By Eleanor E | Individual Giving Executive
David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) has been at the forefront of Amur tiger conservation since 1994. Our journey took a pivotal turn in 1998 with the founding of the Phoenix Fund by Sergei Bereznuk. This partnership solidified our presence on the ground, enabling nearly three decades of continuous support for the Amur tiger, a species whose population, though fragile and isolated, showed signs of stabilising and slight growth over this period.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 led to significant global repercussions, including severe political and financial sanctions on Russian entities. This created substantial challenges for our conservation efforts in Russia, as the risk of corruption and state interference grew. Nevertheless, DSWF's extensive experience, spanning four decades, along with strong relationships and backup contacts, allowed us to continue channelling funds securely for conservation purposes.
Despite these efforts, we anticipated the unfortunate outcome of state intervention. Regrettably, this has now materialised, forcing the Phoenix Fund to cease operation. However, through foresight and continuous communication with Phoenix, we ensured that our support concluded without compromise.
Ussuri, our Amur tiger ambassador, was a symbol of our dedication to the species. Named after the region where these tigers are found, Ussuri was part of a monitoring programme by Phoenix and played a crucial role in the recovery of her species by giving birth to two cubs in early 2022. We are happy to report that Ussuri and her cubs remain alive and well, despite the challenges faced.
Despite the turbulent political and economic climate, the last five years have seen significant achievements in our conservation efforts for the Amur tiger:
These efforts have been instrumental in maintaining the stability of the endangered Amur tiger population in one of its last strongholds.
We remain deeply concerned about the impact of the current situation on key wildlife populations in the region. DSWF will continue to monitor the situation closely, even without an in-country partner, and hope that a solution can be found before the threat of extinction becomes imminent. Despite these challenges, we are optimistic that the Amur tiger will endure, and we take pride in what we have accomplished with your support.
We are immensely proud of the significant work achieved with Amur Tigers, thanks to your unwavering support. The conservation of endangered tigers remains a priority for DSWF, and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect these majestic animals for generations to come.
DSWF will still be working to protect tigers through supporting our frontline tiger conservation initiatives in India and Thailand, areas that are home to some of the last populations of critically endangered tiger sub-species – including the Indochinese tiger in Thailand. We are still providing funding for undercover investigations and exposés into the illegal wildlife trade, and supporting law enforcement, habitat protection, and education and community engagement programmes.
In Assam, India, our partners’ Rhino and Tiger Go To School Programme recently organised a two-day Conservation and Education Consultation. This event aimed to develop a strategic approach to conservation education, engaging a broad spectrum of participants—from children to the elderly—in discussions on sustainable resource management, biodiversity conservation, and the preservation of traditional knowledge and cultural values. The consultation was a platform for sharing insights on model-village development, heritage education, and the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer in sustaining conservation efforts.
Our partner’s commitment to integrating traditional practices with modern conservation strategies is exemplified by their initiatives in promoting alternative and sustainable livelihoods. These efforts, supported by DSWF, aim to ensure that local communities can thrive economically while contributing to the conservation of tigers and their habitats.
Furthering these educational efforts, our partners also held a 20-day summer nature camp in collaboration with DSWF and the Orang National Park & Tiger Reserve Authority. The camp, attended by 50 students, combined academic instruction with environmental awareness training, aiming to instil a deep understanding of conservation among the next generation. Experts in wildlife and conservation led sessions that highlighted the importance of protecting natural resources and wildlife.
As always, thank you for your generous support in providing a more sustainable future for tigers, and the communities that live alongside them.
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