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UPDATE MAY 2014 NO. 23
The newsletter of Fauna & Flora International www.fauna-flora.org/update
Anti-poaching dogs and handlers receive training at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya
CREDIT: THOMAS AVELING
Canine army set to protect endangered species in Africa Several thousand years ago, wolves shadowing human settlements started their transition to domestic dogs. Since then, humans have used dogs to survive and thrive in a range of environments, while dogs have used humans to colonise the world. Now we are drawing on our canine partners to help other species survive. 1,004 rhinos were poached in South Africa alone in 2013, three times the number in 2012. Across central Africa, 62% of forest elephants have disappeared over a decade and protected areas are upgrading their security dramatically to counteract the involvement of organised crime. Enter the bloodhound and Belgian malinois. At Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, eleven adolescent pups and their handlers are being trained to operate silently, at any hour of the day or night and across all terrain. A well-trained and well-maintained multi-purpose dog working with a skilled handler can do the work of a 70man search team – speedily finding the scene
of the crime and immediately moving to track down poachers and disarm them. On a recent trip to the conservancy, Fauna & Flora International’s (FFI) Ros Aveling watched an attack dog, Tarzan, in training and immediately understood the meaning of ‘disarm’. A stand-in poacher wearing arm protection was his target and Tarzan knew it, straining at his leash, panting hard and keen to get to work on that forearm. But what of the bloodhounds? Beloved breed of crime writers, trained bloodhounds are also at work across Africa, helping to tackle a resurgence in the poaching of high-value species. We mere humans have not been able to replicate the bloodhound nose, despite all our brainpower and technology. At the current rate of loss, rhinos could be extinct in the wild within a decade. FFI is a founding member of United for Wildlife (see page 6), and
the collaboration is scaling up protection of remaining populations in situ as well as working to reduce the demand for illegal wildlife products, particularly across Asia. To try and stop these products entering the illegal market in the first place, we are using approaches both new and old, from high-tech measures such as purpose-built drones to the decidedly low tech – the skilled and sensitive nose of man’s best friend. Working with our partners Ol Pejeta Conservancy and White Paw Professional Dog Training, FFI is focused on a 10-year plan for these effective canine defence units. As part of the fundraising effort, White Paw is putting together an auction of artworks and other prizes, including rhino ‘doodles’ by FFI vice-president Stephen Fry and South African golfing legend Gary Player. Keep an eye on the FFI website for updates over the coming weeks, or visit www.bit.ly/white-paw.
UPDATE 23 CREDIT: FFI/FDA
CREDIT: FFI/FDA
CREDIT: FFI/FDA
The camera traps snapped western chimpanzee...
...black duiker...
...and Campbell’s monkey amongst many other species.
Camera traps reveal true magic of Liberian forest Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and local partners recently undertook biodiversity surveys to research the wildlife diversity found in several Liberian forest sites. The surveys were conducted as part of a REDD+ pilot programme. REDD stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation; the ‘plus’ goes beyond the basic structure of REDD to include biodiversity and local benefits, making these sites in Liberia perfect case studies for pilot projects. The research focused on transect surveys and camera trapping in the pilot sites of Wakolor and Wonegizi forests. Josh Kempinski, REDD+ Projects Advisor for FFI said, “The observation – or ‘transect’ – walks
were fruitful, but it was the camera traps that revealed the true magic of the forest. With bush meat the major protein for local villagers, we’d expected the wildlife to be shy and elusive, but the footage captured on our cameras was simply extraordinary, with a slew of ‘firsts’ all caught on film.” Thirty-two camera traps were positioned around the study site to record the presence of key species, and to calculate occupancy (which parts of the forest the animals are found in). “The camera traps provided an unparalleled view into the secret world of a tropical rainforest. First, we noticed the hunters, lots of hunters…but then we saw a fully-functioning ecosystem, one that contains all the species that should be there, from the tiniest insect up to the giants,” Josh said.
