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Missouri, Auburn and Clemson Universities announce Tigers for Tigers Challenge

WASHINGTON -- December 19 2007 -- Just in time for college football bowl season, the University of Missouri, Auburn University and Clemson University have squared off in another battle: to stop tiger farming and the illegal trade in tiger parts. The three major universities---all with famous tiger mascots---have joined forces with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and initiated a friendly competition to see which school and its alumni can raise the most money to aid real-world tigers around the globe.

Tigers get more protection in Russia’s Far East, says WWF

Vladivostok, Russia--Today the Russian Government created a new national park that is habitat for the endangered Siberian tiger in the country’s Far Eastern region after six years of research and negotiation by World Wildlife Fund. Roughly the size of Rhode Island, Anyuiskii National Park—1562.5 square miles--is the largest of three protected areas established by the Russian government in 2007.

Senate Passes Legislation to Prevent Imports of Illegal Wood

WASHINGTON, D.C. – World Wildlife Fund (WWF) commends the Senate for including Senator Wyden and Senator Alexander’s “Combat Illegal Logging Act” language within the manager’s amendment to the Farm Bill, which passed by a vote of 79-14 on December 14.  The amendment makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, buy or transport illegally-sourced wood products, and enables U.S. enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal timber traffickers.

Major Cities Around the World Join WWF in Fighting Climate Change During Earth Hour 2008

WASHINGTON, December 18, 2007 - WWF today announced the official launch of Earth Hour, a global initiative in which cities and communities will turn out their lights to symbolize their leadership and commitment to finding solutions for climate change.

Where do the buffalo and elk still roam?

WASHINGTON, December 18, 2007 - Less than twenty-one percent of the earth's terrestrial surface still contains all of the large mammals that used to occur there 500 years ago, according to a new study just released in this month's Journal of Mammalogy. Authored by a team of scientists from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Princeton University, the study is the first of its kind to offer an ecologically based measurement of human impacts on biodiversity based on the absence of native, large mammals.

Impacts of Salmon Aquaculture Top Agenda at Dialogue Meeting in Chile

WASHINGTON: The Salmon Aquaculture Dialogue met in Santiago, Chile this week to discuss new reports about two of the key impacts of salmon aquaculture production - chemical inputs and nutrient loading/carrying capacity - and the socioeconomic costs and benefits of salmon aquaculture.

Mixed Results from Senate Farm Bill

Washington D.C.– The 5-year Farm Bill (HR 2419) passed by the Senate by a vote of 79-14 yielded mixed results for conservation said World Wildlife Fund. Although the bill does provide support for important conservation programs, the Senate failed to pass several progressive amendments that would have greatly reduced federal subsidy payments to the wealthiest commodity producers and transferred some of the subsequent savings to increased conservation spending.

Bali Launches Climate Negotiations, Weak on Substance

Bali, INDONESIA – Political leaders meeting in Bali for the UN’s Climate Change Summit hammered out a deal which launches formal negotiations with a 2009 end date, but the deal falls short in its ambition, says World Wildlife Fund.

US Government Proposal Has Potential to Derail Bali Climate Conference, Warns WWF

Bali, Indonesia – A move by the U.S. government could push the Bali climate negotiations to the brink of failure, WWF officials warned tonight. The U.S. proposal would eliminate language that called upon developed nations to consider specific, internationally binding, quantified reduction commitments, replacing it with text that calls upon countries to adopt any measures they deem appropriate.

Penguins in Peril as Climate Warms, WWF

Bali, Indonesia - The penguin population of Antarctica is under pressure from global warming, says WWF’s latest briefing.

WWF Applauds US Senate Committee Approval of Landmark Climate Change Legislation

Bali, Indonesia – Officials with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said landmark climate change legislation sent to the floor of the US Senate by the Environment and Public Works Committee this week will help put the US on the path towards meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate Change Speeds Up Amazon’s Destruction, Says WWF

Bali, Indonesia – A vicious feedback loop of climate change and deforestation could wipe out or severely damage nearly 60 percent of the Amazon forest by 2030, says a new report from WWF. 

Record Breaking Year for Climate, says WWF

Bali, Indonesia– The past year has seen yet more weather records smashed as extreme weather events take a firmer hold of the planet, says WWF.

Nissan North America and World Wildlife Fund Announce Winners of University Campus Environmental Grant

.NASHVILLE, Tenn.– Nissan North America (NNA) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) recently announced the winners of the 2007 Nissan-WWF University Campus Environmental Grants. Three college students were awarded grants to continue their environmental advocacy work and implement meaningful sustainability and conservation projects on their respective campuses

150 Global Business Leaders Call for Legally Binding UN Framework at Bali COP to Tackle Climate Change

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Leaders of 150 global companies today called on world leaders to agree on a comprehensive, legally binding United Nations framework to tackle climate change during negotiations that begin next week during the Conference of the Parties in Bali, Indonesia.

150 Global Business Leaders Call for Legally Binding UN Framework at Bali COP to Tackle Climate Change

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Leaders of 150 global companies today called on world leaders to agree on a comprehensive, legally binding United Nations framework to tackle climate change during negotiations that begin next week during the Conference of the Parties in Bali, Indonesia.

Statement by Gold Medalists Ted Ligety and Julia Mancuso on Global Warming’s Impact on Skiing

Ted Ligety:
“With the start of the 2007 ski season, it’s never been clearer that the sport I love is at risk. Global warming has made skiing conditions progressively worse – the seasons are getting shorter and there seems to be less snow on the slopes. Without immediate action to halt global warming we could lose the sport as we know it all together. Scientists say we have less than 10 years to do something before it’s too late.

A More Sustainable Thanksgiving Feast

WASHINGTON - Want to make your Thanksgiving a little more environmentally-friendly? World Wildlife Fund offers some easy steps to make your celebration more sustainable:

WWF and Toys for Tots Partner to Help Global Conservation and Children in Need this Holiday Season

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and World Wildlife Fund are teaming up to make a child’s day brighter this holiday season. People who donate through WWF’s symbolic animal adoption program can choose to give their adoption premium package to a needy child in the United States through the Toys for Tots program. As part of the adoption package, kids not only receive an adorable animal plush to cuddle, but also a fact card with information about conservation and the animal species adopted.

