Press Releases and Updates

Rhinos in the Eastern Himalayas Start 2012 with a Glimmer of Hope

Greater one-horned rhinos start 2012 on a positive note.

Setting a Global Example in the Eastern Himalayas

WWF helps nations of the Eastern Himalayas lay foundation for regional response to climate change.

Eastern Himalayan Nations Reach Base Camp on Regional Climate Deal

The nations of Bhutan, Nepal, India and Bangladesh have signed a regional climate change adaptation declaration that will allow collaboration on energy, water, food and biodiversity issues.

Protecting the Forests of Nepal

A new program called Hariyo Ban aims to help the country in its struggle against climate change and threats to biodiversity

Managing Melting Glaciers

WWF works to fight back against glacial lakes that threaten to wash away livestock and crush bridges and houses. Read more

Becoming “Water Smart”

WWF empowers communities in Nepal to adapt to climate change impacts, such as water shortages. Read more

2011 National Conservation Day: Celebrating Forests for People

Today honors the legacy of WWF employees and leaders who lost their lives in a tragic helicopter accident in 2006.

WWF Helps Plant a Forest in Birthplace of Buddha

Volunteers planted trees in Lumbini, Nepal, on September 11, 2011

Positive Results for Tigers on Global Tiger Day

A time to celebrate conservation successes and raise awareness about the many threats tigers still face.

Collective conservation efforts boost Nepal’s rhino population

A recent rhino census in Nepal revealed an increase in the population of greater one-horned rhinos.

Green Hiker - Green Planet

In honor of Earth Day 2011, a team of 20 trekkers participated in the Green Hiker-Green Planet trek through the Langtang area in Nepal’s Sacred Himalayan Landscape.

Counting rhinos in the shadow of the Himalayas

Nepal began a national census to determine the status and distribution of the greater one-horned rhinoceros.

WWF and TRAFFIC: Task force launched to crack down on illegal wildlife trade in South Asia

A new wildlife taskforce — the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) — will significantly boost efforts to crack down on wildlife crime in the region, according to World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The coordinated body was created during a meeting between the eight South Asian countries last week in Bhutan to protect species across the region from poaching and illegal trade.

Wildlife enforcement in South Asia gets a boost

A new chapter in South Asian regional cooperation for strengthening wildlife law enforcement began with the formal launch of the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network, which was announced at an inter-governmental meeting in Bhutan in January 2011.

Translocating Nepal’s first wild tiger

Namobuddha became Nepal’s first wild tiger to be fitted with a GPS-enabled satellite collar and translocated from Chitwan National Park to Bardia National Park in Nepal on January 22. WWF supported the translocation with technical expertise and financial aid, working closely with the Government of Nepal and the National Trust for Nature Conservation. The satellite collar will help scientists gain a better understanding of tiger ecology and improve conservation efforts like anti-poaching operations.

On the Move

The female rhino and her calf were greeted with cheers and applause from the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV 2020) team of conservationists, local representatives, veterinarians and forest department officials as the two made an impatient entry into their new home at Manas National Park in India’s northeastern state of Assam on December 29.

Stamp of Approval

Stamps emblazoned with tiger images and “Save the Tiger” messages are used in the Eastern Himalayas to help raise awareness about the need to double tiger numbers by 2022, the next Year of the Tiger. The stamps, created under the leadership of WWF and other entities, also help show the commitment of Nepal, Bhutan and India to protecting wild tigers.

China, Nepal reach historic biodiversity agreement

WWF welcomes the historic pledge by China and Nepal to work together to better protect nature in their countries.

"Mid-air ballet" takes top prize

What does WWF wildlife biologist Christy Williams do when he’s not monitoring wildlife or leading WWF’s Asian Rhino and Elephant conservation program? He watches wildlife of course, and, fortunately for the rest of us, he also photographs what he sees.

This combination of passion and profession recently produced a series of stunning photographs which resulted in Christy being named Sanctuary magazine’s RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) 2009 Wildlife Photographer of the Year. 

Sacred Himalayan sites bring together religious leaders, conservationists

A first-time workshop in Bhutan today is bringing together religious leaders, government officials and conservationists to discuss how to better protect sacred natural sites in the region.

WWF sponsored documentary “The Cost of Climate Change” wins award at the National Annual Journalism Award

A WWF sponsored documentary film titled “The Cost of Climate Change” won the best award in the environment category during the country’s 2nd National Annual Journalism Award. Six print and four broadcast journalists were awarded cash prizes and certificates at the award ceremony. The award ceremony was organised to coincide with world press freedom day on May 3.