Through the surveys, FFI recorded the first ever photos of Endangered forest elephants in Wonegizi, which is of particular significance due to our parallel work conserving elephants in Ziama Biosphere Reserve on the Guinea side of the border. Cameras also captured the first video of pygmy hippo in Liberia outside Sapo National Park, the first video of leopard in Liberia and the first photographic evidence that chimps are still present in the north-west (Wonegizi) and in the tiny remnant of forest in Lake Piso Multiple-Use Reserve, on the south-west coast. They also revealed one of the first photos of the very rare rock fowl in Liberia and evidence that its range extends beyond what was previously thought. CREDIT: GOPAL KHANAL
Dolphins without borders in Nepal and India Conservation authorities in Nepal and India are working together to ensure the longterm survival of the Endangered Ganges river dolphin. Also known as the blind dolphin, this species inhabits one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The collaboration between Nepal and India is vital to ensure not only the dolphin’s survival, but also the continued protection of other freshwater species in the Ganges. The conservation of the Ganges river dolphin is about more than just saving a single species. Being at the apex of the aquatic food chain, its presence in adequate numbers indicates greater biodiversity in the river system and helps keep the ecosystem in balance.
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Ganges river dolphin
The first joint dolphin survey, organised by a Conservation Leadership Programme-funded project, has now been completed. The survey provides robust information on abundance and habitat variables that will prove invaluable for the conservation of the species. Prior to the survey, it was thought that the immediate threat to the species was accidental entanglement in fishing nets. Conservationists now know that other factors also contribute.
The survey teams observed significant overlap between fishing activity and dolphin distribution. Unsustainable fishing practices (including fishing nets made from small mesh, and poison used during fishing) are depleting prey. Dolphins have also been directly targeted and killed to harvest their oil for medicinal purposes. The teams are now planning the next survey to assess the effects of river flow regulation on habitat use patterns of Ganges river dolphins.
UPDATE 23 CREDIT: CHRIS LOADES/FFI
CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS/FFI
Stunning mountain scenery in Sarychat-Ertash Nature Reserve
Conserving Kyrgyzstan’s Sarychat-Ertash Nature Reserve
The unique high-altitude ecosystem of the reserve has a character reminiscent of the Arctic tundra. At between 2,200 and 5,000 metres above sea level, it is recognisable by its high peaks and intervening valleys and basins – and extremely harsh climate. The mountain ranges are alpine, with average annual temperatures just 7.5°C below zero.
The breathtakingly beautiful Central Tien Shan mountain range stretches some 2,800 kilometres, making it one of the longest ranges in Central Asia. Nestled within Tien Shan, in eastern Kyrgyzstan, Sarychat-Ertash Nature Reserve is the focus for a new project developed by Fauna & Flora International and local partners.
There are 26 mammal species in the territory of the reserve, including snow leopard, brown bear, Pallas’s cat and argali. The area is also home to 86 species of birds, including golden eagle, bearded vulture, Himalayan vulture, and saker falcon. The biggest threat to wildlife is illegal hunting.
The reserve is home to Endangered snow leopards
The entire territory is secured for scientific research and nature conservation purposes, with economic use of the area prohibited by law, but until now a conservation management plan had not been successfully put in place. The new project will develop and implement a management plan for the reserve, incorporating biodiversity monitoring (including species surveys to fill gaps in baseline knowledge), anti-poaching patrols and environmental education. It will also support the Sarychat-Ertash Nature Reserve with its plans to extend conservation activities across the Central Tien Shan landscape.
Good Scrub Guide helps shun toxic beauty products
Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) have launched the Good Scrub Guide, helping consumers make better choices to ensure they buy products that will not contribute to plastic pollution and harm marine life or the natural balance of our oceans. Microplastics adsorb concentrated toxic chemicals which are then transferred to the animals that eat them. New evidence confirms that these toxic chemicals are passed up the food chain – possibly even to the food we eat. The Good Scrub Guide is already helping to keep people informed about plastic-free products
available, with consumers encouraged to share information on products that do and don’t contain plastic.
