EAZA IUCN/SCC Southeast Asia Campaign

Mission: Raise awareness in the European public, European institutions and European business community of the amazing, yet threatened, animal species of Southeast Asia; Create a fund of €750,000 for Southeast Asian species conservation projects; Assist in reducing trade and hunting of Southeast Asian species at risk; and Influence European consumer behaviour, demonstrating how this can positively impact on conservation issues.

Species: Species that weigh at least 1kg and are listed as Endangered or Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List.

Location: Southeast Asia

Support started: October 2011 to September 2013

Amount donated: €2,000

Background:
Southeast Asia is one of the most biodiverse places on our planet, containing species such as the Sumatran tiger, Asian elephant and orang-utan. This campaign however will focus on some of the more lesser known and mysterious species found in this area. Species such as the almost mythical saola, the unicorn of Asia, the proboscis monkey, the Roti Island snake-necked turtle, the spectacular giant fish of the majestic rivers of the region and the magical hornbills and dragons. In addition to this EAZA-IUCN/SSC campaign will focus on the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping.

Large animals in Asia have been identified by IUCN/SCC at particular risk this is through a combination of factors, most prominently illegal trade-driven hunting and habitat loss. Species such as the saola probably number no more than a few hundred animals. Even though most of species at risk are largely unknown, they play an extremely important part in preserving the health of ecosystems. They help ensure the lungs of the world, tropical rainforests, are healthy and functioning. Although protecting forests in these areas is vitally needed and is an important factor in species decline, species themselves must also be protected from unsustainable hunting and capture.

The campaign is raising funds to help protect Southeast Asia’s diverse habitat and species. Funds raised will go towards protecting species like the Saola, Sumatran rhino and Rufous-headed hornbill.

Future objectives:
It will achieve its objectives through raising awareness in Europe of the threats to species in Southeast Asia via; lobbying the EU and other key decision makers on issues impacting the survival of species in Southeast Asia where appropriate; raising funds for conservation action via the European public, corporations and individuals; work in partnership with a range of organisations with compatible aims.

Website: http://www.southeastasiacampaign.org/

Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Southeast-Asia-Campaign/164376613658266