1
|
Evaluating determinants of wire-snare poaching risk in the Boland Mountain Complex of South Africa. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
2
|
Akayezu P, Ndagijimana I, Dushimumukiza MC, Bernhard KP, Groen TA. Community livelihoods and forest dependency: Tourism contribution in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.1034144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionCommunities living adjacent to protected areas in Africa are characterized by high poverty rates and their well-being often depends on park resources. This often results in forest degradation and decline in wildlife populations, for example due to illegal hunting for bush meat. To counter this challenge in Rwanda, a tourism revenue sharing program was initiated in 2005, with 5% (doubled to 10% in 2017) of the park gate fees invested in community development projects. We evaluated the effectiveness of this tourism revenue sharing from 2005 to 2017, targeting communities adjacent to Nyungwe National Park located in south-western Rwanda.MethodsWe used questionnaires addressed to members of community associations and local government in 24 sectors around Nyungwe National Park. Additionally, data on illegal resource use and socio-economic status of the surrounding communities were obtained to quantitatively triangulate and draw insights from communities’perceptions. Using spatial analyses and spatial regression, we mapped trends in illegal activities relative to socio-economic characteristics.Results and discussionBoth the qualitative and quantitative results indicate that the tourism revenue sharing program has not fully succeeded in improving community well-being around Nyungwe National Park. The tourism revenue sharing can consider targeting areas that demonstrate more need and reassessing prioritization of interventions supported by the program to achieve both poverty reduction around Nyungwe National Park and improved conservation outcomes in this protected area.
Collapse
|
3
|
Dancer A, Keane A, Beale CM, Dobson ADM, Amin R, Freeman R, Imong I, Jones K, Linkie M, Long B, Okeke FO, Plumptre AJ, Rowcliffe JM, Stokes EJ, van der Westhuizen E, Collen B. Evidence of deterrence from patrol data: Trialling application of a differenced‐
CPUE
metric. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aidan Keane
- School of Geosciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | | | | | | | - Robin Freeman
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London London UK
| | - Inaoyom Imong
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Nigeria‐Program Calabar Nigeria
| | - Kate Jones
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research University College London London UK
| | - Matthew Linkie
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation New York New York USA
| | - Barney Long
- Global Wildlife Conservation Austin Texas USA
| | | | | | | | - Emma J. Stokes
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation New York New York USA
| | | | - Ben Collen
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research University College London London UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Detecting wildlife poaching: a rigorous method for comparing patrol strategies using an experimental design. ORYX 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605320001301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMany studies of wildlife poaching acknowledge the challenges of detecting poaching activities, but few address the issue. Data on poaching may be an inaccurate reflection of the true spatial distribution of events because of low detection rates. The deployment of conservation and law enforcement resources based on biased data could be ineffective or lead to unintended outcomes. Here, we present a rigorous method for estimating the probabilities of detecting poaching and for evaluating different patrol strategies. We illustrate the method with a case study in which imitation snares were set in a private nature reserve in South Africa. By using an experimental design with a known spatial distribution of imitation snares, we estimated the detection probability of the current patrol strategy used in the reserve and compared it to three alternative patrol strategies: spatially focused patrols, patrols with independent observers, and systematic search patterns. Although detection probabilities were generally low, the highest proportion of imitation snares was detected with systematic search strategies. Our study provides baseline data on the probability of detecting snares used for poaching, and presents a method that can be modified for use in other regions and for other types of wildlife poaching.
Collapse
|
5
|
Ghoddousi A, Van Cayzeele C, Negahdar P, Soofi M, Kh Hamidi A, Bleyhl B, Fandos G, Khorozyan I, Waltert M, Kuemmerle T. Understanding spatial patterns of poaching pressure using ranger logbook data to optimize future patrolling strategies. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2601. [PMID: 35366036 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Poaching is driving many species toward extinction, and as a result, lowering poaching pressure is a conservation priority. This requires understanding where poaching pressure is high and which factors determine these spatial patterns. However, the cryptic and illegal nature of poaching makes this difficult. Ranger patrol data, typically recorded in protected area logbooks, contain information on patrolling efforts and poaching detection and should thus provide opportunities for a better understanding of poaching pressure. However, these data are seldom analyzed and rarely used to inform adaptive management strategies. We developed a novel approach to making use of analog logbook records to map poaching pressure and to test environmental criminology and predator-prey relationship hypotheses explaining poaching patterns. We showcase this approach for Golestan National Park in Iran, where poaching has substantially depleted ungulate populations. We digitized data from >4800 ranger patrols from 2014 to 2016 and used an occupancy modeling framework to relate poaching to (1) accessibility, (2) law enforcement, and (3) prey availability factors. Based on predicted poaching pressure and patrolling intensity, we provide suggestions for future patrol allocation strategies. Our results revealed a low probability (12%) of poacher detection during patrols. Poaching distribution was best explained by prey availability, indicating that poachers target areas with high concentrations of ungulates. Poaching pressure was estimated to be high (>0.49) in 39% of our study area. To alleviate poaching pressure, we recommend ramping up patrolling intensity in 12% of the national park, which could be achievable by reducing excess patrols in about 20% of the park. However, our results suggest that for 27% of the park, it is necessary to improve patrolling quality to increase detection probability of poaching, for example, by closing temporal patrolling gaps or expanding informant networks. Our approach illustrates that analog ranger logbooks are an untapped resource for evidence-based and adaptive planning of protected area management. Using this wealth of data can open up new avenues to better understand poaching and its determinants, to expand effectiveness assessments to the past, and, more generally, to allow for strategic conservation planning in protected areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arash Ghoddousi
- Geography Department, Humboldt-University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Corinna Van Cayzeele
- Department of Conservation Biology, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Pegah Negahdar
- Tropical Ecology, Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mahmood Soofi
- Department of Conservation Biology, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
- CSIRO Land and Water, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | - Benjamin Bleyhl
- Geography Department, Humboldt-University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Guillermo Fandos
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Igor Khorozyan
- Department of Conservation Biology, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Waltert
- Department of Conservation Biology, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Kuemmerle
- Geography Department, Humboldt-University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Integrative Research Institute for Transformations in Human-Environment Systems (IRI THESys), Humboldt-University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Danoff-Burg JA, Ocañas AR. Individual and community-level impacts of the unarmed all-women Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit. Zoo Biol 2022; 41:479-490. [PMID: 35652415 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In a conservation setting where escalating tension has been the norm, the unarmed primarily female-composed Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit (BMAPU) in South Africa are a successful counterpoint in that they have decimated poaching using only diplomacy and patrols. We sought to understand if the BMAPU is achieving its secondary goal of influencing support for conservation and wildlife among the nearby populace via community-based conservation actions including outreach and environmental education. We also determined the impact that the program has on the Mambas themselves. Using a mixed-methods survey we conducted structured in-person interviews with 120 community members from four communities where the women of the BMAPU live, and among all the women that were on active duty in the BMAPU at the time of the surveys. We found that all participants in the BMAPU program reported improved self and community perception of their societal role as financial providers, as well as their sense of agency and self-efficacy, relative to before becoming rangers. We also found that having BMAPU rangers living in the communities by itself did not contribute to community-level support for wildlife conservation or protected areas. However, one community with both a large-scale children's conservation education program and an equitable distribution of financial benefits paid by the nearby conservation concessionaires was significantly more supportive of wildlife conservation and protected areas than the other three. Further research to parse the relative contributions of the two contributing factors of education and financial benefit would help clarify their relative contributions. From this study, we conclude that a combination of child-focused conservation education programs and equitable distribution of financial benefits leads to increased community support for wildlife, conservation, and protected natural areas, and decreases support for poaching.