CREDIT: ROGER INGLE/FFI
Increasingly, cosmetic producers have been adding plastic microbeads to a wide range of personal care products including scrubs, toothpastes, shower gels, shampoos and cosmetics. These microbeads – tiny plastic particles – are having a devastating effect on the marine environment.
The campaign is also gaining momentum globally, with officials from the United States announcing the proposed introduction of a new bill that will ban the sale of personal care products and cosmetics containing microbeads in California, and a second bill set to ban the sale, distribution and manufacture of these products in New York. FFI hopes this new legislative pressure will ensure that corporations make good on their pledges to scrub the microplastics out of their cleansing products. As a consumer, you can add to this pressure by choosing plastic-free products. To download your copy of the Good Scrub Guide, visit www.goodscrubguide.org The Good Scrub Guide helps you find plastic-free products
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UPDATE 23 CREDIT: TONY WHITTEN/FFI
Limestone extraction threatens unique cave-dwelling wildlife Limestone is an important industrial resource – cement production relies on it, but so does an array of uniquely-adapted species, many of which are on the verge of extinction due to the havoc wreaked by the extraction process.
Cave Invertebrates, co-chaired by Fauna & Flora International’s Asia-Pacific Regional Director Tony Whitten and Louis Deharveng from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. Dr Whitten said, “Limestone hills and caves are being treated as disposable, one-off concepts by most businesses – they take what they need with little thought to the fact these are not selfreplenishing ecosystems. They use it, we lose it.”
Many animals and plants endemic to this limestone habitat (including bats, snails, orchids, fish and beetles) have such specific home ranges that they can be confined to just a single hill or cave. Once exploited by cement companies, these hills and caves are difficult – if not impossible – to restore, which can only spell extinction for the vital and fascinating creatures that depend on them. Acknowledging this rapidly increasing problem, the IUCN has formed a Specialist Group for
A cave cricket, found in China
Tony Whitten speaks at an industry event in Jakarta
CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN/FFI
CREDIT: TRADESHIP PUBLICATIONS LTD (UK)
CREDIT: BJORN OLESEN
The Critically Endangered Kanthan trapdoor spider
The IUCN Specialist Group is calling for operators of limestone quarries – including those used for cement, lime and aggregate production – to alter their activities to help safeguard limestonerestricted biodiversity and urges scientific, regulatory and business communities to raise the profile of this important cause.
Whip spider in a limestone cave in Kampot Province CREDIT: ALEX SUTTON/BELIZE FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Solitary sighting: rangers spot rare eagle species in Belize In January 2014, a team of rangers from Ya’axché Conservation Trust, Fauna & Flora International’s partner in Belize, made an exciting find when they spotted a juvenile solitary eagle perched on the limb of a Caribbean pine tree in Bladen Nature Reserve. Alex Sutton, a photographer from the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education who was with the rangers when the discovery was made, was able to catch a few pictures of the bird as they watched. Although listed as Near Threatened globally by the IUCN, the solitary eagle is considered Critically Endangered in Belize. It is one of the rarest raptor species in the Neotropical region (which spans Central and South America).
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This is the first confirmed record of a solitary eagle in lowland savannah habitat in Belize, and has revealed Bladen to be one of only three known breeding sites for this species in the country. It is thought that the eagles are using this area as a foraging ground, as the juvenile was observed eating a tropical rat snake. The solitary eagle is one of the largest eagle species in the region, with a wingspan of around 1.5 metres. It also has one of the longest dependency periods of all Neotropical raptors, with juveniles relying on their parents for about two years. As a result, these birds are only able to nest every 2-3 years at best. Ya’axché’s resident bird expert, ranger Victor Bonilla, is said to be keeping a close eye out for the adults who are likely to be feeding this juvenile.
Experts at the Belize Raptor Research Institute confirmed that this is indeed a solitary eagle.
