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Meet a tiger rangerSustainabilityClimate Change
YOUR ADOPTION UPDATE
Conservation
My tigers
Co
ve
r im
ag
e: ©
Jag
De
eP
ra
JPU
T / ar
De
a.C
om
This
Pag
e: ©
ma
rTin
ha
rv
ey
/ ww
f-Ca
no
n
© g
ov
er
nm
en
T of n
ePa
L-Dn
Pw
C / w
wf-n
ePa
L
180-260KG
400Although only around 400 Amur tigers are left in the wild, they live in relatively undisturbed areas with few people
Tigers in numbers18 MonThSTiger cubs depend on their mothers for food until they’re around 18 months old
Male Bengal tigers weigh between 180 and 260 kilogrammes
>12%In India, tigers occupy over 12% less habitat than they did in 2006
Page 5
my Tigers news
TiGerTaSTiC!The latest camera trap survey in Bardia National Park shows that tiger numbers are on the increase
We’re over the moon about news that 37 individual tigers have been identified in this important three-month survey, which your adoption helped to fund. Especially as the previous survey in 2009 revealed only 18 tigers in the park.
Leafy lifelineThe survey covered 1,035 square kilometres of Bardia National Park, and included the Khata wildlife corridor, which connects Bardia in Nepal with Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India. This 13-kilometre-long stretch of forest is extremely important for tigers, as it helps to connect different populations and to reduce the risk of inbreeding.
One of the magnificent tigers photographed in the survey
The increase in tiger numbers is a really positive sign that our joint efforts with governments, local communities and conservation partners to help protect and manage tiger habitats are working. We’re currently working with 12 anti-poaching units in and around Bardia National Park, and we’ve recently helped construct 15 new watchtowers to improve monitoring.
Funds from your adoption help support this and other crucial work. Thanks to you, our goal of doubling the number of wild tigers by 2022 is another step closer. 37
The CaMera Trap Survey idenTified 37 individuaL TiGerS in Bardia naTionaL parK
Name: Kamrita, your adopted tiger (pronounced Kam-reet-a)
Species: Bengal tiger
Location: Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Project location
© J
eff
fo
oT
T / w
wf-
Ca
no
n
Page 2
Nepal
Chitwan National Park
By adopting Kamrita, you’re playing an important role in helping to protect all wild tigers. Your adoption funds vital programmes such as tackling poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife, restoring fragile tiger habitats, and helping to increase prey numbers. It also supports other essential conservation projects. Thank you.
you’re MaKinG a differenCe
my Tigers fieLD rePorT
Can you give us the latest news on Kamrita and her cubs? Kamrita’s twin male cubs are around two years old now. They’ve recently left her and gone off to establish their own territories in the park. We’ve been installing some new camera traps, and hopefully we’ll have some great photos to share with you soon. How often do you go out on patrol? Almost every day, all year round. We have a huge area to cover and as well as patrolling on foot we also travel by jeep. We sometimes go out on
parK LifeRupak Maharjan is one of the dedicated rangers working to protect Kamrita and her family in Chitwan National Park. We asked him about his work
© C
hiT
wa
n n
aTio
na
L Pa
rK
Page 3
Rupak works hard protecting tigers and other animals
elephants too. We monitor the whole of Kamrita’s range, and I often get the feeling she’s watching us from the undergrowth. What are conditions like? In winter the temperature drops to below freezing, while in summer it gets very hot and humid, with temperatures well above 35°C. Working outside in
the rainy season is especially challenging. Areas become flooded so it’s harder to get around, and there are lots of
leeches and ticks. What are your main duties? Mainly anti-poaching. I look for signs of poaching activity, and help
investigate any cases in the park. I also make sure regular tasks are carried out to manage and protect wildlife habitats, such as controlling cattle grazing and reducing the risk of forest fires. Sometimes tigers and other wild animals get too close to local villages, and I help make sure they’re returned safely to the park. What tiger signs do you look for? Things like pugmarks (paw prints), and scratches. From time to time we hear the roar of a tiger, and know that Kamrita or one of her cubs is somewhere very close.
