Amazonian Indigenous Conservation Campaign Stops Deforestation

Cofan tribal instruments

Recently, a fundraising campaign called the Campaign for 5000 was launched by the Fundacion para la Sobrevivencia del Pueblo Cofan (FSC) and its branch the Cofan Survival Fund in order to support a Cofan Ranger Park Guard program. This program, established by the indigenous Cofan people of northern Ecuador, has successfully protected over one million acres of the world's most biodiverse forests in the world. Many of the Cofan ancestral territories, which range from 300 to 14,000 feet above sea level, had been targets for illegal logging, oil extraction, and poaching. In response to these threats, the Cofan Ranger Park Guard Program was established in 2002.

Jaguar

Currently, the program consists of sixty members who patrol and maintain hundreds of miles within these territories. In addition to that, the men and women perform duties such as monitoring and recording presence of endangered species such as the jaguar, tapir, and spectacled bear. They also maintain tabs on the health and integrity of the ecosystem. Interestingly, satellite imagery from the last decade has clearly shown that the rainforests under Cofan protection were fully intact. This maintenance has also prevented the release of CO2 emissions. In fact, a recent study sponsored by the Nature Conservancy estimated that the program has kept over 90,000 metric tons of carbon from being released into the atmosphere each year. The Cofan people have now set up a fundraising campaign called Campaign for 5000. This model's purpose is to create a partnership of 5000 members worldwide, who would contribute $10 or more per month to the program. This donation will sustain the conservation work by covering ranger salaries, food, transportation, training building, and field equipment. However, it will also help in reduction of CO2 emissions by 60 % and preservation of 2,000 acres of forests.

Tapir

Spectacled bear

I'm extremely happy and proud to see what the indigenous people of Ecuador have been doing in order to help preserve the biodiverse forests. Not only do these habitats serve as places of rich diversity of wildlife, but are also an ancestral heritage to the Cofan people. I personally think that this is a clear example of how an indigenous group of people works together, in order to help the global environment. The Cofan people are a good example of indigenous people, who are helping make a difference in this world. However, there are also other indigenous people who live in biodiverse hotspots. These include various tribes in Africa. It is hard to tell which ones are conducting a similar strategy, but there are also those who live up to their traditional beliefs and commit acts which cannot be beneficial for either the local wildlife or the environment. For example, in the case of the Masai, killing a lion is perceived as an act of bravery but can also affect the wildlife significantly. In addition to that, they raise their livestock in areas which could have a significant number of wildlife. This is why I believe that indigenous people in other biodiverse places should follow the example of the Cofan, in order help protect their land, their local wildlife, and most importantly, the global environment.

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Shrinking Rabbit Population Affects Iberian Lynx Population

European rabbit

The Donana National Park in south-western Spain is famous for being the last refuge of the endangered Iberian lynx. This shy and beautiful cat has suffered several several types of threats, including shortage of its favorite prey: rabbits. The rabbit population had suddenly dropped during the late 1980s as a result of viral hemorrhagic disease (VHD). This disease not only affected the lynx, but also other carnivore species such as the fox, the Egyptian mongoose, the genet, and the badger. A team of Argentinian and Spanish researchers investigated this case, and found that the downfall in rabbit population has mostly affected the lynx which could not hunt any other prey.

The red fox; one of few carnivores to adapt following the collapse in rabbit population.

The team's data has shown that the biggest drops in rabbit consumption were observed among the badger and fox populations, from 71.8 % to 26.2 % and 20.2 % to 9.8 %. But despite the drop in rabbit population, the fox had substituted the animals for other prey like birds, small mammals, and even ungulates (in form of carrion). According to Dr. Pablo Ferreras of the Research Institute on Cynegetic Resources (IREC), the fox population had benefited during the last five following the disease's arrival. He further added that the population of genets and mongooses also sustained due to maintenance in rabbit consumption.

The Iberian lynx; a flagship species that prefers only rabbits and no other prey species.

