Funding period: 2004-2009,2015-2016

Total funding amount: 5,947.20 €

Implementing partner: Phoenix Fund, WCS

Region: Russia, China

Species: Panthera pardus orientalis

Conservation status: Critically Endangered

Stiftung Arenschutz provided support to the Tigris Foundation:

• Anti-poaching activities aiming at reducing poaching of leopards and their prey. Establishing and financial support forfire-fighting teams and anti-poaching brigades
• Habitat conservation measures
• Environmental education
• Support for scientific studies and population monitoring in Russia and China

In 2016 Stiftung Arenschutz supported the WCS monitoring program in the Chinese Hunchun Nature Reserve. The nature reserve, which was established in 2001, is considered of great importance for the Amur leopards conservation, as it adjacent to the Russian National park "Zemlja Leoparda". The study included population monitoring by camera traps and trace identification, habitat use analysis, behavior and movement patterns of the Amur leopards and Amur tigers. It also promoted cross-border cooperation between Chinese and Russian experts.

Photos (ltr): Dick Petrie, Yuri Shibnev,John Lewis, Wildlife Vets International

Funding period: 2001 - 2018

Total funding amount: 1,107,547.91 €

Region: Cambodia

The Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) - the first nature conservation centre in Cambodia,  - was found in 2003 and is one of the oldest projects of Stiftung Artenschutz The ACCB aims to contribute to the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity in Cambodia. ACCB is a conservation breeding, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility, as well es research and educational centre.

Among the most recently funded measures was the establishment of a "langur nursery".

In 2018 the Münster All Weather Zoo took over the sponsorship of the project.

Photos (ltr): ACCB, Jörg Adler, Jörg Adler

Funding period: 2002,2007, 2012, 2018

Total funding amount: 12.405 €

Implementing partner: EWCP

Region: Äthiopien

Species: Canis simensis

Conservation status: Endangered

Transmittable diseases, such as rabies and canine distemper, pose a severe threat to the last remaining Ethiopian wolves. Deavastating outbrakes that decimated up to 75% of the population have taken part in 1990, 2003, 2009, 2014 and in 2016.
Stiftung Artenschutz supported the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme (EWCP) in its extensive efforts for disease control. EWCP launched a domstic dog vaccination programme and vaccinates wolves reactively whenever a disease outbreak is confirmed. 2018 EWCP has implemented the first oral vaccination campaign to pre-empt outbreaks of rabies among Ethiopian wolves.

Photos (ltr): James Hopkirk, EWCP, James Hopkirk www.flickr.com/photos/jameshopkirk

Funding period: 2010

Total funding amount: 8,000€

Implementing partners: Arbeitsgemeinschaft Regenwald und Artenschutz (ARA) e.V.

Region: Germany

In 2008, during the International Year of the Frog, Stiftung Artenschutz and its partners started the initiative "Sei kein Frosch-Hilf uns!" ( Don't be a frog - Help us!) for the conservation of amphibian species worldwide. Two years later, in 2010 that was declared by the UN as the International Year of Biodiversity, Stiftung Artenschutz supported a project, aimed at the conservation of native amphibians in fishing waters.

The main focus of the project "Amphibian Conservation in Fishing Ponds" was the structural improvement of fishing waters. Supported by the Westfalian and Lippe Fishery Association, the project offered advanced training seminars to fishery associations in the region and advised on the planning and implementation of amphibian conservation measures.

Foto: Axel Gebauer

Funding period: 2010

Total funding amount: 3.000 €

Region: Indonesia

Species: Acridotheres melanopterus, Sus verrucosus

Conservation status: Critically endangered, Endangered

Stiftung Artenschutz supported the Cikananga Wildlife Center in Indonesia in its conservation breeding program for the highly endangered Black-winged Starling and JavanWarty Pig. The aim of the ex-situ breeding program is to build up populations of both species in captivity, so that the animals can later be reintroduced in suitable habitats.

Photos (ltr): Pavel Hospoadarsky, Florian Richter, Pavel Hospoadarsky

Funding period: 2006-2014

Total funding amount: 46,919.50 €

Implementing partners: Foundation Lutreola, EuroNerz e.V.

Region: Estonia, Germany

Species: Mustela lutreola

Conservation status: Critically Endangered

In 2010 Stiftung Artenschutz supported a project for the reintroduction of the European Mink in Germany. This project was established with the close cooperation with the Wildlife and Species Conservation Station in Sachsenhagen, the Steinhuder Lake Ecological Conservation Station and the non-profit associaion EuroNerz.

Stiftung Artenschutz provided financial means to the Wildlife and Species Conservation Station in Sachsenhagen for the construction of two semi-natural enclosures where european minks were raised and prepared for subsequent reintroduction in their natural habitat at Steinhuder Lake.

