SCF Sandscript 20

Welcome to Sandscript 20

This issue of Sandscript marks a decade of bringing you news and information on our projects and the challenges facing the wildlife of the Sahara and Sahel. In keeping with our mission, this issue focuses largely on flagship species, especially the scimitar-horned oryx and the project to reintroduce this spectacular antelope back into its grassland range in central Chad.

With an article on bushfires, the short-term successes of the oryx project are put into the broader context of one of the greatest challenges facing grassland habitats in the Sahel and ultimately the conservation of the oryx and other Sahelian species.

Continuing the species theme, SCF’s Thomas Rabeil describes the capture and satellite tagging of Arabian bustards in Niger, a first for this threatened species in Africa.

We also include the first in a new series spot-lighting the work of some of our partners. In this issue, focus is on the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Texas.

Finally, Sandscript 20 welcomes SCF-Europe into being, the latest development of SCF’s growing network and platform for increasing its conservation outreach and effectiveness.

In closing, I would like to thank you all, our donors and supporters, for their loyal and generous support over the past 12 months. I’m sure that 2017 will continue to bring its fair share of challenges but I am confident with your continued support we will continue to fight the good fight.

John Newby
Chief Executive Officer
Sahara Conservation Fund