Location: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia (Now extinct), India (now extinct)
The masked finfoot is vanishing before our eyes. Once widespread across South and #SoutheastAsia, fewer than 300 individuals remain alive. Their numbers are in freefall due to habitat destruction, rampant palm oil expansion, hydropower projects, and human disturbance (Chowdhury et al., 2020). These rare and secretive #waterbirds, with their striking black masks and vivid green lobed fe
Location: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia (Now extinct), India (now extinct)
The masked finfoot is vanishing before our eyes. Once widespread across South and #SoutheastAsia, fewer than 300 individuals remain alive. Their numbers are in freefall due to habitat destruction, rampant palm oil expansion, hydropower projects, and human disturbance (Chowdhury et al., 2020). These rare and secretive #waterbirds, with their striking black masks and vivid green lobed feet, are slipping towards #extinction.
These #birds were once found in the dense, shadowy mangroves and riverine forests from #India to #Indonesia, their final strongholds are in Bangladesh and #Cambodia. Even there, unchecked deforestation and wetland clearance threaten their survival. Conservationists warn that without urgent intervention, this species could become Asia’s next avian extinction.
Protecting the masked finfoot means protecting their vanishing wetland homes. Boycott palm oil, support wetland conservation, and demand stronger protections for Southeast Asia’s last riverine forests. Help them every time you shop and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
The masked finfoot is a medium-sized aquatic bird with a long, elegant neck, vivid green lobed feet, and a sharp, pointed beak. Their dramatic black facial mask is offset by a white eyering and lateral stripe along the neck. Their back and wings are deep chestnut brown, contrasting with a pale underbelly. Males have an entirely black chin, while females have a distinctive white chin patch.
This species moves through the water with effortless grace, gliding silently through dense mangroves and forested waterways. Unlike grebes and ducks, they are not strictly aquatic—often foraging along riverbanks for fish, crustaceans, and insects. Their lobed feet, highly adapted for both swimming and gripping wetland vegetation, allow them to navigate both water and land with ease.
Geographic Range
The main threat is the destruction and increased levels of disturbance to rivers in lowland riverine forest, driven by agricultural clearance and logging operations and increased traffic on waterways.
IUCN Red list
The masked finfoot once thrived across South and Southeast Asia, from northeast India to Indonesia. Today, their range has collapsed. The most recent global population estimate suggests only 108 to 304 individuals remain (Chowdhury et al., 2020), with confirmed breeding populations only in Bangladesh and Cambodia. Once-regular sightings in Malaysia and Thailand have all but disappeared.
Myanmar may still hold small, unrecorded populations, but large-scale deforestation and wetland destruction mean that their future there is uncertain. The species has already been wiped out from large parts of its former range. Without urgent conservation action, they may soon disappear entirely.
Diet
The masked finfoot is an opportunistic feeder, preying on a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species. Their diet consists of freshwater shrimp, large beetles, small fish, dragonfly larvae, molluscs, and amphibians. They forage both in the water and along riverbanks, gleaning insects from overhanging vegetation or catching prey just below the surface. Their lobed feet allow them to navigate both aquatic and terrestrial environments with ease.
Reproduction and Mating
Little is known about the breeding biology of the masked finfoot due to their elusive nature. Their breeding season appears to coincide with the rainy season, from June to September in Bangladesh. They construct nests low above the water, using small sticks and reeds to form a platform. Clutch sizes range from three to seven eggs, and chicks hatch covered in dark grey down with a distinctive white spot on the tip of the beak. The young leave the nest shortly after hatching, though they remain dependent on their parents for food and protection.
Threats
Kalimantan lost nearly 25% of its evergreen forest during 1985-1997. The impact of the major fires of 1997-1998 was patchy, with many small alluvial areas escaping damage(Fredriksson and Nijman 2004). However, such fires appear to be increasing in frequency and severity. In central Kalimantan, most remaining lowland forest is granted to logging concessions, with a negligible area currently afforded any protected status. The species was recorded in trade by TRAFFIC in 1998 when six birds were taken out of Kalimantan to Singapore(Shepherd 2000).
IUCN REd LIST
The masked finfoot faces multiple threats that have driven them to the brink of extinction.
Habitat Destruction and Palm Oil Plantations
• Lowland riverine forests are being cleared for palm oil plantations, rice fields, and other agricultural developments.
Habitat loss is the most significant driver of the masked finfoot’s decline. Without intact, undisturbed wetlands, their populations will continue to plummet.
Hydropower and Waterway Disruptions
• The construction of dams and hydropower projects alters water flow, reduces fish populations, and floods nesting sites.
• The birds are at risk of entanglement in fishing nets, particularly in the Sundarbans.
Pollution and bycatch threaten not only the masked finfoot but many other wetland species that rely on clean rivers and estuaries.
Take Action!
The masked finfoot is on the edge of extinction. Choose 100% palm oil-free products, support wetland restoration, and demand stronger legal protections for their remaining habitats. Every decision you make as a consumer can help safeguard the future of this critically endangered species. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
FAQs
How many masked finfoots are left?
The global population is estimated to be between 108 and 304 individuals, far lower than the 600–1,700 estimate in 2009 (Chowdhury et al., 2020). With such a sharp decline, immediate conservation efforts are needed to prevent their extinction.
Where do masked finfoots live?
Historically, they were found across South and Southeast Asia. Today, breeding populations are confirmed only in Bangladesh and Cambodia. Myanmar may still have small, unrecorded populations, but the species has likely been extirpated from Malaysia and Thailand.
Why is the masked finfoot endangered?
Habitat destruction, palm oil plantations, hydropower development, hunting, and climate change are the biggest threats. Wetland clearance and deforestation have left them with almost nowhere to breed and forage.
How can we save the masked finfoot?
Boycotting palm oil, supporting wetland conservation projects, and advocating for stronger environmental protections are critical steps. Protected areas must be established, and existing habitats must be restored.
What do masked finfoots eat?
Their diet includes freshwater shrimp, insects, fish, and crustaceans. They hunt both in the water and along the riverbanks, using their lobed feet to navigate different environments.
Further Information
BirdLife International. 2016. Heliopais personatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22692181A93340327. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Downloaded on 05 February 2021.
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d). Masked finfoot. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 13, 2025, from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masked_f…
Support the conservation of this species
This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
The masked finfoot is vanishing before our eyes. Once widespread across South and #SoutheastAsia, fewer than 300 individuals remain alivw. Their numbers are in freefall due to habitat destruction, …
How does Indonesia’s palm oil industry fuel the climate crisis?
Booming global demand for palm oil in biofuel is spurring deforestation in Indonesia. Indonesia accounts for more than half of the global palm oil supply, the world’s most widely used vegetable oil that is found in everything from food to cosmetics to fuel.
This story was published by Thomson Reuters Foundation, on 20th of September, 2024. [strong]Reporting by Adi Renaldi and editing by Ayla Jean Yackley. Read original.[/strong]
Palm oil production reached 50 million tonnes in 2023 from 45 million tonnes the year before, according to the Indonesian Palm Oil Association.
As companies and small landholders replace natural habitats with palm oil plantations, activists and researchers are warning that large amounts of planet-heating carbon is being released into the atmosphere.
How do palm oil plantations contribute to deforestation?
Palm oil plantations covermore than 42.7 million acres of Indonesia, compared with 41.5 million acres in 2019, the government’s Geospatial Information Agency said this month.
Indonesia lost 721,000 acres of primary, or old growth, forest in the last two decades – equivalent to 221 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, according to Global Forest Watch. Drivers of this deforestation include plantations and mining.
Sumatra and Borneo, home to the endangered orangutan and other endemic species, have lost 36% and 45% of their tropical forests, respectively, due to palm oil expansion, according to Nusantara Atlas, a non-profit that tracks deforestation. How does Indonesia’s palm oil industry fuel the climate crisis? The loss of carbon-storing forests is compounded by the conversion of peatland into plantations. Indonesia is home to more than a third of the world’s tropical peatlands, a type of wetland that is the world’s biggest land-based store of carbon.
Palm oil planters believe the soil in these wetlands yields more crops and drain them through man-made canals so that planting can take place. A study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources in 2021 showed draining peatlands across the world releases 1.9 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. How does Indonesia’s palm oil industry fuel the climate crisis?
How does the biofuel business affect climate change?
Palm oil is a primary ingredient of biodiesel, a cleaner-burning, renewable fuel used in transportation. But a growing body of research shows that biofuels from vegetable oils like palm actually emit more carbon than fossil fuels, primarily due to changes in land use in order to grow the crops.
The government targets production of 13.4 million kilolitres in 2024, 2% more than last year, when it grew 11%, according to the energy ministry.
Indonesia requires fuel producers to make a blend of diesel fuel that contains 35% palm oil and wants that share to rise to 40% in 2025. How does Indonesia’s palm oil industry fuel the climate crisis? The government began to cultivate palm oil in the 1980s in the hopes of boosting the economy and providing jobs. It now accounts for3.5% of gross domestic product, government statistics showed.
Researchers claim palm oil has not contributed to the welfare of people living near plantations. The rate of poverty remains high in the palm oil-rich regions of Sumatra and Borneo, where people face food insecurity after farms were cleared to make way for palm trees.
Can a moratorium on new plantations help stop deforestation?
While Indonesia’s deforestation rate fell between 2019 to 2022 due to stricter regulations, amoratorium on forest clearing and better mitigation of forest fires, the clearing of primaryforests for mining and plantations has risen slightly.
The governmentissued a moratorium on new palm oil plantation in 2018 to slow deforestation. Despite the reprieve, about 119,400 hectares of forests were cleared between 2021 and 2022.
Between 2022 and 2023, some 52,000 hectares of forests were converted into plantations, Nusantara Atlas data showed.
Environmental groups have blamed a lack of reinforcement of the moratorium and called for replanting unproductive oil palm trees on existing plantations, instead of clearing forests.
This story was published by Thomson Reuters Foundation, on 20th of September, 2024. [strong]Reporting by Adi Renaldi and editing by Ayla Jean Yackley. Read original.[/strong]
ENDS
Read more about deforestation and greenwashing in the palm oil industry
On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, a shocking and disgraceful incident occurred in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). During a meeting of shareholders from Plantations et Huileries du Congo…
This article highlights the significant role that banks and investors play in fuelling a global biodiversity crisis – particularly in relation to palm oil, meat, soy and timber deforestation.
Deforestation in Indonesia is worsening the impact of severe weather events such as floods and landslides, as seen in West Sumatra in March 2024. Environmental groups cite deforestation and environmental degradation as key…
One million plant and animal species are now threatened with extinction. Biodiversity is at a critical juncture before being wiped out forever and pressure is mounting on the international community to commit to…
For decades, the palm oil industry, backed by the RSPO, has misled consumers with the false promise of “sustainable” palm oil. Behind this green façade lies a brutal reality of deforestation, human rights…
When Indonesian prosecutors went after the leader of an illegal wildlife syndicate operating near the Malacca Strait, they relied on the country’s then relatively new 2019 Quarantine Act to seek a prison sentence.
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A recent report highlighted by Mongabay uncovers that deforestation-linked palm oil may still be in popular snacks like Snickers and Kit Kat, despite pledges from brands like Mars, Nestlé, and Mondelēz to use…
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Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
It’s estimated that globally 1.18 Billion people are living in energy poverty and 700 Million are living with no electricity at all. [1] Many of them are in rural areas with no chance of ever getting connected to a mains (Fossil Fuel) grid because the electricity/maintenance would be just too expensive. Enter peer-to-peer energy trading technology, coupled with cheap solar and storage. A technology that has the potential to lift millions out of energy poverty, especially those living in equatorial regions.
Established in 2015, SOLshare, in Bangladesh, has developed one of the world’s first solar peer-to-peer energy exchange platforms, allowing households with rooftop solar home systems to trade excess electricity in real-time. This technology enables users to become both producers and consumers of electricity, enhancing energy access in areas where traditional grid infrastructure is lacking.
The SOLshare platform is comprised of three key elements
SOLbazaar Platform: This is the core of SOLshare’s P2P trading system, which connects households and small businesses. Users can sell surplus energy generated from their solar installations to neighbours, facilitating a decentralised energy market.
SOLbox Meter: A bi-directional smart meter that allows for the measurement and trading of electricity between users. It supports mobile payments, making transactions seamless and accessible.
Mobile App: The SOLapp helps manage user energy and tracks consumption and trading activities, enhancing user engagement and efficiency.
SOLshare’s initiative has significantly improved energy access for rural communities in Bangladesh, where approximately 60 million people still lack reliable electricity. Some of these communities have never had access to reliable electricity. By enabling households to monetise their excess solar energy, SOLshare not only addresses energy poverty but also empowers local economies by allowing individuals to earn income through energy trading.
The company’s technology exemplifies the benefits of a shift towards decentralised and sustainable energy solutions. The Fossil Fuels industry to this day claims that renewables can’t power the world, but if history has taught us anything it’s centralised Fossil Fuels can’t power poorer regional areas. While this technology is most applicable in rural areas it can be deployed in cities to help combat blackouts and rising electricity costs.
There are other similar initiatives happening in the developing world. I touched on another initiative in Africa in this article HERE. Also in Cambodia Okra Solar are deploying something very similar which they call a Mesh Grid. It can be quickly deployed, and in this case below, redeployed when needed. Someting that is increasingly important when it comes to Climate Change adaptation.
It’s not just the developing world that can benefit from this type of Solar Micro Grid. In Australia remote communities that are currently dependent on diesel generators are now being powered by Solar and Batteries. These towns would also benefit from the addition of peer-to-peer energy trading as a way to save money and build more resilience into their micro grids. reneweconomy.com.au/horizon-sl…
Solar and Storage will 100% power equatorial regions, and beyond, in the the future. It will be cheaper and more reliable. It will allow for more energy independence and will dramatically reduce emissions. We just need to hit the accelerator pedal and get deploying these projects faster so they can benefit from economies of scale.
Notes*
The Bangladesh video is from Damon Gameau who embarks on a personal journey to explore what the future could look like by the year 2040 if we embraced the best solutions available today to improve our planet and wellbeing. theregenerators.org/2040/
Horizon Power has completed a third new centralised solar and battery project, located in Sandstone, designed to increase renewable energy and cut down on diesel use in regional towns.
Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Turkey and Cambodia will be connected by new Turkish Airlines flights from December 2025, linking Istanbul and Phnom Penh to boost travel, trade, and connectivity Monday, March 10, 2025Turkey and Cambodia will be connected by ne…
Indigenous Chorng communities in Cambodia allege continued land restrictions and rights violations by Wildlife Alliance, the U.S.-based NGO running the Southern Cardamom REDD+ project that includes swaths of their farmlands and forest.
It’s estimated that globally 1.18 Billion people are living in energy poverty and 700 Million are living with no electricity at all. [1] Many of them are in rural areas with no chance of ever getting connected to a mains (Fossil Fuel) grid because the electricity/maintenance would be just too expensive. Enter peer-to-peer energy trading technology, coupled with cheap solar and storage. A technology that has the potential to lift millions out of energy poverty, especially those living in equatorial regions.
Established in 2015, SOLshare, in Bangladesh, has developed one of the world’s first solar peer-to-peer energy exchange platforms, allowing households with rooftop solar home systems to trade excess electricity in real-t
It’s estimated that globally 1.18 Billion people are living in energy poverty and 700 Million are living with no electricity at all. [1] Many of them are in rural areas with no chance of ever getting connected to a mains (Fossil Fuel) grid because the electricity/maintenance would be just too expensive. Enter peer-to-peer energy trading technology, coupled with cheap solar and storage. A technology that has the potential to lift millions out of energy poverty, especially those living in equatorial regions.
Established in 2015, SOLshare, in Bangladesh, has developed one of the world’s first solar peer-to-peer energy exchange platforms, allowing households with rooftop solar home systems to trade excess electricity in real-time. This technology enables users to become both producers and consumers of electricity, enhancing energy access in areas where traditional grid infrastructure is lacking.
The SOLshare platform is comprised of three key elements
SOLbazaar Platform: This is the core of SOLshare’s P2P trading system, which connects households and small businesses. Users can sell surplus energy generated from their solar installations to neighbours, facilitating a decentralised energy market.
SOLbox Meter: A bi-directional smart meter that allows for the measurement and trading of electricity between users. It supports mobile payments, making transactions seamless and accessible.
Mobile App: The SOLapp helps manage user energy and tracks consumption and trading activities, enhancing user engagement and efficiency.
SOLshare’s initiative has significantly improved energy access for rural communities in Bangladesh, where approximately 60 million people still lack reliable electricity. Some of these communities have never had access to reliable electricity. By enabling households to monetise their excess solar energy, SOLshare not only addresses energy poverty but also empowers local economies by allowing individuals to earn income through energy trading.
The company’s technology exemplifies the benefits of a shift towards decentralised and sustainable energy solutions. The Fossil Fuels industry to this day claims that renewables can’t power the world, but if history has taught us anything it’s centralised Fossil Fuels can’t power poorer regional areas. While this technology is most applicable in rural areas it can be deployed in cities to help combat blackouts and rising electricity costs.
There are other similar initiatives happening in the developing world. I touched on another initiative in Africa in this article HERE. Also in Cambodia Okra Solar are deploying something very similar which they call a Mesh Grid. It can be quickly deployed, and in this case below, redeployed when needed. Someting that is increasingly important when it comes to Climate Change adaptation.
It’s not just the developing world that can benefit from this type of Solar Micro Grid. In Australia remote communities that are currently dependent on diesel generators are now being powered by Solar and Batteries. These towns would also benefit from the addition of peer-to-peer energy trading as a way to save money and build more resilience into their micro grids. reneweconomy.com.au/horizon-sl…
Solar and Storage will 100% power equatorial regions, and beyond, in the the future. It will be cheaper and more reliable. It will allow for more energy independence and will dramatically reduce emissions. We just need to hit the accelerator pedal and get deploying these projects faster so they can benefit from economies of scale.
