Living in the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo – and nowhere else in the world – the elusive Grauer’s gorilla is the world's largest primate. But now, these spectacular apes are being driven to extinction.
Newly released research by the Wildlife Conservation Society has found that the number of Grauer's gorillas in the DRC have declined by 77%. Fewer than 3,800 remain in the wild.
We are rapidly losing our biological heritage. Scientific evidence shows that extinctions are occurring from 100 to 1,000 times more quickly than the natural rate. Unless we alter course, 60% of the earth's species may disappear by the end of this century.
Congress has the power to help save the Grauer's gorillas by reauthorizing the Multinational Species Conservation Fund (MSCF). But they aren't likely to bring it to a vote unless they hear from constituents like you.
There's no time to lose – if the MSCF isn't reauthorized, crucial programs that protect gorillas will likely disappear.
We can't stand by while these amazing animals go extinct. Sign the petition today and tell Congress to reauthorize the MSCF before it is too late.
Dear Decisionmaker,
As a constituent and a supporter of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), I'm writing to urge you to cosponsor H.R. 335, introduced by Representatives Don Young (R-AK) and Pedro Pierluisi (D-PR), to reauthorize the Multinational Species Conservation Fund (MSCF) through 2020.
The MSCF is the cornerstone of the international conservation programs administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Since 1989, the five funds that make up the MSCF -- all established by Congress with bipartisan support -- have awarded more than 2,500 grants to protect some of the world's most endangered species, including tigers, rhinos, African and Asian elephants, marine turtles, and great apes like the Grauer's gorillas, whose numbers have recently declined by 77%. Current projects are providing critical support for sustaining the remaining population of Grauer's gorillas in Central Africa and also include everything from fighting poaching of African elephants in Conkouati Douli National Park in the Republic of Congo to conserving the last remaining tigers in the Endau-Rompin Landscape in Malaysia.
I'm worried that we are losing our biological heritage. Scientific evidence shows that extinctions are occurring from 100 to 1,000 times more quickly than the natural rate. Unless we alter course, 60% of the earth's species may disappear by the end of this century. Every species and subspecies benefiting from the MSCF continues to face significant threats. Without continued support, the risk that these iconic animals may go extinct in the wild from the constant pressures of poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict increases substantially.
I understand that it is a tough fiscal climate. But the MSCF represents an inexpensive, efficient program that provides benefits well beyond its stated objectives. MSCF investments consistently leverage 2-3 times as much from partner governments, local NGOs, international conservation organizations, and private businesses. Additionally, Congress recently reauthorized sales of the Save Vanishing Species Semipostal Stamp which generates supplemental funding for the MSCF at no cost to taxpayers.
These are critical programs for protecting the world's most charismatic species. I urge you to cosponsor H.R. 335 and join in the bipartisan effort to save wild populations of these important species.
[Your Comment]
Thank you for your consideration.
[Your Name]
