Innovative conservation since 1903
UPDATE MAY 2013 NO.22
The newsletter of Fauna & Flora International www.fauna-flora.org/update The Alexandra Shackleton replica lifeboat
CREDIT: ED WARDLE/SHACKLETON EPIC
Antarctic explorers triumphant in Shackleton re-enactment On the evening of 10 February 2013, a team of weary adventurers, led by Tim Jarvis, reached their final destination after a gruelling 19day journey. Known as the Shackleton Epic, the expedition was in honour of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s famous Antarctic voyage, almost one hundred years ago. The crew sailed a lifeboat 800 nautical miles, from Elephant Island, across the notoriously treacherous Southern Ocean, and then climbed over the precipitous, heavily glaciated mountainous interior of South Georgia. Using only period equipment and clothing, the crew stayed true to the difficulties Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew would have endured a century ago.
The crew endured eight metre swells and gales of 50 knot winds aboard the Alexandra Shackleton, a purpose-built 22.5’ lifeboat, an exact replica of Shackleton’s original. In addition to the period clothing, the crew ate a rationed diet of seasoned animal fat. The only concessions to the use of modern equipment was the storage of emergency gear, the presence of a support vessel (which was only to be called on in the event of serious
trouble), and the use of a tent and sleeping bags to survive a blizzard during the first night of the mountain crossing. For Melissa Shackleton Dann, Chair of FFI’s US board (and relative of Sir Ernest Shackleton), “It is a pleasure and a privilege to be associated with such an exciting adventure – and to know that FFI will benefit from it as well. Tim and his crew have shown tremendous courage, and on behalf of FFI, I’d like to not only thank them for their support and partnership in this endeavour, but also offer our heartfelt congratulations on the successful completion of their voyage.” It’s not too late to show your support for the Shackleton Epic crew – turn to page 7 to find out how. n
CREDIT: TIM JARVIS/SHACKLETON EPIC
CREDIT: JO STEWART/SHACKLETON EPIC
In 1916, Shackleton and his crew set out on an ambitious mission, hoping to be the first to cross Antarctica. Thwarted when their ship became trapped and later crushed by sea ice, Shackleton showed the strength and leadership he is now known for, leading five men on what Sir Edmund Hillary called, “The greatest survival story ever undertaken.”
Nearly a century later, a courageous crew have completed the Shackleton Epic, an authentic re-enactment to honour the original voyage and help raise awareness about the impacts of climate change on the fragile Antarctic environment. Alexandra Shackleton, granddaughter of Sir Ernest, brought the idea to Tim Jarvis back in 2008. Fauna & Flora International (FFI) was the expedition’s conservation partner, benefiting from the crew’s fundraising activities as well as the scientific data collected from the expedition’s support vessel.
Crossing the mountainous interior of South Georgia
Tim Jarvis (left) and mountaineer Barry Gray
AFRICA
UPDATE 22
Pygmy hippo conservation in Liberia gets a boost
This strategy aims to assess the current conservation status of the pygmy hippo in Liberia, and ensure that it is well protected. To start the process, FFI and the Forestry Development Authority of Liberia organised a workshop (funded by BHP Billiton), which gathered together representatives from the government, police force and businesses as well as local and international NGOs.
CREDIT: LORINDA TAYLOR, TARONGA ZOO, SYDNEY
Late last year, Liberia became the first country to begin developing a national conservation strategy for the pygmy hippo. This charismatic animal, listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, is facing severe threats from widescale habitat loss across its range in the Upper Guinea forest of West Africa.
Experts in pygmy hippo research and conservation also joined in to build a clearer picture of the current status and distribution of this species in Liberia, as well as the main threats to its survival. By the end of the workshop, the participants had developed a set of actions to address the threats, with the final strategy expected to be completed by April 2013. If all goes to plan, this shy and unassuming mammal may prove to be an important flagship species. The workshop participants have already drafted a request to the Government of Liberia, asking them to consider designating the pygmy hippo as Liberia’s national animal. n
Pygmy hippopotamus
Eco-tourism HQ constructed in Niassa National Reserve CREDIT: C M BEGG
CREDIT: J A BRUSON/FFI
African wild dog
Working with communities, local and national government, businesses and the wider Niassa Reserve management, the aim of Chuilexi Conservancy is to ensure that this important wildlife area is effectively and responsibly managed – in essence becoming a reserve within a reserve.