The lynx, on the other hand, never substituted the rabbits for any other prey. Dr. Ferreras pointed out that the rabbit constitutes to 75 % of the cat's diet, making it a specialist. The researchers also pointed out that the disease changed the lynx's social system. That is, it became less territorial, and in the case of females, their home range size expanded. This meant that that the number of sub-adults stayed in areas where they were born. Based on the findings, the researchers said that the current rabbit populations are still feeling the aftershocks from the collapse. They also said that further predation is affecting the population recovery. This could lead to shortage in rabbit population, which would jeopardize the lynx population.

I'm very much shocked to see how the Iberian lynx population has been affected by the shortage of prey. These cats seem to prefer mostly rabbits, and not any other prey. I feel that some serious action is required in order to help reboost the rabbit population before it plummets down any further. According to the researchers, the recommendation is management measures with the options of habitat improvement and restocking programs. I believe that another solution would be reintroduce more rabbits from elsewhere in Europe where they were introduced. These cute and cuddly creatures were introduced as an exotic species in places like England. While the VHD has proved to be effective in Australia where the species is an exotic pest, in Spain it is a completely different story. I think, in order to reintroduce the species back, a useful tip would be to test individuals for the virus. At the same time, research on developing a vaccine should be undertaken. The population of the rabbits in Spain is at stake and so is the lynx. Without any action, both species' populations in Donana would be lost forever.

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Thai National Arrested in South Africa for Illegal Trade of Rhino Horns

A Thai national was recently arrested by a joint operation conducted by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the Hawks, and forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan. The 43-year-old, believed to be a kingpin in the illegal trade of rhino horns, was arrested at a house east of Johannesburg in the town of Edenvale. He was previously searched by SARS officials at the OR Tambo International Airport upon his arrival on June 13. SARS spokesman Anton Fisher stated that the officials uncovered various documents, including an order for fifty sets of rhino horns, a computer, and a cellphone. He further added that the suspect allegedly used rhino-hunting permits under false pretenses. That is, such permits issued under CITES (Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species) are for trophy hunting and not for the illegal trade. It is thought that once a rhino has been killed on a supposed hunting trip, its horn would be sent overseas by the suspect who pays an average of 65,000 rands per kilogram. Fisher also stated that an extensive investigation by SARS following the suspect's arrest led to his activities and a trading company based in Laos. A similar arrest was made yesterday following a successful prosecution of another Thai national named Punipak Chunchom, who was charged with the illegal possession of lion teeth and claws. Both he and this man worked for the same company.

Although I'm satisfied by the arrest of this national, this news article highlighted a key piece of evidence behind trophy hunting in Africa. That is, once the clients have successfully killed an animal of their choice, they would secretly export the body parts of that animal overseas to such import/export companies. In this case, the animal has been a rhino. However, other animals like lions also become victims of such secretive and illicit activities functioning within what may be a tool for conservation. Although I'm not an advocate in hunting, I feel that trophy hunting businesses should be closely monitored regarding the illegal trade of wild animals sought as big game. This method should especially be used in South Africa, which has lost a great deal of its rhinos to powerful criminal syndicates using sophisticated technology in exploiting the land and its wildlife.

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Studying Abroad in Tanzania

Hey everybody. Sorry I have not been keeping you all updated with any news on wildlife and conservation all this time. I had been attending a study abroad program in Tanzania. This program allows students to actively participate in activities related to wildlife management in national parks like Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and of course the Serengeti. This program is one of many provided by the SFS (School for Field Studies). During my stay, I had been traveling with other students to these remote and exotic places and seeing some of the most amazing wildlife in the world. In addition to that, I have also been experiencing the Tanzanian culture by interacting with the local people, including the Masai. I will be returning on July 5th, and keep everyone updated on any such news.

China Fails in its Commitment to Save Tigers

A Malaysian tiger

The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has recently stated that China has fallen short of commitments in tiger protection. The agency has also written a letter to Premier Wen Jiabao expressing concern over China's State Forestry Administration's handling of tiger protection. Jiabao had initially made a pledge during a Global Tiger Forum held in St. Petersburg last fall that China would vow to work with other Asian nations to end the global trade of tiger parts. But during a series of meetings on the illegal wildlife trade held in March, it was pointed out that a representative of China's law enforcement was unaware of any arrests or prosecutions related to the tiger trade or even the seizures of tiger products since the forum. EIA also showed that China relies heavily on NGO-generated intelligence to keep track of the illegal trade in tiger parts.