UPDATE 23 Fauna & Flora International’s (FFI) Indonesia Programme recently undertook a series of biodiversity surveys in Jambi, Sumatra, to identify endangered, endemic and protected species for improved conservation planning. On the final day of the survey, after two weeks in the tropical forest, the team managed to capture one of the rarest fruit bats known in the region. Identified by its lower incisor teeth and the absence of a white line on the edge of the earlobe (characteristics of the Cynopterus brachyotis, also found in this area) FFI’s biodiversity team confirmed the species to be the dusky fruit bat (Penthetor lucasi). The specimen was captured using four-bank harp traps set up in secondary old-growth forest bordered with limestone habitat in Berkun village, Sarolangun, Jambi. Roosting in the entrances of limestone caves and inhabiting only secondary and primary lowland
CREDIT: SEPHI NOORFAHMY/FFI
Rare fruit bat recorded in Sumatra forest, this species’ distribution is limited. In years to come, this could lead to continuous decline of the population across its habitat. One of the objectives of the survey was to identify key habitat for endangered, endemic or protected species, and to use data to assist in developing best practice for future conservation plans. The surveys will continue for another year, allowing FFI’s biodiversity team to gain a better understanding of habitat and altitudinal distributions as well as population trends of the dusky fruit bat. Twenty one species of bat were caught during the initial survey – with three still to be identified. The bats were all released after examination, and were marked through wing clipping techniques, following the animal marking standard. This marking is used to identify recaptured animals in future trapping expeditions, with data used to estimate the population.
The dusky fruit bat is one of the rarest in the region
CREDIT: DAVID GILL/FFI
CREDIT: DAVID GILL/FFI
FFI’s Setija Budiawan with a pelahlar leaf
The survey team takes a short break
Surveys begin for Critically Endangered tree in Indonesia The pelahlar (Dipterocarpus littoralis) is a colossal tree found only on Nusakambangan, a small but remarkable island off the coast of Java, Indonesia. Compared to the highly deforested mainland, Nusakambangan still retains much of its forest cover and provides refuge for a range of fauna and flora, including the elusive and Critically Endangered Javan leopard. Access to Nusakambangan is partly restricted due to the presence of seven high-security prisons – adding to the sense of mystery surrounding the island, much of which is yet to be fully explored.
Even though these restrictions have inadvertently protected much of the island’s forest habitat, illegal and selective logging has spiked in recent years, decimating the pelahlar tree’s population.
initially concentrate on two protected areas believed to be strongholds for the species but will, subject to funding, be expanded to include forested areas on the southern side of the island.
While areas of potential habitat remain to be surveyed, fewer than 50 mature trees are known, and the species is believed to be perilously close to extinction.
The results will provide vital information on priority locations for protection as well as identify potential sites for targeted planting. FFI is conducting the surveys in collaboration with the local Conservation Department which will be best positioned to use the results to carry out conservation action for the pelahlar in the long term.
FFI’s Global Trees Campaign is supporting the Indonesia programme to conduct the surveys over the course of 2014. Fieldwork will
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UPDATE 23 CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS/FFI
United for Wildlife alliance tackles illegal wildlife trade head on United for Wildlife is an unprecedented, 10-year alliance between seven global conservation organisations under the presidency of The Duke of Cambridge. Bringing together the expertise of global leaders in business, communications, technology and the creative industries, United for Wildlife is harnessing efforts towards a common, universal cause – protecting wildlife across the globe.
Earlier this year, The Duke of Cambridge joined the alliance partners during a two-day symposium, hosted by the Zoological Society of London, to discuss a coordinated international effort to combat illegal wildlife trade.
CREDIT: J A BRUSON/FFI
United for Wildlife hopes to use its powerful global network to address both the supply and demand causes of illegal wildlife trafficking, support the sustainable development of affected communities, and bring those involved in the illegal trade to justice.
African elephants are targeted by poachers for their ivory tusks CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS/FFI
Fauna & Flora International Deputy CEO Ros Aveling said, “By tackling critical issues together, we will be able to deliver more effective responses to some of the most pressing conservation issues threatening our natural world, including the current crisis in illegal wildlife trade. United for Wildlife will allow all seven organisations to scale up their support to young conservationists who are the future guardians of our natural world.”
