FUNDING GOAL
$100,000
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IMPACT PROMISE 
Join our many supporters in creating a real and meaningful impact for our planet!
Partner Snapshot
Partner name:
Location:
Bhutan
Appeal Category:
- Community Support and Development
- Capacity Building & Training
- Endangered Species
Key Species:
- White-bellied Heron
- Rufous-necked Hornbill
- Small-clawed Otter
Challenges and Threats:
- Crashing wildlife populations
- Increase threats to natural habitats
- Low support for landscape level community-conservation programs
Actions:
- Revive wildlife populations through in-situ and ex-situ conservation programs
- Reconnecting habitats through ecosystem restoration activities
- Incentivize communities to reduce threats to wildlife
The Challenge
The Critically Endangered White-bellied heron faces a rapid decline across its few remaining habitats, primarily in Bhutan, Northeast India, and Myanmar. Human activities, such as habitat degradation and the socio-economic struggles of surrounding communities, place immense pressure on this rare species. Low population genetics and a small breeding population further heighten the risk of extinction.
In Bhutan, the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) leads global conservation efforts to protect the White-bellied heron, the only organized program of its kind. However, resource challenges pose serious threats to the effectiveness of these programs. Activities like population monitoring, community engagement, habitat restoration, and maintaining the WBH Conservation Center require significant and growing operational costs. Managing these resources is the greatest challenge in sustaining the effort to save the White-bellied heron, and other endangered species, from extinction.
Urgent Solutions
Donations to this campaign will directly support the White-bellied heron conservation efforts, helping to address the urgent threats facing this species. The funds will be used to:
- Protect WBH habitats and support monitoring efforts
- Conduct annual population counts and track population dynamics
- Rescue and rehabilitate injured or endangered herons
- Restore degraded ecosystems that are critical to the WBH’s survival
- Identify potential habitats for the WBH within Bhutan and the region
- Enhance research on WBH ecology to inform conservation strategies
- Support infrastructure improvements such as laboratory equipment, aviaries, and fish ponds for breeding programs
- Build capacity and provide fair compensation for conservation staff
These actions will also benefit surrounding communities, incentivizing them to actively participate in conservation efforts.
Why your donation matters
Your donation is crucial in preventing the extinction of the White-bellied heron, which could disappear by 2050 without immediate intervention. The Royal Society for Protection of Nature, through more than 20 years of dedicated efforts, has so far prevented the extinction of these birds. In 2003, only 14 individuals were recorded, but through careful management, that number has grown to at least 25 as of 2024.
Despite these gains, the WBH remains critically endangered, and continued conservation efforts are necessary. RSPN is partnering with international organizations like Conservation Alliance to secure the funding required for the next two decades. Your donation will help sustain the White-bellied Heron Conservation and Breeding Center, scale up community engagement and livelihood programs, and protect key breeding and feeding habitats.
By supporting this cause, you are playing a truly vital role in saving one of the world’s most endangered species and contributing to the overall health of Bhutan’s ecosystems.
Partner Qualifications
IUCN MemberA distinguished Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. IUCN Members are each vetted and voted on based on an independent, rigorous assessment and external references. Learn More
Legally ConstitutedThis organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin.
Effective ImpactWe recognize this Partner for their tremendous efforts to make a difference for wildlife and local communities, as well as welcome technical support from Conservation Allies to improve and scale up their impact.