WLT's first land purchase in Africa

The Endangered Sharpe's Longclaw now protected by WLT's first funded land purchase in Africa. Photo © C. Moores

World Land Trust (WLT) reached a milestone this month. African project partner, Nature Kenya has now completed the purchase of 51 acres of threatened grassland in the Kinangop grasslands. This is the first reserve funded by WLT in Africa.

The reserve is situated in an Important Bird Area and is crucial for the survival of the Endangered Sharpe's Longclaw, a species endemic to Kenya.

The purchase is positive news for the Sharpe's Longclaw and the other wildlife that depend on these grasslands. Although little publicity is given to the destruction of grasslands, like rainforests they are critically threatened by agriculture and other detrimental developments.

Find out more about this milestone purchase »

Natural History Museum Expedition into the Paraguayan Dry Chaco

As part of the International Year of Biodiversity, the Natural History Museum London (NHM) is organising an expedition into the Paraguayan Dry Chaco. The results could be groundbreaking as little exploration has ever taken place in this region.

Scientists on the expedition will focus on the biodiversity of this unique and threatened habitat, and their study sites will include Chovoreca National Park, an area supported by WLT's Defending the Chaco Appeal.

Read more about the NHM Dry Chaco Expedition »

NGOs inspire Government to protect wildlife corridors in India

As a result of international concern for the survival of Asian Elephants, the Karnataka forest department in India has taken the unprecedented decision to purchase a significant sector of land to ensure safe movement and secure wildlife corridors for elephants.

Previously land has only been handed to the forest department for protection after the purchase had been funded by NGOs such as WLT's partner WTI. The decision of the Indian government to purchase land directly is a huge step forward in Asian Elephant conservation and a testament to the influence of NGOs.

Read more about this positive step for Asian Elephant conservation »

News in Brief

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You can still save One Acre of threatened habitat for just £50

Earlier this year we drew attention to the rising costs of saving an acre. At present, we have funds in hand to make up the difference on ‘Buy an Acre’ donations but from 1 January we must increase the One Acre price to £100. As supporters know, WLT is buying Real Acres in Real Places and must be transparent with supporters on the true cost of land.

So please save as much as you can while we can hold the price.

Find out more about how WLT can hold the acre cost at £50 until next year »

Research, Conservation and Artwork: WLT celebrates Camera Traps

As part of WLT's 21st Anniversary celebrations we collaborated with BBC Wildlife Magazine on a Camera Trap Photo Competition. The results will be published in the December issue of BBC Wildlife Magazine, on sale 19 November.

WLT regularly receives stunning camera trap images from project partners and we have put together a collection of our own images on Flickr. Roberto Pedraza, from GESG, WLT's Mexican partner is particularly active with camera traps and very keen for them to be used as a tool for conservation.

Find out more about how our partners use camera traps »

Upcoming Events

Run for a Ranger 10 October
This coming Sunday, WLT staff and supporters will be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise funds for WLT’s ‘Keepers of the Wild’ programme. The event aims to raise funds for a Reserve Ranger’s salary in Brazil for one year. Sponsor the team to complete the 13.1 miles or come and cheer them along on the day.

Celebrity Lecture 13 October
As part of this year’s Halesworth Art Festival, well known conservationist and presenter Mark Carwardine will be talking about his experiences while making the popular TV series ‘Last Chance to See’ with Stephen Fry. Mark is a WLT council member and has been a supporter for many years. A few tickets are still available, and funds raised will be used for WLT's urgent land purchase and protection projects.

Find out more about both events on the WLT event pages »

Other news and updates

Become a WLT partner to donate the most efficient way

Life and Death in the Chaco

WLT eBay book sale Bonanza

New WLT News out now

Habitat disturbance affects fruit-feeding butterflies in San Rafael, Paraguay.

Successful conservation of Yellow-shouldered Parrots, Venezuela

National Lift Share week