remains to know who has ordered the cutting, what is probably not the most difficult, but still is needed a political choice to act against deforestation.

Disappearance of ecosystems

In 15 years, between 1995 and 2005, the Earth has lost 3 % of its forest surface. The primary forests [3] - among which more than 2/3 are in Brazil (Amazonia), the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia - play nevertheless an essential role on the climate and counter greenhouse gases. The forest absorbs the light, where the naked ground sends back the energy of the sun towards the atmosphere. The average local ambient temperature can increase 10°C after deforestation takes place in a tropical zone. This local reheating modifies the atmospheric pressure, which influences the movement of air masses and causes the storms to occur. The pluviometric cycles are modified at a world level, provoking droughts and abnormal floods.

Profits of the reduction of the deforestation

Forests are not only very important reservoirs of carbon but they absorb also very actively the CO₂ produced by the human activities, also forests take more and more the front of the scene in a strategy to protect our climate.
Furthermore, savings were made possible by a better management of the forest, by exploiting in particular the profits of the reduction of the deforestation what will be more important than of what we thought.
The boss of Global Carbon Project underlines in particular the financial aspect within the framework of the market of the carbon and the compensations planned in the mechanism REDD + (Reduction of emissions due to the deforestation and to the degradation of forests).
This mechanism was formally adopted during the conference of the UNO on the climate in Cancun (Mexico) at the end of 2010. It aims at bringing countries having rain forests to avoid cutting them or to manage them in a long-lasting way, by paying them financial compensations.

In concrete terms, we are not suggesting giving up in despair, but becoming aware of what we are consuming and perhaps reducing our consumption of products containing palm or soy oil. And even more importantly, talking about these problems around us: this way more consumers will become conscious of the situation. When consumers gain awareness, companies will take into account their points of view and governments will be pressured to take a position. “When you believe in something you can”.

[1] Lester Russel Brown (born in 1934) is an American agro-economist and environmental analyst. Pioneer in research on sustainable development, he was one of the first – and most prolific - to write about problems linked to ecology.

[2] Oil cakes: The solid residue that is left after certain oily seeds, such as cottonseed and linseed, that have been pressed free of their oil. It is ground and used as cattle feed or fertilizer.

[3] Primary forests: a relatively intact natural forest which has not been disturbed or modified by human activity in several hundred years and is characterized by an abundance of mature trees

Dugong project in Egypt

Fabrice Borgese — 2011-11-02T10:20:32Z

Why did TENDUA choose the Egyptian Red Sea Dugong?

dugong and remoras - Y. Lefèvre

Fascinated by the submarine fauna, we made numerous visits to Egypt. With TENDUA, it seemed evident to look closer at the situation of the fauna, and the flora of Egyptian Red Sea.

Egypt has experienced a considerable development in tourism over the past thirty years, in particular, the coastal region of Hurghada. If this development in tourism has generated positive economic outcomes in the short and medium-terms by creating jobs and new activities, the consequences on the fauna and the flora have been (are) harmful. Dolphins and sharks are well known by the public but the dugong is a rather retiring animal. It is however a key indicator of the state of its environment: in the swallow waters along the Red Sea coast. This is why we have become interested in the fate of the dugong. There is a clear urgency because the population of dugongs is declining.

Dugong's skeleton

Dugong (Dugong dugon) is a marine mammal of the Sirenian order. The Sirenian order is divided into two families: the Trichechidae with 3 species of manatees and the Dugongidae and its unique representative, the dugong. The Dugong is today the only representative of its family since the disappearance in the XVIIIth century of the Rhytine of Steller (Hydrodamalis gigas), an animal whose only defence was its enormous size (8m longand 11 tons) and was quickly exterminated by man less than thirty years after its discovery.

What do we know about dugongs?

The dugong is a quiet animal with no defences, except its impressive size. Certain individuals can reach 4 meters long with a weigh up to 900 kg. The Egyptian dugong is usually up to 2.50m-3m and up to 500kg. It generally lives alone or in small groups and frequents open water coastal habitats. They may also live in wide shallow mangrove channels and in the lee of large inshore islands. Dugongs are also regularly observed in deeper water further offshore in areas where the continental shelf is wide, shallow and protected. Dugong is the only marine mammal to feed on zoster's (marine plants) living on sandy shallow bottoms. Sirenian are sometimes called “sea cows”.

