Environment
Wildlife Conservation is Beginning to Click
By
Jan 20, 2008, 00:46

(NewsUSA) - Little is known about the Indochinese tiger that lives in the remote mountains of South East Asia's forests.

Scientists estimate that there are around 1,000 Indochinese tigers spread throughout Thailand, Vietnam, Lao PDR, southern China, Myanmar and Cambodia.

And despite their range, one thing is constant: poaching is one of the biggest threats to tigers throughout their habitat.

Tigers are poached for their skin, teeth and bones, which are sold on the black market and used in traditional medicines.

In Cambodia, weak law enforcement has made tigers easy targets for poachers. However, the recent establishment of anti-poaching patrols in key tiger habitats in Cambodia has helped lower illegal poaching.

This ongoing fight against illegal poaching is finding a voice thanks to contributions by corporations like The Orvis Company. This year, Orvis is supporting World Wildlife Fund's tiger conservation program in Cambodia by encouraging customers to donate funds to support the program and matching those funds up to $30,000.

Annually, Orvis donates 5 percent of its pre-tax profits to various organizations that help protect fish and wildlife habitats, including providing funding to increasing tiger guard numbers around Cambodia.

Many customers of Orvis are also helping donate to various causes by simply doing what they do best -; shopping. With the retailer's "Round Up for Conservation" program, online customers can complete their purchase by checking a box that allows them to round their purchase amount up to the next $1, $5 or even $100 increment -; with the entire added amount going toward conservation funds worldwide.

"Orvis has a long history of conservation and commitment to the communities in which we work," said James Hathaway, conservation manager for the 150-year-old, Vermont-based retailer. "The 'Round Up for Conservation' program is a great way for seemingly small contributions to have a big impact."

According to the World Wildlife Fund, to date, Orvis has helped assist thousands of animals in need, including the endangered whooping crane as well as another giant cat on the brink of extinction -; the cheetah.

From 2006-2007, the company raised more than $250,000 for the Cheetah Conservation Fund, which not only educates local farmers in Namibia, Africa about living peacefully with cheetahs but also helps to restore the cheetah's natural environment.

Orvis hopes to reach its goal of raising $60,000 to continue assisting the Indochinese tiger population of Cambodia. For more information about ways to help, visit www.orvis.com/conservation.

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