disney worldwide conservation fund 2012 annual...
TRANSCRIPT
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
African People & Wildlife
Fund
Maasailand Lion
Conservation Program
Working together with Maasai villages in Tanzania to reduce
lion-livestock conflict by installing environmentally-friendly and
culturally appropriate livestock enclosures called "living
walls." The enclosures are lion resistant and combine chain
link fencing with live trees as fence posts. Protecting lion
habitat though the support of village game scout teams and
enhancing location knowledge about lions through education
efforts in partnership with rural schools.
African Lions Tanzania
African Wildlife
Conservation Fund
Conserving Zimbabwe's
Endangered Wild Dogs
Working to improve the viability of the African wild dog
population in Zimbabwe. Combining hands-on conservation,
education and policy intervention to address the major threats
of habitat loss and fragmentation, snaring, and disease.
Supporting anti-poaching efforts and reducing the threat from
diseases such as rabies and canine distemper through
vaccination campaigns for domestic dogs near wild dog
habitat.
African Wild Dogs Zimbabwe
Alliance for Tompotika
Conservation (The Adudu
Nantu International
Conservation Foundation)
Conservation of Nantu
Rainforest, Sulawesi
Protecting wildlife including babirusa, anoas, Heck's
macaque, and tarsier in the Nantu rainforest in Sulawesi,
Indonesia through a holistic conservation program. Patrolling
the forest with the Nantu Protection Unit to remove snares
and report other illegal hunting or logging activity. Distributing
a children's storybook to educate local students about the
biodiversity of Sulawesi. Helping local settlers reduce their
dependence on destructive forest practices such as slash
and burn agriculture. This is the first year this project has
received DWCF funding.
Babirusas, Anoas,
Tarsiers , Heck's
Macaques
Indonesia
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
American Museum of
Natural History
Monitoring Scarlet
Macaws in Guatemala
Embarking on the third year of scarlet macaw conservation in
the Maya Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala through a
collaboration between the American Museum of Natural
History and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Using
research efforts to refine mitigation strategies, provide
opportunities for education and training, and promote
awareness and advocacy for scarlet macaw conservation.
Working with the local school in Paso Caballos to explore
novel ways to engage students in the classroom and foster
their role as community ambassadors, while continuing to
advance implementation of broader public outreach
campaigns.
Scarlet Macaws Guatemala
Archbold ExpeditionsRestoring Habitat for
Gopher Tortoises
Studying the effect of prescribed forest burns on the
demography and recovery of threatened gopher tortoises in
Central Florida. Producing videos for awareness, educational
presentations for local children and adults, and a workshop
for key stakeholders. Educating the next generation of
scientists, conservationists, and educators through an
internship program for college students and recent graduates.
This is the first year the DWCF has funded this project.
Gopher Tortoises United States
Art of Conservation
Promoting Gorilla
Conservation Through
Education
Educating and empowering primary school students
bordering Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, which is home
to the endangered mountain gorilla, through innovative
extracurricular conservation and health education programs.
Facilitating teacher-training classes to build local
conservation capacity and engaging community members in
fun conservation-themed initiatives including Save the
Forests Briquette and Sports for Gorillas activities. This is the
first year this project has received a grant from the DWCF.
Mountain Gorillas Rwanda
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Association of Zoos and
Aquariums
(Columbus Zoo and
Aquarium)
AZA Conservation
Endowment Fund:
Conservation and
Reintroduction of the
Endangered Northern
Riffleshell (NRS)
Mussel
Reintroducing endangered northern riffleshell (NRS) mussels
into the Big Darby Creek in Ohio. This species serves as a
natural biological filter, food for wildlife, and an indicator of
good water quality. Determining the viability of using
environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples to assess
NRS populations. If this method is viable, it could have long
reach impact on the conservation of these endangered
animals.
Northern Riffleshell
(NRS) MusselsUnited States
Association of Zoos and
Aquariums
(Houston Zoo)
AZA Conservation
Endowment Fund:
Impacts of Oil Palm
plantations on Tropical
Frog Communities in
Borneo
Evaluating the impacts of forest disturbance and conversion
to oil palm plantations on Bornean amphibian biodiversity.
Partnering with academics, in country conservation
organizations, and zoological park personnel. The primary
outcome of this project will be management
recommendations to minimize the impacts of plantations on
amphibian biodiversity in Borneo.
Amphibians Indonesia
Association of Zoos and
Aquariums
(New England Aquarium)
AZA Conservation
Endowment Fund: Live
Blue Ambassadors
Teen Conservation
Program
A new service learning program designed to welcome youth
ages 13 to 18 years old from a variety of backgrounds to
participate in hands-on conservation projects. Teaching teens
strategies for protecting the environment while improving their
science, observation and inquiry skills through field work.
Building a lifelong appreciation of the ocean and its
inhabitants.
Multiple Species United States
Association of Zoos and
Aquariums
(University of Oxford)
AZA Conservation
Endowment Fund:
Resolving Conflict
between Humans and
Threatened Large
Carnivores
Reducing conflict between humans and threatened large
carnivores, such as African lions, East African cheetahs and
African wild dogs, by improving the cost-benefit ratio of
carnivore presence. Training and employing local conflict
officers to help villagers better protect their livestock.
