Dear Supporter,

Expedition March/April 2005

You will recall from Newsletter, Number 13 of March 2005, that I said that I
hoped that we would be able to organise expeditions into the Mongolian Gobi,
the Great Gobi Specially Protected Area A (SPA) in April and into the Chinese
Gobi (the Lop Nur Wild Camel National Reserve) in October to carry out surveys
on the wild Bactrian camel. We hoped that Chinese scientists who had been on
the Kenya training course would participate in the Mongolian expedition and
that Mongolian scientists would come on the expedition into the Chinese Gobi. The
Mongolian expedition took place during March April 2005 and I was a member.
Unfortunately, the two Chinese scientists were unable to come. However, the
expedition survey was a great success. We observed 117 wild Bactrian camels, 86
black tailed (goitered) gazelles, 76 wild asses and 43 wild Argali sheep.

Our route took us to the Atis mountains in the south-west corner of the SPA
not far from the Chinese border. Because of the rough nature of the ground it
was an area where vehicles had not been used. Having successfully reconnoitered
the Atis mountains we turned to the west towards Bogtsagaan spring where the
park authorities have erected a stone ‘ger’ built like a Mongolian nomadic
felt tent but constructed entirely out of large stones. There were high hopes of
us observing wild Bactrian camels here but we had no success and our time was
mainly spent in doctoring our own camel’s split pads with rubber cut from the
inner tube of a tyre. This process resembled a bicycle puncture repair, but
the method of repairing holes in the pad caused by the unfortunate creature
having trodden on a sharp stone – melted mutton fat poured into the holes as a
sealant – was like nothing that I had ever seen before. Both methods were
extremely effective but showed that the Atis mountain crossing had not been an easy
option for our domestic camels. We moved on in a north-westerly direction to
Tsoi spring, named after Tsoijin, our guide, who had discovered it in 2004.
This spring was shaped like a horseshoe and surrounded by hills which provided
strategic hiding places for observation. We were not to be disappointed.
Early in the morning on April 2nd when we reached an appropriate hillock
overlooking the spring, we saw an incredible sight. Thirty-nine wild Bactrian
camels were already watering, comprising, four bull camels, eleven two-year-olds,
seven three-year-olds and seventeen females. A huge herd, bigger than any
number I had ever seen before either in Mongolia or China. We watched them for
two hours as they wandered in groups, away from the water and then back again.

Later that day we, too, headed north. At about three-o’clock in the
afternoon, as our camels plodded across a large open plain under a sun that had the
strength to raise the temperature from –15 centigrade, we spotted four,
three-year-old bull camels which when they saw us, started to move towards us. This
was as unexpected because a wild Bactrian camel normally runs away at high
speed at the merest sniff of man. They
approached within fifty yards of our camel caravan before one of the wild
Bactrian camels spotted something very odd – a man on the back of a camel. They
stood stock still, then abruptly wheeled around and galloped away across the
open plain. My theory was proven. It is far better to observe wild Bactrian
camels using domestic Bactrian camels then it is to observe them from vehicles.
Our travel with camels was indubitably justified.

We later ‘discovered’ another spring unknown to the SPA authorities where
there were tracks of many endangered species. Unfortunately, there were also
tracks of poachers. The skill shown by the Mongolian scientists in observing and
recording the wildlife seen on their handheld Global Positioning Systems
(GPS) was very welcome to see and showed that the Kenya course training skills had
been fully absorbed.

I have just learnt (at the time of writing), that we have managed to raise
the funding for the October expedition into the Lop Nur Wild Camel National
Reserve. The Chinese Reserve authorities are paying for a third of the budget; the
two Mongolian scientists are being funded from the Mongolian UNDP MSP; and
the WCPF has raised the remainder from Arystra, a Hong Kong based biosciences
company and the Grocers’ Livery Company in London. We are most grateful to these
two organisations for their support. The plan for this expedition is to visit
the two valleys that we ‘discovered’ in 1999 when we saw herds of ‘naïve’
populations of wildlife. Wildlife that had no fear of man because they had no
knowledge of man. This was one of the most remarkable experiences of my life
which felt as though we were walking into the Garden of Eden. We aim to set up
an observation point near the fresh water spring (Kum Su) that we found there
and to collect data on the wildlife. This will be the first occasion that
Mongolian scientists have accompanied Chinese scientists on an expedition into the
wild Bactrian camel habitat of either country. It could also be the last time
that it will be possible to mount an expedition with domestic Bactrian camels
in China as the domestic camel numbers are declining rapidly.

Captive Wild Bactrian Breeding Programme, Mongolia
While in Mongolia, I visited our captive wild Bactrian camel breeding site at
Zakyn Us. After one full year of operation the wild camels looked well and
the young calves were flourishing. The boundary fence had been re-aligned to
provide more room for the site and the attention now is on encouraging visitors
to the site to observe the wild Bactrian camels from an appropriate safe
distance. This in turn should help to generate additional funding for the project.

