Hi, my name is Barbara. I am a wildlife biologist, live in England and work as Head of Endanged Species Protection for German conservation group NABU International. On 10 May a silent hero of wildlife conservation from one of the projects we support lost his life in a tragic accident in Tanzania. Without him, his wife and children are not only left grieving but destitute. We can provide £400 towards the £1,900 they need to get back on their feet. Please help us raise 1,500 so Fabian's wife Agnetha can buy a small agricultural plot to make a living!

Fabian Fortunatus was a dedicated conservation volunteer with local NGO Nature Tanzania who gave his time to protect endangered Grey Crowned Cranes* near the Kagera River in northern Tanzania against egg and bushmeat poaching. Fabian died in the river he loved so much when a Hippo capsized his tiny boat. His body has not yet been found.

As a local fisherman, Fabian knew the river like the back of his hand. Like other fishermen he was familiar with the location of each and every Grey Crowned Crane nest in the area; crucial information to secure the birds' survival and safeguard them against exploitation. Local fishermen take advantage of their familiarity with the area to collect crane eggs and chicks for food or to sell. Fabian worked tirelessly as a crane ambassador to persuade his peers to protect, rather than harm these beautiful and endangered birds. He also participated in ringing chicks and monitoring nests to ensure they were kept safe (see photo above).

Fabian was just 25 years old and leaves behind his wife and three small children. Agnetha and her children not only lost their much-loved husband and father, they also lost the family’s only breadwinner and are now left bereft and destitute, without an income and no one to turn to for help. Just 1500 Pounds would enable Agnetha to acquire a small piece of land on which to grow fruit and vegetables to feed herself and her children and to sell. Her extended family is far too poor themselves to help out. We are this family's only hope! Please help us throw Fabian’s family a lifeline and give whatever you can to give her and her children a chance. Your gift to Fabian's family will be passed on via our charity NABU International without any reductions or overheads, so you can be sure it will reach Agnetha as intended. Please help today, as time is of the essence.

Thank you on behalf of Fabian's family, our conservation team, and the cranes Fabian held so dear.

Warm regards,

Barbara

Dr Barbara Maas

Head of Endangered Species Conservation

NABU International

* Grey Crowned Cranes (Balearica regulorum) are listed as Endangered on the IUCN List of Threatened Species. Just 17,700-22,300 mature individuals survive across the whole of Africa, with an estimated 1,500 – 2,000 in Tanzania. Overall numbers continue to decline.