In addition to commitment, the agency also revealed that the nation lacks the capacity to address its promise to increase its tiger population within its borders and end the trade in tiger parts. According to EIA, the capacity is further combined by the Chinese policy which undermines the nation's commitments to its tiger protections. The agency recommends that China should establish a zero tolerance policy for the trade in tiger parts, and further forbid all such illegal activities. EIA even encouraged Premier Jiabao to give responsibility to a full-time unit of police officers for crimes in the wildlife trade, and work to intensify the capability of the State Forestry Administration to respond to wildlife crimes. throughout the nation.

I'm very much shocked and surprised to hear these news about China's role in the tiger protection. Earlier before the Global Tiger Forum, China had made a vow to help put an end to the illegal trafficking of tiger parts. These include signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with India, and working with it to curb such illegal activities. However, as early as 2007, China had adopted an agenda which would allow the sale of tiger skins of "legal origin" which violates its commitments under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). These commitments state that tigers should not be farmed like livestock for their body parts. I'm very proud to see what flaws the EIA has revealed in China's position in the world's tiger protection, and very much agree with its recommendations. If China wants to help save the world's tigers, it should rely on more than just NGO-generated intelligence.

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Anti-Poaching Efforts to Protect Tibetan Antelopes Announced

Tibetan antelope in its natural habitat

It has been recently reported that four nature reserves covering 550,000 square kilometers of western China will be joining forces together to protect highly endangered Tibetan antelopes through anti-poaching operations. The operations are scheduled to start in late May. According to Tseta, party chief of the Hoh Xil National Reserve Administration, the operations are expected to last for one to three months and will be an annual routine. He further added that it will be the first time the four reserves reserves will be working together and is the largest protection campaign since Hoh Xil's establishment in the 1990s. The campaign was an outcome of a meeting held last September in Xining, which concluded with an agreement on joint protection of the antelopes.

Ever since the Tibetan antelope gained its status as an endangered species in 1979, poachers continuously went after it driven by the smell of profits from its pelt. In 1994, a man named Sonam Dargye was killed while protecting these graceful creatures in Hoh Xil. Two years later, a protection program was set up and in 1997, it was established as a nature reserve. Since then, more than 400 patrols had been carried out in which over 3,500 people patrolled one million kilometers to protect the antelopes. Tseta stated that while illegal poaching has not been reported in the past five years, new problems came to the reserves which forced them to unite. Shira, director of Changtang Nature Reserve's Forest Public Security Bureau stated that poachers have started hiring local herdsmen to help them in hunting the animals. He further added saying the area is too broad and barely populated, which gave poachers a greater chance in succeeding and brought difficulties to the authorities. Luo Yanhai, the director of Hoh Xil Administration's Forest Public Security Bureau who had ten years' experience on patrol, said that even though the antelopes migrate across the four reserves, no law can be imposed across the border. This is why a new system of joint patrolling will be established. This new system's key aspects are information sharing and cross-zone manhunts, which will be carried out annually. The four reserve administrations will report information and work results to each other every three months, which will give them more power.

I'm very happy and proud to see what strategies the administrations from all four nature reserves came up with to protect the current populations of the Tibetan antelopes. Statistics have shown that the population of these magnificent creatures rose from 60,000 to 120,000 in the Changtang Reserve, those in Hoh Xil grew from 20,000 to 70,000 animals. While it appears the overall antelope population is healthy, the threat of poaching still looms over the horizon. And Shira of the Changtang Reserve pointed it out that local herdsmen are secretly helping the poachers by doing small-scale hunting. I believe that the best solution to tackle this problem would be to educate the locals about the importance of the Tibetan antelope, and encourage them to collaborate with the authorities in reducing any further poaching on these reserves. This will help the global population of the Tibetan antelope to flourish further in good numbers.