In addition to Bilgee the project director, there are now two other project
staff, the herdsman in charge of the captive herd and the vet. A Mongolian
veterinarian has been appointed on a part-time basis to ensure, there is a vet on
hand should one of the wild Bactrian camels require attention. It is
important to understand the responsibility we have for maintaining and protecting
what is the only herd of captive wild Bactrian camels in the world. All of the
trustees are acutely conscious of this responsibility.

Meanwhile, Bilgee continues to manage the centre extremely well. He is
implementing extensive public awareness programmes among
local schools and with the local government officials in the administrative
centres that surround Zakhyn-Us. He has organised wildlife clubs
for children in many of the schools that he visited. In addition, he is
adapting the film that we produced, The King of the Gobi, which features details
of our expeditions into the Chinese Gobi during the nineteen-nineties for use
on Mongolian television. His reports are very good and he is extremely
enthusiastic about his work and the future of the project. We are planning to purchase
a small tractor to assist with the grassland management of the area used by
our captive wild herd. If any member is planning to visit Mongolia and would
like to see the work or visit the centre at Zakhyn-Us then please contact me
direct.

International Stud Book
When there are limited numbers of a critically endangered species, and only a
small number of them held in captivity, for example in zoos or the wild
Bactrian camel captive breeding centre in Mongolia, it is usual and best practice
to establish an International Stud Book. In this way all of the wild Bactrian
camels in captivity are identified and an accurate genetic record is kept. As
the Wild Camel Protection Foundation has the largest number of wild Bactrian
camels in captivity and they are breeding naturally, we have decided to
establish the International Stud Book. It had been hoped that we would establish it in
the spring of this year. However, this was dependent on successful results
being obtained from the genetic tests being undertaken on captive wild Bactrian
camel blood and hair samples in Dubai and Beijing. We have some results but
require a wider sampling before they can provide us with the DNA results. We
cannot establish the International Stud book until we have this data and are
certain of the genetic make-up of all the wild Bactrian camels at the Captive Wild
Bactrian Camel Breeding Centre. This DNA data must be included in the
International Stud Book at the outset.

The scientist who is working on our behalf in Dubai comments as follows:
"I am happy with the DNA quality we have extracted from the samples you have
kindly provided. We have done a test with our panel of micro-satellites to
confirm the amplification and quality of the DNA. However, distinguishing between
Wild Bactrian from domesticated is not an individual identification or
parentage verification which I can provide you with a result in couple of days. To
identify a wild Bactrian from a domesticated one we need (a) more
micro-satellite markers( b) other molecular markers e.g. SNP c) alternative test method. I
have taken steps towards all three!
a) This is to increase the genome coverage and presently, we are testing
primers for micro-satellites developed for dromedary, Bactrian and even
New World Camelids.
b) There are not many available for camelids, unfortunately. Genome
sequence information should become available first before having
polymorphic markers such as SNP. This is something for future but we
have initiated it.
c) Mitochondrial DNA is maternally inherited. We are presently getting
the sequence of mt-DNA and later will used to screen for Control Region
(CR) which contain area of polymorphism. This hopefully provides more
information to distinguish the wild from domesticated Bactrian.

Please, do not forget that we are trying to differentiate between to
closely related "groups" of a species not two distance species or
individuals! Once we have mt-DNA sequence and larger panel of
micro-satellites then I maybe able to give you a time limit for the result."

MSP- Mongolia. Management Plan and proposed Workshop
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment
Facility are, with the Mongolian Ministry of Nature and the Environment,
implementing a project for biodiversity protection in the Mongolian Great Gobi
Reserve A. This medium-sized project is similar to work WCPF did with SEPA in
China to establish the Lop Nur Wild Camel Nature Reserve in Xinjiang. Bilgee is
working closely with the MSP project director and has attended all the workshops
so far, including the recent Workshop which was held to discuss the
Management Plan for the entire protected area. The Management Plan is now in its final
draft and will be discussed at an international workshop which the WCPF will
attend in the spring of next year. The WCPF has responsibilities under the MSP
for cross border liaison between the Chinese and Mongolian authorities and
part of our work on the training course in Kenya with Chinese and Mongolian
officials has already played an important part in achieving this end. After the
Chinese expedition in October this year, I hope to accompany Mongolian officials
to meet the Chinese authorities in Gansu to hold preliminary discussions with
them on cross border co-operation regarding the protection of the migrating
wild Bactrian camel and to discuss the establishment of a new Nature Reserve
south of Mongolia in Gansu, China which would be contiguous with the Mongolian
border.

Parasite Study: Captive wild Bactrian camels
Bilgee the Project Co-ordinator is working with the MSP staff and park
administration to develop a comparative parasite study for domestic Bactrian and
captive wild Bactrian camels in the buffer zone of Gobi SPA ‘A’. This study is
undertaken with the Livestock and Veterinary Department of Mongolian
Agricultural University. WCPF has provided part funding. The study will be detailed and
focused to identify all type of camel diseases, including ecto-parasite,
endo-parasite and blood. All the captive wild Bactrian camels will be included in
the study.

