World Wildlife Fund

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.