To breathe, the dugong has to surface. Its apneas owed long minutes. When it inhales, it emits a relatively noisy kind of “phaaa” sound. To communicate, Sirenian emits small shouts. We still ignore how they do, as dugongs have no vocal cords. Dugongs make chirp and bark-like sounds, in mother-calf communication and during mating. It is believed that infrasound, which is sound below the human hearing limits, is also used.

Their life expectancy is estimated at around 30 years. They reach sexual maturity at about 10 years old, age to which appear at the male two defences which are in fact two modified incisors. In the mating period that occurs throughout the year, male dugongs become aggressive and compete violently for females, trying to embrace them and mate. This could explain the scars that appear on the back and sides of the female. The period of gestation lasts 12 to 13 months and the female gives birth to its calf that will be independent after approximately 2 years. During this period, the mother teaches its calf the principles of migration as well as the location of places to feed. The female can reproduce every four or five years. We can consider that a female will have no more than 4 or 5 young during her life. The dugong thus has an extremely low reproductive rate.

Dugong occurrence range map

Source IUCN

The dugong swims with slow movements of its tail. The average speed is 10 Km/h, which can be doubled for short distances, in case of danger. VHF or satellite transmitters in Indonesian and Australian waters have tracked the movements of 60 specimens. The longest movements are normally due to climatic reasons, such as the need of warmer water in the winter season.

In Queensland (Australia) it has been observed that many dugongs make daily round trips of 15-40 km, to go from the shallow water where they feed to the open ocean, where water temperature is 5°C warmer. Daily movements depend also on tidal amplitude: a large tidal range normally means longer trips. Sometimes dugongs have to wait for a water depth of at least 1 meter to get back into a bay or lagoon. Very long movements have been tracked, some of up to hundreds of kilometers: a female crossed the Gulf of Carpentaria (600 km) in only 5 days. In 2001, after many years of absence, dugongs have been spotted again in the atoll of Aldabra (425 km from Madagascar). They have been seen in the large lagoon and near the 'Main Channel', Northwest of the island, not far from the local scientific station. This demonstrates also that the dugong has the capacity to cross deep ocean trenches (more than 4.000 meters deep), making very long migrations. This information indicates that the management of the protection of this species is an international responsibility, not only limited to those countries where the dugong is living today. As a matter of fact, the dugong is one of the most threatened marine mammals. Although officially protected and placed in appendix 1 of the CITES [1], the species is classified “Vulnerable” by the IUCN [2]. The most important, and considered stable colony has been followed for more than 30 years in Australia. However, for the other populations from East Africa to Vanuatu (27° Latitude North to the South of Ecuador - see Marsh et al. 2002), there is no or not enough information available, or the information is unreliable.

The dugong has already disappeared from the Maldives' Islands, Mauritius (Rodriguez), and Taiwan and from certain parts of the Persian Gulf. The dugong has an area of distribution today that goes from the Red Sea to the islands of the Southwest Pacific ocean.

Dugong by Y. Lefèvre

Some populations remain:

Approximately 70 000 in the North of Australia (East and West coasts),
Around 1000 in New Caledonia.
Approximately 6000 in Persian Gulf (United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia: about 1000 – Farasan Islands project),
Less than 100 in Mozambique (Bazaruto Bay Project),
Less than 50 individuals in Kenya,
Some individuals are seen on a regular basis in Egypt in the Red Sea,
Some tens of individuals in Malaysia,
Occurrences in Thailand, Papua-New Guinea, Indonesia, Philippines, Vanuatu, Seychelles, Andaman islands (India)- (Marsh et al. 2002)

These figures are the result of various studies published on the Internet. All the data is some years old and therefore necessary to consider them only as a rough guide. Things being what they are, the general trend is that the dugongs' population is in decline.

Where to find dugongs in Egypt?

Dugong in the sand with remora

The last scientific survey used to identify dugong distribution, the relative abundance and the threats on dugongs in Egypt's Red Sea during 2001, 2002 and 2003 was made by Professor Dr. Mahmoud Hanafy. Since then, no scientific survey or any other study has been undertaken in Egypt.

During this period, the survey ranged from Hurghada to El Shalatin (200 km north of the Sudanese border). The number of dugongs was between 12 (in 2001 and 2003) and 17 individuals (2002). Statistically, during summer more animals were seen than during winter. Two hypotheses, which are not mutually exclusive, could explain this variation. On the one hand, dugongs migrate to warmer waters during winter, on the other hand, the winter sea conditions made the observation more difficult. Visual surveys are problematic. The probability of finding dugongs depends on several factors, such as the experience level of the observers, weather conditions, and water clarity. An additional weak point of visual observation is that it cannot be performed at night.