Page 4
my Tigers fieLD rePorT
© n
aTU
re
PL.
Co
m /
an
UP
sh
ah
/ w
wf-
Ca
no
n i
ns
eT:
© C
hiT
wa
n n
aTio
na
L Pa
rK
Do you camp out in the forest? Rangers like me mostly live in wooden watchtowers called ‘machans’, located around the park. But we often have to monitor more isolated areas for signs of any poaching. Then, we load ourselves with supplies and head deep into the forest, camping in tents for weeks at a time. Conditions can be harsh, and we sometimes get ill, but we’re determined to stay vigilant. What’s the best thing about your job? Being out in the fresh air, and seeing all the beautiful wildlife in the park, especially rare and wonderful tigers.
Elephants can help Rupak and his team get to areas that are hard to reach
Do you have a message for our tiger adopters? Thank you for caring about tigers and for giving us your support, so we can help protect them against poachers and other threats. I hope we can go on working together to give these incredible animals a happier future.
>35ºC in The SuMMer iT GeTS very hoT and huMid wiTh TeMperaTureS aBove 35ºC
wwf.orG.hK• My TiGerS • iSSue 5
© 1986 Panda symbol WWF “WWF” is a WWF Registered Trademark
WWF-Hong Kong, No. 1 Tramway Path, Central, Hong Kong.
Tel: (852) 2526 1011, Fax: (852) 2845 2734, Email: [email protected]
Meet a tiger rangerSustainability Climate Change
YOUR ADOPTION UPDATE
Conservation
My tigers
Co
ve
r im
ag
e: ©
Ja
gD
ee
P r
aJP
UT
/ ar
De
a.C
om
Th
is P
ag
e: ©
ma
rTi
n h
ar
ve
y /
ww
f-C
an
on
© g
ov
er
nm
en
T o
f n
ePa
L-D
nP
wC
/ w
wf-
ne
PaL
180-260KG
400Although only around 400 Amur tigers are left in the wild, they live in relatively undisturbed areas with few people
Tigers in numbers18 MonThSTiger cubs depend on their mothers for food until they’re around 18 months old
Male Bengal tigers weigh between 180 and 260 kilogrammes
>12%In India, tigers occupy over 12% less habitat than they did in 2006
Page 5
my Tigers news
TiGerTaSTiC!The latest camera trap survey in Bardia National Park shows that tiger numbers are on the increase
We’re over the moon about news that 37 individual tigers have been identified in this important three-month survey, which your adoption helped to fund. Especially as the previous survey in 2009 revealed only 18 tigers in the park.
Leafy lifelineThe survey covered 1,035 square kilometres of Bardia National Park, and included the Khata wildlife corridor, which connects Bardia in Nepal with Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India. This 13-kilometre-long stretch of forest is extremely important for tigers, as it helps to connect different populations and to reduce the risk of inbreeding.
One of the magnificent tigers photographed in the survey
The increase in tiger numbers is a really positive sign that our joint efforts with governments, local communities and conservation partners to help protect and manage tiger habitats are working. We’re currently working with 12 anti-poaching units in and around Bardia National Park, and we’ve recently helped construct 15 new watchtowers to improve monitoring.
Funds from your adoption help support this and other crucial work. Thanks to you, our goal of doubling the number of wild tigers by 2022 is another step closer. 37The CaMera Trap
Survey idenTified 37 individuaL TiGerS in Bardia naTionaL parK
Name: Kamrita, your adopted tiger (pronounced Kam-reet-a)
Species: Bengal tiger
Location: Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Project location
© Je
ff foo
TT / w
wf-C
an
on
Page 2
Nepal
Chitwan National Park
By adopting Kamrita, you’re playing an important role in helping to protect all wild tigers. Your adoption funds vital programmes such as tackling poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife, restoring fragile tiger habitats, and helping to increase prey numbers. It also supports other essential conservation projects. Thank you.
