Species conservation is super cool. Don’t take our word for it, listen to the Conservation Calls podcast. Created for youth, by youth, join our team as we explore the world, uncover amazing species, and share inspiring discoveries. Tune in for a wild ride with humour, passion, and excitement!
Saving the Sandfish
September 3, 2025
The Clanwilliam sandfish in South Africa, also called Onderbek, may be small, but it has an epic story to tell. Once swimming in abundance, this migratory freshwater fish is now facing some serious survival challenges. In this episode of Conservation...Mushroom magic: Rediscovering the Big Puma Fungus
August 4, 2025
In this edition of Conservation Calls, we join the team from Fungi Foundation in Chile as they set out to rediscover the Big Puma Fungus, an incredibly fascinating, quirky, and one-of-a-kind species.Eagle Eye Adventure: It’s not all black and white for this majestic raptor
July 2, 2025
Meet the incredible Black-and-chestnut Eagle, a stunning bird of prey facing serious challenges like human-eagle conflicts, hunting, and habitat loss. This elusive neo-tropical raptor is one of the least-studied species, hidden in dense montane forests. But there’s hope!The Last Bloom: The Story of Ecuador's Wildflower Wonder
May 28, 2025
We often hear about the amazing world of animals on our Conservation Calls podcast, but let’s not forget that plants have some pretty cool stories too… Take the critically endangered wildflower, Gasteranthus extinctus, for example, which is only found in the Centinela...Meet Tyrone the sole Mindo survivor
April 28, 2025
There’s nothing quite like rediscovering a species thought to be lost forever, especially one that faced a deadly fungus! Enter Atelopus mindoensis, a.k.a. the Mindo Harlequin Toad. Meet Tyrone, the incredible sole survivor (or is he…?) of the Mindo...Echoes in the dark: Cave biodiversity battles
March 26, 2025
In this episode, we meet Dr. Iva Njunjic, a cave biologist who has explored over 300 caves across Europe and Asia, where she’s discovered species new to science! And don’t worry, cave animals are small and not scary at all. ...Mexican Miracle: The fight to save the Kangaroo rat!
February 26, 2025
The Kangaroo rat has a unique appearance, with its distinctive hind legs significantly longer than its front, giving it a resemblance to a kangaroo. However, its tale of survival is even more remarkable. Once thought to be extinct for 30...Petrel Power: Wings of hope for the Bermuda cahow!
January 29, 2025
This month, we learn of an incredible tale of a petrel in Bermuda, which was thought to be extinct for over 300 years! Thanks to Nonsuch Expeditions, along with the support of the MBZ Fund and Dolphin Energy, JP Rouja...Voices of Change: 15 Years of Conservation Impact
December 18, 2024
This episode of Conservation Calls is especially meaningful! It celebrates 15 years of species conservation, featuring some words of wisdom from our amazing grant recipients. The highlight of the podcast is a powerful poem titled “If the Fund Had a...Whispers in the Shadows: The Omani Owl’s Fight for Survival in Wadi Wurayah
November 11, 2024
This episode focuses on the important story of owl conservation in the stunning Wadi Wurayah National Park in Fujairah, featuring the elusive and extremely rare Omani Owl as the star. Join Park Ranger Sami Majeed and our Repton podcast...Coexisting with Giants: Navigating Wild Cat-Human Conflict in Indonesia
September 26, 2024
This episode of MBZ’s Conservation Calls is roaring with excitement as we explore how Panthera and project partner Sintas Indonesia are mitigating human-wild cat conflict in the Leuser Ecosystem. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a vast area where humans...Toad Warriors: The Fight for South Africa's Amphibian Future!
August 26, 2024
In this episode, we’re diving into the awesome world of the Western Leopard Toad! Nature Connect in South Africa has come up with a brilliant plan to protect this fascinating and endangered species. Get ready to uncover all the exciting...Manatee Mavericks: Safeguarding Senegal's Gentle Giants!
July 24, 2024
Get ready for an epic podcast adventure filled with intrigue and a hint of enigma! This time, we're diving into the world of the rare and elusive - the African manatees. Join us as we uncover the unique collaboration between...Bolivian Bird Guardians: Protecting the Sky's Colorful Treasures!
June 27, 2024
This episode features an incredible story of how Asociación Armonía is working to protect the critically endangered Red-fronted Macaws in Bolivia. With only 1,200 individuals left, they are implementing various initiatives like safeguarding breeding cliffs, adding nesting boxes, and restoring...Hawaiian Drone Defenders: Soaring to Save cool plant Species!