Improving livestock enclosures and teaching people how to
identify and prevent depredation. Providing education,
healthcare and veterinary benefits to locals.
African Wild Dogs,
Lions and CheetahsTanzania
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Association of Zoos and
Aquariums
(Cleveland Metroparks
Zoo, South-East Zoo
Alliance for Research &
Conservation, and
University of Oxford)
AZA Conservation
Endowment Fund:
Translating Science into
Practical Management
for Sustainable Hoofed
Animal Populations
Working with USDA and European Association of Zoos &
Aquariums (EAZA) to implement a protocol for the
importation of endangered equid semen to increase genetic
diversity in the AZA Persian onager (hoofed animal)
population. Zoos are increasingly in need of new tools to
increase sustainability in small populations. Using hoofed
animals as a model for metapopulation management, this
project aims to build lasting relationships with EAZA
colleagues.
Persian Onagers United States
Association of Zoos and
Aquariums
(International Crane
Foundation)
AZA Conservation
Endowment Fund:
Whooping Cranes
Phone Home: Using
Cellular Technology to
Improve Monitoring
Improving monitoring of the Eastern migratory population
(EMP) of Whooping Cranes (WHCR) by enhancing the type
and increasing the amount of information collected.
Developing low-cost, cellular-technology-based trackers,
called “CraneTrackers,” which have remote programming
capabilities and adaptive sensing techniques to improve
monitoring and management of WHCF in the Eastern flyway.
Whooping Cranes United States
Association of Zoological
Horticulture
AZH Conservation
Grant Program
Contributing to the conservation of endangered and
threatened plant species around the world through both in-
situ and ex-situ work. AZH will distribute small grants
provided by the DWCF to sub-grantees based on their
conservation impact.
Multiple Plants Global
Audubon ConnecticutUrban Oases for
Migrating Songbirds
Identifying, improving and conserving important stop-over
habitat for migrating songbirds along the Atlantic flyway,
focusing on urban areas and other landscapes where there is
limited quality habitat. Engaging other Audubon chapters,
local and state agencies, and citizen scientists who survey
migratory birds. Expanding Audubon's Urban Oases
program by creating demonstration sites in Stamford and
New Haven, Connecticut.
Golden-winged
WarblersUnited States
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Bat Conservation
International
Protecting Bats: Africa's
Greatest Migration
Securing the conservation of an estimated 8 million straw-
colored fruit bats during their seasonal migration to Kasanka
National Park in Zambia. Protecting their sensitive forest
habitats through improved fire prevention and anti-poaching
measures. Educating park visitors about the value and
conservation needs of this species, and expanding
appreciation for bats in local communities through
educational campaigns and park visits. This is the first year
this project has been funded by the DWCF.
Straw-colored Fruit
BatsZambia
Chicago Zoological
Society
Individual Dolphins as
Conservation Tools
Developing a collaborative Gulf-wide photographic
identification catalogue of bottlenose dolphins to help
document ranging patterns of individual animals from Texas
to Florida while defining threats. Using the repeated
observations of individual dolphins and creating resources
such as videos, presentations, and web-based curriculum to
educate the public and elementary school children about
dolphin biology and conservation issues.
Dolphins United States
Coral Restoration
Foundation
Acropora Coral Nursery
and Restoration
Restoring coral reefs in the Florida Keys through an offshore
nursery and coral transplantation program that educates,
trains, and engages volunteers to help re-plant staghorn and
elkhorn corals. Growing, maintaining, and transplanting
corals in the Upper Keys to 12 new reef sites and expanding
the volunteer team to broaden reach and impact to an
international audience.
Staghorn and
Elkhorn CoralsUnited States
David Suzuki Foundation
Sustainable Seafood &
Aquaculture: Producer
to Plate
Working with governments, major retailers and other
conservation partners across North America to ensure that
aquaculture production and fishing practices do not deplete
species or degrade ecosystems, while continuing to provide
food and employment. Working to increase public awareness
and demand for sustainable seafood in North America using
innovative public engagement and marketing strategies
coordinated with committed retailers who want sustainable
seafood to succeed in their businesses.
Salmon, Groundfish
and Pacific Corals
and Sponges
Canada
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Duke University Marine
Laboratory
Cranes and Crabs:
Conservation Coupling
Studying blue crabs’ migration patterns and whooping cranes’
foraging behavior in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in
Texas to inform conservation and management strategies for
both species. Providing critical predation data that can be
used to determine new locations where prey conditions
support reintroduction of the endangered whooping crane.
Enabling students to become citizen scientists by contributing
to data used in the study while taking field trips to the study
site to learn about nature and science outside. This is the first
year this project has received DWCF funding.