you’re MaKinG a differenCe
my Tigers fieLD rePorT
Can you give us the latest news on Kamrita and her cubs? Kamrita’s twin male cubs are around two years old now. They’ve recently left her and gone off to establish their own territories in the park. We’ve been installing some new camera traps, and hopefully we’ll have some great photos to share with you soon. How often do you go out on patrol? Almost every day, all year round. We have a huge area to cover and as well as patrolling on foot we also travel by jeep. We sometimes go out on
parK LifeRupak Maharjan is one of the dedicated rangers working to protect Kamrita and her family in Chitwan National Park. We asked him about his work
© C
hiT
wa
n n
aTion
aL Pa
rK
Page 3
Rupak works hard protecting tigers and other animals
elephants too. We monitor the whole of Kamrita’s range, and I often get the feeling she’s watching us from the undergrowth. What are conditions like? In winter the temperature drops to below freezing, while in summer it gets very hot and humid, with temperatures well above 35°C. Working outside in
the rainy season is especially challenging. Areas become flooded so it’s harder to get around, and there are lots of
leeches and ticks. What are your main duties? Mainly anti-poaching. I look for signs of poaching activity, and help
investigate any cases in the park. I also make sure regular tasks are carried out to manage and protect wildlife habitats, such as controlling cattle grazing and reducing the risk of forest fires. Sometimes tigers and other wild animals get too close to local villages, and I help make sure they’re returned safely to the park. What tiger signs do you look for? Things like pugmarks (paw prints), and scratches. From time to time we hear the roar of a tiger, and know that Kamrita or one of her cubs is somewhere very close.
Page 4
my Tigers fieLD rePorT
© n
aTUr
eP
L.Co
m / a
nU
P sh
ah
/ ww
f-Ca
no
n in
se
T: © C
hiTw
an
naTio
na
L Par
K
Do you camp out in the forest? Rangers like me mostly live in wooden watchtowers called ‘machans’, located around the park. But we often have to monitor more isolated areas for signs of any poaching. Then, we load ourselves with supplies and head deep into the forest, camping in tents for weeks at a time. Conditions can be harsh, and we sometimes get ill, but we’re determined to stay vigilant. What’s the best thing about your job? Being out in the fresh air, and seeing all the beautiful wildlife in the park, especially rare and wonderful tigers.
Elephants can help Rupak and his team get to areas that are hard to reach
Do you have a message for our tiger adopters? Thank you for caring about tigers and for giving us your support, so we can help protect them against poachers and other threats. I hope we can go on working together to give these incredible animals a happier future.
>35ºCin The SuMMer iT GeTS very hoT and huMid wiTh TeMperaTureS aBove 35ºC
wwf.o
rG.h
K•
My Ti
GerS
• iSS
ue 5
© 1986 Panda symbol WWF “WWF” is a WWF Registered Trademark
WWF-Hong Kong, No. 1 Tramway Path, Central, Hong Kong.
Tel: (852) 2526 1011, Fax: (852) 2845 2734, Email: [email protected]
Meet a tiger rangerSustainability Climate Change
YOUR ADOPTION UPDATE
Conservation
My tigers
Co
ve
r im
ag
e: ©
Ja
gD
ee
P r
aJP
UT
/ ar
De
a.C
om
Th
is P
ag
e: ©
ma
rTi
n h
ar
ve
y /
ww
f-C
an
on
© g
ov
er
nm
en
T o
f n
ePa
L-D
nP
wC
/ w
wf-
ne
PaL
180-260KG
400Although only around 400 Amur tigers are left in the wild, they live in relatively undisturbed areas with few people
Tigers in numbers18 MonThSTiger cubs depend on their mothers for food until they’re around 18 months old
Male Bengal tigers weigh between 180 and 260 kilogrammes
>12%In India, tigers occupy over 12% less habitat than they did in 2006
Page 5
my Tigers news
TiGerTaSTiC!The latest camera trap survey in Bardia National Park shows that tiger numbers are on the increase
We’re over the moon about news that 37 individual tigers have been identified in this important three-month survey, which your adoption helped to fund. Especially as the previous survey in 2009 revealed only 18 tigers in the park.