June 3, 2024
This episode dives into the incredible journey of an MBZF-supported project. The National Tropical Botanical Garden are using cutting-edge technology, to rediscover plants once thought extinct in the most remote and hard-to-reach places on the Island of Hawaii. It’s a...Conservation calls, the podcast
April 5, 2024
Raising youth awareness on in situ conservation is key for nurturing future environmental stewards. Teaching them about protecting species in their natural habitats empowers them to grasp the link between ecosystems, biodiversity, and human welfare. This realisation sparked a collaborative...
In the 1960s, the Arabian Desert was on the verge of losing one of its most beautiful symbols - the Arabian oryx. But with the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, an extraordinary rescue began, starting with only four oryx on Sir Bani Yas Island.
In the 1970s, when the world declared the Arabian oryx extinct, the UAE was writing a new chapter - one of hope.
Today, thanks to that vision, the UAE is home to the largest population of Arabian oryx in the world.
Carrying forward the same vision, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan established the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund in 2009, to protect all species from extinction, no matter how small or rare.
After 16 years of dedicated work, the Fund has supported more than 3,000 projects across 174 countries, helping to discover, reintroduce, and protect over 1,800 species from extinction.
From an idea that began with just four oryx… to a global legacy for biodiversity.
في ستينات القرن الماضي، كانت الصحراء العربية على وشك أن تفقد أجمل رموزها: المها العربي. لكن برؤية الشيخ زايد بن سلطان، رحمه الله، بدأت رحلة إنقاذٍ استثنائية من أربعة رؤوس فقط في جزيرة صير بني ياس.
وفي السبعينات، حين أعلن العالم انقراض المها العربي، كانت الإمارات تكتب فصلاً جديداً عنوانه الأمل.
واليوم، بفضل هذا النهج، أصبحت الإمارات موطنًا لأكبر عدد من المها العربي في العالم.
ومن الرؤية ذاتها، أطلق الشيخ محمد بن زايد في عام 2009 صندوق محمد بن زايد للمحافظة على الكائنات الحية، ليحمي كل الأنواع من الانقراض، مهما كانت صغيرة أو نادرة.
وبعد ١٦ عامًا من العمل الدؤوب، دعم الصندوق أكثر من 3,000 مشروع في 174 دولة، وتمكّن من خلال ذلك من اكتشاف وإعادة إدخال وحماية 1,800 نوع من الانقراض.
من فكرة بدأت بأربعة رؤوس من المها… إلى أثر عالمي لصون التنوع البيولوجي.
#الإمارات #أبوظبي #الشيخ_زايد #الشيخ_محمد_بن_زايد #المها_العربي #إرث_زايد
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #UAE #wildlife #nature #support #IUCNcongress #VoicesForCongress #Conservation
In the 1960s, the Arabian Desert was on the verge of losing one of its most beautiful symbols - the Arabian oryx. But with the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, an extraordinary rescue began, starting with only four oryx on Sir Bani Yas Island.
In the 1970s, when the world declared the Arabian oryx extinct, the UAE was writing a new chapter - one of hope.
Today, thanks to that vision, the UAE is home to the largest population of Arabian oryx in the world.
Carrying forward the same vision, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan established the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund in 2009, to protect all species from extinction, no matter how small or rare.
After 16 years of dedicated work, the Fund has supported more than 3,000 projects across 174 countries, helping to discover, reintroduce, and protect over 1,800 species from extinction.
From an idea that began with just four oryx… to a global legacy for biodiversity.
في ستينات القرن الماضي، كانت الصحراء العربية على وشك أن تفقد أجمل رموزها: المها العربي. لكن برؤية الشيخ زايد بن سلطان، رحمه الله، بدأت رحلة إنقاذٍ استثنائية من أربعة رؤوس فقط في جزيرة صير بني ياس.
وفي السبعينات، حين أعلن العالم انقراض المها العربي، كانت الإمارات تكتب فصلاً جديداً عنوانه الأمل.
واليوم، بفضل هذا النهج، أصبحت الإمارات موطنًا لأكبر عدد من المها العربي في العالم.
ومن الرؤية ذاتها، أطلق الشيخ محمد بن زايد في عام 2009 صندوق محمد بن زايد للمحافظة على الكائنات الحية، ليحمي كل الأنواع من الانقراض، مهما كانت صغيرة أو نادرة.
وبعد ١٦ عامًا من العمل الدؤوب، دعم الصندوق أكثر من 3,000 مشروع في 174 دولة، وتمكّن من خلال ذلك من اكتشاف وإعادة إدخال وحماية 1,800 نوع من الانقراض.
