The Babbler 20

The Babbler December 2006 Number 20 Welcome Jonathan C. Eames

Features - Belum-Temengor: a threatened hornbill haven - Palas Valley on road to recovery

Regional news - Chindwin Hydro-electric dam may force 30,000 people to relocate - Banteng poached in Ea So Nature Reserve, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam - Swiftlet echo clicks and social vocalisations - World Birdwatch Vietnam 2006 - More evidence for two species of Hwamei - Lenya: Myanmar’s Hidden Treasure - Cambodia Announces Protection of Bengal Florican Habitat

Important Bird Area News - Road Construction Threatens Hponkan Razi Wildlife Sanctuary, Kachin State, Myanmar - Continued Decline of Xuan Thuy National Park

Project updates - Cambodia activities - Vietnam activities - Myanmar activities

Spotlight Organization Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV)

Publication Book reviews

Staff news BirdLife International in Indochina #4/209, Doi Can, Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: + 84 4 722 3864 Fax: + 84 4 722 3835 Email: birdlife@birdlife.netnam.vn www.birdlifeindochina.org If you have any contribution or suggestion for the next issue, please contact Hanh@birdlife.netnam.vn by 9th March, 2007.

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BirdLife International in Indochina This is issue 20 of The Babbler and the last for 2006. I apologize to all of you for the late posting of this issue. I hope that issue 21 will be posted on-time in this New Year of the Pig. 2006 has been a challenging year for the programme. We have had many staff changes, the latest of which are reported in this issue. Our Cambodia Programme Manager left early in 2006, our Vietnam Programme Manager and Communications Officer have both been on maternity leave. Jack Tordoff took paternity leave and finally left the programme late in 2006 to take up a new position with BirdLife at the Cambridge Secretariat. I would like to thank Jack for his hard work and dedication in helping to make the programme a success across many years of work.

I would also like to send best wishes from all of us to Jack, Binh and new arrival Kien and good luck with the new life back in the UK. To take over part of Jack’s responsibilities I created the new position of Conservation Advisor and John Pilgrim joined is at the start of the second quarter of 2006.

2006 was a difficult year for programme funding and is a reflection of new trends in donor support to biodiversity. Several of our traditional donors in Cambodia and Vietnam have moved to sector-wide support, which means less money for biodiversity and national governments taking a bigger role in deciding how ODA is allocated. This means non-government organizations become marginalized and starved of funding.

Increasingly we are looking for new donors outside the region and for new ways of working within the region.

These worrying new trends have not stopped us starting new projects in 2006 many of which have a focus on Critically Endangered species. With support from the BirdLife Asia Fund, Darwin Initiative and RSPB we are continuing the search for the Pinkheaded Duck, working on the Gurney’s Pitta, both in Myanmar, and the Slender-billed, White-rumped and Red-headed Vultures in Cambodia and Myanmar.

At site level, we have had to face the challenge of the land-grab in the Tonle Sap floodplain. I hope that the establishment of Integrated Farming and Biodivserity Areas offers some hope for the continued survival of the Bengal Florican in Cambodia. We have not made such good progress in Myanmar where we are still struggling to make government aware of the need to establish Lenya National Park. In Vietnam, development pressures on national parks on nature reserves and plain bad management have escalated in 2006. I was shocked by the state of Xuan Thuy National Park on a recent visit. At Chu Yang Sin National Park where we implement a GEF project, 2006 saw the construction of a road through the national park, proposals advanced for two dams in and around the national park and further cutting of Fokienia hodginsii. These issues remain some of our greatest and like bad debts, get brought forward into the new year.

I wish all our supporters a very Happy New Year.

Jonathan C. Eames Programme Manager BirdLife International in Indochina

FEATURE Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galeritus, one of ten species of hornbill at Belum-Temengor (Lim KC/MNS) BELOW Large gatherings of Plainpouched Hornbills Aceros subruficollis are regular at BelumTemengor (Lim KC/MNS)

One afternoon in September 1992, Sutari Supari and Ho Hua Chew looked on in awe as 764 hornbills flew across the upper reaches of Sungai Perak in northern Peninsular Malaysia. Neither could really believe they were watching Plain-pouched Hornbills Aceros

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subruficollis, a rare species confined to southern Thailand and western Thailand/ Myanmar. Sightings of this species in northern Peninsular Malaysia were previously unconfirmed. The two were following up Supari’s observations in the previous

month, when he had seen 300 birds in the same area. On one day in late November the following year, one observer logged an astonishing 2,365 unidentified hornbills nearby.

“Regardless of which species of hornbill is involved in these remarkable sightings, it is

Belum-Temengor: a threatened hornbill haven

essential that, given the very high number of individuals involved, protection should be urgently given to the areas in which they have been found to occur,” wrote Chew and Supari in the June 1997 issue of Oriental Bird Club Bulletin.

A decade on, Malaysian Nature Society (MNS, BirdLife in Malaysia) is part of a

coalition fighting to protect the magnificent rainforests of Belum-Temengor where the Plain-pouched Hornbills live, alongside all the other nine of Malaysia’s hornbill species—the only state to boast this remarkable statistic.

“The problem is there are two forest blocks bisected by the East-West Highway,” explains

(Alan E Ernst/MNS)

Fauna and flora of Belum-Temengor Species so-far identified at Belum-Temengor include: More than 3,000 flowering plants, many endemic to the northern Malay Peninsula, including 46 palms (15 endemic), more than 30 gingers (20% of the Peninsula’s total), and many rare orchids ■ At least 274 birds including large breeding populations of all ten of Malaysia’s hornbills. More than 2,000 Plain-pouched Hornbill, a Vulnerable species, have been seen on a single evening’s flight ■ 168 butterflies, including the rare Herona sumatrana and Tanaecia clathrata and 252 smaller moths ■ More than 100 mammals including Asian elephant, Malayan tiger, leopard, gaur, sun bear, Sumatran rhinoceros and Malayan tapir. At least 13 of them are globally threatened or Near-Threatened ■ 95 leaf-beetles identified, although there are surely many more ■ 64 ferns and fern allies ■ 62 mosses ■ 51 land snails (a sixth of Peninsular Malaysia’s total) ■ 49 terrestrial and seven freshwater molluscs ■ 36 aquatic and semi-aquatic bugs, and a new aquatic fly ■ 25 cicadas ■ 24 amphibians ■ 23 snakes ■ 23 freshwater fishes ■ 21 lizards ■ 19 Odonata (dragon- and damselflies) ■ 7 freshwater and land turtles, six of them globally threatened or NearThreatened ■ 3 freshwater decapod crustaceans ■

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Angela Hijjas of MNS, who is spear-heading the BelumTemengor campaign. “Hornbills feed in Upper Belum, north of the highway, and roost in Lower Belum and Temengor to the south. But there are plans for a commercial Acacia plantation up to 4 km wide right along the highway, which would create a barrier between the two. Temengor is also still being logged.”

Clear felling and forest fragmentation would vastly increase the risk of local extinctions within the forest complex and hinder the movement of animals.

“However, there is an exciting alternative,” says Hijjas. “The East-West Highway provides a unique opportunity to see large animals. The disturbed roadside vegetation is perfect for feeding elephants and they can be seen in groups along the verge of the highway. If a series of wildlife crossings over and under the highway were added, it could create a spectacle that would attract tourists from far and wide. The addition of viewing towers where people could stay, perhaps near a crossing or overlooking a saltlick, would give a strong economic incentive to protect the forest, and wildlife would have a chance to thrive rather than be progressively squeezed out and into conflict with local communities.”

Aside from hornbills, the forest block is home to an astonishing diversity of plants and animals (see side box), including mega-fauna such as Asian elephant, Malayan tiger, leopard and other large cats, sun bear, gaur and Malayan tapir.

There is also sufficient forest for up to 50 Sumatran rhinoceros which are believed to occur there. The world population of this secretive animal is estimated at 300.

“There is a chance the rhino can survive into the next century in Temengor, but all of the forest complex would need to be protected,” says Hijjas.

Malaysia is one of the world’s twelve mega-biodiverse countries, and because of their

extreme age, the country’s forests are possibly the most ecologically diverse on the planet; more diverse even than the Congo or Amazon. Yet Belum-Temengor has barely been studied.

“Our forests are one of the world’s great natural wonders,” says Dr Loh Chi Leong, Executive Director of MNS. “But as we use more and more of the world’s natural resources for our immediate benefit, we compromise the needs of future generations. Access to wildernesses like BelumTemengor will be more important than ever as such places are diminished worldwide. The forests are also home to indigenous people—Orang Asli—especially the Jahai tribes. These forest communities are an integral part of the wilderness and their interests must be maintained.”

In April 2006 MNS began a campaign to save the 3,000 km2 Belum-Temengor forest block which is an Important Bird Area (IBA).

WorldBirdwatch

LEFT Malaysia’s rainforests are possibly the most biologically diverse on earth. Yet BelumTemengor has barely been studied (Sanjitpal/MNS) ABOVE The evening flight of hornbills is spectacular (T K Ting) TOP RIGHT The forest is also home to indigenous people, especially the Jahai tribes (Khoo KH/MNS) BOTTOM RIGHT A road divides hornbill feeding grounds from roosting sites. Now there are plans to plant acacias for up to 4 km on either side (Sanjitpal/MNS)

Royal Belum was declared a protected area in 2000, the legislation to create a park enacted and a state corporation established for its management, but it is yet to be gazetted as a permanent protected area, although MNS is optimistic this will happen soon.

Unfortunately the same does not apply to Temengor.

Logging concession holders appear unconcerned about sustainability, and logging roads on steep slopes and adjacent to the lake shore or salt licks are extremely damaging, aside from the actual impact of timber removal. The state government has said it will phase out logging once other economic activities such as ecotourism start to generate revenue and alternative employment, but sustainable tourism needs undisturbed habitat to be successful.

The old growth forests provide mature fruiting figs and trees with large cavities for

nesting hornbills, known as forest gardeners because they disperse seeds of many plants over large areas.

“The hornbills are the greatest eco-tourism asset of Belum-Temengor, and logging already seems to have had an impact on their numbers. Unless both areas are protected, the birds will not survive in the numbers that have caused worldwide excitement amongst birders,” says Anthony Sebastian, Chairman of MNS Science and Conservation Committee.

The vast Taman Negara, Malaysia’s National Park, spans 4,343 km2 and protects the biodiversity of central Peninsular Malaysia. EndauRompin reserve, with its west Borneo influence, protects the biodiversity of southern Peninsular Malaysia. The Belum-Temengor forests are home to the flora and fauna of northern Peninsular Malaysia; its protection would go a long way towards fulfilling Malaysia’s

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obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Furthermore, its contribution to conservation would be reinforced by the transboundary connection to the protected areas of HalaBala Wildlife Sanctuary and Bang Lang National Park in Thailand.

“Our status as a developed nation is within our grasp,” says Sebastian. “Intact forests are worth far more in the long-run than the relatively small

amounts logging generates.

These forests are catchments for major rivers in Perak, Kelantan and Pahang, and once felled, the steep slopes are unsuitable for agriculture and there is a high risk of erosion. We should conserve our remaining forests so that enough is set aside for biodiversity security, to help combat global warming, and for posterity.”

WB

The MNS campaign hopes to see: an end to all logging ■ the gazettement of Royal Belum State Park and its extension to include Temengor Forest Reserve ■ an end to plans for an Acacia corridor ■ development of a comprehensive management plan for BelumTemengor involving relevant stakeholders including the Federal government, the Perak State government, the Forestry Department, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), NGOs, local communities and others.

■

To register your support for the MNS campaign to save Belum-Temengor, please visit www.mns.org.my where you can sign an online petition.

