Giving Tuesday happens during the holiday season to encourage people to give back to non-profit organizations, wildlife, sealife, and the environment. Although Giving Tuesday is today, your support is welcomed any time!

This year we've rounded up some inspiring and successful front-line conservation organizations that need your help. Take a look at our list below for organizations you can be supporting this holiday season and in 2025. Most organizations have donation-matching programs this week to make your donation go even farther!

Can't donate right now? That's okay! Educate yourself, your family, and your friends and encourage them to donate. Ask your employer to become a corporate sponsor. When the time is right for you, get involved by volunteering or help your favorite front-line organization by hosting a fundraiser online or an in-person event.

African Wildlife Foundation – Operating since 1961 (initially as African Wildlife Leadership Foundation) the Foundation has worked to conserve large regions of ecological importance throughout Africa. Currently they support direct efforts to protect and maintain these areas and also work with governments to research and define conservation policy that benefits the humans and wildlife in that region. Registered as a non-profit in USA.

Akashinga - Formerly known as the IAPF, Akashinga has been renamed after its famed all-female anti-poaching ranger group. The organization operates anti-poaching ranger training facilities in southern Africa and provides anti-poaching and conservation services for a wide array of wildlife, but most notably rhino. They are committed to its core objectives of education, research, leadership, and awareness of environmental issues and support a variety of conservation, education, and anti-poaching projects and groups across southern Africa. Registered as a charitable organization in Australia, UK, and USA.

Animals Asia – Operating in Asia as a charitable organization since 1998, Animals Asia focuses on rescuing bears from illegal captivity. They operate sanctuaries for bears in Vietnam and China, both of which have legal and illegal large-scale commercial bear farming operations. They also work to change the dog and cat meat trade as well as provide care for abandoned or stray animals. Animals Asia works to improve animal welfare and strive for sustainable solutions through education and activism at local and governmental levels. Registered as a non-profit in several countries. A variety of volunteer opportunities and online donations are available.

Arcturos - Providing brown bear and wolf sanctuaries in Greece for around 3 decades, Arcturos provides for the well-being of top apex predators and advocates for the end of the use of these and other animals in circus performances. They also have a Greek Shepherd Dog program which successfully deters predator attacks on local farmers' livestock while also preserving a historically important dog breed.

Captain Paul Watson Foundation - You've heard of Sea Shepherd's aggressive, non-violent mission to protect sealife? Paul Watson is the original founder of the organization and still passionate about carrying out their mission of aggressive intervention to stop illegal whaling and fishing. It's strongly recommended to support this new organization, or Sea Shepherd Global (based in Europe), instead of the American-based Sea Shepherd that may have had its initiative co-opted by its board of directors. See /r/SeaShepherd for details.

Earth League International is formerly known as Elephant Action League, but has always been a holistic organization focused on helping the wildlife and sealife that are most critically endangered. They led the charge in protecting the vaquita porpoises and you may have seen their work on National Geographic and Netflix. ELI conducts multilingual global awareness campaigns and supports and sponsors field projects in 5 continents and several oceans.

Environmental Investigation Agency - The EIA does more than raise awareness and campaign for global climate, forests and threatened species. They send undercover investigators to catch wildlife traffickers and timber companies illegally deforesting vast areas. Together with local law enforcement and intelligence agencies, EIA operates where environmental crimes are being committed and bring justice to these criminals. Registered as a non-profit in UK and USA.

Freeland Foundation - Based in Southeast Asia, Freeland uses an array of methods to impact human trafficking as well as front-line wildlife and forestry crimes. They conduct undercover investigations into wildlife and forestry crimes, train police and customs officers, work with local communities to build a sustainable future, create environmental awareness programs, and support a host of international and non-governmental organizations. Freeland receives funding from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and partners with many well recognized organizations. The foundation offers many ways to get involved including sponsoring an event or awareness program, organizing a fundraiser, getting an internship, and for well-qualified individuals an opportunity to volunteer in the field. Registered as a non-profit in USA.

International Rhino Foundation – Founded in 1989 the IRF has a major commitment to the Critically Endangered rhino of Asia as well as a sizable commitment to rhino conservation efforts in Africa. Their broad scope of projects, including management, monitoring, research, and protection of wildlife is focused to maintain and even increase rhino populations in select areas. They also provide anti-poaching training and support. Registered as a non-profit in USA.