Whooping Cranes
and Blue Crabs United States
Durrell Wildlife
Conservation Trust
Reintroduction of the
Ploughshare Tortoise
Reintroducing captive-bred Ploughshare tortoises to establish
a self-sustaining, wild population in Madagascar. The larger
recovery strategy for the species includes protection of wild
populations through local community engagement, breeding
the species in captivity, researching the species in the wild,
and strengthening regional partnerships with local
governments to conserve the tortoises and their habitat.
Ploughshare
TortoisesMadagascar
ECOLIFE FoundationMonarch Butterfly
Conservation Project
Improving monarch butterfly habitat and the quality of life for
Michoacán communities within Central Mexico's Monarch
Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Building 100 fuel-efficient
Patsari stoves that reduce carbon emissions and improve the
health of the families that use them. Planting 10,000 Oyamel
fir trees that serve as important habitat for the butterflies
while they overwinter. This is the first year this project has
received a grant from the DWCF.
Eastern Monarch
ButterfliesMexico
Ecostudies Institute
Ecology and Seasonal
Movements of the
Mangrove Cuckoo
Studying the Mangrove Cuckoo, found nowhere else in North
America except for Southern Florida. Promoting conservation
of this rare bird, whose populations have shrunk by up to 95%
in recent years, by addressing fundamental gaps in
knowledge of habitat use and seasonal movements of the
species. Raising awareness about mangrove ecosystems
among the public through field research, educational
outreach and conservation.
Mangrove Cuckoos United States
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Environmental Protection
in the Caribbean
Towards Black-capped
Petrel Conservation
Using marine radar to survey known and potential nest sites
for the Black-capped Petrel, an endangered bird that only
nests in the Dominican Republic. Collaborating with local
government agencies and nonprofit organizations to increase
knowledge of petrel ecology and conservation needs among
communities working and/or living in petrel habitat.
Black-capped
PetrelsHaiti
Farallones Marine
Sanctuary AssociationLiMPETS Program
Inspiring middle and high school students to develop a
lifelong commitment to ocean conservation by participating in
citizen science in their community. Informing long-term
resource management decisions through data collected by
students monitoring intertidal habitats on the California coast.
Conducting field monitoring and teacher workshops as well
as tracking the career and education choices of past program
participants.
Black Abalones
(Sea Snails)United States
Fauna & Flora
International
Conservation of the
Ustyurt Saiga Antelope
Conserving the critically-endangered Saiga antelope on the
Ustyurt Plateau, a semi-desert shared by Uzbekistan and
Kazakhstan. Focusing on promoting transboundary
cooperation in order to conserve the species that migrates
across international borders. Investing in the next generation
through eco-youth clubs, which provide education, direct
engagement in conservation and positive links with state
rangers who play an important role as club mentors.
Saiga Antelopes Uzbekistan
Fauna & Flora
International
Eastern Caribbean
Offshore Islands
Network
Expanding the DWCF-supported Antiguan Racer (the world's
rarest snake) Conservation Project across the West Indies
(Antigua, Saint Lucia and Anguilla) to protect other rare
reptiles and birds. Fostering collaborative partnerships
between participating government agencies, NGOs, local
communities, universities and schools to build the capacity of
island conservation efforts.
Antiguan RacersAntigua and
Barbuda
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Fauna & Flora
International
Ensuring the Future of
Siamese Crocodiles
Protecting the last remaining 150-250 wild Siamese
crocodiles in Southeast Asia by reducing poaching and
habitat loss. Collaborating with the Cambodian government
as well as involving local communities to save the critically-
endangered crocodiles and their globally-important wetlands.
Tackling both immediate and underlying threats to this
flagship species through an innovative recovery and
reintroduction program that uses education, capacity building,
applied research, and development of more sustainable
livelihoods in order to ensure the survival of the Siamese
crocodiles.
Siamese Crocodiles Cambodia
Fauna & Flora
International (Local
Ocean Trust - Watamu
Turtle Watch)
Sea Turtle Awareness
and Protection
Protecting Kenya’s sea turtles, threatened by poaching of
their nests, through partnerships with government agencies
to establish programs in research, education, community
development and awareness campaigns. Improving
management and policy concerning sea turtle conservation
and ensuring community responsibility for stewardship of
coastal wildlife.
Green Sea Turtles
and Hawksbill Sea
Turtles
Kenya
Felidae Conservation
FundBay Area Puma Project
Establishing the first comprehensive long-term conservation
program focused on pumas in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Addressing community concerns of increasing human-cougar
conflict through educational outreach and scientific research.
Analyzing data collected on puma movement, biology,
ecology and behavior from motion-sensing cameras and GPS
monitoring to develop conclusions about local puma
populations.
Mountain Lions United States
Garden Island Resource
Conservation &
Development
Restoring Habitat -
Hawaiian Native Birds
Conserving habitat for the endangered birds and native
insects found in northwest Kaua'i, Hawai'i while collecting
data for estimating wildlife abundance. Involving community
volunteers in the removal of invasive plants species to
heighten awareness for the need of community-based land
management. Expanding the treatment area to include
Kawaikow in the Alaka’ie region and fencing an area to
exclude feral ungulates, which uproot native plants.
