Saving endangered species

Restoring lost species

Using species sustainable




Baltic sea

North-west Russia

Creat Arctic reserve

Okhotsk sea, Russia

Species as part of WWF's policy work

Mediterranean

Mongolia

Russian far east




SAVING ENDANGERED SPECIES

Some species are so close to extinction that only emergency action will ensure their survival. Amur leopards once ranged widely on the Korean Peninsula, in northern China, and the Russian Far East, but their numbers are now so low that they are considered critically endangered. WWF's Russia Programme needs funds to protect the Russian population of the leopard, believed to have dwindled to a few dozen individuals.

The snow leopard is at risk throughout its range in the mountains of central Asia. Although fully protected by national and international laws, uncontrolled hunting to protect livestock and poaching for trophies and bones (often used as a substitute for tiger bones in traditional Asian medicine) are taking a heavy toll of these magnificent cats. By creating protected areas, WWF can help protect the snow leopard, while other species such as Argali sheep, which share their habitat, will also benefit.

Pollution, urbanisation, and unplanned tourism threaten marine mammals in the Mediterranean. Cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and seals often drown in fishing nets. Of the 12 species of cetaceans commonly found in the Mediterranean, one is seriously threatened the sperm whale. WWF is working with governments and other NGOs to implement an international agreement on the conservation of all Mediterannean cetaceans, which includes limiting the length of driftnets, regulating pollution, and guiding tourist development.

In Greece and Turkey, WWF needs help in funding field activities and public education campaigns to alert local communities to the plight of endangered Mediterranean monk seals, often deliberately killed by fishermen.

Endangered Siberian cranes urgently need protection along all stages of their migratory routes. WWF is cooperating with local people to protect the breeding grounds of the cranes, by the creation of the Kytalyk Nature Reserve in the far north of Yakutia, north-east Siberia. More funds are needed to promote conservation education and management of this reserve, as well as for the protection of selected sites along the migration route between Russia and China.