The conclusion of this scientific survey was that the threats to the species in Egypt were at that time (already) loss of its habitat, i.e. seagrass meadows and mangroves, fishing nets and boat strikes. These main threats are anthropogenic impacts.

Syringodium isoetifolium

The Syringodium isoetifolium has a cylindrical cross section (like spaghetti). Its leaf tip tapers to a point. Leaves are 7 to 30cm long. It is found on shallow sub-tidal reef flats and sand banks

Halodule uninervis

The Halodule uninervis has a trident leaf tip and one central longitudinal vein. This rhizome is usually pale ivory, with clean black leaf scars. It is the Dugongs preferred food. It is found on shallow/intertidal sand or mud banks

Cymodocea serrulata

The Cymodocea serrulata has a linear strap-like leaf, 5-9 mm wide. The leaf tip is serrated. Leaf sheath is broadly triangular with a narrow base. Leaf scars do not form a continuous ring around the stem. It is found on shallow sub-tidal reef flats and sand banks

As already stated, seagrass meadows are the domain of dugongs. Their main activity is to feed and their daily needs are estimated at 30 kg of food. Dugong method of feeding is by moving with its short flippers, making clouds of sand while filtering the food and leaving recognisable feeding trails in the seagrass beds. We don't know what affect the movement of tides plays in the hours of feeding. The dugong's fecundity is very sensitive to the availability of its seagrass food. When dugongs do not have enough to eat they delay breeding, making habitat conservation a critical issue. Seagrass meadows are very sensitive to the human interference. Indeed, processes such as fishing with nets, dredging, search for raw materials and the other processes, move sediments, which prevents the light from reaching seagrass that heavily restrict their growth. Preferring the quality to the quantity, dugongs are very selective with their diet, choosing highly nutritive and easily digestible herbs such as Syringodium isoetifolium, Halodule uninervis (rich in nutrients but poor in fiber), and Cymodocea serrulata.

Why is the Dugongs' population decline?

Dugongs are long-lived with a low reproductive rate. The main threats to dugong survival are human-induced:

The habitat loss: the urbanization of the coast with tourist complexes has generated pollution during their construction but also with their exploitation (wastewater disposal, management of the waste, etc.) and the degradation of the coastal resources. That impacts directly on the natural habitat of dugongs. Indeed, seagrass meadows tend to be considerably reduced, and have even disappeared totally in certain regions. The environment necessary for dugongs is a rich ecosystem which also attracts green turtles (Chelonia mydas) classified as “endangered” by the IUCN, hawksbill turtle young (Eretmochelys Imbricata) and a large variety of small invertebrates and fish species, as well as the young of shrimp and pelagic fish, elasmobranches such as guitar-rays, rays and sharks.

Fishing has been developed to ensure the tourists have their grilled fish. Boats and fishing nets are real traps for dugongs. The animal tangles itself accidentally in nets and drowns, not being able to reach the surface to breathe. Boats and fishing nets are real traps for dugongs. The animal tangles itself accidentally in nets and drowns, not being able to reach the surface to breathe.

Hunting for its meat, even though it is forbidden, is also responsible for the dugongs' disappearance (no longer permitted in Egypt).
Even a slight reduction in adult survival as a result of habitat loss, disease, hunting or accidental drowning in nets, can cause a chronic decline.

Watch a video of Dugong

The Egyptian coast and the development of tourism

There are 3 main reliefs along the Egyptian Red Sea coast are marsa, sharm and ras.

Marsa is a natural place where you can moor a boat; build a pontoon because the reef allows it. The reef breaks off leaving the place to a natural beach. It is the case of sites such as Marsa Shagra, Marsa Abu Dabbab and Marsa Shuni... Approximately 35 marsa exist from Hurghada to the Sudanese border.

There are also 17 sharm or “camel's lips”: they are bays where the reef forms a “V”. These bays are interesting for the developers but it is not possible to build a pier there without breaking the reef.

Ras (means “cape” in Egyptian) are overhangs on the sea such Ras Toronbi, Ras Samadaï and Ras Banas.

Expanding tourist resorts, hotels and diving clubs are found along all the coast of the Hurghada region, which extends 25km North from the recent city of El Gouna, built around ten years ago on the lagoon (“gouna” mean “lagoon” in Egyptian) and down to 65km South to Port Safaga. Eighty more kilometers South, there is the city of El-Quseir, a former fishermen's village which is now very oriented on tourism. Finally, 135 km further south, is Marsa Alam, approximately 270 km from Hurghada. Marsa Alam is now graced with an international airport, to the delight of divers. However, it is only the prelude of a scheduled tourist development.