A recent upsurge in rhino poaching is of serious concern
Ros continued, “The main focus of the symposium was on finding sustainable solutions. I am pleased to report that the outcomes look positive – from securing wildlife strongholds and using new technologies to protect wildlife, to strengthening national capacity to fight wildlife crime, countering paramilitary poaching, supporting the legal process and overcoming
A stockpile of confiscated ivory
local corruption. We all feel we are starting to make serious inroads.” United for Wildlife is a partnership between Fauna & Flora International, Conservation International, IUCN, The Nature Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Society, WWF-UK, the Zoological Society of London and the Royal Foundation.
A rare frog species, Occidozyga floresiana, previously thought endemic to the island of Flores in Indonesia has been sighted by Fauna & Flora International (FFI) staff during biodiversity surveys on the island of Lombok. The rare frog species was first seen in Lombok in 2011, and until that time had been thought only to exist on Flores. The new surveys, conducted by FFI’s Indonesia Programme, have confirmed and recorded a new distribution of the frog in Lombok over 1,000 metres above sea level. This species shares a similar altitudinal range with Oreophryne monticola, an endemic frog found
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CREDIT: ANGGA RACHMANSAH/FFI
Tropical frog thought endemic to Flores sighted in Lombok in Lombok and Bali, which was also seen by the FFI team during the expedition. The survey findings from Lombok provide new data regarding the natural habitat of the frog, initially thought only to inhabit swampy areas. The survey, conducted along the Renggung watershed from coastal to mountain areas, identified the frog in a stream with shallow, clear, running water. This was located in closed canopy tropical rainforest at an elevation of 1,000 metres above sea level. These high elevations, both in Flores and now in Lombok, have made scientists believe the frog’s distribution is more diverse
Very little is known about this rare frog species
than previously thought, inhabiting both swampy and mountainous areas. The frog finding also offers hope to Lombok itself, which was previously considered to be an area of low biodiversity. Finding O. floresiana suggests the small island may have higher biodiversity than scientists had thought.
UPDATE 23 CREDIT: FFI
Eastern lowland gorilla appeal – thank you! Fauna & Flora International (FFI) would like to thank everyone who kindly contributed to our eastern lowland gorilla appeal which we launched back in November. Thanks to your generous support, we have raised an incredible £54,537.
A young Grauer’s gorilla
The eastern lowland gorilla (also known as Grauer’s gorilla) is found only in the tropical forest of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and, most notably, Kahuzi-Biega National Park. This subspecies has seen the
most dramatic drop in numbers of all the gorillas, from 17,000 in 1994 to possibly as few as 3,000 today. Your support is helping FFI and its partners on the ground (including the Institute Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature – the wildlife management authority of the DRC) to improve on-the-ground protection of Kahuzi-Beiga National Park and boost the livelihoods of the people living in the park’s vicinity.
CREDIT: GILL SHAW/FFI
110th anniversary appeal – please help On 11 December 2013 Fauna & Flora International (FFI) celebrated its 110th anniversary, and to mark this special anniversary we have launched our 110th anniversary appeal. For 110 years, FFI has dedicated itself to the conservation of the world’s threatened species and ecosystems, but it is the actions we take now that could determine what is left of the natural world for future generations. We all have a part to play, and throughout 2014 we are asking supporters to help us take the necessary actions to ensure a safe future for our planet’s biodiversity. Through this appeal we are aiming to raise an extra £110,000 to support vital conservation activities, and there are lots of ways you can help: •
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Join FFI (using the form overleaf ), or introduce friends and family – as part of this appeal we want to grow the FFI family. Increase your donations by just 10% to make a huge difference to our work. Remember FFI with a gift in your Will – do let us know so we can thank you!
FFI vice-president Sir David Attenborough spoke before a 700-strong audience at our 110th anniversary event
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our supporters. It is your generosity and commitment that makes our work possible; together you are helping us to save endangered species and habitats from extinction.
E-NEWSLETTER
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