NewsLetter
ISSUE No. 15
March 2006

NEF NEWSLETTERISSUE No.15 March 2006

Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF)
Founded in 1989, the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF)
is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting nature
conservation in developing countries. The NEF pursues its objectives throughtwo main schemes: Research Grant Scheme and Scholarship Scheme.
The Research Grant Scheme provides financial support to creative andcommitted local scientists and other concerned people, allowing themto undertake research and related activities within the scope of nature
conservation in their respective countries.
The Scholarship Scheme provides financial support to local university
students who intend to study courses relevant to nature conservation in
their respective countries, so as to work in this ﬁeld in the future.

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Photo:Jeremy Holden

NEF NEWSLETTERISSUE No. 15 March 2006

Contents
Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF)..... 2

ProﬁleName: Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF)
Address: 3-10-10, Shitaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8676, Japan
Tel: +81-3-5824-0771

1 Outlines of the new projects in FY2005............ 4(1) Research Grant ........................................... 5(2) Publication Grant ....................................... 6(3) Conservation Activity Grant ...................... 7
2 Progress of the projects in FY2004 ..................... 8(1) Research Grant............................................ 9Hellen Kurniati .............................................. 9

Fax: +81-3-5824-0772
Website: http://www.jwrc.or.jp/NEF/
E-mail: nef@cronos.ocn.ne.jp
Date established: 21 November 1989
Jurisdiction: Ministry of the Environment, Japan

Craig Morley .................................................12
Apinya Chaitae .............................................14David Li .........................................................16
Sendgeuan Wayakone ...................................18
Khamleck Xaydala ........................................20
Sopon Thangphet .........................................22
Theresa Aquino .............................................24(2) Small-scale Research Grant ........................26
Joie Matillano ................................................26
Janak Raj Khatiwada......................................28(3) Conservation Activity Grant ......................30
Ritu Gurung ..................................................30
Sanjeevani Yonzon ........................................32
Scholarship Programme .........................................34

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NEF NEWSLETTERISSUE No.15 March 2006

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Outlines of the
new projects in
FY2005In FY2005, NEF funded 19 projects in eight
countries including 10 new projects and nine
continued projects (as of Feb. 2006). Outlinesof the newly approved projects are shown in thefollowing pages.

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(1) Research Grant
Indigenous forest management:
A case study of sacred forest "common pool resource"
Research Grant

Souksompong Prixar
National University of Laos (NUOL), Lao PDR
620,000 Japanese yen

The villages surrounding the Dong Khaibokhan sacred forest in Bolikhamxay Province of Laos wereanecdotally established in 1914. People have used the natural resources in this forest for many decades,
governed by traditional regulations. People follow these regulations strictly and carefully to use theseresources in a sustainable way. It is very important to study how the regulations work to control use of
the forest and to conserve the approach. This study plans to trace the indigenous forest management
system and codify how local people establish local institutions to control the use of forest resources inthis sacred forest.
Research area: Dong Khaibokhan sacred forest, Bolikhamxay ProvinceWorkshop on taxonomy assessment and identiﬁcation ofpriorities in Indonesia towards 2010 target
Research Grant

Elizabeth Widjaja
Research Center for Biology, Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI),
Indonesia
950,000 Japanese yen

As one of the world’s largest biodiversity countries, Indonesia has to take full account of taxonomic
capacities in achieving the goals of the Convention of Biological Diversity, and support taxonomic
activities toward the 2010 target. A network and collaboration between the herbaria is needed tocompile the information for listing and assessing endemic and endangered species within the country.
This project plans to hold a workshop in order to: help identify the ﬂora of Indonesia for implementing
the CBD's Strategic Plan; provide the rationale for the operational targets chosen, with opportunities
indicated for further elaboration of the program of work; and serve as a guide for all biodiversity
stakeholders on speciﬁc objectives toward which they can contribute individually or collectively, at the
local, national, or international level.

Conservation of gaur (Bos gaurus) andbanteng (Bos javanicus) in Cat Tien National Park andEa So Nature Reserve
Research Grant

Nguyen Manh Ha
Vietnam National University of Ha Noi, Vietnam
1,000,000 Japanese yen

The bovid (Bovidae) family in Vietnam includes four genera with six species. Among them, gaur Bos
gaurus and banteng Bos javanicus are the most globally threatened wild cattle due to loss of habitatand extensive hunting (Vietnam Red Data Book). It is thus imperative to assess the status of andthreats to these cattle, as well as to provide a long-term conservation plan for the species. This study
plans to: investigate the current status of gaur and banteng; specify the local distribution of gaur andbanteng in Cat Tien and Ea So; identify the causes of threat posed to gaur and banteng; and makerecommendations for the conservation plan for gaur and banteng.
Research area: Cat Tien National Park (73,878 ha. Located in Dong Nai, Binh Phuoc, and Lam Dong
Provinces in southeastern Vietnam), and Ea So Nature Reserve (22,000 ha. Located in Dak Lac Province
in the Central Highlands)