And here is the ‘rub'.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism plans to reach 240,000 accommodation rooms in the region of Marsa Alam. The Government is selling by “lots” the land down the coast to developers who have to build resorts or risk having their acquired lot removed. It is therefore impossible to simply buy a piece of coast to protect the reef and all the adjacent ecosystems. Regrettably, the reef could support no more than 78,000 rooms. This figure itself seems already to be enormous, but it is the compromise the partisans of the environmental protection are reluctantly willing to make.

HEPCA, diving centres and TENDUA

Dugong in open water

HEPCA [3] leads this fight together with the affiliated diving centres, in particular the Wadi Gimal Diving Centre and the Red Sea Safari who promote a much more respectful view of its environment and opened 3 eco-lodges in the Bedouin tradition in Marsa Shagra (20 km North of Marsa Alam), in Marsa Nakari (18 km South of Marsa Alam) and 120 km South to Marsa Alam, the Wadi Lahami camp. As the objective of the TENDUA project is the protection of the dugong living in Egypt's Red Sea, TENDUA got in touch with HEPCA and the 2 diving centres established in the zone of Marsa Alam, where dugongs are generally observed.

The three fields of intervention of HEPCA are the scientific research, the concrete actions on the ground and education via communication. As discussed with HEPCA, the TENDUA Dugong project can join a scientific wider study than HEPCA is leading: “Survey and monitoring of the Red Sea large fauna” centred mainly on cetaceans and led by three Italian biologists over a three-years period (the first two expeditions took place in 2010, in May and August, where no dugong were observed). The first stage of the DUGONG project will be the collection of observation data as described below.

Then, what can we do?

1. Observation and photo-identification for a database

Observation sheet Tendua-dugong survey

TENDUA

1. One of the first measures envisaged collectively is the creation of a database to identify the dugongs. To do so, TENDUA has produced an identification sheet, which was passed on to their sponsor, the French tour operator, diving specialist, AQUAREV '. Some 2000 divers address annually AQUAREV' to dive in Egypt. Since this summer, divers receive in addition to their travel documents, the dugong identification sheet in case they experience an encounter with dugong. The detailed information is important because this will allow to enrich the database: besides a photo, it is necessary to specify the date of the encounter and the hour, the place, the number of individuals, the attitude (feeding or mating, for example), and quite other characteristic marks, such as a scar on a pectoral or caudal fin or any other information considered interesting. The completed investigation will have to be returned to the association TENDUA with the pictures relative to the observations. The diving centres of the Red Sea Safari and the Wadi Gimal Diving centre also received the identification sheet. They agreed to indicate the occurrence of dugongs with an objective of estimating the population and protecting of the natural habitat of the animal.

2. Awareness and Communication

Notwithstanding the occurrence or the absence of dugong, it is important to communicate the danger of its disappearance from Egyptian waters.  

To be able to observe the dugong in its natural habitat requires luck today. However protecting and preserving the species cannot be a pretext for tourist hoards harassing dugongs as it has been observed in Marsa Abu Dabbab. Naturally, we would like to see more of these animals and to make sure future generations are lucky enough to encounter this animal too. But being interested in this species also gives the opportunity to highlight in a more global sense the relationship between mankind and nature. Nature should not be considered as a resource, as it is considered by most of the humanity today. Nature is much more than that: it IS our environment and our origin. Our modern societies have lost what connected us harmoniously with our common origin, including the respect due to Planet Earth. Can we consider the environment as a resource? Those who answer ‘yes' to this question must not wonder about the growing loss of biodiversity - the 6^th major extinction that our planet knows, and the consequences of which are already catastrophic - Major by its scale and its speed, Unique by the one who is the cause: man. The current relationship between man and nature is based on a one-way relation: man sets and uses nature without thinking about the future consequences of his acts. It is more a question of subjection of nature for economic reasons - which should be discussed because the so-called values are sometimes only a facade hiding personal interests and greed. The Earth is alive. Maybe it would be necessary to consider the relationship between man and nature as a relation of mutual service. The man takes from nature sources of his existence (transformed by the current technologies). It is evident today that we cannot draw indefinitely from this generous abundance that surrounds us without further risks. Then, it would be advisable and sensible to give back to nature a service at least of equivalent value… Then, the question is: how can it be done? The first step is most probably the modification of awareness and thus behaviour of each of us with regard to this nature that we need so much because all of us enjoy to immerse ourselves in its contact, whether it is a day at sea, few hours in the forest or in the mountains … If these behavioural modifications start at first with each of us as individuals, it will be possible then to find new and different solutions and ways of acting: we are always stronger and more creative when we work together. But the work to be done is, at first, an “inside job”: as Voltaire wrote, “It is necessary to cultivate our garden” … So, what each can choose to do is to reconsider their personal relationship to nature. And this is why the DUGONG project is an opportunity of raising awareness. Those who were lucky enough to share an encounter with this animal are fulfilled. As for those who have not seen dugong yet, at least the dream is still possible … The most important is to understand that its disappearance from the Egyptian coast will enrich nobody. Worse still: it would be the impoverishment of our dreams, but also very certainly the disappearance of an ecosystem. Certainly, species' disappearances are a part of evolution but in this case, it will not be the effect of an evolution of nature, but the responsibility of humans. Now, as humans we are capable to choosing, each can intervene against what seems inevitable. Because a level of awareness allows understanding of a different angle of what takes place and also allows speaking about it around us.