Witness to a Changing Planet

Washington D.C. – A new tool from WWF allows people around the world to document first-hand the impacts of climate change on their communities and livelihoods, from melting glacial lakes in the Himalayas threatening to flood Sherpa villages to rising sea levels in the Pacific putting fishermen out of business. Through the Climate Witness Program, WWF collects testimony from citizens in vulnerable areas, verifies it with leading climate scientists and then shares it with the world.

Fish-Saving Device Pulls In $30,000 Prize for American Winner of International Smart Gear Competition

A team of Rhode Island inventors today will be awarded the grand prize in the International Smart Gear Competition for a fishing gear innovation that could save thousands of fish and other sea creatures from dying accidentally in fishing nets each year, World Wildlife Fund and its partners announced.  The winners will be officially announced in Seattle today at the Pacific Marine Expo.

World Wildlife Fund Names Climate Expert Richard Moss as Vice President and Managing Director for Climate Change

WASHINGTON - World Wildlife Fund announced today that internationally-recognized climate expert Richard Moss has been named WWF's vice president and managing director for Climate Change for the United States. In that role, Moss will be at the forefront of WWF's efforts to secure a strong global climate agreement that includes steep emissions reduction targets, addresses forest carbon policy and protects the world's key eco-regions from the effects of global warming.

Wild Salmon Illegally Caught in Russia and Shipped to the U.S.

WASHINGTON--East Asian countries are importing between 50 and 90 percent more Russian Sockeye salmon thanRussia is reporting as caught and much of it is destined for theU.S. according to a new report from TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, and WWF.

World Wildlife Fund Travel Program Announces 2008 Tours

Washington DC - World Wildlife Fund's Travel Program today announced its 2008 tour schedule, adding new snorkeling trips, more family destinations and revised itineraries for its most popular tours. The lineup reflects feedback from past WWF travelers, adding destinations they've said they want to visit. In response to several tours selling out, the program is now adding additional departures to India, Alaska, Kenya and Tanzania.

Impacts of Global Salmon Aquaculture Products Top Agenda at Meeting in Chile

WASHINGTON, DC: Salmon producers, retailers, scientists, environmental groups and others from throughout the world will meet in Chile in December to review new reports about two of the main impacts of salmon aquaculture production: chemical inputs and nutrient loading/carrying capacity. Information in the reports will then be used to guide discussions about developing jointly acceptable global standards for salmon aquaculture. A discussion about the socioeconomic costs and benefits of salmon aquaculture globally and in Chile also will be on the agenda.

Immediate Ban Needed to Save Bluefin Tuna

Washington DC– The bluefin tuna population is close to collapse because of over-fishing, lack of comprehensive management, illegal fishing in the East Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas, and insufficient measures taken by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), according to WWF and eight other conservation organizations. The organizations voiced their concerns in a letter sent to Dr. William T. Hogarth, Director of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service and the chairman of ICCAT today.

The Golden Compass Brings New Line Cinema and the World Wildlife Fund Together To Educate Public About Global Warming

WASHINGTON, October 16, 2007 -In the new fantasy adventure film "The Golden Compass," polar bears protect themselves with suits of armor. In the real world, threats to polar bears are not so easily abated. This majestic species is one of many in danger of extinction due to harsh changes in climate, which is why New Line Cinema has launched a unique partnership today with the World Wildlife Fund to help educate the public about the impact global warming is having on animals throughout the world.

Winner went Wild with the Tiger!

Washington DC - An intricately carved Royal Bengal Tiger by Gail H. of Vienna, West Virginia, won the WWF and HP online photo contest "Going Wild with Pumpkins". Gail used a special stencil from among 10 wildlife-themed designs aimed at raising awareness of wildlife and environmental issues, and won an HP Photosmart photo printer and digital camera.

WWF Statement on the Forest Stewardship Council in Response to Oct. 30 Wall Street Journal Article

"The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is the premier international organization ensuring that forestry practices are environmentally, socially and economically responsible. Its decision to rescind the rights of Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) to use the FSC logo shows that it is a robust and credible system that is committed to the responsible management of the world's forests.

WWF Lauds Senators Inouye and Stevens for Leadership on Reauthorization of Coral Reef Conservation Act

WASHINGTON DC –Members of the world’s leading environmental organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund, today hailed the leaders of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation for approving S. 1580, the Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act (CRCRA), and in particular including a new program with dedicated funding for international coral reef conservation.

New treaty boosts protection of gorillas says World Wildlife Fund, TRAFFIC

PARIS – Today’s new agreement endorsed by nine African countries to better protect gorillas is a major conservation achievement, said World Wildlife Fund and TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network.

Mollusc Industry Representatives Move Forward with Aquaculture Certification

WASHINGTON, DC: The process for certifying mollusc aquaculture products - which make up one-quarter of the world's aquaculture production - was set in motion this month as producers, buyers, scientists and others interested in molluscs met in Oregon to discuss standards for an eco-label for oysters, clams, mussels and scallops.

New Treaty Strengthens Gorilla Protection

World Wildlife Fund's Prestigious Getty Award Given to India's Leading Expert on Tiger Conservation

WASHINGTON - World Wildlife Fund announced today that it has named Dr. K. Ullas Karanth as the winner of the 2007 J. Paul Getty Award for Conservation Leadership. The annual award honors outstanding contributions to international conservation and carries with it a $200,000 prize. Karanth, a scientist with the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), is the first tiger expert to win the award.

World Wildlife Fund Hails Award of Nobel Peace Prize to Al Gore and UN's Climate Change Panel

WASHINGTON DC - The CEO of World Wildlife Fund, the world's largest environmental organization, said today that the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to former Vice President Al Gore and the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recognizes that climate change is one of the great destabilizing forces of our era and a root cause of some of the world's most violent conflicts.

Process for Certifying Pangasius Aquaculture Products is Underway

WASHINGTON, DC: During the inaugural meeting of the Pangasius Aquaculture Dialogue, more than 70 producers, buyers, government officials and others from around the world agreed that there is an urgent need and willingness to certify pangasius aquaculture products.

Celebrities Say They're 'Hotter than They Should Be'

What do Scarlett Johansson, Orlando Bloom and Rachael Ray have in common? They’ve joined together with 13 other hot celebrities to support an online auction for World Wildlife Fund. Each has signed a WWF “Hotter than I Should Be” t-shirt to be auctioned off on eBay starting today with funds going to support WWF’s global climate change and other conservation initiatives.