Collapse
|
7
|
Paudel K, Hinsley A, Veríssimo D, Milner-Gulland E. Evaluating the reliability of media reports for gathering information about illegal wildlife trade seizures. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13156. [PMID: 35402091 PMCID: PMC8992658 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is threatening many species across the world. It is important to better understand the scale and characteristics of IWT to inform conservation priorities and actions. However, IWT usually takes place covertly, meaning that the data on species, trade routes and volumes is limited. This means that conservationists often have to rely on publicly available law enforcement reports of seizures as potential indicators of the magnitude and characteristics of IWT. Still, even these data may be difficult to access, leading conservationists to use media reports of seizures instead. This is the case in countries like Nepal, which have limited capacity in data keeping and reporting, and no centralized data management system. Yet reliance on media reports risks introducing further biases, which are rarely acknowledged or discussed. Here we characterize IWT in Nepal by comparing data from three sources of information on IWT between January 2005 and July 2017: seizure reports from three Nepali national daily newspapers, official seizure records for Kathmandu district, and data on additional enforcement efforts against IWT in Nepal. We found a strong positive correlation between the number of official and media-reported seizures over time, but media under-reported seizure numbers, with 78% of seizures going unreported. Seizures of charismatic, protected species were reported more often and seizure reports involving tigers were most likely to be reported (57%). Media reports appeared to be a good indicator of trends and the species being seized but not overall seizure number, with the media largely underestimating total seizure numbers. Therefore, media reports cannot be solely relied upon when it comes to informing conservation decision-making. We recommend that conservationists triangulate different data sources when using seizure data reported in the media to more rigorously characterise IWT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy Hinsley
- University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Riddell M, Maisels F, Lawrence A, Stokes E, Schulte‐Herbrüggen B, Ingram DJ. Combining offtake and participatory data to assess the sustainability of a hunting system in northern Congo. Afr J Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.13001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fiona Maisels
- Global Conservation Program Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx New York USA
- African Forest Ecology Group, Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Stirling Stirling UK
| | - Anna Lawrence
- The Centre for Mountain Studies University of the Highlands and Islands Perth UK
| | - Emma Stokes
- Global Conservation Program Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx New York USA
| | | | - Daniel J. Ingram
- African Forest Ecology Group, Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Stirling Stirling UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rizzolo JB, Gore ML, Long B, Trung CT, Kempinski J, Rawson B, Huyẽn HT, Viollaz J. Protected Area Rangers as Cultural Brokers? Implications for Wildlife Crime Prevention in Viet Nam. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.698731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The scope, scale, and socio-environmental impacts of wildlife crime pose diverse risks to people, animals, and environments. With direct knowledge of the persistence and dynamics of wildlife crime, protected area rangers can be both an essential source of information on, and front-line authority for, preventing wildlife crime. Beyond patrol and crime scene data collected by rangers, solutions to wildlife crime could be better built off the knowledge and situational awareness of rangers, in particular rangers' relationships with local communities and their unique ability to engage them. Rangers are often embedded in the communities surrounding the conserved areas which they are charged with protecting, which presents both challenges and opportunities for their work on wildlife crime prevention. Cultural brokerage refers to the process by which intermediaries, like rangers, facilitate interactions between other relevant stakeholders that are separate yet proximate to one another, or that lack access to, or trust in, one another. Cultural brokers can function as gatekeepers, representatives, liaisons, coordinators, or iterant brokers; these forms vary by how information flows and how closely aligned the broker is to particular stakeholders. The objectives of this paper are to use the example of protected area rangers in Viet Nam to (a) characterize rangers' cultural brokerage of resources, information, and relationships and (b) discuss ranger-identified obstacles to the prevention of wildlife crime as an example of brokered knowledge. Using in-depth face-to-face interviews with rangers and other protected area staff (N = 31, 71% rangers) in Pu Mat National Park, 2018, we found that rangers regularly shift between forms of cultural brokerage. We offer a typology of the diverse forms of cultural brokerage that characterize rangers' relationships with communities and other stakeholders. We then discuss ranger-identified obstacles to wildlife protection as an example of brokered knowledge. These results have implications for designing interventions to address wildlife crime that both improve community-ranger interactions and increase the efficiency of wildlife crime prevention.
