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Wildlife
- Close
- - We protect wildlife in Britain and around the world by bringing our most threatened species back from the brink of extinction. We do this through ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Wild places
- Close
- - Some habitats contain such a richness of life that we need to protect them at all odds. We are working to preserve ancient woodlands, orchards and wood pastures and parklands, as well as the countless species they support.
What we do
- Close
- - Everything we do is based on scientific evidence. We gather this through surveys, which you can take part in, and by awarding research grants to the most inspiring scientists worldwide. This evidence guides our conservation efforts and is shared through our events and publications.
Who we are
- Close
- - People’s Trust for Endangered Species was set up in 1977 to save our wildlife. We are governed by a board of volunteer trustees and our team of staff are passionate about protecting endangered species and places.
Success stories
- Close
- - We strive to bring our most threatened species in the UK and around the world back from the brink of extinction. Our successes come from ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Get involved
- Close
- - There are so many ways you can help save endangered species. Fancy taking part in a survey, joining us on a wildlife event or becoming a regular supporter?
Shop
- Close
- - Support our work in our shop with a range of charity gifts, home-ware, cards and more. 100% of the profits go directly to help wildlife both in the UK an overseas.
Donate
- Close
- - There is nothing natural about the alarming rate at which we are losing animals and their homes. It is absolutely avoidable. We can stop the loss of our wildlife – but we need your support. You can act now by choosing to give to our cause. Thank you.

Home // International Women’s Day 2020: Anna Nekaris

International Women’s Day 2020: Anna Nekaris

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Anna-Nekaris-International-Womens-Day-2020

Raising awareness and reducing the threats of the wildlife trade

Lorises are hunted for medicine, the pet trade, and suffer from devastating habitat loss. Fewer than 10,000 hectares of rainforest remains in Java, so Anna is working with farmers to make their land suitable for lorises too.

How did you come to lead your conservation team?

I initially was a ‘lone’ researcher, moving between projects, and assembling small teams. With this experience under my belt, it was time for a long-term project, as I came to realise that without the support of the local community and long-term commitment, we were only getting brief glimpses into the lives of animals and their threats. We now have team members who have been continually with Little Fireface Project since 2012 and their long term commitment, expertise and passion make all the difference.

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Challenges come in many forms. Every time a new slow loris video goes viral, and the pet trade ramps up again, we feel we are fighting a losing battle. At the same time, we definitely have seen incredible change in awareness and behaviour in regards to responses to animal cruelty and illegal wildlife trade online and in the marketplace. Sometimes bigger challenges are closer to home, with small issues of politics and personal beliefs affecting the team dynamic, which can be fragile. Trying to convince team members that their work should be for the animals and not for personal sense of satisfaction is a challenge in the modern world.

What has been your biggest achievement in the field in the past year?

Without a doubt, the establishment of a total hunting ban and an associated littering ban, making the village where we study a population of Critically Endangered slow lorises one of the first green villages in West Java, is huge and is actually among the biggest achievements of my life and completely reflects the importance of the long-term commitment to this change, continual presence in the community, and a wonderful team!

What would you say to aspiring women who want a future in conservation?

In many rural areas where some of the rarest animals in the world live, there is often a sense of inequality between men and women. No matter how old you are you may be called a little girl, or even your achievements may be attributed to a man. I think we need to decide to fight the fight we want to fight, and for me that is helping to save animals. I cannot change a whole culture and its perceptions towards my sex, and in reality they are not being mean or cruel in following their cultural beliefs. As long as that type of behaviour does not physically or mentally harm you, keep going. The animals have no voice and I can take a bit of suffering if it can help them!

View Anna’s project

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