Illegal Poaching Threatens Sweden's Wolves

A Eurasian wolf in Sweden

It has been recently reported that populations of wolves in Sweden have been threatened due to poaching. A study has shown that more than half of all deaths were a result of such illegal activities with two-thirds going undetected in the last decade. Since then, the populations of the Eurasian wolf has been struggling to survive. According to Chris Carbone of London's Zoological Society, the study represents a crucial step in trying to measure the threat. This study predicted each year's wolf counts based on counts from the previous year by using radio-tracked animals and the "footprint count." The research team took wolf mortality cases into account such as, road kills, disease, and those found killed. But while comparing actual wolf numbers to expected numbers based on their models, the team found that the population was being overestimated. One of the members named Guillaume Chapron, stated that cryptic (undetected) poaching was the main factor in the differences in numbers, calling it the "tip of the iceberg." The team was based at the Grimso Wildlife Research Station and said that wolf numbers were supposed to have increased to 1,000 in 2009. In addition to poaching, the animals are also suffering from inbreeding and reproductive issues.

Eurasian wolf in Denmark

I'm very much shocked to see what the global population of wolves has been going through these past years. In North America, these animals are part of a debate that has pitted politicians and conservationists against one another in a fight to whether to delist them as endangered species or keep them as endangered species. While in Sweden, they have been suffering dramatically as a result of poaching incidences going undetected. The impact of this catastrophe has even led to the Swedish government to put a "temporary halt" on the nation's wolf hunts. Sweden allowed wolf hunting for the first time in more than forty years since last year. However, this move did not sit well with the European Union who claimed that the hunts violated an EU directive. I believe this idea opened up a window of opportunity for hunters seeking to decimate the populations when finding out the animals were competing against them for other big game animals such as elk (called "moose" in North America). In my opinion, this article gives a clear idea of what would happen to wolves in North America if they were stripped of their endangered species status and be targets for such hunts concerning livestock predation and competition for prey. There will always be individuals with intentions of simply annihilating the species so that they can hunt other prey species without any sort of competition.

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Cheetah to be Reintroduced in India's Palpur-Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary

A cheetah in its natural habitat

The cheetah has been widely noted for its grace, beauty, and speed for generations. When most people think about this feline, they mainly associate it with Africa. However, it had one time ranged from Africa to southern Asia. Coincidentally, the word "cheetah" derives from a Sanskrit word meaning "spotted one." This lean and swift creature was once a prized companion for emperors and maharajas during the Mughal Empire, who used it to hunt fast game such as blackbuck and gazelles. Unfortunately, as time progressed, its population began to deplete rapidly all over India and the Middle East. By 1947, India had lost its last cheetah amidst the period of independence from Britain. However, India considered to reintroduce the animal in early 2000s but the project could not be put into action after Iran refused to give its pair of cheetahs to India for cloning. But now since 2009, India has become keen in bringing the cheetah back; only this time it was going to be through importation of the African species from some nations. The goal was to breed the ones imported in captivity, and then release them in India's protected semi-arid habitats.

One recent site for reintroduction is the Palpur-Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The plan will be to translocate cheetahs from Namibia to this sanctuary located in Sheopur district. Sartaj Singh, Forest Minister of Madhya Pradesh, hopes that if all goes well according to plan, the cheetah would be brought by either the end of December to early January. He further added that surveys had been done and experts were in favor of the project. At the same time, a team of experts from Namibia visited the 344.686 square kilometer-sanctuary with local conservationists and senior forest department officials to work on the reintroduction strategy.

Although I'm very happy to see that Madhya Pradesh has confirmed a location to reintroduce cheetahs, I'm only concerned about how this plan will go together with the Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project. Minister Singh stated in this article that both the animals will coexist in Palpur-Kuno. However, it has been noted that cheetah has the highest mortality rate than any other animal. In fact, 90% of cheetah cubs do not survive to adulthood due to predation by lions and other powerful predators. My feeling is that suppose if this project will go along with that of the Asiatic lion, there would be a fair chance the lion will dominate over the cheetah. This would in turn spell disaster for India's cheetah reintroduction. I personally think that if conservationists and experts want to bring the cheetah to Palpur-Kuno, then they should put the plan to bring lions there on hold for sometime. Both these are the main conservation projects in India, and if one is affected in any significant way, then it would have a huge impact on the nation's conservation.