Source: World Birdwatch September 2006

FEATURE

House built of kasha—poles, stone and mud—destroyed by boulders (Rab Nawaz)

On the morning of Saturday 8 October 2005, an earthquake registering 7.6 on the Richter scale hit northern Pakistan.

Among the areas affected was the Palas Valley, part of the Western Himalayas Endemic Bird Area (EBA). As boulders rained down the hillsides, 79 people were killed, and many more seriously injured. With more than half the houses in the valley uninhabitable and

The Babbler 20 – December 2006

others at risk from aftershocks, more than 20,000 people were forced to live in the open during the onset of the Himalayan winter, which sometimes brings snowdrifts of 10 m or more.

But it could have been a lot worse. “Palas didn’t experience landslides at the same level as nearby valleys, because it hadn’t suffered the same level of deforestation,” says Rab Nawaz, co-ordinator of the joint

BirdLife/World Pheasant Association(WPA)/WWFPakistan Palas Conservation and Development Programme.

In those nearby valleys, chunks of mountainside had detached themselves and crashed to the valley bottoms, leaving huge pale scars.

Landslides stripped the hillsides of precious soil, often bringing remaining patches of forest down with them.

Palas Valley on road to recovery

TOP Palasis provide information to consultants from Malteser International and CRS Earthquake Relief (Rab Nawaz) BELOW Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus. Populations have increased since the Palas Conservation and Development Project began (K Howman/WPA)

Forest covers around 400 km2 of the valley’s 1,300 km2 area, the largest single tract of West Himalayan temperate forest left in Pakistan. Most of the rest consists of rocky outcrops, glaciers and snowfields. But despite being among the most rugged and isolated places in Pakistan, the Palas Valley is home to around 50,000 people.

It is also a centre of plant endemism and diversity and hosts many rare and threatened bird and mammal species, including the largest remaining population of Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus.

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With just two short, unsurfaced roads, and most communities between one and three days’ walk from a road head, Palasi people depend almost entirely on the resources of the valley. The traditional Palasi lifestyle involves most of the population moving with their livestock between winter villages and summer pastures.

Non-timber products, such as the morel mushroom, are crucial for local consumption and for sale.

“Agricultural production is poor, cultivable land is scarce— just 4.5% of the valley’s area— and development is hindered by

poor infrastructure,” explains Rab. “‘Poor people in a rich environment’, the phrase we thought up for the Palas Conservation and Development Project (PCDP) brochure, describes the situation quite well.”

Most of the people in the valley depend on non-timber forest products (NTFPs), which are used as food in winter, and sold in local markets for cash.

Autumn is the prime time for collection of medicinal plants, wild fruits, cutting of grasses for stall feeding in winter, cutting of fodder for livestock, extraction and marketing of honey, extraction and marketing of Chilghoza nut, drying of wild vegetables, and collection of firewood for winter.

“Though the earthquake disturbed the livelihoods of the people, it could not keep them from collection of NTFPs for very long,” says Rab. With other means of subsistence and income-generation damaged or destroyed, NTFPs have provided a vital fall-back.

BirdLife began working in the Palas Valley in 1991, when the discovery of the population of Western Tragopans led to the setting up of the Himalayan Jungle Project. “The project started dialogue with local communities to save the tragopan,” Rab says. But it quickly became clear that the future of the biodiversity of the Palas Valley depended on the relevance of conservation to the everyday lives of the valley’s human inhabitants.

During the monsoon in 1992, the equivalent of a year’s rain fell on the valley in just ten days.

Bridle paths, bridges, fields and irrigation channels were washed away in the floods. The project partners—BirdLife, the World Pheasant Association and WWF-Pakistan—arranged for food to be airlifted in, and sent

in engineers to assess the damage to the infrastructure.

“The project gained the trust of local people, who are notoriously distrustful of outsiders,” says Rab. When, with the support of the European Union, the PCDP was set up, its goal was “to safeguard the biodiversity of the Palas Valley by enabling local communities to tackle the linked causes of poverty and incipient natural resource degradation”. The PCDP involved six main programmes: social organisation and participation; rehabilitation of bridges, water mills, irrigation channels and other infrastructure; natural resource management (an agricultural development programme that has focused on introduction of improved varieties of maize, and on production of orchard fruits such as apples, plums, pears and cherries); biodiversity surveying and monitoring; forest management; and activities for the improvement of health, nutrition and sanitation.

“The project has worked to strengthen social organisations and community participation in development in Palas,” Rab explains. “One of the ground rules is that the benefiting community must be committed to development, and that this must be demonstrated through contributions of labour or materials. The sense of ownership and responsibility for the work is increased, and communities learn what organised self-help can achieve.” One result was the formation of a coalition of valley organisations, the Palas Conservation and Development Federation (PCDF).

The Western Tragopan has certainly benefited from the project’s work in the valley: the population has increased since 1990, when surveys began. Just how much the valley’s human communities have benefited became clear in the days following the earthquake.

Because the BirdLife/WPA/ WWF-Pakistan teams were on the ground, knew the valley and its community, and had access to extensive and accurate GIS (geographical information system) data, they were able to co-ordinate and direct the aid that came in from NGOs like Malteser International, from UN agencies, and from Pakistan’s army and government. “We were also the only ‘agencies’ willing to work in Kohistan— the UN is not allowed to enter the district for security reasons,” Rab says. “We were required to become aid workers, with no training or warning.”

With the bridle-paths and the road into the valley unusable, the project staff used their contacts to secure a few helicopter flights into the Valley. The first carried two project staff, a volunteer, and relief goods. This was followed by others bringing in doctors and supplies such as tents, blankets and plastic sheets, and carrying out the severely injured. As well as warm clothing, food and medicine, post-traumatic psychological treatment was needed for those in shock, and cases of pneumonia were already being reported.

One of the most important tasks was to get an accurate picture of the damage to human life, infrastructure, livestock and natural resources, so that relief efforts could be focused effectively. The project staff worked on this with the help of the PCDF. Most of the human deaths had been caused by boulders rolling down steep slopes while people were busy cutting grass for winter fodder. It took a lot of time to find all the bodies.

“We lost a lot of friends and relatives of staff, some of them very dear to us,” Rab says.

The livestock on which communities depend for food, for cheese and other dairy products for sale, and for transport and pulling-power, were hard hit: nearly 1,900 buffaloes, cows and oxen, sheep

and goats, horses and donkeys were either struck by boulders while out at pasture, or buried under collapsed houses. “The houses are built of kasha— wooden poles, stone and mud— and livestock live on the lower floor,” Rab explains.

More than half of all the houses in the valley were destroyed, and most of the remainder made uninhabitable.

Rab says his own house survived the earthquake, but has been steadily shaken to pieces by the thousands of aftershocks. “Bearing in mind that the average household size is 12, there were approximately 3,000 people in dire need of winterised shelter, and 36,000 who either required support repairing their houses or would also need winterised shelters, since it was unlikely that houses near the snowline could be repaired before spring.”

It was not only hard for relief to get in, but also hard for Palasis to get out, to get food and medical supplies, or to take their goods to market. Some of the “non-timber forest products” on which they depend for income were lost in the earthquake. Beehives, often built into walls in the valley, were destroyed along with them. The honey sells at around US$13 a kilo.

Funding was made available by the UK government’s Department for International Development (DFID-Pakistan) to cover the operating costs of the project, including the hire of jeeps and trucks. By the time winter began to tighten its grip, winterised shelters had already reached the households most at risk, and more were on the way.

Medical camps had been set up to treat the injured, many of them suffering from spinal injuries. Mobile laboratories and ultrasound machines had been provided, and a female doctor—the first ever allowed in the valley—was on hand to provide medical care to women.

But much of the aid might not have reached its destination—and isolated

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More than 20,000 people faced life in the open at the onset of the Himalayan winter. But winterised shelters reached the households most at risk (all photographs Rab Nawaz)

Palas Valley on road to recovery

TOP Oxen were among the 1,900 livestock killed by falling boulders and collapsing houses. Palasis depend on their animals for food, transport and work (Nigel Bean) BELOW Kashmir Nuthatch Sitta cashmirensis, one of eight Western Himalayan endemics found in Palas Valley (Nigel Bean)

households might have been forgotten—if it had not been for the PCDF, who secured and distributed much of the aid.

Rab describes them as “formidable”.

“One of the success stories has been the emergence of the PCDF. They proved to the community that they have an important part to play in the development of the valley,” he says. “And being on the front

line, they understand the tribes and their culture. For example, traditionally, if one person gets aid, then others have to, even if they haven’t suffered. PCDF had to explain that it couldn’t be done.”

David Thomas, Head of BirdLife’s Site Action Unit, says that in the days since the earthquake, “this Federation has shown itself a capable and effective institution for

The Babbler 20 – December 2006

delivering relief goods to the valley, demonstrating the value of investing in local institutions with their roots in the community.”

Rab says that just as in the 1992 floods, the project’s infrastructure in the valley, their local knowledge and the commitment of staff, BirdLife, WPA and WWFPakistan have been able to provide relief more effectively and efficiently than the government and other official sources. “Though relief is given unconditionally, people do know and appreciate the efforts that we are doing, and will probably be easier to work with in the future.”

Thanks to the generosity of their supporters, BirdLife International and WPA were able to raise significant amounts of money through appeals, allowing them to undertake activities which other agencies were not covering.

The money raised through the BirdLife appeal will be used to re-construct some of the vital infrastructure. Labour and expertise from outside the Valley will be needed to rebuild the bridges, bridle paths, watermills and minihydroelectric plants.

“Livestock rearing has traditionally provided the people of Palas with security against uncertainty in crop production,” says Thomas. “We need to minimise further losses of livestock to disease and poor nutrition, so that a healthy herd is in place to ensure rapid recovery. We want to provide on-farm services such as vaccination and veterinary care of the available stock. There’s an urgent need for fodder, since much of what was collected locally prior to the earthquake has been lost, and the mountainsides are still unsafe for grass collection.”

If communities are not to become dependent on food-aid and other assistance, they will need help to recover their farmland. Most cultivated land is on steep slopes. In many

The Western Himalayas EBA extends from northern Pakistan and adjacent parts of Afghanistan to western Nepal. It supports 11 bird species found nowhere else in the world. Eight of these species occur in the Palas Valley (Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus, White-cheeked Tit Aegithalos leucogenys, White-throated Tit A. niveogularis, Brooks’s Leafwarbler Phylloscopus subviridis, Tytler’s Leaf-warbler P. tytleri, Kashmir Nuthatch Sitta cashmirensis, Spectacled Finch Callacanthis burtoni and Orange Bullfinch Pyrrhula aurantiaca).

places the terraces have collapsed, and need immediate repair if this year’s crops are to be sown. Traditionally this activity would be carried out by the family under a “hashaar”, a community-based, unpaid collective effort. “In the current situation many of the displaced families are not in a position to take part, and so the most effective way to re-construct the terracing is by hiring labour,” Thomas says.

Rab says that though the earthquake has delayed project and development activities, it has revived interest in the Valley among NGOs and other supporters. The Federation— which has been legally registered since the earthquake—has attracted the attention of some large donors looking for longterm projects to support.

But he says there are important lessons to be learned from the experience in Palas, and the much greater levels of devastation suffered in nearby valleys. “We have to make sure that government, local communities and the general public take issues such as environment and forests seriously, especially in terms of their importance in mitigating damage during such natural disasters.”