To those who the original arguments leave cold, a speech with concrete figures has been adapted.

HEPCA has made a very interesting “estimation” of this nature. So, in 2006, HEPCA considered the income generated by the presence of a shark living in the Brothers' Islands - off EL Quseir - as $200 000 / year: it is about income generated by the tourism both directly and indirectly (in term of jobs, development of new activities, etc.). This awareness allowed the ban on the sharks fishing in Egyptian waters from 2006. Obviously, a live shark generates more values than a dead shark … The same calculation was applied in 2008 to the dolphins of Safaga. With the creation of about fifteen jobs per dolphin, and the number of visitors coming to see them, it was calculated that one dolphin brought in $91,000 per year. This estimation has now allowed the dolphins of Safaga a time of rest during which no boats are authorized to disturb them in the marine zone area protected from Safaga, which is tightly controlled by rangers. It's a pity doubtless to be have arrived there, but at least these dolphins are no longer harassed all day long …

The number of divers and snorkelers in Marsa Abu Dabbab allowed considering income generated by a one living dugong as $18000 in 2007. Maybe can we obtain, for the tranquillity of dugongs, the extension of the protected marine area of the Wadi Gimal nature reserve [4], as well an increasing the numbers of rangers? And why not, the interdiction of building where seagrass meadows have been identified?

The dugongs' future depends on us,
on our choices and on our will.

dugong eating

In view of the multiple impacts to which dugong populations are subjected, we suggest as a possible conservation strategy to extensively involve the local community (including also divers and tourists) and jointly consider how the adverse impacts on dugongs can be minimized and their habitat protected (Ideally this should be done in the context of comprehensive plans for coastal zone management). These protected marine areas, following the example of what has been done in neighbouring countries of Egypt, can be opened to the ecotourism accounting for the dates of reproduction and movement of animals, in particular for the newly created nature zones. Furthermore, Egypt is a country of the Middle East in the forefront of the protection of biodiversity by making of Dugong the emblem of the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea.

[1] CITES : Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, also called Washington Convention

[2] IUCN : International Union for Conservation of the Nature

[3] HEPCA : Hurghada Environmental Protection & Conservation Association, an Egyptian NGO working since 1992 in the field of marine and terrestrial conservation

[4] The Wadi Gimal national park has an area of 6000 km2 of which 2000km2 is maritime space and 4000km2 of land. There is also a “buffer zone”, but this is already the subject of promoters greed and was unable to resist the anthropological pressure or more prosaically to the lure of gain

Snow leopard (Panthera Uncia)

Fabrice Borgese — 2011-10-18T14:39:11Z

The world's most elusive and charismatic large felid

Snow leopard

Photo taken by a camera trap funded by SLT.

SLT

The endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is perhaps the world's most elusive and charismatic large felid.
No one has an exact count because snow leopards are so elusive and inhabit such harsh and remote habitat that they are rarely seen.
The wild population is roughly estimated at 3500–7000, spread across a range of 1.2–1.6 million km2 in 12 or 13 countries of South and Central Asia, namely Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and possibly also Myanmar.
There are about 600 of these cats in zoos around the world.

Among all threats, a high vulnerability to poaching

Snow leopard range map

SLT

Snow leopards suffer from similar conservation challenges as other large felids, namely persistence at naturally low densities, extensive home ranges, dependence upon prey whose populations are low and/or mostly declining, and high vulnerability to poaching and other anthropogenic threats.