Birds United States
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Gunung Palung
Orangutan Conservation
Program
Orangutan Research,
Education and
Conservation
Cultivating local awareness and capacity to protect the
endangered orangutan and its habitat in southwestern
Borneo. Researching the status of orangutan health in the
region while conducting investigations of illegal orangutan
trade, expanding conservation education and sustainable
livelihood learning, and conducting media outreach initiatives
to raise conservation awareness in the region. Helping to
protect forest habitat through initiatives that include village
forest protection, influencing government on land use
planning and promoting enforcement of conservation
protection laws. This is the first year this project has received
funding from the DWCF.
Orangutans Indonesia
Houston Zoo (Institute for
Ecological Research)
Lowland Tapir
Conservation Initiative:
Pantanal
Determining the population of tapirs in the Pantanal while
collecting genetic data to assess the status and viability of the
population. Promoting tapirs as flagship species that catalyze
education, awareness, training and scientific tourism.
Lowland Tapirs Brazil
Integrated Conservation
(formerly Ethical
Expeditions)
Protecting the
Orangutans of Wehea
Protecting more than 750 endangered Bornean orangutans in
Wehea Forest, one of the last strongholds of the wild
orangutan in East Kalimantan. Developing new methods for
estimating orangutan densities, using education to reconnect
youth with nature, initiating the transition to ecosystem-based
management of Wehea Forest and empowering the
indigenous Wehea Dayak to sustainably manage their forest.
Orangutans Indonesia
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
International Crane
Foundation
Benefiting Caohai
Cranes and
Communities
Monitoring cranes and other waterbirds in Caohai Nature
Reserve in China by conducting winter counts and mapping
the location of black-necked and Eurasian cranes in the
Reserve. Strengthening the effectiveness of environmental
education with training workshops for local educators and the
development of a curriculum for 4th and 5th grade students
that focuses on understanding wetlands conservation through
the integration of cultural and ecological knowledge. Sharing
experiences and lessons learned among crane and wetland
reserves in western China to ensure that Caohai and other
reserves learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
Black-necked
CranesChina
International Crane
Foundation (Asociatia
Educational-Ecologica
Ecotransilvania)
Conservation of
Transylvanian Inland
Wetlands
Conserving the wetlands of Bazinul Fizesului, Transylvania,
one of eastern Europe’s most important inland wetlands with
over 28% of Europe’s breeding avifauna range as well as
more than a fifth of Romania's flora. Addressing the issues
of habitat degradation and loss by working with local
communities to create a long-term blueprint to safeguard
these 4600 hectares (11,400 acres) of protected areas.
Reaching at least 5000 people through learning and
community engagement activities, aimed at increasing
awareness and reducing human pressures on the
environment. This is the first year the DWCF has funded this
project.
Birds, Amphibians,
Reptiles, Insects
and Plants
Romania
International Iguana
Foundation
Jamaican Iguana
Recovery Programme
Maintaining activities crucial to the survival of the Jamaican
iguana, including predator control, a captive release program,
and expanding nesting sites to absorb the overflow of nesting
females. Monitoring the core iguana population using camera
traps to yield data on habitat use, other threatened endemic
species, non-native predators, and other conservation
indicators. Sponsoring a local football league in Port Royal to
publicize the plight of the iguana and garner community
support for conservation efforts.
Jamaican Iguanas Jamaica
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
International Rhino
Foundation
Black Rhino
Conservation in
Zimbabwe
Maintaining black rhino population growth within an overall
meta-population management strategy in Zimbabwe.
Assisting in emergency veterinary interventions, rescuing and
hand-rearing orphaned rhino calves, and intensively tracking
rhinos to ensure their safety. Supporting local schools
through a Rhinos for Schools program, which distributes
teaching materials and scholarship funds in return for
community support and involvement in protecting and
increasing the Lowveld rhino population.
Black Rhinos Zimbabwe
International Rhino
Foundation
Sumatran Rhino
Conservation Program
Protecting the world’s last 200 Sumatran Rhinos with anti-
poaching patrols, investigations of poaching events, snare
removal and improved captive breeding efforts to better
manage rhino populations. Using a comprehensive approach
that includes outreach programs that target local
communities in the buffer zones surrounding protected areas.
Sumatran Rhinos Indonesia
International Snow
Leopard Trust
Protecting India's
Endangered Snow
Leopards
Prioritizing critical landscape areas for conservation based on
snow leopard and prey species abundance and threats.
Determining predictors of human-wildlife conflicts to guide
immediate and long-term conservation planning. Engaging
villages in community-based conservation programs such as
livestock insurance and grazing-free reserves. Creating
conservation awareness by targeting hundreds of school
children and teachers through nature education camps and
helping schools implement environmental education
activities.
Snow Leopards India
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Mangrove Action ProjectMangrove Curriculum
Transfer to Belize
Adapting the successful mangrove-based environmental
education program for elementary students in Belize. Using
these education programs to establish a conservation ethic in
local communities by offering examples and alternatives, and
adding material on both reefs and freshwater wetlands to
demonstrate the connectivity of mangrove wetlands with
inland freshwater. Incorporating water quality testing
research and lionfish monitoring into the curriculum to
supplement research data and teach students the
fundamentals of scientific research.