Year of the Tiger Begins with Big Cats in Serious Trouble Around the World, Including Here in the U.S.

As many Asian countries prepare to celebrate Year of the Tiger beginning February 14, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reports that tigers are in crisis around the world, including here in the United States, where more tigers are kept in captivity than are alive in the wild throughout Asia. As few as 3,200 tigers exist in the wild in Asia where they are threatened by poaching, habitat loss, illegal trafficking and the conversion of forests for infrastructure and plantations.

The Cost of Climate Change

Recently WWF and partners undertook a risky operation to drain Thorthormi Glacial Lake in Bhutan. Thorthormi lake is perched at 14,527 feet above sea level in the remote Lunana area of northern Bhutan. Because of climate change, melt water has swollen this glacial lake. Rated as one of Bhutan’s likeliest future catastrophes, an outburst flood through Thorthormi’s unstable walls would release up to 14 million gallons of water and debris into the upper catchment of the Po Chu river and surrounding communities.

Nepal expands critical tiger habitat

Kathmandu, Nepal- The Government of Nepal announced today an expansion of Bardia National Park in the Terai Arc Landscape by 900 sq km, which will increase critical habitat for tigers.

Asia's Biggest 'tiger' Unveils Promise For Wild Tigers

China received praise here today from the International Tiger Coalition (ITC) for promising to work with its neighbors to end tiger trade and bring back wild tigers.

A Time for Tigers

Tiger experts, government officials, scientists and conservationists are gathering in Kathmandu, Nepal this week to start a new global dialogue on how to save wild tigers as the world prepares to celebrate the Year of the Tiger in 2010. The Kathmandu Global Tiger Workshop is the first in a series of high profile political negotiations culminating in a Tiger Summit in 2010.

2009 Conservation Achievements So Far

WWF has enjoyed many significant conservation achievements across the past year. Below are a few success stories highlighting exciting results, but also emphasizing our continuous commitment to confront the ongoing challenges faced by our planet. 

Where Worlds Collide

A new WWF report reveals more than 350 new species – such as the world’s smallest deer, a “flying frog” and a 100 million-year old gecko – that have been discovered in the Eastern Himalayas, a biological treasure trove now threatened by climate change.

Hundreds of New Species Discovered in Fragile Eastern Himalayas

Over 350 new species including the world’s second smallest deer, a “flying frog” and a 100 million-year old gecko have been discovered in the Eastern Himalayas, a biological treasure trove now threatened by climate change.

An estimated 300 – 400 snow leopards found in Nepal

The preliminary population estimate of snow leopards in the Nepal Himalayas conducted by WWF in collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) has shown the presence of about 300-400 animals. The figures were recently released by the Government of Nepal. The study was undertaken with funding from WWF-US, WWF-UK and WWF-Finland.

Nepal's Tiger Numbers Remain Constant Census Reveals

WWF stressed the need to renew tiger conservation efforts in response to the government of Nepal’s announcement of an estimated 121 breeding tigers in four protected areas in the Terai Arc Landscape of Nepal.

Nepal's Tiger Numbers Remain Constant Despite Political Upheaval And Poaching, Census Reveals

World Wildlife Fund stressed the need to renew tiger conservation efforts in response to the government of Nepal’s announcement of an estimated 121 breeding tigers in four protected areas in the Terai Arc Landscape of Nepal.

Eye witness - Tracking the elusive Snow Leopard in India’s Kargil

I was on the frontier of India’s remotest wildness, where few humans have treaded before and fewer to study wildlife. Kargil, among largest districts of India, is best known in recent history for the major military conflict that occurred here in 1999. This unfortunately overshadowed the region’s rich wildlife. For, it is here that one of world’s most elusive creatures- the Snow Leopard, roams wild and free. To highlight this wildlife, I chose the district with Drass sector as the site of my project, despite the fact that I had to scour through 12,000 sq km of cold desert, which is frozen for much of the year. During my interaction with locals, I learnt about the tremendous decline in their (locals’) wildlife sightings, post-1999. They claimed even the common local resident birds had disappeared. Fortunately the situation was improving these days, they added.

Himalayan Youth Run to Combat Climate Change

To call attention to the imminent dangers of the Imja Lake Outburst to their way of life, the Sherpa communities in Nepal’s Khumbu region organized a “Beat the GLOF” action run. The dramatic increase in the size of the Himalayan Mountains’ glacial lakes is a direct consequence of climate change, which is melting Himalayan glaciers into lakes at an unprecedented pace. This has created the threat of potentially deadly GLOFs – Glacial Lake Outburst Floods – to the people living in the Himalayas.

