Global Education to Change the World

In many parts of the world there are large efforts being taken to protect animal species that have become endangered, to restore their populations, protect their environments, and ensure that they are not pushed to extinction. One such project being worked on by the African People and Wildlife Fund (APW) is working to recover the lion populations in Masai territory.

The biggest conflict between the Masai and the lions is that when Lions attack their livestock, their largest food sources, they defend their herds against the lions, and often kill the lions. As a result, lion populations decrease, because lions don't differentiate between livestock. They see a herd of goats or cattle that are easy targets for prey. The APW has taken a few different steps to restore the lion population. First off they have been building 'living walls' as livestock containment fences. These walls are essentially constructed from a chain link fence that has vines and trees planted and woven through it. The plants continue to take root and grow forming a tall, practically impenetrable wall to keep the lions out and the livestock in.

In addition, APW has created a project of Masai community members called the Wildlife Warriors. These patrols are tasked with community oriented habitat and conservation activities such as patrols to prevent illegal deforestation and poaching, bush fire management, livestock searches, and more. This is meant as a way to encourage community members to take interest in their own habitat and neighboring habitats and protecting them. APW also offers education programs and seminars for both youth and adults to illustrate the importance of resource management, environmental friendly business development and watershed protection.

Information from National Geographic article "The Masai Steppe Big Cats Conservation Initiative."

Another program that incorporates environmental protection, animal preservation, and local education, is G.R.A.C.E. Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center. Located in Eastern D.R. Congo on a 220,000 acre preserve, it is the only place found in the world that offers rehabilitation and care for orphaned Grauer gorillas.

They host educational programs for local school children and reintroduction of orphaned gorillas into their natural habitat. It is a collaborative effort that encourage local communities to play a central role in the Center. They have a conservation based radio station and programs to train future Congolese conservationists. The community helps at the Center by building and caring for gorillas as well as out in the community to raise awareness as to what is happening to the gorillas.

Information pulled from G.R.A.C.E. website and Facebook page.

These programs that work to save environments, protect animals, and include the locals of those regions by educating them, providing jobs and currency that they can rely on as a benefit for preserving these species and places, and having them raise awareness int heir own communities, seem to be the most beneficial way to reach people and make the biggest difference. If they feel incorporated in the projects happening in their countries, shown the benefits, both financial and resource use, and are given the knowledge of how these disappearing animals and environments would impact them, their lives, and their families, then they gain a real understanding of the situation and will stand up to contribute to change. It is also a better way to ensure that change will continue as the year pass by.

It is hard to make a difference, make changes, or raise awareness in a country when instead of including the locals, they are cast aside, because that breeds contempt for such projects and organizations and may cause more problems than they will fix. Education is the most powerful tool to influence change, and giving the educated jobs and tasks that incorporate their knowledge is the most effective way to ensure that the changes keep happening.

Red Colobus Monkey

Scientists thought they saw they last of the Red Colobus Monkey in the 1970's, the last time it was ever reported being observed by researchers. Recently however, forty years after it was feared to have been extinct, two independent researchers were able to track it down in the Republic of Congo's
Ntokou-Pikounda National Park.

Taken by Lieven Devreese for National Geographic

The red colobus was first described in 1887, little is known about the monkey, and it is listed as Critically Endangered. Locals of course knew of the Monkey's existence and were able to guide researchers to the most likely observing spots. The difficult terrain that the monkeys call home is perhaps their best defense against predators. While it deters scientists from studying them, in a world where there are so few mysteries left, that seems appropriate.

The photo, taken by Lieven Devreese, one of the Researchers to rediscover the monkey, depicts a mother and baby Red Colobus. Non human primates are fascinating creatures. They come in all shapes and sizes with varying levels of intelligence. When looking into the eyes of many monkeys and apes it is clear that they see and recognize individuals. Their eyes show their mental capacity.

Photo taken by Isabella Talbott at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary in Gainsville, Fl

Max, a Weeper Capuchin and lovable former pet made his permanent home at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary in Gainsville, Fl. I had the rare and amazing opportunity to intern with these amazing New World Primates for six weeks. New World Primates are very different from Old World Primates. All new world monkeys come from Central and South America, and old world monkeys and apes reside in Africa and Asia. New world monkeys are generally smaller.

Being able to work with these unforgettable faces allowed me to learn so much, form rare and special bonds with these amazing animals, and feel the fantastic connection between the descendants of some of Homo sapiens closest relatives. Fortunately there are sanctuaries like Jungle Friends that take in retired lab monkeys and former pets and offer them an Almost Wild lifestyle and a safe place to reside for the rest of their days.

The red colobus monkeys seem to have remained hidden in a shrinking world of development and farmland as it encroaches on natural wildlife habitats. Unlike Max, the red colobus depicted are wild and habituated. They are rare, beautiful, and intelligent creatures who should be respected and protected. It warms my heart to know there are still some species clever enough to stay hidden and remain intact for extended periods of time. It makes me wonder what else is out there in the thickest jungles or at the bottom of the deepest oceans that we have yet to see, that is untouched by humanity.

Picture and names found in First Ever Picture Taken of Rare African Monkey by Stefan Sirucek for the National Geographic published on April 18 2015