من فكرة بدأت بأربعة رؤوس من المها… إلى أثر عالمي لصون التنوع البيولوجي.
#الإمارات #أبوظبي #الشيخ_زايد #الشيخ_محمد_بن_زايد #المها_العربي #إرث_زايد
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #UAE #wildlife #nature #support #IUCNcongress #VoicesForCongress #Conservation
The Sokoke Scops Owl is a small, endangered species found in only three locations worldwide. Thanks to funding from MBZ, conservationist Martin Mwema is currently studying the population status of these owls in Dakatcha Woodland using acoustic monitoring. So far, he has recorded at least six pairs, but this number is much lower than anticipated, highlighting the critical danger facing the species in Dakatcha.
The primary threat to the Sokoke Scops Owl comes from the clearing of its preferred habitat, the Cynometra woodlands, for agricultural purposes. Selective logging for charcoal production has destroyed many of the old, mature trees with cavities that the owls rely on for breeding.
If urgent action isn’t taken to protect their habitat, including vital breeding sites, the Sokoke Scops Owl is at serious risk of local extinction in Dakatcha.
#mbzfund #conservation #Worldhabitatday #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #wildlife #nature #support #environment #arochakenya #sokokescopsowl #dakatchawoodland #habitatloss #deforestation #naturereserve
The Sokoke Scops Owl is a small, endangered species found in only three locations worldwide. Thanks to funding from MBZ, conservationist Martin Mwema is currently studying the population status of these owls in Dakatcha Woodland using acoustic monitoring. So far, he has recorded at least six pairs, but this number is much lower than anticipated, highlighting the critical danger facing the species in Dakatcha.
The primary threat to the Sokoke Scops Owl comes from the clearing of its preferred habitat, the Cynometra woodlands, for agricultural purposes. Selective logging for charcoal production has destroyed many of the old, mature trees with cavities that the owls rely on for breeding.
If urgent action isn’t taken to protect their habitat, including vital breeding sites, the Sokoke Scops Owl is at serious risk of local extinction in Dakatcha.
#mbzfund #conservation #Worldhabitatday #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #wildlife #nature #support #environment #arochakenya #sokokescopsowl #dakatchawoodland #habitatloss #deforestation #naturereserve
A grant from the MBZ Fund in partnership with the GEF supported research on the elusive Pampas cat (Leopardus pajeros), which is listed as vulnerable in Argentina. This species faces serious threats, including retaliatory killings, poisoning, and roadkill, making it increasingly rare.
María García set up camera traps across ranches in southern Buenos Aires to monitor Pampas cat populations. The project also enabled her to produce traffic signs and distribute stickers and brochures to raise community awareness about the species.
As a young female conservationist, the grant has been essential to create trust and collaboration with local ranchers in a male-dominated rural setting. These relationships, often strengthened over rounds of mate (traditional Argentina herbal drink) and shared field experiences, have facilitated equipment recovery during floods, access to private lands, and discussions about coexistence.
Ultimately, this project is about more than just the Pampas cat; it highlights the importance of community, coexistence, and envisioning landscapes where both livestock and wildlife thrive, a perfect way to celebrate World Animal Day.
#mbzfund #worldanimalday #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Argentina #wildcats #smallcats #felids #wildlife #nature #support #environment
A grant from the MBZ Fund in partnership with the GEF supported research on the elusive Pampas cat (Leopardus pajeros), which is listed as vulnerable in Argentina. This species faces serious threats, including retaliatory killings, poisoning, and roadkill, making it increasingly rare.
María García set up camera traps across ranches in southern Buenos Aires to monitor Pampas cat populations. The project also enabled her to produce traffic signs and distribute stickers and brochures to raise community awareness about the species.
As a young female conservationist, the grant has been essential to create trust and collaboration with local ranchers in a male-dominated rural setting. These relationships, often strengthened over rounds of mate (traditional Argentina herbal drink) and shared field experiences, have facilitated equipment recovery during floods, access to private lands, and discussions about coexistence.
Ultimately, this project is about more than just the Pampas cat; it highlights the importance of community, coexistence, and envisioning landscapes where both livestock and wildlife thrive, a perfect way to celebrate World Animal Day.
#mbzfund #worldanimalday #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Argentina #wildcats #smallcats #felids #wildlife #nature #support #environment
Seahorses worldwide are used in traditional medicines, as ornaments, good-luck charms, and aquarium fish. Unfortunately, they are vulnerable to overexploitation. With sustainable management, these magical fishes can thrive and provide a valuable natural resource that supports livelihoods in local fishing communities.
