Conservation collaborations- Shaldon Wildlife Trust

Our first exciting collaboration for 2024 is with Shaldon Wildlife Trust; the little zoo that takes pride in making a big difference.

If you've never been before, you'll find the zoo in an acre of woodland above the attractive coastal village of Shaldon in South Devon. Not only does the Trust  care for a collection of endangered animals that have managed breeding programmes to maintain genetic diversity, they also support the conservation of species in their natural habitat and raise awareness through community education, to the widest possible audience.

This year, Bags for Biodiversity are supporting Shaldon Wildife Trust and two of their conservation projects -  The Lemur Conservation Association,  AEECL in Madagascar. and CREA-Panama

 

Our Limited Edition ranges:

Let me introduce our first  limited edition of bags created just for Shaldon Wildlife Trust. The lemur fabric bags are currently only available in Shaldon Wildlife Trust's shop and our website, and the profits from each bag go towards conservation work by AEECL.  

Our bags are made from locally sourced cotton and we recycle the keepers' shirts to make interior pockets with the Shaldon Wildlife Trust logo on.

Why Support This Initiative;

Shaldon Wildlife Trust is on a mission to protect and preserve our planet's biodiversity. The money they raise goes towards vital conservation work. The Trust has been long-term supporters of AEECL and in poor nations like Madagscar, funding is always needed.

What Does AEECL Do?

AEECL connects the local communities to the conservation work in the area and empowers them to to become ambassadors for the wildlife and habitat surrounding them. The project is multifaceted and works with communitites on projects such as forest fire prevention and reforestation, as well as engaging with Malagasy authorities.

The flagship species for the project is the blue-eyed black lemur, although many species of lemur benefit massively from AEECL's work. Project successes include lobbying for the creation of Sahamalaza National Park; the last bastion of the blue- eyed black lemur.

As Madagascar is one of the poorest nations in the world, funding for conservation work will always be needed.

 

 

 The Second limited edition collection is the "sloth range".  These bags are also available in Shaldon Zoo's shop and on our website but the profits will go to CREA ( Conservation through Research, Education and Action),  a relatively small conservation charity in Panama, founded in  2003 by conservation biologist Dr Michael Roy. 

 

Our bags are made from locally sourced cotton and we recycle the keepers' shirts to make interior pockets, some  with the Shaldon Wildlife Trust logo on.

What Does CREA  Do?

CREA is based in the Cocobola Nature Reserve and catalogues and preserves the diversity of life there. The reserve covers 410 hectares of primary cloud forest, which is home to jaguars, pumas, ocelots, crested crassows, harlequin toads and the elusive margay. Due to the narrowness of this part of Central America, it provides an extremely important habitat for migratory species.

 What is the Connection Between Shaldon and CREA? 

Shaldon Wildlife Trust protects and breeds a family of margay, a small arboreal cat. CREA  researchers run a long term study into margay, looking at their behaviour and feeding preferences, using camera traps placed high up in the trees. Margay are currently listed  as near threatened by the IUCN and this information will help  to tailor conservation efforts where they are needed most.

 

 

How can You Help?

• Purchase one of our limited edition bags and wear it with pride.
• Spread the word.
• Share Bags For Biodiversity facebook page and website.
• Tell friends and family about Shaldon Zoo and the work they do.
• Learn more about AEECL, CREA and Shaldon Wildlife Trust: knowledge is a powerful tool for change .
• Go and visit Shaldon's beautiful little zoo