The role of nature-based projects in protecting endangered animals

Animals play an integral part in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Their interconnectedness with other species highlights how their loss can disrupt entire food webs and ecological processes. This interconnectedness also ensures the provision of essential services like pollination, pest control, water purification and climate regulation.

According to the

World Wildlife Fund's Living Planet Report 2020

, the global wildlife population has reduced by an average of 68% between 1970 and 2016, driven by habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution and climate change. It is imperative that we take action to protect biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for all. 

Nature-based projects, such as those implemented by Earthly, play a role in conservation efforts by restoring degraded ecosystems and creating suitable habitats.

Nature-based solutions (NbS) involve restoring, regenerating and protecting ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands and grasslands. These ecosystems provide essential habitat for many species alongside helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. By restoring degraded ecosystems, NbS create suitable habitats for endangered species and improve their chances of survival.

NbS also helps to address the root causes of biodiversity loss. By promoting sustainable land use practices and reducing pollution, these projects can help to create a more resilient environment for both humans and wildlife.

The Iberian lynx, a wild cat native to Spain and Portugal, has a tawny or yellowish coat. It has dark spots that vary in size and shape, providing excellent camouflage in its brushy habitat. Males typically weigh between 7–16 kg, while females reach up to 10 kg. This species has been a part of the Iberian landscape for over a million years, according to fossil evidence from the Early Pleistocene epoch.

As an apex predator, the Iberian lynx plays an ecological role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. By controlling rabbit populations, its primary prey, the lynx inadvertently promotes plant diversity and supports a variety of other animal species. This natural balance is vital for forest regeneration and overall ecosystem health.

However, the Iberian lynx faces significant challenges, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the decline of its primary food source. These threats brought the species to the brink of extinction in 2002, with only 94 individuals remaining.

In response, conservation efforts have been critical. Earthly works with the

Degraded Forest Restoration Project in Mijares

, working to restore wildfire-damaged mountainous terrain that serves as habitat for the Iberian lynx. By protecting and rehabilitating these environments, Earthly is helping to ensure the survival and continued recovery of this iconic species.

Today, thanks to these and other sustainable efforts, the Iberian lynx population has rebounded to over 2,000 individuals, marking a significant conservation success.

Bonobos share about 98.7% of their DNA with humans. They are native to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they inhabit the dense, swampy rainforests of the Congo Basin. Bonobos are characterised by their dark brown or black fur, pink lips and prominent brow ridges. They are slightly smaller and more slender than chimpanzees, with adult males weighing between 39 to 60 kg and females between 31 to 54 kg. 

As frugivores, their diet primarily consists of fruits, which make up over half of their intake. By consuming and dispersing seeds, bonobos contribute to forest regeneration, aiding in the maintenance and growth of their lush habitat. Their foraging and movement patterns help shape the structure and composition of the forest.

Bonobos face habitat loss due to deforestation and human conflict, particularly from poaching. The Congo Basin rainforest, their primary home, is under constant threat, which puts the bonobo population at risk.

To combat these threats, Earthly works with the

Tropical Forest Protection Project in Mai Ndombe

. This initiative focuses on reducing forest and biodiversity loss. By protecting and restoring the Congo Basin rainforest, Earthly is helping to secure a future for bonobos and the many other species that depend on this ecosystem.

The Sumatran tiger, the smallest of all tiger subspecies, is native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. These tigers are distinguished by their darker orange coats, thick black stripes, and a more pronounced mane compared to other tiger species. Sumatran tigers inhabit the dense tropical forests, peat swamps, and lowland rainforests of Sumatra, where their striking appearance aids in blending into their lush surroundings.

Sumatran tigers' role as apex predators helps maintain the balance of their ecosystem by controlling the populations of prey species, such as deer and wild boar. This balance is vital for the health and regeneration of the forest, as it prevents overgrazing and promotes the growth of vegetation.

However, Sumatran tigers face habitat loss due to deforestation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. With fewer than 400 individuals remaining in the wild, they are critically endangered, making conservation efforts imperative for their survival.

To combat these threats,

Earthly supports the Peatland Protection and Restoration Project in Sumatra, Indonesia

. This initiative focuses on protecting and rewetting 22,900 hectares of degraded peatland rainforest, to secure a future for the Sumatran tiger and the broader ecosystem it supports.