Leafy lifelineThe survey covered 1,035 square kilometres of Bardia National Park, and included the Khata wildlife corridor, which connects Bardia in Nepal with Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India. This 13-kilometre-long stretch of forest is extremely important for tigers, as it helps to connect different populations and to reduce the risk of inbreeding.
One of the magnificent tigers photographed in the survey
The increase in tiger numbers is a really positive sign that our joint efforts with governments, local communities and conservation partners to help protect and manage tiger habitats are working. We’re currently working with 12 anti-poaching units in and around Bardia National Park, and we’ve recently helped construct 15 new watchtowers to improve monitoring.
Funds from your adoption help support this and other crucial work. Thanks to you, our goal of doubling the number of wild tigers by 2022 is another step closer. 37The CaMera Trap
Survey idenTified 37 individuaL TiGerS in Bardia naTionaL parK
Name: Kamrita, your adopted tiger (pronounced Kam-reet-a)
Species: Bengal tiger
Location: Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Project location
© Je
ff foo
TT / w
wf-C
an
on
Page 2
Nepal
Chitwan National Park
By adopting Kamrita, you’re playing an important role in helping to protect all wild tigers. Your adoption funds vital programmes such as tackling poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife, restoring fragile tiger habitats, and helping to increase prey numbers. It also supports other essential conservation projects. Thank you.
you’re MaKinG a differenCe
my Tigers fieLD rePorT
Can you give us the latest news on Kamrita and her cubs? Kamrita’s twin male cubs are around two years old now. They’ve recently left her and gone off to establish their own territories in the park. We’ve been installing some new camera traps, and hopefully we’ll have some great photos to share with you soon. How often do you go out on patrol? Almost every day, all year round. We have a huge area to cover and as well as patrolling on foot we also travel by jeep. We sometimes go out on
parK LifeRupak Maharjan is one of the dedicated rangers working to protect Kamrita and her family in Chitwan National Park. We asked him about his work
© C
hiT
wa
n n
aTion
aL Pa
rK
Page 3
Rupak works hard protecting tigers and other animals
elephants too. We monitor the whole of Kamrita’s range, and I often get the feeling she’s watching us from the undergrowth. What are conditions like? In winter the temperature drops to below freezing, while in summer it gets very hot and humid, with temperatures well above 35°C. Working outside in
the rainy season is especially challenging. Areas become flooded so it’s harder to get around, and there are lots of
leeches and ticks. What are your main duties? Mainly anti-poaching. I look for signs of poaching activity, and help
investigate any cases in the park. I also make sure regular tasks are carried out to manage and protect wildlife habitats, such as controlling cattle grazing and reducing the risk of forest fires. Sometimes tigers and other wild animals get too close to local villages, and I help make sure they’re returned safely to the park. What tiger signs do you look for? Things like pugmarks (paw prints), and scratches. From time to time we hear the roar of a tiger, and know that Kamrita or one of her cubs is somewhere very close.
Page 4
my Tigers fieLD rePorT
© n
aTUr
eP
L.Co
m / a
nU
P sh
ah
/ ww
f-Ca
no
n in
se
T: © C
hiTw
an
naTio
na
L Par
K
Do you camp out in the forest? Rangers like me mostly live in wooden watchtowers called ‘machans’, located around the park. But we often have to monitor more isolated areas for signs of any poaching. Then, we load ourselves with supplies and head deep into the forest, camping in tents for weeks at a time. Conditions can be harsh, and we sometimes get ill, but we’re determined to stay vigilant. What’s the best thing about your job? Being out in the fresh air, and seeing all the beautiful wildlife in the park, especially rare and wonderful tigers.
Elephants can help Rupak and his team get to areas that are hard to reach
Do you have a message for our tiger adopters? Thank you for caring about tigers and for giving us your support, so we can help protect them against poachers and other threats. I hope we can go on working together to give these incredible animals a happier future.
>35ºCin The SuMMer iT GeTS very hoT and huMid wiTh TeMperaTureS aBove 35ºC
wwf.o
rG.h
K•
My Ti
GerS
• iSS
ue 5
© 1986 Panda symbol WWF “WWF” is a WWF Registered Trademark
WWF-Hong Kong, No. 1 Tramway Path, Central, Hong Kong.