Notes*
The Bangladesh video is from Damon Gameau who embarks on a personal journey to explore what the future could look like by the year 2040 if we embraced the best solutions available today to improve our planet and wellbeing. theregenerators.org/2040/
Horizon Power has completed a third new centralised solar and battery project, located in Sandstone, designed to increase renewable energy and cut down on diesel use in regional towns.
African’s quiet energy and environmental revolution
A quiet revolution is underway in Africa that appears to be going mostly unnoticed by the rest of the world. A green revolution in energy, transport and regeneration. A revolution that has the potential to unlock A Wonderful Green Future for the people of Africa.
Of all the sectors driving Africa’s clean energy and environmental transformation, two-wheel transport stands out as the most dynamic and rapidly evolving. Africa is currently experiencing a surge in homegrown motorcycle designers and manufacturers, with at least 10 companies now in operation. These bikes have all been designed in Africa, for African conditions. Just six years ago the nascent bike industry was developing modified ICE bikes with hub motors. After six years of dedicated learning and continuous improvement, they present the latest generation of bikes that we see today. Some are made abroad, some built locally with imported parts, some have developed their own battery technology and some are developing their own battery swapping ecosystems. Many of the manufacturers have been smart in using common parts from the most popular ICE bikes. Leavers, brakes, forks wheels, etc. which means spare parts are abundant. This makes it easier to tap into existing supply chains and start new businesses and manufacturing, developed around common parts. This builds more resilience into the system, creates more local jobs and keeps more money in local economies.
Some of the standout manufacturers leading this surge include:
Spiro – Nairobi, Kenya.
Spiro is Africa’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, currently operating over 20,000 electric motorbikes across nine African countries including Benin, Togo, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The company has established its own network with over 600 battery swapping stations. (spironet.com)
Roam – Nairobi, Kenya.
Roam, a Swedish-Kenyan electric mobility company, has established itself as a pioneer in Africa’s sustainable transportation sector. The company designs and manufactures electric motorcycles tailored for African conditions, with its flagship model, the Roam Air. Roam has raised over $31.5 million in funding, including a recent $24 million Series A round, positioning itself for significant expansion across the continent. It has also developed its own battery swapping system and charging facilities. (roam-electric.com)
Kofa, a Ghanaian clean-tech startup, has developed a multi-use, high-capacity battery system called Kore2, alongside an innovative battery swapping network. Kofa’s business model focuses on creating an affordable and customer-driven electricity network powered by portable batteries and renewable energy. In partnership with TAIL-G, a globally recognised e-motorcycle manufacturer, Kofa has designed the Jidi e-motorcycle specifically for the African market, offering a range of over 100km. (kofa.co)
Ampersand – Rwanda
Ampersand is a pioneering electric motorcycle startup based in Kigali, Rwanda, transforming urban transportation through its innovative battery swapping technology. Founded in 2019, the company has rapidly scaled from 20 initial e-motos to become a significant player in East Africa’s emerging electric vehicle market. Its battery swapping system, allows motorcycle taxi drivers to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones in under two minutes. This approach solves critical challenges of electric vehicle adoption in Africa: charging time and infrastructure limitations. (ampersand.solar)
What Ampersand is doing also ties in with other African EV leadership and the phasing out of petrol motorcycles, which I wrote about here: owgf.org/2024/11/07/kigalis-bo…. From January 1st, 2025, only electric motorcycles can be registered in Rwanda.
Zembo – Kampala, Uganda
Founded in 2018, Zembo is a pioneering e-mobility startup based in Kampala, Uganda. The company designs, assembles, and sells electric motorcycles tailored for the African market, particularly targeting the popular “boda boda” (motorcycle taxi) sector. Zembo’s business model combines affordable electric motorcycles with a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) approach, utilising a network of solar-powered battery swapping stations across Uganda. (zem.bo/)
To match all of this innovation, some countries are backing it up with new laws to curb the consumption of fossil fuels. Ethiopia has become the first country in the world to implement an immediate ban on the import of internal combustion engine vehicles, allowing only electric vehicles to enter the country. This bold move, announced by Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, aims to reduce the nation’s reliance on fossil fuel imports, which cost nearly $6 billion last year, and promotes the adoption of electric vehicles in line with the country’s green development goals. (CleanTechnica.com) Currently the main issues are training mechanics to work on EVs and charging infrastructure. Most vehicles are either charged at home or at work and there is little in the way of public rapid charging.
Other EV initiatives
While China has been very active in the EV market recently, Africa’s electrification is also being noticed by a few European EV makers, from big to small. New EV designs that specifically cater for African conditions are being developed which will only make adoption more likely.
Volkswagen Group Africa has officially commenced operations at its new multifunctional facility in Gashora, Rwanda, aimed at testing modern farming techniques using electric tractors as part of the innovative GenFarm project. This initiative is designed to create a sustainable ecosystem for mechanised farming in rural Africa, enhancing agricultural productivity while promoting environmental sustainability and clean energy solutions (kigalijournal.com/volkswagen-g…)
Also there is OX Delivers. An electric truck that is a purpose-built, flat-pack vehicle specifically designed for African road conditions, featuring high ground clearance and a sturdy construction that can handle unpaved roads and challenging terrain. With a 74-KWh battery providing over 90 miles of range, and a unique truck-as-a-service model, the OX electric truck aims to revolutionise transportation and logistics for smallholder farmers and businesses across East Africa. What OX is doing is very different to other EV makers and it’s worth watching this excellent video from Fully Charged about them: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMIcmYOBd-E )
Renewable Energy
Outside of transport there is now lots of activity in the clean energy sector. Energy independence is absolutely crucial for Africa due to the high costs of fossil fuel imports and the impact on balance of trade payments. The majority of African countries are net energy importers, with 38 nations relying heavily on imported fossil fuels[2]. This dependence exposes African nations to volatile global oil prices, jeopardising their balance of payments positions and eroding economic prosperity. As the cost of imported energy continues to increase, government subsidies in some African countries have tripled in recent years, reaching record highs and further straining national budgets[6]. By achieving energy independence, through renewable resources, African nations can reduce their vulnerability to price fluctuations, improve their trade balances, and redirect funds towards sustainable development rather than fossil fuel imports[3][4].
This means that right across Africa many leaders are pushing for as much new renewable energy as possible. The continent’s installed renewable capacity is set to grow from 54 GW in 2020 to more than 530 GW by 2040, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), with solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity soaring to 340 GW and wind energy rising to 90 GW.
All across Africa there are 100’s of projects in development or under construction. From truly massive projects like the G5 Sahel Desert to Power Project, a $10 billion project aiming to add 10 GW of solar capacity across 11 Sahel countries[4], to much smaller but also very important projects like the Roggeveld Wind Farm (South Africa). A 147 MW project owned by Red Rocket[5][6]. While the larger African economies are getting the most projects there is activity right across the continent.
Africa Minigrid Program
What is just as exciting is the Africa Minigrid Program. This approach to energy production and consumption brings affordability, resilience and energy independence down to the micro level. Villages, communities and homes that have never been able to connect to the main grid, due to cost, are now being connected up to micro grids. 80% of people in sub-Saharan Africa don’t have access to clean, safe fuels and technologies for cooking. That represents 923 million people. Many rely on noisy, inefficient, expensive and polluting generators for electricity production. The roll out of minigrids and other adjacent technologies like P2P energy trading will change all this.
Outside the clean energy revolution there are numerous regeneration initiatives happening across Africa. Desertification is a critical issue affecting Africa, with 45% of the continent’s land area currently impacted and 55% of this affected land is at high or very high risk of further degradation. This widespread land degradation threatens the livelihoods of millions who depend on the land for subsistence. The solution to this problem is regeneration on a massive scale. The Great Green Wall
No other African environmental project has been more talked about than The Great Green Wall. This African-led initiative is aiming to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land across the Sahel region, with the goal of combating desertification, sequestering 250 million tonnes of carbon, and creating 10 million green jobs by 2030. The project is currently about 15% complete and has already restored 18 million hectares of land and is transforming the lives of millions by creating a mosaic of green and productive landscapes across 11 countries, from Senegal in the West to Djibouti in the East. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/green-wall-promote-peace-and-restore-nature-africas-sahel-region
Food Forests
Part of the Great Green Wall initiative involves the creation of food forests. At the heart of this initiative lies small quarter-acre plots that encapsulates the project’s essence. These tiny pieces of land can provide everything a family needs, from building materials to food production, habitat, and temperature regulation. I wrote about this in a previous post here: owgf.org/2023/12/02/how-8000-f…
Earth Smiles
One of the main techniques for regeneration is the use of water bunds, or as they are more affectionately know as “Earth Smiles.” This is an innovative environmental initiative aimed at regreening degraded landscapes in sub-Saharan Africa. These water bunds are semi-circular pits designed to capture and retain rainwater, preventing it from running off and being wasted. By slowing down water flow and allowing it to infiltrate the soil, these bunds help restore moisture to arid lands, promoting vegetation growth and improving biodiversity. The approach emphasises community involvement, ensuring that those most affected by environmental degradation actively participate in reversing it. Through this grassroots approach, “Earth Smiles” are transforming barren landscapes into thriving ecosystems while addressing climate change at both local and global levels. Permaculture instructor Andrew Millison has made an excellent video on them.
Another massive regeneration initative is African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100) A country-led effort to restore 100 million hectares of deforested and degraded landscapes across Africa by 2030. With 33 African nations committed and 129 million hectares pledged for restoration, AFR100 leverages local expertise and a network of technical and financial partners to implement thousands of community-led projects, addressing issues such as food security, climate change resilience and rural poverty through sustainable landscape restoration practices. Their website is filled with hundreds of projects that have already been undertaken. afr100.org/
Wrapping up
While there is clearly lots of great things happening in Africa, it isn’t all rosy on the environmental front. There is still considerable destruction happening, especially with logging and deforestation, which remain a big concern. Also despite all the new Renewables projects, fossil fuels consumption is still growing. On top of this nations are increasingly being affected by global heating and extreme weather. A Wonderful Green Future is not assured, but as this article points out, there is a way forward emerging. This post has only scratched the surface on all the environmental projects happening in Africa. As more projects happen, more knowledge is shared, more people see what is possible, get involved, and then hopefully this quiet revolution will pick up pace.
A huge thank you to Remeredzai Joseph Kuhudzai for chatting to me about his on the ground experience in Africa. You can see his work here: cleantechnica.com/author/remer…
Explore the transformative power of afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation with a detailed overview of all 47 AR carbon projects across Africa.
"Huione Pay, the banking arm of what’s been called the world’s 'largest ever illicit online marketplace' (#HuioneGuarantee) has been stripped of its banking license, the National Bank of #Cambodia confirmed to RFA this week."
There's been previous reports of tens of billions of dollars moving through Huiones "anything goes" marketplace for weapons, drugs, slaves, etc. so this is possibly an interesting escalation in the crackdown on Chinese organized crime in southeast asia that seems to have been orchestrated by the #PRC (though some are sceptical if it will end up making any real difference give Huione connections to the Cambodian government).
The Hairy-nosed Otter is one of the world’s rarest and least understood otter species, native to Southeast Asia. Distinguished by the unique fur covering its rhinarium (nose), this elusive mammal inhabits freshwater and coastal ecosystems, including mangroves and peat swamp forests. Now extinct in India and Myanmar, their numbers are dropping in other countries. They are severely under threat from habitat destruction for palm oil and illegal hunting. Hairy-nosed Otter have no known conservation projects in place to protect them. We urge you to boycott products linked to deforestation like palm oil and meat. Use your wallet as a weapon to fight for their survival each time you shop #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife!
The Hairy-nosed Otter has a slender body measuring 1.05 to 1.34 meters in length and weighing between 5 to 8 kilograms. Its dense, short brown fur becomes paler on the belly, and unlike other otter species, its rhinarium is covered with short dark hair. It possesses fully webbed paws with prominent claws, adapted for its semi-aquatic lifestyle. Primarily solitary, this otter is most active during early morning and late afternoon, though nocturnal activity has also been observed. They are adept swimmers, relying on their long, muscular tails for propulsion in water.
Geographic Range
Historically widespread across Southeast Asia, the Hairy-nosed Otter is now found in fragmented populations in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is possibly extinct in Brunei and has been declared extinct in India and Myanmar. Their preferred habitats include peat swamp forests, Melaleuca (swamp tea-tree) forests, and coastal mangroves. In Sumatra, they have also been found in oil palm and rubber plantations, indicating some adaptability to altered landscapes.
Diet
The diet of the Hairy-nosed Otter primarily consists of fish, supplemented by crustaceans such as crabs and crayfish, molluscs, water snakes, birds, and amphibians. Their foraging habits play a role in controlling prey populations, contributing to the ecological balance of their habitats.
Reproduction and Mating
Limited information is available on the reproductive behavior of the Hairy-nosed Otter. The gestation period is believed to be about two months, similar to other otter species, with litters ranging from one to four cubs. Breeding seasons may vary by region; for instance, in Thailand, young have been observed between December and February, suggesting births occur from October to December. In Cambodia, breeding appears to take place between November and March.
Threats
The Hairy-nosed Otter is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with populations continuing to decline due to ongoing threats. Conservation efforts focusing on habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and further research into their ecology are crucial for their survival.
• Habitat Destruction: Conversion of wetlands and forests into agricultural land, particularly for oil palm and rubber plantations, has led to significant habitat loss. Additionally, human activities such as fishing and crop cultivation disturb their natural environments and have led to them being tangled in fishing nets.
• Illegal Hunting: Poaching for pelts and meat has historically reduced populations, and illegal wildlife trade continues to pose a threat.
• Pollution: Water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities degrades their aquatic habitats, affecting both the otters and their prey.
Take Action!
Protect the Hairy-nosed Otter by boycotting products linked to deforestation, such as palm oil. Use your wallet as a weapon to support ethical and eco-friendly choices. Share their story and fight for their survival with #BoycottPalmOil and #Boycott4Wildlife.
Aadrean, A., Kanchanasaka, B., Heng, S., Reza Lubis, I., de Silva, P. & Olsson, A. 2015. Lutra sumatrana. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T12421A21936999. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Downloaded on 21 January 2021.
International Otter Survival Fund. (n.d.). Hairy-nosed Otter. Retrieved from Otter.org
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Hairy-nosed Otter. Retrieved from Wikipedia
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
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“#Thailand is fighting #ScamCentres on at least 2 fronts, as serious organized crime has become entrenched in neighbouring countries. …the huge size of these compounds –…most lucrative in #Myanmar & #Cambodia – pose a threat even to #US security. The…civil war in Myanmar…has opened the door to #Chinese criminal networks who have set up shop in #Myawaddy &…further south on the #ThaiMyanmar border.”asiafinancial.com/thousands-in…
“Thai authorities have announced charges against 100 #Thai nationals for their involvement in transnational call center scams operating from #Cambodia. These individuals were among 119 Thais deported from Cambodia on March 1, 2025, following a coordinated operation between the two countries.
Thai authorities have announced charges against 100 Thai nationals for their involvement in transnational call center scams operating from Cambodia. These individuals were among 119 Thais deported from Cambodia
Google is citing a trillion dollars lost to crypto #AI scams (just on mobile devices!) in its new security blog posting.
A trillion. fucking. dollars.
Now i don't know how reliable that number is but i also don't doubt for a second that the real number is something like that, within maybe an order of magnitude.
I don't think there's too many examples in human history when non-state actor criminal groups controlled nation state levels of assets like this. in the biggest picture this is what is destabilizing the world. these guys paid for #Brexit, they paid for the #Trump campaign, took over countries in SE Asia, and so on. and it's all facilitated by crypto, mostly #Tether, #JustinSun, and #HowardLutnick.
Southern River Terrapins are critically endangered due to #palmoil #deforestation and other human threats. They live in rivers in #Indonesia #Malaysia. Take action and
The Southern river terrapin is one of the rarest freshwater turtles in the world, found in the river systems of Southeast Asia. Known for their striking sexual dimorphism, males develop vibrant colours on their heads during the breeding season, creating a spectacle rarely seen in other turtles. These critically endangered turtles are vital for maintaining healthy river ecosystems, as they control aquatic vegetation and distribute nutrients.
Sand mining and dams are among the worst threats. Other important indirect factors include deforestation and siltation of rivers.
IUCN Red List
Appearance and Behaviour
The Southern river terrapin is a large and distinctive turtle, with adults exhibiting dramatic differences between the sexes. Males measure up to 48 cm in carapace length and develop bluish-grey or pink markings on their heads during the breeding season, which fade afterwards. Females are slightly larger, reaching up to 56 cm, and maintain a muted olive-brown coloration year-round.
Their smooth, streamlined shells are complemented by webbed feet and strong limbs, allowing them to navigate strong river currents efficiently. Unlike many other turtles, their sharp claws and muscular build make them agile swimmers. These terrapins are mostly diurnal, spending daylight hours basking on sandy riverbanks or submerged in water. During the dry season, they exhibit remarkable migratory behaviour, travelling upstream to lay eggs.
One of their most striking behaviours is their ability to return to the same nesting sites year after year, a behaviour known as natal homing. This remarkable precision demonstrates their advanced navigation abilities.
Geographic Range
The Southern river terrapin historically thrived across Southeast Asia, but their range has shrunk dramatically. They are now found in isolated river systems in Malaysia (Perak and Terengganu Rivers), Cambodia (Sre Ambel River system), and parts of Indonesia (Riau Archipelago). Their habitats include sandy riverbanks, deep freshwater rivers, and mangrove estuaries, areas that are increasingly under threat from human activity (Turtle Conservation Society, 2024).
Diet
These terrapins are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a wide variety of aquatic plants, fallen fruit, and algae. However, they are opportunistic feeders and will consume molluscs, crustaceans, and small fish when available. Their diet helps regulate aquatic vegetation, preventing overgrowth that can choke waterways. By foraging on the riverbed, they also contribute to nutrient cycling, supporting the broader health of their ecosystems (Turtle Survival Alliance, 2024).