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NEF NEWSLETTERISSUE No.15 March 2006

Risky aquaculture in vulnerable mangrove ecosystem:
environmental monitoring and suggested biological solutions
for sustainable development
Research Grant

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Phan Nguyen Hong
Vietnam National University of Ha Noi, Vietnam
850,000 Japanese yen

A coastline of 3,260 km, favourable natural conditions, abundant labour, and government
support policies have promoted the development of lucrative aquaculture in Vietnam, particularly
shrimp (Penaeus spp.) farming for exports. Such development, however, has adversely affected
the mangrove ecosystem of high biodiveristy due to its conversion to aquaculture ponds and theresulting water environmental pollution. The overall goal of this project is to conserve the coastalmangrove environment in risky aquaculture areas by mitigating pollution. The research plans to: assess
environmental pollution inside and outside laboratory and in the ﬁeld.
Research area: Giao Thuy District, Nam Dinh ProvinceEF(2) Publication Grant"Butterﬂies of Bogor Botanical Garden, Indonesia:
their importance and signiﬁcance"
Publication

Dewi M. Prawiradilaga
Division of Zoology, Research Center for Biology, Indonesian Institute of
Science (LIPI), Indonesia
980,000 Japanese yen

Contrary to the occurrence and diversity of butterflies in Indonesia, there has been no affordable
guidebook on Indonesian butterﬂies. This project aims to publish a guidebook on butterﬂies in Bogor
Botanical Garden in both English and Indonesian languages. The objectives are to: provide users
with basic knowledge about butterﬂies; offer an easy and affordable guide on local species; informworkers in nature reserves about the existence of butterﬂies and rich biodiversity in those areas; andincrease public knowledge about this natural environment and public participation in environmental
conservation.
Research area: Bogor Botanical Garden (87 ha)

Publication on "Guidebook on the Birds of Lore Lindu
National Park, Central Sulawesi"
Publication

Djunijanti Peggie
Museum Zoology Bogor, Research Center for Biology, Indonesian Instituteof Science (LIPI), Indonesia
980,000 Japanese yen

Lore Lindu National Park is located in central Sulawesi. The park was established in 1977 and covers an
area of 217,991 ha at an altitude of 200 to 2356 m.
Lore Lindu National Park has the richest biodiversity, and 267 bird species (70%) out of the total 384
bird species in Sulawesi can be found in the area. Moreover, 71% of endemic species or 15 out of 16
endemic genera inhabit this park. On the other hand, 60 Sulawesi threatened bird species including 23
globally threatened species that should be monitored also live there.
A complete guidebook for the island of Sulawesi has not been available until now, while Lore Lindu
National Park has become a focal point for various biodiversity research studies and biologicalmonitoring, as well as a destination for ecotourism. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide
guidebooks on biodiversity in the area including a bird guidebook.
The Lore Lindu Bird Guidebook will provide an excellent tool for bird monitoring by local NGOs andpark rangers, while promoting conservation awareness and visitor education.
Research area: Lore Lindu National Park (217,991ha)

6Publication of "Contributions to the Terrestrial Mammals of
the West Indies"
Publication

Rafael Borroto-Paez
Instituto de Ecologia y Sistematica, Cuba
700,000 Japanese yen

This book will contribute to the study of fossils and recent mammals in terms of systematic aspects,
ecology, paleontology, anatomy, natural history, collections, behaviour, parasitology, and conservation.
All descriptions will be written in English with abstracts given in both English and Spanish. Also, acomplete database listing more than 1,300 bibliography references, with analysis and comments will
be added as an annexe to the book.

Publication on "Proceedings of the National Conference on
Environment and Sustainable Development" and "Abstracts of
Scientiﬁc Works conducted by CRES and Afﬁliates"
Publication

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Truong Quang Hoc
Vietnam National University of Ha Noi, Vietnam
900,000 Japanese yen

The Centre for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (CRES), Vietnam National University, Ha
Noi was established in 1985. CRES plans to publish a series of books including:- Proceedings of the National Conference on Environment and Sustainable Development- Abstract of Scientiﬁc Works conducted by CRES and AfﬁliatesEF(3) Conservation Activity Grant
Enhancing our understanding about high-altitude wetlands
in Nepal
Conservation
Activity

Bishnu Bhandari
Forum for Ecosystem Management, Nepal
300,000 Japanese yen＊ This project has been completed.