Fish, Shellfish,
Mangrove
Ecosystems
Belize
Marine Resources
Council of East Florida
Northern Right Whale
Monitoring Program
Developing volunteer training and outreach programs to
maintain a network of whale-watching citizens who report
North Atlantic right whale sightings. Relaying the reported
sightings to ships traveling in the whale calving grounds to
help prevent collisions. Gathering long-term data on habitat,
behavior and reproduction of these rare whales, which
number fewer than 500.
North Atlantic Right
WhalesUnited States
Michigan State UniversityNicaragua Baird's Tapir
Conservation Initiative
Combining research with local and national conservation
initiatives to ensure a viable future for the endangered Baird’s
tapir in Nicaragua. Determining home range size, abundance
and habitat use with the aid of GPS collars to track animals’
movements. Creating a national, IUCN-backed Tapir
Conservation Committee to formulate Nicaragua’s first Tapir
Conservation Plan. This is the first year this project has been
funded by the DWCF.
Baird's Tapirs Nicaragua
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Montana State University
Foundation
Wolverine Conservation
through Citizen Science
Estimating and modeling wolverine occupancy and habitat in
the southern Canadian Rocky Mountains using noninvasive
survey methods. Assessing the effects of the Trans-Canada
Highway on wolverine movement, gene flow and fine-scale
genetic structure. Providing greater awareness and
understanding of the conservation challenges facing the
wolverine populations in this area. Engaging backcountry
enthusiasts to assist field researchers with a large-scale
wolverine survey by reporting wolverine observations via the
Wolverine Watch website. This is the first year this project
has been funded by the DWCF.
Wolverines Canada
Mote Marine LaboratorySpotted Eagle Ray
Conservation
Gathering field research data on the spotted eagle ray's
behavior and ecology in the Gulf of Mexico. Collaborating with
Mexican researchers and other stakeholders in conservation
training and educational outreach to raise public awareness
about the species. Creating a shared database among AZA
zoological institutions to aid conservation efforts for this
species. This is the first year this project has been funded by
the DWCF.
Spotted Eagle Rays United States
National Audubon Society
Maine Seabird
Conservation and
Outreach
Protecting at least 42,000 nesting seabirds on thirteen Maine
islands. Developing and testing methods for managing
invasive vegetation to create ideal tern habitat and to
encourage puffins to colonize higher ground using social
attraction methods (decoys and artificial burrows). Designing
an online curriculum about seabirds and conservation threats
and providing hands-on activities and stewardship projects
related to climate change for about 2,000 third to sixth grade
students in 25 mid-coast Maine schools.
Atlantic Puffins,
Roseate Terns,
Arctic Terns, Least
Terns, Common
Terns, Razorbills
United States
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
National Audubon SocietyShorebird Conservation
in the Bahamas
Engaging the Andros Island community in the Bahamas
about the importance of conserving one of the most critical
sites for migratory shorebird nesting. Studying the Piping
Plover (bird) habitat and distribution across the Joulter Cays,
Andros Island and the Berry Islands while fostering local
support for its protection. Initiating incorporation of these
islands into the National Protected Area System, beginning
with the Joulter Cays, for the long-term conservation of these
critical sites.
Piping Plovers Bahamas
New Jersey Audubon
Society
Conservation of
Semipalmated
Sandpipers
Formulating and implementing a comprehensive
conservation plan for the Semipalmated Sandpiper (SESA) to
ensure the long-term health of this bird and other rapidly
declining migratory shorebirds. Assessing the status of
SESA at important wintering sites in Suriname, French
Guiana and Brazil to increase understanding of relationships
among wintering, migration and breeding populations, factors
threatening species' viability, and how to improve
conservation outcomes. Supporting cross-cultural bird
monitoring and education programs between the United
States, French Guiana, Suriname and Brazil.
Semipalmated
SandpipersBrazil
New Nature FoundationKibale Fuel Wood
Project
Addressing the energy needs of local communities
surrounding Kibale National Park in Uganda by encouraging
the use of fuel-efficient stoves while planting trees best suited
for fuel. Incentivizing people not to harvest firewood from the
Kibale forest, which is home to 13 species of primates,
including chimpanzees and Ugandan red colobus monkeys.
Educating the general public about forest conservation
through outdoor video shows, local museums and creative
expression.
Chimpanzees Uganda
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Northern Jaguar ProjectNorthern Jaguar:
Viviendo con Felinos
Protecting the world’s northernmost jaguar population by
rewarding local ranchers for motion-triggered photos taken on
their properties- particularly images of the four large felines
found in this area of Sonora. Assisting ranchers in
implementing conservation management strategies designed
to reduce jaguar mortality and human-wildlife conflict.
Providing opportunities for students to learn about the local
ecosystem and participate in habitat restoration.
