Our Projects – Our Current Efforts

Gustafson Photo Safaris and Jaguars …

In our safaris, we take travelers deep into the Pantanal of Brazil in search of its top predator, which is a majestic cat that thrives here. The Jaguar Identification Project has built the world’s largest database on the species since 2013. With the help of our funding—and sightings from our groups and other travelers, 43 new jaguar individuals were identified this year! Monitoring and research work continues to shed light on the ecology and movements of these majestic creatures, and the impact of ecotourism on their behavior leads to better conservation practices.
On a practical level, jaguars see local cattle as prey, which causes loss to the rancher, who, in turn, has historically poisoned or hunted the jaguars. Money from our tours goes into a fund that pays ranchers for their losses. The massive increase in jaguar sightings is a direct result of these efforts.

Ngorongoro Native Tree Project   …

Over the last 15 years, Gustafson Photo Safari funds have helped implement the planting of over 40,000,000 native species of trees in the Arusha district. The new forest is thriving. Anecdotal evidence shows that temperatures inside the forest are 10 degrees cooler than outside. To the Ends of the Earth Board Members will visit the area in early 2025. They will meet with local conservation project leaders to discuss the next steps and expansion of the project and hope to document birds and wildlife that are attracted to the new habitat.

Rhino Projects   …

Anti-Rhino Poaching Camps in Namibia:
In partnership with Holbrook Travel and Ultimate Safaris, the Tau Trust raised $7,000 for the construction of an anti-poaching camp in the heart of Namibia’s Damaraland
Rhino Custodians-Rapid Response Fund :
Local landowners and communities are encouraged to provide secure locations for groups of breeding rhinos. Funds need to be easily accessed to fund tire replacement, vehicles, fuel, and tool replacement, all of which can spell success or failure in an emergency.
Save the Rhino Trust:
In 2013, in partnership with the Tau Trust, the Tau Trust raised $500 to monitor rhino populations in the northwest region of Namibia.

Big Cat Projects…

AfriCat Foundation Vet Check:
In partnership with Holbrook Travel and Ultimate Safaris, the Tau Trust raised $8,000 for the AfriCat Foundation. The funds will provide vets and medicine for an annual wellness check on Namibia’s big cat population.

Desert Lion Guardian Project:
In partnership with Holbrook Travel and Ultimate Safaris, the Tau Trust raised $3,000 to help provide lion-proof Kraals for cattle, telemetry equipment, and VHF radios to prevent human/lion interaction and conflict.

Cheetah Conservation Fund:
In partnership with Holbrook Travel and Ultimate Safaris, the Tau Trust raised $2,600 for this well-known fund that provides valuable research and environmental education