Climate for Life: A call from the Himalayas

In the campaign’s dramatic opening event, veteran Everest summiteer Apa Sherpa carried a climate change banner to the summit of the world’s highest mountain. After a grueling 6 weeks, Apa completed his 19th ascent to the top of the world on May 21, 2009, where he placed the message “Stop climate change – let the Himalayas live.”

Utah Resident Takes Climate Change Message to the Top of the World During Record 19th Everest Ascent

Utah Resident Apa Sherpa unveiled a banner on the summit of Mount Everest today telling the world to take urgent action on climate change and save his native Himalayas. The banner containing the WWF message – "Stop Climate Change, Let the Himalayas Live!" was unveiled as he summited Everest for a record 19^th time.

Climber Takes Climate Change Message to the Top of the World

A sherpa set off to climb Mount Everest for a record 19th time to take an anti-climate change message to the world’s highest peak.

Success in Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon

In December 2008 the government of Bhutan declared Wangchuck Centennial Park, the country’s tenth and second-largest park. Bhutan is the only place on Earth where the habitat of the snow leopard and mighty tiger intersect.

WWF Takes Aggressive Action to Save Nepal’s Tigers

Nepal’s Suklaphanta (Sook-lah-fahn-tah) Wildlife Reserve was once considered prime tiger habitat because of abundant prey and the relative scarcity of competing predators. A sustainable population in this protected area is crucial for maintaining the genetic diversity of tigers in the region. Because of concerns that Suklaphanta’s tiger population was shrinking due to illegal poaching, WWF and partners began conducting more frequent and comprehensive surveys of the tigers.

Tigers Disappear From Himalayan Refuge

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is alarmed by the dramatic decline of at least 30 percent in the Bengal tiger population of Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve in Nepal, once a refuge that boasted among the highest densities of the endangered species in the Eastern Himalayas. The recent survey of April 2008 showed a population of between 6-14 tigers, down from 20-50 tigers in 2005.

World Wildlife Fund Mourns the Loss of Sir Edmund Hillary

World Wildlife Fund mourns the loss of global explorer Sir Edmund Hillary, who conquered Mt. Everest but never forgot the people of the Himalayas who made his accomplishment possible.

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.

Remembering Conservation Heroes

September 23, 2007, marked the year anniversary of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of 24 WWF friends and colleagues. On that day, WWF celebrated their achievements and highlighted the successes of Nepalese conservationists at the local and national levels. In Nepal WWF-US President Carter Roberts was joined by Jim Leape, director general of WWF International, officials from the government of Nepal, and the families and friends of those lost. Among other events, a ceremony was held at the base of Kangchenjunga Mountain - the site of the crash - and WWF is urging the government of Nepal to declare September 23 "National Conservation Day."

Guided by leadership, teamwork and vision, WWF Nepal forges ahead

The 2007 Rhino Census indicates a sharp decline in rhino population

Only 31 rhinoceros were counted during a 10-day survey, from May 17-27, 2007 conducted in Bardia National Park, according to the national authority, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in Nepal. The previous rhino census, carried out in 2000 in this park found a total of 67 rhinos - 37 in the Geruwa River floodplain, and 30 in the Babai River floodplain.

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.

Statement on the news that helicopter carrying WWF staff found with no survivors

Washington - The following statement is attributable to Carter S. Roberts, president and CEO of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in response to the news today that a helicopter carrying several WWF staff members and high level government representatives was reported found in Nepal with no apparent survivors.

Statement on the news of WWF staff, others missing in Nepal

"WWF was notified this morning that a helicopter traveling in Nepal with seven WWF staff on board has failed to arrive at its destination. The Shree Air helicopter had 20 passengers and four crew and was transporting passengers back from a conservation site at Ghunsa, in the far-east mountains of Nepal. In addition to the WWF staff members, passengers included government officials from Nepal and Finland along with representatives of organizations including USAID."

World's Third Highest Mountain Turned Over to Local Communities

Washington - Nepal's Government today turned over conservation of the wildlife and habitats surrounding Kanchenjunga -- the world's third highest mountain -- to a coalition of local communities. World Wildlife Fund was instrumental in the decision and will work on its implementation for the next five years.

Alarming Decline in Nepal's Rhinos and Tigers

Washington - Results released today by World Wildlife Fund of the first assessment done in two years in one of Nepal's premier national parks reveal an alarming decline in tiger and rhino populations, indicating widespread poaching. The area only became accessible for visits since the ceasefire between the Maoist insurgents and government troops a month ago.