Each of us has the responsibility not only for our own sustainability but for the world around us. It takes actions from each of us to make an impact. One way is with gifts, and so we are proud to celebrate a very good year with contributions to these 3 organizations that are achieving more impact than most on climate change and helping the critically endangered.
Center for Resource Solutions
Coalition for Rainforest Nations
Defenders of Wildlife
The following info comes from the World Wildlife Federation
Cross River Gorilla - Critically Endangered, population 200-300, lives avg 35-50 yearsThe Cross River Gorilla is a subspecies of the western gorilla. Its habitat spans Cameroon and Nigeria in the Congo Basin, and has shrunk due to humans clearing forests for timber, agriculture and livestock. Poaching occurs in the forests as well.
Hawksbill Turtle - Critically Endangered, lives avg 30-50 yearsHawksbills have a distinctive shells which make them highly-valuable and commonly sold as “tortoiseshell” in markets. They are found mainly in coral reefs of tropical oceans. Sea turtles are the living representatives of a group of reptiles that has existed for the last 100 million years. They are a fundamental link in marine ecosystems. They help maintain the health of coral reefs and sea grass beds.
Sunda Tiger - Critically Endangered, population <400, lives avg 16-18 years
The remaining Sunda tigers are found only on the island of Sumatra, now that tigers in Java and Bali are extinct. Sunda tigers are distinguished by heavy black stripes on their orange coats. This noble creature’s existence in the remaining patches of forest is threatened by rampant poaching and deforestation.
Bonobo Monkey - Endangered, population 10,000 to 50,000, lives avg 40 years
Bonobos and chimpanzees look similar and share 98.7% of their DNA with humans. Bonobos tend to be a bit smaller, leaner and darker than chimpanzees, and their society is also different. Bonobo groups tend to be more peaceful and are led by females. Wild bonobos can only be found remotely in forests south of the Congo River in the DRC. Their population is declining.
Orangutan - Critically Endangered, populations: about 104,700 Bornean, 7,500 Sumatran, lives avg 35-45 yearsKnown for their distinctive red fur, orangutans spend most of their time in trees. These great apes share 96.4% of our genes and are highly intelligent creatures. They feast on wild fruits like lychees, mangosteens, and figs, and slurp water from holes in trees. Orangutan populations are in sharp decline.
Black Rhino - Critically Endangered, population >5,500, lives avg 35-50 years
Black rhinos are the smaller of the two African rhinos. They are distinguished from the white rhino by their pointed lip, which helps them feed on leaves. After their population dropped 98% between 1968 and 1995, persistent conservation efforts across Africa have doubled the lows of 20 years ago. Poaching and black-market trafficking of rhino horns continues to plague this still critically endangered species.
Sumatran Elephant - Critically Endangered, population: 2400-2800, lives avg 60-70 years
Sumatran elephants feed on a variety of plants and deposit seeds wherever they go, contributing to a healthy forest ecosystem. They also share their lush forest habitat with several other endangered species, such as the Sumatran rhino, tiger, and orangutan, and countless other species that benefit from an elephant population that thrives in a healthy habitat.
Blue Whale - Endangered, population: 10,000-25,0000 individuals, lives avg 80-90 years
At up to 200 tons, the blue whale is our planet’s largest animal. They are the loudest animals on Earth, sounding much louder than a jet engine. Their low frequency whistle can be heard for hundreds of miles and is probably used to attract other blue whales.