Painted Dog Conservation – Since 2002, PDC has operated a rehabilitation facility and clinic in Zimbabwe to support the health and future of African painted dogs (also called painted wolves). They also monitor wild packs of painted dogs for their safety while also collecting behavioral and genetic information to better understand the species and develop management plan for ecosystems with painted dogs. PDC has their own anti-poaching unit working closely with the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority and Forestry Commission to provide direct-action against poaching and reduce human-wildlife conflict. PDC is registered as a charity in Australia, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States. Donations may be tax-deductible/tax-effective in the United Kingdom and United States.

Save the Elephants – Founded in 1993 by Iain Douglas-Hamilton, author of two books on elephants as well as television films or documentaries. STE provides a number of crucial roles in the field through anti-poaching, human-wildlife conflict mediation and mitigation, local education initiatives, as well as funding of studies and research on elephants. Registered as a non-profit and donations may be tax deductible in the UK, USA, and South Africa.

Save the Rhino International – Registered as a charity in 1994, Save the Rhino International has several aspects to its conservation program that include anti-poaching, captive breeding, and environmental education and community conservation. During 2011 SRI's expenditures focused primarily on conservation efforts of the critically endangered Black Rhino species, but it current has programs that assist in conserving rhino species across Africa, India, and Indonesia in addition to other wildlife in the same habitat. Registered as a charitable organization in UK and USA.

Sea Turtle Conservancy – Founded in 1956, STC has seen great success in preventing the Caribbean green turtle from becoming extinct and in improving populations of turtles throughout Central America, the Caribbean, and Florida. Advocacy and policy initiatives backed by scientific research in addition to direct habitat conservation have made STC an incredibly successful organization. Education and outreach programs have reached over half a million children worldwide and continues to teach the importance of protecting the regions' habitats and beaches. Management and stewardship programs, as well as hands-on volunteering opportunities, allow people of all ages and skill-levels to get involved in sea turtle conservation. Registered as a tax-deductible charity in the United States.

Shark Trust - Working to better understand the ocean's most iconic apex predators and are raising awareness of shark finning and the illegal trade in fins. They have also been working with fishers, scientists, and others for sensible protections of sharks and their habitats. Donations from the UK may be tax-effective.

Snow Leopard Trust - Since being founded in 1981 the Snow Leopard Trust has supported research, community-based conservation, and funding long-term programs to preserve snow leopards and their habitat. The Trust currently operates in 5 Asian countries constituting roughly 75% of the snow leopard’s natural range and takes a community-oriented approach to preserving the traditions of local people and the habitat of local wildlife. Registered as a non-profit in USA.

WildAid supports a variety of land- and sea-based conservation efforts. Through their Marine Program they have been helping to protect the vaquita porpoises, sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles, by conducting research, working with local communities, developing enforcement frameworks, and implementing real, effective solutions to protect and restore marine ecosystems and sealife. WildAid is responsible for huge awareness campaigns throughout Asia that have proven effective in educating consumers about the sources of their exotic (and often illegal) animal products as well as climate change.

Wildlife SOS India – Established in 1995, the organization has grown into a multi-faceted conservation group undertaking wildlife conservation and rehabilitation, anti-poaching, conservation awareness campaigns, and also seeks to uplift and improve the lives of the local residents of Kalandar. Wildlife SOS allows tourists to visit their bear rescue facility and elephant conservation center. They also welcome volunteers for longer visits at the rescue facilities assisting with day-to-day operations. Registered as a charity in both the United Kingdom and United States.

Want to see more? Check the /r/AntiPoaching list of Front-line Conservation Groups, search Charity Navigator, or post a suggestion yourself! Have a question? Post it!

Giving Tuesday happens during the holiday season to encourage people to give back to non-profit organizations, wildlife, sealife, and the environment. Although Giving Tuesday is today, your support is welcomed any time!

This year we've rounded up some inspiring and successful front-line conservation organizations that need your help. Take a look at our list below for organizations you can be supporting this holiday season and in 2025. Most organizations have donation-matching programs this week to make your donation go even farther!

Can't donate right now? That's okay! Educate yourself, your family, and your friends and encourage them to donate. Ask your employer to become a corporate sponsor. When the time is right for you, get involved by volunteering or help your favorite front-line organization by hosting a fundraiser online or an in-person event.