In addition to that, I'm also concerned about the status of the local Sahariya tribe living in the surrounding area. Ever since the Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project was implemented, several members of this tribe were relocated to edge of the sanctuary where they live poverty. I also believe that, in order to revive populations of both the people and the cheetahs, there should be a plan to establish a buffer zone in the sanctuary for the tribe and a core zone for the animals. Before being forced to relocate, these tribes had access to various necessities like water but now they do not simply because of this idea of lion/cheetah reintroduction being given more attention to.

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South Florida Wildlife Officers Capture Poachers via Facebook

Earlier in one of my posts, I had written about a group of New Zealand teenagers who were caught via Facebook after posting photos of them posing with a leopard seal they had killed. But now, there is a similar story in the U.S where wildlife officers are using the social networking site to capture poachers in South Florida. In order to capture them, officers go undercover by creating fake accounts to befriend the perpetrators. Though most often they access to their photos through their friends' accounts, who tip them off. In addition to photos, investigators also use comments and videos of poachers as evidence to indict them. The Florida Wildlife and Conservation Commission (FWC) established its very own internet crimes unit in late 2009, due to numerous cyber-related calls. In 2010, the unit made 177 arrests and gave 92 warnings.

Brian Spuler; one of several people arrested via Facebook

The commission's most recent capture occurred this June. 18-year-old Brian Spuler of Port St. Lucie was arrested after posting a photo of himself with a snook that appeared to have been killed with a spear gun. He was charged with taking the fish out of season, and with an illegal method. But, he pleaded no contest in taking the fish out of season and the charge of using an illegal method was dropped. However, he was fined $350 and sentenced to six months probation. According to Spuler himself, he did not know that it was illegal to fish at that time and that officers had violated his privacy. Similar feelings towards the commission's strategy were shown from other people. One of them was Tom Twyford, president of the West Palm Beach Fishing Club, who hopes that officers will go easy on people who do not know the law. However, Ken Sorensen, president of Boynton Beach Fishing Club, applauded the agency's efforts. In his own words, he had seen people upload photos of undersized fish and believes that the arrests will prevent others from doing the same. According to Jon Garzaniti of the internet crimes unit, the officers sometimes give warnings depending on how serious the crime is and whether the perpetrator realized it was illegal.

Darin Lee Waldo with his two poached white-tailed deer in Florida's Polk County

In addition to Facebook, the members of the unit also investigate black market wildlife sales on sites like Craigslist. One example took place on July 11th, when a 26-year-old man in Fort Lauderdale intentionally tried to sell a marmoset from South America online without a permit for $2,700. He was arrested and charged with illegal possession, sale, and caging of the monkey. But perhaps the most notorious poaching case occurred in April 2010 involving a man named Tom Doyle of Martin County. The 49-year-old supposedly boasted on Facebook about shooting an alligator in his backyard. The arrest report indicated that someone had turned him in after seeing his photos. The photos on his profile showed his son on a nine or ten-foot-long alligator. In his comments, Doyle said that he had shot the reptile in the eye. When questioned by the authorities, Doyle said that he killed the alligator with a bang stick because it was threatening his goats. But when one of the officers pointed to his comment, he replied that he was only bragging. He then also showed the officers alligator meat packed in plastic bags at the bottom of his freezer. He was arrested for illegal possession of alligator, and was fined $480. After Tom Doyle, another complaint was made on June 17th leading to the arrest of 21-year-old Kyle Edwards of Tampa. He admitted to killing a deer and an alligator with his AK-47. He also admitted posting his photos on Facebook, and officers later found the carcasses of the two animals. He was cited for illegal possession of alligator and hunting deer in closed season.

Tara Anne Carver with her fresh kill

I'm very much enthralled to see how some wildlife officials are turning to Facebook to capture the perpetrators responsible for allegedly poaching different species of animals. Many thought that they would be safe, but this concept is contradicted by Mr. Garzaniti. He stated that widespread visibility of social media has made it harder for them. He further added that many of these people do not realize they have friends online who either are motivated by the amount of reward imposed on them or simply because they do not like them. This, in turn, leads to violators arrested and fined for their gruesome deeds. When those teenagers were arrested for killing an leopard seal in New Zealand, I think it is possible they had friends who turned them in to the authorities. But what pleases me the most is how some people are collaborating with the law enforcement, and providing them with proper evidence in indicting the perpetrators. In addition to that, it is also very unique to see wildlife officials going undercover on Facebook to capture the poachers.