WB Nick Langley

Source: World Birdwatch June 2006

9 BirdLife International in Indochina

Regional news ChindwinȱHydroȬelectricȱdamȱmayȱforceȱ30,000ȱpeopleȱtoȱrelocate The town of Khamti in Myanmar on the border with India would be submerged and its 30,000 inhabitants forced to move if a proposed hydro-electric dam project goes ahead, say environmentalists. The project, mainly intended to supply electricity to India, would also displace 35 villages of the Kuki whose land would be part of the 17,000 acres likely to be flooded. These are the conclusions of the India-based Kuki Students’ Democratic Front, Tamanthi Dam Campaign Committee and environmentalists in Yangon. Lu Lun, one of the leaders of the Kuki students’ group, said: “So far there has not been any consultation with the affected Kuki people.”

Chindwin River at dawn. Photo: J C Eames

A memo of understanding has been signed between the Myanmar government and India’s National Hydro-electric Power Corporation which would build and operate the dam. It’s not known when the project, to be located on the Chindwin river which passes through Khamti, will be built or at what financial cost.

The Tamanthi hydro-dam is meant to have a generating capacity of 1,200 megawatts—more than Myanmar’s entire current generating capacity. Similar sized hydro-dams being built in Laos, or planned on the Salween River near Myanmar’s border with Thailand, are budgeted to cost close to or above US $1 billion, analysts note.

NGOs and environmentalists say most of the people who would be directly affected by the Tamanthi project are Kuki, an ethnic group who live on both sides of the India-Myanmar border. Naga people would also be affected. Yangon-based journalists told The Irrawaddy that surveys of the likely social and environmental impact of the hydro-dam are now under way. “The residents there are not very happy to hear that they must move,” said one.

The environmentalists also warned that the proposed dam development could encroach on part of Myanmar’s largest national park—Hukaung Valley Wildlife Sanctuary—and threaten endangered wildlife, including tigers and leopards.

The World Bank has estimated that Myanmar, which produces very little electricity—less than 1,000 megawatts—has the potential from its rivers to produce up to 100,000 megawatts a year. Up to 80 percent of the electricity planned to be generated at Tamanthi will go to India, and most of the power produced by a 600-megawatt hydro-dam to be built at Hatgyi on the Salween will go to Thailand.

The Irrawaddy, August 30, 2006

BantengȱpoachedȱinȱEaȱSoȱNatureȱReserve,ȱDakȱLakȱProvince,ȱVietnam

On June 6, rangers of the Ea So Nature Reserve discovered and confiscated the head and limbs of a Banteng Bos javanicus from four local hunters. The hunters, residents of Ea Kar District in Dak Lak province were arrested.

Law Newspaper, Vietnam June 9, 2006

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10 BirdLife International in Indochina

ȱ

PrimateȱConservationȱTrainingȱCourseȱforȱVietnam Vietnam is home to one of the most diverse primate faunas globally, with 25 taxa in six genera. Despite this diversity, the status of Vietnam’s primates is a litany of tragedy. All of the country’s five endemic species are listed as Critically Endangered, while fully 88% of the more widely distributed species were provisionally assessed as threatened at a recent IUCN Asian Primate Red List workshop. When compared to the global percentage of threatened primates (37%) (Mittermeier et al. 2005), it is clear that Vietnam’s primates are in crisis.

To complement activities attempting to address this crisis, a primate conservation training course was launched at the Hanoi University of Science (HUS) on August 7, 2006. The course is a collaborative venture between Conservation International (CI), HUS, and the University of Colorado (CU) at Boulder.

“This is the first training course of its kind offered in Vietnam,” said Prof. Covert of CU. “We hope that by combining the skills and experience of Vietnamese and foreign researchers working within the field we can provide a great basis for young Vietnamese researchers who are interested in pursuing primatology.”

The intensive 3-week course trained 30 individuals from across the country, selected from more than 150 applicants. Trainees included university lecturers and students and FPD, protected area, and conservation NGO staff. Over 75 hours of lectures were presented by the core instruction team of Prof.

Covert (CU), Ben Rawson (ANU/CI), Mr. Vu Ngoc Thanh (HUS) and Jake Brunner (CI) and Vietnamese and foreign guest lecturers, covering topics as diverse as taxonomy, anatomy, behaviour, ecology, conservation tactics, field methods, data analysis, and scientific and grant writing.

“For several years CI has supported primate Students at Van Long Nature Reserve, Ninh Binh Province, conservation in Vietnam,” commented Jake Brunner Watching the Critically Endangered Delacour’s Langur. of CI, “but this has been through project funding.

Photo: Jake Brunner.

We are now taking the next step by building a cadre of young Vietnamese primatologists who are capable of addressing the long-term conservation issues facing Vietnamese primates.”

Trainees have been invited to submit research proposals that will compete for funds provided by CI. “These grants are very important,” said Mr. Vu Ngoc Thanh. “They will allow trainees to use the skills they have learned during the course while having the close guidance of the training team for support.”

The course will be offered again in 2007.

Mittermeier, R. A., Valladares-Padua, C., Rylands, A. B., Eudey, A. A., Butynski, T. M., Ganzhorn, J. U., Kormos, R., Aguiar, J. M. and Walker, S. (2005). Primates in Peril: The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates 2004-2006. IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group, International Primatological Society, Conservation International.

Ben Rawson, Australian National University and Conservation International

Swiftletȱechoȱclicksȱandȱsocialȱvocalizations

Swiftlets are a common sight across much of Asia, and of enormous economic importance in areas where their nests are collected to make ‘bird’s nest soup’. Although the different species often have very similar plumage, their nests often differ quite significantly in construction. They are also notable in including most bird species known to echolocate (except the Oilbird Steatornis caripennis of South America), a necessary adaptation of some swiftlet species to navigate into the depth of caves where they nest.

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11 BirdLife International in Indochina

A recent scientific paper reports on some interesting results of a study on echo clicks of eight swiftlet species and social vocalisations of 27 swifts and swiftlet species1. Echo clicks were mainly identifiable to species by differing frequencies. Both echo clicks and social vocalizations were found to be quite consistently identifiable and specific to individual species, suggesting that both are used for social communication.

The authors hypothesize that echo clicks evolved in the Collocaliini swiftlets, but have been lost or degraded in some species to trills with only a low potential for echolocation (such as Cave Swiftlet Collocalia linchi). However, they could find no pattern in vocalizations that mirrors the phylogenetic relationship among swiftlets.

Edible-nest Swiftlets Collocalia fuciphaga nesting in a waterfront house in Myeik, Tanintharyi Division, Myanmar. Photo: J C Eames

John Pilgrim, Conservation Advisor, BirdLife International in Indochina

1 Thomassen, H. A. and Povel, G. D. E. (2006) Comparative and phylogenetic analysis of the echo clicks and social vocalizations of swiftlets (Aves: Apodidae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 88: 631-643.

WorldȱBirdwatchȱVietnamȱ2006 Thousands of people from 16 Asian countries united in their love of birds, tried to observe the region’s varied and impressive avian inhabitants, as part of BirdLife’s Asia Birdwatch 2006 during October 2006. The event was the biggest of its kind in Asia. It aimed to promote the wonder and beauty of birds by helping as many people as possible to experience the region’s spectacular diversity of birds. Asian Birdwatch was part of the global World Birdwatch event, taking place in 77 countries and kick-starting BirdLife International's month-long celebration of birds, the World Bird Festival.

On September 30 and October 1, the BirdLife International Vietnam Programme organised a birdwatching trip to Xuan Thuy National Park. Participants included representatives of the media, Vietnam Birdwatching Club members, foreign and local birders and BirdLife staff. Highlights included the first Blackfaced Spoonbill Platalea minor of the year (a globally Endangered species, for which Xuan Thuy is a key wintering site), 15 Painted Storks Mycteria leucocephala (globally Near Threatened), and wading through the sea at high tide to an island full of migrating birds!

“Birdwatching is still a novelty and a new pastime for most people here in Vietnam.

BirdLife is delighted to join forces with Victoria Hotels and Resorts to promote the event in Vietnam this year.” said Mr. Jonathan C. Eames, Programme Manager

The Babbler 20 – December 2006

Fifteen Painted Storks Mycteria leucocephala were recorded at Xuan Thuy National Park, Nam Dinh Province on September 30. Photo: Nguyen Tran Hieu/Vietnam Birdwatching Club

12 BirdLife International in Indochina of BirdLife International in Indochina.

Victoria Hotels and Resorts also participated in World Bird Watch by inviting about 20 high school students from Chau Doc town, An Giang Province to visit Tra Su Nature Reserve on October 7. The trip was be led by Mr. Hanno Stamm, General Manager of Victoria Can Tho Resort and a keen birder.

BirdLife International in Indochina News release, October 5, 2006

WorldȱBirdȱFestivalȱinȱChauȱDoc In an effort to promote an interest in the environment in general, and in birds in particular, a visit was organized to Tra Su forest near Chau Doc, An Giang Province in October 7, 2006 as a part BirdLife’s World Bird Festival 2006. The participants included local high school students, members of the press, and employees of the Victoria Chau Doc Hotel.

For the students, it was their first visit to Tra Su, and they enjoyed seeing birds, bats, lizards and snakes close-up. Bird highlights included Asian Openbill Storks, numerous recently fledged Little Egrets, Black-crowned Night Herons, and Oriental Darters.

During a boat trip through Tra Su, the students had time to ask Mr. Hanno Stamm, General Manager of the Victoria Can Tho Resort, and a keen birdwatcher, many questions about birds and nature.

Mr. Stamm commented: “The idea is to show the younger generation in particular their natural heritage, and to persuade them to think about how it can be conserved. Not only are children our future, they are also the future generation who must understand the need to make greater efforts now to protect Vietnam’s environment and bird life for the future. I think that today the young people here became aware of the wonders that exist on their door step, and I hope that this will kindle an interest in their environment”.

“I do hope to make this excursion an annual event, with the help of Victoria Hotels and Resorts, as we are committed to protecting the environment of Vietnam country”, he added.

Students, on their first visit to Tra Su Photo: Hanno Stamm, Victoria Can Tho Resort

Tra Su has a roost of Flying Foxes Photo: Hanno Stamm, Victoria Can Tho Resort

BirdLife International in Indochina News release, October 16, 2006

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ImportantȱBirdȱAreasȱandȱPotentialȱRamsarȱSitesȱinȱAsiaȱLaunchedȱ inȱVietnamȱ On 19th October 2006, as part of World Bird Festival 2006, the BirdLife International-Vietnam Programme held a launch for “Important Bird Areas and Potential Ramsar Sites in Asia”. The launch was attended by representatives from a number of international and national institutions active in wetland conservation in Vietnam, including the Vietnam Environmental Protection Agency (VEPA), the national administrative authority for the Ramsar Convention in Vietnam.

The book describes 1,111 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in 28 Asian countries and territories that meet criteria for Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites). At least one IBA was identified as a potential Ramsar Site in each country and territory. A total of 144 Ramsar Sites had been designated by the Contracting Parties within Asia, as of August 2005.

Of these, 123 (85%) overlap with one or more IBAs. Some of the Ramsar Contracting Parties in the Asia region have designated more than 20% of their potential Ramsar Sites, including Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand. However, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, and South Korea have designated less than 5% of their potential sites. Eight countries and territories in the region are not yet Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention, and it was recommended that they accede to it and begin the process of designating some of their potential Ramsar Sites.

Front cover of the Book Source: BirdLife

As for Vietnam, 27 of 63 IBAs meet Ramsar site criteria, but so far only two IBAs have been designated as Ramsar Sites, namely Xuan Thuy National Park (Nam Dinh Province) and Bau Sau Lake, Cat Tien National Park (Dong Nai Province).

“This publication is a small contribution by the BirdLife International Asian Partnership in facilitating the identification, designation and protection of more wetlands areas in Asia which meet Ramsar criteria for birds. We hope it will support active participation by Vietnam to the Ramsar Convention as this book indicates a further 25 potential Ramsar Sites in Vietnam”, Mrs Pham Tuan Anh, BirdLife Vietnam Programme Manager, said.