Jaguars Mexico
Operation Migration
Reintroduction of an
Eastern Migratory
Population of Whooping
Cranes
Reintroducing Whooping cranes back to the wild. The hand
raised birds are taught their migration path by following an
ultralight aircraft from Wisconsin to Florida. Helping to
purchase the ultralight aircraft and the tracking vehicle that
accompanies the ground support team.
Whooping Cranes United States
Pan African Sanctuary
Alliance
PASA Cameroon
Reintroduction Project
Reintroducing orphaned chimpanzees back into the forests of
Cameroon. Preparing captive chimpanzees for reintroduction
while identifying forests areas that are well-protected and
distant from human encroachment. Involving many
sanctuaries, key NGOs and national and regional
governments of Cameroon.
Chimpanzees Cameroon
Pan African Sanctuary
Alliance
Uganda: Change My
Community
Conservation Program
Continuing the successful Change My Community
Conservation Program, which is focused on creating wildlife
awareness and appreciation for chimpanzees by
implementing sustainable resource projects, such
constructing energy-saving stoves and planting vegetable
gardens and trees. Expanding the program to reach
additional students and their teachers among the
communities of Kyabigambire Sub County in Uganda.
Working closely with sister projects to monitor activities that
impact chimpanzee conservation in private forests in Hoima.
Chimpanzees Uganda
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Pandrillus FoundationDrill Re-Introduction in
Nigeria
Bolstering the population and genetic pool of one of Africa’s
most endangered primates, the drill, through the
reintroduction of 140 wild-born and captive-bred individuals
into the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary in Nigeria. Tracking
the movements of the released drills using GPS-GSM collars
and expanding the body of research available on drill
behavior. Increasing ranger patrols to enforce the
boundaries of the wildlife sanctuary and initiating youth
association patrols to further community education and
outreach.
Drills Nigeria
Red Panda Network
Red Panda Community
Conservation
Awareness
Integrating conservation, research, education and
stewardship to protect the threatened red panda. Introducing
an environmental awareness curriculum and training teachers
across the eastern Himalayan school system, enabling the
education of at least 4,500 school children living throughout
39 villages. Implementing “Youth in Nature” programs that
are designed to instill a conservation ethic. This is the first
year this project has been funded by the DWCF.
Red Pandas Nepal
Reef Environmental
Education Foundation
(REEF)
Grouper Moon:
Conserving Nassau
Grouper
Compiling information on the largest and one of the last
known spawning aggregations of the endangered Nassau
grouper and applying the findings to ensure long-term
recovery and conservation of this Caribbean icon. Garnering
support for the maintenance of spawning site protections in
the Cayman Islands through education and outreach efforts.
Fostering a connection between youth and the Nassau
grouper through the adoption of a newly-developed education
curriculum for elementary and high school students.
Nassau Groupers Cayman Islands
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Sacred Heart University
Project Limulus: A
Community Research
Program
Investigating the population dynamics of horseshoe crabs in
Long Island Sound through collaborative research efforts
involving federal, state, nonprofit and community groups.
Offering opportunities for marine and coastal education
through guest lectures and presentations for students.
Instituting an 'Adopt a Beach' program for elementary and
high school students and their teachers, which allows
participants to apply science and mathematical skills while
participating in horseshoe crab research.
American
Horseshoe CrabsUnited States
Saint Louis Zoo
Association (Grevy’s
Zebra Trust)
Warriors Protecting
Grevy's Zebra, Kenya
Enlisting a network of warriors from five communities to
monitor the population of endangered Grevy's zebras in the
Laisamis region of northern Kenya. Raising community
awareness through warrior education with the aim of reducing
human-wildlife conflict and poaching. Increasing populations
of Grevy's zebra and other wildlife through proactive
management interventions.
Grevy's Zebra Kenya
San Bernardino National
Forest Association
Great Seeds
Restoration Program
Engaging youth through hands-on experiential activities in
which students work alongside staff to restore sites that have
been disturbed or denuded by fire, bark beetle infestation,
erosion and human impacts in the San Bernardino National
Forest. Implementing a strong education program allowing
youth to assist in greenhouse management, seed collection,
germination and planting. Facilitating community events that
promote forest stewardship and sustainability.
Multiple Species United States
Save the Golden Lion
Tamarin (Associação
Mico-Leão Dourado)
Restoring Connectivity
of Golden Lion Tamarin
Habitat
Safeguarding fragments of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
necessary for the conservation of golden lion tamarins
(monkeys). Evaluating stakeholder values and interests, and
designing activities to engage the local community in forest
protection and restoration. Monitoring tamarin movement
among the fragments to determine the success of efforts to
protect the 25,000 hectares required to conserve the species
in perpetuity.
Golden Lion
TamarinsBrazil
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Sea to Shore AllianceWest African Manatee
Conservation
Collecting data and building capacity to enable grassroots
conservation of West African manatees. Assembling a
network of researchers from the 21 countries within the
species' range. Providing training, field experience,
equipment and educational materials to empower these
biologists to advance scientific knowledge of this vulnerable
species and increase long-term conservation capacity in their
own countries. This is the first regional genetics, feeding
ecology and age determination study for the species.