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Arabian Oryx- Back From the Brink of Extinction

An Arabian oryx herd

The Arabian oryx is one of the most magnificent species of antelopes in the world. For generations, it had been associated with the legendary unicorn and was often the subject of classical Arabic poetry. However, its grace and beauty had made it a target for Bedouin hunters, who hunted it for its hide and meat. Countless hunting led to the demise of this antelope, and it was believed to have been extinct in the wild by 1972. Fortunately, the Phoenix Zoo of the U.S had teamed up with Fauna and Flora International ten years earlier and started to establish the first captive-breeding of the oryx with financial help from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The project became known as Operation Oryx, and by 1982, the first reintroductions were made in Oman. Over the period of time, they had been brought back to their former haunts in nations like Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E, Israel, and Jordan.

An Arabian oryx in Israel

But now, it has been reported that the antelope's numbers in the wild have increased to 1,000 animals in all five of these Middle Eastern countries. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), who recently labeled the antelope as "vulnerable" from "endangered", it was an extraordinary conservation success story. The union further added that there have been reintroductions proposed in Iraq, Kuwait, and Syria. Thabet Zahran Al Abdessellam of Abu Dhabi's Environment Agency stated that the agency has formed an oryx conservation group covering these nations where it once thrived. He further added that they have a mutual agreement with Syria.

Captive oryxes resting

I'm extremely happy and proud at the efforts all these countries had put into, in order to save the Arabian oryx. The prized treasure of Arabia, which was once nearly lost forever, has now made a successful comeback into the region's rugged and sun-baked wilderness. What is one thing that I find interesting about its reintroduction is the fact that it was brought to the U.A.E ten years ago. Most people think of the U.A.E as a place famous for its luxurious hotels and resorts, but one hotel resort which stands out the most is the Al Maha Desert Resort. Established in 2004, this resort overlooks a stunning desert landscape which houses a rich variety of wildlife, including the oryx. At least 450 now live in this oasis.

Scimitar-horned oryx; a close relative currently thriving in captivity

I'm also very proud to see that nations like Kuwait, Iraq, and Syria have been taken into consideration for further reintroduction. This means the range of the Arabian oryx will be further expand to how it was centuries ago. However, I sure hope that everyone involved will be better prepared for any threats of poaching. One incident took place at Oman's Arabian Oryx Sanctuary when numbers had plummeted from 450 in 1996 to 65 animals in 2007. At the same time, the Arabian oryx's relative, the scimitar-horned oryx, had suffered similar consequences in North Africa. Like its Arabian relative, the scimitar-horned oryx is now currently in captivity. I just hope that all the countries where it once thrived would band together just like their Middle Eastern counterparts, in order to reintroduce this oryx back into the wild.

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Cameroon and Chad Sign Treaty to Fight Elephant Poaching

An elephant family

It has been reported that ministers from Cameroon and Chad had stated that both the nations have signed a pact to increase efforts to battle poaching of elephants. Both of these Central African countries had suffered from rampant poaching of elephants for their ivory to Asian markets and the local bushmeat trade. Majority of activities were occurring in a protected area on the border between the two countries. This area is more than 300,000 hectares, covering the Bouba Ndjidda National Park in Cameroon and the Sena Oura National Park in Chad. According to Hassan Terap, Chad's Environment Minister, the area makes up 70,000 hectares on Chad's side and majority of elephants there number around 3,000 individuals. Five years ago, their numbers were 5,000 before being reduced down to 3,000 animals by poachers. Meanwhile, only 300 elephants presently remain in Bouba Ndjidda. In addition to elephants, both of these parks are home to other animals such as the black rhinoceros, monkeys, buffalo, and 24 species of antelopes, all of which are threatened by the bushmeat trade.

I'm very proud and happy to see what these two neighboring countries are doing with respect to their local wildlife. Both of them had their share of illegal poaching, and are now joining hands to fight this ongoing bloodshed. As part of the treaty, measurements include cooperation between authorities from both parks and increasing numbers of armed rangers. According to conservationists, poaching is worsening in Cameroon and Chad. This is especially true according to Cameroon's Forestry and Wildlife Minister Elvis Ngolle, who stated that the poachers are well-armed and the government needs a significant number of well-trained eco-guards to fight them. He further added that the goal is to preserve the wildlife for both economic and cultural benefits of the people. I can only hope that both Cameroon and Chad will live up to their standards according to the pact they signed. Both the neighbors had lost a great deal of their elephants and other wildlife to poachers, and now it is the time to take decisive action.