Reproduction and Mating
During the dry season, females travel long distances to find sandy or muddy riverbanks for nesting. They dig shallow nests and lay clutches of 15–30 eggs, which incubate for approximately 70–80 days. The eggs’ incubation temperature determines the sex of the hatchlings, a feature shared by many reptiles.
Hatchlings are particularly vulnerable to predation by birds, fish, and monitor lizards, resulting in very low survival rates. The reproductive cycle is slow, with females nesting only every two to three years, making population recovery an immense challenge (Schoppe, 2019). Conservation programs often focus on “head-starting,” a technique where hatchlings are raised in captivity until they are large enough to avoid predation before being released back into the wild.
Threats
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Palm oil and timber deforestation: The conversion of natural habitats into palm oil plantations and agricultural land has destroyed critical nesting sites and feeding grounds. Deforestation and sand mining further degrade river systems.
Illegal poaching and pet trade: The terrapins are heavily exploited for their meat, eggs, and shells, which are considered delicacies or used in traditional medicine. They are also captured for the exotic pet trade, despite legal protections (Turtle Conservation Society, 2024).
Pollution run-off from palm oil plantations: Rivers are contaminated with industrial waste, pesticides, and agricultural runoff, leading to the degradation of water quality and the loss of aquatic food sources.
Climate Change: Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns threaten their nesting sites and impact hatchling sex ratios, skewing populations and further hindering reproduction.
Population Fragmentation: Habitat destruction has isolated populations, limiting gene flow and increasing the risk of inbreeding.
The Southern river terrapin is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration, community engagement to reduce poaching, and captive breeding programs. Organisations such as the Turtle Survival Alliance and the Turtle Conservation Society have spearheaded initiatives to monitor populations, protect nests, and raise public awareness.
Despite these efforts, habitat destruction continues to outpace conservation progress. Without stronger enforcement of wildlife protection laws and sustainable land-use practices, the survival of the Southern river terrapin remains uncertain.
Take Action!
Protect the Southern river terrapin by boycotting palm oil and supporting conservation organisations working to preserve Southeast Asia’s freshwater habitats. Share their story and advocate for stronger legal protections. Together, we can fight for their survival. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
Further Information
Horne, B.D., Chan, E.H., Platt, S.G. & Moll, E.O. 2019. Batagur affinis (errata version published in 2019). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T170501A152041284. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Downloaded on 25 January 2021.
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
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The Southern River Terrapin is found only in Cambodia and Malaysia. They are threatened by a numerous anthropogenic threats and the DWNP and TCS are working tirelessly to restore the depleted wild populations of terrapins in our rivers.
These brands (all of them RSPO members) use palm oil linked to the destruction of rainforests – the precious habitat of endangered species.
Every year, these brands (along with many others) contributed to the destruction of 100,000’s of hectares of rainforest in Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea, West Papua, South and Central America and Africa. Therefore, these brands are directly involved in the extinction of thousands of endangered species.
You can help the animals and the forest by changing your supermarket choices and boycotting these mega brands along with all sub-brands. Here are some palm oil free alternatives too.
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Location: South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and southern China
Location: South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and southern China
Fewer than 20,000 mature individuals are estimated to remain in fragmented populations across their range, with significant declines reported in most countries. Deforestation for agriculture, including palm oil plantations and urbanisation has devastated their habitats, while poaching continues unabated. Fight for them every time you shop and boycott palm oil! #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
Elongated tortoises are medium-sized terrestrial reptiles, with adults reaching up to 38 cm in length and weighing between 3–6 kg. Their distinctive golden-brown or yellowish shells are elongated and slightly domed, often adorned with intricate darker blotches. Their head, neck, and limbs are pale yellow, providing them with effective camouflage in forest environments.
These tortoises are solitary and crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the early morning and late evening. They spend much of the day sheltering under dense vegetation or burrowing into leaf litter. Slow-moving and shy, they rely on their shell for protection from predators. Their diet primarily consists of fallen fruits, flowers, leaves, and small invertebrates.
Indotestudo elongata has declined across their range by at least 80% in the last 90 years (three generations) for habitat loss reasons alone, and has additionally been extensively and intensively exploited for consumption and export trade.
IUCN Red List
Threats
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered Habitat Destruction for palm oil: Deforestation for palm oil plantations has wiped out vast areas of their tropical forest habitats. Forest conversion in countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia has left populations isolated in shrinking forest fragments.
Illegal Wildlife Trade: Elongated tortoises are highly sought after in the illegal pet trade and for traditional medicine. In Thailand and Vietnam, they are openly sold in markets despite their critically endangered status.
Hunting and Poaching: In many regions, elongated tortoises are hunted for food, with local communities and markets driving demand for their meat and shells. This exploitation has severely depleted populations.
Climate Change: Changes to rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events due to climate change has further threatened their survival by impacting their habitats and food availability.
Geographic Range: The elongated tortoise inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands, and bamboo thickets across a broad but fragmented range:
South Asia: India (Corbett Tiger Reserve), Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh
Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia
China: Southern regions, including Yunnan Province
Populations are highly fragmented due to habitat loss and are now primarily found within protected areas, such as Corbett Tiger Reserve in India and various wildlife sanctuaries in Cambodia and Thailand. However, even within these refuges, they face threats from illegal activities.
Diet
Elongated tortoises are primarily herbivorous but exhibit opportunistic feeding behaviour. Their diet includes fallen fruits, leaves, flowers, and grasses, with occasional consumption of small invertebrates like snails and worms. They forage on the forest floor and are crucial seed dispersers, contributing to the regeneration of their ecosystems.
However, habitat destruction has significantly reduced the availability of their natural food sources, adding further stress to dwindling populations.
Reproduction and Mating
Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season. Females lay 2–6 eggs per clutch in shallow nests covered with vegetation for protection. Incubation lasts around 100–120 days.
Hatchlings are small and vulnerable, with soft shells that harden over time. Survival rates are low due to predation and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts, such as reintroduction programs in Cambodia, aim to boost wild populations by addressing these challenges.
Take Action!
The elongated tortoise is teetering on the brink of extinction. Protect their habitats, support conservation initiatives, and fight for their survival by boycotting palm oil. Share their story to raise awareness and advocate for stronger wildlife protections. Every action counts in saving this remarkable species. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
Further Information
Rahman, S., Platt, K., Das, I., Choudhury, B.C., Ahmed, M.F., Cota, M., McCormack, T., Timmins, R.J. & Singh, S. 2019. Indotestudo elongata (errata version published in 2019). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T10824A152051190. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Downloaded on 25 January 2021.
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Though not a common species in tortoise collections|!!| more and more herpetoculturists are discovering the elongated tortoise and inviting them into their lives.
How does COVID 19 affect Wildlife Conservation? This pandemic has affected several continents, and everyone seems to be at its mercies. It’s sad to see people lose lives, property, jobs, among others. It’s crippling the economy and results to be a pandemic pushing us to a very difficult corner.
How does COVID-19 affect Wildlife Conservation? “Don’t cancel the dates for your #safari #tour #hike in #Africa but rather postpone. If you can manage to keep supporting genuine NGOs fighting for wildlife, please do so.” by @winniecheche
Apart from the duty to observe social distancing, not many can be able to risk what they have for a quick visit to the national parks. This is a moment where everyone is only concentrating on the basics, and how to survive this pandemic.
We have families that fully depend on funds obtained through tourism activities, from offering tour guide services, selling curios, getting help from NGOs in the conservation field, etc. With whatever is happening around the world, this is becoming almost impossible for these families.
What will happen to them? How will they support their livelihoods? Were they lucky enough not to contaminate the virus before the borders started to be closed? Is there any plan for them by any organization out there?
What about wildlife?
Most of the wildlife rescue and treatment is mainly done by these NGOs. And they have been contributing towards wildlife welfare in a great way, especially for the endangered species. Through the funds, they have been able to support both the wildlife and local communities in those areas.
I am afraid of what will happen to them once the funds stop coming through. And borders continue to be closed. Our wildlife that may need medication attention may be in a difficult place. Okapi Okapia johnstoni
Luckily, aside from primates, most wildlife are safe from the virus
So far, only a few of the primates have been noted to be vulnerable to the coronavirus. Hence making the other wildlife safe from any infections through interactions with infected humans.
Being a zoonotic disease, this was prone to happen since the disease was from animals to humans.
The wildlife are also having a good time away from humans for once. Most tourists ain’t visiting the conservation areas as before hence human traffic has extremely reduced. Our wildlife can now enjoy reduced interference and can be wild. With this, it will not be a surprise for their population to increase, as well as for increased vegetation growth.
With everything we are currently going through, it will be healing being able to visit healthy nature parks.
Keep supporting wildlife NGOs and don’t cancel your safari!
Don’t cancel the dates for your safaris, game drives, hikes, etc, but rather postpone. If you can manage to keep supporting the genuine NGOs fighting for wildlife and local communities’ welfare, please do so.
We are in this together, and together we will get through it safely.
Wildlife and environment need you to be their voice and caretakers, please corporate.
Dispose of the gloves, masks, sanitizers’ bottles and any the packaging correctly. Let’s not create more problems for mother nature as we fight this pandemic.
Let this pandemic be our turning point when it comes to any kind of live wildlife trade, no life has a price tag on it.
Our pockets will have less cash, but we will eventually survive
Mother nature needs that even after this pandemic. Whatever that can be considered and done at a slower pace to avoid global warming lets embrace that option. We no longer have the luxury to allow us time for more developments so as to lower our emissions.
We are one, and that’s why the coronavirus only started in one place and gradually moving to other places. Showing us how deeply connected we are. We need each other in saving our only planet. and it needs our collective efforts. Stay safe and have hope.
Known as the serpentine king of the jungle in South East Asia, the King Cobra lives in many different environments, including pristine forests, degraded forests, mangroves, swamps and woodlands. The main threats that they face are as a result of palm oil deforestation and other agricultural expansion throughout their range. Help them and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
The King Cobra lives in a variety of habitats, primarily in pristine forests, but they can also be found in degraded forest, mangrove swamps and even agricultural areas with remnants of woodland.
This species is threatened by destruction of habitat due to logging and agricultural expansion, as Southeast Asia is experiencing one of the highest rates of deforestation in the tropics (Sodhi et al. 2009) and this species appears to be most abundant in forested habitats. This species is harvested for skin, food, and especially medicinal purposes in China. They are heavily harvested for the medicinal trade in many parts of their range, particularly Viet Nam, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Myanmar, both for domestic purposes and for export to China.
They have also been found swimming in rivers in non-forested land and probably occurs in palm oil plantations (R. Inger pers. comm. 2010), however it is not yet clear whether oil palm plantations can support viable populations of this species (M. Auliya pers. Comm. 2011). This species is threatened by destruction of habitat due to logging and agricultural expansion
Stuart, B., Wogan, G., Grismer, L., Auliya, M., Inger, R.F., Lilley, R., Chan-Ard, T., Thy, N., Nguyen, T.Q., Srinivasulu, C. & Jelić, D. 2012. Ophiophagus hannah. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012: e.T177540A1491874. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Downloaded on 16 February 2021.
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species.
Juanchi Pérez is a talented and well-established designer, illustrator and artist from Ecuador who captures the soulful presence of rare rainforest animals near his home.
He is passionate about sharing the magnificent animals and plants of his bountiful homeland with the world. Together with his beautiful wife and daughter, he founded Zigze several years ago. They create eco-friendly homewares and clothing in Ecuador. This features Juanchi’s signature illustrations of plants and animals. In this way, Juanchi shares the emotional lives of animals and plants in one of the most biodiverse hotspots on our planet. After seeing the devastation of palm oil firsthand in his country, Juanchi is a passionate advocate for the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Palm Oil Detectives is honoured to interview to Juanchi Pérez about his beautiful, powerful and impactful art featuring animals on the knife-edge of survival in South America.
Juanchi Pérez
I admire the beauty in all creatures. There are fascinating worlds in all scales, from the minuscule to the enormous
It would be very hard to choose only one or a few favourites. It is mind-blowing to watch nature’s creativity, there isn’t a single creature who does not possess an inherent beauty, it depends on humans to see it, or not.
Pionus chalcopterus detalle by Juanchi Pérez
We are often so immersed in our lives that we don’t take the time to appreciate nature
It is kind of sad to see how many of us have forgotten to appreciate or just to contemplate the beauty all around us.
Diversity of the jungle by Juanchi Pérez
My principal motivation to paint is nature and the love I have for it. I love all the magnificent creatures we have in this amazing planet we live in and which is our only home.
I paint animals to make them visible
I have always been attracted to drawing and painting animals. To show them to the world and hopefully change the way we should see nature- as a part of ourselves rather than apart from it.
I believe that all species deserve the same rights to exist
Humankind has lost it’s values. Sadly money is the only driving force nowadays.
We are destroying our own planet and the only place that we call home.
This isn’t just a problem with big companies, but also with our personal choices regarding our consumption habits – what we buy as consumers.
Science has shown that tuna and other big fish populations have decreased more than 90% in many cases
Yet many people still choose to ignore this fact and eat fish rapaciously. If we don’t intervene, in a few years everything will be lost forever.
We should stop eating sentient beings
So yes, right now it’s every person’s responsibility and duty to critically analyse our food choices and to stop eating the sentient beings who deserve to have a life of their own and who do not have a voice.
You can purchase my art through my brand Zigze.com
My art can be found through my brand Zigze zigze.com or you can visit @zigze_arte_salvaje , or my other more personal IG @juanchi_illustration
In Ecuador where I live, palm oil has replaced vast areas of rainforest
Just like in other parts of the world, palm oil companies exist to make money. They won’t stop with their endless expansion, because corporate greed doesn’t care for anything other than profits.
A recent report by Insight Crime revealed that the major driver for deforestation in Ecuador is palm oil
Most forest loss in Ecuador’s Amazon results from land being cleared for palm oil cultivation. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s, Suriname’s, and Guyana’s forests are most affected by gold mining.
Palm Oil and Land Grabs in Ecuador
As in Bolivia, deforestation in Ecuador’s Amazon is mainly driven by agroindustrial interests. Sixty-five percent of land use across Ecuador’s Amazon is designated for pasture, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). A lack of economic incentives for farmers discourages them from being sustainable and efficient in their practices, according to the UNDP. Meanwhile, the expansion of industrial agriculture has reduced possibilities for small-scale agriculture. As access to land has become scarce, the illegal grabbing of small plots has ramped up.
Agricultural interests often drive the unconstitutional eviction of communities from territories that have belonged to them for centuries. In many cases, intimidation and falsified documents are used to expel them from their homes. Otherwise, agricultural activities linked to land grabbing are fomented by judicial decisions and rulings issued by authorities. Extracted from: ‘Insight Crime: Fueling Forest Loss: Motors of Deforestation in the Amazon’, published November 8, 2022.
Huge biodiverse parts of Ecuadorian coastal areas have been replaced by this devastating monoculture
Now huge areas of the Ecuadorian rainforest are suffering the same fate. For a cheap and crappy ingredient in supermarket products, we are losing our greatest treasure of Ecuador – our biodiversity.
It is doubtful that any palm oil company or palm oil investor can see the value of conserving this richness. Instead, they are creating a barren and dead land where no other species can thrive. They are disrupting all of the natural balancing systems that have supported humankind and animalkind for many millennia.
Palm oil companies are blind. There is no worst kind of blind person than those who refuse to see!
There is no sustainable way to produce palm oil. When you visit a palm oil plantation, the only thing you are guaranteed to find is kilometres and kilometres stretching far beyond the horizon or palms, palms and more palms.
Recently I had the opportunity to visit a palm oil plantation in Ecuador
“It surprised me to see vast expanses of dead palms. At first I though perhaps they were in the process of being replaced. However, I later discovered that they were dying from some strange disease. The owners didn’t have a clue what was killing them.”
Inside I rejoiced because this was nature fighting back!
As the forgotten father of environmentalism Alexander von Humboldt advised us more than 200 years ago when he glimpsed nature’s vulnerability and the devastating environmental effects of colonial cash crop cultivation:
Monoculture and deforestation made the land barren, washed away soil and drained lakes and rivers.
I believe that our personal choices or actions regarding our consumer habits have way more effect than our words. We as consumers can drive the companies toward better habits.
I support any boycott that will bring greedy companies to their senses and to help stop the devastation of rainforests in Ecuador and other parts of South America and the world.
As a conscientious person, I have become aware of my choices. As far as it is possible, I choose to refrain from purchasing things with palm oil and to buy products with as light environmental footprint as possible.
I admire environmental activists so much
If I could speak to them directly, I would encourage them to keep persevering with their work.
I encourage journalists, activists and leaders to use every tool at their disposal to show what is happening
The voracious companies in Ecuador are devastating our nature and environment. If I could speak to the CEO’s of these companies I would tell them to take their blindfolds off. Their greed and stupidity is no excuse for what they are doing to all life on our planet.
Greenwashing example: Activists place washing machines in front of the Deutsche Bank headquarters to protest against greenwashing during Deutsche Bank AG Annual Shareholders Meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, May 2022. REUTERS
What corporations do for industrial-scale food today will make all of us hungry tomorrow
All systems are collapsing at an alarming rate, mainly because of multi-national corporations and their reckless way of exploiting the natural world. They need to heed the science, logic and their own hearts instead of their bank balances. They need to stop pretending that their actions are not harmful.
Colgate-Palmolive greewashing in the supermarket to assuage consumer guilt but not actually preventing palm oil deforestation associated with their brand Inhumans of Late Stage Capitalism – Brand ABCs consumerism
All of the fortunes in the world won’t serve us anymore if the earth’s support systems collapse
Money won’t serve any purpose if we can’t breathe and don’t have clean water to drink. What these people will discover is that we can’t eat and drink money and we will see them in hell!
The fight is an unfair one
Palm oil giants, allied with the governments have infinite resources, if you compare this with the resources of indigenous peoples.
In defence of nature it will take a brave and valiant effort to resist this sort of power. We should support these activists and demand that their voices are heard throughout the entire planet.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
This is the second in a two-part series. Read Part One. Palm oil, a popular cooking oil as well as an ingredient in an ocean of products ranging from cookies to cosmetics, is the fourth largest commodity crop in Ecuador.
Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Bangladesh
The Bengal Slow Loris are shy wide-eyed beauties that are arboreal, nocturnal and live in tropical rainforest. They face multiple threats including #palmoil #deforestation. Help them every time you shop and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Bangladesh
The Bengal Slow Loris are shy wide-eyed beauties that are arboreal, nocturnal and live in tropical rainforest. They face multiple threats including #palmoil #deforestation. Help them every time you shop and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
The Bengal Slow Loris‘s are wide-eyed beauties that are arboreal and nocturnal and live in tropical evergreen rainforest, semi-evergreen forest, and mixed deciduous forest. They are the largest loris species and feed predominantly on plant sap. They are now endangered in Malaysia and other parts of South East Asia, their primary threats are illegal capture for the pet trade and #palmoil #deforestation throughout their range. Help them every time you shop and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
In Vietnam they are found only in secondary forests, and on the edge of primary forests; the species also occurs in agricultural fields and plantations (V. Thanh pers. comm., Pliosongnoen et al. 2010, Kumar et al. 2014). They range from sea level (U. Streicher pers. comm.) up to 2,400 m (Choudhury 2001).
In Cambodia, N. bengalensis has been observed in dipterocarp and evergreen forest (Mould 2013, Eam Sam Un 2014) and community forests (Eam Sam Un 2014). In India, they are found in semi-evergreen, evergreen and mixed deciduous forest (Das 2005, 2009, 2014; Pliosungnoen 2014).
The major threats that this species’ habitat faces include farming, timber removal, human settlement, road building, dams, power lines, fragmentations, soil loss and erosion, and deliberately set fires.
IUCN Red List
In Laos, the species is found often in protected evergreen forests (Evans 2000, Coudrat 2012), and have also been observed in plantation forests (Pliosungnoen unpublished data) and bamboo stands (Streicher pers. comm). The Bengal Slow Loris can live in heavily disturbed agricultural areas if suitable foods are available. They are hunted and traded for food, traditional “medicine”, sport, and as pet (Molur et al. 2003, Nekaris and Nijman 2007, V. Thanh and U. Streicher pers. comm., Kumar et al. 2014).
Nekaris, K.A.I., Al-Razi, H., Blair, M., Das, N., Ni, Q., Samun, E., Streicher, U., Xue-long, J. & Yongcheng, L. 2020. Nycticebus bengalensis (errata version published in 2020). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T39758A179045340. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.202…. Downloaded on 08 February 2021.
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species.
Juanchi Pérez is a talented and well-established designer, illustrator and artist from Ecuador who captures the soulful presence of rare rainforest animals near his home.
He is passionate about sharing the magnificent animals and plants of his bountiful homeland with the world. Together with his beautiful wife and daughter, he founded Zigze several years ago. They create eco-friendly homewares and clothing in Ecuador. This features Juanchi’s signature illustrations of plants and animals. In this way, Juanchi shares the emotional lives of animals and plants in one of the most biodiverse hotspots on our planet. After seeing the devastation of palm oil firsthand in his country, Juanchi is a passionate advocate for the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Palm Oil Detectives is honoured to interview to Juanchi Pérez about his beautiful, powerful and impactful art featuring animals on the knife-edge of survival in South America.
Juanchi Pérez
I admire the beauty in all creatures. There are fascinating worlds in all scales, from the minuscule to the enormous
It would be very hard to choose only one or a few favourites. It is mind-blowing to watch nature’s creativity, there isn’t a single creature who does not possess an inherent beauty, it depends on humans to see it, or not.
Pionus chalcopterus detalle by Juanchi Pérez
We are often so immersed in our lives that we don’t take the time to appreciate nature
It is kind of sad to see how many of us have forgotten to appreciate or just to contemplate the beauty all around us.
Diversity of the jungle by Juanchi Pérez
My principal motivation to paint is nature and the love I have for it. I love all the magnificent creatures we have in this amazing planet we live in and which is our only home.
I paint animals to make them visible
I have always been attracted to drawing and painting animals. To show them to the world and hopefully change the way we should see nature- as a part of ourselves rather than apart from it.
I believe that all species deserve the same rights to exist
Humankind has lost it’s values. Sadly money is the only driving force nowadays.
We are destroying our own planet and the only place that we call home.
This isn’t just a problem with big companies, but also with our personal choices regarding our consumption habits – what we buy as consumers.
Science has shown that tuna and other big fish populations have decreased more than 90% in many cases
Yet many people still choose to ignore this fact and eat fish rapaciously. If we don’t intervene, in a few years everything will be lost forever.
We should stop eating sentient beings
So yes, right now it’s every person’s responsibility and duty to critically analyse our food choices and to stop eating the sentient beings who deserve to have a life of their own and who do not have a voice.
You can purchase my art through my brand Zigze.com
My art can be found through my brand Zigze zigze.com or you can visit @zigze_arte_salvaje , or my other more personal IG @juanchi_illustration
In Ecuador where I live, palm oil has replaced vast areas of rainforest
Just like in other parts of the world, palm oil companies exist to make money. They won’t stop with their endless expansion, because corporate greed doesn’t care for anything other than profits.
A recent report by Insight Crime revealed that the major driver for deforestation in Ecuador is palm oil
Most forest loss in Ecuador’s Amazon results from land being cleared for palm oil cultivation. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s, Suriname’s, and Guyana’s forests are most affected by gold mining.
Palm Oil and Land Grabs in Ecuador
As in Bolivia, deforestation in Ecuador’s Amazon is mainly driven by agroindustrial interests. Sixty-five percent of land use across Ecuador’s Amazon is designated for pasture, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). A lack of economic incentives for farmers discourages them from being sustainable and efficient in their practices, according to the UNDP. Meanwhile, the expansion of industrial agriculture has reduced possibilities for small-scale agriculture. As access to land has become scarce, the illegal grabbing of small plots has ramped up.
Agricultural interests often drive the unconstitutional eviction of communities from territories that have belonged to them for centuries. In many cases, intimidation and falsified documents are used to expel them from their homes. Otherwise, agricultural activities linked to land grabbing are fomented by judicial decisions and rulings issued by authorities. Extracted from: ‘Insight Crime: Fueling Forest Loss: Motors of Deforestation in the Amazon’, published November 8, 2022.
Huge biodiverse parts of Ecuadorian coastal areas have been replaced by this devastating monoculture
Now huge areas of the Ecuadorian rainforest are suffering the same fate. For a cheap and crappy ingredient in supermarket products, we are losing our greatest treasure of Ecuador – our biodiversity.
It is doubtful that any palm oil company or palm oil investor can see the value of conserving this richness. Instead, they are creating a barren and dead land where no other species can thrive. They are disrupting all of the natural balancing systems that have supported humankind and animalkind for many millennia.
Palm oil companies are blind. There is no worst kind of blind person than those who refuse to see!
There is no sustainable way to produce palm oil. When you visit a palm oil plantation, the only thing you are guaranteed to find is kilometres and kilometres stretching far beyond the horizon or palms, palms and more palms.
Recently I had the opportunity to visit a palm oil plantation in Ecuador
“It surprised me to see vast expanses of dead palms. At first I though perhaps they were in the process of being replaced. However, I later discovered that they were dying from some strange disease. The owners didn’t have a clue what was killing them.”
Inside I rejoiced because this was nature fighting back!
As the forgotten father of environmentalism Alexander von Humboldt advised us more than 200 years ago when he glimpsed nature’s vulnerability and the devastating environmental effects of colonial cash crop cultivation:
Monoculture and deforestation made the land barren, washed away soil and drained lakes and rivers.
I believe that our personal choices or actions regarding our consumer habits have way more effect than our words. We as consumers can drive the companies toward better habits.
I support any boycott that will bring greedy companies to their senses and to help stop the devastation of rainforests in Ecuador and other parts of South America and the world.
As a conscientious person, I have become aware of my choices. As far as it is possible, I choose to refrain from purchasing things with palm oil and to buy products with as light environmental footprint as possible.
I admire environmental activists so much
If I could speak to them directly, I would encourage them to keep persevering with their work.
I encourage journalists, activists and leaders to use every tool at their disposal to show what is happening
The voracious companies in Ecuador are devastating our nature and environment. If I could speak to the CEO’s of these companies I would tell them to take their blindfolds off. Their greed and stupidity is no excuse for what they are doing to all life on our planet.
Greenwashing example: Activists place washing machines in front of the Deutsche Bank headquarters to protest against greenwashing during Deutsche Bank AG Annual Shareholders Meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, May 2022. REUTERS
What corporations do for industrial-scale food today will make all of us hungry tomorrow
All systems are collapsing at an alarming rate, mainly because of multi-national corporations and their reckless way of exploiting the natural world. They need to heed the science, logic and their own hearts instead of their bank balances. They need to stop pretending that their actions are not harmful.
Colgate-Palmolive greewashing in the supermarket to assuage consumer guilt but not actually preventing palm oil deforestation associated with their brand Inhumans of Late Stage Capitalism – Brand ABCs consumerism
All of the fortunes in the world won’t serve us anymore if the earth’s support systems collapse
Money won’t serve any purpose if we can’t breathe and don’t have clean water to drink. What these people will discover is that we can’t eat and drink money and we will see them in hell!
The fight is an unfair one
Palm oil giants, allied with the governments have infinite resources, if you compare this with the resources of indigenous peoples.
In defence of nature it will take a brave and valiant effort to resist this sort of power. We should support these activists and demand that their voices are heard throughout the entire planet.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
This is the second in a two-part series. Read Part One. Palm oil, a popular cooking oil as well as an ingredient in an ocean of products ranging from cookies to cosmetics, is the fourth largest commodity crop in Ecuador.
Fiercely protective, elusive and beautiful Dholes are an ancient species of wild dog that diverged from other dog species millions of years ago. Dholes are also known as Asiatic Wild Dogs, Indian Wild Dogs, Red Wolves and Mountain Wolves. Once found across the Russian Steppe, China, the Middle East and northern Asia their rang
Fiercely protective, elusive and beautiful Dholes are an ancient species of wild dog that diverged from other dog species millions of years ago. Dholes are also known as Asiatic Wild Dogs, Indian Wild Dogs, Red Wolves and Mountain Wolves. Once found across the Russian Steppe, China, the Middle East and northern Asia their range has been fractured and reduced dramatically by human-related pressures and threats. They are now Endangered on IUCN Red List.
The Dhole have a striking and intense appearance with thick and dense fur ranging from pale gold, to yellow to dark reddish-brown and grey-brown. Their underside is typically a paler colour of creamy white. They differ from other dog species in that they have a thicker muzzle, one fewer molar on each side of their jaws and additional teats. They are average sized dogs and typically weigh between 10 – 25kg with males being about 4.5kg heavier than females.
They are the only extant member of the genus Cuon, and they differ from the Canis genus as they have a reduced number of molars and more teats.
Dholes are classified as endangered by IUCN Red List due to ongoing habitat loss, a reduction in the number of prey species and competition from other predators, human persecution and possibly diseases from domestic and feral dogs.
They typically live in structured and hierarchical packs of between 5 to 12 individuals. These consist of a dominant male, dominant male and pups. As with other wild dog species, each pack usually has only one breeding female. Packs sometimes congregate together to form larger groups of up to 40 dogs.
Together they carry out cooperative hunting and care for the pups as a group. Although extremely hierarchical, pack members hardly ever become aggressive to each other.
They have great stamina and can hunt and chase prey for many hours, although they aren’t as speedy as jackals or foxes. They predominantly hunt during the morning (rather than night as with other wild dogs and wolves) this indicates that they rely heavily on their sight for hunting.
During a hunt the pack will alternate lead dogs to pursue the prey, with several dogs taking the lead while the rest fall back to a slower pace. Then the dogs will alternate once the lead dogs get tired. They can typically be found close to water. After a hunt they will leave their quarry nearby so that they can quench their thirst at the riverside.
Dholes are fearful and cautious of humans and yet they are extremely bold in their collective hunting. They have been known to take down large animals like water buffaloes and tigers. In general their prey includes large or medium sized ungulates: chital, sambar, muntjac, mouse deer, swamp deer, wild boar, gaur, water buffalo, banteng, cattle, nilgai, goats, Indian hares, Himalayan field rats and langurs.
Prey animals are pursued over long distances and then killed by being disembowelled. They are unlike African wild dogs in that they will allow their puppies to eat first after a kill. Chavez, D.E., Gronau, I., Hains, T. et al. Comparative genomics provides new insights into the remarkable adaptations of the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). Sci Rep 9, 8329 (2019). doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-447…
Habitat
Dholes prefer open spaces and can be found in the jungle clearings, jungle roads, riversides and pathways. They can also be found on the forest steppes, hills and thick jungles of Central Asia (including Manchuria, Burma, India and the Malayan Archipelago.
Threats
The primary threat to Dholes’ survival is habitat loss and deforestation across their range. The number of dholes alive is estimated to be 4,500 individuals according to IUCN Red List with 949-2,215 are mature individuals. They are classified as Endangered.
In northeastern India, prey depletion is contributing to the decline of Dholes in the region (Gopi et al. 2012).
IUCN Red List
Dholes face a number of human-related threats:
Deforestation: for timber, palm oil, rubber and beef agriculture.
Deforestation: for hydroelectric dams, highways and other infrastructure which fragments their range.
Infectious diseases: particularly in India, from domestic and feral dogs. Dholes are susceptible to rabies, canine distemper, canine parvovirus and sarcoptic mange and other diseases.
Human persecution: Some humans have been known to enter their den sites and poison, trap or shoot dholes in retribution for them taking livestock.
Competition for prey: As hyper-carnivores, Dholes eat larger numbers of prey than other large carnivores in Asia. Human hunting of prey species is devastating for Dholes who compete for the same prey species. Dholes also compete against tigers and leopards for prey. Dholes have been known to hunt and kill both of these animals. The reverse is also true for tigers and leopards killing dholes.
The dominance hierarchy between Dholes and Tigers is not clear, although Dholes likely avoid tigers especially if packs are small. Dholes appear to be behaviourally dominant over leopards.
Dholes are omnivorous and will eat any small, medium or large sized prey that they can find from rodents to deer, wild pig, goats, hares, livestock and monkeys. They have been known to opportunistically hunt tigers or leopards in hunting packs.
They will also eat vegetable matter and fruit more readily compared to other canid species and in captivity they are known to eat grasses, leaves and herbs seemingly for enjoyment.
Mating and breeding
Alpha females and alpha males will mate for life and they are followed and assisted by other less dominant dogs who form the pack. Mating typically occurs between September to February. After a two month gestation period, the alpha female dhole will give birth to a litter of 4-10 pups. Other females in the pack will assist with childcare in the den and may also be pregnant or mothers as well. The puppies of all females are protected in the den and are brought regurgitated meat from other members of the pack. Together, female dholes guard the puppies.
Play is important for young pups and after 10 weeks in the den, the puppies will explore the world outside. Dominance orders are established by the time the pack’s pups are weaned and begin hunting independently in the pack at the age of 6-7 months old. Pups reach sexual maturity by the age of 1 year old.
There are no known formal conservation activities in place for this animal. Make sure that you #Boycottpalmoil and #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket and raise awareness of these beautiful ancient dogs in order to support their survival! Find out more here
Further Information
Kamler, J.F., Songsasen, N., Jenks, K., Srivathsa, A., Sheng, L. & Kunkel, K. 2015. Cuon alpinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T5953A72477893. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Accessed on 06 September 2022.
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
According to a 2021 survey by Nestle of 1001 people, 17% of millennial shoppers (25-45 years old) completely avoid palm oil in the supermarket. 25% said that they actively check to see if products contain palmoil.
As a generation, we now have the opportunity to push our local communities and our children away from harmful palm oil towards buying products from local, small-scale businesses with small local supply chains.
We have the opportunity to rethink the out-of-control global food industry and using our wallet as a weapon to fight deforestation, greenwashing and illegal land-grabbing of rainforests from Indigenous peoples. On a personal basis, we have the ability to foster a healthier relationship to the things we buy – because the things we buy are destroying our planet!
The solution to the problem of palm oil is to get global brands to drop it completely because despite promises of WWF and The RSPO, after 18 years, the certification has failed to stop deforestation, many organisations have called the RSPO out for corruption and greenwashing. Palm oil, certified or not – is still destroying rainforests and sending thousands of rare and beautiful animals extinct, displacing Indigenous people and spewing massive plumes of Co2 into the atmosphere.
Industrial agriculture for other ingredients is doing exactly the same thing as palm oil – certification for these ingredients is also a greenwashing lie. So the #Boycott4Wildlife includes global supermarket brands that are causing tropical deforestation and Indigenous land-grabbing for soy, meat, palm oil, cocoa and any other ingredients.
Economic growth” (GDP growth) encourages wasteful overconsumption. This adds to economic throughput and is considered good for the economy- boosting GDP. In a steady state economy, people consume enough to meet their needs and lead meaningful, joyful lives without undermining the life-support systems of the planet.
Southeast Asia has one of the highest and fastest deforestation rates mainly due to logging and forest conversion for human settlements, agriculture, oil palm, coffee, rubber and other plantations
The elusive and beautiful Marbled Cat is a small #wildcat found throughout #Asia. Near Threatened by #palmoil #deforestation #
Southeast Asia has one of the highest and fastest deforestation rates mainly due to logging and forest conversion for human settlements, agriculture, oil palm, coffee, rubber and other plantations
The marbled cat is a small wild cat that can be found in the eastern part of the Himalayas and southern Asia. They are related to the Asian Golden Cat and the Borneo Bay Cat, and similar in size to a house cat. The Marbled Cat’s fur varies in color from brownish yellow to grey. Marbled Cats have rounded, short ears with a black spot on the back of the ears, and a white upper lip and chin.
The Marbled Cat is forest dependent and forest loss and degradation is continuing across its range from logging and expansion of human settlements and agriculture, including oil palm plantations.