'Go Wild' for Halloween with Pumpkin Carving and Photo Contest, Announced Today by HP and WWF

PALO ALTO, Calif. and WASHINGTON, DC, Oct. 2, 2007 – Pumpkins may still be orange, but Halloween is turning green, according to HP and World Wildlife Fund (WWF), who today announced the "Going Wild with Pumpkins" online photo contest. The contest, aimed at raising awareness of wildlife and environmental issues, offers fun pumpkin-carving activities for families to enjoy together.

New animal and plant species found in Vietnam

WASHINGTON – World Wildlife Fund scientists said today that the discovery of 11 new animal and plant species in a remote area in central Vietnam underscores the importance of conservation efforts in the ancient tropical forests of the region.

World Wildlife Fund Building Next Generation of Conservation Heroes in Nepal

Kathmandu -- World Wildlife Fund has awarded scholarships to four promising Nepalese conservation students in memory of the 24 people who perished in last year's Himalayan helicopter tragedy.

Tilapia Aquaculture Dialogue Makes its Debut in Asia

WASHINGTON, DC: The unique issues related to tilapia farming in Asia will be addressed in standards for certifying tilapia aquaculture products, which are under revision in response to feedback about fish farming in Asia received at the first Tilapia Aquaculture Dialogue meeting in that country.

World Wildlife Fund Applauds Senate Committee Approval of Bill to Support Tropical Forest and Coral Conservation

Washington - World Wildlife Fund officials today offered strong praise for the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in approving S. 2020, a bill that reauthorizes the Tropical Forest Conservation Act (TFCA).

WWF Applauds Efforts to Ratify UN Convention on Law of the Sea

WASHINGTON DC - Senior officials from the State and Defense Departments testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in favor of a proposal under which the United States would join the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention, a major treaty governing shipping, commerce and trade across the world’s oceans.

Solving problems faced by people fleeing conflict in Eastern Congo critical to saving endangered mountain gorillas, says WWF

NAIROBI, KENYA and WASHINGTON DC – With international relief organizations estimating that more than 35,000 people have fled the heavily armed conflict near Sake in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo over the past week, the World Wildlife Fund warned that the habitats of several endangered species, including mountain gorillas, could be put at serious risk. 

WWF Welcomes Government Support for Conservation of Indonesia's Forests

WASHINGTON --WWF welcomes the announcement this weekend by the Australian and Indonesian governments of the Kalimantan Forests and Climate Partnership. The Australian Government aims to contribute $30 million over four years to the partnership and encourages other government, private sector and non-government organizations to meet a target of $100 million to protect and rehabilitate large areas of forest across Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo).

Time Running Out for Polar Bears

WASHINGTON— A new report on the fate of polar bears in a world of rapid climate change predicts disaster for one of the world's most charismatic species, World Wildlife Fund said today.

Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) Endorsed by APEC Summit

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - At yesterday's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, 21 world leaders endorsed a new proposal to safeguard the rich marine resources of the Indo-Pacific region for future generations. The Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security aims to bring together six governments in a multilateral partnership to conserve the extraordinary marine life in the region. The proposal was endorsed in the Sydney APEC Leaders' Declaration on Climate Change, Energy Security and Clean Development.  U.S. President George W. Bush welcomed this Initiative during the Summit.

WWF Chief Scientist Testifies on Behalf of Great Cats, Rare Canids and International Cranes

WASHINGTON- Dr. Eric Dinerstein, Chief Scientist and Vice-President for Conservation Science at World Wildlife Fund testified before the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans of the House Committee on Natural Resources today on three bills - H.R. 1464, the Great Cats and Rare Canids Conservation Act of 2007, H.R. 1913, the Great Cats Conservation Act of 2007, and H.R. 1771, the Crane Conservation Act of 2007. Modeled on the highly successful conservation programs for elephants, rhinos, tigers, great apes, sea turtles and neotropical migratory birds, the bills would establish conservation programs to protect some of the world's most endangered and iconic species.

World Wildlife Fund Launches Extraordinary Gifts Catalog to Support Critical Conservation Projects Around the World

Imagine having the ability to save an entire ancient ecosystem in the Congo from irreversible destruction or finding a new habitat for polar bears in the arctic.  What about relocating a rhino or genetically pure bison to start a new herd of these endangered animals?  Supporting critical projects such as these, and a hundred more, are now possible with the launch of World Wildlife Fund’s “Extraordinary Gifts Catalog.”

World's First Sustainable Tuna Fishery Certified, Bringing Hope to Troubled Industry

SAN DIEGO-The world's first certified sustainable tuna fishery was announced today, a move that could help save one of the world's most valuable fish - and the fishing industry that relies on it - from extinction.

Opportunity for Students Displaced by Katrina to Assess Climate Change Vulnerability of Southeastern U.S.

WASHINGTON—World Wildlife Fund and the Allianz Foundation for North America today announced a new opportunity for high school students displaced by Katrina and now residing in nine U.S. cities to assess the climate change vulnerability of the Southeastern United States.

Baiji Dolphin Previously Thought Extinct Spotted in the Yangtze River

BEIJING-- The reported sighting of a Yangtze River dolphin, or Baiji, means there is still a chance for people to take further action and protect the cetaceans in the Yangtze from extinction, according to World Wildlife Fund.

Luxury Store Owner Convicted for Wildlife Trafficking

Bangkok - A Bangkok luxury store owner was convicted today for breaching Thailand's wildlife protection law. The store owner, Mr Reyaz Ahmad Mir, an Indian national from Kashmir, pleaded guilty to charges of illegally importing and selling "shahtoosh" shawls made from the wool derived from poaching highly endangered Tibetan Antelopes (Pantholops hodgsonii).

Standards for Certifying Mollusc Aquaculture Products Moving Forward

WASHINGTON, DC: Mollusc producers and buyers, as well as other stakeholders, from throughout the United States and Canada will meet in Oregon October 12th to discuss standards for the certification of mollusc aquaculture products, which make up one-quarter of the world's aquaculture production.

WWF Kicks Off Process for Certifying Pangasius Aquaculture Products

WASHINGTON, DC: Pangasius producers and buyers, as well as other stakeholders, from throughout the world will meet in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam September 26-27 to begin developing standards for certifying Pangasius aquaculture products - one of the fastest growing types of aquaculture.