Aerial view of the stunning Niassa National Reserve in Mozambique
Niassa National Reserve in northern Mozambique is one of Africa’s largest and most undeveloped wild areas.
is crucial to balance the economic needs of Niassa’s communities with the conservation goals for this important area.
Thousands of elephants and sable antelopes are found there, along with zebra and other iconic species, including globally important populations of African wild dogs and lions.
FFI and partners have been working to develop eco-tourism opportunities within the reserve. Together with two tourism concessionholders in the east of the reserve, the plan is to develop the Chuilexi Conservancy, a 5,868 km2 area that harbours the greatest density of wildlife in Niassa.
Alongside its wildlife, the reserve is also home to around 40,000 people. Consequently, it
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This will involve addressing the high levels of poaching and illegal resource extraction, while developing sustainable tourism and business operations to help finance the conservancy’s long-term operations. With the support of the Halcyon Land & Sea Fund and The Wildcat Foundation, the team has made great progress with the construction of their headquarters, establishment of basic infrastructure (roads and airstrips) and initial ranger operations for the new conservancy, and it appears that these early efforts are already paying conservation dividends. n
EURASIA
UPDATE 22
Georgia team celebrates successes on the ground CREDIT: GARETH GOLDTHORPE/FFI
CREDIT: GARETH GOLDTHORPE/FFI
Vashlovani Field Centre
The grey wolf is the largest wild member of the Canidae family
The semi-arid ecosystem of Vashlovani Protected Area in eastern Georgia supports an astounding range of carnivores, including the grey wolf, as well as many other rare and threatened species. Sheep farming is the main local livelihood and has long shaped the landscape; however because grazed areas coincide with high biodiversity areas, conflict with wildlife has inevitably intensified and is now the lead threat to the region’s large carnivores (which have been forced to turn to livestock as natural prey has decreased). To address these concerns, FFI and Georgian partner NACRES have been working with the region’s pastoral communities to reduce
conflicts with carnivores, improve animal husbandry, and develop sustainable pasture management practices that will benefit both people and biodiversity. As this EU-funded project draws to a close, the team is celebrating its substantial successes over the last four years. Recent highlights include the opening of a multi-purpose field station (for use by rangers, visiting researchers and others) and the establishment of mobile anti-poaching patrol teams. Since its creation, the Human Carnivore Conflict Response Team (HCCRT) has developed good relationships with livestock farmers and the wider community, and surveys have shown that the efforts of
the HCCRT are paying off. Results indicate that attitudes towards large carnivores (and particularly wolves) are improving amongst rural residents, school pupils and even livestock owners – more of whom now support a complete ban on hunting in protected areas. Interestingly, a study conducted by the project team and other experts found that the livestock currently grazing within the protected area plays an important role in maintaining its botanical diversity, demonstrating the ongoing need to find ways to integrate the protection of Vashlovani’s stunning biodiversity with sustainable grazing approaches that support shepherds’ livelihoods. Whilst the larger-scale project has now finished, key activities are ongoing in both Vashlovani and Tusheti Protected Areas, and the team is hopeful that the future for Georgia’s carnivores and its rural communities is now much brighter. n
Kyrgyz Government approves snow leopard strategy
At the time of writing, the snow leopard strategy had been submitted to the Kyrgyz Government, and we are pleased to report that this has now been formally approved. “This is wonderful news and a really important step,” said Jarkyn Samanchina, Director of FFI’s Kyrgyzstan Programme. “The transboundary nature of this species means that it is very important for all range states to work together to protect these rare and beautiful cats.
CREDIT: ALEX DIMENT/FFI/PANTHERA
In the November 2012 issue of Fauna & Flora magazine (see High Hopes, pages 20-21), we reported on efforts to develop a snow leopard strategy and action plan in Kyrgyzstan, one of 12 countries where this beautiful but Endangered big cat is found.
“The next step will be to finalise an action plan to accompany the strategy, which will define the specific actions we need to take,” she added. A draft copy of this action plan has already been approved by the country’s Vice Prime Minister, and a round table consultation was held in February to give representatives from various government ministries (in addition to the wider scientific and NGO community) the chance to feed into the plan. Once their comments have been incorporated, it will be presented to the government for final approval. FFI has been a key driving force behind these developments, which will prove crucial in the fight to save this species from extinction. n
Rare close-up of the elusive snow leopard
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INITIATIVES
UPDATE 22
Experts in China join forces to save highly threatened conifers CREDIT: FFI/GLOBAL TREES CAMPAIGN
The mountains of North Guangxi, China, are home to two Critically Endangered fir trees, Abies yuanbaoshanensis and A. ziyuanensis. Both are found within provincial nature reserves, but continued human disturbance to their habitat coupled with poor natural regeneration is threatening their future. In 2012, representatives from the nature reserves requested help from FFI China and the Global Trees Campaign to help the dwindling populations of these species to recover. Following FFI’s long tradition of partnership, experts from the Guangxi Institute of Botany, Guangxi Forestry Department and Beijing Forestry University were brought together to help the nature reserve staff devise a monitoring and management plan for the two species. This has already been implemented with some success on the ground.
