Bolivia’s Inter-Andean dry forests support a host of iconic animals including Andean bears, the species that inspired Paddington Bear. But today only 6% of these vital but fragile forest habitats remain. We’re raising funds for our Andean Carnivore Conservation Programme (ACCP), which was set up in 2016 to protect Andean carnivores, restore their habitats, and promote peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.
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The Andean species that inspired Paddington Bear is in trouble. Now classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, they and other species in Bolivia face an uncertain future. The fragile Inter-Andean dry forests that make up much of their range have shrunk dramatically as ecologically damaging cattle farming has become more common, and the bears face threats on multiple fronts. Andean bears are gentle giants, preferring a mostly vegetarian diet, but they are sometimes persecuted for unexplained livestock losses by the people who share their home.
Our conservationists work in Bolivia to research and monitor bears, jaguars and other species, and to support marginalised communities to adopt forest-friendly and bear-friendly income streams. We’ve helped people grow coffee and train as beekeepers, reducing dependence on the cattle farming that has eroded natural habitats. Now we are developing even more creative ways to protect bears and support the communities that share this beautiful but threatened landscape. This fundraiser will help us purchase vital equipment, such as a truck to enable our field conservationists to move equipment to remote areas.