Wetlands are biologically rich ecosystems on the Earth. They represent the interface between land
and water, and thus the home to terrestrial and aquatic ﬂora and fauna. Because of these values, amultitude of beneﬁts can be drawn from the use of wetlands and their resources. However, little is
known about the uses, functions, and values of wetlands that are called high-altitude wetlands. The
study is intended to provide a discussion forum for individuals engaged in the study and managementof the high-altitude wetlands of Nepal. Its speciﬁc objectives are to: review the current status of highaltitude wetlands, focusing on biological, hydrological, cultural, and socio-economic values andbeneﬁts; identify the need for information (knowledge gap) on the wise use and conservation of thesewetlands; and explore the means of collaborative work among organisations and agencies on thesustainable uses of high-altitude wetland resources.

Biodiversity Week 2005 "Global Warming and Biodiversity"
Conservation
Activity

Imran Tumora
Lembar, Indonesia
230,000 Japanese yen

Universitas Nasional Jakarta, Indonesia, in cooperation with Lembar (NGO), will celebrate Biodiversity
Week 2005 under the theme of Global Warming and Biodiversity. Activities include a workshop,
exhibitions, and a poster design contest. The purposes are to: raise awareness among the local
community (especially students) about global warming and its impact on biological diversity; increase
community awareness about reducing the use of chemical compounds that affect global warming andbiodiversity; and introduce nature-friendly behaviour to help reduce the impact of global warming.

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NEF NEWSLETTERISSUE No.15 March 2006

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Progress ofthe projects in
FY2004Progress reports for some projects funded in
FY2004 are shown in the following pages.

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(1)Research Grant
Biodiversity and natural history of amphibians and reptiles in
Kerinci Seblat National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia
Research Grant

Hellen Kurniati
Research Center for Biology, Indonesian Institute of Science(LIPI), Indonesia

Approximately 91 species of frogs are known to exist in
mainland Sumatra, of which there are 17 endemic species.
Moreover, there are approximately 72 lizard species (16endemics), 133 snakes (26 endemics), and 13 species
of non-marine turtles. However, many new species arebeing discovered and described due to limited sampling
efforts in many areas to date. Generally, the herpetofauna(amphibians and reptiles) of Sumatra remains poorly
studied; only certain areas have been comprehensively
studied, including Leuser National Park.
Kerinci Seblat National Park (KSNP) is the huge nationalpark in Sumatra (with a total area of about 1,400,000
hectares). The park spans following counties and provinces(Figure 1): Pesisir Selatan and Solok (West Sumatra
Province); Batanghari, Sorolangun Bangko, and Kerinci(Jambi Province); Bengkulu Utara and Rejanglebong(Bengkulu Province); and Musi Rawas (South Sumatra
Province). The park area within Jambi Province is muchlarger than that within the other three provinces. The large
area of rain forest that covers most of KSNP is an important
habitat for amphibians and reptiles, with many reptile
and amphibian species relying on specific habitats forsurvival. The purpose of biodiversity studies are focused on
surveying all major habitats, reporting the distribution andrelative abundance of all species recorded, consolidating
information on the distribution and habitat preferences ofherpetofauna in KSNP, and providing baseline informationthat can be used as indicators of the abundance of species
and population changes in the future.
Field surveys of herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles)
communities were conducted in KSNP (Jambi Province)f ro m J a n u a r y t o M a rc h 2 0 0 5 . S u r v e y s i n c l u d e dobservation, lighting, collection by hand, and trapping in
all major amphibian and reptile habitats at six survey sites(Tapan, Lumayang, Sungai Durian, Gunung Tujuh, Rawa
Bento, and Renah Kayu Embun).
Four general herpetofauna habitat types were identified
within the areas surveyed including:
Cultivated land: Consisting of paddy fields, land for
growing vegetables and fruit, and sweet wood plantations.
Highland hill forest: This area is characterized bydominant laurels and oaks trees. Moss and fern festoon
the trunks, limbs, and branches of tress and shrubs (Figure
2).

