Well of course there is some monkey business. This is a rhesus macaque. I took this image a couple of days ago. The adults are being extra vigilant right now as there are many offspring. It's great.
A big thank you for messages, support. There'll be more detailed reports on the area soon. I can assure you now that there are many positive happenings. With sustained effort the future for the wildlife and people of the Bardia/Banke area is bright.
But the effort must be sustained. Strategy must evolve. Conservation in this part of the world is a serious business.
I've had several messages asking my thoughts on the recent 3 million dollar grant given by Leonardo DiCaprio to WWF to aid their Nepal tiger program. Hmmm... ok. I have spoken to friends who spent time with Dicaprio when he was in Bardia, they all said he was a straight up guy, genuine in his desire to be involved in wildlife conservation.
WWF? Well here's where it gets tricky. All I will say is this. WWF is not the only large scale conservation organization to be "clever" with their wording, their marketing of their involvement. As someone who operates at ground level, dealing with the people who are doing the frontline work, I hear many things. I prefer opinion based on research rather than emotive ranting. I am not a supporter of a certain type of "clever" marketing.
I have had some solid relationships with large scale NGO workers over the years. I keep my ears open and try to disseminate signal from noise. I will expand on this subject at the right time.
All I hope is that the community based anti-poaching unit (CBAPU) I meet with this afternoon does actually receive some benefit from this DiCaprio grant because despite claims regarding giving support these guys receive very little or nothing from some large organizations making these claims. I will be honest and tell you this makes me angry. Everyone involved in conservation here knows how valuable these CBAPUs are and the vital role they have played in the now sustainable tiger population in this area. Hemant, who is employed by WildTiger, has helped mobilize hundreds of youth to help protect the park. I am proud of our collaboration but can never rest easy, there is so much to be done.
If you have recently bought a T shirt or a $5 tiger from us, you have helped. Thank you. Hemant now has a new camera after damaging the last one in a rafting accident while on anti-poaching patrol during monsoon. Dangerous work. Your support helps in many ways.
The frontline must be supported. I really bloody hope this 3 million is spent wisely. Administration costs are a fact of life but the way funds are filtered? I'll be watching closely.
Watch this space...
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