Mrs Pham Viet Hong, representative of VEPA, said: “This publication will be an important reference document for the proposal of new Ramsar sites in Vietnam. In addition, we strongly believe that with its solid experience in study of birds and wetlands areas, BirdLife International, and the BirdLife International Vietnam Programme in particular, will make an important contribution to Vietnam’s implementation of the conservation and wise-use of wetlands”. She added that VEPA needs support from organizations and individuals in efforts for conservation and sustainable management of wetlands in Vietnam, especially in view of VEPA’s commitment to designate at least five new Ramsar sites before 2008.

BirdLife International in Indochina News release, November 2, 2006

ThailandȱMayȱDelayȱControversialȱDamȱProjectȱinȱMyanmar Piyasvasti Amranand, Thailand’s energy minister is considering a move to refocus the country’s hydropower projects from Myanmar to Laos, according to a source close to the minister. The projects in Myanmar, including the Tasang dam, are just plans at the moment that need more time for discussion by the cabinet, not only by the ministry, the source said. These projects are being cited as the reason for record foreign investment in Myanmar, which stands at more than US $6 billion for the 2005-2006 fiscal year, according to a recent Associated Press report.

Thailand invested $6.03 billion in energy sector projects—mainly for the 7,100-megawatt Tasang hydropower plant on Myanmar’s Salween River in southern Shan State. Thailand has also invested in the 3,000-megawatt Namtoen 2 power plant in Laos, which is expected to be online by the end of 2006 and provide electricity to Thailand over a 25-year period. The Namtoen 2 plant will soon be operational, and therefore may constitute a better focus for Thailand’s energy efforts, according to the ministry source.

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14 BirdLife International in Indochina Environmental and human rights activists called on the Thai government in September to withdraw their support for the Salween project, claiming the work would displace thousands of households and permanently damage the local environment. An agreement on the Salween project was reached last April between Thailand’s MDX construction company and the Ministry of Energy’s department of hydroelectric power, under deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s cabinet. But activists are still concerned that the project will go forward even if the Thailand’s interim government revokes its investment.

Sai Sai, a coordinator of Saleween Watch, said the environmental activist group has discussed a new campaign against the project in November, but that they are waiting to see how the interim government will proceed. The Salween project is expected to take 15 years to complete, at a cost of $6 billion.

The Irrawaddy, October 18, 2006

TonkinȱSnubȬnosedȱMonkey RhinopithecusȱavunculusȱinȱChamȱChu NatureȱReserveȱsufferȱfurtherȱdecline During a recent survey in Cham Chu Nature Reserve, Tuyen Quang Province, Vietnam, there was no sighting of the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Rhinopithecus avunculus. Based on field data and interview information it was concluded that the population of Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey in the reserve is declining rapidly and that only a small group of 8-12 individuals exists in the U Tum and Khau Sang areas.

A major threat to Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey and other wildlife in this area is hunting pressure. Researchers could hear from 3 to 10 gunshots daily. The numbers of gunshots depended on the area and the amount of moonlight. Evidence was acquired that a Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey was killed recently in the Cham Chu Nature Reserve.

Another threat to Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey habitat is habitat destruction. In some areas, forest was replaced by orange farms and other crops up to 600 m in elevation. Illegal logging and non-timber forest product collection were ongoing in the surveyed areas. No reliable evidence of the presence of Francois’ Leaf Monkey T. f. francoisi was found during the survey and the existence of this species in the reserve remains to be confirmed. Local reports from Ban Hiep suggest there may be a group of 15 individuals in the Khau sang area. Other mammal densities appear to be very low in Cham Chu Nature Reserve. Only seven of the 18 species recorded were seen during surveys and the rest were noted from tracks, feeding signs, and reliable reports.

Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Rhinopithecus avunculus at Khau Ca. Photo: Dong Thanh Hai

Dong Thanh Hai et al, Forestry University of Vietnam, Department of Wildlife Management, July 2006

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Moreȱevidenceȱfor twoȱspeciesȱofȱHwamei A molecular analysis of Hwamei Garrulax canorus supports recognition of at least two species within this taxon1, Chinese Hwamei G. canorus and Taiwanese Hwamei G. taewanus, hot on the heels of similar recommendations in a paper reported in Babbler 192. These studies are both much needed and, by helping our understanding of systematics and biogeography in Asia, will facilitate efficient prioritisation of scarce conservation resources.

Subspecies of Hwamei have been described from central and southern China and northern Indochina (G. c. canorus), Hainan (G. c. owstoni), and Taiwan (G. c. taewanus). During the last glacial peak, all of these areas were connected by land but temperate broadleaf forest was restricted to areas in south and central China, and the north of Taiwan. Habitat separation at this time was probably the cause of differentiation between G. c. canorus and G. c. taewanus. G. c. owstoni was probably isolated from mainland populations on Hainan later, during sea level rise after the last glaciation, and so only has a smaller degree of differentiation2.

Mainland or Hainan Hwamei introduced into Taiwan for the wild bird trade, and subsequently released or escaped, could pose a serious threat if they hybridise with Taiwanese Hwamei. Research into the frequency of this is a priority2.

1

Shou-Hsien Li, Jing-Wen Li, Lian-Xian Han, Cheng-Te Yao, Haitao Shi, Fu-Min Lei and Chungwei Yen (2006) Species delimitation in the Hwamei Garrulax canorus. Ibis 148: 698-706.

2

Collar, N. J. (2006) A partial revision of the Asian babblers (Timaliidae) Forktail 22: 85-112.

John Pilgrim, Conservation Advisor, BirdLife International

ImportanceȱofȱlimestoneȱkarstȱinȱSouthȬEastȱAsia Anyone who has spent time in northern Vietnam, for example around Cuc Phuong National Park, may have been stunned by the scale at which the spectacular limestone karst or outcrops are being removed for production of cement – the major threat to this ecosystem. With the rapid rate of construction in the country, even this is not yet enough to satisfy domestic demand for cement. This issue is not restricted to Vietnam, but also many other parts of South East Asia, with Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam having protected the least limestone karst habitat1.

Because of the amount of attention paid in the region to widespread (if rare) lowland forest species such as tigers and elephants, it is often forgotten that limestone karst areas contain high numbers of species with very restricted distributions. A recent paper2 highlights this intrinsic biodiversity value of limestone karst, points out the paucity of research on these ecosystems, quantifies the scale of the threats, and also suggests that these rugged outcrops are serving an important role as ‘arks’ of biodiversity that previously occurred more widely in the region and could thus – if conserved – play an important role in restoring ecosystem functioning in the future. Indeed, karst systems even now provide an important ecosystem service by regulating water flow – when removed, rainfall more quickly reaches underground streams and is then lost to the sea rather than slowly being released to surrounding natural habitats or agriculture.

1

Day MJ, Urich PB. 2000. An assessment of protected karst landscapes in Southeast Asia. Cave and Karst Science 27: 61–70.

2

Clements, R., Sodhi, N. S., Schilthuizen, M. and Ng, P. K. L. (2006) Limestone Karsts of Southeast Asia: Imperiled Arks of Biodiversity. BioScience 56 (9): 733-742.

John Pilgrim, Conservation Advisor, BirdLife International

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TheȱHanoiȱEnvironmentalȱEducationȱProjectȱ(HEEP):ȱ ȱ2006ȱinȱaȱNutshellȱ Introduction Since its launch in 2001, HEEP has been working with more then 20 primary and lower secondary schools in Hanoi to develop contents, methodologies and educational tools for innovative Environmental Education. HEEP is based at the Hanoi Retraining College for Teachers and Educational Managers (HRCTEM), a branch of the Hanoi Education and Training Department (HETD) and receives support from the Flemish Association for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance (VVOB).

The project aims to provide in-service training for teachers and principals to help give environmental awareness a more central position in the curriculum of Hanoi’s education system. Crucial to HEEP’s methodology is a clear choice not only to focus on the transfer of knowledge, but also to pay sufficient attention to methodological and pedagogical aspects of EE. Overview 2006 With the aim to strengthen capacities of schools, HEEP has been preparing and planning for the third phase since the beginning of 2006. Prioritizing and ensuring the effective use of the available resources, HEEP chooses to invest in the quality of its work and to that end intensifies its support in a small number of schools. Mini-projects, are now well underway in 3 primary schools and 2 lower secondary schools. Each mini-project has a specific scope and strategy and schools take the main responsibility in their design and implementation. Different topics are: the development of an eco-garden, the establishment of a waste corner, and the strengthening of environmental clubs. The mini-projects aim at approaching EE more holistically and integrated in the community, the school and in the curriculum of the learners. In the first week of October about twenty people took part in a training course that aimed at establishing awareness on some basic aspects of the development of EE and the projects. From November onwards, and up until the end of the school year schools will design, implement and evaluate their project’s activities and work together on the design of a manual for teachers and principals. During the different stages of the projects’ development, the schools are assisted by a coach, a team responsible for the training and a number of experts on different topics related to EE. In the second quarter, a teaching EE-week was organized to mobilize schools involved in HEEP. The best examples of integrated and extra-curricular EE were selected, are now being edited, and will be distributed to the schools in Hanoi and other interested stakeholders in EE. This manual will be available in the last quarter of 2006. In close collaboration with PanNature, a local NGO based in Hanoi, a manual was developed to reach out to those who wish to develop EE using an experiential approach. This manual will also be available in the last quarter of 2006.

Recently also, a fieldtrip to Halong Bay was organized, and in November HEEP will participate in conference organized

by VVOB and the Centre for Experiential Education of Leuven University. Different VVOB-projects, both working in the field of EE and in other education related fields in Asia, Africa and Latin America will participate and share ideas and experiences on their educational work.

HEEP c/o HRCTEM Cua Bac 67b Hanoi Tel: +84-4-7340807 www.heep.edu.vn gdmoitruong@yahoo.co.uk

Toon De Bruyn, Coordinator Hanoi Environmental Education Project, Flemish Association for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance – Hanoi Retraining College for Teachers and Educational Managers

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ColonyȱofȱChineseȱEgretsȱFoundȱinȱShangdongȱProvinceȱ

An important new breeding colony of around 100 pairs of Chinese Egrets Egretta eulophotes has been discovered off the Shandong coast of China, thanks to seabird survey work funded by a British Birdwatching Fair/RSPB Research Fund for Endangered Birds grant.

Researchers Qiao Yi-lun and Liu Yang of the Beijing Bird Watching Society came across the egrets amongst large breeding colonies of Black-tailed Gulls Larus crassirostris on the tiny (13.2 ha) island of Hailü Dao, which lies 1.6 km north-east of Rongcheng City, Shangdong. Images of the adult birds, their nests, eggs and chicks were recorded. According to local people, the egrets first nested on the island in 2001 and have been increasing in numbers ever since.

Chinese Egrets breed only on small offshore islands in Russia, the Korean peninsula and mainland China, and winter in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines and elsewhere in South-East Asia.

The colony of Chinese Egrets on Hailü Dao, China. Photo: Qiao Yi-lun

With a world population estimated at 2,600–3,400 pairs, the species is classified as Vulnerable. The new colony represents a significant percentage of this total, indicating the significant conservation value of the island, which is a famous location amongst wildlife photographers.

Although currently unprotected, egg collecting is strictly prohibited on Hailü Dao, and there are no permanent settlements on the island.

BirdLife International, December 13, 2006

Lenya:ȱMyanmar’sȱHiddenȱTreasureȱ Deep in the interior of Tanintharyi Division in southern Myanmar are the forests of Lenya and Ngawun. These forests are one of the top global priorities for conservation, rich in endangered wildlife but currently unprotected. They are truly Myanmar’s hidden treasure but time to ensure their protection is running out.