The ‘pine cone’ fruits of Abies yuanbaoshanensis are typical of conifers
New patrol routes have been set up in the reserve, and staff have removed Fargesia spathacea – a grass species that inhibits the regeneration of Abies – from 12 trial plots. 12,500 Abies seeds have also been collected for use in germination trials for the plants,
which are notoriously difficult to cultivate. Meanwhile, reserve staff are being mentored by the expert team to help them monitor the effectiveness of their actions as the project progress throughout 2013. n
Conservation capacity: lending a helping hand CREDIT: REBECCA DRURY/FFI
strategy, to helping with fundraising and revising financial management processes. When we get requests like this, our approach is always to help our partners find the right solutions for them. What we don’t do is tell them what we think the right answers are. What happens now you’re back? There are always next steps to be taken following a workshop. I’ll be continuing to work with these partners to follow up on financial management procedures, reviews and policies, while Rebecca will continue to help with fundraising remotely.
Sara Calçada (in foreground) overlooking rice paddies in Bali
Sara Calçada explains how FFI’s Conservation Capacity team supports staff and partners as they strive to conserve the natural world. Why is capacity development important in conservation? Local organisations are on the front line in responding to threats to biodiversity, but many of them suffer a crisis in their first decade (such as financial hardship, leadership changes or a lack of focus), while others need additional skills, resources or experience to achieve their goals. Capacity development is all about strengthening conservation organisations to ensure that they are resilient and effective. This is one of the best ways to make a lasting contribution to conservation, and is central to FFI’s work.
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What are the aims of the capacity team? Our work has three main strands: to strengthen the effectiveness of our local partner organisations, to develop conservation leadership skills, and to share information and lessons learnt. Combined, these three strands help us to ensure that conservation on the ground is as successful as possible. Ultimately though, we work towards not being necessary – we know we’ve been successful when we’re not needed any more. Tell me about your recent trip to Bali My colleague, Rebecca Drury, and I headed out to Bali in early 2013. We had been asked to help two local marine NGOs – LINI and Reef Check Foundation Indonesia – to address a range of organisational challenges: from strategic planning and developing a finance
What do you see as the most exciting opportunity over the next year? In collaboration with RSPB, BirdLife International, the Tropical Biology Association and Cambridge University, we’re helping to develop a website focused on organisational development for conservation NGOs. The website, called Capacity for Conservation, will allow them to assess their strengths and needs, access helpful tools, and read about other organisations’ experiences. In return, they can help others by sharing their own tools and experiences, resulting in a worldwide capacity network. This will help the conservation community to share lessons and improve effectiveness across the board. n
AMERICAS & CARIBBEAN
UPDATE 22
Government of Belize burns stockpile of illegally cut rosewood CREDIT: YA’AXCHÉ CONSERVATION TRUST
CREDIT: YA’AXCHÉ CONSERVATION TRUST
Minister Lisel Alamilla being interviewed
In January 2013, country-wide controversy was sparked in Belize when the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, Lisel Alamilla, burned a stockpile of illegally-extracted rosewood. The rosewood was seized in the Toledo district of southern Belize and had been logged despite a moratorium for this species, which has been in place since March 2012. The confiscated rosewood consisted of 212 beams, 500 posts and approximately 70 burls (large knotty tree trunk growths), estimated to be worth around $400,000. Only exportquality beams were burned, with the rest donated to local communities. Destroying the rosewood was, “not an easy decision to make,” said Hon. Senator Alamilla,
“but I want to send an unmistakable message to everybody in Belize: we have to manage our forest sustainably for the benefit of the Belizean people, and this government is going to stamp out the clandestine illegal logging of our natural resources.” Rosewood is typically used for high-end furniture production, with much of the demand coming from China, for both domestic consumption and global re-export. Exquisitely crafted pieces command very high prices, with a sofa and chairs set fetching up to $320,000. The problems of illegal extraction and trade of rosewood are exacerbated by many other factors in Belize, including a lack of government policies to manage the issue
A pile of illegally cut rosewood is set alight
(until recently), as well as limited capacity to monitor and enforce protection, and high levels of poverty. Unsurprisingly, this action has received a very mixed response, with praise from some quarters while others criticised it as wasteful and destructive. But what it has successfully done is engage the nation in this critical issue. Belize is now talking about rosewood conservation, which in itself is a significant achievement. n
Nicaraguan team crowned victors in the Hawksbill Cup CREDIT: FFI
Estero Padre Ramos Natural Reserve in Nicaragua and Bahia Jiquilisco Biosphere Reserve in El Salvador jointly support around 90% of the known nesting population of Critically Endangered hawksbill turtles on the entire eastern Pacific coast. Despite their conservation importance (and the fact that the trade of turtle products is illegal), historically these sites have been hotspots for poaching activity, with turtle nests raided for their eggs which are then sold at local markets for consumption.