West African
Manatees Senegal
Sea Turtle Conservancy Archie Carr Refuge
Education Program
Encouraging public stewardship of the Archie Carr National
Wildlife Refuge, a vital sea turtle nesting site located on
Florida's east coast. Combining educational programs and
workshops with hands-on activities to teach students,
residents and visitors how the survival of sea turtles is linked
directly with the well-being of the coastal ecosystem.
Leatherback, Green
and Loggerhead
Sea Turtles
United States
The Barry and Patricia
Wakeman Education
Foundation (Wildlife ACT
Fund Trust)
Somkhanda Community
Conservation Project
Reintroducing the critically endangered black rhinoceros to
Somkhanda Game Reserve in South Africa. Recording data
on rhino movements, territories, reproduction and behavior
that will be used to improve rhino conservation, especially in
re-introduced populations. Teaching endangered species
conservation lessons in local schools and operating a
conservation education bush camp for children from
neighboring communities. Working with community leaders to
research how these communities can benefit from
conservation. This is the first year this project has been
funded by the DWCF.
Black Rhinos South Africa
The Peregrine FundPhilippine Eagle
Conservation Project
Studying the habitat and mortality rates of the Philippine
eagle in order to influence policies and management
practices for protecting the critically- endangered species.
Attempting the release of captive-bred eagles to identify
factors that influence their survival in the wild. Sustaining
education campaigns and community-led conservation in
communities that host critical eagle nesting territories with the
active engagement of print and broadcast media.
Philippine Eagles Philippines
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
The Tributary Fund
National Mongolian
Taimen Protection
Campaign
Unifying isolated efforts to protect the Hucho hucho taimen (a
species of salmon) of Mongolia into a national campaign
promoting pride in and the protection of this unique species.
Advocating best watershed management and angling
practices (catch-and-release) to Mongolian and visiting
anglers by involving local fishing clubs, creating displays and
brochures, and partnering with in-country stakeholders.
Educating youth about the importance of a healthy ecosystem
through eco-clubs and eco-camps.
Hucho Hucho
TaimenMongolia
The Wetlands InstituteJersey Shore Terrapin
Conservation Project
Assessing the impact of human activities on diamondback
terrapins (turtles) and implementing practices to reduce those
impacts. Establishing a new community-based conservation
initiative in response to large numbers of emerging
diamondback terrapin hatchlings becoming trapped in storm
drains on barrier beach islands in southern New Jersey.
Enhancing the educational program to include terrapin-based
learning activities designed by teachers for grade school
students.
Diamondback
TerrapinsUnited States
TREE Foundation
Expand and Strengthen
Community Involvement
In Sea Turtle
Conservation
Expanding and strengthening an ongoing program with
artisanal fishers by working alongside trawl fishers to reduce
the catch mortality of sea turtles. Standardizing conservation
methodologies for the state through specifically designed
workshops for new Fisheries, Forestry and Coast Guard
officials. Archiving and submitting accurate data on turtle
nesting to policymakers in an effort to influence policy
change.
Olive Ridley Sea
TurtlesIndia
Tulane University
Umbrellabird
Conservation in the
Choco
Combining scientific research with training and education of
local residents to achieve lasting conservation of the long-
wattled umbrellabird in the rainforests of northwest Ecuador.
Using GPS-based tracking devices to characterize
Umbrellabird ecological services such as seed dispersal and
seasonal movements beyond reserve boundaries.
Implementing a long-term land management plan led by the
local community by training local residents and students as
field biologists and environmental leaders.
Long-wattled
UmbrellabirdsEcuador
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Turtle Survival Alliance
Foundation
Burmese Star Tortoise
Reintroduction Program
Developing community outreach and school-based education
programs which target 13 villages surrounding the
Minzontaung Wildlife Sanctuary in Myanmar in preparation for
the reintroduction of captive-bred Burmese star tortoises.
Advocating for the conservation of the species by
emphasizing cultural and religious beliefs that support
protecting the tortoises. Recruiting teams of volunteers to
serve as liaisons between the organization and the
community, and serving as the first line of defense against
poaching. Constructing a pre-release enclosure in order to
acclimate the tortoises to local environmental conditions. This
is the first year this project has been funded by the DWCF.
Burmese Star
TortoisesMyanmar
University of Florida
Foundation
Conserving the
Endangered Smalltooth
Sawfish
Addressing gaps in biological knowledge by tagging and
tracking the movements of smalltooth sawfish in the Florida
Bay and Florida Keys. Maintaining, augmenting and analyzing
the International Sawfish Encounter Database, a unique
resource for sawfish information. Promoting conservation to
the public with an expanded website and participation in
community environmental events and public lectures, as well
as developing, producing and distributing printed educational
materials. This is the first year this project has been funded
by the DWCF.