Collapse
|
10
|
Harmsen H, Mbau JS, Muthama JN, Wang'ondu VW. Comparing law enforcement monitoring data and research data suggests an underestimation of bushmeat poaching through snaring in a Kenyan World Heritage Site. Afr J Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Henk Harmsen
- Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies University of Nairobi Nairobi Kenya
| | - Judith Syombua Mbau
- Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology University of Nairobi Nairobi Kenya
| | - John Nzioka Muthama
- Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies University of Nairobi Nairobi Kenya
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Breuer T, Breuer‐Ndoundou Hockemba M, Opepa CK, Yoga S, Mavinga FB. High abundance and large proportion of medium and large duikers in an intact and unhunted afrotropical protected area: Insights into monitoring methods. Afr J Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Breuer
- Wildlife Conservation Society Global Conservation Program Bronx NY USA
- Mbeli Bai Study Wildlife Conservation Society – Congo Program Brazzaville Congo
| | - Mireille Breuer‐Ndoundou Hockemba
- Mbeli Bai Study Wildlife Conservation Society – Congo Program Brazzaville Congo
- Wildlife Conservation Society ‐ Congo Program Brazzaville Congo
| | | | - Sarah Yoga
- Wildlife Conservation Society ‐ Congo Program Brazzaville Congo
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jones SCZ, Papworth SK, St. John FAV, Vickery JA, Keane AM. Consequences of survey method for estimating hunters' harvest rates. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sorrel C. Z. Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London Surrey UK
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The Lodge, Sandy Bedfordshire UK
| | - Sarah K. Papworth
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London Surrey UK
| | | | - Juliet A. Vickery
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The Lodge, Sandy Bedfordshire UK
| | - Aidan M. Keane
- School of GeoSciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
AbstractHunting is a primary driver of biodiversity loss across South-east Asia. Within Cambodia, the use of wire snares to capture wildlife is a severe threat in protected areas but there have been few studies of the behaviour of hunters from local communities. Here, we combine the unmatched count technique with direct questioning to estimate the prevalence of hunting behaviours and wildlife consumption amongst 705 households living within Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia. We assessed respondents’ knowledge of rules, and their perceptions of patrols responsible for enforcing rules. Estimates of hunting behaviour were variable: results from the unmatched count technique were inconclusive, and direct questioning revealed 9% of households hunted, and 20% set snares around farms to prevent wildlife eating crops. Hunting with domestic dogs was the method most commonly used to catch wildlife (87% of households owned dogs). Wild meat was consumed by 84% of households, and was most frequently bought or caught, but also gifted. We detected a high awareness of conservation rules, but low awareness of punishments and penalties, with wildlife depletion, rather than the risk of being caught by patrols, causing the greatest reduction in hunting. Our findings demonstrate the challenges associated with reliably estimating rule-breaking behaviour and highlight the need to incorporate careful triangulation into study design.
Collapse
|
14
|
Effects of integrated conservation–development projects on unauthorized resource use in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: a mixed-methods spatio-temporal approach. ORYX 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605319000735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
This study supplements spatial panel econometrics techniques with qualitative GIS to analyse spatio-temporal changes in the distribution of integrated conservation–development projects relative to poaching activity and unauthorized resource use in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Cluster and spatial regression analyses were performed on data from ranger monitoring containing > 35,000 combined observations of illegal activities in Volcanoes National Park, against tourism revenue sharing and conservation NGO funding data for 2006–2015. Results were enriched with qualitative GIS analysis from key informant interviews. We found a statistically significant negative linear effect of overall integrated conservation–development investments on unauthorized resource use in Volcanoes National Park. However, individually, funding from Rwanda's tourism revenue sharing policy did not have an effect in contrast to the significant negative effect of conservation NGO funding. In another contrast between NGO funding and tourism revenue sharing funding, spatial analysis revealed significant gaps in revenue sharing funding relative to the hotspots of illegal activities, but these gaps were not present for NGO funding. Insight from qualitative GIS analysis suggests that incongruity in prioritization by decision makers at least partly explains the differences between the effects of revenue sharing and conservation NGO investment. Although the overall results are encouraging for integrated conservation–development projects, we recommend increased spatial alignment of project funding with clusters of illegal activities, which can make investment decision-making more data-driven and projects more effective for conservation.
Collapse
|
15
|
Dobson ADM, de Lange E, Keane A, Ibbett H, Milner-Gulland EJ. Integrating models of human behaviour between the individual and population levels to inform conservation interventions. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180053. [PMID: 31352880 PMCID: PMC6710576 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Conservation takes place within social-ecological systems, and many conservation interventions aim to influence human behaviour in order to push these systems towards sustainability. Predictive models of human behaviour are potentially powerful tools to support these interventions. This is particularly true if the models can link the attributes and behaviour of individuals with the dynamics of the social and environmental systems within which they operate. Here we explore this potential by showing how combining two modelling approaches (social network analysis, SNA, and agent-based modelling, ABM) could lead to more robust insights into a particular type of conservation intervention. We use our simple model, which simulates knowledge of ranger patrols through a hunting community and is based on empirical data from a Cambodian protected area, to highlight the complex, context-dependent nature of outcomes of information-sharing interventions, depending both on the configuration of the network and the attributes of the agents. We conclude by reflecting that both SNA and ABM, and many other modelling tools, are still too compartmentalized in application, either in ecology or social science, despite the strong methodological and conceptual parallels between their uses in different disciplines. Even a greater sharing of methods between disciplines is insufficient, however; given the impact of conservation on both the social and ecological aspects of systems (and vice versa), a fully integrated approach is needed, combining both the modelling approaches and the disciplinary insights of ecology and social science. This article is part of the theme issue 'Linking behaviour to dynamics of populations and communities: application of novel approaches in behavioural ecology to conservation'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D M Dobson
- School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XP, UK
| | - Emiel de Lange
- School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XP, UK
| | - Aidan Keane
- School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XP, UK
| | - Harriet Ibbett
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wilfred P, Kayeye H, Magige FJ, Kisingo A, Nahonyo CL. Challenges facing the introduction of SMART patrols in a game reserve, western Tanzania. Afr J Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Wilfred
- Department of Life Sciences The Open University of Tanzania Dar es Salaam Tanzania
| | - Heri Kayeye
- Sokoine University of Agriculture Morogoro Tanzania
| | | | - Alex Kisingo
- College of African Wildlife Management Moshi Tanzania
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dobson ADM, Milner‐Gulland EJ, Beale CM, Ibbett H, Keane A. Detecting deterrence from patrol data. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2019; 33:665-675. [PMID: 30238502 PMCID: PMC7379181 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The threat posed to protected areas by the illegal killing of wildlife is countered principally by ranger patrols that aim to detect and deter potential offenders. Deterring poaching is a fundamental conservation objective, but its achievement is difficult to identify, especially when the prime source of information comes in the form of the patrols' own records, which inevitably contain biases. The most common metric of deterrence is a plot of illegal activities detected per unit of patrol effort (CPUE) against patrol effort (CPUE-E). We devised a simple, mechanistic model of law breaking and law enforcement in which we simulated deterrence alongside exogenous changes in the frequency of offences under different temporal patterns of enforcement effort. The CPUE-E plots were not reliable indicators of deterrence. However, plots of change in CPUE over change in effort (ΔCPUE-ΔE) reliably identified deterrence, regardless of the temporal distribution of effort or any exogenous change in illegal activity levels as long as the time lag between patrol effort and subsequent behavioral change among offenders was approximately known. The ΔCPUE-ΔE plots offered a robust, simple metric for monitoring patrol effectiveness; were no more conceptually complicated than the basic CPUE-E plots; and required no specialist knowledge or software to produce. Our findings demonstrate the need to account for temporal autocorrelation in patrol data and to consider appropriate (and poaching-activity-specific) intervals for aggregation. They also reveal important gaps in understanding of deterrence in this context, especially the mechanisms by which it occurs. In practical applications, we recommend the use of ΔCPUE-ΔE plots in preference to other basic metrics and advise that deterrence should be suspected only if there is a clear negative slope. Distinct types of illegal activity should not be grouped together for analysis, especially if the signs of their occurrence have different persistence times in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Harriet Ibbett
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordOX1 3PSU.K.
