Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Cause an UPROAR

CAUSE AN UPROAR
with National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative

It was in Tanzania, in the Serengeti, where I saw lions in the wild for the first time and I got to see one of the world’s last black rhinos in the Ngorongoro Crater. At that point I realized there was no turning back... I saw with my own eyes the beauty, value, and importance of animals in the wild; in their natural habitat. To this day, I consider my African Safari the trip of a lifetime and by far and away the most rewarding one I've ever taken. Since then, I made a personal vow to take action, get involved in the cause, and participate in sharing the plight of so many species facing extinction. Here's a little information about an Initiative that IS causing an uproar and the ways you can help too.

  

ABOUT THE INITIATIVE

From lions in Kenya to snow leopards in the Himalaya, the big cats of the world need help. Lionstigerscheetahsleopardsjaguars, and other top felines are quickly disappearing, all victims of habitat loss and degradation as well as conflicts with humans.

Me & Thor, a Golden Tabby
To address this critical situation, the National Geographic Society and Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert, have launched the Big Cats Initiative, a comprehensive program that supports on-the-ground conservation projects, education, and economic incentive efforts and a global public-awareness campaign. “We no longer have the luxury of time when it comes to big cats,” says Dereck Joubert. “They are in such a downward spiral that if we hesitate now, we will be responsible for extinctions across the globe. If there was ever a time to take action, it is now.” You can help us make a difference.

Your donation can help save a big cat and ensure the Earth is not without these majestic creatures. Please donate today! You also can help by signing up for Big Cats Initiative updates with the Explorers Newsletter. To see how we use donations to BCI, read our 2011 Annual Donor Report.

First Step: Halting Decline of Lions and Cheetahs
Lions are dying off rapidly across Africa. These cats once ranged across the continent and into Syria, Israel, Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, and even northwest India; 2,000 years ago more than a million lions roamed the Earth. Since the 1940s, when lions numbered an estimated 400,000, lion populations have blinked out across the continent. Now they may total as few as 20,000 animals. Scientists connect the drastic decreases in many cases to burgeoning human populations. The Big Cats Initiative aims to halt lion population declines by the year 2015 and to restore populations to sustainable levels.

Who’s Involved
The Big Cats Initiative is made up of conservationists led by National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert. Having lived and worked in some of Africa’s most remote areas for more than 25 years as authors and filmmakers, the Jouberts have embraced the cause of wildlife conservation, especially for big cats. They are active conservationists in Botswana, members of the IUCN Lion Working Group, and founding members of the Chobe Wildlife Trust and of Conservation International in Botswana. The Jouberts also work in ecotourism and on building community partnerships.

Partners and Funders Sought
National Geographic will collaborate with local and international NGOs, corporations, local community groups, and individuals to work with saving lions and ensuring the future of this multiyear initiative.