From palm oil plantations in Borneo to expanding pasturelands in the Amazon, threats to our planet’s tropical ecosystems are continually growing. But with your support, we are taking important steps to protect the world’s biodiversity.

In 2014, we helped protect more than 48,000 acres of vulnerable rainforest, saving critically endangered species. We also expanded the scope of our work, initiating projects in Borneo, Indonesia, Madagascar, and Central Africa. These projects will protect a total of 923,683 acres in coming months.

To protect Jaguars, one of the Latin America’s most iconic species, we’ve launched the Million Acre Jaguar Initiative, which will preserve one million acres of critical habitat by September 2015.

We’ve introduced a new Sustainability Fund that will ensure our reserves and the guards they employ have the necessary resources to meet long-term challenges.

And at the recent World Parks Congress in Australia, we launched our Rainforest Ark Initiative, which will generate new partnerships and save millions of acres in the next five years.

With deep appreciation for your generosity,

RAINFOREST BULLETINA Global Alliance Saving Rainforests

FROM OUR CEO

1.800.456.4930 | info@RainforestTrust.org www.RainforestTrust.org

WINTER 2014

RAINFOREST TRUST MISSION: to purchase threatened rainforests and protect endangered wildlife through community engagement and local partnerships.

New Protection for Rare Wildlife

Atlantic Rainforest Protection

Rainforest Trust Projects

Photo Highlight

Species Spotlight

Sustainability Fund Created

In the Field: Dr. Isabelle Lackman

IN THIS ISSUE

Thanks to the active participation and generosity of its supporters, Rainforest Trust saved 48,028 acres of critical habitat in a series of landmark victories for wildlife in 2014.

In Colombia, Rainforest Trust teamed up with conservation partner ProAves to create a new 1,850-acre reserve in the remote Serranía de Perijá mountain range that offers protection for endemic bird species like the Perijá Thistletail, Perijá Metaltail and Perijá Brush-finch in one of Colombia’s most threatened ecosystems.

This conservation victory not only conserves habitat for endangered species but also saves the last remnants of a vanishing cloud forest that shelters newly discovered plant species. In addition, it safeguards a critical source of drinking water for nearby communities.

Guatamala’s Sierra Caral Amphibian Reserve, established with Rainforest Trust’s support in 2012, grew by 41,000 acres this year and was designated a national park by the Guatemalan National Congress. This lasting achievement occurred, in large part, as a result of the efforts

Atlantic Rainforest Protection ExpandsRainforest Trust supported its Brazilian conservation partner Instituto Uiraçu in the purchase of six properties that have expanded the Serra Bonita Reserve by 986 acres. These new properties, in the heart of the Atlantic Rainforest, enlarge the reserve to more than 6,700 acres.

Located in the Brazilian state of Bahia, the reserve protects one of the last intact remnants of the highly threatened Atlantic Rainforest.

“At Serra Bonita we’ve counted 350 species of birds, 120 species of orchids, and over 70 species of frogs, some of them new to science,” said Dr. Vitor Becker, Director of Research at Instituto Uiraçu.

Much of the forest within the Serra Bonita Reserve is pristine, and its protection has allowed local wildlife to rebound. Pumas, among other

2014 Victories Provide New Protection for Rare Wildlife

1

1

2

2

3

3

3

© MICHAEL MALHERBE

Dr. Paul Salaman CEO, Rainforest Trust

species, have returned to the area, with frequent sightings reported in recent years.

These purchases were made possible by the generous support of Luanne Lemmer and Eric Veach, The Orchid Conservation Alliance, Edith McBean, Leslie Santos and Brett Byers, and GreaterGood.org and The Rainforest Site.

Continued on page 2

Black-tufted Marmoset ©Luis Marigo

2014 Victories (continued from page 1)of Rainforest Trust’s Guatemalan partner FUNDAECO. The new designation offers increased protection for a dozen globally threatened amphibians in one of Guatemala’s most biodiverse landscapes.

Colombia’s Chocó Rainforest, legendary for its biological richness, received increased protection when Rainforest Trust supported ProAves in the purchase of 1,772 acres to expand the Las Tangaras Reserve. Located near Colombia’s Pacific coast, the reserve is a stronghold for rare bird species like the Gold-ringed Tanager, Black-and-gold Tanager,

and the Chocó Vireo. This major expansion provides new hope for many species found in the Chocó Rainforest, including the threatened Spectacled Bear.

The Chocó Rainforest received further protection when Rainforest Trust collaborated with Ecuadorian partner Jocotoco to enlarge the Rio Canandé Reserve by 1,222 acres. Like the Las Tangaras Reserve, Rio Canandé hosts an incredible diversity of animal species. Among the most threatened wildlife within its borders are Great Green Macaws and Brown-headed Spider Monkeys.