IUCN red list
Marbled Cat Pardofelis marmorataMarbled Cat Pardofelis marmorataMarbled Cat Pardofelis marmorataMarbled Cat Pardofelis marmorataMarbled Cat Pardofelis marmorata The Marbled Cat is valued for skin, meat and bones, although it is infrequently observed in the wildlife trade (Nowell and Jackson 1996). However, it is possible that illegal killing and trade is underreported compared to other species. Targeted and indiscriminate snaring are prevalent throughout much of the range and likely to pose a significant threat.
Status and distribution of the Marbled cat are poorly studied and population trends are unknown. There is some indication that the species may be relatively rare when compared with other felids in the same habitat.
The Marbled Cat seems to be sensitive to changes and disruptions caused by humans. It is not commonly found in close proximity to human settlements; although on Sumatra and in the eastern Himalaya, villagers outside of national parks indicate that the species very occasionally predates poultry.
Ross, J., Brodie, J., Cheyne, S., Datta, A., Hearn, A., Loken, B., Lynam, A., McCarthy, J., Phan, C., Rasphone, A., Singh, P. & Wilting, A. 2016. Pardofelis marmorata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T16218A97164299. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Downloaded on 05 June 2021.
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Juanchi Pérez is a talented and well-established designer, illustrator and artist from Ecuador who captures the soulful presence of rare rainforest animals near his home.
He is passionate about sharing the magnificent animals and plants of his bountiful homeland with the world. Together with his beautiful wife and daughter, he founded Zigze several years ago. They create eco-friendly homewares and clothing in Ecuador. This features Juanchi’s signature illustrations of plants and animals. In this way, Juanchi shares the emotional lives of animals and plants in one of the most biodiverse hotspots on our planet. After seeing the devastation of palm oil firsthand in his country, Juanchi is a passionate advocate for the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Palm Oil Detectives is honoured to interview to Juanchi Pérez about his beautiful, powerful and impactful art featuring animals on the knife-edge of survival in South America.
Juanchi Pérez
I admire the beauty in all creatures. There are fascinating worlds in all scales, from the minuscule to the enormous
It would be very hard to choose only one or a few favourites. It is mind-blowing to watch nature’s creativity, there isn’t a single creature who does not possess an inherent beauty, it depends on humans to see it, or not.
Pionus chalcopterus detalle by Juanchi Pérez
We are often so immersed in our lives that we don’t take the time to appreciate nature
It is kind of sad to see how many of us have forgotten to appreciate or just to contemplate the beauty all around us.
Diversity of the jungle by Juanchi Pérez
My principal motivation to paint is nature and the love I have for it. I love all the magnificent creatures we have in this amazing planet we live in and which is our only home.
I paint animals to make them visible
I have always been attracted to drawing and painting animals. To show them to the world and hopefully change the way we should see nature- as a part of ourselves rather than apart from it.
I believe that all species deserve the same rights to exist
Humankind has lost it’s values. Sadly money is the only driving force nowadays.
We are destroying our own planet and the only place that we call home.
This isn’t just a problem with big companies, but also with our personal choices regarding our consumption habits – what we buy as consumers.
Science has shown that tuna and other big fish populations have decreased more than 90% in many cases
Yet many people still choose to ignore this fact and eat fish rapaciously. If we don’t intervene, in a few years everything will be lost forever.
We should stop eating sentient beings
So yes, right now it’s every person’s responsibility and duty to critically analyse our food choices and to stop eating the sentient beings who deserve to have a life of their own and who do not have a voice.
You can purchase my art through my brand Zigze.com
My art can be found through my brand Zigze zigze.com or you can visit @zigze_arte_salvaje , or my other more personal IG @juanchi_illustration
In Ecuador where I live, palm oil has replaced vast areas of rainforest
Just like in other parts of the world, palm oil companies exist to make money. They won’t stop with their endless expansion, because corporate greed doesn’t care for anything other than profits.
A recent report by Insight Crime revealed that the major driver for deforestation in Ecuador is palm oil
Most forest loss in Ecuador’s Amazon results from land being cleared for palm oil cultivation. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s, Suriname’s, and Guyana’s forests are most affected by gold mining.
Palm Oil and Land Grabs in Ecuador
As in Bolivia, deforestation in Ecuador’s Amazon is mainly driven by agroindustrial interests. Sixty-five percent of land use across Ecuador’s Amazon is designated for pasture, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). A lack of economic incentives for farmers discourages them from being sustainable and efficient in their practices, according to the UNDP. Meanwhile, the expansion of industrial agriculture has reduced possibilities for small-scale agriculture. As access to land has become scarce, the illegal grabbing of small plots has ramped up.
Agricultural interests often drive the unconstitutional eviction of communities from territories that have belonged to them for centuries. In many cases, intimidation and falsified documents are used to expel them from their homes. Otherwise, agricultural activities linked to land grabbing are fomented by judicial decisions and rulings issued by authorities. Extracted from: ‘Insight Crime: Fueling Forest Loss: Motors of Deforestation in the Amazon’, published November 8, 2022.
Huge biodiverse parts of Ecuadorian coastal areas have been replaced by this devastating monoculture
Now huge areas of the Ecuadorian rainforest are suffering the same fate. For a cheap and crappy ingredient in supermarket products, we are losing our greatest treasure of Ecuador – our biodiversity.
It is doubtful that any palm oil company or palm oil investor can see the value of conserving this richness. Instead, they are creating a barren and dead land where no other species can thrive. They are disrupting all of the natural balancing systems that have supported humankind and animalkind for many millennia.
Palm oil companies are blind. There is no worst kind of blind person than those who refuse to see!
There is no sustainable way to produce palm oil. When you visit a palm oil plantation, the only thing you are guaranteed to find is kilometres and kilometres stretching far beyond the horizon or palms, palms and more palms.
Recently I had the opportunity to visit a palm oil plantation in Ecuador
“It surprised me to see vast expanses of dead palms. At first I though perhaps they were in the process of being replaced. However, I later discovered that they were dying from some strange disease. The owners didn’t have a clue what was killing them.”
Inside I rejoiced because this was nature fighting back!
As the forgotten father of environmentalism Alexander von Humboldt advised us more than 200 years ago when he glimpsed nature’s vulnerability and the devastating environmental effects of colonial cash crop cultivation:
Monoculture and deforestation made the land barren, washed away soil and drained lakes and rivers.
I believe that our personal choices or actions regarding our consumer habits have way more effect than our words. We as consumers can drive the companies toward better habits.
I support any boycott that will bring greedy companies to their senses and to help stop the devastation of rainforests in Ecuador and other parts of South America and the world.
As a conscientious person, I have become aware of my choices. As far as it is possible, I choose to refrain from purchasing things with palm oil and to buy products with as light environmental footprint as possible.
I admire environmental activists so much
If I could speak to them directly, I would encourage them to keep persevering with their work.
I encourage journalists, activists and leaders to use every tool at their disposal to show what is happening
The voracious companies in Ecuador are devastating our nature and environment. If I could speak to the CEO’s of these companies I would tell them to take their blindfolds off. Their greed and stupidity is no excuse for what they are doing to all life on our planet.
Greenwashing example: Activists place washing machines in front of the Deutsche Bank headquarters to protest against greenwashing during Deutsche Bank AG Annual Shareholders Meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, May 2022. REUTERS
What corporations do for industrial-scale food today will make all of us hungry tomorrow
All systems are collapsing at an alarming rate, mainly because of multi-national corporations and their reckless way of exploiting the natural world. They need to heed the science, logic and their own hearts instead of their bank balances. They need to stop pretending that their actions are not harmful.
Colgate-Palmolive greewashing in the supermarket to assuage consumer guilt but not actually preventing palm oil deforestation associated with their brand Inhumans of Late Stage Capitalism – Brand ABCs consumerism
All of the fortunes in the world won’t serve us anymore if the earth’s support systems collapse
Money won’t serve any purpose if we can’t breathe and don’t have clean water to drink. What these people will discover is that we can’t eat and drink money and we will see them in hell!
The fight is an unfair one
Palm oil giants, allied with the governments have infinite resources, if you compare this with the resources of indigenous peoples.
In defence of nature it will take a brave and valiant effort to resist this sort of power. We should support these activists and demand that their voices are heard throughout the entire planet.
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Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
This is the second in a two-part series. Read Part One. Palm oil, a popular cooking oil as well as an ingredient in an ocean of products ranging from cookies to cosmetics, is the fourth largest commodity crop in Ecuador.
Sunda #pangolins, also known as the Malayan or Javan pangolins, possess quirky traits that make them truly intriguing. They are capable swimmers and have a remarkable defense mechanism of curling into a protective ball, walk in an upside-down manner, and communicate through scale vibrations. As consummate insectivores, they rely on their long, sticky tongues to extract ants and termites from mounds. These
Sunda #pangolins, also known as the Malayan or Javan pangolins, possess quirky traits that make them truly intriguing. They are capable swimmers and have a remarkable defense mechanism of curling into a protective ball, walk in an upside-down manner, and communicate through scale vibrations. As consummate insectivores, they rely on their long, sticky tongues to extract ants and termites from mounds. These pangolins have a slow metabolism, lack teeth but have a gizzard-like structure, and feature a specialised digestive system. To protect these unique creatures and their habitat, it’s crucial to take action. Join the movement and raise awareness about their primary threat #poaching and also by boycotting palm oil, which is also contributing towards their demise and putting them at risk of extinction. Help them every time you shop and be #vegan #Boycottpalmoil and #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket
Sunda pangolins use a fascinating behaviour called “scale vibrations” to communicate with each other. By contracting and relaxing their muscles, they create subtle vibrations that can be sensed by other pangolins through their scales. These vibrations likely play a role in social interactions and mate selection.
Appearance & Behaviour
Here are some quirky facts about Sunda Pangolins which demonstrate their reign as one of the most fascinating creatures in the entire animal kingdom:
Walking on the ceiling: Sunda pangolins have an interesting way of moving about. When they are on the ground, they walk on their hind legs with their forelimbs curled upwards. This peculiar method of locomotion is commonly referred to as the “upside-down walk.”
Defensive and protective curl: When Sunda pangolins feel threatened, they have a unique defense mechanism. They curl up into a tight ball, using their scales as a protective armor. This posture makes it incredibly challenging for predators to attack them effectively.
Consummate Insectivores: Sunda pangolins have an exceptionally specialised diet. They are insectivores, primarily feeding on ants and termites. Their long, sticky tongues, which can be longer than their body length, allow them to probe deep into termite mounds and anthills to extract their prey.
Their scales vibrate: Sunda pangolins use a fascinating behaviour called “scale vibrations” to communicate with each other. By contracting and relaxing their muscles, they create subtle vibrations that can be sensed by other pangolins through their scales. These vibrations likely play a role in social interactions and mate selection.
They have no teeth: Unlike most #mammals, Sunda pangolins lack teeth. However, they possess a muscular stomach and a unique adaptation known as a gizzard-like structure. They swallow small stones or grit, which aids in grinding up their insect prey within the digestive system.
They have a slow Metabolism: Sunda pangolins have a relatively slow metabolism, which contributes to their low energy requirements. This metabolic trait allows them to survive on a diet consisting mainly of insects, which provide them with the necessary nutrients and energy.
Their unusual digestive system: The digestive system of Sunda pangolins is adapted to handle their specialised diet. It features a long and complex intestine to maximize nutrient absorption, enabling them to extract as many nutrients as possible from the insects they consume.
Threats
Sunda Pangolins are heavily threatened and are now critically endangered. Their main threat is from hunting and poaching for local and international use. Their secondary threat is habitat destruction across their range for palm oil, timber and other crops.
Demand comes from China and Vietnam: this drives the illegal trade in poaching, involving large quantities of live and dead animals, meat, and scales. Sophisticated trade routes exist over land and sea, contributing to the decline of Sunda Pangolin populations.
Palm oil deforestation in Indonesia and Malaysia: accelerates poaching with increased access to animals from deforestation activities.
Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica) are found across Southeast Asia. Their range includes countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and the islands of Borneo, Java, Sumatra, and the Lesser Sunda Islands.
In terms of habitat, Sunda pangolins prefer forested environments, including primary, secondary, and scrub forests. They can also be found in plantations such as rubber and palm oil plantations. These pangolins have adapted to spend a significant portion of their lives in trees, making use of their prehensile tails for climbing.
Diet
Sunda pangolins primarily feed on ants and termites, making them insectivores. Their diet consists mainly of these small invertebrates. They use their long, sticky tongues to probe into termite mounds and ant hills, collecting the insects as their main source of sustenance. The lack of teeth in pangolins is compensated by their specialised tongues and digestive system, which are well-adapted to consuming large amounts of ants and termites. This diet of ants and termites provides the necessary nutrients and energy for Sunda pangolins to thrive in their natural habitats.
Mating and breeding
Pangolins are fascinating creatures that give birth to one or two offspring annually. Their breeding season takes place in autumn, and females carefully select winter burrows where they give birth. They prefer mature forest tree hollows for added fortification and stability during the birthing and nurturing process.
Parental care lasts for about three months, during which the mother’s range significantly decreases as she travels and forages alongside her young. Only in the weeks before the offspring becomes independent, brief bursts of diurnal activity may be observed. Pangolins are typically solitary and nocturnal, using their ability to roll into protective balls to safeguard their vulnerable underparts when feeling threatened.
They are skilled diggers, creating burrows lined with vegetation near termite mounds and ant nests for insulation. Sunda pangolins are believed to engage in polygynous breeding, with males mating with multiple females.
The gestation period lasts around 130 days, and newborn pangolins have soft scales that harden shortly after birth. Weighing between 100 to 500 grams, the young are nursed by the females for three months, who display strong protective behaviour. During their travels and foraging, the baby pangolins often ride on their mother’s tail, and when danger looms, the mother instinctively curls up into a tight ball, providing a secure haven for her young.
Support Sunda Pangolins by going vegan and boycotting palm oil in the supermarket, it’s the #Boycott4Wildlife
Support the conservation of this species
This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.
Further Information
Challender, D., Willcox, D.H.A., Panjang, E., Lim, N., Nash, H., Heinrich, S. & Chong, J. 2019. Manis javanica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T12763A123584856. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Accessed on 02 June 2023.
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
My favourite animal changes all the time. When I was younger, I cycled through various large, majestic cats such as tigers, jaguars and snow leopards. At one point, I considered the polar bear among my favourites; another time, the hippo. But now I much prefer stranger, more obscure, more underappreciated animals. And a weird, elusive, nocturnal creature that looks almost like a walking pinecone fits that bill perfectly – the pangolin.
Pangolins are scaly enigmas that fascinate people of all ages. All species face imminent extinction from #Chinese #medicine, the #pet trade and #deforestation. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife and halt deforestation. By @thenaturenook
For many people, the first time they heard about this animal was probably in very recent months when it was identified as a possible culprit in transmitting COVID-19 from its original hosts (thought to be horseshoe bats) to humans. For better or worse, this recognition has brought the pangolin into mainstream media.
But even before the pangolin attracted global attention for its potential role in the pandemic that still grips the world, many conservationists had already been focusing on this strange, scaly creature for many years. And that’s because it has the dubious honour of being the most trafficked (non-human) mammal in the world.
Scaly Enigmas
The protective armour of a pangolin accounts for up to a third of the animal’s body weight. Image Source: Tikki Hywood Trust via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters There are only two groups of armoured mammals alive today. In the Americas, there are 21 species of armadillo, two of which can roll up into virtually impregnable balls to defend themselves. And on the other side of the world, in Africa and Asia, there are eight species of pangolin, which, although superficially similar in appearance to the armadillos, are not closely related to them at all.
Whereas armadillos are mainly protected by plates of dermal bone, the pangolin, uniquely among mammals, is almost completely covered in large brown scales made out of keratin (the same substance our hair and nails are made from). These scales overlap like shingles on a roof to create an almost impenetrable layer of armour that very few predators can overcome. The pangolin can even erect its scales and shut them like powerful scissors, chopping off anything that pokes between them, including, it is said, human fingers. As the scales wear out, they are replaced, one by one, so that a pangolin has the same number throughout its life.
The only places on a pangolin’s body not protected by scales are the sides of its face, the tip of its snout, and its belly and throat, which are naked except for a few fine, sparse hairs. If it feels threatened, it tucks its head towards its belly and wraps itself into a ball with its thick, muscular tail clasped tightly around itself. In fact, the name pangolin comes from the Malay word pengguling, which means ‘one who rolls up’.
Pangolins have both fascinated and confused Europeans for hundreds of years. These animals seemed to have a hybrid quality about them – part reptile, part mammal, and with just a little hint of fish. In the 17th century, the strange scaly skins of pangolins arrived in Europe more often than the living animals, although they were usually simply labelled as ‘scaly Indian lizards’. Image Source: Tikki Hywood Trust via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters Pangolins may look a bit like scaly anteaters, but their closest relatives are in the order Carnivora, which includes dogs, cats, hyenas, bears and seals. Of the eight species of pangolin, four live in Africa and four in Asia. Some of the smaller species spend their lives in trees and clamber around with the aid of a long, grasping tail. The smallest, the long-tailed pangolin from Africa, is also the most arboreal; its tail has 46 or 47 vertebrae – the most of any mammal. The larger species, however, are completely ground-dwelling. The front claws of a pangolin are so large that they aren’t much good for walking on, so it either walks on its knuckles or trundles along on its hind legs, hunched over so that its body is almost horizontal, with its front paws raised near the chest as if in prayer. To make and maintain its scales, a pangolin needs a high-protein diet, which it satisfies by eating vast numbers of ants and termites. Image Source: David Brossard The pangolin’s powerful claws are reserved primarily for digging and ripping open ant and termite nests. Once it has done this, it laps up the insects with a long, sticky tongue. The tongue of the biggest species, the giant pangolin, can reach lengths of up to 40 cm – one of the longest tongues relative to body size of any mammal – and the sheath that houses it extends right down the front of the animal’s chest and connects with its pelvis. The pangolin has no teeth, so ants collected by the mucus on the tongue are swallowed whole and mashed up by the horny lining and muscular movements of the stomach. It may also swallow small stones and sand to further grind up its food.