William Amaya – community turtle patrol
In 2012, as part of its ongoing work to protect sea turtles, FFI’s team in Nicaragua and ICAPO – a long–standing alliance in hawksbill conservation – launched the Hawksbill Cup (or ‘Copa Carey’ in Spanish), which provided employment opportunities and financial incentives for local people to protect hawksbill nests instead of raiding them.
During the competition – the first of its kind on the continent – points were awarded for conservation successes, including the number of turtles observed, nests protected, eggs collected (for transfer to a protected hatchery) as well as the number of hatchlings and hatchling successes. After months of hard work the Nicaraguan team were crowned victors, but it was the turtles themselves who were the real winners. In total, both teams protected 434 nests and released over 42,000 hatchlings during the nesting season, which peaks in July and August in this area. The initiative generated so much enthusiasm for conservation in the communities, that plans are already underway for a 2013 Hawksbill Cup. n www.fauna-flora.org/location/americas | 5
ASIA-PACIFIC
UPDATE 22
FFI Vietnam wins award for cao vit gibbon conservation CREDITS: FFI & ZHAO CHAO/FFI
In January 2013, Cao Bang Provincial People’s Committee presented FFI’s team in Vietnam with an award for its work supporting Cao Bang Province in cao vit gibbon and biodiversity conservation. This is the second award received by FFI Vietnam for its activities in Cao Bang Province in 13 months; in January 2012, the team received a provincial award for conservation work carried out the previous year. The Critically Endangered cao vit gibbon once ranged across north-east Vietnam and southeast China, but habitat loss and hunting reduced their numbers to the extent that the species was long thought to be extinct. Today, it is considered to be the second rarest ape in the world and is restricted to a small, isolated patch of forest on the border between China and Vietnam. FFI staff were the first to reconfirm the presence of 26 cao vit gibbons at the site in 2002. Since then, a wide range of work has been carried out by FFI in Vietnam and China to conserve the gibbons and their habitat, including improved forest protection, community outreach, environmental education, habitat restoration and ecological research. In 2007, the team supported Cao Bang Province in establishing the Cao Vit Gibbon Species and Habitat Conservation Area. Through the work of FFI, communities in the area have benefited from livelihood development, involvement in protected area management,
Nguyen The Cuong (left) accepts the award
livestock fodder plantation, and the construction of fuel-efficient stoves and biogas plants (reducing people’s dependence on forest resources). Combined, these activities have resulted in improved forest quality and increasing wildlife populations. In October 2012, FFI Vietnam conducted a census of the gibbon population and recorded 129 cao vit gibbons, indicating an increase of 17% since 2007. At FFI’s annual workshop in Trung Khang District, Cao Bang Province, the leader of the census, Nguyen The Cuong (FFI Vietnam Cao Vit Gibbon Project Manager), was presented with the award in recognition of FFI’s efforts to conserve the cao vit gibbon.
Female cao vit gibbon
Nguyen The Cuong said, “The people of Cao Bang have seen the benefits from participating in conservation activities, they are proud of the cao vit gibbons and proud to be part of this success story.” FFI’s work in Cao Bang Province has been made possible through the generous support of the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, Twycross Zoo Conservation Welfare Fund, EAZA Ape Conservation Fund, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Great Ape Conservation Fund, the McKnight Foundation, Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation, ARCUS foundation, US Ambassador Fund, and the Flagship Species Fund. n
Myanmar partners get first glimpse of life under the waves CREDIT: YE LWIN/FFI
In November 2012, FFI kicked off an exciting new marine project in Myanmar by arranging for six partners (from the government, navy and FFI’s NGO partner BANCA) to receive training in scuba diving skills and coral reef survey methods. Although none of the trainees had dived before, by the end of the two-week course they had their PADI Advanced Open Water and Reef Check survey qualifications. Putting their training into practice shortly afterwards, they set off on a two-week trip to study Myanmar’s reefs – some of which had never been surveyed before – in January 2013. As the project progresses, this training will be put to good use in conducting baseline surveys that will help identify priority conservation sites.
