Friends of Conservation
Friends of Conservation
Since 1982 Friends of Conservation (FOC) has been active in wildlife conservation. The Charity's work originally focused upon endangered species in East Africa and it gained a reputation as a leading conservation body. Although FOC now works around the world, adopting the best scientific advice, it still works to the principle that wildlife and habitat conservation can only succeed if the local people also benefit.
How we are working with Friends of Conservation
We make a USD 5 per passenger financial donation on certain trips to Tanzania, Kenya and Namibia to the Selous Rhino Project in Tanzania, and are now the project’s major donor. Based in the Selous Game Reserve in Southwest Tanzania, this project was set up in 1995, in response to a 15-year period of devastating poaching which reduced the Reserve’s rhino population by a shocking 98%.
The small project team of 14 individuals is dedicated solely to the protection and future growth of the rhino population in the reserve. Currently the team’s work is focused on identifying the exact size of the remaining population, assessing its viability in terms of reproductive capacity, and on initiating stringent anti-poaching measures. With 50,000 sq kilometres of often-impenetrable bush and steep escarpments, it is no mean feat trying to find and protect these animals. The Adventure Company's donations help to fund communication equipment for the rangers, and we are pleased to see the results coming through - FOC has recently reported a sustainable population of 19 black rhino and at least two young. Testimony to the good work the team is doing out in the Selous.
