Asia and the Pacific are home to nearly half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Rapid economic development, agricultural expansion, mining, deforestation, urbanization, and illegal wildlife trade continue to degrade this rich biological landscape. An often-overlooked threat is disease. Growing human and domestic animal populations increase the risk of wildlife contracting diseases that can seriously impact species like tigers, Greater One-horned rhinos, snow leopards, Asian elephants, and giant pandas.
OUR CURRENT PROJECTS
Gibbon Health & Rehabilitation
In partnership with the IUCN Section on Small Apes, this initiative works to improve the health and welfare of rehabilitating gibbons in Asia by building local capacity, advancing research, and forming an international working group to share knowledge and coordinate care.
ASIAN WILDLIFE
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is a leading cause of death in young Asian elephants, particularly those between 1 and 8 years old. While it accounts for over half of juvenile deaths in captive elephants in the U.S. and Europe, its prevalence and impact in wild and range-country populations remain largely unknown. The virus is widespread and highly fatal, yet little is known about how it spreads, making early detection and proactive health measures critical for survival.
ASIAN ELEPHANT
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is a leading cause of death in young Asian elephants, particularly those between 1 and 8 years old. While it accounts for over half of juvenile deaths in captive elephants in the U.S. and Europe, its prevalence and impact in wild and range-country populations remain largely unknown. The virus is widespread and highly fatal, yet little is known about how it spreads.
TIGER
Tigers share many of the same diseases as domestic cats—and are especially vulnerable to illnesses commonly found in dogs. Fortunately, veterinary medicine has long managed these diseases in household pets and zoo animals through simple diagnostics, treatment, and prevention strategies.
ONE-HORNED RHINO
The Greater One-horned Rhinoceros is one of Asia’s most iconic large mammals and is currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. In Nepal, significant strides have been made to protect this species through habitat conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and community education. While these efforts have successfully reduced poaching and protecting critical habitat, disease still remains an emerging threat.