Wildlife TV presenter Steve Backshall is an ardent supporter of World Land Trust (WLT) and in that capacity has raised over £50,000 for the conservation charity by completing the 2015 Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race. Unsurprisingly WLT has put the money to good use by purchasing 481 acres of Choco rainforest which lies on the southern edge of Las Tangaras Bird Reserve and. WLT is also guaranteeing the salary of a ranger who will be charged with protecting the Golden Poison Frog in the Rana Terribilis Amphibian Reserve.
“Steve’s achievement is impressive. Not only did he take on an extreme challenge for World Land Trust but there was also an unprecedented level of interest in his fundraising campaign, which attracted hundreds of donations. We are very grateful for his support for World Land Trust and Fundación ProAves.” John Burton, Chief Executive of World Land Trust, said
“After all the hard work that went into training for the race, and the hell we went through to complete it, I am absolutely delighted to know that it was all worthwhile. There is now a chunk of rainforest in Colombia that’s protected thanks to my efforts. I am also really pleased that the funds I raised are protecting the reserve where Phyllobates terribilis is found.” Steve Backshall said.
Lots of bird species will be protected
Las Tangaras was first established back in 2009 and since 2013 World Land Trust has been financing purchases of land to expand the reserve. The reserve serves as home to two endemic endangered species of bird as well as a further 250 bird species that are being threatened globally. WLT’s conservation partner Fundación ProAves both owns the reserve and keeps it protected. Through the support of Steve Backshall, a further 481 acres have been added to the reserve which has prompted the Quick Response Biodiversity Fund and the American Bird Conservancy to also pledge money which would add a further 426 acres to the reserve.
Money raised will also go to protect amphibian species
Money raised by Mr. Backshall has also gone towards the protection of the Golden Poison Frog which is officially earth’s most poisonous creature. The money will be used to fund the salary of a ranger employed by Fundación ProAves at the Rana Terribilis Amphibian Reserve. The total amount raised by Mr. Backshall includes matching funding of £15,000 from a WLT Council member, £7,500 from Maidenhead Aquatics, and £2,000 from Blue Forest.