Tel: (852) 2526 1011, Fax: (852) 2845 2734, Email: [email protected]
Meet a tiger rangerSustainability Climate Change
YOUR ADOPTION UPDATE
Conservation
My tigers
Co
ve
r im
ag
e: ©
Ja
gD
ee
P r
aJP
UT
/ ar
De
a.C
om
Th
is P
ag
e: ©
ma
rTi
n h
ar
ve
y /
ww
f-C
an
on
© g
ov
er
nm
en
T o
f n
ePa
L-D
nP
wC
/ w
wf-
ne
PaL
180-260KG
400Although only around 400 Amur tigers are left in the wild, they live in relatively undisturbed areas with few people
Tigers in numbers18 MonThSTiger cubs depend on their mothers for food until they’re around 18 months old
Male Bengal tigers weigh between 180 and 260 kilogrammes
>12%In India, tigers occupy over 12% less habitat than they did in 2006
Page 5
my Tigers news
TiGerTaSTiC!The latest camera trap survey in Bardia National Park shows that tiger numbers are on the increase
We’re over the moon about news that 37 individual tigers have been identified in this important three-month survey, which your adoption helped to fund. Especially as the previous survey in 2009 revealed only 18 tigers in the park.
Leafy lifelineThe survey covered 1,035 square kilometres of Bardia National Park, and included the Khata wildlife corridor, which connects Bardia in Nepal with Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India. This 13-kilometre-long stretch of forest is extremely important for tigers, as it helps to connect different populations and to reduce the risk of inbreeding.
One of the magnificent tigers photographed in the survey
The increase in tiger numbers is a really positive sign that our joint efforts with governments, local communities and conservation partners to help protect and manage tiger habitats are working. We’re currently working with 12 anti-poaching units in and around Bardia National Park, and we’ve recently helped construct 15 new watchtowers to improve monitoring.
Funds from your adoption help support this and other crucial work. Thanks to you, our goal of doubling the number of wild tigers by 2022 is another step closer. 37The CaMera Trap
Survey idenTified 37 individuaL TiGerS in Bardia naTionaL parK
Name: Kamrita, your adopted tiger (pronounced Kam-reet-a)
Species: Bengal tiger
Location: Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Project location
© Je
ff foo
TT / w
wf-C
an
on
Page 2
Nepal
Chitwan National Park
By adopting Kamrita, you’re playing an important role in helping to protect all wild tigers. Your adoption funds vital programmes such as tackling poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife, restoring fragile tiger habitats, and helping to increase prey numbers. It also supports other essential conservation projects. Thank you.
you’re MaKinG a differenCe
my Tigers fieLD rePorT
Can you give us the latest news on Kamrita and her cubs? Kamrita’s twin male cubs are around two years old now. They’ve recently left her and gone off to establish their own territories in the park. We’ve been installing some new camera traps, and hopefully we’ll have some great photos to share with you soon. How often do you go out on patrol? Almost every day, all year round. We have a huge area to cover and as well as patrolling on foot we also travel by jeep. We sometimes go out on
parK LifeRupak Maharjan is one of the dedicated rangers working to protect Kamrita and her family in Chitwan National Park. We asked him about his work
© C
hiT
wa
n n
aTion
aL Pa
rK
Page 3
Rupak works hard protecting tigers and other animals
elephants too. We monitor the whole of Kamrita’s range, and I often get the feeling she’s watching us from the undergrowth. What are conditions like? In winter the temperature drops to below freezing, while in summer it gets very hot and humid, with temperatures well above 35°C. Working outside in
the rainy season is especially challenging. Areas become flooded so it’s harder to get around, and there are lots of
leeches and ticks. What are your main duties? Mainly anti-poaching. I look for signs of poaching activity, and help
investigate any cases in the park. I also make sure regular tasks are carried out to manage and protect wildlife habitats, such as controlling cattle grazing and reducing the risk of forest fires. Sometimes tigers and other wild animals get too close to local villages, and I help make sure they’re returned safely to the park. What tiger signs do you look for? Things like pugmarks (paw prints), and scratches. From time to time we hear the roar of a tiger, and know that Kamrita or one of her cubs is somewhere very close.
