Conservation in Action: Species Saving Our World

A battleground of change

The climate crisis is already affecting all DSWF projects in Asia and Africa, and our beloved core species.

In Namibia, although the population of desert black rhinos are well adapted to arid conditions, a particularly severe drought in southern Africa, has made it increasingly difficult for rhinos, especially cows with young calves, to find enough food and water – which reduced their chances of breeding successfully. The drought is nearing to be a decade long, and is in no sign of ending soon.

Forests are under threat too. Guinea is home to a DSWF project where we work to protect chimpanzees. But increasingly frequent droughts are causing vegetation loss, which in turn are rendering chimp habitat inhospitable.

In Thailand, forest fires and flooding are reducing the quality of the already dwindling territories for endangered elephants living there.

By helping to protect almost 180,000 km² of wildlife habitat in Africa and Asia, including crucial carbon sinks like forests, DSWF is helping tackle the climate crisis. And by protecting keystone species like elephants and rhinos, who shape and benefit habitats as ecosystem engineers, we are helping store carbon in a way that benefits both biodiversity and the whole planet.

“Our area of operation has experienced a prolonged drought for over a decade. Looking at the black rhino population in this landscape, too many older animals and the very young have succumbed during this unusually dry period. To date, we have recorded 6 calf mortalities in 2023 and 2 older animals, bringing the total to 8.  This will influence the population both locally and internationally, as black rhinos still remain critically endangered. The upcoming population assessment will verify population performance for the previous calendar year, but SRT is expecting a decline in numbers.

We operate in an area of 25,000km² and water supply is scarce in many of the rhino range areas. During patrols, our teams have noticed that the natural springs have dried up, leaving both farmers and rhinos without water. This can force rhinos to search for food and water in different areas, potentially increasing their vulnerability to poaching – requiring patrol teams to be spread thinly across wider areas”. (SRT)

Hopefully, we’ve been able to show you how these amazing species are our allies in the fight against the climate crisis, yet they’re not just vulnerable to its effects – but also to our existing impact on their lives and homes. They can’t continue to fight on two fronts, and they need our help.

Species saving our world

Our ‘Species Saving Our World’ appeal is live right now and you can have double the impact by donating before 25 April – as the amount you give will be matched £ for £! So, £25 becomes £50, £50 becomes £100… you get the picture!

Donate today to help us raise funds to fight the climate crisis and protect endangered animals.

Double Your Donation

We know there’s a lot of misinformation about the climate crisis in the media. But more than ever, we can see that our world is out of sync. The Earth is now 1.1°C warmer than it was in the 1800s, and if left unchecked, global temperatures are predicted to rise by 2.7°C by the end of the century. We are already seeing vegetation being killed off across southern Africa, and food sources, access to water, and even migration routes being affected worldwide.

Our lives and future are deeply entwined with these incredible, fragile ecosystems. Donate today to help us safeguard biodiversity and carbon sequestering habitats, as well as our incredible ecosystem engineers and protectors.

Big Give Green Match Fund: Your Donation Doubled
18-25 April

Help us raise funds to fight the climate crisis and donate today. Protecting endangered species protects our planet.