In addition, Stiftung Artenschutz supported the European Mink reintroduction project in Estonia. Our long-standing partner, the Lutreola Foundation, started up a trial release programme at Hiiumaa Island in western Estonia in 2000. Since then further releases and ongoing monitory was taking place. The ongoing programme of captive breeding in Talinn Zoo ( also supported by Stiftung Artenschutz) and release on Hiiumaa from 2000–2015 has resulted in a population that may be described as ‘established’.

Photos: Tiit Maran

Funding period: 2009-2011

Total funding amount: 13,060 €

Implementing Partner: Hilea

Region: Serra Branca, Brazil

Species: Anodorhynchus leari

Conservation status: Endangered

Poaching for the illegal wildlife trade, the destruction of the natural habitat, along with persecution by farmers due to loss of crops pose great threats to the survival of the last Lear's Macaws. In order to prevent conflicts with local farmers and improve the food supply for the birds, Stiftung Artenschutz supported the planting of Likuri palms, which represent the main food source for the birds. The seedlings were planted in the region of the "Serra Branca" - a private-owned, well-protected and largely intact breeding area. Stiftung Artenschutz also supported awareness raising measures and the work of local rangers.

Photos: Karl-Heinz Lambert

Funding period: 2009-2012

Total funding amount: 8,573 €

Implementing organisation: Proeval Raxmu, Uprobon

Region: Chelemhá Private Nature Reserve, Guatemala

Species: Pharomachrus mocinno

Conservation status: Near Threatened

Stiftung Artenschurz supported a project of the Guatemalan nature conservation organization PROEVAL RAXMU. In cooperation with UPROBON, the Chelemhá Private Nature Reserve in Guatemala acquired cloud forest areas. Since the areas are located directly between three already existing protected areas, further habitat fragmentation is avoided. The purchase of these areas is therefore extraordinary important for the long-term conservation of the cloud forests and the quetzal population in the region.

A further project objective was to monitor the bird populations, their distribution, breeding season and migration time of the Quetzal. For this purpose, local Maya were trained in bird identification and mapping techniques.

Photos (ltr): Fabio Bretto, Fabio Bretto, Knut Eisermann

Funding period: 2007

Total funding amount: 10.000 €

Implementation partner: Act for Nature

Region: Madagascar

Species: Propithecus perrieri

Conservation status: Critically Endangered

Stiftung Artenschutz funded a conservation and research project for the Perrier sifaka, which started in March 2006. One of the main objectives of the project was to establish effective protected measures and to put all current habitats of the Perrier sifaka under protection. On the one hand, the project elaborated and implemented the conservation area planning for the Malagasy government. On the other hand, it sensitized the local population for species and environmental protection.

Funding period: 2004, 2012, 2015

Total funding amount: 3.040 €

Implementing partners: WAPCA

Region: Ghana, Elfenbeinküste

Species: Cercopithecus roloway

Conservation status: Critically Endangered

Stiftung Artenschutz supported the West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA) and the conservation measures for the critcally endangered rolloway monkey (Cercopithecus roloway).WAPCA is an initiative of several European Zoos, the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP) and its French Partner organization Conservation des Espèces et des Populations Animales (CEPA). The main goal of WAPCA is to effectively preserve primate habitat in the Upper Guinean Rainforest of West Africa, which is under serious threat of destruction. WAPCA has been promoting the protection of endangered primates in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire since 2001

Photos: Zoo Heidelberg

Funding period: 2012 - 2019

Total funding amount: 3,553.46 €

Implementing organisation: Emiliano Donadio, Program in Ecology and Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming

Region: Andes, Argentina

Species: Vicugna vicugna, Puma concolor

Conservation status: Least Concern

Stiftung Artenschutz supported a study in San Guillermo Natinal Park in Argentina –  the park encompases ca. 150.000 ha surrounded by one of the most ecologically intact areas of South America. It harbors virtually intact plant and vertebrate communities that are seriously altered almost everywhere else in southern South America. The research aimed to understand the effects of puma predation on vicuña demographic parameters, evaluate if the predator-prey interaction between pumas and vicuñas plays a crucial role in promoting biological diversity and to highlight the importance of conserving populations of top predators and their native prey.

The study shouldcontribute to understanding how these species relationships operate throughout a vast area. This
knowledge will allow wildlife and land management agencies to set targets for the restoration of these species and their interactions (such as threshold levels for functional relationships between predator and prey, existence of predator pits, trophic cascades) for other areas where recovery of camelids and/ or pumas is desired.

