What we're doing works

Big cat populations are in decline all over the world. Be one of the 350 supporters we need to step up this month to save them. | View online.

Dear Friend, Conservation has changed a lot in the 20+ years I've been doing this work. Smartphones alone have revolutionized what we do. But no matter what tools I'm using to track and protect threatened species, one thing remains the same: It's not enough to feel like you're making an impact; you have to know that what you're doing works. That's the mentality I bring to work every day as director of the National Geographic Society's Big Cats Initiative. Whether I'm muddying my boots in the field, meeting with policymakers, or helping grantees refine their approach, I make sure projects we support really work to save big cats and protect their habitats. And we know for certain these projects are working because they've helped save the lives of more than 2,600 big cats so far. But we can only fund as many results-driven research and conservation projects as our resources allow, and your support is a big part of that, Friend. We're looking for 350 wildlife enthusiasts to step up this month and help fund projects that will save lions, tigers, snow leopards, and other threatened wildlife. Make a big difference for big cats with a tax-deductible gift of just $10 or more to the National Geographic Society now.

Big cats need you, Friend. Be one of the 350 supporters we need to step up for wildlife this month. Out in the field, I'm always shocked when people go to great lengths to promote some "big victory" when, in reality, they can't even say if they've actually moved the needle on their overall goals. That's how I felt when I started work on a project to combat habitat destruction and deforestation where there was a lot of positive activity, but no firm way to measure habitat loss or growth. That "feels like we're making a difference" approach just didn't cut it for me, so I made sure we got access to satellite imagery that let us literally see whether our target area was shrinking or growing. That kind of results-based approach is exactly what the National Geographic Society expects of our explorers, and it's a strategy you can support with your gift right now. Effective conservation takes smarts, courage, passion, and a significant amount of dirt and sweat. And it also takes you, Friend,stepping up with whatever you can contribute to help National Geographic Explorers save wildlife, protect critical wild places, and further understanding of our planet. Be one of the 350 people we need to step up this month. Make a tax-deductible gift of $10 or more to the National Geographic Society today. Thanks for working with us to make our world a better place. Sincerely, Luke Dollar Director, Big Cats Initiative National Geographic Explorer

Michael Nichols/National Geographic Creative You may not be able to save the whole world, but you can make a difference in your own backyard by planting a garden with native plants to provide sustainable habitat for local pollinators and other wildlife. The National Geographic Society is a nonprofit organization driven by the belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The generosity of individuals like YOU helps us push the boundaries of knowledge through our work in conservation, discovery, education, and cultural preservation. When you donate, you make what we do possible. To ensure that you receive your National Geographic emails, please add ng@e.nationalgeographic.com to your address book now. Learn how. Contact Us | About Us | Privacy Policy National Geographic Society | 1145 17th Street N.W. | Washington, D.C. 20036