Brief on the organisation
The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) is the leading non-governmental organisation (NGO) in the Republic of Mauritius dedicated to the protection of the natural environment and the conservation and preservation of the nation’s native and endemic threatened plants and animals.
- Mission and Vision: Outline the core mission and long-term vision of your institution.
Our mission is to restore ecosystems and save threatened Mauritian species through hands on actions informed by research, and supported by collaboration and education, while securing their future by managing resources effectively and promoting the benefits of native wildlife to the Mauritian community.
- Key Research Areas: Highlight the primary fields of research and innovation your institution focuses on.
A leading conservation NGO with recognized expertise in bird, reptile and plant conservation, research is carried out for a list of species that were on the brink of extinction, on Mauritius, Rodrigues and offshore islets. Several conservation techniques have been developed or improved by the organization. The organization has also been instrumental in reducing human bat conflict, partly through promotion of research. Specific areas include habitat restoration, introduced alien species eradications, hand rearing, release and translocation of birds and reptiles, human-wildlife conflict resolution, proxy (tortoise) replacement.
- Achievements and Impact: Mention significant achievements, breakthroughs, and the impact of your work on society and industry.
The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation’s most celebrated achievement is the rescue of the Mauritius Kestrel. MWF has also successfully brought the Pink Pigeon, Echo Parakeet, Rodrigues Fody, Rodrigues Warbler and Rodrigues Fruit Bat from the brink of extinction, and in recent years made significant advances for the Mauritius Fody and Mauritius Olive White-eye. Rescue of reptiles back from the brink of extinction have included the Round Island boa, Telfair’s skink, Günther’s gecko, Orange-tailed skink. It is estimated that thanks to our work, the outcome for nearly 200 species of plants have improved. MWF’s work in captive-breeding and hands-on wild management of endemic animals is of internationally high repute. Most of our projects are critical for biodiversity and raising conservation awareness among Mauritians and tourists through eco-tourism activities. We also actively contribute to national and international policies related to conservation.
- Collaborations and Partnerships: Note any important collaborations with other institutions, industries, or government bodies.
MWF has long standing partnerships with the Ministry of Agro-Industry’s National Parks and Conservation Service and the Forestry Service, the Rodrigues Regional Assembly and the Rodrigues Forestry Service, the Ministry of Environment, Education, Arts and Culture, Tourism amongst others, and the National Social Inclusion Foundation. We also work closely with several private institutions such as the Mauritius Commercial Bank, Air Mauritius, MOL (Mauritius) Ltd, but also international institutions such as the European Union, North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust , Philadelphia Zoo, and a long list of universities worldwide.
- Future Goals: Briefly describe your future goals and upcoming projects.
MWF projects are always taking into account the long-term, embracing a 100-year vision. Therefore, we have laid the foundations for the future by continuously working on increasing the populations of endemic fauna and flora species. Future projects include doubling the size of the Mondrain Reserve, weeding and planting endemic trees; bringing back seabirds to some islets; rescuing more endangered plants; restoring more habitats; genetic rescue for animal species to secure their long term survival; increasing conservation education and ecotourism.