| | - Aidan Keane
- School of GeosciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FFU.K.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Porteus TA, Reynolds JC, McAllister MK. Modelling the rate of successful search of red foxes during population control. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/wr18025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Relative abundance indices of wildlife can be scaled to give estimates of absolute abundance. Choice of scaling parameter depends on the data available and assumptions made about the relationship between the index and absolute abundance. Predation-mechanics theory suggests that a parameterisation involving the rate of successful search, s, will be useful where the area searched is unknown. An example arises during fox culling on shooting estates in Britain, where detection and cull data from gamekeepers using a spotlight and rifle are available, and can potentially be used to understand the population dynamics of the local population.
Aims
We aimed to develop an informative prior for s for use within a Bayesian framework to fit a fox population-dynamics model to detection data.
Methods
We developed a mechanistic model with a rate of successful search parameter for the gamekeeper–fox system. We established a mechanistic prior for s, using Monte Carlo simulation to combine relevant information on its component factors (detection probability, observer field of view and speed of travel). We obtained empirical estimates of s from a distance-sampling study of fox populations using similar survey methods, and used these as data in a Bayesian model to develop a mechanistic–empirical prior. We then applied this informative prior within a state–space model to estimate fox density from fox-detection rate on four estates.
Key results
The mechanistic–empirical prior for the rate of successful search was lognormally distributed with a median of 2.01 km2 h–1 (CV = 0.56). Underlying assumptions of the parameterisation were met. Local fox-density estimates obtained using informative priors closely reflected regional density.
Conclusions
A mechanistic understanding of the search process leading to fox detections by gamekeepers, and the use of Bayesian models, allowed the use of diverse sources of information to develop an informative prior for s that was useful in estimating fox density from detection data.
Implications
Careful use of prior knowledge within a Bayesian modelling framework can reduce uncertainty in population estimates derived from index data, and lead to improved management decisions. The mechanistic approach we have used will have parallel applications in many other contexts.
Collapse
|
19
|
Drivers of conservation crimes in the Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi Game Reserves, Central Tanzania. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
20
|
Abade L, Cusack J, Moll RJ, Strampelli P, Dickman AJ, Macdonald DW, Montgomery RA. Spatial variation in leopard (Panthera pardus) site use across a gradient of anthropogenic pressure in Tanzania's Ruaha landscape. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204370. [PMID: 30304040 PMCID: PMC6179245 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding large carnivore occurrence patterns in anthropogenic landscapes adjacent to protected areas is central to developing actions for species conservation in an increasingly human-dominated world. Among large carnivores, leopards (Panthera pardus) are the most widely distributed felid. Leopards occupying anthropogenic landscapes frequently come into conflict with humans, which often results in leopard mortality. Leopards' use of anthropogenic landscapes, and their frequent involvement with conflict, make them an insightful species for understanding the determinants of carnivore occurrence across human-dominated habitats. We evaluated the spatial variation in leopard site use across a multiple-use landscape in Tanzania's Ruaha landscape. Our study region encompassed i) Ruaha National Park, where human activities were restricted and sport hunting was prohibited; ii) the Pawaga-Idodi Wildlife Management Area, where wildlife sport hunting, wildlife poaching, and illegal pastoralism all occurred at relatively low levels; and iii) surrounding village lands where carnivores and other wildlife were frequently exposed to human-carnivore conflict related-killings and agricultural habitat conversion and development. We investigated leopard occurrence across the study region via an extensive camera trapping network. We estimated site use as a function of environmental (i.e. habitat and anthropogenic) variables using occupancy models within a Bayesian framework. We observed a steady decline in leopard site use with downgrading protected area status from the national park to the Wildlife Management Area and village lands. Our findings suggest that human-related activities such as increased livestock presence and proximity to human households exerted stronger influence than prey availability on leopard site use, and were the major limiting factors of leopard distribution across the gradient of human pressure, especially in the village lands outside Ruaha National Park. Overall, our study provides valuable information about the determinants of spatial distribution of leopards in human-dominated landscapes that can help inform conservation strategies in the borderlands adjacent to protected areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Abade
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney, Abingdon, United Kingdom
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and Their Prey Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Remington J. Moll
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and Their Prey Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Paolo Strampelli
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Amy J. Dickman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Robert A. Montgomery
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney, Abingdon, United Kingdom
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and Their Prey Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Turreira-García N, Meilby H, Brofeldt S, Argyriou D, Theilade I. Who Wants to Save the Forest? Characterizing Community-Led Monitoring in Prey Lang, Cambodia. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 61:1019-1030. [PMID: 29626224 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-018-1039-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Community monitoring is believed to be successful only where there is sustained funding, legislation for communities to enforce rules, clear tenure rights, and an enabling environment created by the state. Against this backdrop, we present the case of an autonomous grassroots-monitoring network that took the initiative to protect their forest, in a context, where no external incentives and rule enforcement power were provided. The aim was to analyze the socio-demographic and economic backgrounds, motivations and achievements of forest monitors, compared to non-monitors in the same communities. A total of 137 interviews were conducted in four villages bordering Prey Lang forest in Cambodia. We used binary logit models to identify the factors that influenced the likelihood of being a monitor. Results show that there were few (22%, n = 30) active monitors. Active monitors were intrinsically motivated forest-users, and not specifically associated with a particular gender, ethnicity, or residence-time in that area. The most common interventions were with illegal loggers, and the monitors had a general feeling of success in stopping the illegal activities. Most (73%, n = 22) of them had been threatened by higher authorities and loggers. Our results show that despite the lack of power to enforce rules, absence of external funding and land-ownership rights, and enduring threats of violence and conflicts, autonomous community monitoring may take place when community members are sufficiently motivated by the risk of losing their resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Turreira-García
- Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 25, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Henrik Meilby
- Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 25, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Søren Brofeldt
- Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 25, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Dimitris Argyriou
- Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 25, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Ida Theilade
- Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 25, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Eshoo PF, Johnson A, Duangdala S, Hansel T. Design, monitoring and evaluation of a direct payments approach for an ecotourism strategy to reduce illegal hunting and trade of wildlife in Lao PDR. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0186133. [PMID: 29489821 PMCID: PMC5830036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecotourism as a strategy for achieving biodiversity conservation often results in limited conservation impact relative to its investment and revenue return. In cases where an ecotourism strategy has been used, projects are frequently criticized for not providing sufficient evidence on how the strategy has reduced threats or improved the status of the biodiversity it purports to protect. In Lao PDR, revenue from ecotourism has not been directly linked to or dependent on improvements in biodiversity and there is no evidence that ecotourism enterprises have contributed to conservation. In other developing countries, direct payments through explicit contracts in return for ecosystem services have been proposed as a more cost-effective means for achieving conservation, although further research is needed to evaluate the impact of this approach. To address this need, a new model was tested in the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area (NPA) in Lao PDR using a direct payments approach to create ecotourism incentives for villagers to increase wildlife populations. Over a four-year period, we monitored along a theory of change to evaluate assumptions about the linkages between intermediate results and biological outcomes. Preliminary results show a negative correlation between ecotourism benefits and hunting infractions in target villages; no increase in hunting sign in the ecotourism sector of the NPA relative to a three-fold increase in hunting sign across the NPA’s non-tourism sectors; and an overall increase in wildlife sightings. This case provides key lessons on the design of a direct payments approach for an ecotourism strategy, including how to combine threat monitoring and data on wildlife sightings to evaluate strategy effectiveness, on setting rates for wildlife sightings and village fees, and the utility of the approach for protecting very rare species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Arlyne Johnson
- Wildlife Conservation Society–Lao PDR, Vientiane Lao PDR
- Foundations of Success, Bethesda MD United States of America
| | | | - Troy Hansel
- Wildlife Conservation Society–Lao PDR, Vientiane Lao PDR
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Moore JF, Mulindahabi F, Masozera MK, Nichols JD, Hines JE, Turikunkiko E, Oli MK. Are ranger patrols effective in reducing poaching-related threats within protected areas? J Appl Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer F. Moore
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; University of Florida; Gainesville FL USA
| | | | | | - James D. Nichols
- United States Geological Survey; Patuxent Wildlife Research Center; Laurel MD USA
| | - James E. Hines
- United States Geological Survey; Patuxent Wildlife Research Center; Laurel MD USA
| | | | - Madan K. Oli
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; University of Florida; Gainesville FL USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Critchlow R, Plumptre AJ, Alidria B, Nsubuga M, Driciru M, Rwetsiba A, Wanyama F, Beale CM. Improving Law-Enforcement Effectiveness and Efficiency in Protected Areas Using Ranger-collected Monitoring Data. Conserv Lett 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rob Critchlow
- Department of Biology; University of York; York Y010 5DD UK
| | - Andrew J. Plumptre
- Wildlife Conservation Society; Plot 802 Kiwafu Rd, Kansanga, P.O. Box 7487 Kampala Uganda
- Conservation Science Group, Cambridge Conservation Initiative, Dept of Zoology; Cambridge University; UK
| | - Bazil Alidria
- Uganda Wildlife Authority; P.O. Box 3530 Kampala Uganda
| | - Mustapha Nsubuga
- Wildlife Conservation Society; Plot 802 Kiwafu Rd, Kansanga, P.O. Box 7487 Kampala Uganda
| | | | | | - F. Wanyama
- Uganda Wildlife Authority; P.O. Box 3530 Kampala Uganda
| | - Colin M. Beale
- Department of Biology; University of York; York Y010 5DD UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hötte MHH, Kolodin IA, Bereznuk SL, Slaght JC, Kerley LL, Soutyrina SV, Salkina GP, Zaumyslova OY, Stokes EJ, Miquelle DG. Indicators of success for smart law enforcement in protected areas: A case study for Russian Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) reserves. Integr Zool 2016; 11:2-15. [PMID: 26458501 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although considerable conservation resources have been committed to develop and use law enforcement monitoring and management tools such as SMART, measures of success are ill-defined and, to date, few reports detail results post-implementation. Here, we present 4 case studies from protected areas with Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) in Russia, in which indicators of success were defined and evaluated at each. The ultimate goal was an increase in tiger numbers to 1 individual/100 km(2) at each site. We predicted that improvements in law enforcement effectiveness would be followed by increases in prey numbers and, subsequently, tiger numbers. We used short-term and long-term indicators of success, including: (i) patrol team effort and effectiveness; (ii) catch per unit effort indicators (to measure reductions in threats); and (iii) changes in target species numbers. In addition to implementing a monitoring system, we focused on improving law enforcement management using an adaptive management process. Over 4 years, we noted clear increases in patrol effort and a partial reduction in threats. Although we did not detect clear trends in ungulate numbers, tiger populations remained stable or increased, suggesting that poaching of tigers may be more limiting than prey depletion. Increased effectiveness is needed before a clear reduction in threats can be noted, and more time is needed before detecting responses in target populations. Nonetheless, delineation of concrete goals and indicators of success provide a means of evaluating progress and weaknesses. Such monitoring should be a central component of law enforcement strategies for protected areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Linda L Kerley
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, England
| | | | - Galina P Salkina
- Lazovskii State Nature Zapovednik, Primorskii Krai, Russian Federation
| | - Olga Y Zaumyslova
- Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Zapovednik, Primorskii Krai, Russian Federation
| | | | - Dale G Miquelle
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, USA.,Department of Ecology, Far Eastern Federal University, Ayaks, Russki Island
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Soininen EM, Fuglei E, Pedersen ÅØ. Complementary use of density estimates and hunting statistics: different sides of the same story? EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-016-0987-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
27
|
