Project Awareness - Iconic African Species hold key to healthy ecosystems

As you know, at Planet Decent, we are keen to focus on Indicator Species in existing biodiversity hotspots. 

This is efficient and where effective, will be beneficial. Animal Conservation is about Conserving, while reintroduction of species is possible, the aim to to avoid further depletion of biodiversity in existing wildlife strongholds. 

The sad truth that in 2018; "stronghold" just isnt as strong a term as it used to be. 

In 2012, Dr Matthew travelled to Kenya to volunteer in a conservancy that is part of The Greater Mara. He worked alongside passionate team members under what has newly been termed the Mara Predator Project overseen by Kenya Wildlife Trust. 

Apex predators are indicator species, if the ecosystem, including how humans fit into them, are not healthy, they disappear and the ecosystem fails. 

We would like to share this project, run out the Tony Lapham Predator Hub, in Olare Motoragi Conservancy, as we know they are conducting and utilizing research to ensure large roaming species like the African Lion, and hopefully, funds permitting, African Wild Dog, in areas, where human-wildlife conflict are commonplace. 

The work is spread across 3 areas within Kenya; The Greater Mara, Amboseli/Tsavo and Laikipia/Samburu. We dream that one day these three areas could be connected by wildlife corridors where animals could be allowed to past with respect from locals and visitors alike. (and as such connecting with the largest savannah ecosystem the Masai Mara-Serengiti-Ngorogoro Conservation Area). This is a VERY BIG DREAM, but for the meantime, we must support projects focusing on conserving biodiversity by empowering. 

Please click through to learn more and perhaps donate to help them extend their wildlife program to include African Wild Dog and Leopard, as well as the ongoing work with Lion and Cheetah. I strongly recommend following their socials and add a high-quality, well-reseached volunteering holiday to Kenya to your bucket list. We hope to work with Kenya Wildlife Trust formally in the future, but for now enjoy learning and being inspired. 

Photos below are courtesy of Dr Matthew; 

Learn More About Our Animal Ambassador Species

The Endangered Clouded Leopard

We have focused our awareness raising on 4 key species across 4 at risk eco-systems.

We have chosen these four species because together they tell a story about habitat destruction, environmental management, unethical consumer demand, the illegal wildlife trade, but most importantly how different strategies can be used to improve the health of their eco-systems.

The four species that we will use as ambassadors and indicators for success in biodiversity & empowerment programs are the Clouded Leopard, the Gouldian Finch, the Oranguatan and the African Wild Dog. 

The following videos are a good starting point for some insight into the species and projects that we aim to investigate, and if proven to be of high impact, ultimately support and empower to grow. 

We will be busily working on reviewing some of the worlds most progressive animal conservation projects over the next months so we can share them with the world, hopefully, inspiring and facilitating more successful projects. 

Leave comments below of any projects you know to be successful for us to investigate. 

Happy Australian National Bird Week

A beautiful Gouldian Finch 

A large part of our team are based down under as such Australian Birdlife is close to our hearts, particularly those who grew up in the Aussie Bush (Belle, Belle, Ash, Matt)

While Planet Decent has a focus on Africa and Indoburma Eco-systems, Australia forms a part of where our energy and concentration goes. That is because, Australia, being a developed country is not immune from extinction and serious threats to biodiversity.

We do need to learn from Australia's development and ensure that we do not make similar mistakes in the wider global eco-system. We are huge advocates for sustainable development and eco-innovation. 

Pictured is one of our indicator species; the Gouldian Finch, it exists in the north of Australia and under threat. It, alongside the Clouded Leopard, Orangutan and African Wild Dog form our key indicator species. We know that if we raise the profile for the care of these species, that we are inadvertently supporting the health of their unique eco-systems (across large ranges), focusing on illegal wildlife trade smuggling and organised crime routes, as well as supporting sustainable development in the areas they live, particularly via eco-tourism (think African Safari, Daintree Retreat, in the case of the Gouldian, Myanmar travel to get a rare glimpse of a clouded leopard, or by helping set up a camera trap, or in the case of the Orangutan, visiting Malaysia (Borneo) or Indonesia) 

We also love Australian National Bird Week because it is a great example of citizen science in action; check out the concept here, and consider getting involved in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count yourself here. 

Happy birdwatching and would love to see your comments below of the birds that are local to where you live. I was fortunate enough to glimpse the Channel Billed Cuckoo in Sydney on it's annual migration from Indonesia last weekend! 

Thanks for your time and support,

Dr Matt 

Welcome to Planet Decent

It is with great excitement that we have the platform organised and ready for people to gain an understanding of what Planet Decent will advocate.

We are excited to work to conserve incredible species like the African Lion alongside incredible communities like the Maasai of Talek featured on the photo banner below

Follow on our socials to stay up date on our journey and reach out if you would like to be involved. Planet Decent is a global community of nature lovers.