Figure 1: Location of Kerinci Seblat National Park (KSNP)

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NEF NEWSLETTERISSUE No.15 March 2006

Renah kayu Embun

RawaBento

1.00

Gunung Tujun

The results of Jaccard’s Coefficient of Similarity index
calculation showed that two distinct groups were apparent
from the highland survey, as were at lowland survey sites(Figure 3). The sites where rain forest covered most of theareas located at an altitude between 500 and 700 meters
above sea level (Tapan, Lumayang, and Sungai Durian)
were clustered as one group. Another group included
the sites where disturbed forest covered most of the areas
located at an altitude between 1200 and 2000 meters
above sea level (Gunung Tujuh, Rawa Bento, and Renah
Kayu Embun) were also clustered as one group. About half

Sungai Durian

Tapan: Twenty species were observed (14 species ofamphibians and six species of reptiles). The family
Ranidae was dominant (nine species) at this site. The
most abundant amphibian species were Rana chalconota,
R. crassiovis, and R. siberu; and for reptiles, Mebuya
multifasciata.
Lumayang: Thirteen species were observed (nine speciesof amphibians and four species of reptiles). The family
Ranidae was dominant (ﬁve species) at this site. The mostabundant amphibian species were R. chalconota and R.
hosii; and for reptiles, M. multifasciata.
Sungai Durian: Thirty species were observed (24 speciesof amphibians and six species of reptiles). The family
Ranidae was dominant (seven species), followed by thefamilies Microhylidae (six species) and Rhacophoridae (sixspecies). The most abundant amphibian species were
Kalophrynus pleurostigma, Huia sumatrana, Limnonectes
kuhlii, R. chalconota, and R. hosii.

LumayangDuring the ﬁeld work, a total of 65 species of herpetofauna
were found, consisting of 48 species of amphibians and17 species of reptiles, and including ﬁve families of frogs,
one family of snake, and three families of lizards. The
encounter with species differed substantially between sites.
Survey site summaries are outlined below.

Gunung Tujuh: Thirty-one species were observed (25species of amphibians and six species of reptiles). The
family Rhacophoridae was dominant (11 species). The mostabundant amphibian species were Microhyla superciliaris,
Fejervarya cancrivora, F. limnocharis, Limnonectes barisani,
R. chalconota, R. crassiovis, R. nicobariensis, Philautus sp,
P. leucomystax, and Rhacophorus achantharrhena; and for
reptiles, M. multifasciata and M. rudis.
Rawa Bento: Six species were observed (of amphibians).
The family Ranidae was dominant. The most abundantamphibian species were F. cancrivora, F. limnocharis,
R. chalconota, R. nicobariensis, P. leucomystax, and R.
bifasciatus.
Renah Kayu Embun: Sixteen species were observed(13 species of amphibians and three species of reptiles).
The families Ranidae and Rhacophoridae were dominant(six species each). The most abundant species were R.
chalconota, R. crassiovis, Rana nicobariensis, Philautus sp,
and P. leucomystax; and for reptiles, M. multifasciata, andM. rudis.

Tapan

Lowland hill forest: This area is the most widespread
and abundant in types of vegetation that occurs fromabout 500 meters to 1000 meters above sea level.
Dipterocarpacea are the dominant trees in this forest.
Marshland: This is one type of wetland that consists ofgrassy and weedy areas, and a few small trees.

0.50

0.00
Figure 3 :UPGMA diagram comparing relative similarities indiversity on Jaccard’s Similarity Coefﬁcient between amphibians
and reptiles communities at six survey sites in KSNP Jambi
Province area, Sumatra
Figure 2 : Characteristic of highland hill forest in KSNP

10Photo:Jeremy Holdenthe herpetofauna species encountered at the survey sites
were found only in forested areas (29 species; 44.6%);
only 16 species were found in disturbed habitats, including
cultivated land and human habitations; and an additional
20 species occurred in both forest and disturbed habitats.
There were six unknown frog species (including four taxonof the family Rhacophoridae, one taxon of the family
Bufonidae, and one of the family Microhylidae) and one
snake of the family Colubridae, respectively. However, ninespecies endemic to the Sumatra mainland were collected:
Rana crassiovis, Rana siberu, Rhacophorus achantharrena,
Rhacophorus bifasciatus, Rhacophorus catamitus,
Rhacophorus poecilonotus, Dendragama boulengeri, Draco
sumatrana, and Lophocalotes ludekingi.

Figure 4: Male of Rhacophorus bifasciatus or Kerinci Tree Frog

Photo:Jeremy Holden

The most important collections from the nine endemic
species are Rhacophorus bifasciatus or the Kerinci Tree
Frog (Figure 4) and Lophocalotes ludekingi or Ludeking’s
Lizard (Figure 5). The Kerinci Tree Frog is a distinct and very
beautiful tree frog that has only been recently rediscovered
after an absence of 80 years. This is a species endemic
to Sumatra, to date only known from the Mount Kerinci
area at an elevation between 1200 and 1400 m above
sea level. Ludeking’s Lizard is a lizard endemic to Sumatra
and thus far was only recorded in a small area in western
Sumatra (near Mount Singgalang in West Sumatra).
Finding Ludeking’s Lizard at the Gunung Tujuh survey sitethus suggests a much wider distribution than previously
believed.