Effects of anthropogenic mortality on Critically Endangered red wolf Canis rufus breeding pairs: implications for red wolf recovery. ORYX 2015. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605315000770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractFollowing precipitous population declines as a result of intensive hunting and 20th century predator-control programmes, hybridization of the Critically Endangered red wolf Canis rufus with coyotes Canis latrans posed a significant challenge for red wolf recovery efforts. Anthropogenic mortality and hybridization continue to pose challenges; the increasing number of wolf deaths caused by humans has limited wolf population growth, facilitated the encroachment of coyotes into eastern North Carolina, and affected the formation and disbandment of breeding pairs. We assessed the effects of anthropogenic mortality on Canis breeding units during a 22-year period (1991–2013). Our results show that deaths caused by people accounted for 40.6% of breeding pair disbandment, and gunshots were the primary cause of mortality. Red wolves replaced congeneric breeding pairs > 75% of the time when pairs disbanded under natural conditions or as a result of management actions. Since the mid 2000s anthropogenic mortality has caused annual preservation rates of red wolf breeding pairs to decline by 34%, and replacement of Canis breeders by red wolves to decline by 30%. Our results demonstrate that human-caused mortality, specifically by gunshots, had a strong negative effect on the longevity of red wolf pairs, which may benefit coyotes indirectly by removing their primary competitor. Coyotes are exacerbating the decline of red wolves by pair-bonding with resident wolves whose mates have been killed.
Collapse
|
28
|
Critchlow R, Plumptre AJ, Driciru M, Rwetsiba A, Stokes EJ, Tumwesigye C, Wanyama F, Beale CM. Spatiotemporal trends of illegal activities from ranger-collected data in a Ugandan national park. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2015; 29:1458-1470. [PMID: 25996571 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Within protected areas, biodiversity loss is often a consequence of illegal resource use. Understanding the patterns and extent of illegal activities is therefore essential for effective law enforcement and prevention of biodiversity declines. We used extensive data, commonly collected by ranger patrols in many protected areas, and Bayesian hierarchical models to identify drivers, trends, and distribution of multiple illegal activities within the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area (QECA), Uganda. Encroachment (e.g., by pastoralists with cattle) and poaching of noncommercial animals (e.g., snaring bushmeat) were the most prevalent illegal activities within the QECA. Illegal activities occurred in different areas of the QECA. Poaching of noncommercial animals was most widely distributed within the national park. Overall, ecological covariates, although significant, were not useful predictors for occurrence of illegal activities. Instead, the location of illegal activities in previous years was more important. There were significant increases in encroachment and noncommercial plant harvesting (nontimber products) during the study period (1999-2012). We also found significant spatiotemporal variation in the occurrence of all activities. Our results show the need to explicitly model ranger patrol effort to reduce biases from existing uncorrected or capture per unit effort analyses. Prioritization of ranger patrol strategies is needed to target illegal activities; these strategies are determined by protected area managers, and therefore changes at a site-level can be implemented quickly. These strategies should also be informed by the location of past occurrences of illegal activity: the most useful predictor of future events. However, because spatial and temporal changes in illegal activities occurred, regular patrols throughout the protected area, even in areas of low occurrence, are also required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Critchlow
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, Y010 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - A J Plumptre
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Plot 802 Kiwafu Rd, Kansanga, P.O. Box 7487, Kampala, Uganda
| | - M Driciru
- Uganda Wildlife Authority, P.O. Box 3530, Kampala, Uganda
| | - A Rwetsiba
- Uganda Wildlife Authority, P.O. Box 3530, Kampala, Uganda
| | - E J Stokes
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, U.S.A
| | - C Tumwesigye
- Uganda Wildlife Authority, P.O. Box 3530, Kampala, Uganda
| | - F Wanyama
- Uganda Wildlife Authority, P.O. Box 3530, Kampala, Uganda
| | - C M Beale
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, Y010 5DD, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Linkie M, Martyr DJ, Harihar A, Risdianto D, Nugraha RT, Maryati, Leader-Williams N, Wong WM. EDITOR'S CHOICE: Safeguarding Sumatran tigers: evaluating effectiveness of law enforcement patrols and local informant networks. J Appl Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Linkie
- Fauna & Flora International; Singapore 247672 Singapore
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology; University of Kent; Canterbury CT2 7NR UK
| | | | - Abishek Harihar
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology; University of Kent; Canterbury CT2 7NR UK
- Panthera; New York NY 10018 USA
| | | | | | - Maryati
- Fauna & Flora International; Indonesia Programme; Jakarta 12550 Indonesia
| | - Nigel Leader-Williams
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology; University of Kent; Canterbury CT2 7NR UK
- Department of Geography; University of Cambridge; Cambridge CB2 3EJ UK
| | - Wai-Ming Wong
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology; University of Kent; Canterbury CT2 7NR UK
- Panthera; New York NY 10018 USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Primates decline rapidly in unprotected forests: evidence from a monitoring program with data constraints. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118330. [PMID: 25714404 PMCID: PMC4340938 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing threats to primates in tropical forests make robust and long-term population abundance assessments increasingly important for conservation. Concomitantly, monitoring becomes particularly relevant in countries with primate habitat. Yet monitoring schemes in these countries often suffer from logistic constraints and/or poor rigor in data collection, and a lack of consideration of sources of bias in analysis. To address the need for feasible monitoring schemes and flexible analytical tools for robust trend estimates, we analyzed data collected by local technicians on abundance of three species of arboreal monkey in the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania (two Colobus species and one Cercopithecus), an area of international importance for primate endemism and conservation. We counted primate social groups along eight line transects in two forest blocks in the area, one protected and one unprotected, over a span of 11 years. We applied a recently proposed open metapopulation model to estimate abundance trends while controlling for confounding effects of observer, site, and season. Primate populations were stable in the protected forest, while the colobines, including the endemic Udzungwa red colobus, declined severely in the unprotected forest. Targeted hunting pressure at this second site is the most plausible explanation for the trend observed. The unexplained variability in detection probability among transects was greater than the variability due to observers, indicating consistency in data collection among observers. There were no significant differences in both primate abundance and detectability between wet and dry seasons, supporting the choice of sampling during the dry season only based on minimizing practical constraints. Results show that simple monitoring routines implemented by trained local technicians can effectively detect changes in primate populations in tropical countries. The hierarchical Bayesian model formulation adopted provides a flexible tool to determine temporal trends with full account for any imbalance in the data set and for imperfect detection.