They inhabit mountainous rangelands at elevations of 3000 to over 5000 m in the Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau, but as low as 600 m in Russia and Mongolia.

Although relatively few humans live in snow leopard habitat, their use of the land is pervasive, resulting in ever-increasing human–wildlife conflict, even within protected areas. Snow leopards, and other sympatric wildlife range across the larger landscape beyond protected areas, albeit at low densities.

Since few (if any) protected areas are free of human influence, the snow leopards' survival hinges upon an uneasy coexistence with subsistence pastoralists and farmers eking out their living from the same harsh environment.

As a resume, THREATS are :
Poaching – illegal hunting for the fur trade, and trade in bones for traditional Asian medicine;
Loss of prey – a decline in numbers of wild prey due to hunting and competition with livestock for grazing;
Problem animals (depredators) – snow leopards kill livestock and are killed by herders in retribution;
Loss of habitat – more people and livestock move into snow leopard range fragmenting habitat, so snow leopards become isolated and vulnerable;
Lack of effective protection – most protected areas are too small to protect the home range of even a single snow leopard, and many countries cannot afford to pay rangers living wages;
Lack of awareness and support – herders living with snow leopards sometimes do not understand why they are important elements of the ecosystem and why they need to be protected.

Snow leopards were first listed as endangered under the 1972 IUCN red list data. The 1975 enactment of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Flora and Fauna prohibited all international commercial trade of Appendix 1 species (which includes snow leopards). All snow leopard range states except Tajikistan are party to CITES, with Bhutan and Kyrgyzstan joining recently.
Snow leopards are listed on the Annex 1 of this treaty, which makes it illegal to transport any snow leopard parts across international borders. Attempting to import a snow leopard hide into the USA is punishable by a fine of up to a $25,000. In Nepal such trade could mean a 5-15 year jail sentence.

Research cameras helping conservation

In the summer of 2008 The Snow Leopard Trust launched its long-term study and began using sensor research cameras to aid the identification and counting of snow leopards. Cameras are set out in places where snow leopards are supposed to come more or less regularly. In 2011, 40 research cameras were set out to photograph snow leopards. Remote-triggering occurs as soon as a movement is detected by the cell of the camera. Of course, not only snow leopards are photographed, but also other animals sharing the same ecosystem ...
The Snow Leopard Trust works with governments in snow leopard countries to strengthen conservation policies and programs.
Most importantly, the Trust works with local communities and herders on reducing conflict between people and snow leopards. They help them find ways of limiting livestock losses and offer them opportunities to increase their income. The Snow Leopard Trust markets handicrafts made by people in snow leopard habitat in return for a commitment to conservation.

PHYSICAL FEATURES

Snow leopards are medium sized cats, weighing between 60-120 pounds. Their scientific name is Panthera uncia, the same genus as most large cats (Panthera). Body length ranges from 39-51 inches, and their tails can be almost as long as their bodies! They have thick, smoky-gray fur patterned with dark gray open rosettes. In the mountains they blend perfectly with the rocky slopes, making them practically invisible.
Adaptations for mountain life:
• Well developed chest
• Short forelimbs with large paws for walking on snow
• Long hind-limbs for leaping
• Long flexible tail for balancing
Adaptations for cold:
• Enlarged nasal cavity
• Long fur with wooly undergrowth
• Thick furry tail for wrapping around body and face

EVIDENCE OF SNOW LEOPARDS

Because snow leopards are so difficult to see, researchers rely on other evidence of snow leopard presence to study them.
Scrapes: snow leopards scrape their back legs in loose soil leaving a small depression with a mound of soil next to it.
Scent marks: they mark rocks, bushes and boulders with pungent spray from a scent gland near the tail. Cheek rubbing spreads the scent.
Scat: or more commonly called feces. This is also a way for cats to say “I was here.”
Using these marks snow leopards make sure they stay out of each other's way or, during the breeding season, males and females can find each other.

PREY

a Snow leopard has hunted a marmot

Snow Leopard Trust

Snow leopards are predators, which means they eat other animals. The diet varies across snow leopard range. In the Himalayas they eat mostly blue sheep, which are also known as bharal (Pseudois nayaur).
In the Karakorum (Pakistan), Tian Shan (China, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan) and Altai (Russia and Mongolia) Mountains, their main prey is ibex, a wild goat (Capra siberica) and wild argali sheep (Ovis ammon).
Across their range snow leopards also take small prey including marmots and hares, and they hunt larger birds like snow cock and chukor. Snow leopards are opportunistic hunters, and they will attack livestock that are in their range.

