Those of you who know me will probably know that I love animals quite a lot. From the decor of my room and my jumpers, to my bias towards animal Disney movies, from my use of holiday to volunteer at wildlife parks to my delight at being asked 'What's your favourite animal' on a first date,  not to mention my (almost) militant enforcement of animal quiz knowledge on poor naive first years at work. 

You probably also know that I'm not a great runner, nor that great at any running related sport. I run as slow as I eat. 

Which is still miles faster than the average three toed brown throated sloth in the Atlantic rainforest who has to run away from deforestation. (They take a month to digest their food by the way.)

The Atlantic Rainforest is much less known than the Amazon Rainforest. Found mostly on the east coast of Brazil, it is smaller than the Amazon and only 7% of the original area remains. Approximately 40% of its vascular plants and up to 60% of its vertebrates are endemic - they are not found anywhere else in the world. So if the rainforest disappears, so do they. Along with the medical and cancer fighting potential of the hundreds of plant species not yet studied.

The area also has more bird species than all of Europe and over 140 terrestrial mammal species on Brazil's threatened species list are found there.

It is currently threatened by deforestation due to coffee planting, soy and cattle ranching. 

I have chosen to support The World Land Trust because of their work in establishing an important nature reserve  to conserve this forest - Reservation Ecólogica de Gaupi Assu, which they are working to expand. 

It is very close to Rio de Janeiro and the heart of much development, making it a key area to protect. 

See here for a map: 

http://www.worldlandtrust.org/projects/brazil/regua-map

I think the last time I did anything sponsored was walking around a field at school. 

I would be immensely grateful for any donations - no matter how small.  If you could sacrifice the equivalent of your next Starbucks or chocolate bar that would be amazing. 

You will also get to see pictures of me sweating like a pig with a face like a beetroot, courtesy of my friend Max who I will be running with. And a *squish* hug when I next see you.

Much love,

Zoë

Xxx

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