WWF Wants to Know -- What's the World's Cutest Animal?

The most adorable standoff in history has begun. World Wildlife Fund today announced a contest to find the World’s Cutest Animal and is asking people worldwide to pick their choice.

Standards for Certifying Tilapia Aquaculture Products Moving Forward

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following two years of transparent, multi-stakeholder meetings with many of the world's top tilapia producers and buyers, draft standards for certifying tilapia aquaculture products are developed and will be on the agenda for two high-level tilapia meetings this month.

Twenty-Six Year Veteran of Aquaculture Industry Joins WWF Team

WASHINGTON, DC: Jose Villalon, a 26-year veteran of the aquaculture industry, is the new director of World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) aquaculture program. Villalon's primary role is to oversee the Aquaculture Dialogues, a set of multi-stakeholder groups developing standards for more sustainable aquaculture production. WWF is the catalyst for the dialogues.

Satellite tracking reveals threats to Borneo pygmy elephants

Washington, D.C. - A new WWF study tracking pygmy elephants by satellite shows that the remaining herds of these endangered elephants, which live only on the island of Borneo, are under threat from forest fragmentation and loss of habitat.

President Correa Appoints Former WWF Director to Governor of the Galapagos Islands

Quito, Ecuador—Ecuador’s President Correa today appointed Eliecer Cruz, former director of the Galápagos, World Wildlife Fund, to governor of the Galápagos Islands. Born and raised in the Galápagos Islands, Cruz protected the unique life of the islands in his work with WWF since 2003 and for eight years prior as director of the Galápagos National Park.

No Matter What Your School Colors, Make Sure Your Backpack is Green

As you make your Back to School list, you might want to check it twice, according to World Wildlife Fund who offers ten important tips on how you can make a positive impact on the environment by making sure the school supplies that make it into your backpack are good for the Earth:

Senate and House Move Quickly to Reauthorize Programs for International Conservation

WASHINGTON – The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has approved the re-authorization for an additional five years of  conservation programs for African elephants, Asian elephants, rhinos and tigers. The Senate Committee adopted H.R. 465 and H.R. 50, which were passed by the House of Representatives on July 23. There were no amendments and the two bills are expected to be adopted by the Senate by unanimous consent and then head to the President’s desk for signature.

Bodies of four critically endangered mountain gorillas found in Congo's Virunga National Park

Washington -- World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and its partners are taking swift action to protect critically endangered mountain gorillas after three females and one male silverback were discovered shot to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

WWF Photographs Three-Legged Sumatran Tiger That May Have Survived Capture, Escaped from Snare

WASHINGTON - A WWF camera trap inside an Indonesian national park has captured photographs of a Sumatran tiger in the wild that appears to have escaped from a snare by cutting its paw off.

Scientists Find New Population of Endangered Grey-Shanked Doucs in Vietnam

Tam Ky, Quang Nam, Vietnam – A team of scientists from WWF and Conservation International (CI) has discovered the world’s largest known population of grey-shanked doucs (Pygathrix cinerea), increasing chances that the Endangered monkey can be saved from extinction.

New Study Presents First-Ever Classification of World's Coastal Waters

WASHINGTON  — A new study published today in the journal BioScience presents a first-ever natural classification system of the world’s coastal waters that will help improve priority setting and conservation planning for marine habitats. The report, titled "Marine Ecoregions of the World: a bioregionalization of coast and shelf areas" was written by lead authors Mark Spalding, senior marine scientist at The Nature Conservancy and Helen Fox, marine biologist at World Wildlife Fund, along with coauthors from 10 partner organizations.

Statement on Removal of Bald Eagle From Endangered Species List

WASHINGTON – Carter Roberts, president and CEO of World Wildlife Fund, issued the following statement in reaction to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne's announcement that the bald eagle will be taken off the list of protected species under the Endangered Species Act. Scientists attribute the bird's recovery to a 1972 ban in the United States on DDT, a pesticide that ruins the eggs of many birds, and strict protections under the Endangered Species Act and other environmental laws.

World Wildlife Fund Warns Against Iron Dumping Experiment Near the Galapagos Islands

WASHINGTON—World Wildlife Fund today announced its opposition to a plan by Planktos, Inc. (OTCBB: PLKT) to dump iron dust in the open ocean west of the Galapagos Islands. The experiment seeks to induce phytoplankton blooms in the hopes that the microscopic marine plants will absorb carbon dioxide. The company is speculating on lucrative ways to combat climate change.

CITES: Commercially traded species big losers - WWF/TRAFFIC

The Hague, The Netherlands - The 14th CITES Conference ended today with TRAFFIC and WWF applauding some sound conservation decisions, but ruing other missed opportunities.

Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on the Endangered Species Act

WASHINGTON – Carter Roberts, president and CEO of World Wildlife Fund, issued the following statement in reaction to today’s 5-4 ruling by the United States Supreme Court on the Endangered Species Act (ESA). WWF joined other environmental groups as an amicus in the case. In a previous ruling, the court had given the ESA "first priority" over all other federal action.

Report: Salmon Farming Threatens Chile's Patagonian Lakes

WASHINGTON - A new WWF study released today finds that the production of farmed salmon in Chile's unique Patagonian lakes has doubled in the last decade, contaminating them with nutrient pollution, invasive species, disease, and harmful chemicals. The study urges the Chilean industry to move salmon smolt production out of freshwater ecosystems to closed-containment recirculation systems on land. This move would reduce environmental pressures and increase Chile's competitiveness in the global salmon trade. The majority of salmon consumed in the U.S. is farmed, and the bulk of it comes from Chile.

Breeding Tigers for Trade Soundly Rejected by International Convention: WWF and TRAFFIC

WASHINGTON – Raising captive tigers for trade in tiger parts was rejected by CITES member countries today and China was urged to phase out its large-scale commercial tiger farms, a major victory for wild tiger conservation, according to World Wildlife Fund and TRAFFIC.

