WASHINGTON - September 25 - WWF, the global conservation organization, said today it was deeply saddened at the loss of life in Saturday's helicopter crash in the mountainous far- east of Nepal.

"The helicopter has been found, and it appears that there are no survivors, but we are waiting for final confirmation," WWF Director General James Leape said this morning.

The wreckage of the Shree Air helicopter was found today 1.8 km. (1.15 miles) from Ghunsa village. Rescuers had been looking for the crash site since the helicopter disappeared shortly after noon Nepal time (6.00 GMT) on Saturday.

It was found by a search team who had hiked in on foot.

"This is a time of profound sadness for all of us at WWF. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew at this time of great loss," said Carter S. Roberts, CEO of WWF in the United States. In the U.S. and Canada, WWF is known as World Wildlife Fund.

Seven WWF staff from its offices in Nepal, the U.K. and the U.S. were on board, as well as high-ranking government officials, representatives of other agencies, journalists and Russian crew members.

If confirmed, the deaths will amount to the biggest single loss of life in WWF's 45-year history.

"The colleagues we have lost had dedicated their lives to conserving the extraordinary natural resources of Nepal and of the earth. Their deaths are a huge blow to conservation efforts in Nepal, and worldwide. They will be greatly missed," Leape said.

"I am humbled by the work and dedication that the seven amazing conservationists from WWF and our deeply valued partners brought to their work. They are conservation heroes and will be sorely missed by all of us," said Roberts.

WWF appreciates the cooperation the authorities have given us and all the efforts of local communities during this difficult time.

The helicopter was on its way back from a trip to a conservation site at Ghunsa, in Kangchenjunga, eastern Nepal, near the border with India. It was due to land in Taplejung 20 minutes later but failed to arrive.

An air and land search was quickly begun, but was hampered by the remote location and poor weather conditions, which reduced visibility.

The helicopter was returning from an inauguration ceremony which saw the Nepalese government turn over the conservation of the wildlife and habitats surrounding Kangchenjunga -- the world's third-highest mountain -- to a coalition of local communities.

The Kangchenjunga Conservation Area is known for its rich biodiversity, spectacular scenery and vibrant cultural heritage. Launched in 1998, it is designed to conserve globally threatened wildlife species such as the snow leopard and red panda while supporting the local communities through health services, informal education and income-generating activities.

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