Smalltooth Sawfish United States
University of
Miami/Rosenstiel School
of Marine and
Atmospheric Science
Pregnant Predators:
Investigating the
Reproductive Ecology of
the Atlantic Tiger Shark
Attaching non-invasive satellite tags to tiger sharks and
comparing their movements with their reproductive status to
learn more about the life cycle of the tiger shark in the
Atlantic Ocean. Identifying areas used for gestating and
pupping, and using this information to establish marine
protected areas. Increasing public education and awareness
of the plight of this species with video and photo
documentaries and with localized education material on
marine conservation for school groups and NGOs in the
Bahamas.
Tiger Sharks The Bahamas
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Wildlife Conservation
Network (Cheetah
Conservation Botswana)
Protecting Cheetahs in
Botswana Rangelands
Reducing carnivore-livestock conflict through the employment
of livestock-guarding dogs and improved land management
practices. Training key participants in order to create a
network of community leaders that will assist with the
management and expansion of the livestock-guarding dog
network and ultimately create a self-sustaining, community-
owned network that will improve livelihoods while protecting
wildlife such as cheetahs.
Cheetahs Botswana
Wildlife Conservation
Network (Save the
Elephants)
Elephants and Bees
Project
Investigating the use of honeybees as a natural deterrent for
crop-raiding elephants. Employing in-depth behavioral and
communication work with individually identified elephants in
Samburu National Reserve in Kenya, as well as working
closely with rural farmers to test the effectiveness of beehive
fences. Using beehive fences not only to reduce crop-raid
damage, but also to provide income to the farmers through
the sale of honey and bee products.
African Elephants Kenya
Wildlife Conservation
Network (Snow Leopard
Conservancy)
Community
Stewardship of Snow
Leopards
Launching a research and community conservation program
to protect snow leopards in and around Jigme Dorji National
Park in Bhutan. Training local herders in scat collection and
use of camera traps to monitor snow leopard movements and
populations. Generating ecotourism income and a direct
financial benefit for villagers to conserve snow leopards
through homestay programs. This is the first year this project
has been funded by the DWCF.
Snow Leopards Bhutan
Wildlife Conservation
Society
Focused Tiger
Protection in Thailand
Protecting Thailand's Western Forest Complex, one of the
largest protected area systems in Southeast Asia. Helping the
government of Thailand train and equip park rangers to
reduce the threat of poaching and wildlife trade for tigers and
other forest wildlife. Undertaking education efforts, including
the development of a manual for local conservation education
in communities adjacent to the forest to increase the
acceptance of wildlife conservation.
Tigers Thailand
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Wildlife Conservation
Society
Mbeli Bai Study - Gorilla
Conservation
Studying the social organization and population dynamics of
western lowland gorillas to provide long-term protection of
gorillas. Helping to increase environmental education work in
communities as well as on an international scale to help curb
illegal logging and bushmeat hunting.
Western Lowland
GorillasRepublic of Congo
Wildlife Foundation of
Florida
Manatee Warm-water
Refugia and Mortality
Examining the relationship between temperatures and
manatee mortality before, during and after a cold-weather
event in peninsular Florida. Results of the study will inform
recommendations of the best warm-water habitat sites to
promote the recovery of the endangered Florida manatee.
This is the first year this project has been funded by the
DWCF.
West Indian
ManateesUnited States
World Parrot Trust USA
Bonaire Parrot
Conservation Stage
Two
Utilizing spatial and temporal data collection methods to
determine resource availability for the yellow-shouldered
Amazon Parrot on the island of Bonaire. Increasing
appreciation among locals for the parrots through storytelling
and research involvement, thus fostering a sense of pride
and ownership of the project and species. Restoring the
island's degraded woodland habitat by planting additional
native trees and establishing exclusion areas safe from cattle
grazing.
Yellow-shouldered
Amazon Parrots
Netherlands
Antilles
Xerces Society Bring Back the
Pollinators Campaign
Expanding areas of natural habitat available to native
pollinators on farmland across the United States, supporting
conservation as well as crop pollination. Continuing to train
farmers and agricultural agencies, as well as engaging
additional constituencies such as land management
agencies, schools, businesses and citizens to take action to
better protect and restore pollinator habitat.
Insects United States
Organization Name Project Name Project Description Species Country
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund 2012 Annual Grants
Zoo Atlanta
Guatemalan
Endangered Reptile
Awareness Program
Increasing the awareness of conservation issues relating to
Guatemala's most endangered reptiles, such as the beaded
lizard and spiny-tailed iguana. Motivating the entire school
age population of the villages surrounding the Motagua valley
(over 52,000 children) toward conservation through a series
of educational presentations. Implementing a radio-tracking
program in order to gather movement information that will
inform conservation planning and land use decisions.
Guatemalan
Beaded Lizards and
Guatemalan Black
Spiny Tailed
Iguanas
Guatemala
Zoological Society of San
Diego
Community
Conservation of Andean
Bears
Conducting research on the relevant food items for a novel
population of Andean spectacled bears found in the tropical
dry forests of northern Peru and formulating conservation
strategies to protect their threatened habitat. Creating long-
term education and outreach programs and increasing
knowledge and appreciation for this unique and endangered
environment across ten local communities. This is the first
year this project has been funded by the DWCF.
Andean Bears Peru