Bonn, 6 February 2012 - A new project, implemented by the Wild Camel Protection Foundation in collaboration with the UNEP/CMS Secretariat and with funding from the Mohamed bin-Zayed Species Conservation Fund will help to raise public awareness on the plight of the critically endangered wild Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus ferus) and its important ecological role for the deserts of Mongolia and China.

John Hare, Founder of the Wild Camel Protection Foundation, said: “There are only approximately 950 critically endangered wild camels left in the world - all in China and Mongolia. The Wild Camel Protection Foundation is the only organization dedicated exclusively to saving this eighth most endangered large mammal from extinction - an animal which in 2008 was recognized as an entirely new and separate species. By giving us your support, you can help us to achieve our aim.”

Wild Bactrian camels differ physically and genetically from their domestic relatives. The population numbers of the species have dwindled dramatically. The species has been listed on Appendix I of CMS since COP7 (2002). With current estimates of fewer than 1,000 animals, the Mongolian subpopulation has declined by more than 45 per cent since 1985.

Highly adapted to the extreme deserts of Central Asia, the camels’ decline is an indicator for the degradation of the entire Great Gobi ecosystem. The species is found in the Gobi and Gashun Gobi deserts of northwest China and Mongolia. The populations are under constant pressure due to human encroachment into protected areas, poaching and hybridization with domestic camels, habitat degradation, reduction of water resources and competition with livestock. Furthermore, border fences as well as illegal mining activities in protected areas are a great cause for concern.

In order to raise awareness among local populations about the importance of wild camels for their ecosystem and the potential negative effects of cross-breeding between the wild camels and domestic ones, the project will implement an education programme for local communities. This will include the distribution of educational booklets in English, Chinese, Uighur and Mongolian to schoolchildren in local communities living near the wild camels. The project aims to enhance knowledge and understanding and encourage participation of local people in the protection of these magnificent migratory animals.