Photos (ltr): Joe Riis, Rafa Abuin, Proyecto San Guillermo

Funding period: 2002-2005,2010,2015

Total funding amount: 123.449 €

Region: Philippinen

Implementing partners: Mari-it, NFEFI-BCC, TFI, ZGAP

Species: Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni, Penelopides panini, Rusa alfredi, Bubo philippensis

Conservation status: Critically Endangered, Endangered

Since its foundation, Stiftung Artenschutz has been linked tightly with the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (Zoologische Gesellschaft für Arten- und Populationsschutz - ZGAP). Both organisations have a similar strategic direction – the conservation of highly threatened species that are on the brink of extinction and for which there is currently not enough conservation support. Many species that have been protected by the support of ZGAP are also on the priority list of Stiftung Artenschutz.

Especially for the conservation of highly threatened Philippine animal species the organisations cooperated closely. Both NGOs supported the work of Negros Forest & Ecological Foundation (NFEFI; until recently the only bigger nature conservation NGO on the island of Negros), the Center for Tropical Studies (Centrop) of Silliman University (also on Negros) and the West Visayas State University (on Panay).

In their rescue and conservation breeding centres these Philippine institutions have kept and bred threatened and endemic species such as the Philippine spotted deer, the Walden’s horn bill and Tarictic hornbill, Visayan warty pig and Philippine eagle owl, and have prepared them for their release back into the wild. It was also here where the first successful breeding attempts happened for the two mentioned hornbill species.

The supported conservation programmes included:

• The extension of the existing nature conservation centres for the use of the local population, and the improvement of the rescue and breeding centres’
• The support of ecological farming on the land of the West Visayas State University as a trial for sustainable farming practices as alternative income for local people
• The capacity building of local biologists, veterinarians and animal keepers in wildlife and nature conservation, in order to have professional staff on site for the reintroduction of species and other nature conservation measures.
• The support of running costs such as salaries, animal feed and office costs of the mentioned organisations

In 2015 the centre NFEFI-BCC was relocated because the original land in Bacolod city was re-claimed by the government as development area. As a result the animals were taken over by Talarak Foundation Inc.. In the new centre Talarak successed with the world-first breeding of Philippine eagle owls in 2005; in 2016 the second generation in captivity hatched. This happened in the newly built aviaries that were constructed shortly before with the financial support of Stiftung Artenschutz.

Later ZGAP took over the entire support of the conservation work on the Philippines. In 2020 Stiftung Artenschutz provided some small amount of money to Talarak again, and further small-scale financial support is likely. Dr. Johanna Rode-Margono, Executive Director of Stiftung Artenschutz, is external board member of Talarak Foundation Inc., as she provided strategic and technical support to the organization while it saw a huge strategic development during the last few years.

Funding period: 2008

Total funding amount: 22,457.66 €

Implementing organisation: Associação Hiléia

Region: Rio Aripuana, Brazil

Rio Aripuanã is home to a rich flora and fauna, including several large mammalian species that haven't yet been scientifically described. In 2006, in cooperation with the Brazilian organisation Hiléia, Stiftung Artenschutz supported an expedition to explore the unknown species in this unique habitat.

On 21th of June 2006, the government of the Amazonas State in Brazil declared part of the region as a "Sustainable Development Reserve" (RDS). The new 589,611 ha protected area is called "Juma" - named after a right tributary of the Rio Aripuanã, which flows into Santa Eliseia. Part of the area was placed under strict protection. Local communities were still allowed to use the natural resources in a controlled way, but moving in of new residents and the commercial agriculture were not permitted.

The Stiftung Artenschutz supported the following measures:

- Providing a pontoon boat for the protected area guards
- Forest rangers training
- Education measures for the local communities, including sustainable use of natureal resources and generating alternative income opportunites
- introducing beekeeping as an alternative income source
- introducing permaculture as a sustainable alternative to slash-and-burn farming

Photos (ltr): Eije Pabst, Eije Pabst, Frieder Salm

Funding period: 2008 - 2019
Total funding amount:
Implementing partner:
Region: Bolivia

Species: Telmatobius culeus

Conservation status: Endangered 

The Titicaca Water Frog (Telmatobius culeus) is endemic to the Lake Titicaca Basin in the high Andes of Bolivia and Peru. This Endangered species, also known as Lake Titicaca Frog, is among the most threatened amphibian species of the world. The reason for this is a serious population decline, estimated to be more than 80 percent over the last three generations, due to over-exploitation, habitat degradation, and the introduction of invasive, non-native fish species to Lake Titicaca. A further potential threat to the survival of the Titicaca Water Frog looming on the horizon is the chytrid fungus which probably played a major role in amphibian die-offs in many areas.

The main objectives of this project are to investigate the reasons for the massive massive die-offs by regularly monitoring different populations of Titicaca water frog. Furthermore this project aims to improving and maintaining a captive breeding population for reintroduction purposes.

