SOS - Help save species & sustain livelihoods!

Half-way through 2013, SOS grantee Northern Rangelands Trust reported that not only had the Hirola sanctuary been successfully created near to Ishaqbini, but that several of the female adults were pregnant!

Considering there are only about 200 remaining Hirola in the wild and that they rarely breed successfully this news was extremely exciting although tinged with suspense. Would the babies survive? Some weeks passed before David Silakan could confidently and happily update the outside world that the sanctuary guards had identified eight new born Hirola in total and that all were doing well.

While monitoring for their general wellbeing and development, one of next challenges was to capture images of these typically shy and wary animals to share the good news with the wider world. While the guards are expert in their roles of monitoring and patrolling the sanctuary, the art of photography is something they are still developing. Consequently the images we can show are the best under the circumstances.  In any case, SOS is delighted to share some of these images of one of these precious baby Hirola - a new hope for the species, the last of its kind on the African continent.

Commenting on the project’s success to date, Mrs Khadija Mohamed, one of the board members democratically elected by the Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy is all praise as she notes “The Hirola numbers are increasing with the completion of predator proof sanctuary”. It’s our happiness to see our Hirolas and other wildlife increasing in numbers. Families whose members are employed by the conservancy have shown marked improvement in their lives such as better nutrition, education, clothing and healthcare. All in all this has been a fruitful activity.

For David Silakan,  project manager with NRT, reflecting on the project, he observed, “The Hirola is the most adorable animal with unique characteristics depicted as four-eyed antelope. The project has given NRT and Ishaqbini conservancy credibility and recognition on the global map amongst conservationists on the protection and conservation of the Hirola. The community values the species as a sacred symbol for the people and has become an umbrella species for the wildlife conservation in the region. Through the project stakeholder relationships have been mended and improved.

Thanks to all for supporting SOS and its efforts to save species. As one of the world's only dedicated species conservation funds that can operate on a global scale, we are passionate about saving nature and benefiting communities by putting species first. Your support for SOS is greatly appreciated. Together we can transform the long-term survival prospects for many of the world's most threatened species. 

Nature is in danger! 

Will You Answer the Call?

The SOS Team

Links:

• Link to SOS Hirola Project Page