Page 4
my Tigers fieLD rePorT
© n
aTUr
eP
L.Co
m / a
nU
P sh
ah
/ ww
f-Ca
no
n in
se
T: © C
hiTw
an
naTio
na
L Par
K
Do you camp out in the forest? Rangers like me mostly live in wooden watchtowers called ‘machans’, located around the park. But we often have to monitor more isolated areas for signs of any poaching. Then, we load ourselves with supplies and head deep into the forest, camping in tents for weeks at a time. Conditions can be harsh, and we sometimes get ill, but we’re determined to stay vigilant. What’s the best thing about your job? Being out in the fresh air, and seeing all the beautiful wildlife in the park, especially rare and wonderful tigers.
Elephants can help Rupak and his team get to areas that are hard to reach
Do you have a message for our tiger adopters? Thank you for caring about tigers and for giving us your support, so we can help protect them against poachers and other threats. I hope we can go on working together to give these incredible animals a happier future.
>35ºCin The SuMMer iT GeTS very hoT and huMid wiTh TeMperaTureS aBove 35ºC
wwf.o
rG.h
K•
My Ti
GerS
• iSS
ue 5
© 1986 Panda symbol WWF “WWF” is a WWF Registered Trademark
WWF-Hong Kong, No. 1 Tramway Path, Central, Hong Kong.
Tel: (852) 2526 1011, Fax: (852) 2845 2734, Email: [email protected]
Meet a tiger rangerSustainabilityClimate Change
YOUR ADOPTION UPDATE
Conservation
My tigers
Co
ve
r im
ag
e: ©
Jag
De
eP
ra
JPU
T / ar
De
a.C
om
This
Pag
e: ©
ma
rTin
ha
rv
ey
/ ww
f-Ca
no
n
© g
ov
er
nm
en
T of n
ePa
L-Dn
Pw
C / w
wf-n
ePa
L
180-260KG
400Although only around 400 Amur tigers are left in the wild, they live in relatively undisturbed areas with few people
Tigers in numbers18 MonThSTiger cubs depend on their mothers for food until they’re around 18 months old
Male Bengal tigers weigh between 180 and 260 kilogrammes
>12%In India, tigers occupy over 12% less habitat than they did in 2006
Page 5
my Tigers news
TiGerTaSTiC!The latest camera trap survey in Bardia National Park shows that tiger numbers are on the increase
We’re over the moon about news that 37 individual tigers have been identified in this important three-month survey, which your adoption helped to fund. Especially as the previous survey in 2009 revealed only 18 tigers in the park.
Leafy lifelineThe survey covered 1,035 square kilometres of Bardia National Park, and included the Khata wildlife corridor, which connects Bardia in Nepal with Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India. This 13-kilometre-long stretch of forest is extremely important for tigers, as it helps to connect different populations and to reduce the risk of inbreeding.
One of the magnificent tigers photographed in the survey
The increase in tiger numbers is a really positive sign that our joint efforts with governments, local communities and conservation partners to help protect and manage tiger habitats are working. We’re currently working with 12 anti-poaching units in and around Bardia National Park, and we’ve recently helped construct 15 new watchtowers to improve monitoring.
Funds from your adoption help support this and other crucial work. Thanks to you, our goal of doubling the number of wild tigers by 2022 is another step closer. 37
The CaMera Trap Survey idenTified 37 individuaL TiGerS in Bardia naTionaL parK
Name: Kamrita, your adopted tiger (pronounced Kam-reet-a)
Species: Bengal tiger
Location: Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Project location
© J
eff
fo
oT
T / w
wf-
Ca
no
n
Page 2
Nepal
Chitwan National Park
By adopting Kamrita, you’re playing an important role in helping to protect all wild tigers. Your adoption funds vital programmes such as tackling poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife, restoring fragile tiger habitats, and helping to increase prey numbers. It also supports other essential conservation projects. Thank you.