Intel and Google Join with Dell, EDS, EPA, HP, IBM, LENOVO, Microsoft, WWF and Others to Launch Climate Savers Computing Initiative

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., - Intel Corporation and Google joined with Dell, EDS, the Environmental Protection Agency, HP, IBM, Lenovo, Microsoft, World Wildlife Fund, and more than a dozen additional organizations today announcing their intent to form the Climate Savers Computing Initiative (www.climatesaverscomputing.org). The goal of the new broad-based environmental effort is to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by setting aggressive new targets for energy-efficient computers and components, and promoting the adoption of energy-efficient computers and power management tools worldwide.

Conservation Win for Sawfish, say WWF and TRAFFIC

WASHINGTON – Today trade restrictions were approved for sawfish–large rays related to sharks, with distinctive toothed snouts that are found off the East Coast of the United States and other places—according to World Wildlife Fund and TRAFFIC.

Russia Declares Second Tiger Park in Span of One Week

Vladivostok, Russia—Adding the second national park for Siberian tigers in the span of one week, the Russian Government this past weekend established “Udege Legend” National Park for tiger conservation and the cultural preservation of an indigenous way of life. Now Russia’s protected a total of 419,000 acres of Siberian or Amur tiger habitat as national park.

World Wildlife Fund Applauds Vote to Prohibit Bottom Trawling in Alaska's Arctic Waters

Sitka, Alaska — The North Pacific Fishery Management Council, the federal body charged with managing fisheries in the Bering Sea and North Pacific, has voted unanimously to designate 115,000 square miles of northern Bering Sea marine habitat as “essential fish habitat.”  The designation will prohibit bottom trawling in Arctic waters until scientists and the fishing industry can prove that bottom trawling will have no negative impacts on marine life or coastal communities.  Bottom trawling is a fishing practice which involves towing trawl nets along the sea floor, disturbing sensitive seafloor habitat and indiscriminately capturing marine organisms.

Trade Convention Failing Sharks, says WWF/TRAFFIC

WASHINGTON – Two shark species highly prized for their meat and fins have not gained trade protection under CITES, the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, say World Wildlife Fund and TRAFFIC.

World's largest photo mosaic of tiger unveiled at CITES; World leaders urged to end tiger trade

WASHINGTON - A two-storey-high photo mosaic of a tiger, created from personal photos of nearly 25,000 tiger lovers worldwide, was unveiled in The Netherlands today to urge world leaders to end all trade in tigers. Individuals from more than 140 countries contributed their pictures to it.

Nature Takes the Lead in Restoring the Valley of the Geysers, says WWF

Kamchatka, Russia—At about 8 pm local time on June 7, water reached the top of the dam which formed on the Geyser River in Kamchatka’s Valley of the Geysers, part of the Volcanoes of Kamchatka UNESCO World Heritage Site, after a massive landslide on June 3.  Water went over the top of the dam, immediately taking over a meter of mud and debris off the top, and the level of the newly formed lake dropped by over 16 feet.

Russia Establishes First National Park for the Siberian Tiger in the Russian Far East, says WWF

Vladivostok, Russia— Following more than a decade of study and advocacy by World Wildlife Fund, the Russian Government this week created the 200,000 acre Zov Tigra National Park, the first national park for the Siberian tiger.

Let Nature Take Its Course in Russia's Valley of the Geysers, says World Wildlife Fund

Kamchatka, Russia—Following today’s discussion of dynamiting or using heavy machines to remove landslide mud and debris from Kamchatka’s Valley of the Geysers at a special commission meeting in the capitol of Kamchatka, World Wildlife Fund states that natural transformation of the valley must take its course.

Alarming Upsurge in Rhino Poaching in Key African Countries, say TRAFFIC/WWF

The Hague, The Netherlands – An increase in the volume of rhino horn entering illegal trade from Africa since 2000 could be placing some rhino populations at serious risk, according to new research from TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network of WWF and IUCN.

The Coca-Cola Company Pledges to Replace the Water it Uses in its Beverages and Their Production

BEIJING - The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) today pledged to lead its global beverage operations, including those of its franchise bottlers, to replace the water it uses in its beverages and their production. The Company will focus its actions in three core areas: 1) reducing the water used to produce its beverages, 2) recycling water used for beverage manufacturing processes, and 3) replenishing water in communities and nature.

Forest Service Proposes Widespread Poisoning of Prairie Dogs Across South Dakota and Nebraska

CHADRON, NE – The U.S. Forest Service today released its draft plan that may drastically increase the poisoning of prairie dog colonies this fall throughout the Buffalo Gap and Fort Pierre National Grasslands in South Dakota and the Oglala National Grassland in Nebraska. Widespread poisoning could kill tens of thousands of prairie dogs, which would jeopardize the continued recovery of the critically imperiled black-footed ferret, the most endangered mammal in North America. The plan would also harm other wildlife that depend on prairie dogs for food or prairie dog burrows for shelter, including rare species such as swift foxes, burrowing owls and ferruginous hawks.

Study: Viable Tiger Populations, Tiger Trade Incompatible

The Hague – In the cover story of this month’s BioScience journal, leading tiger experts warn that if tigers are to survive, governments must stop all trade in tiger products from wild and captive-bred sources, as well as ramp up efforts to conserve the species and their habitats. The paper, “The Fate of Wild Tigers,” describes the wild tiger's population decline as "catastrophic" and urges international cooperation to ensure the animal's continued existence in the wild.

Natural Wonder of the World Transformed within Hours, says WWF

Kamchatka, Russia—One of only five places on Earth where a concentration of geysers punch holes through the Earth’s crust to spew boiling water and steam skyward disappeared under water within hours after a massive slide of boulders, gravel, snow and ice choked the Geyser River in the world-famous Valley of the Geysers in Kamchatka’s Kronotsky Nature Preserve, according to World Wildlife Fund. The four other places are in Yellowstone National Park, Chile, Iceland and New Zealand.

International Whaling Commission Meeting Ends on Sour Note Despite Some Positive Moves for Whales

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – The 59th annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) ended today with political wrangling and self-interest preventing significant developments for whale conservation.

Whaling Body Expresses Concern Over Effect of Drilling in Alaska's Bristol Bay to World's Most Endangered Whale Population

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – Late in the evening, at the 59th meeting of the International Whaling Commission meeting, governments expressed concern over potential threats oil and gas drilling in Bristol Bay may have to the eastern North Pacific right whale, the most endangered whale population in the world. A planned lease sale area in Bristol Bay overlaps with critical habitat designated for the whale. Fifteen other cetacean species that occur in Bristol Bay including the endangered bowhead, blue, fin, sei, humpback and sperm whales could also be affected.