In Borneo, Rainforest Trust worked with conservation partner HUTAN to purchase 20 properties that will serve as a critical wildlife corridor connecting protected areas. These purchases will provide safe passage for Orangutans and Pygmy Elephants along the Kinabatangan River.

Finally, Rainforest Trust supported Brazilian partner REGUA in the purchase of 449 acres to continue expansion of its Atlantic Rainforest reserve. The purchase will help conserve one of South America’s most threatened forests and will provide refuge for Woolly Spider Monkeys and Red-billed Curassows.

Rainforest Trust Projects around the WorldRAINFOREST BULLETIN2

Protection for Mesoamerican Wildlife: GuatemalaAlthough comprising only a fraction of Guatemala’s total land surface, the biodiverse mountains surrounding its Caribbean coast contain nearly half the country’s total species. As threats from ranching and oil palm plantations expand in the region, however, one of its last unprotected forests faces imminent threats.

Collaborating with Guatemalan partner FUNDAECO, Rainforest Trust is working to create a 142,646-acre reserve that will protect the Sierra Santa Cruz mountain range and conserve one of the country’s most endangered rainforests. The reserve will provide core habitat for Jaguars, Baird’s Tapir and other endangered species quickly running out of time and space. Rainforest Trust seeks $233,150 to complete project funding.

PHOTO HIGHLIGHT

Rainforest Trust Board Member Jeff Zack photographed this Giant Otter during a recent trip to the site of Rainforest Trust’s conservation project in Brazil’s Pantanal.

“The Giant Otter is known as the noisiest animal in the mustelid family. Sounds from Otters were not limited to their vocalizations -- the early morning stillness was also broken by rapid crunching noises as a group of these carnivores enjoyed a breakfast of fresh fish,” said Zack

WINTER 2014

A Critical Reserve for Isolated Jaguars: ColombiaThe rainforests of Central Colombia are home to a remarkable assortment of Amazonian wildlife. Its waterways provide habitat for Amazon River Dolphins and Giant Otters, while Giant Anteaters, South American Tapirs, Jaguars, and many other rare species, thrive in its forests.

Despite their impressive biodiversity, the region’s forests are being rapidly destroyed to make space for expanding oil palm plantations. To confront these challenges, Rainforest Trust is working with Colombian partner ProAves to create a new reserve by purchasing 4,164 acres. Once established, the reserve will provide a refuge for Central Colombia’s highly threatened Jaguars. All gifts up to $50,000 will be matched. Rainforest Trust seeks $158,310 to complete project funding.

New Hope for Threatened Species: MadagascarWith 91% of Madagascar’s Lemur species threatened by extinction, they are considered the world’s most endangered mammal group. The largest of these, the critically endangered Indri Lemur, clings to survival in eastern Madagascar’s remaining rainforests. Habitat for the Indri and the Golden Mantella Frog, one of Madagascar’s rarest amphibians, is under threat from logging and mining. To protect these and other imperiled species, Rainforest Trust is collaborating with Malagasy partner Madagasikara Voakajy to create a network of six protected areas totaling 74,816 acres. These areas will protect 60% of remaining Golden Mantella populations and offer a stronghold for the Indri. Rainforest Trust seeks $359,674 to complete project funding.

Gold-ringed Tanager © Francesco Veronesi

© Jeff Zack

Ocelot ©Shutterstock Jaguar ©Shutterstock Indri ©David Cook

Giant Otter

Sumatran Rhino: Dicerorhinus sumatrensisSTATUS: Critically endangered; fewer than 250 mature individuals remain.

HABITAT: Tropical rainforests in Sumatra and Borneo.DIET: A varied assortment of plants, including vines, leaves, shrubs and fruit.THREATS: Extensive habitat destruction and poaching.CURRENT PROTECTION: The Sumatran Rhino is included in the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Appendix I and is legally protected on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.

HISTORY: Sumatran Rhinos once ranged as far as Bhutan, eastern India, and Myanmar. They are often killed for their horns, which are believed to cure cancer in Vietnam and other Asian countries. Rainforest Trust has launched a new project (see page 4) in Borneo to protect these Rhinos.

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Isabelle Lackman

Dr. Isabelle Lackman is Co-founder and Director of Rainforest Trust’s Bornean partner HUTAN. She is leading efforts to establish a new protected area, the Keruak Wildlife Corridor, for Orangutans and Pygmy Elephants in Malaysian Borneo.