Collapse
|
31
|
Gopalaswamy AM, Delampady M, Karanth KU, Kumar NS, Macdonald DW. An examination of index‐calibration experiments: counting tigers at macroecological scales. Methods Ecol Evol 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arjun M. Gopalaswamy
- Department of Zoology Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre University of Oxford Tubney Abingdon‐OX13 5QL UK
- Centre for Wildlife Studies 1669, 31st Cross, 16th Main, Banashankari 2nd Stage Bengaluru 560 070India
- Wildlife Conservation Society – India program 1669, 31st Cross, 16th Main, Banashankari 2nd Stage Bengaluru 560 070India
| | - Mohan Delampady
- Statistics and Mathematics Unit Indian Statistical Institute Bangalore Centre Bengaluru 560059 India
| | - K. Ullas Karanth
- Centre for Wildlife Studies 1669, 31st Cross, 16th Main, Banashankari 2nd Stage Bengaluru 560 070India
- Wildlife Conservation Society – India program 1669, 31st Cross, 16th Main, Banashankari 2nd Stage Bengaluru 560 070India
- Wildlife Conservation Society – Global Conservation Program 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx NY 10460 USA
| | - N. Samba Kumar
- Centre for Wildlife Studies 1669, 31st Cross, 16th Main, Banashankari 2nd Stage Bengaluru 560 070India
- Wildlife Conservation Society – India program 1669, 31st Cross, 16th Main, Banashankari 2nd Stage Bengaluru 560 070India
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Department of Zoology Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre University of Oxford Tubney Abingdon‐OX13 5QL UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Stephens PA, Pettorelli N, Barlow J, Whittingham MJ, Cadotte MW. Management by proxy? The use of indices in applied ecology. J Appl Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip A. Stephens
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Durham University; Mountjoy Science Site Durham DH1 3LE UK
| | - Nathalie Pettorelli
- Zoological Society of London; Institute of Zoology; Regent's Park London NW1 4RY UK
| | - Jos Barlow
- Lancaster Environment Centre; Lancaster University; Lancaster LA1 4YQ UK
- Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi; Av. Magalhães Barata 376 Belém Pará CEP 66040-170 Brazil
| | | | - Marc W. Cadotte
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Toronto; Scarborough 1265 Military Trail Toronto ON M1C 1A4 Canada
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology; University of Toronto; 25 Willcocks Street Toronto ON M5S 3B2 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Steinmetz R, Srirattanaporn S, Mor-Tip J, Seuaturien N. Can community outreach alleviate poaching pressure and recover wildlife in South-East Asian protected areas? J Appl Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Steinmetz
- World Wide Fund for Nature Thailand; 87 Soi Paholyothin 5, Paholyothin Road Samsen Nai Phayathai Bangkok 10400 Thailand
| | - Surasak Srirattanaporn
- World Wide Fund for Nature Thailand; 87 Soi Paholyothin 5, Paholyothin Road Samsen Nai Phayathai Bangkok 10400 Thailand
| | - Jirati Mor-Tip
- Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation; 61 Paholyothin Road Ladyao Jatujak Bangkok 10900 Thailand
| | - Naret Seuaturien
- World Wide Fund for Nature Thailand; 87 Soi Paholyothin 5, Paholyothin Road Samsen Nai Phayathai Bangkok 10400 Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wilfred P, MacColl A. The pattern of poaching signs in Ugalla Game Reserve, western Tanzania. Afr J Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Wilfred
- Department of Life Sciences; Faculty of Science; Technology and Environmental Studies; The Open University of Tanzania; P.O. Box 23409 Dar es Salaam Tanzania
| | - Andrew MacColl
- School of Life Sciences; The University of Nottingham, University Park; NG7 2RD Nottingham U.K
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Linkie M, Sloan S, Kasia R, Kiswayadi D, Azmi W. Breaking the vicious circle of illegal logging in Indonesia. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2014; 28:1023-1033. [PMID: 24628366 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The government of Indonesia, which presides over 10% of the world's tropical forests, has set ambitious targets to cut its high deforestation rates through an REDD+ scheme (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation). This will require strong law enforcement to succeed. Yet, strategies that have accomplished this are rare and, along with past failures, tend not to be documented. We evaluated a multistakeholder approach that seeks to tackle illegal logging in the carbon-rich province of Aceh, Sumatra. From 2008 to 2009, Fauna & Flora International established and supported a community-based informant network for the 738,000 ha Ulu Masen ecosystem. The network reported 190 forest offenses to local law enforcement agencies, which responded with 86 field operations that confiscated illicit vehicles, equipment, and timber, and arrested 138 illegal logging suspects. From 45 cases subsequently monitored, 64.4% proceeded to court, from which 90.0% of defendants received a prison sentence or a verbal warning for a first offense. Spatial analyses of illegal logging and timber storage incidents predicted that illegal activities would be more effectively deterred by law enforcement operations that targeted the storage sites. Although numerous clusters of incidents were identified, they were still widespread reflecting the ubiquity of illegal activities. The multistakeholder results were promising, but illegal logging still persisted at apparently similar levels at the project's end, indicating that efforts need to be further strengthened. Nevertheless, several actions contributed to the law enforcement achievements: strong political will; strong stakeholder support; and funding that could be promptly accessed. These factors are highlighted as prerequisites for achieving Indonesia's ambitious REDD+ goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Linkie
- Fauna & Flora International, Singapore 247672, Singapore.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Plumptre AJ, Fuller RA, Rwetsiba A, Wanyama F, Kujirakwinja D, Driciru M, Nangendo G, Watson JEM, Possingham HP. Efficiently targeting resources to deter illegal activities in protected areas. J Appl Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Plumptre
- Wildlife Conservation Society; Plot 802 Kiwafu Road PO Box 7487 Kampala Uganda
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
| | - Richard A. Fuller