Energy Efficiency is Fastest, Cheapest, Easiest Way for G8 to Cut Emissions

WASHINGTON – Despite the enormous potential of energy efficiency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the planet from dangerous climate change, too many of the existing efficiency policies and measures in the G8 industrialized countries, including the United States, are ineffective according to a new WWF report, Making Energy Efficiency Happen: From Potential To Realization. The report outlines what each of the G8 plus 5 countries can do to save energy and the climate while promoting their energy security with sustainable economic growth.

Drilling in Bristol Bay Could Be Nail in the Coffin for World's Most Endangered Whale Population

ANCHORAGE - At the 59th meeting of the International Whaling Commission, WWF released a new report detailing the potential threats oil and gas drilling in Bristol Bay would have to the eastern North Pacific right whale, the most endangered whale population in the world. Fifteen cetacean species occur in Bristol Bay, a spectacularly rich area of marine life, including the endangered bowhead, blue, fin, sei, humpback and sperm whales. A planned lease sale area in Bristol Bay overlaps with critical habitat designated for the eastern North Pacific right.

Whales in Hot Water: Global Warming's Effect on World's Largest Creatures

WASHINGTON – Whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) are facing increasing threats from climate change, according to a new report published by WWF and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) released in advance of the 59th meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Anchorage, Alaska, May 28-31.

"Hotter Than I Should Be": WWF Launches New Campaign to Fight Global Warming

World Wildlife Fund today introduced a bold consumer campaign created to aid in the world's fight against global warming.  A series of public service announcements will air this month dramatically demonstrating how unchecked climate change will affect average lives.  The new public service announcements show a young boy playing baseball elbow deep in water and a couple being married amid a torrential hurricane.

Rare Soft-Shell Turtle, Nesting Ground Found in Cambodia

WASHINGTON – One of the world’s largest and least studied freshwater turtles has been found in Cambodia’s Mekong River, raising hopes that the threatened species can be saved from extinction. Scientists from World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, the Cambodian Fisheries Administration, and the Cambodian Turtle Conservation Team captured and released a 24.2 pound female Cantor’s giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) during a survey in March.

WWF's Top Ten List of Traded Species

WASHINGTON– Ahead of the world's major international meeting on wildlife trade, World Wildlife Fund releases its top ten list of species needing global action now to reduce threats from trade.

President Urges Senate to Take Final Step for U.S. to Join Law of the Sea

WASHINGTON – President Bush today issued a statement supporting U.S. accession to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a clear sign to the new 110th Senate to act quickly to join the treaty which governs use of the world’s oceans.  Senate approval is the final step for the U.S. to formally join more than 140 nations that have already ratified or accessed to the Convention.

WWF Report: Possible to Meet Energy Demand and Stop Global Warming

WASHINGTON– Sustainable energy and technology can curb climate change and meet projected growth in demand for energy but only if key decisions are made within the next five years, according to a new WWF report.  Climate Solutions: WWF’s vision for 2050 concludes that sustainable technologies can meet global projected energy demand while avoiding the most dangerous impacts of climate change.  But it warns that the governmental policies needed to propel this transition are not now in place, or even in prospect in most cases. 

Asian Crime Syndicates Based in Africa Fuel Illegal Ivory Surge

WASHINGTON– Asian-run organized crime syndicates based in Africa are behind the increase in illegal trade in elephant ivory, according to a study by TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network of WWF and IUCN - The World Conservation Union.  The report is based on an analysis of almost 12,400 ivory seizure cases from 82 countries recorded since 1989 in the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS) – the world’s largest database of elephant product seizure records. 

IPCC Report Released; Business, WWF Leaders Available to Comment

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change today released a report that outlines options for addressing global warming. According to the report, global warming can be stopped for 0.1 percent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product per year. Emissions would have to begin to decline before 2015 and 50 to 85 percent of CO2 emissions would have to be cut by the middle of this century, according to the Summary for Policy Makers released today. Doing nothing will cost up to 20 times more and bring about suffering and hardship, according to the most recent science.

WWF Captures First-Ever Camera Trap Video of Rare Borneo Rhino

WASHINGTON – WWF has captured the first-ever "camera trap" footage of a species that just a few people have ever seen. WWF and Malaysia’s Sabah Wildlife Department released footage of a Borneo Rhino which shows it eating, walking to the camera and sniffing the equipment. The first still photo of a Borneo rhino was captured only last year.

Update on Census of World's Most Endangered Cat: Female Amur Leopard Found Dead

Vladivostok, Russia—Following the April 18 announcement that only 25 to 34 of the Amur or Far Eastern leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) remain in the wild, World Wildlife Fund says the number must now be revised because a female Amur leopard was killed.

Recent Findings on Mountain Gorillas Show Hope for Species' Survival - WWF

After a decade of conservation efforts, the mountain gorillas in Eastern Africa are showing a slow but steady comeback, according to WWF, the global conservation organization.

Thousands of Photos Will Build Online Tiger

WWF and twenty-nine other tiger conservation groups this week launched a worldwide campaign to collect supporters’ pictures that will be part of the world’s largest photo mosaic of a tiger. The finished mosaic will be unveiled to world leaders in June as they gather to discuss trade in endangered species at the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) meeting in The Hague, Netherlands.

Bipartisan Bill Introduced in House to Protect Bristol Bay, Epicenter of Nation's Most Productive Fishery

WASHINGTON – Representatives Jay Inslee (D-WA), Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD), and Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) are expected to introduce legislation today in the U.S. House of Representatives that would permanently prohibit oil and gas leasing in Bristol Bay, Alaska and the surrounding waters in the Bering Sea.

WWF Announces 2007 Fuller Fellowship Awards

WASHINGTON - World Wildlife Fund today named a native Peruvian who specializes on the Amazon rainforest and a marine researcher as its 2007 Fuller Fellows.  Dr. Gabriela Nuñez-Iturri and Dr. Eric Treml will receive a $50,000 stipend and $15,000 in research funds for two years as well as access to WWF’s global network of scientists and conservationists.  They will also have the opportunity to link their post-doctoral research to on-the-ground conservation work at WWF sites. 

