MONGOLIA
We started working in Mongolia in 1994 helping the country as it transitioned from a communist country to a democracy with a free market. Since that time, we have worked on a wide variety of conservation initiatives on protected areas conservation and projects focused on wildlife species, including argali sheep (Ovis ammon), Asiatic wild asses (Equus hemionus), Cinereous Vultures (Aegypius monachus), hedgehogs, Lesser Kestrels (Falco naumanni), Mongolian gazelle (Procapra gutturosa), Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), small mammals, wild Bactrian camel (Camelus ferus), and more.
In 2000, we began working in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve as part of cooperative project by the Argali Wildlife Research Center, Denver Zoo, the Mongolian Conservation Coalition (MCC), the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, and local governments. That project well typifies our approach to conservation. Ikh Nart was a mere “paper park” (existed only on paper, with no active management or awareness by local people) when we began working there. However, after several years that that developed so far that the United National Development Programme chose Ikh Nart to be a model for protected areas conservation and management in Mongolia.
We propose taking the model we developed in Ikh Nart and beginning to disseminate it to another part of the country, adapting it to local conditions, as requested by government and non-government organizations in Mongolia. Working with the MCC (Rich serves on their board), that work will entail conducting ecological and sociological research, enabling livelihood enhancement through women’s cooperatives and ecologically-based tourism, providing education and outreach programs with local communities and schools, developing infrastructure, creating a management plan, and influencing local and federal policies, and training personnel. Dr. Rich Reading (23 years) and Ms. Meghan Rubinstein (7 years) have previously worked there, thereby creating a culture of trust on which to build for future programming.
BOTSWANA
Dr. Reading has worked in Botswana since the late 1990s, enjoyed a Fulbright fellowship to work with the Okavango Research Institute there in 2017, and continues working there in collaboration with Kalahari Research and Conservation (Rich is a Trustee) and Raptors Botswana (Rich is a member). Our on-going, holistic work in Botswana focuses primarily on the Kalahari region and aims at conserving vultures, African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), and antelope, most recently springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis). These species have declined dramatically over the past few decades, primarily due to increased poaching and poisoning, and require immediate conservation attention. The five main vulture species inhabiting Botswana (Lappet-faced, Torgos tracheliotus; White-headed, Trigonoceps occipitalis; White-backed, Gyps africanus; Hooded, Necrosyrtes monachus; and Cape Vultures, Gyps coprotheres) are listed as Endangered or Criticially Endangered in the face or recent, rapid population declines across Africa. African wild dogs are also listed as Endangered, with only a few thousand individuals remaining. Although not listed, springbok have declined by an estimated 70% of the past few decades for reasons that remain unclear. We focus on identifying and mitigating causes of decline. We also conduct a unique conservation education and outreach program that includes work in schools, with local Kgotlas (traditional community gatherings for governance and dispute resolution), and working through athletic clubs for kids.
Capacity development forms an important component of our work in Botswana and elsewhere. We have 3 graduate students (2 working on Master’s degrees and one on a Ph.D.) currently working on vultures and 1 Master’s student working on springbok at the University of Cape Town (2 students) and University of Botswana (2 students). These students represent the future of wildlife conservation in the country.
PERU
We have worked successfully in Peru since the early 2000s. Given our past history working it the country, the federal government and local conservationists have requested our assistance in addressing pressing conservation challenges, such as the plights of Andean Condors, vicuñas, and Lima geckos. Working with Fauna-Vet Peru (Rich is a member), our work will use our interdisciplinary approach to help effectively address the challenges facing these species
1) Andean Condors (Vultur gryphus). We plan to work with our Peruvian colleagues to assess the population status of the species and evaluate impacts to that population. One aspect of work involves a study of the impacts of local festivals that use live condors in fights with bulls on the condors’ subsequent survival. We also hope to provide alternatives to these festivals.
2) Vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna). Related to llamas and alpacas, vicuñas possess some of the finest wool in the world. We will work with local communities that manage the health wild vicuñas population to sustainably and non-lethally harvest their wool. Vicuñas in many areas are facing the spread of mange, which threatens the health of the animals and the valuable wool that local people rely upon for their livelihoods.
3) Lima Leaf-toed Geckos (Phyllodactylus sentosus). Restricted to the ruins of ancient civilizations that lived in the area in and around Lima, these geckos are critically endangered. Their small and shrinking populations are increasingly fragmented by the expansion of development associated with greater Lima. Feral cats and introduced rats prey upon these unique, golden colored geckos. Our work will focus on reducing predation pressure, increasing sizes, and facilitating genetic interchange between subpopulations, while developing public support for these gorgeous animals.