Indonesia is home to 13 seahorse species, including two that are Endangered. However, big knowledge gaps have held back sustainable management. Thanks to MBZ Fund and a generous anonymous donor, we’re starting to fill the information void.
Seahorse experts at Project Seahorse and Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional teamed up to train two young marine biologists in surveying seahorse fisheries and trade. Over the past four months they’ve travelled across Indonesia, learning from fishers, divers, traders, retailers, and local authorities about where and how seahorses are caught, and what they’re used for.
The insights will help Indonesia shift from undocumented, illicit exploitation to carefully monitored, legal seahorse fisheries and trade, protecting seahorses and the communities who depend on them.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Indonesia #oceans #seahrose #nature #SavingSeahorses #ProjectSeahorse #badanrisetdaninovasinasional
Seahorses worldwide are used in traditional medicines, as ornaments, good-luck charms, and aquarium fish. Unfortunately, they are vulnerable to overexploitation. With sustainable management, these magical fishes can thrive and provide a valuable natural resource that supports livelihoods in local fishing communities.
Indonesia is home to 13 seahorse species, including two that are Endangered. However, big knowledge gaps have held back sustainable management. Thanks to MBZ Fund and a generous anonymous donor, we’re starting to fill the information void.
Seahorse experts at Project Seahorse and Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional teamed up to train two young marine biologists in surveying seahorse fisheries and trade. Over the past four months they’ve travelled across Indonesia, learning from fishers, divers, traders, retailers, and local authorities about where and how seahorses are caught, and what they’re used for.
The insights will help Indonesia shift from undocumented, illicit exploitation to carefully monitored, legal seahorse fisheries and trade, protecting seahorses and the communities who depend on them.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Indonesia #oceans #seahrose #nature #SavingSeahorses #ProjectSeahorse #badanrisetdaninovasinasional
Alicia Arango, president of the Association of Quechua Women for the Conservation of Andean Felines, has demonstrated great talent and leadership by creating stuffed animals and embroideries that become cushions, tablecloths, and bags. Through her example, she has inspired other mothers, such as Ida and Sonia, to join conservation efforts and to teach their children to care for nature. Thanks to her dedication, each piece sold represents not only income for a family but also an act of love for the Andean cats and the Queñual forests.
This path has been made possible thanks to the support of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. Today, alpaca herds no longer enter the forest during the dry season, as they remain in enclosures with pastures resistant to the cold. This provides secure food for the animals and peace of mind for families, who no longer need to move from one grazing area to another. In this way, while protecting the water that supplies the entire community, the women also ensure the future of their children and of the Andean cats that inhabit these ecosystems.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #peru #wildlife #nature #AndeanCat #CatConservation #WomenForConservation #ayacucho
Alicia Arango, president of the Association of Quechua Women for the Conservation of Andean Felines, has demonstrated great talent and leadership by creating stuffed animals and embroideries that become cushions, tablecloths, and bags. Through her example, she has inspired other mothers, such as Ida and Sonia, to join conservation efforts and to teach their children to care for nature. Thanks to her dedication, each piece sold represents not only income for a family but also an act of love for the Andean cats and the Queñual forests.
This path has been made possible thanks to the support of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. Today, alpaca herds no longer enter the forest during the dry season, as they remain in enclosures with pastures resistant to the cold. This provides secure food for the animals and peace of mind for families, who no longer need to move from one grazing area to another. In this way, while protecting the water that supplies the entire community, the women also ensure the future of their children and of the Andean cats that inhabit these ecosystems.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #peru #wildlife #nature #AndeanCat #CatConservation #WomenForConservation #ayacucho
African ginger (Siphonochilus aethiopicus) is an important indigenous plant used in traditional medicine to treat colds, asthma, inflammation, and other ailments. In Eswatini, rural communities heavily exploit it from the wild for trade, threatening its survival.
Thanks to the MBZ Fund, the Eswatini Institute for Research in Traditional Medicine has initiated mapping studies to assess the conservation status of African ginger and identify critical areas at risk. The grant has also facilitated awareness and education programs for communities, including traditional health practitioners and muti traders, on sustainable conservation and production practices.
A recent training workshop on the sustainable use of African ginger saw over 150 participants, including school-aged children, youth, and community leaders. Early signs of success include a growing commitment among community members to conserve the plant and a noticeable decrease in over-harvesting from natural forests. This initiative is crucial for promoting the sustainable use of this valuable species.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Africa #Eswatini #plants #medicinal #nature
African ginger (Siphonochilus aethiopicus) is an important indigenous plant used in traditional medicine to treat colds, asthma, inflammation, and other ailments. In Eswatini, rural communities heavily exploit it from the wild for trade, threatening its survival.
