| Human population growth,
changing land use patterns, further inroads on already
constrained Nepenthes habitats and aggressive poaching means
that many mature breeding populations of Nepenthes species
are rapidly dropping below the levels necessary for
survival.
Rather than seeing this as a ‘doomsday’
occurrence, we at SEANSRF feel we are being presented with a
very rare opportunity. By utilizing what is, in some cases,
perhaps our last chance to study and save these critically
endangered species, we can create a template to model a new
paradigm in conservation efforts joining the forces of
social, academic, political, business and scientific
communities to achieve our dreams.
We need to act before it
is too late to collect material for gene banks, establish
habitat preserves for as much of the genetic diversity as
remains, and to systematically reintroduce
Nepenthes to their natural territories to
reestablish self sustaining populations.
“By these actions we
will turn today's ‘poachers’ into tomorrow’s custodians of
Nature.”
Through the effective integration of schools nationwide,
government officials, national and international
conservation organizations and local communities we not only
plan to influence the survival of these endangered species
in terms of effective conservation strategies, but more so,
to use this opportunity to change attitudes by spreading the
message of the importance of species conservation throughout
Thailand and the region via powerful media campaigns. |
What are they?
Nepenthes, or ‘tropical pitcher plants’, the focus of this
foundation, are a fascinating genus of carnivorous plants, generally
of Southeast Asian origin.
These unique plants have evolved to
develop modified leaves which, unlike other genus of plants, lure
and trap prey as a means of nutrition.
Read further
material and information on our blog at
Carniverous Plants In The Tropics
|