Q: Why is protecting rainforests in Sabah so important? The forests of this area are home to a truly remarkable diversity of wildlife with new species still being found. In fact, a recent amphibian survey in the Keruak Corridor resulted in the discovery of three undescribed species of frogs. Q: What are the greatest challenges to Orangutan in the area? Habitat fragmentation has become the biggest threat to Orangutans survival in the Kinabatangan floodplain. For this reason, it’s crucial to acquire strategic properties and ensure safe passageways for them. Q: Have local communities and governmental agencies been supportive of your work? Yes, we have strong support from crucial Sabah State government agencies. We have also made important steps in gaining the trust and support of the local community who are more aware of how conservation directly benefits their livelihoods and quality of life. Q: Who is responsible for protecting the new wildlife corridor? We hope to designate the Keruak Wildlife Corridor as an extension of the existing Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary since this will ensure full protection in perpetuity. In the interim, the corridor is being closely monitored by HUTAN staff.Q: Are you hopeful about the future of Orangutans? Many Orangutan populations could become extinct in the not too far future if things don’t improve. There are, however, excellent efforts underway to address the issue. But these efforts need to be supported by all sectors of society.

Sustainability Fund Created to Support Forest Guards and Protect Reserves Effectively safeguarding the nearly eight million acres in reserves that Rainforest Trust has helped create is a critical, ongoing responsibility.

Rainforest Trust’s conservation partners employ forest guards to ensure that protected areas remain free of hunting, logging and other illegal activities. The Sustainability Fund was created to support their activities and ensure the long-term protection of Rainforest Trust reserves.

This endowment will help pay for forest guards’ salaries, training, equipment, and housing. This assistance will ensure that forest guards continue their instrumental role in patrolling reserve borders, coordinating restoration efforts, and protecting endangered species.

Rainforest Trust donor, Craig Damuth, has generously pledged a 3:1 match up to $500,000 for all donations to this fund received by December 31st.

To learn more visit www.RainforestTrust.org/Sustainability-Fund

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

New Rainforest Ark Initiative Will Widen Partnership NetworkTo further expand its successful model of establishing protected areas, Rainforest Trust launched the Rainforest Ark Initiative in November at the World Parks Congress in Sydney, Australia.

The initiative will significantly enlarge Rainforest Trust’s partnership network with the objective of protecting an additional 12 million acres of rainforest habitat in the next five years. Rainforest Trust’s goal is to have preserved a total of 20 million acres by 2020.

“In the last 40 years the world has lost half its wildlife,” said Christine Hodgdon, Rainforest Trust’s International Conservation Manager. “The Rainforest Ark initiative will foster collaboration with conservation organizations in developing nations to protect remaining species. Our goal is to successfully establish protected areas in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.”

WINTER 2014RAINFOREST BULLETIN 3

To learn more about the Rainforest Ark Initiative visit www.RainforestTrust.org/Ark

White-eyed Parakeet ©Jeff Zack

Recording animal activity ©ProAves

©Willem Strein

©Rainforest TrustDr. Lackman

Rhino

25 Horner StreetWarrenton, VA 20186

www.RainforestTrust.org

New Project to Save Bornean WildlifeAs rainforests in Borneo continue to be destroyed, Sumatran Rhinos, Pygmy Elephants, and Bornean Orangutans struggle for survival within the island’s remaining forests. Rainforest Trust is working with local partners, Yayasan Sabah Foundation and the Royal Society South‐East Asia Rainforest Research Program, in the Malaysian state of Sabah to create a 282,000-acre reserve offering protection to these and other threatened species.

By converting a vulnerable logging concession into a new protected area, Rainforest Trust will help annul logging plans, expand one of the Borneo’s largest wildlife corridors, and provide much needed protection for the island’s most endangered species.

Find the Electronic Version of the

Winter Rainforest Bulletin Online

www.issuu.com/RainforestTrust

Rainforest Trust Endorses New York Declaration on Forests

LIKE ON FACEBOOKfacebook.com/RainforestTrust

REPIN ON PINTERESTpinterest.com/RainforestTrust

WATCH ON YOUTUBEyoutube.com/RainforestTrust

FOLLOW ON TWITTERtwitter.com/RainforestTrust

VIEW ON INSTAGRAMflickr.com/RainforestTrust

RAINFOREST BULLETIN4 WINTER 2014

In November, Rainforest Trust joined the New York Declaration on Forests as an endorser. The goal of the Declaration, announced at the September United Nations Climate Summit, is to decrease deforestation 50% by 2020 and eliminate it by 2030. Over 170 governments, corporations, charities, and indigenous groups have already endorsed the Declaration.

“The Declaration’s goals are important, but we want them to be exceeded so that rainforest destruction is halted even sooner,” said Dr. Paul Salaman, Rainforest Trust CEO.

Recycle this newsletter:share the news with friends

To learn more about this project visit www.RainforestTrust.orgPygmy Elephant © Chi’en C. Lee