you’re MaKinG a differenCe
my Tigers fieLD rePorT
Can you give us the latest news on Kamrita and her cubs? Kamrita’s twin male cubs are around two years old now. They’ve recently left her and gone off to establish their own territories in the park. We’ve been installing some new camera traps, and hopefully we’ll have some great photos to share with you soon. How often do you go out on patrol? Almost every day, all year round. We have a huge area to cover and as well as patrolling on foot we also travel by jeep. We sometimes go out on
parK LifeRupak Maharjan is one of the dedicated rangers working to protect Kamrita and her family in Chitwan National Park. We asked him about his work
© C
hiT
wa
n n
aTio
na
L Pa
rK
Page 3
Rupak works hard protecting tigers and other animals
elephants too. We monitor the whole of Kamrita’s range, and I often get the feeling she’s watching us from the undergrowth. What are conditions like? In winter the temperature drops to below freezing, while in summer it gets very hot and humid, with temperatures well above 35°C. Working outside in
the rainy season is especially challenging. Areas become flooded so it’s harder to get around, and there are lots of
leeches and ticks. What are your main duties? Mainly anti-poaching. I look for signs of poaching activity, and help
investigate any cases in the park. I also make sure regular tasks are carried out to manage and protect wildlife habitats, such as controlling cattle grazing and reducing the risk of forest fires. Sometimes tigers and other wild animals get too close to local villages, and I help make sure they’re returned safely to the park. What tiger signs do you look for? Things like pugmarks (paw prints), and scratches. From time to time we hear the roar of a tiger, and know that Kamrita or one of her cubs is somewhere very close.
Page 4
my Tigers fieLD rePorT
© n
aTU
re
PL.
Co
m /
an
UP
sh
ah
/ w
wf-
Ca
no
n i
ns
eT:
© C
hiT
wa
n n
aTio
na
L Pa
rK
Do you camp out in the forest? Rangers like me mostly live in wooden watchtowers called ‘machans’, located around the park. But we often have to monitor more isolated areas for signs of any poaching. Then, we load ourselves with supplies and head deep into the forest, camping in tents for weeks at a time. Conditions can be harsh, and we sometimes get ill, but we’re determined to stay vigilant. What’s the best thing about your job? Being out in the fresh air, and seeing all the beautiful wildlife in the park, especially rare and wonderful tigers.
Elephants can help Rupak and his team get to areas that are hard to reach
Do you have a message for our tiger adopters? Thank you for caring about tigers and for giving us your support, so we can help protect them against poachers and other threats. I hope we can go on working together to give these incredible animals a happier future.
>35ºC in The SuMMer iT GeTS very hoT and huMid wiTh TeMperaTureS aBove 35ºC
wwf.orG.hK• My TiGerS • iSSue 5
© 1986 Panda symbol WWF “WWF” is a WWF Registered Trademark
WWF-Hong Kong, No. 1 Tramway Path, Central, Hong Kong.
Tel: (852) 2526 1011, Fax: (852) 2845 2734, Email: [email protected]
Meet a tiger rangerSustainabilityClimate Change
YOUR ADOPTION UPDATE
Conservation
My tigers
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180-260KG
400Although only around 400 Amur tigers are left in the wild, they live in relatively undisturbed areas with few people
Tigers in numbers18 MonThSTiger cubs depend on their mothers for food until they’re around 18 months old
Male Bengal tigers weigh between 180 and 260 kilogrammes
>12%In India, tigers occupy over 12% less habitat than they did in 2006
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my Tigers news
TiGerTaSTiC!The latest camera trap survey in Bardia National Park shows that tiger numbers are on the increase
We’re over the moon about news that 37 individual tigers have been identified in this important three-month survey, which your adoption helped to fund. Especially as the previous survey in 2009 revealed only 18 tigers in the park.
Leafy lifelineThe survey covered 1,035 square kilometres of Bardia National Park, and included the Khata wildlife corridor, which connects Bardia in Nepal with Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India. This 13-kilometre-long stretch of forest is extremely important for tigers, as it helps to connect different populations and to reduce the risk of inbreeding.
