Jill's Pick from Around the World: Leonardo DiCaprio pledges $1m to help save tigers
Leonardo DiCaprio, a WWF board member, fixes a camera trap on a recent visit to Nepal.
Photo credit: Jan Vertefeuille/WWF
Leonardo DiCaprio made a million-dollar commitment to conserve tigers Tuesday as the leaders of Russia, China and a dozen Asian nations struggled to put together a finance package to double the wild population of the endangered predator.
The star of Titanic, The Aviator and Blood Diamond announced plans to donate part of his fortune through the environment group WWF to fund anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection and campaigns to raise awareness about the plight of the animal.
"Illegal poaching of tigers for their parts and massive habitat loss due to palm oil, timber and paper production are driving this species to extinction," said DiCaprio. "If we don't take action now, one of the most iconic animals on our planet could be gone in just a few decades."
The star of Titanic, The Aviator and Blood Diamond announced plans to donate part of his fortune through the environment group WWF to fund anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection and campaigns to raise awareness about the plight of the animal.
"Illegal poaching of tigers for their parts and massive habitat loss due to palm oil, timber and paper production are driving this species to extinction," said DiCaprio. "If we don't take action now, one of the most iconic animals on our planet could be gone in just a few decades."
Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 11/24/2010 7:00 AM 
Categories: Jill's Pick from Around the World
Tags: Leonardo Dicaprio Tiger conservation aviator titanic blood diamond wwf antipoaching poaching
Categories: Jill's Pick from Around the World
Tags: Leonardo Dicaprio Tiger conservation aviator titanic blood diamond wwf antipoaching poaching
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