The trainees prepare for a dive
For many of the trainees, going underwater for the first time was a pretty intimidating prospect. But having overcome the challenges, and after seeing first-hand the
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beauty of Myanmar’s marine environment, the trainees expressed a new excitement for, and commitment to, the conservation of this important area. n
YOUR SUPPORT
UPDATE 22
A brighter future for the Iberian lynx CREDIT: IBERIAN LYNX EX-SITU CONSERVATION PROGRAMME WWW.LYNXEXSITU.ES
SUPPORTING FFI TO A T! CREDIT: ROS AVELING/FFI
The Iberian lynx’s recovery will therefore depend on the protection and restoration of habitat areas, alongside efforts to boost rabbit numbers and reduce mortality from human activities. Together, Fauna & Flora International and Portuguese partner Liga para a Protecção da Natureza (LPN) have identified three areas of land in southern Portugal that have the potential to provide suitable habitat for Iberian lynx and their prey.
Iberian lynx cub
With only around 300 individuals remaining in the wild, the future looks uncertain for the Iberian lynx – the world’s rarest cat species. Although their numbers have doubled from what they were five years ago (thanks to conservation efforts), the fact remains that over the last three decades the population size has fallen by over 90%. This decline is largely as a result of habitat loss and a massive decline in wild rabbits (their main prey) due to disease, although deaths from hunting, accidental trapping and road collisions have also contributed to falling numbers.
FFI and LPN are now working to ensure that this land is properly managed, with plenty of fresh water to drink and wild rabbits for the Iberian lynx to eat. FFI has launched an appeal to help support this important work. •
£20/$30 could buy food to supply a wild rabbit feeder for a summer.
•
£50/$75 could cover the cost of installing water suppliers.
•
£5,000/$7,500 could help pay for an artificial den, where lynx can rear cubs.
For more information about this appeal, visit www.fauna-flora.org/lynx-appeal or call our appeal hotline on +44 (0)1223 431991. n
Show your support for the Shackleton Epic crew who risked, quite literally life and limb, during their recent treacherous re-enactment voyage (turn to the cover of this issue of Update to learn more). As conservation partner to the expedition, FFI will receive all net proceeds from the sale of T-shirts, designed by Sponsor Crew member, Steve Lennon. There are two designs to choose from, only £22/$33 each (plus postage), and both are guaranteed to make you feel happy in the knowledge you’re helping FFI. Show how much you care about life on Earth – order yours today from www.bit.ly/ffitshirt
Ntakata forest appeal – thank you! FFI would like to thank everyone who contributed to our recent appeal for funding to secure the Ntakata forest – a region of outstanding natural value that is home to a wide array of plant and animal species, including chimpanzees and elephants. Thanks to your generous donations and matched funding provided by Size of Wales, we have been able to raise over £20,000 ($30,000) to support this important work. These funds could pay the salaries and allowances for 12 guards from local Tongwe villages for a year, as well as three forest outposts and four motorcycles for forest rangers plus radio communications equipment, fuel, equipment maintenance, and more.
forest is one of the forest areas chosen that together add up to two million hectares. The partnership between FFI and Size of Wales has raised around £50,000 (approx. $74,000) to help community-based NGO, Tongwe Trust, to establish a new village reserve that will allow them to conserve their natural resources. Although this phase of the campaign is now coming to an end, FFI will continue to support Tongwe Trust for as long as we are needed. For more information, visit www.sizeofwales.org.uk n
E-NEWSLETTER Fauna & Flora International sends out a monthly e-newsletter to keep our friends and supporters up to date with our projects. We are keen to share all the latest news with you and welcome your feedback. To receive our e-newsletter, you can visit www.fauna-flora.org/e-newsletter or if you have a smartphone, please download a free application to scan the QR code below:
Size of Wales is a Cardiff-based charity that inspires people to protect an area of tropical forest the size of Wales as part of a national response to climate change. The Ntakata www.fauna-flora.org/support | 7
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