WWF Experts Available to Discuss Galápagos Conservation Following Emergency Decree

WASHINGTON– Following Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa’s emergency decree stating the Galápagos are at risk and formalizing their status as a national conservation priority, World Wildlife Fund experts are available to comment on and discuss conservation in the Galápagos based on WWF’s forty years of experience working there.

Amur Leopard Remains on the Brink of Extinction, Scientists Say

Vladivostok, Russia—A new census of the world’s most endangered cat, the Amur or Far Eastern leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis), shows that as few as 25 to 34 are left in the wild, renewing fears for the future of the species.

Americans Nationwide Pledge to Make a Difference for Earth Day

From organizing an Earth Day-themed karaoke fundraiser to participating in a trash clean-up in their local community, Americans have pledged to take action to conserve mother earth for Earth Day 2007. More than 2,000 people have made pledges for change on World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Day website.

WWF Experts at Global Tiger Forum Available to Discuss Big Cat Conservation, China Tiger Trade Ban

Kathmandu, Nepal – The world’s leading tiger experts and delegates from at least 12 countries are gathering in Nepal this week to discuss the future of the world’s endangered wild tigers at the International Tiger Symposium and Global Tiger Forum. WWF and TRAFFIC scientists, policy experts and wildlife trade authorities are available to provide updates and comment on the meetings.

Student Leaders Selected to Study Global Environmental Issues through Prestigious Program

Sixteen college students from around the country have been selected to study conservation in the United States and Brazil through an environmental leadership program developed by Nissan North America (NNA) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Now in its second year, the Nissan-WWF Environmental Leadership Program provides student leaders the opportunity to examine environmental issues and become effective advocates for conservation. The program is part of a $1 million partnership between NNA and WWF which will also help support WWF field conservation projects in the United States and Brazil.

Student Leaders Selected to Study Global Environmental Issues through Prestigious Program

Sixteen college students from around the country have been selected to study conservation in the United States and Brazilthrough an environmental leadership program developed by Nissan North America (NNA) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Now in its second year, the Nissan-WWF Environmental Leadership Program provides student leaders the opportunity to examine environmental issues and become effective advocates for conservation. The program is part of a $1 million partnership between NNA and WWF which will also help support WWF field conservation projects in the United States and Brazil.

WWF's Smartgear Competition Honored by NOAA

WASHINGTON: The Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) today honored WWF’s Smartgear competition which aims to make fishing gear more wildlife-friendly. The recognition is part of the agency’s second-annual Sustainable Fisheries Leadership Award. The awards will be presented at a dinner in Washington, D.C., on June 7.

Global Warming Threatens World's Natural Wonders

WASHINGTON ­– A new report from WWF shows how global warming threatens ten of the world’s greatest natural wonders, including two in the United States.  Saving the World's Natural Wonders from Climate Change finds that global warming is already affecting places like the Amazon and Himalayas.

Don't dumb down, the science spells it out

The science is clear, climate change is threatening our livelihoods and destroying the future of many species. Governments should stop questioning the facts and watering down the science. They must act now and reduce emissions to rescue us from the worst effects of climate change, such as floods, droughts, storms and heat waves.

Mass Extinction of Wildlife if World Fails to Heed Scientific Warnings

From polar bears to coral reefs, the natural world is facing up to mass extinctions unless governments are prepared to act now and make meaningful cuts in CO2 emissions. Just a 2°C hike in global temperature will lead to a serious change in the world we live in, while anything above 2°C could result in a major collapse of the natural environment. This latest IPCC report may show that it’s already too late to prevent some of global warming's impacts. The natural world can only adapt to so much, warns WWF.

WWF Applauds Initial Congressional Efforts to Enact Bills to Protect Rhinos, Tigers and Elephants

The U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans has passed two bills that provide funding for programs that protect endangered rhinos, tigers and elephants:

Endangered Fish Return Home after Run-In with Poachers

More than 1,000 endangered Humphead Wrasse are en route home after being rescued from poachers in the Philippines this past December. The poachers were apprehended inside Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, a national marine protected area, carrying the Wrasse along with 400 other fish.

WWF's Top 10 Rivers at Risk, Rio Grande Makes List

WASHINGTON - The Rio Grande is among the world's top ten rivers at risk, according to a report by the same name released today by World Wildlife Fund. The WWF report, World's Top 10 Rivers at Risk, names the world's rivers that are facing widespread degradation while millions of people depend on them for survival.

Surveying climate change impacts on Central America's coral reefs

Placencia, Belize — A WWF survey shows that rising temperatures, altered rainfall and coral bleaching are among the main threats to Central America's Mesoamerican Reef.

Russia Agrees to Re-route World's Longest Oil Pipeline Sparing the Last Remaining Habitat of the Endangered Amur Leopard

MOSCOW - Responding to appeals from World Wildlife Fund and other conservationists, the Russian Government agreed to re-route part of the new East Siberia-Pacific Ocean Pipeline sparing the last remaining habitat of the Amur leopard, the world's most endangered cat.

Lifting Chinese Tiger Trade Ban a Death Sentence for Wild Tigers say WWF and TRAFFIC

WASHINGTON- Any easing of the current Chinese ban on trading products made from tigers is likely a death sentence for the endangered cats, according to a new TRAFFIC report released today by World Wildlife Fund and TRAFFIC-the wildlife trade monitoring program of WWF and IUCN.

New Report: Explosive Growth Changes Salmon Industry

Washington – A new report, the first to take a comprehensive look at market competition between wild and farmed salmon, sheds new light on the contentious and complex issues surrounding farmed and wild salmon.

WWF Challenges America to Make an Earth Day Pledge for Change

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2007 –  World Wildlife Fund is asking Americans to take control over the fate of the planet during the 50 days leading up to Earth Day by challenging everyone to make a change in their lives to stop global warming, conserve our natural resources and protect the diversity of life on earth.

WWF's Chief Scientist, Eric Dinerstein, Wins AAAS Prize for His Book Tigerland

WASHINGTON— Eric Dinerstein’s book Tigerland has won the 2007 AAAS/Subaru Science Book and Films (SB&F) Prize for Excellence in Science Books in the Young Adult category.  The awards are given for recently published works that promote scientific literacy, are scientifically sound, and foster an understanding and appreciation of science in readers of all ages.

