Porbeagle Shark

Sandbar Shark

Blue_shark

Mako Shark

Basking Shark

TRAFFIC’S 12 in TROUBLE

#3

SHARKS

(The above respresent just a few of the species threatened by finning)

Learn more here.

TRAFFIC’s 12 IN TROUBLE

#3

Reticulated Python

Learn more here

TRAFFIC’s 12 IN TROUBLE

#2

Straw-Headed Bulbul

Learn more here

TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, has begun a online awareness campaign to educate people about some of the most threatened species in Southeast Asia. I’ll be lending a hand by posting paintings of the 12 animals and hopefully convincing some of you fine people to swing by their facebook page to learn more. This is a really great group making a big difference in the region, so please take a couple minutes to check them out and show some support.

Thanks, B

TRAFFIC’s 12 In Trouble

#1 – The Orangutan

Learn more about the threats facing the Red Ape on here

Recently I completed work with Fauna and Flora International on a campaign to raise awareness about the critically endangered SIAMESE CROCODILE within Cambodia. Before small populations were rediscovered in 2000, this charismatic and shy reptile, whose numbers had been decimated by hunting and habitat destruction, had been declared effectively extinct in the wild.

The aim of our campaign was to re-instill a sense of pride in the Khmer people for a species whose influence has stretched back into the countries rich history, appearing as carvings in the Temples of Angkor and in the pages of Buddhist teachings. One tale, the story of the Buddha and Faithful Crocodile, FFI developed into a children’s book, which in the end was given the blessing of his Holiness Bou Kry the seventh and current Supreme Patriarch of the Dhammayuttika order of Cambodia. This was clearly a great honor. The book, along with a number of posters and t-shirts will soon be distributed throughout rural Cambodia, particularly in areas within close proximity to crocodile populations. Hopefully with the support of these communities the Siamese crocodile may have an opportunity to make a tremendous comeback.

Please check out FFI’s website to learn more about their efforts to save the Siamese Crocodile.

Children’s T-shirt Design (above)

These poster were created to hang in villages within close proximity to Siamese Crocodile populations. The first illustrates the positive effects Crocs can have on both a waterway and a community. The second provides an overview of the regulations and restrictions enforced in conservation areas. Yes, that is a man fishing with a car battery. Yes, it is unfortunately common practice.

The Buddha and the Faithful Crocodile,  cover

Buddha facing one of the incarnations of the malicious deity Mara.

Preah Thorani, the goddess of the earth, washing away the armies of Mara by wringing the water from her hair.

Preah Thorani, The Crocodile and the typical Crocodile Flags which often hang at funerals in Cambodia.