The lowland forests of southern Tanintharyi Division have been identified by Myanmar and international scientists as a global conservation priority because they support many wildlife species that are threatened with extinction or are found nowhere else on Earth.

Lowland forest is one of the world’s most biologically diverse yet fastest disappearing forest types. Amongst the species found in Lenya is a species of bird, the Critically Endangered Gurney’s Pitta Pitta gurneyi.

When a species is listed as Critically Endangered it means there is a very real risk of the species becoming globally extinct in the near future. The Gurney’s Pitta was first discovered in the lowland forests of southern Myanmar in the 19th Century. It is also found in much smaller numbers in neighboring Thailand. The Gurney’s Pitta has become so rare is because of the almost total destruction and conversion of lowland forests in Male Gurney’s Pitta Pitta gurneyi. southern Thailand and Myanmar to oil palm and rubber Photo: Kanit Khanikul/Friends of Gurney's Pitta estates. Once the habitat of a species has gone its extinction is assured. Fortunately, Myanmar, unlike Thailand, still retains significant areas of lowland forest and Lenya and Ngawun support the largest remaining numbers of Gurney’s Pitta on Earth.

“Conserving Lenya/Ngawun is not just about saving a pretty little bird species from extinction,” said Jonathan Eames, Programme Manager for BirdLife International, “The issue is far greater than that: Gurney’s Pitta is an emblem for the

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18 BirdLife International in Indochina plight facing lowland forests in Myanmar. Protecting Lenya/Ngawun as a national park will conserve many other species for which the forests of Myanmar were once famous but have now become rare because of over-hunting and forest destruction. The forests of Lenya/Ngawun also support one of the two most important remaining Tiger populations in Myanmar as well as Elephants and Asian Tapir” added Eames.

No fully representative example of the lowland forests of southern Myanmar is currently contained within the national protected areas system. Plans do exist to establish Lenya National Park but the process of formal gazettement for inclusion in the protected areas system of Myanmar appear stalled. However, the currently proposed park boundaries contain mostly hill forest, excluding critical lowland forest habitats. In early 2004 BirdLife International and local partner the Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association (BANCA) identified a 50,000 ha area of lowland forest at Ngawun, adjacent to but outside the proposed Lenya National Park boundaries, and jointly believe this lowland forest should be set aside for conservation within the framework of an expanded Lenya National Park.

“The choice is not between conservation and development as many mistakenly believe,” says Eames, “but conservation for development.” He adds, “The key to sustainable economic growth in the region is rational land-use planning.

Establishing Lenya National Park will contribute to regional economic development by conserving an important watershed, vital for maintaining the water supplies to neighboring oil palm estates. The eco-tourism potential of this area is also huge and totally untapped.”

BirdLife International in Indochina News release, November 30, 2006

CambodiaȱAnnouncesȱProtectionȱofȱBengalȱFloricanȱHabitatȱ The Government of Cambodia has made a significant step towards protecting important habitat for the Bengal Florican Eupodotis bengalensis. In an effort to save this Endangered flagship species from extinction, more than one hundred miles of grassland habitat is to be set aside as Integrated Farming and Biodiversity Areas (IFBAs).

Restricted to tiny fragments of grassland scattered across Cambodia, Nepal and India, the Bengal Florican — the world’s rarest bustard — is known to have become increasingly threatened by land conversion for intensive agriculture, particularly from dry-season rice production. Cambodia, estimated to have fewer than 1,000 individuals, holds the world’s largest population of floricans.

Surveys in spring of this year highlighted the disappearance of grassland habitat in Kampong Thom and Siem Reap provinces, as a key reason behind the decline in Bengal Floricans. The florican has suffered enormous declines The area will cover over 30,000 ha because of large-scale changes in agricultural techniques that have occurred near the Tonle Sap lake. throughout South-East Asia. The surveys were undertaken by BirdLife Photo: Allan Michaud International alongside the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the University of East Anglia (UK), the Wildlife Protection Office and the Department of Nature Conservation and Parks, both government organisations.

The surveys highlighted the importance of traditional agricultural practices – grazing, burning and scrub-clearance – in ensuring populations of floricans can be sustained. This led to successful proposals for the designation of IFBAs – Integrated Farming and Biodiversity Areas.

"By incorporating and promoting suitable agricultural techniques, we have a sustainable option for ensuring the Bengal Florican can still exist in this region” —Jonathan Eames, BirdLife Indochina Programme Manager “Bengal Floricans thrive in habitats that are also used by local communities for a range of crucial livelihood activities.

Indeed, without human use, much of the habitat would probably become unsuitable." said Jonathan Eames, BirdLife Indochina Programme Manager. "Rapid agricultural change driven by larger investors is harming the birds and also has impacts on local smallholders. By incorporating and promoting suitable agricultural techniques, we have a sustainable option for ensuring the Bengal Florican can still exist in this region” The decision to set up the IFBAs has come from Nam Thum, the provincial governor of Cambodia’s Kampong Thom province, near Phnom Penh. The area will cover over 30,000 ha near the Tonle Sap lake. The decisions have been commended by BirdLife International and WCS. “We wholeheartedly applaud this decision and are encouraged that further areas may soon afford a similar status,” said Eames.

IFBA proposals are being developed in three other nearby provinces, increasing the total number of floricans that can be conserved and widening the social benefits.

BirdLife International, November 22, 2006

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Important Bird Areas News RoadȱConstructionȱThreatensȱHponkanȱRaziȱWildlifeȱSanctuary,ȱ KachinȱState,ȱMyanmarȱȱ On a recent trip to Hponkan Razi Wildlife Sanctuary in the northern state of Kachin in Myanmar, we found road construction from Saengang village up towards Wasadum well underway. We spoke to a government engineer who had been camping in a lean-to of branches and plastic tarpaulins on a ridge top about halfway between the two villages. He told us that the government has plans to push the road through to the Mullar River beyond Ziyadum village to Chaung Camp. The rationale behind the road is to allow access to domestic and international tourists who want to see snow and mountains! Apparently, the road building has already been delayed a number of times by landslips and rain but good progress seems to be being made at present (November 2006). The unmade road is narrow and very unstable in many places with many very tight bends. It will surely be adversely affected again during the rainy season.

Susan Myers

A scar on the landscape. Photo: Susan Myers

The view from the Pass between Saengang and Ziyadum, looking towards Putao. Two weeks prior to this, the ridge had been just traversable on foot. Photo: Susan Myers

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ContinuedȱDeclineȱofȱXuanȱThuyȱNationalȱPark Xuan Thuy may now be a national park and it may have a swanky new headquarters but a recent visit revealed just how much the quality and extent of the habitat in and surrounding the national park has declined over the last decade. When first established Xuan Thuy was famous for its large shrimp ponds where a low intensity aquaculture, dependent only on the nutrients carried by the incoming tide, was practiced. So large were the ponds that they were few in number and to the untrained eye, they almost appeared un-enclosed. Throughout the nineteen ninety’s these large ponds supported an extensive reed bed, probably the largest in northern Vietnam, which provided habitat for birds like the Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris and an impressive roost of harriers during the autumn. At this time the ponds also supported extensive stands of Kandelia candel and Sonneratia caseolaris mangroves, which provided cover for large flocks of wintering duck.

During the past decade however, the hand of man has also been at work intensifying the production of shrimp in the ponds. This has lead to the successive division and subdivision of shrimp ponds so that they are now much smaller with many more kilometres of embankment having been constructed. This has facilitated improved access and has lead to greater human disturbance. There are fewer traditional wattle and thatch houses and more of a permanent nature. There are more dogs and there are many more people about. As part of the intensification process the reed bed has now been totally destroyed and the areas of mangrove within the ponds has been significantly reduced. Although technically some of the areas affected lie outside the national park, they do lie within the Ramsar site so these changes are a cause for conservation concern.

Above any other habitat, Xuan Thuy is famous for its vast areas of inter-tidal mud flats which support large numbers of migratory shorebirds. Here too there have been great changes which have been partially as a result of aforestation with Kandelia candel. Huge areas of mudflats, so important as feeding and roosting areas for the globally threatened Black-faced Spoonbills Platelea minor and Saunder’s Gulls Larus saundersi have been transformed into dense stands of mangrove. Numbers of wintering Blackfaced Spoonbills at Xuan Thuy have steadily declined over the last 15 years and it is more common now to find the small flock roosting on a shrimp-pond bund rather than out on the mudflats. Numbers of wintering Saunder’s Gulls are also now down and it’s a rare sight now to seen one quartering back and forth over the flats.

Black-faced Spoonbills roosting on a shrimp pond bund in November 2006. Photo: J C Eames

The mudflats were not only important for birds but provided a cash income to poorer households who lacked adequate land for rice cultivation or could not enjoy the benefits of the modern aquaculture industry. Folk who were economically and spatially marginalized eked-out a living alongside the birds. But not any more. It is ironic that the funding that sponsored some of the planting of the mangrove and the mudflat destruction was undertaken by the Danish Red Cross with funding from Danida. Presumably it was not their intention to deny the poor a livelihood and transform a national park. Other funding for aforestation came from government programmes that the national park director was forced to draw upon because at that time the park was not receiving central government funding for its management.

BirdLife’s involvement at this site has been a long one. In 2007 we will review and evaluate our activities at this important site and consider whether it is indeed feasible to make a positive contribution to the management of this site.

Jonathan C Eames Programme Manager

The Babbler 20 – December 2006

Black-faced Spoonbills feeding on an open mudflat are now a rare sight at Xuan Thuy. Photo: J C Eames

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Project updates BiodiversityȱSurveyȱStrengthensȱCaseȱforȱConservationȱofȱSiemȱ PangȱIBAȱȱ Western Siem Pang IBA is currently unprotected but threatened. BirdLife International and the Wildlife Protection Office (WPO) have been collaborating with local stakeholders since 2003 to initiate on-the-ground conservation management, using a community-based approach, focusing on the establishment of a Site-support Group at the site. Currently, this IBA is the subject of land claim by two large and powerful development companies who are attempting to either log the area or convert part of it to plantation. In recognition of its conservation importance BirdLife and WPO would like to see the area designated as a Protected Forest. An important step in the process to advance the designation of the site was taken during November and December when a biodiversity assessment by a team lead by Dr David Buckingham from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB, Birdlife Partner in the UK) and Prach Pich Phirun BirdLife/WPO Project Officer was undertaken.

The biodiversity survey team spent 42 days engaged on a range of activities including mapping all trapeangs in the study area and undertaking the first biodiversity assessment of the semi-evergreen forests in the northern part of the IBA. During the survey about 220 bird species, 21 species of mammals were recorded and 155 trapeangs were mapped.

The team found Giant Ibis Pseudibis gigantea all across the area. White shouldered ibis Pseudibis davisoni and vultures appeared scarcer further away from the cattle grazing areas around Siem Pang and surrounding villages.

Lesser Adjutants Leptoptilos javanicus were widespread and frequently encountered but Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus was recorded only twice. Access in to the semi-evergreen forest in the north of the study area was more difficult and the team finally cut a trail inland Dr. David Buckingham (left), Prach Pich Phirun (at right with from the Sekong River to one of the higher binoculars) and survey team members. Photo: J C Eames hills and used that for surveying. Here the team recorded a good range of species, including several ground specialists: Hooded Pitta sordida and Eared Pittas Pitta phayrei, Scaly-breasted Partridge Arborophila chloropus and Siamese Fireback Lophura diardi which was quite common.

The team also had a tantalizing, but unconfirmed sighting of an Arborophila partridge that looked like Orange-necked Partridge A. davidi. There were lots of good mammal signs on the north side of the O Khampa, including recent Tiger, Leopard, Sambar and Gaur footprints, plus a golden jackal.

