The Idea

Threatened Animals of East Africa is a publication that aims to educate and encourage secondary school students in East Africa to get involved in animal conservation issues through informative discussion and group projects.  The book focuses on twelve animals: Chimpanzee, Mountain Gorilla, Elephant, Giraffe, Black Rhinoceros, African Hunting Dog, Cheetah, Leopard, Blue Whale, Nile Crocodile, and the Wattled Crane.

Every animal will be represented by a photograph and a 'fast fact' section, followed by detailed information on habitat, diet, mating, as well as other interesting trivia.  Each section will close with a three-part student activity focusing on the animal: multiple choice questions, individual project ideas, and environmental club project suggestions.  A definition of biological terms such as primate, herbivore, and so on will be available at the end of the book.

The Impact

East Africa is home to the world's most iconic animals, which feature in this publication.  Many of these animals are poached, maimed, or hunted to the brink of extinction by uninformed individuals trying to make quick money by selling to private collectors, witchdoctors, or the black market.  Other contributing factors include deforestation, human encroachment, and village against animal retaliation due to damaged crops. 

Increased education efforts and awareness can change this.  For example, currently less than 1% of Tanzanians visit a National Park in their lifetime, which are home to a variety of these impressive animals.  Threatened Animals of East Africa hopes to increase understanding of indigenous wildlife, and the threats that face them so that we can encourage the future adults of tomorrow to actively get involved.

What We Need 

Threatened Animals of East Africa is in its final stages of editing, having circulated environmental conservation offices in Tanzania, Uganda, Congo, and the United States.  Each A5 booklet is 30 pages in length.  An initial printing of 5,000 copies is desired.  The book will circulate schools in East African countries through a local Non-Governmental Organization.  The photograph copyrights, writing/editing, and student activities have been granted or created at no cost.  Printing is the only expense.

In addition to the $2,000 I am trying to raise on this site, I am also seeking funding from local embassies and corporations.  If the targeted amount is not reached, as many copies as possible will be printed with the money donated by each individual.  

Other Ways You Can Help

In-kind support is always appreciated!  If you know a publisher, printer, or animal lover that would be interested in generously donating 5,000 copies or a portion of that for free, please forward the link to this site.

Many Thanks To...

Cockburn Building, Antonia Brownlee, Shiobhan Collins, David Cook, John Cover & Family, Harry Crombie, Frances Crombie, Martin Crombie & Family, Stuart Crombie, Elana Daniels, Tana David, Emma Dobbie, Genevieve Edens, April Fairgrieve, Karen Ferguson & Family, Tyson Gaskill, Jonathan Hickey, James & June Hudson, John Kerkering, Angela Kirwin, Sara Montag, Megan Nelson, Steven & Pam Nitsche, Bronson Oliveira, Janet Pope, Katherine Pope, Philip Pope, Shannon Poss, Will Reding, Helen Searl, Sarah Wakeford, Gail Wensley, JoEllen Williamson, Brandon Wise, and anonymous donors