A Hope for the Future

     Each year, the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) takes an annual survey of Amur Leopards to help their estimation of how many amur leopards are left in the wild. This survey also aids in learning if the population is decreasing or increasing. The 2011 survey surprised many for there seemed to be a rise in the population's numbers.

     Camera footage revealed an increase in the population of amur leopards. During the past 5 years, only 7 to 9 leopards were identified with the survey each year. Although this year, a total of 12 amur leopards were identified. The 2011 numbers are considered record-breaking compared to the previous 5 years. The positive results point to a population increase of up to 50% in the targeted region of Russia’s Primorsky Province, located between the Sea of Japan and the Chinese border, and can be attributed to:

• long term efforts made to support leopard conservation, including this annual survey conducted by WWF and partners
• improvements made to the management of the Kedrovaya Pad Reserve and Leopardovy Federal Wildlife Refuge, both primary habitat for Amur leopards

     There are less than 50 amur leopard individuals so these results truly spring up hope for the future of these magnificent creatures. If the population continues to increase, the amur leopard won't go extinct. However, at the moment, they are critically endangered. If you would like to help save an amur leopard, you can visit: http://www.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions/Amur-Leopard.aspx.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Many people have heard of the enviornmental charity known as the World Wildlife Fund, or WWF. Those who haven't heard, this is not about wrestling :). This WWF has been taking actions to help the planet for 50 years:

• 1960s-WWF was the first global conservation organization to invest in the Galápagos Islands
• 1970s-In the 1970s tiger numbers were crashing in India. In response, WWF launched Operation Tiger, dedicating $1 million for emergency action. In turn, the Indian government launched Project Tiger and committed to rebuild tiger populations, establishing a network of tiger reserves.
• 1980s-WWF was the first international conservation organization invited to work in China. Since the 1980s, we have been a leader in protecting the precious species and vital habitats of the country, collaborating with the Chinese government to survey giant pandas and developing the first-ever panda conservation plan.
• 1990s-Following Namibia's independence, WWF supported the growth of its communal conservancy program, which puts the power of protecting prime wildlife habitat into the hands of local people and improves livelihoods.
• 2000s-WWF celebrated a major victory when the polar bear officially became protected under the Endangered Species Act, an important step toward recognizing the importance of climate change and its impact on wildlife.

     The mission of the World Wildlife Fund is the conservation of nature. World Wildlife is the world’s leading conservation organization. WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States (and close to 5 million globally). Yeah, that's a lot of members; each member is important. If you want to learn more, sign up, or take action, you can go to www.worldwildlife.org.