The O Khampa stream was found to have virtually intact gallery forest, though there was evidence of illegal monkey hunting, involving tree-felling. There were plenty of Giant Ibis along the O Khampa and the Sekong River to the north, plus Green Peafowl Pavo muticus, Grey-headed Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus and an otter-sp, possibly Smooth Otter. Vultures and White-shouldered Ibis occur but are much less frequent than around Siem Pang. New information was collected concerning exploitation of the forests for timber, NTFP, fishing, hunting and farming. The data all appear to show interesting relationships between grazing intensity and wildlife distribution. The next step is to complete the report and maps and use these as part of the supporting documentation to promote the notification of the site as a Protected Forest.

Bou Vorsak, Prach Pich Phirun - BirdLife International Cambodia Programme

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Conservation’sȱActivitiesȱUnderwayȱinȱLomphatȱWildlifeȱSanctuary Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary (LWS) is located in the north-east of Cambodia covering an area of 2,500 km2 across the provinces of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri. The south-west of LWS lies within Mondulkiri province covering Koh Nhek district, while the rest lies within Ratanakiri province covering Kon Mum and Lomphat districts.

Heard of Gaur feeding in semi-evergreen forest of Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo by: LWS Rangers

During rainy season, some parts of the sanctuary are flooded by the Srepork River and its tributaries. The sanctuary is bounded by 24 villages, ten of which lie partially or entirely within the sanctuary. The forest cover of the sanctuary is predominantly dry deciduous forest with patches semievergreen forest, bamboo and grassland. This habitat mosaic is characteristic of the Lower Mekong Dry Forest Eco-region which covers a large tract of northern and eastern Cambodia. The open dry dipterocarp forests are of high international conservation importance due to the continued presence of Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Gaur, Banteng and a host of other rare and endangered large mammals and birds such as Giant Ibis Pseudibis gigantea and Slender-billed vulture Gyps tenuirostris. LWS is one site in Cambodia where the Kouprey may still exist, but it is also the nesting site of the endangered Sarus Crane Grus antigone and home to a colony of Whiterumped Vultures Gyps bengalensis.

With funding support from the MacArthur foundation, BirdLife International in collaboration with the Department of Nature Conservation and Protection (DNCP), Ministry of Environment, has recently begun implementing in Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary a three-year project entitled “Completing protected area systems in priority landscapes in Cambodia and Vietnam”. The purpose of this project to support and strengthen the mandated authorities, to establish and manage representative protected areas that fill gaps in existing conservation coverage within priority landscapes and, thereby, contribute to the wider conservation of the landscape.

The expected outcomes after the successful completion of this project include: Increased capacity of LWS staff to undertake conservation activities.

Reduced incursion and poaching levels within LWS. Improved conservation management through development of an operational protected area management plan.

Lessons learnt and shared with other initiatives in priority landscapes.

Mr. Ung Sam Oeun (Project Officer) and Mr. By Seng Leang (Assistant Project Officer) were both assigned by DNCP to collaborate with BirdLife International Cambodia Programme Office to implement the project activities in LWS. Currently, there are 30 rangers who are under the direct supervision of the LWS director and his assistant, whose task it is to carry out management activities such as illegal activity prevention, biodiversity monitoring, collect data of species, and work with communities in and adjacent to the sanctuary boundary.

As the project has only recently started, our project staff are very busy with the equipment, infrastructure, and training needs assessments, as well as undertaking a baseline assessment of poaching and incursion levels. It is expected that in first quarter of 2007, priority training need of LWS staff will be understood and training will then be undertaken.

Rangers across Srepok River while conduct patrolling in LWS. Photo by: LWS Rangers

Bou Vorsak, and Ung Sam Oeun – BirdLife International Cambodia Programme

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RecordȱNumbersȱofȱWhiteȬshouldered IbisȱfoundȱbyȱBirdLifeȱandȱ FAȱStaffȱinȱCambodiaȱ BirdLife International in Indochina and the Wildlife Protection Office (WPO) of the Forestry Administration (FA) recently recorded the largest ever flock of White-shouldered Ibis Pseudibis davisoni, a bird species close to global extinction. This once again draws attention to the conservation importance of western Siem Pang District in Stung Treng Province, Cambodia.

White-shouldered Ibis Pseudibis davisoni photographed in western Siem Pang, Stung Treng Province on 4 November 2006. Photo: J C Eames

The White-shouldered Ibis is a large water-bird with most of the world population now found in Cambodia. The species survives in Indonesian Borneo but it is now extinct in Thailand and Vietnam. It probably lingers on in southern Laos and could yet be re-found in Myanmar. In 2001, BirdLife International, keepers of the IUCN list of bird species threatened with global extinction, estimated that the world population could be as low as 250 individuals, scattered mainly across the wetlands within the dry forests of northern and north eastern Cambodia, especially in Preah Vihear and Stung Treng provinces.

In November 2005 the attention of conservationists worldwide was diverted to western Siem Pang District in Stung Treng Province when staff from BirdLife International in Indochina and from the WPO of the FA, recorded a flock of 70 White-shouldered Ibis. This was the largest flock of White-shouldered Ibis ever recorded anywhere in the species’ range.

More recently, on 1 November 2006, BirdLife and WPO staff recorded a staggering 108 White-shouldered Ibis at two sites in western Siem Pang District. At the first site 28 birds were recorded in trees at a well known trapeang, one of the many forest wetlands that dot the landscape on which these birds depend. Later that day, many kilometres distant at another site in the southern part of the district, 80 White-shouldered ibis were counted coming into roost in the evening.

Prich Phirun, WPO/BirdLife Project Officer said, “This is great news for the White-shouldered ibis! Because the two sites are so far apart, we think there is almost no chance of double-counting.”

Although the species is found regularly breeding in a protected forest in Preah Vihear Province, it has not been found in significant numbers in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries elsewhere. This is of great concern to conservationists because it means that, with most of the global population found in Cambodia, it is vulnerable to global extinction if a self-sustaining population is not identified and conserved. So, once again, the attention of conservationists focuses on western Siem Pang District, where forests and wetlands are unprotected and vulnerable to degradation and destruction.

BirdLife and WPO staffare currently working with local communities to monitor wildlife populations and to promote improved management of trapeangs in western Siem Pang However, these actions cannot prevent conversion of the forest lands to other uses, such as logging or growing plantations. Such conversion would be disastrous for local people and wildlife, as they are both dependent on the forest and the wetlands.

Jonathan Eames, Programme Manager for BirdLife International in Indochina, added “On the available evidence, western Siem Pang District is the single most important site in the world for the Whiteshouldered Ibis. As we learn more about the area we find more and more White-shouldered Ibis.

What we don’t understand yet is why this area appears to be so important for the species. The possibility must also exist that there are good numbers elsewhere too but this has not yet been borne out by the evidence. Conservationists are A flock of White-shouldered Ibis take flight. Photo: J C Eames working, for example, throughout Mondulkiri Province but are not finding the ibis. Given our current state of knowledge the conservation money must go on western Siem Pang. BirdLife believes that the establishment of a Protected Forest would be the best first course of action for the conservation of this species.”

BirdLife International in Indochina News release, November 13, 2006

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DesignationȱofȱKampongȱTrachȱSarusȱCraneȱConservationȱAreaȱ DrawsȱCloser As part of the process to ultimately designate Kampong Trach as a Sarus Crane Conservation Area a provincial stakeholder workshop entitled The results of Sarus Crane and other bird species conservation in Kampong Trach IBA and future conservation objectives, was held on 9 October 2006 in Kampot provincial town. The BirdLife and FA staff attending reported on wildlife management and conservation activities implemented by BirdLife since 2004 and exchanged ideas and received comments for the establishment of Kampong Trach IBA as Sarus Crane conservation area.

On 24 November 2006 the FA expert group Mr. Men Phymean, Director of Wildlife Protection Office in collaboration with the authorities of Kampot province, Kampong Trach district, Boeung Sala Khang Tboung and Prek Kreus communes, and relevant provincial agencies including the Departments of Land Management, Urban Planning, Construction and Cadastre; Agriculture; Water Resources and Meteorology; Tourism; Fisheries Office, and Site-support group members conducted a mission to the site and discussed the points raised by the participants, in particular the Kampot provincial governor, during 9 October 2006 workshop. Following the workshop and consultations, a report will be finalized and submitted soon to MAFF for the establishment of the proposed Kampong Trach Sarus Crane Conservation Area.

The expert group study the site and the potential socio-economic impacts of establishing Kampong Trach Sarus Crane Conservation Area. Photo: Uong Seth and Seng Kim Hout

Bou Vorsak, and Seng Kim Hout– BirdLife International Cambodia Programme

Deikaȱtoȱestablishȱ4,636ȱhaȱIFBA at ChikrengȱIBAȱtoȱbeȱsignedȱinȱ Decemberȱ Following the signing of a provincial decree (Deika) designating 31,834 ha as Integrated Farming and Biodiversity Areas (IFBAs) in Kampong Thom Province by the provincial governor on 31 August 2006, rapid progress is now being made to secure a Deika for an IFBA at Chikreng IBA in Siem Riep Province.

On 4 December 2006, a discussion meeting was held in Siem Reap provincial town chaired by H.E Chan Sophal, Siem Reap Deputy Governor, which included participants from the relevant provincial departments to discuss the establishment of Chikreng IBA as an IFBA. As a result the participants in particular together with the governor strongly supported the idea and agreed to establish an IFBA with an area of 4,636 ha in Chkireng district, Siem Reap Province.

The next step, scheduled for December 2006, will be for the signing of the Deika to be signed and for the establishment of a provincial committee to implement IFBA management and conservation activities.

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The BirdLife, WCS, FA team consult with provincial stakeholders in Chikreng district 2006. Photo: Duong Saroeun

Bou Vorsak, Than Thara and Seng Kim Hout– BirdLife International Cambodia Programme

ViceȱpresidentȱofȱFondationȱEnsemble visits Chikrengȱ

On 16 December BirdLife hosted a visit by Madame Delia-Brémond the Vicepresident of Fondation Ensemble who are currently considering whether to support the BirdLife/WCS/FA proposal to establish IFBAs in the Ton Le Sap floodplain. During her one-day visit Madame DeliaBrémond met with members of the Chikreng SSG before going on to meet with representatives of CEDAC.

Jonathan C Eames Programme Manager

Madame Delia-Brémond the Vice-president of Fondation Ensemble visited Chikreng IBA and met with WCS and CEDAC representatives in Speant Thnot commune. Photo: J C Eames

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SpiritȱExorcismȱandȱFestivalȱresolveȱConflictȱ atȱChuȱYangȱSinȱNationalȱParkȱ Following bad luck relief and reconciliation ceremonies held by M’Nong relating to the forest protection at Chu Yang Sin National Park (CYS NP), in April and May 2006, a number of people from S’Ruong and Bong Krang communes flocked to the forest in CYS NP to log Po’mu Fokienia hodginsii. Although this is an illegal activity it has been encouraged by local Kinh timber traders. In order to control the situation, the rangers of CYS NP have recently experienced many sleepless nights. Once in hot pursuit, the illegal logger was injured in a tussle with the rangers. Since then there has been conflict between the rangers and the people of S”Ruong village. Local people have attacked the park’s forest protection staff in the Guard Station No.7 in Bong Krang, Lak District with the aim of seeking compensation for the injured man who was hospitalized for treatment. Since then, there has been an increased strain in the relationship between the community and the park’s rangers. Despite a number of meetings between the local authority and the S”Ruong Community and with CYS NP there has been no satisfactory results.