Thanks to the MBZ Fund, the Eswatini Institute for Research in Traditional Medicine has initiated mapping studies to assess the conservation status of African ginger and identify critical areas at risk. The grant has also facilitated awareness and education programs for communities, including traditional health practitioners and muti traders, on sustainable conservation and production practices.
A recent training workshop on the sustainable use of African ginger saw over 150 participants, including school-aged children, youth, and community leaders. Early signs of success include a growing commitment among community members to conserve the plant and a noticeable decrease in over-harvesting from natural forests. This initiative is crucial for promoting the sustainable use of this valuable species.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #Africa #Eswatini #plants #medicinal #nature
Conservationist Phub Gyeltshen from the National Biodiversity Centre of Bhutan is excited to share insights from their recent project to conserve the critically endangered Maharanga griersonii. This unique plant, endemic to Bhutan, was first described in 1994 and is found only below Pele La, thriving in mixed forests on steep slopes.
With an MBZ Fund grant, they were able to conduct detailed research to uncover important morphological features, including the distinguishing nutlets and white flowers that set this species apart from its relatives. However, the reality is stark, only 15 mature plants remain, facing threats from road maintenance and landslides that put this species at risk.
On a brighter note, bumblebees have been observed hard at work, ensuring the plant’s reproductive success through buzz pollination.
This remarkable species deserves all the help it can get to secure a fighting chance for survival. Let’s spread the word and inspire action for its conservation.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #butan #wildlife #nature #support #Conservation #Biodiversity #EndangeredSpecies #MaharangaGriersonii #bhutan
Conservationist Phub Gyeltshen from the National Biodiversity Centre of Bhutan is excited to share insights from their recent project to conserve the critically endangered Maharanga griersonii. This unique plant, endemic to Bhutan, was first described in 1994 and is found only below Pele La, thriving in mixed forests on steep slopes.
With an MBZ Fund grant, they were able to conduct detailed research to uncover important morphological features, including the distinguishing nutlets and white flowers that set this species apart from its relatives. However, the reality is stark, only 15 mature plants remain, facing threats from road maintenance and landslides that put this species at risk.
On a brighter note, bumblebees have been observed hard at work, ensuring the plant’s reproductive success through buzz pollination.
This remarkable species deserves all the help it can get to secure a fighting chance for survival. Let’s spread the word and inspire action for its conservation.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #butan #wildlife #nature #support #Conservation #Biodiversity #EndangeredSpecies #MaharangaGriersonii #bhutan
The Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), led by wildlife conservationist Gitana Cavalcanti, focuses on the endangered savanna tiger-cat (Leopardus tigrinus). This small cat is located in the dry thorny woodlands of Brazil’s Caatinga, particularly in the Capivara-Confusões area, which links the region’s two largest national parks. Unfortunately, this area faces severe deforestation from agribusiness, wind farms, and solar power plants, with less than 50% of the original forest remaining.
TCCI’s primary goal is to address threats to these endangered felids, monitor their populations, and enhance connectivity between key habitats. With vital support from the MBZ Fund in collaboration with the GEF, they can expand vaccination campaigns into new areas of Serra da Capivara-Serra das Confusões National Parks, combating disease spread from domestic carnivores. They also aim to enhance felid monitoring to ensure this critical haven for felids in the semi-arid Caatinga remains protected.
Without support, TCCI cannot continue its essential efforts to save the savanna tiger-cat in one of Brazil’s most threatened ecosystems.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #brazil #wildlife #nature #wildcats #smallcats #felids
The Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative (TCCI), led by wildlife conservationist Gitana Cavalcanti, focuses on the endangered savanna tiger-cat (Leopardus tigrinus). This small cat is located in the dry thorny woodlands of Brazil’s Caatinga, particularly in the Capivara-Confusões area, which links the region’s two largest national parks. Unfortunately, this area faces severe deforestation from agribusiness, wind farms, and solar power plants, with less than 50% of the original forest remaining.
TCCI’s primary goal is to address threats to these endangered felids, monitor their populations, and enhance connectivity between key habitats. With vital support from the MBZ Fund in collaboration with the GEF, they can expand vaccination campaigns into new areas of Serra da Capivara-Serra das Confusões National Parks, combating disease spread from domestic carnivores. They also aim to enhance felid monitoring to ensure this critical haven for felids in the semi-arid Caatinga remains protected.
Without support, TCCI cannot continue its essential efforts to save the savanna tiger-cat in one of Brazil’s most threatened ecosystems.
#mbzfund #conservation #speciesconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #uae #brazil #wildlife #nature #wildcats #smallcats #felids