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
| | | | | | - Deo Kujirakwinja
- Wildlife Conservation Society; 90, Avenue du Rond Point Quartier des Volcans Goma Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Grace Nangendo
- Wildlife Conservation Society; Plot 802 Kiwafu Road PO Box 7487 Kampala Uganda
| | - James E. M. Watson
- School of Geography; Planning and Environmental Management; University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
- Global Conservation Program; Wildlife Conservation Society; 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx NY 10460 USA
| | - Hugh P. Possingham
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
- Division of Ecology and Evolution; Imperial College London; Silwood Park Campus; Buckhurst Road Ascot Berks SL5 7PY UK
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Affiliation(s)
- A. Keane
- Silwood Park Campus; Imperial College London; Ascot Berkshire UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Keane A, Hobinjatovo T, Razafimanahaka HJ, Jenkins RKB, Jones JPG. The potential of occupancy modelling as a tool for monitoring wild primate populations. Anim Conserv 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2012.00575.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - J. P. G. Jones
- School of the Environment, Natural Resources and Geography; Bangor University; Bangor; Gwynedd; UK
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
N'Goran PK, Boesch C, Mundry R, N'Goran EK, Herbinger I, Yapi FA, Kühl HS. Hunting, law enforcement, and African primate conservation. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2012; 26:565-571. [PMID: 22394275 DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2012.01821.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Primates are regularly hunted for bushmeat in tropical forests, and systematic ecological monitoring can help determine the effect hunting has on these and other hunted species. Monitoring can also be used to inform law enforcement and managers of where hunting is concentrated. We evaluated the effects of law enforcement informed by monitoring data on density and spatial distribution of 8 monkey species in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. We conducted intensive surveys of monkeys and looked for signs of human activity throughout the park. We also gathered information on the activities of law-enforcement personnel related to hunting and evaluated the relative effects of hunting, forest cover and proximity to rivers, and conservation effort on primate distribution and density. The effects of hunting on monkeys varied among species. Red colobus monkeys (Procolobus badius) were most affected and Campbell's monkeys (Cercopithecus campbelli) were least affected by hunting. Density of monkeys irrespective of species was up to 100 times higher near a research station and tourism site in the southwestern section of the park, where there is little hunting, than in the southeastern part of the park. The results of our monitoring guided law-enforcement patrols toward zones with the most hunting activity. Such systematic coordination of ecological monitoring and law enforcement may be applicable at other sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul K N'Goran
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Burton AC, Sam MK, Balangtaa C, Brashares JS. Hierarchical multi-species modeling of carnivore responses to hunting, habitat and prey in a West African protected area. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38007. [PMID: 22666433 PMCID: PMC3364199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Protected areas (PAs) are a cornerstone of global efforts to shield wildlife from anthropogenic impacts, yet their effectiveness at protecting wide-ranging species prone to human conflict--notably mammalian carnivores--is increasingly in question. An understanding of carnivore responses to human-induced and natural changes in and around PAs is critical not only to the conservation of threatened carnivore populations, but also to the effective protection of ecosystems in which they play key functional roles. However, an important challenge to assessing carnivore communities is the often infrequent and imperfect nature of survey detections. We applied a novel hierarchical multi-species occupancy model that accounted for detectability and spatial autocorrelation to data from 224 camera trap stations (sampled between October 2006 and January 2009) in order to test hypotheses about extrinsic influences on carnivore community dynamics in a West African protected area (Mole National Park, Ghana). We developed spatially explicit indices of illegal hunting activity, law enforcement patrol effort, prey biomass, and habitat productivity across the park, and used a Bayesian model selection framework to identify predictors of site occurrence for individual species and the entire carnivore community. Contrary to our expectation, hunting pressure and edge proximity did not have consistent, negative effects on occurrence across the nine carnivore species detected. Occurrence patterns for most species were positively associated with small prey biomass, and several species had either positive or negative associations with riverine forest (but not with other habitat descriptors). Influences of sampling design on carnivore detectability were also identified and addressed within our modeling framework (e.g., road and observer effects), and the multi-species approach facilitated inference on even the rarest carnivore species in the park. Our study provides insight for the conservation of these regionally significant carnivore populations, and our approach is broadly applicable to the robust assessment of communities of rare and elusive species subject to environmental change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Cole Burton
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Breuer T, Breuer-Ndoundou Hockemba M. Intrasite variation in the ability to detect tropical forest mammals. Afr J Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2028.2012.01331.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Breuer
- Mbeli Bai Study/Nouabalé-Ndoki Project; Wildlife Conservation Society; Avenue Charles de Gaulle 151; B.P. 14537; Brazzaville; Republic of Congo
| | - Mireille Breuer-Ndoundou Hockemba
- Mbeli Bai Study/Nouabalé-Ndoki Project; Wildlife Conservation Society; Avenue Charles de Gaulle 151; B.P. 14537; Brazzaville; Republic of Congo
| |
Collapse
|