Amur leopard

Fabrice Borgese — 2011-10-18T13:07:42Z

Amur Leopard

Camera-trapping – wild Amur leopard

ALTA

Forests of the Eastern part of Russia and China are the only habitat where the Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) remains in the wild.

A counting conducted in February / March 2007 estimated the wild population to thirty individuals. A more recent counting (2013/14) gave a figure closer to 80 animals. This is better than 30, but still insufficient to ensure the future of the species : the Amur leopard, is one of the most - if not the most - endangered large cats on earth.

Threats

Amur Leopard

With its trick coat and long tail, its appearance is strikingly different from its cousins from the south

Threats to these few remaining leopards are many. First, the area is politically sensitive because it borders China and North Korea (and leopards are known to cross these borders).

Secondly, habitat loss and fragmentation through logging – the Amur leopard has lost 90% of its natural territory because of deforestation -, frequent human-caused fires, and planned and ongoing development projects, such as a major gas pipeline, are major problems.

Amur leopard

Some zoos around the world are home to a hundred of these animals. Parc des félins

A. Pons

Thirdly, leopards are lost to poachers and “retaliation killing” of leopards that kill deer on local deer farms.

Poaching of roe deer and sika deer, the leopards primary prey, poses as great a threat as poaching of leopards themselves.

Moreover, poachers on behalf of Chinese drug producers, who attribute some medicinal virtues to the animals' remains, hunt the Amur Leopard to excess.

Amur leopard range map

ALTA

Lastly, because leopards are found in one small population, they are threatened by inbreeding, introduced diseases, and catastrophes such as major fires.

Conservation programs

The conservation activities include research, monitoring, anti-poaching brigades, fire fighting, education and awareness policies.

An international program of reintroduction of wild animals born in captivity is under way. The first step was the genetic analysis of the Amur leopards' population that outcome of zoos.

The second step was the construction in Russia, near the natural territory of the Amur leopard, of two relatively large encolures and away from human présence (except the scientists in charge of the program) that should tenable the young leopards' reintroduction to the wild and get used to this new environment, the ultimate goal being to release to the wild animals. The program is going on.

Parc des félins

S. Papillon

Programs of animals' reintroduction to the wild are very long.

Many factors must be taken into account, such as, of course the response of animals to be released, but also political lobbies to reach decisions concerning the protection of habitats and the effective application of these laws.

TENDUA

Photo Exhibition “BEAUTÉS NATURELLES” from 4th to 21st November 2015

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT, MYRIAM DUPUIS

Conversation III & the Butterfly WayCausses du Quercy, Lot, France - © Julie Boileau

EVENTIDECap d'Erquy, Bretagne, France - © Julie Boileau

DANCE OF THE DEVILSDiables de mer, Princess Alice Bank, Faial, Açores - © Frédéric Buyle

THE LION KINGDOMLion, Masai Mara, Kenya - © Tony Crocetta

THE REST OF THE SENTINELSGirafes Masai, Masai Mara, Kenya - © Christine et Michel Denis-Huot

IN THE HEART OF THE FROZEN TURMOILLoup gris, Russie - © Yvan Kislov

THE AKTUN HA NYMPHEASCénote Haktun Ha (ou car wash), Péninsule du Yucatan, Mexique - © Pascal Kobeh

AT THE OCEAN SCHOOLBaleines à bosse, Rurutu, Polynésie française - © Yves lefèvre

TROPICAL REFLECTIONRodrigues, Archipel des Mascareignes, Indian Ocean - © Gilles Marquis

SIX TREE SPARROWSTree sparrows, Vosges, France - © Vincent Munier

CAROUSEL OF ZEBRASZèbres de plaine, Serengeti, Tanzanie - © Alain Pons

BLAZING DAWNVautour, Masai Mara, Kenya - © Christian Baillet

UNDER THE VITAL RAINElephants, Masai Mara, Kenya - © Christian Baillet

PLACE OF STORMSLe Hourdel, Baie de Somme, France - © Christian Baillet

LOOKING FOR A NAPFemale cheetah, Masai Mara, Kenya - © Christian Baillet

THE LONG WALKOryx, Sossusvleï, Namib desert, Namibia - © Christine Baillet

THE MATRIARCHÉléphante, Tsavo, Kenya - © Myriam Dupuis

Champagne PoolWAI-O-TAPU, New-Zealand - © Myriam Dupuis

THE ENCHANTED FORESTHighlands Tamarins and Usnea, Tévelave Forest, Réunion island - © Myriam Dupuis

LICHEN ON ROCKSBANFF NATIONAL PARK, ALBERTA, CANADA - © Myriam Dupuis

ONE-WAY MIRRORALittle egret, Camargue, France - © Myriam Dupuis

ALONE IN CLOUDSMagnificent frigatebird, Galapagos islands, Equator - © Olivier Güder

MISTY MORNING UP NORTHPorcupine river, Yukon, Canada - © Olivier Güder

THE CASTLEDrakensberg Massive, South Africa - © François Moutou

The humpabck whales of the Indian Ocean

How to recognize a humpback whale?