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America's Gray Wolves Taken Off the Endangered Species List

Gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park

The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service recently issued a final rule to strip the gray wolves off the Endangered Species List in the Northern Rocky Mountains. This rule will allow management of these magnificent creatures in the states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Utah. This rule was required by a rider, which was attached to a federal budget bill by Senator Jon Tester of Montana and Representative Mike Simpson of Idaho and it marked for the first time where a plant or animal has been taken off as endangered species by the Congress. It was recently challenged by the Center of Biological Diversity in a federal court in Missoula, Montana. There, the center's argument was that the removal of wolves as endangered species is unlawful because it violates the constitution's separation of powers. According to the center's director Noah Greenwald, the rider is also a disaster for any other endangered species which a politician does not like and not just wolves. Defenders of Wildlife president Rodger Schliekeisen expressed a similar opinion where the action taken by Congress and the Obama administration was "unwarranted and extremely disappointing." However, he further added that wolves in the northern Rockies may still have a bright future with proper management in their home states. But this statement did not sit well with Mr. Greenwald, who expressed his concern about the threat of planned hunts, illegal poaching, and aerial shooting by state agencies. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, on the other hand, praised the delisting of wolves as another success story of the Endangered Species Act after the bald eagle and the whooping crane. He further added that wolf populations in Oregon and Washington have only begun to recover, where small pack numbers have established and only individuals have been sighted in Utah.

Hunters in Idaho over their kill of the day

However, in Idaho and Montana, the numbers of wolves are strong and both the states had expressed their interests in reducing the populations in a misguided attempt to increase the local elk populations and minimizing livestock predations. This idea reflects back when Idaho governor Butch Otter signed a bill declaring the federal introduction of wolves in the state a disaster. The legislation allowed the governor use his powers to lessen the threat of 800 animals. There is even news from Wyoming where the state would like to declare that wolves could be shot on sight in large portions of the state. In addition to removing wolves in the northern Rockies off the Endangered Species List, the Fish and Wildlife Service also proposed implementing the same rule for those in the western Great Lakes area. As part of this rule, the Service will revise the animals' range by removing all or parts 29 eastern states with new taxonomic information indicating that the wolf did not historically occur in those states. It is also going to look at status reviews of wolves in the Pacific Northwest and the American Southwest to determine their listing status, and will be seeking new information about the newly-discovered eastern wolf.

Gray wolf in northern Minnesota

After reading this article, I very much felt the same way as various conservation groups involved in this fight to prevent America's wolves from being stripped of their endangered species status. And frankly speaking, I happen to agree with them that the decision whether to keep them as endangered species or not should be the job for scientists and researchers; not politicians. People like Mr. Greenwald of the Center of Biological Diversity gave strong points in support of his group's arguments that the removal of wolves violates the separation of powers in the nation's constitution. That is, the judicial power of the U.S lies strictly in the hands of federal courts and not the Congress. And it turns out that this principle was violated even after a federal judge in Montana declared the delisting of wolves as unlawful.

Furthermore, even though it appears that the wolf population in the U.S is healthy and steadily increasing, a study in Michigan's Isle Royale National Park gives a different story. The study has shown that the wolf population has suffered a shortage of females, which puts them at a brink of extinction. And at the same time, wolves in the same area (Western Great Lakes area) have been removed as endangered species. This could mean that the ones in Isle Royale are headed to extinction, unless plans to reintroduce wolves from the surrounding region will be put into action. This strategy should help in further reduction of wolves in mainland Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin in a safe and harmless way. At the same time, cattle ranchers and other people in the agricultural industries should be provided with livestock guardian dogs to keep wolves off their lands. This type of technique has helped farmers in Catalonia when the government provided them with Pyrenean Mountain Dog puppies against the threat of marauding wolves. I personally believe that the U.S government should follow this example in helping such people in distress. Just hunting will not always do any good, as Mr. Greenwald put it, saying that there will always be a threat of poaching and aerial shooting. In addition to that, the federal government should put its trust in various conservation groups because it is only they who can really determine a plant or animal's status. This way, the wildlife of North America will hang in balance.

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