According to the village’s customary law, the injured man has faced bad luck which needs to be exorcized in order to prevent the entire village from suffering such bad luck. It is believed by the M’Nong that a forest spirit caused the bad luck and this will spread to the whole village without a reconciliation ceremony, and that the ceremony should be executed by the victim with villagers present to bare witness.

One day in September 2006, a forest protection staff member was arrested by the local people when he went to S”Ruong Village. This arrest was aimed at requesting the compensation for the injured man from the previous fighting.

The CYS NP director together with the local authority had to meet with village officials including the head of the village, and village patriarch in order to settle this matter. The meeting was very stressful with the local people surrounding he officials. Finally, a solution was arrived at in compliance with the village’s customary law as follows: the costs for both bad luck relief ceremony and reconciliation ceremony shall be covered by CYS NP. All relevant information will be recorded in the village’s book kept by the head of the village which included the following information: Costs for ceremonies: Offerings for bad luck relief: a dog valued at VND 200.000 Offerings for reconciliation ceremony: a five-span-long pig costing VND 1,000,000, two jars of wine 100,000 and the payment of VND 100.000 for a village prayer to be recited.

costing VND

Total amount: VND 1,400,000 (c. US $ 100) The date for the offering ceremonies in the witness of the villagers, the commune’s and village’s and the national park was agreed and recorded in an agreement, and was signed by both sides.

Following the signing, things seemed to be going well. The local people believed all bad luck would be dispelled.

Everyone felt relieved. Mr Linh, Director of CYS NP said happily “It turned out to be very simple but nobody told me about this before. This is a valuable experience in working with the local community. It is quite true as the saying goes “Imperial power bends to suit rural customs”.

As indicated by the agreement a ceremony was held. The atmosphere in S’Ruong Village seemed like a festival. All offerings were beautifully displayed. Besides the main offerings, each villager attending the ceremony brought a small bag of rice, green vegetables and pumpkins with them. After the offering ceremony, the head of village and village patriarch happily stated “now we have got a better understanding about each other, and we are willing to be together to protect the trees in the forest, to take clean water for a bath, for cooking and today we all become a family”. The stilt house was filled with the cheers and laughter. The park’s director shook hands with “the man of bad luck” as witnessed by the local people in S’Ruong Commune. Everyone enjoyed the wine, and best wishes were extended between the villagers and the staff of CYS NP. Le Trong Trai, Senior Programme Officer, BirdLife International Vietnam Programme

NewȱBirdLife/BANCAȱProject for NatmataungȱNationalȱPark Natmataung National Park covers a mountain ridge that extends through Kanpetlet, Mindat and Matupi Townships, and represents the last stand of rich, extant forest in the area. Little thick forest is left in and beyond the buffer zone, and this land is quickly degrading. Nearby communities are drawn into the park area to meet some of their needs for forest products. Communities in this area are food-insecure subsistence farmers, and most households are able to grow only enough food for a six months supply for the family from their shifting cultivation plots. As populations grow, land

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27 BirdLife International in Indochina becomes less available, and fallow periods are no longer long enough to sustain soil fertility. During the village discussions, farmers stated that agricultural yields have halved in some areas over the last 20 years. As a result, communities are falling into a cycle of rice debt, and becoming dependent on high-value resources collected from the forest, such as orchids and tubers, and fuel-wood. Increased areas of shifting cultivation are encroaching on the park, and contributing to the spread of wildfires. These practices are destructive to the IBA, as they cause human disturbance, encroachment of agriculture, severe fire damage, and destruction of resources such as when trees may be cut to access orchids on higher branches.

BANCA began working with the SSGs in 2004 under agreements signed in each village with the SSG. Under these agreements, the SSG promises that villagers will monitor encroachment on the park in the village area. In the past, BANCA informally agreed to provide livelihood inputs in exchange for these promises. There are altogether six SSGs, one in each of each of six villages in and around Natmataung National Park. These SSGs are village-based conservation organizations that support Natmataung National Park. The SSGs have no legal status but are respected by and cooperate with the staff of the national park. In Myanmar, the status of community-based organizations is difficult to formalize.

The experience of BANCA to date with six village-based site support groups is that when communities are engaged in patrolling areas of the park themselves, the incidence of incursions on the forest are sharply reduced. The park warden and staff have little resources for enforcement of encroachment on the park, and until recently felt that it would be unfair to sanction villagers for trying to achieve subsistence livelihoods. The park management has for many years been appealing to aid agencies to bring livelihood development and food security to the villages around the park, but due to serious dearth of livelihood assistance programs in Myanmar, this help did not arrive until last year. Now, both UNDP/CDRT and CARE Myanmar are working with local communities for livelihoods development. Before then, the only help was from BANCA, which had only enough resources to cover six villages in the park IBA and its buffer zone.

BANCA’s new strategy is to provide conservation inputs while partners provide livelihood inputs. This partnership approach will avoid replication in the field, and make effective use of all project inputs. Under this TMF project the livelihood inputs are being provided by partner organizations who will encourage the villagers to comply with these agreements in order to promote sustainable development of the area. There is no national network of SSGs, but under this TMF funding, BANCA will facilitate links between SSGs around the park. With this approach, communities work toward developing permanent farming systems as an alternative to shifting cultivation. Permanent farming systems will require less extensive areas of land, and less burning, thus taking pressure from encroachment of parkland and fire damage. This project result will be achieved through the inputs of partner organizations UNDP/CDRT and CARE Myanmar. The sixteen villages targeted in the project include six villages that have already begun conservation monitoring and received livelihood inputs. Livelihood support for these villages will continue through partner organizations.

As in the six village SSGs to date, this result will be achieved by agreements signed between SSGs (representing the village) and BANCA staff. The SSGs will agree to use conservation behavior, including an end to hunting and snaring in the park, protected against wildfires by cutting firebreaks around taungya fields before burning, and the establishment of monitoring teams. The monitoring teams will not be paid, but receive incentives in terms of equipment and crossvisits with other SSGs. Inclusion in a wider SSG network and opportunities for learning and sharing experience will be an important motivators for the monitoring teams. All project partners will encourage the SSGs to sign the agreements and engage in conservation behaviors, with the wider goal of sustainable development and conservation in Natmataung National Park area. Two international aid agencies are now providing livelihood inputs. As outlined above, the achievement of livelihood development objectives will be achieved largely by the inputs of partners UNDP and CARE Myanmar, whereas the achievement of conservation behaviors and monitoring objectives will be facilitated by BANCA. The national park staff will support these activities. Village-level Site Support Groups will join in this wider coalition, participating through cross-visits, exchanges and regular meetings of representatives of village-based SSGs with other stakeholders. Thus a broad-based Site Support Group Network will be created that includes different kinds and levels of stakeholders, all working toward the objective of conservation of the park. The Natmataung national Park staff are important stakeholders who will be engaged in helping train and support the village monitoring teams. These are government staff who lack resources, including a living wage, and therefore may suffer from low morale and motivation.

The park staff will be supported with supplemental stipends and inclusion in the wider SSG network in order to help do their jobs effectively and with proper motivation.

Now that the villages are receiving livelihoods assistance, park staff consider themselves justified in enforcing the restrictions on encroachments in and use of park resources. SSGs work closely with the park (government) staff through joint patrolling and reporting of findings of the monitoring teams. It is mainly through these links that the SSGs have a certain amount of influence on the local implementation of policies that affect conservation, development and land use in and around the park. SSGs are linked to international aid agencies, as most of the villages are receiving support from UNDP and/or CARE Myanmar. Many of the SSG members are also members of village CBOs (e.g. farmer interest groups or village development committees) that are responsible to effectively use the livelihood inputs of these organizations. By forging partnerships between BANCA and these livelihood development agencies, the SSGs will also become more strongly linked to international organizations. So far, the SSGs are village-based, with one in each village.

Last year village SSGs participated in an exchange visit to share experiences and strengthen motivation and coordination. With the support of the TMF funding, these opportunities and forums for exchange of experience and ideas will be organized at least twice annually, to create a wider SSG network in villages in and around the park. To provide encouragement to monitoring teams and the SSG, park staff will accompany the teams on their rounds. Cross-visits and annual or six-monthly SSG meetings will be held with all SSGs to form a wider regional network of SSGs. This project

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28 BirdLife International in Indochina result will help bring awareness to communities of the importance of conservation, and engage prominent community members in the enforcement of park rules.

The greatest concern of the communities in and around the park is food security. Most people welcome the livelihood development support such as water supply and nurseries, and several villages have asked BANCA to engage with them in new projects. The local communities will thus be involved as beneficiaries of livelihood inputs, and as biodiversity conservation monitors, through local leadership committees (SSGs) and monitoring teams. It will be critical to link the livelihood support informally to conservation objectives and to this end, all project partners including INGOs will encourage the local communities to comply with conservation behaviours, conduct monitoring, and sign agreements with BANCA, in order to achieve sustainable development of the area. Livelihood assistance will create alternative income and food security sources to hunting and collection of NTFPs. These SSGs will continue to be supported by INGOs with livelihood inputs, and the project will work to link that livelihood support to conservation objectives.

U Uga, Chairman, U Aung Kyaw and Khin Ma Ma Thwin, BANCA

PinkȬheadedȱDuckȱEludesȱLatestȱBirdLife/BANCAȱSurveyȱ The first BirdLife/BANCA search for the Pink-headed Duck took place in April 2003, focusing on the Ayeyarwady River between Myitkyina and Bhamo towns, and nearby non-flowing wetlands, including the 96 Ins area. The second survey, in November 2003, focused on the ox-bow lakes along the Tanai River. The third survey, in December 2004, revisited these ox-bows, and also included Indawgyi Lake and River and the extensive grasslands of nearby Nawng Kwin. The fourth survey in November 2005, concentrated on the grasslands of the Kamaing area, the Mogaung Chaung (Mogaung River) and the Warazup area of Hukaung Tiger Reserve. Although these surveys received reports from local villagers, and included at least one tantalizing sighting of an unidentified duck species that could possibly have been Pink-headed Duck, the species’s continued existence remains unconfirmed.

A search team returns to camp after another fruitless days search in the Nawng Kwin grasslands. Photo: J C Eames

The latest search was undertaken by a BirdLife/BANCA team from the 30 November to 12 December 2006. This time the team returned to Nawng Kwin and surveyed the grasslands and oxbow lakes along the Indawgyi River. Although hampered by the early morning fog so typical of lowland areas of Kachin State during the winter, the team again conducted grassland searches from elephant-back. At one of the sites a local fisherman provided the best report yet suggesting that the species still exists. Villager Maung Maung reported that the species was shy and seldom flew from the grassland pools where he had seen it as recently as a month before the teams’ visit. He went on to say that he never saw the species on the nearby river and that it never associated with other species of duck.

“These are the most convincing reports we have ever had,” said Jonathan C. Eames, Programme Manager for BirdLife International in Indochina, who added, “the habitat at this site remains extensive, however we will need a bigger search-effort if we are to comprehensively survey this area. If we can’t find the species at this site, which is the last great un-surveyed grassland in Kachin State, I doubt it’s continued existence there. We have found all the large waterbird species associated with these wetlands. Many of these are rare elsewhere within their ranges but in Kachin State they remain common. If the Pink-headed Duck is here why can’t we find it?” The team plans a follow-up survey later in 2007.