African Wildlife Foundation – Operating since 1961 (initially as African Wildlife Leadership Foundation) the Foundation has worked to conserve large regions of ecological importance throughout Africa. Currently they support direct efforts to protect and maintain these areas and also work with governments to research and define conservation policy that benefits the humans and wildlife in that region. Registered as a non-profit in USA.

Akashinga - Formerly known as the IAPF, Akashinga has been renamed after its famed all-female anti-poaching ranger group. The organization operates anti-poaching ranger training facilities in southern Africa and provides anti-poaching and conservation services for a wide array of wildlife, but most notably rhino. They are committed to its core objectives of education, research, leadership, and awareness of environmental issues and support a variety of conservation, education, and anti-poaching projects and groups across southern Africa. Registered as a charitable organization in Australia, UK, and USA.

Animals Asia – Operating in Asia as a charitable organization since 1998, Animals Asia focuses on rescuing bears from illegal captivity. They operate sanctuaries for bears in Vietnam and China, both of which have legal and illegal large-scale commercial bear farming operations. They also work to change the dog and cat meat trade as well as provide care for abandoned or stray animals. Animals Asia works to improve animal welfare and strive for sustainable solutions through education and activism at local and governmental levels. Registered as a non-profit in several countries. A variety of volunteer opportunities and online donations are available.

Arcturos - Providing brown bear and wolf sanctuaries in Greece for around 3 decades, Arcturos provides for the well-being of top apex predators and advocates for the end of the use of these and other animals in circus performances. They also have a Greek Shepherd Dog program which successfully deters predator attacks on local farmers' livestock while also preserving a historically important dog breed.

Captain Paul Watson Foundation - You've heard of Sea Shepherd's aggressive, non-violent mission to protect sealife? Paul Watson is the original founder of the organization and still passionate about carrying out their mission of aggressive intervention to stop illegal whaling and fishing. It's strongly recommended to support this new organization, or Sea Shepherd Global (based in Europe), instead of the American-based Sea Shepherd that may have had its initiative co-opted by its board of directors. See /r/SeaShepherd for details.

Earth League International is formerly known as Elephant Action League, but has always been a holistic organization focused on helping the wildlife and sealife that are most critically endangered. They led the charge in protecting the vaquita porpoises and you may have seen their work on National Geographic and Netflix. ELI conducts multilingual global awareness campaigns and supports and sponsors field projects in 5 continents and several oceans.

Environmental Investigation Agency - The EIA does more than raise awareness and campaign for global climate, forests and threatened species. They send undercover investigators to catch wildlife traffickers and timber companies illegally deforesting vast areas. Together with local law enforcement and intelligence agencies, EIA operates where environmental crimes are being committed and bring justice to these criminals. Registered as a non-profit in UK and USA.

Freeland Foundation - Based in Southeast Asia, Freeland uses an array of methods to impact human trafficking as well as front-line wildlife and forestry crimes. They conduct undercover investigations into wildlife and forestry crimes, train police and customs officers, work with local communities to build a sustainable future, create environmental awareness programs, and support a host of international and non-governmental organizations. Freeland receives funding from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and partners with many well recognized organizations. The foundation offers many ways to get involved including sponsoring an event or awareness program, organizing a fundraiser, getting an internship, and for well-qualified individuals an opportunity to volunteer in the field. Registered as a non-profit in USA.

International Rhino Foundation – Founded in 1989 the IRF has a major commitment to the Critically Endangered rhino of Asia as well as a sizable commitment to rhino conservation efforts in Africa. Their broad scope of projects, including management, monitoring, research, and protection of wildlife is focused to maintain and even increase rhino populations in select areas. They also provide anti-poaching training and support. Registered as a non-profit in USA.

Painted Dog Conservation – Since 2002, PDC has operated a rehabilitation facility and clinic in Zimbabwe to support the health and future of African painted dogs (also called painted wolves). They also monitor wild packs of painted dogs for their safety while also collecting behavioral and genetic information to better understand the species and develop management plan for ecosystems with painted dogs. PDC has their own anti-poaching unit working closely with the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority and Forestry Commission to provide direct-action against poaching and reduce human-wildlife conflict. PDC is registered as a charity in Australia, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States. Donations may be tax-deductible/tax-effective in the United Kingdom and United States.

Save the Elephants – Founded in 1993 by Iain Douglas-Hamilton, author of two books on elephants as well as television films or documentaries. STE provides a number of crucial roles in the field through anti-poaching, human-wildlife conflict mediation and mitigation, local education initiatives, as well as funding of studies and research on elephants. Registered as a non-profit and donations may be tax deductible in the UK, USA, and South Africa.