The Scale of the Problem
Hyenas and big cats can, occasionally, and with some considerable effort, pry a rolled-up pangolin apart. But the armour that normally protects this animal makes it acutely vulnerable to the deadliest predator of all: ourselves. In fact, rolling into a ball simply allows humans to pick it up and carry it off to the cooking pot or a crate with little fuss.
Culinary uses of pangolin range from bushmeat in Africa to delicacies in high-end Asian restaurants. In Vietnam, restaurants can charge up to US$150 per pound of pangolin meat, for it is considered a luxury food. Among Vietnam’s business elite, it is highly-prized as a status symbol, with businessmen frequently ordering pangolin meat to impress visitors. Even in restaurants that specialise in cooking exotic wildlife, pangolins are often the most expensive item on the menu. Sometimes, customers are required to order two hours in advance and place a deposit based on the animal’s weight. Restaurant employees may even kill the pangolin at the table, in front of diners, to show authenticity and freshness.
Ironically, given that they are supposed to protect the animal, it is a pangolin’s scales that make it so valuable in the illegal wildlife trade. These scales are highly sought after in many parts of both Africa and Asia for their purported benefits in traditional medicine, despite the fact that they (like rhino horn) are made only of keratin. They are incorrectly believed to, among other things, improve blood circulation, cure male impotence, stimulate lactation, and treat skin conditions.
The ground pangolin is known as bwana mganga, or ‘the doctor’, in Tanzania because every part of its body is believed to have medicinal use. There is, of course, absolutely no evidence that these scales have any impact on human health, yet the claims made on their behalf seem to become more outlandish by the year. Indeed, their ‘benefits’ have gone beyond the merely medical and can now supposedly ward off evil spirits and confer invisibility. In the 1990s, a kilogram of pangolin scales was worth about $14. Today, that same weight may be worth $1,000 – $3,000 on the black market. Image Source: Kenneth Cameron, via the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters The number of pangolins killed annually is hard to quantify. A conservative figure of 200,000 a year has been given, but that is likely to be an underestimate. Pangolins have been hunted and trafficked so extensively that all eight species are now threatened. Three are perilously close to extinction. The wild population of the Chinese pangolin, in particular, has declined by more than 80% in the last 20 years.
In 2016, CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) granted all eight species of pangolin the strictest form of protection, banning all international commercial trade. However, this has not slowed the increases in illegal killing or highly organised smuggling. Because they are notoriously difficult to keep alive and breed in captivity, and because three of the four Asian species have already been so extensively poached that they are now hard to find, illegal traders have turned to the African species. Pangolins are now being smuggled on an almost industrial scale from Africa to Asia to keep up with demand.
The black market is certainly lucrative: a kilogram of pangolin meat can be worth hundreds of dollars; a kilo of scales thousands of dollars. In 2017, China intercepted a shipment from Africa of nearly 12 tonnes of scales – representing around 30,000 pangolins. And in 2019 alone, authorities seized a staggering 81 tonnes; the average shipment size has increased from 2.2 tonnes three years ago to 6.2 tonnes today. What is most worrying about this is that the majority of the illegal trade goes undetected and unreported, with seizures representing only around a quarter of actual trade. The Chinese and Javanese once used the pangolin’s hard, scaly hide to make elaborate body armour. This suit of armour, made almost entirely from pangolin scales decorated with gold leaf, was presented to King George III in 1820 by the Governor General of the East India Trading Company and can today be seen displayed at the Royal Armouries in Leeds. Image Source: ExonOxon
Hope for the Future?
On 26 January 2020, in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19, China slapped a temporary ban on buying, selling and eating wild animal meat, and began shutting down breeding farms across the country. However, this ban does not extend to animals traded for fur, medicine or research. According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, this ‘creates a potential loophole for traffickers who may exploit the non-food exemptions to sell or trade live wildlife’.
In June, China’s state media announced that pangolin scales had been removed from the official list of traditional Chinese medicine treatments, with strict penalties for those caught killing or trading them. Great news, right?
Not quite.
Though it was widely interpreted as a ban on pangolin scales, it soon became apparent that pangolin scales could still be used as ingredients within certain patent medicines – that is, medicines that are processed and ready-made. In other words, people will have to stop eating pangolins and buying their scales outright, but they can still take pills that contain pangolin parts. In total, eight formulae for medicines within the official 2020 pharmacopoeia were discovered still listing pangolin scales as an ingredient. Licensed companies and hospitals, of which there are approximately 700, are still able to legally produce medicines containing them. Many of these scales will undoubtedly come from China’s existing stockpiles, but it is unknown how large these stockpiles are. It is also suspected that, if the situation is not managed properly, pangolin scales may be illegally laundered into these stockpiles in the future, creating a black market nestled within a legal system. That’s if it’s not happening already. A baby pangolin (delightfully known as a pangopup) is born with soft, pale scales, although they soon harden and darken. Infants will ride on their mother’s tail as she forages for insects. Image Source: Shukran888 It is believed that pangolins account for as much as 20% of all illegal wildlife trade globally. Every five minutes, another wild pangolin is snatched from its home by a poacher. Yet in Europe, we barely know these animals even exist. In a survey of 2,000 people across the UK, only 8% of participants were able to correctly identify pangolins when shown pictures of them. Over 50% mistook them for armadillos. If these endearing creatures are to be saved, widespread awareness of their plight is critical.
A survey found that only 8% of people in the UK know what a pangolin is. These charismatic and cool creatures deserve more recognition, they face multiple human threats. Read the latest post on pangolins by @thenaturenook editor Jason
The unfortunate fact is that large, charismatic mammals tend to win public hearts over small, secretive, scaly ones. Pangolins just don’t have the widespread appeal of the great icons of conservation, such as tigers, rhinos or polar bears. But their very strangeness might yet save them. We have always had a fascination with the bizarre and the mysterious – and it is my hope that there is still enough desire to stop the world’s more unusual animals from disappearing forever.
#Texas... who tf is calling me from Texas? Have #robocalls made it over the pond? Fyi, I'm in #Norway
Is the #USA going to compete with #India, #Russia and #Cambodia in trying to swindle our infirm and voulnerable? Big fucking man #USA, over here. I wish telephony supported getting slapped.
This is actual cold warfare - I swear. I'm saying it again: BUILD THAT FUCKING WALL, from the north pole to the south, across the #Atlantic...
Burger. Nice place owned by American. Don't come here often any more. Decided to remedy that today. Big boy burger. Right down town in Siem Reap. Food is so good here.
The complexes have flourished across the region, often staffed by foreigners who are made to swindle people in what analysts say is a multibillion-dollar industry.
I am not sure how this would actually work (esp if someone didn't already have a #library card), but I know some cities close streets to vehicles in the summer & perhaps a mobile library - or mobile bookstore? - could be something to consider adding.
Maybe add read-aloud storytelling?
Even if #libraries could do a mini version of this on their own front lawn, I think it would attract people & would be the appetizer to the feast within.
PHNOM PENH— The weekend mobile library in front of the Royal Palace has become a popular attraction, drawing significant public interest and sparking d...
With their glistening golden crescent chest markings, these bears embody uniqueness and bold beauty. Despite their tenacity, palm oil and timber deforestation is an unmatched threat to their survival. They are now vulnerable from this and other threats and have lost 50-80% of their range. Help to protect them and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket!
Deforestation rates and reported high volumes of hunting and trade throughout the Sun Bear range form the basis for this assessment. Sun Bears are forest dependent species, and, thus area of forest loss is directly linked with population decline.
IUCN red list
Behaviour and appearance
Sun bears exhibit a fascinating array of behaviors and possess distinct physical traits. Their sleek, jet-black fur is complemented by a distinctive golden crescent marking on their chest. This has earned them the endearing moniker of “sun bear.” Every sun bear has a unique configuration of markings, much like a fingerprint – no two are completely the same.
Despite their diminutive size, these bears boast powerful jaws and long, curved claws adapted for climbing trees with remarkable agility. Their long tongues help them to prise out fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and honey from the rainforest canopy. Sun bears are solitary creatures, except during the mating season or when mothers are raising their cubs.
Geographic range
Sun bears are indigenous to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. They inhabit a wide geographical range spanning from eastern India through Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, including the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. Their presence in these biodiverse regions underscores their critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity. However, rampant deforestation and habitat fragmentation threaten the survival of sun bear populations across their range, necessitating urgent conservation measures to safeguard these iconic creatures and their forest habitats for generations to come.
Forest Loss in Southeast Asia due to Palm Oil Expansion:
Southeast Asia has experienced a higher relative rate of forest loss over the past 30 years than any other part of the world, primarily driven by palm oil plantation expansion.
Shrinking habitats in China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, with projections of a 50–80% decline in Vietnam’s sun bear population in the next 30 years.
Habitat fragmentation observed, particularly in Borneo and Sumatra, as forests are cleared for palm oil cultivation.
Isolated habitat patches in southern Myanmar, central Thailand, southern Cambodia, and southern Vietnam signify further fragmentation caused by palm oil development and other agriculture and mining.
Continued Deforestation and Degradation:
Deforestation and habitat degradation persist due to ongoing palm oil expansion, posing sustained threats to sun bear populations.
Loss of forest cover exacerbates habitat fragmentation, increasing vulnerability to extinction.
Persistent Trade in Bears and Bear Parts:
Illegal poaching and trade in sun bears and their parts remain prevalent, driven partly by habitat destruction for palm oil.
The palm oil industry’s impact on sun bear habitats contributes to population decline and poses a significant threat to sun bears across their range.
Ominous Future Outlook:
The combined effects of palm oil-driven forest loss, fragmentation, and trade present a dire future for sun bears.
Urgent conservation efforts targeting palm oil-related deforestation are essential to prevent further decline and secure the future of sun bear populations.
An emaciated sun bear desperately searches for food on a palm oil plantation
“We were surprised. None of us have ever seen anything like it,” said one worker, reported by the Borneo Post, Sunday, February 1, 2015. According to the workers, this animal crawls, has sharp claws. “When we came to our senses, we chased him back into the forest,” he said. Meanwhile, regarding this discovery, a spokesman for the Sarawak Forestry Corporation told The Sunday Post that based on observations, it is very likely that the strange animal belonged to the sun bear species. Characterized by a black nose, long claws, and a body shape that is almost similar. However, due to illness, the bear’s body became strange.
Scotson, L., Fredriksson, G., Augeri, D., Cheah, C., Ngoprasert, D. & Wai-Ming, W. 2017. Helarctos malayanus (errata version published in 2018). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T9760A123798233. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Downloaded on 24 January 2021.
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Spectacled bears are known as the ‘peaceful and gentle bear’. They are the only bear living in the tropics of South America. Like many other animals in tropical ecosystems they are endangered. They get their name from their eye-catching markings around their eyes, face and neck that resemble spectacles. Each bear has unique markings like a fingerprint and some bears don’t have them at all.
They are found throughout the thin line of Peruvian rainforest and their range stretches across several countries: Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Colombia. Their main threats are habitat loss to mining, logging, cattle farming, palm oil and soy as well as hunting. Protect them each time you shop by being #boycotting meat, be #vegan #boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
Spectacled bears are a keystone species in the rainforests of South America. They are vital for seed dispersion throughout the forests. Their extinction would have severe consequences for the entire ecosystem and lead to a decline in the populations of other animals their home, including jaguars, deer, and tapirs.
Appearance & Behaviour
Spectacled bears have a gentle nature and are quite possibly the real life Paddington Bear
They are typically shy and solitary animals. They can run at speeds of up to 56km/ph. When provoked they will run away rather than have a confrontation with other animals including humans. However, mothers defending cubs have been known to become aggressive when threatened.
Males are about 30% larger than females and can weigh up to 180kg and are approximately 1.7 metres long. From paw to shoulder while walking they are an estimated 1.3 metres in height. Females typically don’t weigh more than 85kg.
They have shaggy black, brown or russet brown hair and distinctive markings on their faces and each bear has a unique set of markings.
Threats
A landscape assessment of habitat suitability identified ~30% of habitat as unsuitable to sustain viable spectacled bear populations. At a national level, Venezuela showed the greatest projected loss of key patches (70%), with only two of these key patches available to sustain its bear population. Peru, Colombia and Ecuador are projected to lose 31%, 29% and 27% respectively, and Bolivia 19%. Causes of this loss of key patch habitat is associated with human development activities that have not ceased, and in some areas may increase by allowing oil exploration and exploitation within some protected areas.
Spectacled bears were once spread throughout the entire Peruvian Andes but they are being squeezed out by agriculture and now live in 7% of their original range.
Habitat destruction for mining, logging, palm oil, cattle ranching and soy are the main threat to spectacled bears.
Their traditional food sources in the rainforest have been depleted and fragmented by destroying rainforests, leading spectacled bears to prey upon domestic livestock. Farmers then shoot spectacled bears in retribution.
Illegal wildlife trade for their gall bladders that are used in Chinese medicine.
Illegal poaching for meat and fur.
Illegal wildlife trade: Killing the mother bear in order to take the cubs and sell them into the illegal pet trade.
Extreme weather events related to climate change like floods and fires which cause a depletion of their natural food sources are also a threat to these bears.
Adult male spectacled bears fighting by Slow Motion GLI on Getty ImagesBaby spectacled bear by Slow Motion GLI for Getty ImagesSpectacled Bear by Thornsten Sporlein for Getty ImagesSpectacled Bear close up by Thornsten Sporlein for Getty Images
Habitat
Spectacled bears are highly adaptable to varying degrees of ecosystem disturbance and are found in montage forests to secondary forests, wet and dry swamps and peatlands. It is unknown if they are able to survive for long periods in grassland ecosystems without access to the forest. Due to dwindling habitat range, they are often forced into agricultural farmland where they prey upon domestic animals and they are killed in retribution by farmers.
Diet
Omnivores, spectacled bears have a digestive system, dentition and a pseudo-thumb that is adapted to processing and eating plants. They enjoy bromeliad fruits, cacti and palm nuts. They also consume small mammals.
Mating and breeding
Typically shy and solitary they generally forage alone. Unlike other bear species, food is available all year round, this means that they don’t hibernate for part of the year. Mating occurs throughout the year however females generally give birth to a litter of cubs to coincide with the flowering and fruiting season. A litter is typically 1-4 cubs and twins are common. The size of the litter will depend on the health of the mother and availability of food sources. Cubs are born blind and completely helpless and are carefully tended to by their mother for several months after birth.
Support Spectacled Bears by going vegan and boycotting palm oil in the supermarket, it’s the #Boycott4Wildlife
Velez-Liendo, X. & García-Rangel, S. 2017. Tremarctos ornatus (errata version published in 2018). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22066A123792952. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Accessed on 30 September 2022. Spectacled bear sticking out his tongue by Natalia So for Getty Images
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species.
Bangladesh; Bhutan; Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; China; India; Indonesia (Sumatera); Laos; Malaysia; Myanmar; Nepal; Sri Lanka; Taiwan; Thailand; Vietnam.
Extant & Introduced
Australia; New Zealand; South Africa; United States.
The majestic Sambar deer, cloaked in hues ranging from light brown to dark gray, are distinguished by their rugged antlers and uniquely long tails. Adorned with a coat of coarse hair and marked by a distinctive, blood-red glandular spot on their throats, these deer embody the beauty of the wild. Their adaptability is evident in their alert behavior, silent movements, and the gradual development of their unique spots. Perfectly designed for grazing, these deer use their antlers and feet deftly in defense, relying on their acute senses of hearing and smell to evade predators. To protect these splendid creatures and their habitats from the impacts of deforestat
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Sambar deer Rusa unicolor
Sambar deer Rusa unicolor
Vulnerable
Extant (resident)
Bangladesh; Bhutan; Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; China; India; Indonesia (Sumatera); Laos; Malaysia; Myanmar; Nepal; Sri Lanka; Taiwan; Thailand; Vietnam.
Extant & Introduced
Australia; New Zealand; South Africa; United States.
The majestic Sambar deer, cloaked in hues ranging from light brown to dark gray, are distinguished by their rugged antlers and uniquely long tails. Adorned with a coat of coarse hair and marked by a distinctive, blood-red glandular spot on their throats, these deer embody the beauty of the wild. Their adaptability is evident in their alert behavior, silent movements, and the gradual development of their unique spots. Perfectly designed for grazing, these deer use their antlers and feet deftly in defense, relying on their acute senses of hearing and smell to evade predators. To protect these splendid creatures and their habitats from the impacts of deforestation and agricultural expansion, especially for palm oil, join the movement: #BoycottPalmOil and #Boycott4Wildlife to aid in their survival.
The enigmatic Sambar deer captivates with their varied coat, ranging from light brown to almost black, highlighted by a grayish or yellowish tinge and complemented by paler underparts.
Males boast robust, three-tined antlers, advertising their strength and virility to their female counterparts. Their long tails, a blend of black and white, along with their striking dark brown legs and long, brownish-gray ears, add to their distinct appearance.
Both adult males and some females sport an unusual, hairless, blood-red spot on their throats, a mysterious glandular feature.
These crepuscular beings prefer the solitude of night or twilight and remain largely alone or with small, close-knit herds. Males, particularly nomadic and territorial during breeding seasons, engage in unique behaviors like wallowing in urine-soaked soil and marking trees with their antlers. Females show maternal fierceness and will bravely defend their young, fearlessly confronting predators, especially in shallow waters, forming protective formations, and emitting a resonant ‘pooking’ sound as a warning.
In some cases Sambar deer come together to form large temporary groups, especially in India’s dry deciduous and semi-arid forests. These groupings, sometimes reaching up to 100 individuals near water bodies during peak summer, indicate a complex social structure influenced by environmental conditions.
Threats
Impact of Agricultural Expansion for Timber and Palm Oil: Agricultural expansion, particularly for timber and palm oil plantations, significantly contributes to the loss of the Sambar deer’s natural habitat. This expansion not only destroys their forest environment but also facilitates easier access for hunters, further escalating the threats to their survival.
