Donating “to the Species” …

What does that mean?

Well, it is exactly what it sounds like, although we do approach things slightly differently to our counterparts.

First and foremost is our core belief that your donation is yours, it is not ours but yours. We are the custodians of your generously donated funds and the custodians of your intention to help the species you chose to support.

Accordingly, we use 100% of the funds you donate to a species, for and on the support of that species. yes, 100%.

To begin we’d like to make it clear what you are not contributing to support when you chose to donate to species.

You are not donating to support:

• Any operational or running costs of 5W Foundation – these are covered by donations specifically “to 5WF, for 5WF”. (Read more …)
• Any grants, direct financing, or bursaries – we do not provide these.

When you donate “to the Species” 100% of your generosity moves with your intention and supports the species.

With your funds we provide essential equipment and material assets for front line conservation – this includes but is not limited to:

• Monitoring and research equipment
  • – such as GPS devices (for tracking and mapping wildlife habitats, migration patterns, and team movements). Camera traps (for monitoring wildlife in their natural habitats without human interference). Drones (for aerial surveys, habitat monitoring, and accessing remote or dangerous areas). Telemetry equipment (for tracking tagged animals -radio collars, satellite tags etc). Binoculars and spotting scopes (for long-distance observation of animals). Acoustic monitoring devices (for recording animal calls, especially for nocturnal or elusive species). DNA sampling kits (for collecting biological samples for genetic analysis – feathers, fur, scat). Rangefinders (for measuring distances during field surveys and tracking).
• Ranger equipment
  • – such as radios, body armour, all weather clothing, carriers and rucksacks, plus everything from head to foot for human and canine patrols and reserve protection staff.
• Transportation and field vehicles
  • – such as 4×4 vehicles (for accessing rough terrain and transporting personnel and equipment). All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) (for more remote or rugged areas). Boats (for aquatic ecosystems, lakes, or coastal areas). Bicycles or motorbikes (for areas with limited access to vehicles, or for short-range travel). Trailers (for transporting larger equipment, supplies, or animals when needed). Helicopters (for patrols and airlifting supplies and wildlife in remote areas).
• Field supplies and tools
  • – such as tents and camping gear (for extended field stays in remote locations). Field radios (for communication). Satellite phones (for communication in remote areas). Compasses and maps (essential). First aid kits (for emergency medical situations). Field notebooks and data collection devices (waterproof notebooks, tablets, or rugged laptops). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (boots, gloves, hats, insect repellent, sun protection etc). Tranquillizer guns or nets (for capturing and handling wildlife for research or relocation). Animal handling equipment (for safely managing animals, such as transport crates, poles, and protective gloves or goggles).
• Conservation management tools
  • – such as chainsaws and brush cutters (for managing habitats). Water pumps (for habitats needing water management). Seedlings and planting equipment (for habitat restoration projects eg reforestation or planting native species). Fencing and enclosures (for creating protected areas or managing populations of vulnerable species). Wildlife feeders (for supplementing food sources if necessary).
• Wildlife rescue and veterinary equipment
  • – such as animal crates and cages (for safely transporting wildlife). Veterinary kits and supplies (for treating injured animals in the field). Veterinary pharmaceuticals, including wildlife supplements and support preparations. Feed products. Incubators and portable ultrasound machines (for caring for young, pregnant or injured animals). Wildlife identification tags (for animal tracking and research – ear tags, collars, microchips etc). Weighing scales (from the micro to the industrial). Sundries like buckets, stretchers, etc. Laboratory equipment.
• Solar and off grid solutions
  • – such as solar power generation, fresh water production, equipment and vehicle charging, water pumping … and predominantly for our focus area of fighting climate change through the reduction in dependency on fossil fuel derived power within the conservation sector.
• Data management and communication tools
  • – such as rugged laptops or tablets (for collecting, analysing, and storing data in the field). Cameras and film equipment (for terrestrial, aerial, and aquatic – capturing image and behaviour data, building records and research). Power banks and solar chargers (for recharging equipment in remote locations without electricity). GIS software and equipment (for spatial analysis and mapping of habitats and wildlife). Weather monitoring equipment (for tracking local weather conditions affecting planned conservation or wildlife movements and behaviours).
• Safety and survival gear
  • – such as emergency shelters (for extreme weather or conditions). Emergency beacons (PLBs) (for alerting rescue teams in the event of a critical situation). Life vests and survival suits (for teams working in or around water bodies).
• Specialized tools for species or habitat-specific projects
  • – such as coral reef monitoring kits (for marine conservation teams – diving gear, underwater cameras). Pollinator monitoring equipment (nets, aspirators, and identification guides). Aquatic sampling tools (for freshwater conservation teams). IOT beehive technologies and monitoring (for pollinator conservation and the protection of human crops from elephants!)
• General and specialized building materials
  • – such as tin sheeting, bricks and blocks, building fixtures and fittings, corral or boma construction materials, research facility repair/upkeep etc.

… and so much more, depending on the specific project (e.g., forest conservation, marine projects, or endangered species recovery), and the location, the exact requirements may vary.