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Assamese Conservation NGO to Help Indonesia's Rhino Conservation

A Sumatran Rhinoceros

It has been recently reported that Aaranyak, an Assam-based biodiversity conservation NGO, will be assisting Indonesia in carrying out genetic research on its two critically endangered rhinos: the Sumatran and the Javan rhinoceros. The NGO will help authorities to develop "non-invasive" genetic research for the two rhino species that are on the brink of extinction. The head of Aaranyak's Wildlife Genetics Program, Udayan Borthakur, went down to Indonesia to prepare the line of activity required to undertake the research on rhinos and collaborated with officials affiliated with the rhino conservation. According to Mr. Borthakur, lab-based works will be undertaken at Jakarta's Eijkman Institute.

Javan Rhinos

As part of their non-invasive DNA-based research, the Wildlife Genetics Program and its Indonesian partners will estimate the rhinos' population size, male-female-calf ratio, and their density. They will also investigate the issue of genetic bottleneck and in-breeding of the two rhinos. Mr. Borthakur stated that the NGO will help the Eijkman Institute to set up needed markers for DNA-based analysis for the two rhino species from their dung and hair samples. He further added that Aaranyak's Wildlife Genetics Program had successfully prepared and tested markers for the Indian one-horned rhino based on India's "non-invasive research." Based on the experience, it is now called on to help Indonesia with its rhino conservation after a discussion with the International Rhino Foundation (IRF).

An Indian one-horned rhino; a close relative of the Javan rhino

I'm very proud to see what a partnership India has formed with Indonesia with respect to each others' endangered species. In this case, it is rhinos. Both the countries are home to these powerful beasts, and all three of them share one common characteristic: They are both threatened by poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. However, based on their status, the Sumatran and the Javan species are the ones who are critically endangered compared to their Indian cousin. But now, it now appears that there is hope for Indonesia's rhinos as Aaranyak will be helping Indonesian officials with their own rhino conservation. What is interesting is that the genetic research the NGO used is credited as "non-invasive." What is about this research that makes it non-invasive? Whatever it is, it helped in the conservation of the Indian rhino and is now going to be assist in the conservation of Indonesia's rhinos.

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Tigers to Have More Space in Palamau National Park

Palamau National Park

It is recently reported that tigers in Palamau National Park will be receiving more space, due to the state forest department's role in honoring a twelve-year-old notification which recommends an additional 300 square kilometers. As part of this notification, forest belts in Latehar and Ranchi West Division will be merged into the national park to assure better conservation of the animals and habitat management. The process will expand the park's total area from 1,026 square kilometers to 1,326 square kilometers. The transfer of Palamau's neighboring forest areas is expected to be completed within a month. According to Palamau's Divisional Forest Officer (core) Premjit Anand, formalities have been made with divisional officers and pockets of Latehar will be integrated within ten days.

The notification was first brought up to the government of Jharkhand, but resulted in excuses ranging from manpower crunch to areas being Naxalite strongholds. S.E.H Kazmi, Palamau's director, was happy to say the proposal was taking shape. He further added that they (forest department and other officials involved) will boost up funds and habitat management plans like building enclosures. This will guarantee better monitoring of buffer zones and reduce man-animal conflict, including poaching. Although Mr. Kazmi refused to say why the project was delayed for twelve years, other people involved gave their reasons. One of them was Divisional Forest Officer (buffer) A.K Mishra, who explained that there were disagreements between the central notification and the instructions from the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) on areas to be included. Another official stated that some department officials just were not interested in the first place, explaining that increase in area meant more work in terms of patrolling, monitoring, and habitat management. According to PCCF A.K Singh, rules and regulations for recruiting forest guards have been prepared. In addition to that, a proposal for a tiger foundation had been formulated couple of months ago and is currently awaiting approval from the state government.

I'm very happy and proud to see what the tigers in Palamau will be receiving. In addition to that, I'm also satisfied to see what plans have been called regarding their protection. For example, there will be extension in activities such as patrolling, monitoring, habitat management, and establishment of enclosures. This means that Palamau's tigers and other wildlife will have a bright and shiny future. However, I was disturbed to see that tigers numbers had plummeted from seventeen animals to eleven animals due to the delay in this plan. Part of the reason was that Jharkhand and its neighboring areas were in the Naxalite grip, which may have given the poachers an opportunity to pillage and plunder the reserve. I personally think that as part of the project, more tigers should be brought to Palamau in order to reboost their population. With just eleven animals, it is not enough to help keep the park's ecosystem in balance.

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