Habitat Encroachment and Hunting: The Sambar deer faces severe threats from habitat encroachment and hunting across its range, especially in the Sundaic region. Logging activities often lead to increased hunting, causing local extinctions. In many areas, such as Sarawak, hunting following logging is the primary threat to ungulates.
Hunting for Meat and Trade: Sambar deer are a popular source of wild meat and are heavily hunted for this purpose. In Southeast Asia, hunting is largely commercially driven, catering to affluent urban classes and workers in industries like logging. The trade in Sambar meat is extensive, with adult males additionally targeted for their antlers, used as trophies and in traditional medicine.
Variation in Hunting Patterns and Impact: Hunting methods and intensity vary across the Sambar’s range, with some areas experiencing intense, market-driven hunting. In places like India, even well-protected areas see poaching. The Sambar’s tolerance of habitat degradation ironically makes them more accessible to hunters, exacerbating their decline.
Sambar deer are imperiled by rampant habitat destruction, primarily due to deforestation for timber and palm oil. They are further threatened by relentless hunting. To make a tangible difference in their survival, stand with us in this vital cause, be #vegan for them and #BoycottPalmOil and #Boycott4Wildlife to safeguard these magnificent beings.
Habitat
Sambar deer are renowned for their remarkable adaptability to diverse forest types and environmental conditions, showcasing an impressive geographical range. They are found in various habitats within India, from thorn forests in Gujarat and Rajasthan to the lush evergreen forests of the Western Ghats and northeastern India, and even in the pine and oak forests at the Himalayan foothills. Their adaptability extends beyond India, inhabiting temperate and alpine-zone woodlands in Taiwan, thriving in a wide array of environmental conditions.
Diet
Sambar deer possess a broad diet, consuming a wide variety of plant species, which enables them to thrive in diverse habitats. Depending on the availability of forage, they alternate between grazing and browsing. Their diet varies across different altitudes and regions, reflecting the changes in local plant communities. This dietary flexibility allows them to inhabit regions with varying vegetation, from moist deciduous forests, where they are found in higher densities, to semi-arid forests.
Mating and breeding
Breeding by Sambar deer tends to be seasonal, with a peak in the rutting period observed in various regions. Males, especially during the rut, can travel significant distances, marking territories with scent glands. Fawns are typically born singly, with the birth season peaking in the warmer months. Predation, primarily by tigers, leopards, and dholes, significantly influences their populations, especially in well-protected forest reserves where they are a key prey species.
Sub-species of the Sambar Deer
The Sambar deer has several distinct subspecies, each exhibiting unique characteristics and adaptations to their respective habitats.
The Sri Lankan Sambar Rusa unicolor unicolor: Found primarily in India and Sri Lanka, this subspecies is noted for being the largest in the genus, boasting the most substantial antlers in terms of both size and body proportions.
The South China Sambar Rusa unicolor dejeani: Inhabiting Southern China and mainland Southeast Asia, this subspecies ranks second in size, possessing slightly smaller antlers compared to the Indian sambar.
The Sumatran Sambar Rusa unicolor equina: Native to the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, these deer are characterized by having smaller antlers in relation to their body size.
The Bornean Sambar Rusa unicolor brookei: Similar to the Sumatran sambar, the Bornean variant also exhibits smaller antlers when compared to their body size.
The Formosan Sambar Rusa unicolor swinhoii: This subspecies is identified as the smallest, with antler-body proportions akin to the South China sambar.
Support Sambar Deers by going vegan and boycotting palm oil in the supermarket, it’s the #Boycott4Wildlife
Support the conservation of this species
This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.
Further Information
Timmins, R., Kawanishi, K., Giman, B, Lynam, A., Chan, B., Steinmetz, R., Sagar Baral, H. & Samba Kumar, N. 2015. Rusa unicolor (errata version published in 2015). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T41790A85628124. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Accessed on 29 December 2023.
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
A 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
Learn about global species threatened by deforestation due to palm oil. Join Palm Oil Detectives and the #Boycott4Wildlife movement to protect wildlife and their habitats
Juanchi Pérez is a talented and well-established designer, illustrator and artist from Ecuador who captures the soulful presence of rare rainforest animals near his home.
He is passionate about sharing the magnificent animals and plants of his bountiful homeland with the world. Together with his beautiful wife and daughter, he founded Zigze several years ago. They create eco-friendly homewares and clothing in Ecuador. This features Juanchi’s signature illustrations of plants and animals. In this way, Juanchi shares the emotional lives of animals and plants in one of the most biodiverse hotspots on our planet. After seeing the devastation of palm oil firsthand in his country, Juanchi is a passionate advocate for the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Palm Oil Detectives is honoured to interview to Juanchi Pérez about his beautiful, powerful and impactful art featuring animals on the knife-edge of survival in South America.
Juanchi Pérez
I admire the beauty in all creatures. There are fascinating worlds in all scales, from the minuscule to the enormous
It would be very hard to choose only one or a few favourites. It is mind-blowing to watch nature’s creativity, there isn’t a single creature who does not possess an inherent beauty, it depends on humans to see it, or not.
Pionus chalcopterus detalle by Juanchi Pérez
We are often so immersed in our lives that we don’t take the time to appreciate nature
It is kind of sad to see how many of us have forgotten to appreciate or just to contemplate the beauty all around us.
Diversity of the jungle by Juanchi Pérez
My principal motivation to paint is nature and the love I have for it. I love all the magnificent creatures we have in this amazing planet we live in and which is our only home.
I paint animals to make them visible
I have always been attracted to drawing and painting animals. To show them to the world and hopefully change the way we should see nature- as a part of ourselves rather than apart from it.
I believe that all species deserve the same rights to exist
Humankind has lost it’s values. Sadly money is the only driving force nowadays.
We are destroying our own planet and the only place that we call home.
This isn’t just a problem with big companies, but also with our personal choices regarding our consumption habits – what we buy as consumers.
Science has shown that tuna and other big fish populations have decreased more than 90% in many cases
Yet many people still choose to ignore this fact and eat fish rapaciously. If we don’t intervene, in a few years everything will be lost forever.
We should stop eating sentient beings
So yes, right now it’s every person’s responsibility and duty to critically analyse our food choices and to stop eating the sentient beings who deserve to have a life of their own and who do not have a voice.
You can purchase my art through my brand Zigze.com
My art can be found through my brand Zigze zigze.com or you can visit @zigze_arte_salvaje , or my other more personal IG @juanchi_illustration
In Ecuador where I live, palm oil has replaced vast areas of rainforest
Just like in other parts of the world, palm oil companies exist to make money. They won’t stop with their endless expansion, because corporate greed doesn’t care for anything other than profits.
A recent report by Insight Crime revealed that the major driver for deforestation in Ecuador is palm oil
Most forest loss in Ecuador’s Amazon results from land being cleared for palm oil cultivation. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s, Suriname’s, and Guyana’s forests are most affected by gold mining.
Palm Oil and Land Grabs in Ecuador
As in Bolivia, deforestation in Ecuador’s Amazon is mainly driven by agroindustrial interests. Sixty-five percent of land use across Ecuador’s Amazon is designated for pasture, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). A lack of economic incentives for farmers discourages them from being sustainable and efficient in their practices, according to the UNDP. Meanwhile, the expansion of industrial agriculture has reduced possibilities for small-scale agriculture. As access to land has become scarce, the illegal grabbing of small plots has ramped up.
Agricultural interests often drive the unconstitutional eviction of communities from territories that have belonged to them for centuries. In many cases, intimidation and falsified documents are used to expel them from their homes. Otherwise, agricultural activities linked to land grabbing are fomented by judicial decisions and rulings issued by authorities. Extracted from: ‘Insight Crime: Fueling Forest Loss: Motors of Deforestation in the Amazon’, published November 8, 2022.
Huge biodiverse parts of Ecuadorian coastal areas have been replaced by this devastating monoculture
Now huge areas of the Ecuadorian rainforest are suffering the same fate. For a cheap and crappy ingredient in supermarket products, we are losing our greatest treasure of Ecuador – our biodiversity.
It is doubtful that any palm oil company or palm oil investor can see the value of conserving this richness. Instead, they are creating a barren and dead land where no other species can thrive. They are disrupting all of the natural balancing systems that have supported humankind and animalkind for many millennia.
Palm oil companies are blind. There is no worst kind of blind person than those who refuse to see!
There is no sustainable way to produce palm oil. When you visit a palm oil plantation, the only thing you are guaranteed to find is kilometres and kilometres stretching far beyond the horizon or palms, palms and more palms.
Recently I had the opportunity to visit a palm oil plantation in Ecuador
“It surprised me to see vast expanses of dead palms. At first I though perhaps they were in the process of being replaced. However, I later discovered that they were dying from some strange disease. The owners didn’t have a clue what was killing them.”
Inside I rejoiced because this was nature fighting back!
As the forgotten father of environmentalism Alexander von Humboldt advised us more than 200 years ago when he glimpsed nature’s vulnerability and the devastating environmental effects of colonial cash crop cultivation:
Monoculture and deforestation made the land barren, washed away soil and drained lakes and rivers.
I believe that our personal choices or actions regarding our consumer habits have way more effect than our words. We as consumers can drive the companies toward better habits.
I support any boycott that will bring greedy companies to their senses and to help stop the devastation of rainforests in Ecuador and other parts of South America and the world.
As a conscientious person, I have become aware of my choices. As far as it is possible, I choose to refrain from purchasing things with palm oil and to buy products with as light environmental footprint as possible.
I admire environmental activists so much
If I could speak to them directly, I would encourage them to keep persevering with their work.
I encourage journalists, activists and leaders to use every tool at their disposal to show what is happening
The voracious companies in Ecuador are devastating our nature and environment. If I could speak to the CEO’s of these companies I would tell them to take their blindfolds off. Their greed and stupidity is no excuse for what they are doing to all life on our planet.
Greenwashing example: Activists place washing machines in front of the Deutsche Bank headquarters to protest against greenwashing during Deutsche Bank AG Annual Shareholders Meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, May 2022. REUTERS
What corporations do for industrial-scale food today will make all of us hungry tomorrow
All systems are collapsing at an alarming rate, mainly because of multi-national corporations and their reckless way of exploiting the natural world. They need to heed the science, logic and their own hearts instead of their bank balances. They need to stop pretending that their actions are not harmful.
Colgate-Palmolive greewashing in the supermarket to assuage consumer guilt but not actually preventing palm oil deforestation associated with their brand Inhumans of Late Stage Capitalism – Brand ABCs consumerism
All of the fortunes in the world won’t serve us anymore if the earth’s support systems collapse
Money won’t serve any purpose if we can’t breathe and don’t have clean water to drink. What these people will discover is that we can’t eat and drink money and we will see them in hell!
The fight is an unfair one
Palm oil giants, allied with the governments have infinite resources, if you compare this with the resources of indigenous peoples.
In defence of nature it will take a brave and valiant effort to resist this sort of power. We should support these activists and demand that their voices are heard throughout the entire planet.
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Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
This is the second in a two-part series. Read Part One. Palm oil, a popular cooking oil as well as an ingredient in an ocean of products ranging from cookies to cosmetics, is the fourth largest commodity crop in Ecuador.
Extant (resident): Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Philippines
Intelligent and social Irrawaddy dolphins, also known as the Mahakam River dolphins or Ayeyarwady river dolphins have endearing faces. Only 90 to 300 are estimated to be left living in the wild. Their rounded and expressive looking noses liken them to a baby beluga whale or the Snubfin dolphin of Australia. These shy cetaceans are found in coastal and freshwater habitats across Southeast Asia, they live in small groups. Tragically, Irrawaddy dolphins face many human threats, from entanglement in fishing gear to dam construction. Palm oil deforestation, and
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Irrawaddy Dolphin Orcaella brevirostris
Irrawaddy Dolphin Orcaella brevirostris
Endangered
Extant (resident): Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Philippines
Intelligent and social Irrawaddy dolphins, also known as the Mahakam River dolphins or Ayeyarwady river dolphins have endearing faces. Only 90 to 300 are estimated to be left living in the wild. Their rounded and expressive looking noses liken them to a baby beluga whale or the Snubfin dolphin of Australia. These shy cetaceans are found in coastal and freshwater habitats across Southeast Asia, they live in small groups. Tragically, Irrawaddy dolphins face many human threats, from entanglement in fishing gear to dam construction. Palm oil deforestation, and pesticide run-off in rivers is another major threat to their survival.
Protecting the Irrawaddy dolphin is paramount. As a keystone species, they maintain biodiversity in their fragile home. These beautiful animals are classified as endangered on IUCN Red list but are critically endangered in some ecosystems. Fight for their survival when you boycott palm oil and go vegan. Support the Boycott4Wildlife movement by using the hashtags #BoycottPalmOil and #Boycott4Wildlife on social media!
Irrawaddy dolphins have a distinctive appearance with their rounded heads, expressive faces, and lack of a beak. With grey to slate blue bellies, they sport small dorsal fins and broad flippers. Socially, they are found in groups of 2-6, although larger gatherings of up to 25 individuals can be found in deeper waters.
Capable spitting streams of water up to 1.5 metres into the air, they also have a U-shaped blowhole, which opens towards the front of their head. Their ability spit water is believed to be used to confuse fish during hunting. These dolphins use suction feeding, drawing prey into their mouths using negative pressure.
Irrawaddy dolphins are slow swimmers, often surfacing in a rolling motion. They can be shy around boats and typically dive when alarmed. They are also known for play behaviours like spyhopping, the practice of holding their bodies out of the water. Also they commonly tail slap and roll on their sides while waving their flippers.
Threats
Palm oil deforestation and pollution:
Pollution run-off from palm oil plantations puts toxic pesticides into their freshwater habitats. These pollutants can lead to serious health issues for the dolphins, such as skin lesions and reduced reproductive success. Deforestation from palm oil production destroys delicate mangroves and estuaries, forcing Irrawaddy dolphins into fragmented ranges, where they struggle to survive.
Industrial fishing bycatch:
The greatest threat to Irrawaddy dolphins is accidental entanglement in fishing gear, particularly gillnets. Dolphins trapped in these nets often drown before they can be rescued. In areas such as the Mekong River, gillnet bycatch accounts for a significant number of dolphin deaths. In some regions, fishing practices involving explosives or electrofishing further contribute to the decline of dolphin populations.
Habitat loss due to dam construction
The construction of dams on major rivers, such as the Mekong and Ayeyarwady, disrupts the natural flow of water. This impacts fish migration and isolates dolphin populations. These dams also prevent the dolphins from accessing essential deep-water pools, which are vital for their survival. Noise pollution from dam construction generates noise pollution and shock waves. This damage the dolphins’ sensitive hearing structures, leading to injury or death.
Industrial river waste and pesticide run-off:
Irrawaddy dolphins’ habitats are increasingly contaminated by pollutants such as pesticides, industrial waste, and oil. Runoff from agricultural activities, including palm oil plantations, introduces toxic substances into the rivers and estuaries where these dolphins live. Additionally, sedimentation caused by deforestation and poor land practices reduces water depth, altering the ecosystems on which the dolphins rely.
Boat traffic interfering with their echolocation
The growth of unregulated tourism in dolphin habitats has led to increased boat traffic. A major cause of fatal collisions with dolphins. Noise pollution from boats also interferes with the dolphins’ echolocation abilities. This makes it hard for them to find and catch prey.
Habitat
Irrawaddy dolphins are found in coastal and freshwater riverine habitats across Southeast Asia. Coastal areas include the Bay of Bengal, and river systems such as the Mekong, Mahakam, Ayeyarwady, and Ganges Rivers. They prefer shallow, brackish waters such as river mouths, estuaries, and mangrove channels. Freshwater populations are found in the Ayeyarwady, Mahakam, and Mekong Rivers, among others. These dolphins are highly dependent on the health of these ecosystems, which are increasingly under threat from human activities.
Diet
Irrawaddy dolphins are opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. They are known to follow the tides. Moving inshore with high tides and further offshore as the tides go out, likely tracking their prey. In freshwater habitats, these dolphins sometimes surface with mud on their heads or backs, indicating they feed on bottom-dwelling species.
Mating and breeding
Irrawaddy dolphins reach sexual maturity between seven to nine years of age. Mating usually occurs between December and June in the Northern Hemisphere, with a gestation period of approximately 14 months. Females typically give birth to a single calf every two to three years, and calves are weaned after two years. Their lifespan is about 30 years, though this can vary depending on environmental conditions and threats faced by different subpopulations.
Support Orcaella brevirostris by going vegan and boycotting palm oil in the supermarket, it’s the #Boycott4Wildlife
Several organisations are working to protect the Irrawaddy dolphin and their habitats. The Irrawaddy Dolphin Conservation Project in Myanmar focuses on protecting the dolphins in the Ayeyarwady River through anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and education. The Wildlife Conservation Society of Bangladesh work to create protected areas in the Sundarbans mangrove forest to safeguard dolphin populations. Indonesia’s Mahakam River population is monitored by local NGOs working to reduce bycatch and raise awareness.
Further Information
Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Irrawaddy dolphin. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irrawadd…
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
A 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species.
The Amazon River dolphins, also known as the Boto Dolphins or Amazon Pink River Dolphins are playful, curious and intelligent mammals, the largest river dolphin species in the world. Known for their stunning pink coloured skin they are endangered due to human-related threats like #palmoil, #meat and #soy #deforestation, #gold #mining and #pollution. Help them survive each time you shop and use your wallet as a weapon. Be #vegan, #Boycottpalmoil and #Boycott4Wildlife
Pink #Amazon River Dolphins of #Venezuela #Brazil and Ecuador are legendary for their playful intelligence, don’t let them disappear. Fight for them and use your wallet as a weapon #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
Amazon River Dolphins are typically solitary or move in groups of 2-3 individuals. However, they have been found to gather in groups of up to 15-30 individuals and congregate together in order to hunt prey during their most active times: dusk and dawn. They are highly communicative, playful and curious animals and will investigate the arrival of boats on the river.