Save the Rhino International – Registered as a charity in 1994, Save the Rhino International has several aspects to its conservation program that include anti-poaching, captive breeding, and environmental education and community conservation. During 2011 SRI's expenditures focused primarily on conservation efforts of the critically endangered Black Rhino species, but it current has programs that assist in conserving rhino species across Africa, India, and Indonesia in addition to other wildlife in the same habitat. Registered as a charitable organization in UK and USA.

Sea Turtle Conservancy – Founded in 1956, STC has seen great success in preventing the Caribbean green turtle from becoming extinct and in improving populations of turtles throughout Central America, the Caribbean, and Florida. Advocacy and policy initiatives backed by scientific research in addition to direct habitat conservation have made STC an incredibly successful organization. Education and outreach programs have reached over half a million children worldwide and continues to teach the importance of protecting the regions' habitats and beaches. Management and stewardship programs, as well as hands-on volunteering opportunities, allow people of all ages and skill-levels to get involved in sea turtle conservation. Registered as a tax-deductible charity in the United States.

Shark Trust - Working to better understand the ocean's most iconic apex predators and are raising awareness of shark finning and the illegal trade in fins. They have also been working with fishers, scientists, and others for sensible protections of sharks and their habitats. Donations from the UK may be tax-effective.

Snow Leopard Trust - Since being founded in 1981 the Snow Leopard Trust has supported research, community-based conservation, and funding long-term programs to preserve snow leopards and their habitat. The Trust currently operates in 5 Asian countries constituting roughly 75% of the snow leopard’s natural range and takes a community-oriented approach to preserving the traditions of local people and the habitat of local wildlife. Registered as a non-profit in USA.

WildAid supports a variety of land- and sea-based conservation efforts. Through their Marine Program they have been helping to protect the vaquita porpoises, sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles, by conducting research, working with local communities, developing enforcement frameworks, and implementing real, effective solutions to protect and restore marine ecosystems and sealife. WildAid is responsible for huge awareness campaigns throughout Asia that have proven effective in educating consumers about the sources of their exotic (and often illegal) animal products as well as climate change.

Wildlife SOS India – Established in 1995, the organization has grown into a multi-faceted conservation group undertaking wildlife conservation and rehabilitation, anti-poaching, conservation awareness campaigns, and also seeks to uplift and improve the lives of the local residents of Kalandar. Wildlife SOS allows tourists to visit their bear rescue facility and elephant conservation center. They also welcome volunteers for longer visits at the rescue facilities assisting with day-to-day operations. Registered as a charity in both the United Kingdom and United States.

Want to see more? Check the /r/AntiPoaching list of Front-line Conservation Groups, search Charity Navigator, or post a suggestion yourself! Have a question? Post it!

I did time with the Ukraine armed forces fighting in the east, I left and since leaving I have wanting to start another adventure, before going out I was employed as an ecologist how ever I don't have any qualifications (I worked as a bird spotter and with bats) as I didn't need to do my particular job.

I am currently looking to go into anti poaching, I was wounding if anyone knew as any paths into this as it all seems a bit tricky to get into, I am aware of vetpaws but they seem quite hard to get an open position.

thank you

I live in western Oregon and spend a fair amount of time on public forest roads. This weekend I ran into a hunter who specifically stated he was hunting for a sow with cubs that he had spotted in the area previously.

I asked, "So, the cubs are pretty big, then?" and he pointed to my 40-lb Border Collie and said "Little smaller than your dog."

This is what the ODFW bear hunting regs state:

Bag Limit: One black bear per tag, except that it is unlawful to take cubs less than one year old or sows with cubs less than one year old.

Is this someone/something I can report?

Will a wildlife agency do anything about it?

I have the hunter's full name, plate number, and address.

Obviously no actual crime has been committed yet, but I'm wondering if this person deserves a visit from law enforcement for a refresher on their responsibilities/obligations as a hunter? And there's a good chance that this person will commit the crime, since that's their stated intention, but I don't imagine it could be proven after the fact. We have some mandatory and optional reporting involved, but none of it would provide data about the cubs' age as far as I know.

https://preview.redd.it/kn3c2zg6e1ld1.png?width=663&format=png&auto=webp&s=a04706a311da809ed23212d94ab49e2168bf9bf4