Green Weddings Website Unveiled from World Wildlife Fund

WASHINGTON, February 14, 2007 – Bridal gowns may still be white, but weddings are turning green according to World Wildlife Fund, who today unveils its first-ever green weddings website for engaged couples looking to make their big day not only memorable, but also environmentally friendly.

Third of Borneo to be Conserved, New Declaration Passed

Bali, Indonesia – An historic declaration to conserve the “Heart of Borneo” was officially signed today between the three Bornean governments - Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Malaysia. The tri-country declaration will conserve and sustainably manage one of the most important centers of biological diversity in the world.  The Heart of Borneo is an area of equatorial rainforest larger than Kansas, covering nearly a third of the island.

Third Annual Smart Gear Competition Launched, $30,000 Prize for Fishing Gear that Reduces Bycatch

WASHINGTON – The third annual WWF International Smart Gear Competition launched today seeking new designs for fishing gear that reduces marine bycatch – the accidental catch and related deaths of marine mammals, birds, sea turtles and non-target fish species in fishing gear.  Many millions of tons of what is caught in the course of fishing are thrown back into the sea dead or dying each year. 

Cuddly Conservation Gifts for Valentine's Day

WASHINGTON, February 5, 2007 – Skip the traditional chocolates and flowers for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day. World Wildlife Fund suggests another option – a red-eyed tree frog. Through World Wildlife Fund’s symbolic animal adoption program gift-givers can adopt an animal in honor of a friend or loved one. Adoption levels range in price from $25 to $250. All adoptions of $50 or more come with a stuffed animal version of the species adopted – so they’ll have something to cuddle – and for Valentine’s Day the animal plush comes nestled in a red, exclusive “Happy Valentine’s Day” pouch.

WWF's Dr. Curtis Freese Receives Chicago Zoological Society's George B. Rabb Conservation Award

Dr. Curtis “Curt” Freese, managing director of WWF’s Northern Great Plains program is the 2007 recipient of the George B. Rabb Conservation Award, presented by the Chicago Zoological Society to honor the lifetime accomplishments of Dr. George B. Rabb, president emeritus of the Society.

Statement on IPCC Global Warming Report

WASHINGTON – Carter Roberts, president and CEO of World Wildlife Fund, issued the following statement regarding the forthcoming report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC):

The Real Bears and Colts Go Head to Head

WASHINGTON, January 31, 2007 – As the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts get ready to face off in this year’s Super Bowl match up, analysts and sports enthusiasts alike are hard at work prophesizing who the victor will be. But instead of looking at the teams based on their offensive firepower or defensive might, World Wildlife Fund has decided to explore how this match up would turn out in the wild. Put up against each other head-to-head, who would win in a battle, a bear or a colt?

WWF President, Carter Roberts Statement on State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON – Carter Roberts, president and CEO of World Wildlife Fund, issued the following statement following President Bush’s State of the Union address.

Fishing Regulators Meet to Rescue Tuna from Disaster

WASHINGTON — Important stocks of tuna are at now at risk of commercial extinction due to weak management warns a WWF briefing paper released ahead of the first meeting of the world’s five tuna management organizations that comprise the main mechanism for regulating fishing on the high seas – areas beyond national laws – where most tuna catches occur.

New Fund Established for Galapagos Visitors to Help Preserve the Galapagos Islands

GALAPAGOS- Beginning January 21, visitors to the Galapagos Islands aboard Ecoventura's yachts can help protect its extraordinary plant, animal, and marine life through voluntary donations to the new Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund established in partnership with World Wildlife Fund. WWF will manage the fund which will support conservation projects related to marine conservation and education, and if needed, to respond to ecological emergencies such as oil spills.

Biggest Bust in a Decade of Tiger, Bear Parts in Russia

WASHINGTON - Russian law enforcement officials today seized three Siberian tiger skins, eight tiger paws and 332 tiger bones as well as 531 saiga horns and 283 Asiatic black bear paws near the Russian border with China, making it the the largest bust of its kind in at least a decade. The seizure took place in a village near Russia's eastern border with China in an area where World Wildlife Fund (WWF) works with government authorities to combat the illegal trade of wildlife products when police stopped a car that had its passenger seats removed and was stuffed full of bags. The driver claimed to be delivering bags of potatoes but upon inspection police discovered the animal parts.

Two Mountain Gorillas Killed, Scientists Fear for Species' Survival

WASHINGTON – Two solitary silverback gorillas have been killed by rebels allied to a local warlord in the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the last ten days. This is the latest in a series of poaching incidents, which also include hippos and buffaloes, over the last few weeks during violent clashes between the DRC army (FARDC) and rebels in the area.

WWF Report: Major Companies Buying Coffee Illegally Grown in Tiger, Rhino and Elephant Habitat

WASHINGTON - Coffee lovers the world over are unknowingly drinking coffee that was illegally grown inside one of the world's most important national parks for tigers, elephants and rhinos, according to an investigative report released today by World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Illegally grown coffee from Indonesia is mixed with legally grown coffee beans and sold to such companies as Kraft Foods and Nestle among other major companies in the U.S. and abroad.

New Studies Find Amazing Concentration of Species Unique to East African Mountains

WASHINGTON- New studies published this month in the scientific journal Biological Conservation document an amazing concentration of over 1000 species unique -- or endemic -- to an area slightly larger than Rhode Island in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and Kenya. This remaining habitat in the Eastern Arcs has the highest concentration of endemic animals in Africa and is increasingly endangered by complex threats.

Three Nations Commit to Conserving the 'Heart of Borneo'

WASHINGTON - WWF today applauded the leaders of the three nations on the island of Borneo - Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Malaysia - for officially endorsing an historic agreement to conserve the "Heart of Borneo," a mountainous region of rainforests about the size of Kansas that is home to pygmy elephants, rhinos and orangutans. The endorsement came in the "Leaders Statement" at the 3rd Summit of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area.

Statement on President Bush's Lifting of Drilling Ban in Alaska's Bristol Bay

WASHINGTON - Bill Eichbaum, managing director and vice-president of the marine portfolio at World Wildlife Fund, issued the following statement following President Bush's lifting of a ban on oil and gas drilling in Bristol Bay which has been protected since 1989 through the Presidential Withdrawal first declared by President George Herbert Bush. The U.S. government has spent $95 million to buy back the oil and gas leases it sold in Bristol Bay prior to the withdrawal.