Omss Animal: June E-news: 615 Species Discovered in Madagascar

Species Discovered in Madagascar | New Lake Reserve | Sign to Save Sumatra's Tigers | Enter WWF's Photo Contest

Madame Berthe's mouse lemur
© Louise Jaspar/WWF Madagascar

Split from the African continent over 160 million years ago, Madagascar developed its own distinct ecosystems and extraordinary wildlife. Most of its reptiles, plants and land mammals exist naturally nowhere else on Earth. From 1999 to 2010, 615 new species were discovered in this island country, reinforcing Madagascar’s standing as one of the Earth’s richest tropical habitats. View the photo gallery of these recently discovered species and find out why it's critical to protect the country's ecosystems.

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In Depth: Madagascar

Download the report: "Treasure Island: New Biodiversity on Madagascar"

Safeguarding one of Earth’s most captivating islands

The people of the Spiny Forest

New Lake Reserve in Mozambique

View over Lake Niassa
© Caroline Simmonds

Lake Niassa, the third largest and second deepest lake in Africa, has officially been declared a reserve by the government of Mozambique. The declaration will help protect the species and natural habitats of one of the largest and most biologically diverse freshwater lakes in the world. In addition, it will help provide security to the people who depend on the lake for their food and livelihoods. Discover how local communities are involved in protecting this valuable resource.

June Caption Contest

Enter the WWF Photo Caption Contest, and your creative caption could be featured in next month's e-newsletter.

"Ibiseeing ya later!"
Leah M., Irving, Tex.
May's Contest Winner

Submit your clever
caption for this photo!

Sign to Save Sumatra's Tigers

Young tiger in Bukit Betabuh Protection Forest
© WWF-Indonesia/Tiger Survey Team

One of the most important habitats of the critically endangered Sumatran tiger is the Bukit Tigapuluh forest landscape in Sumatra. Sadly, the area is under imminent threat of being cleared by pulp and paper companies and illegal palm oil growers. Urge the government of Indonesia and the logging industry to stop the destruction of critical tiger habitat in Sumatra.

Last Day to Enter WWF's Photo Contest

Wind, Snow & Sun... © Lynne B.

Today, Friday, June 17, is your last opportunity to enter for a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip for two on the Classic Polar Bear Photo Adventure provided by Natural Habitat Adventures! Get outside and snap some nature shots today--or look through your photo collections for your very best photos to submit to our "Life Grows On" photo contest. All entries must be received by 11:59 pm ET tonight, June 17. Learn more and enter now! Photo contest presented by WWF and CVS/pharmacy Photo.

Featured Videos

A world-renowned expert on ancient societies talks about climate change

Lake Niassa: "The nearest thing we have to an extraterrestrial ecosystem"

Featured Expedition

On the prowl for tigers
© WWF-US/Lee Poston

Wild India
December 9 - 22, 2011

WWF is dedicated to bringing the wild tiger back from the brink of extinction. During safaris and tiger-searching expeditions led by expert guides, learn firsthand about WWF's efforts to preserve tiger habitat, and search for other animals, including one-horned rhinos, sambar deer and monitor lizards. Spend your nights at remote lodges in harmony with their surroundings. Learn more.

Do You Know?

WWF and partners recently launched a free phone hotline in Namibia to allow individuals to report:

a. elephant calf sightings for the current census

b. potential acts of rhino poaching

c. rhino sightings for population tracking purposes

d. wildlife migration paths

Click on one of the answers above to see if you know.

> Forward to a friend
> Send free e-cards
> Donate

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June's Featured Species

Dugong
Dugong dugon

Status: Vulnerable

Basics: Close cousins of American manatees, dugongs live in tropical and subtropical coastal and island waters.

Threats: Habitat loss, disease, hunting and accidental drowning in fishing gear.

Interesting Fact: The dugong is the only herbivorous mammal that is strictly marine.

Want more about dugongs?

Send Dad a dugong e-card for Father's Day

Get dugong wallpaper

Adopt a dugong

Bank of America Is Supporting WWF

Show your love of the panda with the WWF Visa Signature® credit card from Bank of America. Bank of America will contribute $100 to WWF for each new qualifying account. Get more details.

Kids can help WWF receive $100,000!

From June 24 - July 31, 2011, over 30 Disney Channel and Disney XD stars from around the globe will compete on TV in "Disney Friends for Change Games," a series of fun eco-inspired physical challenges. Four teams will play on behalf of an environmental charity and "TEAM RED" is playing for WWF. Disney has kicked off the event with a donation of $125,000 to each charity and kids can help us receive even more when they play online versions of the games at Disney.com/projectgreen today through July 31 and donate their earned points to WWF. The team with the most online points will be awarded $100,000 for their team's charity.

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