Sponsorship: Captive Wild Bactrian Camels
The captive wild Bactrian camels have to be protected and properly managed.
This will mean paying our herdsman or another person on site to oversee the
camels' welfare. During the winter and spring months it is necessary to buy hay
for them. This is expensive to buy and also to transport to the site. Medicines
are required for the females and their offspring during the first five years.
Nine Foundation members, individuals and organisations have already
generously agreed to sponsor wild Bactrian camels. However we urgently require at least
five more sponsors as a number of the female camels are pregnant.

If you would like to sponsor a captive wild Bactrian camel and want more
information please contact Kate Rae, a WCPF managing trustee at the following
email address:<krae77777@aol.com> or you can easily download the SPONSORSHIP FORM
from the <www.wildcamels.com> website and post it to our head office.

The cost of sponsoring a new born camel for five years is £500 per year or
£2,500 for five years. ($750 per year or $3,750). This covers the cost of
winter feed, the herdsmen to protect the young camels from wolves, the medicines
and veterinary costs. Will those of you who have already sponsored a camel and
are paying on a yearly basis, please remember to send your next year’s
donation as soon as possible.

Funding
As members and supporters you are aware, the work of the Foundation is
funded entirely by donations. Your ideas and suggestions for possible sources of
funding are always welcome.

Fund Raising Events
1. Kalamunda Camel Farm
Several of our members have already raised funds for the work of the
Foundation. In western Australia, thanks to the terrific support from Chris O'Hora of
the Kalamunda Camel Farm, who provided the camel, Romy and her group hosted
an evening event with camels called "Camels Causing the Miraculous". They
raised AUS$600.00 for the wild Bactrian camel.

>From Romy's email
"We did have a successful event, and there were many volunteers who also
helped make this happen. One I would like to mention is Chris O'Hora from
Kalamunda Camel Farm (www.camelfarm.com) in the hills of Perth W.A Australia.
Without him the event would not have been possible at all, he provided the camels,
infrastructure and leadership to make it happen. Not only did he have to train
new camels and build new saddles to have enough for the event, but he agreed
to this only if we were donating the money raised to WCPF. He is an active
supporter and passionate about the wild Bactrian camels and the work of WCPF. "
A big thank you to them all

2. The Weeping Camel – Benenden Village Hall, September 29th 7.30pm
The WCPF has been given permission to show the film, The Weeping Camel to
help it raise funds. We can show the film anywhere in the United Kingdom on a
royalty free basis. This highly acclaimed film which has been shown on general
release follows the life of a Mongolian family living near the south Gobi desert
and their many and varied attempts to encourage a reluctant female camel to
suckle its new-born calf. The film with its unscripted commentary, wonderful
scenery and natural and spontaneous Mongolian performers is a delight. There
will be a raffle and a short talk about the work of the Wild Camel Protection
Foundation after the film. The performance is supported by Benenden School.
All proceeds raised from the evening will be used for the work of the
Foundation in China and Mongolia. If any member would like tickets they cost £5.00
and are available from me at the WCPF address. Please come and bring your
friends. Suggestions for other suitable sites to show the film would be welcome.

3 Port Lymne Lecture. November 19th 6.00pm
I will be giving an illustrated talk on our work and recent expeditions at
Port Lymne (The Aspinall Zoo) near Folkestone in Kent on November 19th. Could
any member who would like to attend please let me know and I will send them
ticket details and directions. This should be a very interesting and instructive
evening in a great setting.

4 Hydro Active Women’s Challenge, Hyde Park, September 4th
Jane McMorland Hunter is running a five kilometre run at Hyde Park on Sunday
September 4th in the Hydro Active Women’s Challenge 2005. She will be running
wearing a wild Bactrian camel T shirt and all proceeds of this sponsorship
will benefit the Wild Camel Protection Foundation.

5. Arts and Crafts
Bilgee our man in Mongolia is talking to the craftsmen/women of Bayan Toroi
near the captive wild Bactrian camel breeding centre to get them started on
making artefacts for sale. Wooden carvings, handknitted camel scarves etc. A
charitable organisation called AFTA is helping us to raise funds by putting them
in their catalogue. In due course, these artefacts will be available for sale
here.

6. Talks
Since the last newsletter I have continued to give talks to institutions,
schools and colleges. If any member has ideas for future lectures then please
contact either Kate Rae or myself. In particular I will be visiting Dumfries on
October 3d, Galloshiels on October 4th, Dumferline on October 5th and
Lanockshire on October 6th as the guest lecturer of the Royal Scottish Geographical
Society to talk about the 2002 Sahara crossing with camels. I would be delighted
to meet any members who live in these areas.

Membership Renewal
Most members have renewed their annual membership for 2004/2005, but if you
haven't, please send £15 (or its equivalent in foreign currency). If you are
paying in US dollars or Euros you can also transfer funds direct into the
WCPF’s Euro or US dollar accounts. Please email us and ask for the bank transfer
details.

Email Address
IF YOU HAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS PLEASE SEND IT TO US AS THIS SAVES POSTAGE AND
OTHER COSTS.

Thank you once again for all your most generous and highly valued support.

Yours faithfully,


John Hare