They communicate through gestures like rolling, lob tailing and flipper waving to other dolphins. They are highly playful and have been known to toy with underwater grass, floating logs, turtles and fish.
The murky water of Amazonian rivers means that echolocation is key for them to navigate and find prey in mangroves and flooded forests.
Appearance & Behaviour
They have possess a long, plump and flexible body with fins that are reminiscent of paddles and dorsal fins that have a ridge. They stand out from other dolphin species due to their striking colours which range from grey to pink to white.
Amazon River Dolphins are the world’s largest river dolphin species and can reach a length of 2.55m and 185 kg for males and 2.15m and 150kg for females.
They are incredibly flexible due to some of their vertebrae being unfused, this means that they can swivel their heads in almost any direction. Countless Amazonian tribes have rich folklore, myth and legend related to these dolphins including one prominent tale where the Amazon River Dolphin shapeshifts into a handsome man in order to seduce young women into the water.
Their body colour varies with juvenile dolphins being dark grey. They transform to lighter grey and pink due to repeated abrasive encounters and intraspecies aggression with other dolphins. Colour is also believed to be related to water transparency, temperature and geographic location.
Their teeth vary in size and shape (they are hererodonts), this enables them to grab and crush prey. They breath every 30-110 seconds and prefer to stay close to the surface rather than dive deeply.
Threats
The Tocantins-Araguaia Basin has been significantly altered over the past few decades by dams, deforestation for cattle ranching, logging, road building, and the use of Agent Orange to clear pathways for power lines (Siciliano et al. 2016b).
IUCN RED LIST
Amazon River Dolphins are threatened by:
Hydroelectric dams on Amazonian rivers: The draining of dams means that prey species of the dolphin are not available.
Fishing: Either intentional or unintentional injury or death as a result of boats and fishing nets.
Agricultural pollution run-off and ecocide: From cattle grazing, soy and palm oil agriculture.
Gold mining: Mercury pollution run-off destroying river ecosystems.
Human persecution: Fishermen see them as competition for fish and kill them deliberately.
Habitat
The Amazon River Dolphin is a river dwelling mammal who lives in the drainage basins of the Orinoco and Amazon Rivers. They also live in the rivers and streams with a slow current and they harness the natural flooding season of the mangrove and forest river ecosystems for their breeding.
Diet
The Amazon River Dolphin has a wide ranging diet and feeds upon dozens of species of fish, river turtles, frogs and crabs.
Mating and breeding
Unlike other species of dolphin (which favour females being larger than males), Amazon River Dolphins have noticeably larger males than females. Males display aggressive behaviour to one another and bite, damaging each other’s fins, flukes and blow-holes.
This aggression is related to mating rights with females. Typically, both males and females have a number of different mates (polyandry). The breeding season is between October and November and once pregnant the mother will have a gestation period of 11 months. A mother will give birth typically once every five years.
Once the baby is born, the mother will help her baby to come to the surface for air and the mother will nurse the baby for up to a year after birth, with the youngster becoming fully independent within 2-3 years. Females reach sexual maturity between 6-10 years old, with males starting a little later: 7-12 years old.
The birthing season is around May to June and this coincides with the annual flooding of the forest which provides an advantage for the infant as more food is available during this time than at other times of the year. This helps the baby to grow rapidly.
The long period of breastfeeding and maternal care indicates a strong mother-baby bond and that learning during this period is complex.
Support Amazon River Dolphins by going vegan and boycotting palm oil and gold, it’s the #Boycott4Wildlife
da Silva, V., Trujillo, F., Martin, A., Zerbini, A.N., Crespo, E., Aliaga-Rossel, E. & Reeves, R. 2018. Inia geoffrensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T10831A50358152. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Accessed on 31 October 2022.
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Palm Oil Detectives is completely self-funded by its creator. All hosting and website fees and investigations into brands are self-funded by the creator of this online movement. If you like what I am doing, you and would like me to help meet costs, please send Palm Oil Detectives a thanks on Ko-Fi.
The Nicobar pigeon is the largest pigeon in the world and the closest living relative to the extinct dodo bird. They are famous for their gorgeous iridescent feathers. When threatened they make a pig-like grunt and are known for the strange way that they drink – by dunking their heads into water and sucking it up instead of sipping as other birds do. They are Near Threatened from palm oil deforestation on the Nicobar and Andaman Islands in #India along with hunting and the pet trade. Help their survival and #
The Nicobar pigeon is the largest pigeon in the world and the closest living relative to the extinct dodo bird. They are famous for their gorgeous iridescent feathers. When threatened they make a pig-like grunt and are known for the strange way that they drink – by dunking their heads into water and sucking it up instead of sipping as other birds do. They are Near Threatened from palm oil deforestation on the Nicobar and Andaman Islands in #India along with hunting and the pet trade. Help their survival and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket.
The closest living relative to the extinct Dodo bird, the Nicobar pigeon is the largest pigeon species in the world. They are coveted for their rainbow coloured feathers and live in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India, and coastal islands in the Malayan Archipelago and Solomon Islands.
Appearance & Behaviour
Nicobar pigeons have developed a bright metallic green, copper and iridescent blue plumage and grey head feathers. Their sturdy legs and feet are a dull red. Females are slightly smaller than males and have browner underparts. Immature birds lack iridescence.
They are flexible and nomadic and will roam between islands in search of food. Nicobar pigeons actively look for food at dawn and dusk and search in pairs or alone. They are powerful flyers and will fly together in formation in columns or single file.
Their white tails are prominent during flight and are thought to provide guidance to the flock as they cross the sea at dawn or dusk. They have low-pitched calls which serve as communication between the flock.
Threats
Nicobar pigeon populations have not yet been adequately quantified by researchers. They are considered to be a scarce and rare species, although more common on smaller islets. Threats include:
Introduced predator species to Andaman and Nicobar islands
Palm oil deforestation in the Andaman and Nicobar islands
The construction of a sea port on Great Nicobar Island and other major infrastructure projects
Hunting and trapping for food
The illegal pet trade
Trapping for food, the pet trade and perhaps for their gizzard-stones is a serious threat. The clearance of small islands for plantations and the adjacent areas of lowland forest which it requires for foraging must have reduced numbers. Predation by rats Rattus spp., cats and other alien predators at nesting grounds can affect large numbers of birds due to the colonial nature of the species.
IUCN red list
Habitat
Nicobar pigeons prefer to live in rainforests, dry forests, mangroves, and shrubland. They are found on small islands and coastal islets in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India and the Malay Archipelago, Solomon Islands and Palau.
Diet
Nicobar pigeons are herbivores with a diet consisting of seeds, fruit and buds, and occasionally insects.
Mating and breeding
Pairs of nicobar pigeons are believed to mate for life. They build nests in undisturbed sites in the forest canopy. Their breeding season is between January and March. The female pigeon lays one light blue egg which is nurtured and will hatch after a period of about 2.5 weeks. Both parents will feed the chick until they are ready for fledging at around three months old.
Support Nicobar Pigeon by going vegan and boycotting palm oil in the supermarket, it’s the #Boycott4Wildlife
Support the conservation of this species
This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.
Further Information
BirdLife International. 2016. Caloenas nicobarica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22690974A93297507. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Accessed on 23 February 2023.
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
The Nicobar pigeon is the largest pigeon in the world and the closest living relative to the extinct dodo bird. They are famous for their gorgeous iridescent feathers. When threatened they make a p…
Juanchi Pérez is a talented and well-established designer, illustrator and artist from Ecuador who captures the soulful presence of rare rainforest animals near his home.
He is passionate about sharing the magnificent animals and plants of his bountiful homeland with the world. Together with his beautiful wife and daughter, he founded Zigze several years ago. They create eco-friendly homewares and clothing in Ecuador. This features Juanchi’s signature illustrations of plants and animals. In this way, Juanchi shares the emotional lives of animals and plants in one of the most biodiverse hotspots on our planet. After seeing the devastation of palm oil firsthand in his country, Juanchi is a passionate advocate for the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Palm Oil Detectives is honoured to interview to Juanchi Pérez about his beautiful, powerful and impactful art featuring animals on the knife-edge of survival in South America.
Juanchi Pérez
I admire the beauty in all creatures. There are fascinating worlds in all scales, from the minuscule to the enormous
It would be very hard to choose only one or a few favourites. It is mind-blowing to watch nature’s creativity, there isn’t a single creature who does not possess an inherent beauty, it depends on humans to see it, or not.
Pionus chalcopterus detalle by Juanchi Pérez
We are often so immersed in our lives that we don’t take the time to appreciate nature
It is kind of sad to see how many of us have forgotten to appreciate or just to contemplate the beauty all around us.
Diversity of the jungle by Juanchi Pérez
My principal motivation to paint is nature and the love I have for it. I love all the magnificent creatures we have in this amazing planet we live in and which is our only home.
I paint animals to make them visible
I have always been attracted to drawing and painting animals. To show them to the world and hopefully change the way we should see nature- as a part of ourselves rather than apart from it.
I believe that all species deserve the same rights to exist
Humankind has lost it’s values. Sadly money is the only driving force nowadays.
We are destroying our own planet and the only place that we call home.
This isn’t just a problem with big companies, but also with our personal choices regarding our consumption habits – what we buy as consumers.
Science has shown that tuna and other big fish populations have decreased more than 90% in many cases
Yet many people still choose to ignore this fact and eat fish rapaciously. If we don’t intervene, in a few years everything will be lost forever.
We should stop eating sentient beings
So yes, right now it’s every person’s responsibility and duty to critically analyse our food choices and to stop eating the sentient beings who deserve to have a life of their own and who do not have a voice.
You can purchase my art through my brand Zigze.com
My art can be found through my brand Zigze zigze.com or you can visit @zigze_arte_salvaje , or my other more personal IG @juanchi_illustration
In Ecuador where I live, palm oil has replaced vast areas of rainforest
Just like in other parts of the world, palm oil companies exist to make money. They won’t stop with their endless expansion, because corporate greed doesn’t care for anything other than profits.
A recent report by Insight Crime revealed that the major driver for deforestation in Ecuador is palm oil
Most forest loss in Ecuador’s Amazon results from land being cleared for palm oil cultivation. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s, Suriname’s, and Guyana’s forests are most affected by gold mining.
Palm Oil and Land Grabs in Ecuador
As in Bolivia, deforestation in Ecuador’s Amazon is mainly driven by agroindustrial interests. Sixty-five percent of land use across Ecuador’s Amazon is designated for pasture, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). A lack of economic incentives for farmers discourages them from being sustainable and efficient in their practices, according to the UNDP. Meanwhile, the expansion of industrial agriculture has reduced possibilities for small-scale agriculture. As access to land has become scarce, the illegal grabbing of small plots has ramped up.
Agricultural interests often drive the unconstitutional eviction of communities from territories that have belonged to them for centuries. In many cases, intimidation and falsified documents are used to expel them from their homes. Otherwise, agricultural activities linked to land grabbing are fomented by judicial decisions and rulings issued by authorities. Extracted from: ‘Insight Crime: Fueling Forest Loss: Motors of Deforestation in the Amazon’, published November 8, 2022.
Huge biodiverse parts of Ecuadorian coastal areas have been replaced by this devastating monoculture
Now huge areas of the Ecuadorian rainforest are suffering the same fate. For a cheap and crappy ingredient in supermarket products, we are losing our greatest treasure of Ecuador – our biodiversity.
It is doubtful that any palm oil company or palm oil investor can see the value of conserving this richness. Instead, they are creating a barren and dead land where no other species can thrive. They are disrupting all of the natural balancing systems that have supported humankind and animalkind for many millennia.
Palm oil companies are blind. There is no worst kind of blind person than those who refuse to see!
There is no sustainable way to produce palm oil. When you visit a palm oil plantation, the only thing you are guaranteed to find is kilometres and kilometres stretching far beyond the horizon or palms, palms and more palms.
Recently I had the opportunity to visit a palm oil plantation in Ecuador
“It surprised me to see vast expanses of dead palms. At first I though perhaps they were in the process of being replaced. However, I later discovered that they were dying from some strange disease. The owners didn’t have a clue what was killing them.”
Inside I rejoiced because this was nature fighting back!
As the forgotten father of environmentalism Alexander von Humboldt advised us more than 200 years ago when he glimpsed nature’s vulnerability and the devastating environmental effects of colonial cash crop cultivation:
Monoculture and deforestation made the land barren, washed away soil and drained lakes and rivers.
I believe that our personal choices or actions regarding our consumer habits have way more effect than our words. We as consumers can drive the companies toward better habits.
I support any boycott that will bring greedy companies to their senses and to help stop the devastation of rainforests in Ecuador and other parts of South America and the world.
As a conscientious person, I have become aware of my choices. As far as it is possible, I choose to refrain from purchasing things with palm oil and to buy products with as light environmental footprint as possible.
I admire environmental activists so much
If I could speak to them directly, I would encourage them to keep persevering with their work.
I encourage journalists, activists and leaders to use every tool at their disposal to show what is happening
The voracious companies in Ecuador are devastating our nature and environment. If I could speak to the CEO’s of these companies I would tell them to take their blindfolds off. Their greed and stupidity is no excuse for what they are doing to all life on our planet.
Greenwashing example: Activists place washing machines in front of the Deutsche Bank headquarters to protest against greenwashing during Deutsche Bank AG Annual Shareholders Meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, May 2022. REUTERS
What corporations do for industrial-scale food today will make all of us hungry tomorrow
All systems are collapsing at an alarming rate, mainly because of multi-national corporations and their reckless way of exploiting the natural world. They need to heed the science, logic and their own hearts instead of their bank balances. They need to stop pretending that their actions are not harmful.
Colgate-Palmolive greewashing in the supermarket to assuage consumer guilt but not actually preventing palm oil deforestation associated with their brand Inhumans of Late Stage Capitalism – Brand ABCs consumerism
All of the fortunes in the world won’t serve us anymore if the earth’s support systems collapse
Money won’t serve any purpose if we can’t breathe and don’t have clean water to drink. What these people will discover is that we can’t eat and drink money and we will see them in hell!
The fight is an unfair one
Palm oil giants, allied with the governments have infinite resources, if you compare this with the resources of indigenous peoples.
In defence of nature it will take a brave and valiant effort to resist this sort of power. We should support these activists and demand that their voices are heard throughout the entire planet.
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Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
This is the second in a two-part series. Read Part One. Palm oil, a popular cooking oil as well as an ingredient in an ocean of products ranging from cookies to cosmetics, is the fourth largest commodity crop in Ecuador.
mastodon.social/@buddhistart/1… buddhistart@mastodon.social - Towers with Faces at the Bayon Temple, #AngkorWat complex, #Cambodia. Bayon temple dates from 12th. Bayon name originally was Jayagiri which means Victory Mountain. The temple features 216 faces of #Buddha. 216, like 108, is a mystical number in both #Buddhist and #Hindu traditions. #BuddhistArt #Buddhism
Towers with Faces at the Bayon Temple, #AngkorWat complex, #Cambodia. Bayon temple dates from 12th. Bayon name originally was Jayagiri which means Victory Mountain. The temple features 216 faces of #Buddha. 216, like 108, is a mystical number in both #Buddhist and #Hindu traditions. #BuddhistArt #Buddhism
Hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked by criminal gangs and forced to work in scam centers and illegal online operations across Southeast Asia.
New York Times: Cambodia’s Stolen Statues Are Coming Home to an Overflowing Museum . This link goes to a gift article. “The four cavernous wings of Cambodia’s national museum are so packed with objects that visitors need to watch their elbows while strolling among the roughly 1,400 on display. The century-old building in central Phnom Penh is running out of room partly because foreign […]
How does Indonesia’s palm oil industry fuel the climate crisis?
How does Indonesia’s palm oil industry fuel the climate crisis?
How does Indonesia’s palm oil industry fuel the climate crisis?
Okapi Okapia johnstoni
Juanchi Pérez
Pionus chalcopterus detalle by Juanchi Pérez
Diversity of the jungle by Juanchi Pérez
Andean Night Monkey Andus miconax threatene by palm oil deforestation #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
‘Insight Crime: Fueling Forest Loss: Motors of Deforestation in the Amazon’, published November 8, 2022.
Spoiled Fruit: landgrabbing, violence and slavery for “sustainable” palm oil
Greenwashing example: Activists place washing machines in front of the Deutsche Bank headquarters to protest against greenwashing during Deutsche Bank AG Annual Shareholders Meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, May 2022. REUTERS
Colgate-Palmolive greewashing in the supermarket to assuage consumer guilt but not actually preventing palm oil deforestation associated with their brand
Inhumans of Late Stage Capitalism – Brand ABCs consumerism
Deforestation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo: Wikipedia.
Orangutan defends her home deforestation
Deforestation – Craig Jones Wildlife Photography
Research: Palm Oil Deforestation and its connection to retail brands
After a forest fire in Sumatra – Craig Jones Wildlife Photography
meat agriculture and deforestation
The protective armour of a pangolin accounts for up to a third of the animal’s body weight.
Image Source: Tikki Hywood Trust via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters
To make and maintain its scales, a pangolin needs a high-protein diet, which it satisfies by eating vast numbers of ants and termites.
In the 1990s, a kilogram of pangolin scales was worth about $14. Today, that same weight may be worth $1,000 – $3,000 on the black market.
The Chinese and Javanese once used the pangolin’s hard, scaly hide to make elaborate body armour. This suit of armour, made almost entirely from pangolin scales decorated with gold leaf, was presented to King George III in 1820 by the Governor General of the East India Trading Company and can today be seen displayed at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.
A baby pangolin (delightfully known as a pangopup) is born with soft, pale scales, although they soon harden and darken. Infants will ride on their mother’s tail as she forages for insects.
Adult male spectacled bears fighting by Slow Motion GLI on Getty Images
Baby spectacled bear by Slow Motion GLI for Getty Images
Spectacled Bear by Thornsten Sporlein for Getty Images
Spectacled Bear close up by Thornsten Sporlein for Getty Images
Spectacled bear sticking out his tongue by Natalia So for Getty Images