IUCN SSC Wild Tulip Specialist Group
An expert group aimed at conserving wild tulip species worldwide
As we, as a global community, continue to fight against Covid-19, I thought it might provide some comfort to know that out there, tulips have once again sprouted and flowered. Moreover, that our work to protect these elegant plants is continuing in earnest. So here I am writing a short blog to update you all … Continue reading Tulips in a Pandemic
The lengthy time between blogs has not been because there hasn’t been anything to write, but because so much has been going on. I have now found the time to sit down and type up this year’s story, and so it is with great excitement that I can present the newest blog that will bring … Continue reading A year to remember
Our car made to look small by the overpowering landscape. I would walk 500 miles… Between the 26th and the 29th of April the tulip team assembled again to head into the north-east region of Kemin. Georgii, Ormon, Isken, and I were now well acquainted and formed quite the formidable team. The bitter cold had … Continue reading 500 miles
On Tuesday the 9th of April I set off from London Stansted on my way to begin the first fieldwork period of the tulip conservation project. After two flights and little sleep I arrived in Bishkek on Wednesday and was warmly welcomed by Dr. Jarkyn Samanchina of the Kyrgyz Fauna and Flora International branch. There … Continue reading Heading deep into southern Kyrgyzstan
Scientists agree we are now in a new period of time aptly named the Anthropocene, a period of time where our planet’s climate and ecosystems are all managed or changing due to humans. We are also thought to be entering the sixth mass extinction period with extinction rates much higher than the background rate determined … Continue reading Why do we need tulips?
A long time ago, in a continent far far away... the tulip came into being. This distant land was the beating heart of world trade with nomads, tribes, and explorers treading its historic roads. I am of course talking about Central Asia and the silk road network, a network that enabled trade between the west … Continue reading A Brief History of Tulips.
Our project to conserve wild tulips begins now, as we head in to the cold depths of another winter. There is much to do before the currently, snuggly tucked away bulbs sprout in the early months of next year. In a range of offices across the U.K. and Kyrgyzstan our team members are scurrying … Continue reading The Journey Begins
IUCN SSC Wild Tulip Specialist Group 