One of the magnificent tigers photographed in the survey
The increase in tiger numbers is a really positive sign that our joint efforts with governments, local communities and conservation partners to help protect and manage tiger habitats are working. We’re currently working with 12 anti-poaching units in and around Bardia National Park, and we’ve recently helped construct 15 new watchtowers to improve monitoring.
Funds from your adoption help support this and other crucial work. Thanks to you, our goal of doubling the number of wild tigers by 2022 is another step closer. 37
The CaMera Trap Survey idenTified 37 individuaL TiGerS in Bardia naTionaL parK
Name: Kamrita, your adopted tiger (pronounced Kam-reet-a)
Species: Bengal tiger
Location: Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Project location
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Nepal
Chitwan National Park
By adopting Kamrita, you’re playing an important role in helping to protect all wild tigers. Your adoption funds vital programmes such as tackling poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife, restoring fragile tiger habitats, and helping to increase prey numbers. It also supports other essential conservation projects. Thank you.
you’re MaKinG a differenCe
my Tigers fieLD rePorT
Can you give us the latest news on Kamrita and her cubs? Kamrita’s twin male cubs are around two years old now. They’ve recently left her and gone off to establish their own territories in the park. We’ve been installing some new camera traps, and hopefully we’ll have some great photos to share with you soon. How often do you go out on patrol? Almost every day, all year round. We have a huge area to cover and as well as patrolling on foot we also travel by jeep. We sometimes go out on
parK LifeRupak Maharjan is one of the dedicated rangers working to protect Kamrita and her family in Chitwan National Park. We asked him about his work
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Rupak works hard protecting tigers and other animals
elephants too. We monitor the whole of Kamrita’s range, and I often get the feeling she’s watching us from the undergrowth. What are conditions like? In winter the temperature drops to below freezing, while in summer it gets very hot and humid, with temperatures well above 35°C. Working outside in
the rainy season is especially challenging. Areas become flooded so it’s harder to get around, and there are lots of
leeches and ticks. What are your main duties? Mainly anti-poaching. I look for signs of poaching activity, and help
investigate any cases in the park. I also make sure regular tasks are carried out to manage and protect wildlife habitats, such as controlling cattle grazing and reducing the risk of forest fires. Sometimes tigers and other wild animals get too close to local villages, and I help make sure they’re returned safely to the park. What tiger signs do you look for? Things like pugmarks (paw prints), and scratches. From time to time we hear the roar of a tiger, and know that Kamrita or one of her cubs is somewhere very close.
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my Tigers fieLD rePorT
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Do you camp out in the forest? Rangers like me mostly live in wooden watchtowers called ‘machans’, located around the park. But we often have to monitor more isolated areas for signs of any poaching. Then, we load ourselves with supplies and head deep into the forest, camping in tents for weeks at a time. Conditions can be harsh, and we sometimes get ill, but we’re determined to stay vigilant. What’s the best thing about your job? Being out in the fresh air, and seeing all the beautiful wildlife in the park, especially rare and wonderful tigers.
Elephants can help Rupak and his team get to areas that are hard to reach
Do you have a message for our tiger adopters? Thank you for caring about tigers and for giving us your support, so we can help protect them against poachers and other threats. I hope we can go on working together to give these incredible animals a happier future.
>35ºC in The SuMMer iT GeTS very hoT and huMid wiTh TeMperaTureS aBove 35ºC
wwf.orG.hK• My TiGerS • iSSue 5
© 1986 Panda symbol WWF “WWF” is a WWF Registered Trademark
WWF-Hong Kong, No. 1 Tramway Path, Central, Hong Kong.
Tel: (852) 2526 1011, Fax: (852) 2845 2734, Email: [email protected]
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worKinG GLoBaLLy To CoMBaT wiLdLife TraffiCKinGPoaching of protected species and illegal wildlife trade has come to global attention again lately. In July this year, US the President Barack Obama announced that through establishing a task force to address ‘the organized crime syndicates robbing the world of species’ he wanted to enhance domestic efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. This is a bold and encouraging news for us! Together with partners and supporters like you, we are able to make a difference. WWF is always standing firm. Thanks for joining us on the frontline!
wwf.org.hk