BirdLife/BANCA search teamȱ

ȱ ȱȱ

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VultureȱResearchȱProjectȱLaunchedȱinȱMyanmarȱ ȱ During early December a BirdLife/BANCA team conducted two vulture restaurants in northern Kachin State in part as training sessions for project staff Nay Moe Shwe, Win Aung, and Samyo Zaw. At the first restaurant held at Nawn Kwin on 5 and 6 December a total minimum of 55 vultures (20 Slender-billed Vultures Gyps tenuirostris [12 ads,8 juvs], 25 White-rumped Vultures Gyps bengalensis [17 ads, 8 juvs] and ten juvenile Himalayan Griffons Gyps himalayensis were recorded. The first restaurant was held in an area of fallow paddies over two days with the maximum vulture count on the second day. The second restaurant was held over three days on 8, 9 10 December along the Indawgyi River. Here a total minimum of 27 vultures (SBV 8, WRV 13 and 6 Himalayan Griffons [6 juvs]) were recorded on the second day. Young cows were used as bait both times. Hides consisted of bamboo frames covered in grass. The proportions of young birds at both restaurants was quite promising, with very good numbers of juv SBVs at the first.

The team will work their way through Eastern Kachin and then Shan States between now and the New Year. They will then return to Yangon and fly back up to Mytkyina and work south-west through Kachin State and then Sagaing Division. During this period they propose to conduct 17 restaurants at intervals of at least 50 km to minimize doublecounting. The team plans to allocate up to three days per restaurant and to count for eight hours per day. They will also interview local people about the possible presence of colonies and check with local Veterinary departments and pharmacies regarding Diclofenac availability. In early March 2007 progress will be reviewed and a work plan for the next part of the project developed.

In this photograph taken recently at a vulture restaurant in northern Kachin State, nine Slender-billed Vultures Gyps teniurostris Can be counted. The bird on the far left is a juvenile. Photo: J C Eames

Jonathan C Eames Programme Manager

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Spotlight organization

Education for Nature – Vietnam (ENV) was established in 2000 as Vietnam’s first environmental education-focused local organization, built upon the success and experience of the community-based Conservation Awareness Program at Cuc Phuong National Park. ENV specializes in training environmental educators, and carries out a variety of educational programs and initiatives aimed at raising awareness and understanding about the environment, and the need to protect nature and wildlife in Vietnam.

Mission Education for Nature-Vietnam (ENV) is Vietnam’s first non-governmental organization focused on conservation of nature and wildlife. ENV is comprised of a small group of experienced and highly dedicated young professionals, committed to making a difference. ENV’s mission is to foster greater understanding amongst the public about the need to protect Vietnam’s rich natural heritage and the living world around us. Through a creative and innovative approach to addressing key conservation and environmental issues, ENV aims to influence attitudes and behavior, and encourage greater public participation in this important and challenging task.

ENV Activities and Programs Training for community-based environmental education practitioners ENV has carried out more than 18 major environmental education training courses for protected area staff and community stakeholder groups at parks and protected areas throughout Vietnam. During a typical ENV training course that generally lasts from a week to two months in length, trainees have the opportunity to gain important knowledge and skills about environmental education through a combination of work in the classroom and experience working in actual schools and villages.

Community-based environmental education program ENV works with local partners to carry out community-based environmental education programs at parks and protected areas. ENV's education programs focus on community stakeholders (e.g. school children, residents of local communities and visitors) to raise the level of awareness regarding nature, the environment, and the need for local cooperation in protecting the park. The program included a variety of activities such as the development of Nature Clubs in schools bordering national parks or nature reserves; adult-focused programs administered at the village level; special program puppet show, student visits to the parks; and other activities in support of the school and village level programs.

ENV Networking: Technical assistance and field support Through the Environmental Education Family Network, ENV provides resources and technical support to environmental education programs at parks and protected areas throughout Vietnam . In addition to producing a weekly news bulletin for educators, ENV also distributes educational resources, copies of relevant reports and provides ongoing technical input into a variety of programs in the field.

Public awareness programs ENV works closely with journalists and the mass media to increase public awareness about key national environmental issues. A major focus of ENV's efforts has been on the illegal wildlife trade. More recently, ENV has initiated a campaign focused on protecting bears and has produced a public service announcement featuring a well-known pop star that aired on both provincial TV throughout the country.

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31 BirdLife International in Indochina Green Forest Magazine and other resources ENV produces the ‘ Green Forest ' - a popular children's magazine that is distributed to the EE Family Network twice per year. Each issue focuses on an environmental topic and includes student contributions from around the country. In addition to Green Forest , other resources are produced that support ENVs education and awareness programs such as posters and illustrated stories.

--------------------------------------------------Education for Nature – Vietnam Office: No. 2/C5, Tap the Dai hoc Ngoai Thuong, Pho Chua Lang, Dong Da, Hanoi, Vietnam Postal: P.O Box 222, Hanoi GPO, Vietnam Tel: ++84 (0)4 7753685 Email: evn@fpt.vn

Publication Important Bird Areas and Potential Ramsar Sites in Asia, by M. J. Crosby and S. Chan, 2005 The book describes 1,111 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in 28 Asian countries and territories that meet criteria for Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites). At least one IBA was identified as a potential Ramsar Site in each country and territory. A total of 144 Ramsar Sites had been designated by the Contracting Parties within Asia, as of August 2005. Of these, 123 (85%) overlap with one or more IBAs. Some of the Ramsar Contracting Parties in the Asia region have designated more than 20% of their potential Ramsar Sites, including Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand. However, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, and South Korea have designated less than 5% of their sites. Eight countries and territories in the region are not yet Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention, and it was recommended that they accede to it and begin the process of designating some of their potential Ramsar Sites.

Front cover of the Book Source: BirdLife

As for Vietnam, 27 of 63 IBAs meet Ramsar site criteria, but so far only two IBAs have been designated as Ramsar Sites, namely Xuan Thuy National Park (Nam Dinh Province) and Bau Sau Lake, Cat Tien National Park (Dong Nai Province).

Book reviews The Wild Animals of India, Burma, Malaya and Tibet R Lydekker (2005). Dehra Dun, Natraj. ISBN: 8181580346. 411 pages, illus.

Originally published in 1907, the second edition of this book was authored by eminent naturalist and sportsman, R Lydekker. A bible on the study of wild animals in India and the neighbouring countries, this book is indispensable to the study of natural history in South Asia. Lydekker's writing is enthused by a deep fascination and interest for and in wildlife and related literature as his sightings are interspersed with lively snippets of information either form other popular texts of his time, through anecdotes or from personal experience. The book follows a remarkable and commendable accuracy on detailing information on several species, their history, distribution and habitat.

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Mekong Region Water Resources Decision-making: National Policy and Legal Frameworks vis-à-vis World Commission on Dams Strategic Priorities Robert A. R. Oliver, Patricia Moore and Kate Lazarus, eds. (2006). IUCN, Bangkok, Thailand and Gland, Switzerland. ISBN: 2-8317-0919-9. x + 98 pages The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (formerly the Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape) offered seed funding to support a proposed scoping study on the application of the World Commission on Dams (WCD) Strategic Priorities in the Mekong Region. With the Swiss contribution as seed funding, IUCN developed the framework for the research and analysis required for the country studies, secured a national expert to prepare the first draft of the China country study, and sought the remaining funding required to supplement the Swiss contribution. Studies were undertaken in five of the six Mekong Region countries: Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam. The objectives were: To analyze the extent to which existing national policies and legislation already support the ideas embodied in the WCD Strategic Priorities; and To suggest changes to the existing policy and legislative framework in each country that might improve water-related governance.

The policy briefs presented in this volume were synthesized from the final versions of the national studies. In all countries, the formal frameworks are evolving. These policy briefs summarize current national frameworks with respect to the WCD Strategic Priorities. The policy briefs are not intended to be comprehensive analyses of the implementation of policies and legal instruments, and it is acknowledged that implementation in many cases needs to be strengthened. This project is the first, and to IUCN’s knowledge the only, in-depth study of regional agreements and national legislation in Mekong riparian countries and their relationship to the Strategic Priorities identified in the WCD Dams and Development Report, As such, it is a significant contribution both for its usefulness as a reference now and as a benchmark for future analysis.

Aban Marker Kabraji, Regional Director, IUCN, Asia

Southeast Asian Biodiversity in Crisis Navjot S Sodhi and Barry W Brook (2005). Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 0521839300. 190 pages This publication of great relevance to the Indochina region is comprehensively reviewed elsewhere1, and so that review is summarized here. The reviewer points out that, although Latin America may be considered the most biodiverse continent, South East Asia holds the most threatened biodiversity and lags behind in conservation responses. The book first describes the state of biodiversity in the region. Next, the bulk of the book assesses threats in the region, with an understandable focus on deforestation. Other threats discussed include fire, hunting, trade, invasive species, climate change and disease. The book concludes by describing conservation responses in the region, a section that the reviewer acknowledges is weaker due to the high number of conservation reports from the region that are unfortunately not published, and are thus hard to access. Although the price of the book will put it beyond the reach of many, the reviewer hopes that it will provide powerful advocacy for the high conservation priority of the region.

1

Brooks, T. (2006) Asian conservation priority. TREE 21 (9): 486-487.

John Pilgrim, Conservation Advisor, BirdLife International

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Staff news Vietnam Programme Nina Ksor Nina has joined the BirdLife International, Vietnam Programme team since November 2006. She is working as the Project Field Manager of “Integrating Watershed and Biodiversity Management in Chu Yang Sin National Park“ Project based in Krong Bong District, in Dak Lak Province.

Nina has assumed responsibilities for representing the project in the field, providing day-to-day management and co-ordination of the project in the field, soliciting and coordinating technical support inputs from consultants and BirdLife staff, in order to ensure the high quality of the project outputs.

From 1999 to June 2006, Nina worked in Danida’s Water Sector Programme Support - Rural water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) project in Dak Lak and Dak Nong provinces, as a Team Leader cum Community Health and Hygiene Education, IEC and Community Development. She graduated from Tay Nguyen Medical University in 1985, since then till 1999 Nina undertook the simultaneous teaching of Contagious Diseases subjects in the Faculty of Medicine at Tay Nguyen University and as a Clinician in Dak Lak provincial hospital, Department of contagious diseases. In August 2004, Nina received a Master of International Health at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

As a local resident in Dak Lak province, and with the technical support from BirdLife, Nina expects to raise the awareness of Dak Lak‘s community for a much more effective management of the spectacular Chu Yang Sin National Park.

Cambodia Programme Ung Sam Oeun Ung Sam Oeun has been officially working as Counterpart- Project Officer for Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary project for BirdLife International – Cambodia Programme Office since November 2006. Sam Oeun also works for government as Vice Chief of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Department of Nature Conservation and Protection.

With more than ten years working experience in the field of nature and wildlife conservation with government and non government organizations and holding Bachelor of Science, Engineer of Agronomy, Sam Oeun, is well qualified to play a key role in this important new project.

Seng Leang Seng Leang was assigned by DNCP to join BirdLife InternationalCambodia Program Office as Assistant Project Assistant for Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary project from 1st December 2006. Leang graduated with a Bachelors degree in Forest and Wildlife Science from Preak Leap National Institute of Agriculture.

Before working with BirdLife, Leang worked as a Technical Officer for the Community Protected Area Development Office and conduct research on community forestry in Beung Yeak Lom Provincial Protected Area, Ream National Park, and Beung Per Wildlife Sanctuary. He also used to work for Mlup Baitong as Project Coordinator for project “Building constituency Nature Conservation in Kirirom National Park”.

The Babbler 20 – December 2006

34 BirdLife International in Indochina

Myanmar Programme Nay Moe Shwe Nay Mow Shwe has recently joined BirdLife as Myanmar Vulture Project Officer and is currently afield in Kachin and the Shan States. Nay Moe Shwe is seconded from the Forest Department and is currently on the staff of Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuary. An ornithologist by training, Nay Moe Shwe discovered and co-authored the recent paper describing the Namaung Scimitar Babbler - a new species from northern Myanmar. He has worked in the field with Dr George Schaller of WCS, Dr John Rappole of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and Dr Pamela Rasmussen of Michigan State University Museum.

The Babbler 20 – December 2006