Pangolins, often referred to as scaly anteaters, are unique mammals completely covered in scales made of keratin, the same material as human nails and hair. There are eight distinct species of pangolins, each with slightly different scale patterns. These species are native to Asia and Africa, inhabiting a range of environments, including forests, savannas, and grasslands.

Pangolins play a role in controlling insect populations because they primarily feed on ants and termites. A single pangolin can consume thousands of these insects in one meal, making them essential for maintaining the balance of their ecosystems. 

Despite their ecological importance, pangolins are one of the most trafficked mammals in the world, prized for their scales and meat. All eight species are threatened by illegal hunting and habitat destruction, making conservation efforts critical for their survival.

To address these challenges, Earthly works with the

Mai Ndombe Tropical Forest Protection

project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This project protects the rainforest, which is home to pangolins and other endangered species to secure a future for pangolins and the ecosystems they inhabit. 

Wild boars are known for their strength, adaptability and (surprisingly!) swimming prowess. They are notable for their elongated canine teeth, or tusks, which can grow up to 9 inches long. Although originating from Southeast Asia, they now inhabit Eurasia and North Africa. They are large animals, with males reaching up to 1.8 m in length and females around 1.2 m feet. Their grey or brown coats help them blend into their forest environments, providing camouflage from predators.

Wild boars digging behaviour churns up the soil as they search for food, such as roots, nuts, fruits, and small animals. This activity helps to aerate the soil and promotes the growth of new seedlings, aiding in forest regeneration and maintaining biodiversity.

Despite their adaptability, wild boars face habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion that threatens their survival. Additionally, human-wildlife conflict arises when boars damage crops or compete with livestock for resources. 

The Luckaitz Valley Forest Adaptation project

in Germany in partnership with Earthly transforms vulnerable coniferous forests into diverse mixed forests, enhancing their resilience to climate change and pests. By restoring these forests, the project provides a healthy habitat for wild boars and supports a range of other species..

Forest Elephants are smaller, more elusive relatives of the African savannah elephants. They are distinguished by their straighter, downward-pointing tusks, and their smaller, rounder ears. They primarily inhabit the dense, tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa, with the Congo Basin serving as one of their last strongholds. 

Forest elephants are often referred to as the "gardeners of the forest" because they help maintain the health and diversity of tropical forests. As they travel long distances in search of food, they disperse seeds through their dung, promoting new plant growth and maintaining the structure of the forest ecosystem. Their feeding habits also help shape the forest landscape by controlling the growth of certain plants and creating gaps in the forest canopy, which allows sunlight to reach the forest floor, encouraging the growth of a diverse range of plant species.

Poaching for ivory is one of the main threats to these elephants because their tusks are highly valued on the black market. The rarity of forest elephants is alarming; their population has decreased by over 60% in the last decade, making them one of the most endangered elephant species on the planet. With fewer than 100,000 individuals left, urgent conservation efforts are needed to protect them from extinction.

Earthly is making an impact by supporting the

Forest Protection Project in Mai Ndombe

, which is dedicated to safeguarding vital habitats for Forest Elephants. The project has successfully protected 300,000 hectares of rainforest and wetland habitats, which are essential for the survival of these species. 

The Sumatran rhinoceros, the smallest and hairiest of the rhinoceros species, is native to the dense forests and swamps of Sumatra, Indonesia. It has reddish-brown skin and a covering of coarse hair. This ancient mammal is a living relic, closely related to the extinct woolly rhinoceros. Sumatran rhinos are typically solitary and prefer the thick, humid rainforests where they can find ample vegetation to browse.

As a large herbivore, it disperses seeds through its droppings and creates pathways through the dense underbrush, which benefits other wildlife.

Sumatran rhinos are critically endangered, with fewer than 80 individuals left in the wild. Major threats include habitat destruction from deforestation and illegal logging, as well as poaching for their horns. Their dwindling population is also a result of low birth rates, making their conservation a race against time.

Earthly’s involvement with the

Peatland Protection and Restoration Project in Sumatra

is vital for the survival of the Sumatran rhinoceros. The initiative has already averted the release of over 2.6 million tonnes of CO2, while also restoring habitats that support more than 10 critically endangered species, including the Sumatran rhinoceros. 

Orangutans are among the most intelligent of all non-human primates. They have a distinctive reddish-brown fur and a remarkable ability to use tools, such as sticks, to extract insects or honey. They spend most of their lives in trees, where they build nests to sleep in and travel from branch to branch. Orangutans are native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, where they play a crucial role in dispersing seeds, which helps to maintain the health and diversity of their forest habitats.