A pilot study by our project partner Asociación Armonía – BirdLife International established baseline data required to assess the magnitude of current threats to the Titicaca Water Frog and to develop appropriate conservation strategies and actions. During the study mortality rates due to by-catch in fishing nets and direct capture by local people were assessed and breeding grounds were examined in order to determine priority areas for conservation action. Furtheremore the spreding of the lethal chytrid funguswas also monitored. The pilot study was followed by a subsequent project, which included a monitoring programme, environmental education measures for the local communities and support for the ex situ breeding programme for the Titicaca frog.

In the following years there were different episodes where massive deaths of the species were reported. This was the case of April 2015 where thousands of frogs were found dead in the shore of the Bolivian side of Titicaca lake.

With the support of Stiftung Artenschutz and other organizations Arturo Munoz from the ‚Bolivian Amphibian Initiative’ carried out an emergency project to evaluate the situation and to stablish a captive breeding population for future reintroductions. Since 2019 the support of this project is taken over by Aquazoo Düsseldorf, Germany.

Photos (ltr): Arturo Munóz

Funding period: 2006-2007

Total funding amount: 45,492.34 €

Implementing organisation: Associação Hiléia

Region: Rio Aripuana, Brazil

In 2006, Stiftung Artenschutz funded in cooperation with Hiléia an expedition to explore the unknown species in the Rio Aripuanã region. A great success was achieved even before the survey was completed: The study area was declared a "Sustainable Development Reserve" (RDS).

Förderzeitraum: 2015

Funding period: 4.400 €

Total funding amount: Indonesia

Implementing partner: Bawean Endemics Conservation Initiative

Species: Sus verrucosus blouchi

Conservation status: Endangered


The Bawean warty pig (Sus blouchi) is an endemic pig species confined to the 192 km² large island of Bawean in the Java Sea, Indonesia.There was a lack of quantitative ecological research, understanding of natural history and conservation requirements of the species. 

Stiftugn Artenschutz funded the first-ever ecological study of the Bawean Warty Pigwhich provided the first assessment of population and habitat preferences by using camera traps.

Photos (ltr): BEKI, BEKI, Johanna Rode-Margono

Funding period: 2003-2018

Total funding amount: 147.225,29 €

Implementing partners: CBLCP

Region: Insel Cat Ba, Vietnam

Species: Trachypithecus poliocephalus

Conservation status: Critically endangererd

The Cat Ba (Trachypithecus poliocephalus) is endemic for the Cat Ba archipelago in Vietnam. 1999 the species was named the "most endangered primate species". Since the 1960s, the cat Ba langur experienced a population decline of up to 98%. Starting from an estimated original population of 2,400-2,700 animals, only 53 individuals were left in 2000. The main threats are poaching habitat destruction, shrimp farming, road construction and urbanization and massive expansion of tourism on Cat Ba.

The prooject aims were:

- Protection of the remaining langur population (controlled monitoring of the entire population, special conservation measures for isolated groups in the direct vicinity of human settlements)
- Increasing the preoduction chances by resettlement of isolated groups
- Preservation of the endangered forest cover of the karst hills and mangrove reforestation
- Forest ranger training and education

The Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project (CBLCP) was initiated in 2000 by the Allwetter Zoo Münster and the Zoological Society for Species and Population Conservation. (ZGAP) Since then the project has been regularly supported by the Stiftung Artenschutz. Since 2019, the project has been supported by Leipzig Zoo.

The project was supported by Apenheul Primate Conservation Trust, Gemeinschaft Deutscher Zooförderer (GDZ), AWP.

Photos: Neahga Leonard /CBLCP

Funding period: 2014

Total funding amount:  2.000 €

Implementing partner: SANCCOB

Region: Namibien

Species: Phalacrocorax neglectus

Conservation status: Endangered

The Bank cormorant is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red Data list due to an estimated 66% decrease in the overall population.  In 2011, the world population estimate was 3 000 breeding pairs, with simple regression suggesting extinction of the species by 2030.

Stiftung Artenschutz suported:

• building of trial platforms in an attempt to find a feasible solution to providing additional nesting sites to bolster the current Bank Cormorant population.
• building an enclosure suitable for the rehabilitation of Cormorants with the outcome of increased release of Cormorants into the wild.
• a desease survey to improve the success rate of release by understanding the causes of death in the wild.

As part of the EAZA Southeast Asia Campaign 2012/2013, Stiftung Artenschutz developed a campaign concept with which zoos and animal parks can draw attention to the important issue of illegal wild animal trade.

Stiftung Artenschutz developed the complete concept and produced campaign materials, flyers and posters for  numerous participating zoos.

Photos (ltr): Zoo Landau, Zoo Erfurt, Zoo Landau