Lobtailing and slapping

Why do they sing?

And what about females?

Our ignorance remains high...

The Namib Desert Lion Conservation Project

The Indian Kogis speak to their “little brothers” from Western world

The Danta of Colombia or the extinction of the forest gardener

Tapir's ID card

Three + One species

Origine

The main threats: habitat loss and hunting

The objectives of the Colombia Tapir Fund

Monitoring program of the Colombian tapir

Key to the success of this program is the involvement of indigenous people and the villagers' participation

Western Hoolock Gibbon

Deforestation

Deforestation

Palm oil in Asia

Soya in South America

Disappearance of ecosystems

Profits of the reduction of the deforestation

Dugong project in Egypt

Why did TENDUA choose the Egyptian Red Sea Dugong?

What do we know about dugongs?

Where to find dugongs in Egypt?

Why is the Dugongs' population decline?

The Egyptian coast and the development of tourism

HEPCA, diving centres and TENDUA

Then, what can we do?

1. Observation and photo-identification for a database

2. Awareness and Communication

Snow leopard (Panthera Uncia)

The world's most elusive and charismatic large felid

Among all threats, a high vulnerability to poaching

Research cameras helping conservation

PHYSICAL FEATURES

EVIDENCE OF SNOW LEOPARDS

PREY

Amur leopard

Threats

Conservation programs

Conversation III & the Butterfly Way
Causses du Quercy, Lot, France - © Julie Boileau

EVENTIDE
Cap d'Erquy, Bretagne, France - © Julie Boileau

DANCE OF THE DEVILS
Diables de mer, Princess Alice Bank, Faial, Açores - © Frédéric Buyle

THE LION KINGDOM
Lion, Masai Mara, Kenya - © Tony Crocetta

THE REST OF THE SENTINELS
Girafes Masai, Masai Mara, Kenya - © Christine et Michel Denis-Huot

IN THE HEART OF THE FROZEN TURMOIL
Loup gris, Russie - © Yvan Kislov

THE AKTUN HA NYMPHEAS
Cénote Haktun Ha (ou car wash), Péninsule du Yucatan, Mexique - © Pascal Kobeh

AT THE OCEAN SCHOOL
Baleines à bosse, Rurutu, Polynésie française - © Yves lefèvre

TROPICAL REFLECTION
Rodrigues, Archipel des Mascareignes, Indian Ocean - © Gilles Marquis

SIX TREE SPARROWS
Tree sparrows, Vosges, France - © Vincent Munier

CAROUSEL OF ZEBRAS
Zèbres de plaine, Serengeti, Tanzanie - © Alain Pons

BLAZING DAWN
Vautour, Masai Mara, Kenya - © Christian Baillet

UNDER THE VITAL RAIN
Elephants, Masai Mara, Kenya - © Christian Baillet

PLACE OF STORMS
Le Hourdel, Baie de Somme, France - © Christian Baillet

LOOKING FOR A NAP
Female cheetah, Masai Mara, Kenya - © Christian Baillet

THE LONG WALK
Oryx, Sossusvleï, Namib desert, Namibia - © Christine Baillet

THE MATRIARCH
Éléphante, Tsavo, Kenya - © Myriam Dupuis

Champagne Pool
WAI-O-TAPU, New-Zealand - © Myriam Dupuis

THE ENCHANTED FOREST
Highlands Tamarins and Usnea, Tévelave Forest, Réunion island - © Myriam Dupuis

LICHEN ON ROCKS
BANFF NATIONAL PARK, ALBERTA, CANADA - © Myriam Dupuis

ONE-WAY MIRROR
ALittle egret, Camargue, France - © Myriam Dupuis

ALONE IN CLOUDS
Magnificent frigatebird, Galapagos islands, Equator - © Olivier Güder

MISTY MORNING UP NORTH
Porcupine river, Yukon, Canada - © Olivier Güder

THE CASTLE
Drakensberg Massive, South Africa - © François Moutou