Orangutans support forest regeneration as they spread seeds through their droppings, facilitating the growth of new trees and maintaining the biodiversity of their habitats. By doing so, they help sustain the complex web of life in the rainforest, which benefits countless other species.

Orangutans face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation, primarily for palm oil plantations and illegal logging. Their populations are critically endangered, with fewer than 55,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and the illegal pet trade further endanger their survival.

The Rimba Raya Peatland Protection project

in collaboration with Earthly is safeguarding over 640 square kilometres of High Conservation Value tropical peat forest. This initiative helps protect not only orangutans but also other rare and endangered species by preserving their habitat.

Hornbills are remarkable birds, easily identified by their distinctive casques - a bony growth on their upper bill that resembles a crown. These birds are found throughout tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, inhabiting a range of environments from dense forests to open savannas. Their physical characteristics vary widely, from the fiery red and black plumage of the Aceros Toucan to the pale yellow and black of the Oriental Pied Hornbill. Sizes also range from the impressive 5-foot-long Helmeted Hornbill to the smaller African Dwarf Hornbill, which measures just under a foot.

Hornbills play a big role in forest regeneration, earning them the nickname "farmers of the forest." They disperse seeds across vast landscapes primarily through their droppings, which fosters the growth of new trees. This seed dispersal is essential for maintaining healthy, biodiverse ecosystems.

Hornbills face different challenges, particularly habitat loss due to deforestation and human activities. These threats are compounded by hunting in some regions, putting additional pressure on their populations.

To help address these challenges, Earthly supports projects that protect and restore critical habitats. One such initiative is the

Peatland Protection and Restoration Project in Sumatra

, Indonesia that is rehabilitating degraded peatlands, which are vital habitats for various hornbill species, including the endangered rhinoceros hornbill. 

The Black Stork is a striking bird known for its glossy black plumage, long red legs, and distinctive red bill. Unlike its more familiar white cousin, the Black Stork is more reclusive, often found in remote forested areas near rivers, wetlands, and marshes. It inhabits parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, favouring old-growth forests with large trees for nesting.

As a top predator in its ecosystem, the Black Stork helps in maintaining the balance of its habitat. This species feeds primarily on fish, amphibians, and small mammals, helping regulate their populations and contributing to the health of aquatic ecosystems. Their presence is also an indicator of the overall health of the environment because they require pristine habitats to thrive.

Habitat loss due to deforestation, wetland drainage, and human encroachment has reduced their available nesting and feeding grounds. Additionally, the species is highly sensitive to disturbance, which has contributed to its decline. Currently, the global population of Black Storks is estimated to be around 30,000-38,000 individuals, with fewer than 10,000 pairs breeding in Europe, making it a species of concern in many regions.

Earthly is actively involved in conservation efforts through the

Forest Restoration Project in Mijares, Spain.

This project focuses on restoring a mountainous terrain that was severely damaged by wildfires. The restoration helps provide a safe home for endangered species like the Black Stork.

The Indus River Dolphin, a freshwater mammal, is found exclusively in the Indus River basin of Pakistan and a small part of India. Unlike other dolphins, they are functionally blind, with small eyes that lack a crystalline lens, allowing them only to detect light and dark. To navigate their murky riverine habitat, these dolphins rely heavily on echolocation. By emitting constant clicks that bounce off objects, they create a mental map of their surroundings, aided by their long, flexible necks that allow them to sweep their heads from side to side as they swim.

The Indus River Dolphin feeds on a variety of fish, crustaceans, and insects. They help regulate populations of these species, contributing to the overall health of the river ecosystem.

The Indus River Dolphin faces habitat loss due to water extraction and dam construction, pollution, and accidental entanglement in fishing gear. As a result, their population is endangered, with conservation efforts underway to prevent further decline.

Earthly is addressing these environmental challenges through support of high-impact projects like the

Delta Blue Carbon initiative

. This project is one of the world's largest certified mangrove forest restoration efforts. It restores vast areas of the Delta basin, which includes the habitat of the Indus River Dolphin.

Protecting endangered species is not just about saving a single species, it's about preserving the delicate balance of entire ecosystems that sustain life on our planet. 

By

supporting Earthly’s nature-based solutions

, you contribute to the protection and restoration of their habitats, ensuring that endangered species can thrive in their natural environments.