Figure 5: Female of Lophocalotes ludekingi from Gunung Tujuh survey site
Photo:Jeremy Holden

References
Alcala, A.C. and W.C. Brown. 1998. Philippine amphibians. An illustrated ﬁeld guide. Bookmark, Inc. Makati City.
Bauer, A.M. 1994. Famili gekkonidae (reptilian, Sauria). Part 1. Australia and Oceania. Walter de Gruyter. Berlin.
Berry, R.f. 1975. The amphibia fauna of Peninsular Malaysia. Tropical Press. Kuala Lumpur.
Buden, D.W. 2000. The reptiles of Pohnpei, federal States of Micronesia. Micronesica 32 (2): 155-180.
CI/CABS IUCN/SSC. 2004. Global amphibians assessment. Document 2.0. Southeast Asia Workshop, Bangkok, 30th – 4th October 2004. <http://globalamphibians.org>.
Das, I. 2004. Lizards of Borneo. Natural History Publication. Kota Kinabalu.
De Rooij, N. 1915. The reptiles of the Indo-Australian Archipelago I. Lacertilia, Chelonia, Emydosauria. E.J. Brill. Leiden.
De Rooij, N. 1917. The reptiles of the Indo-Australian Archipelago II. Ophidia. E.J. Brill. Leiden.
Gardner, T. 2001. Declining amphibian populations: a global phenomenon in conservation biology. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation 24 (2): 25-44.
Harvey, M.B., A.J. Pemberton and E.N. Smith. 2002. New and poorly known parachuting frogs (Rhacophoridae: Rhacophorus) from Sumatra and Java. Herpetological
Monograph 16: 46-92.
Inger, R.F. 1966. The systematics and zoogeography of the amphibian of Borneo. Field Museum Press. Chicago.
Inger, R.F. and R.B. Stuebing. 1989. Frogs of Sabah. Sabah Park Publication No. 10. Kota Kinabalu.
Inger, R.F. and R.B. Stuebing. 2005. A ﬁeld guide to the frogs of Borneo. Natural History Publication (Borneo). Kota Kinabalu.
Iskandar, D.T. 1998. The amphibians of Java and Bali. Research and Development Center for Biology. Bogor.
Iskandar, D.T. and E. Colijn. 2000. Preliminary checklist of southeast asian and new guinean herpetofauna. I. Amphibians. Treubia 31 (3) supplement : 1-133.
Iskandar, D.T. and E. Colijn. 2002. A checklist of southeast asian and new guinean reptiles. Part I. Serpentes. Binamitra. Jakarta.
Iskandar, D.T. and E. Colijn. (in press). A checklist of southeast asian and new guinean reptiles. Part II. Lacertilia. Binamitra. Jakarta
Keng, L.L and M.L. Tat-Mong. 1989. Fascinating snakes of Southeast Asia-An introduction. Tropical Press. Kuala Lumpur.
Krebs, C.J. 1989. Ecological methodology. Harper & Row Publisher. New York.
Kurniati, H. 2001. Keanekaragaman dan kelimpahan jenis herpetofauna Taman Nasional Bukit Tiga Puluh, Riau, Sumatra: Daerah Camp Granit, Desa Siambul dan Desa
Rantau Langsat. Laporan teknik. Proyek Inventarisasi dan Karakterisasi Sumbardaya Hayati. Pusat Penelitian Biologi-LIPI. Bogor.
Kurniati, H. 2003. Amphibians and reptiles of Gunung Halimun National Park, West Java, Indonesia. Research Center for Biology-LIPI. Cibinong.
Kurniati, H., W. Crampton, A. Goodwin, A. Locket and A. Sinkins. 2001. Herpetofauna diversity of Ujung kulon National Park: An inventory results in 1990. Journal of
Biological Researches 6 (2): 113-128.
Liem, D.S.S. 1973. The frogs and toads of Tjibodas National Park, Mt. Gede, Java, Indonesia. The Philippine Journal of Sciences 100 (2): 131-161.
Lim, K.K.P and F.L.K. Lim. 1992. A guide to the amphibians & reptiles of Singapore. Singapore Scientiﬁc Centre. Singapore.
Manthey, U. and N. Schuster. 1996. Agamid lizards. TFH Publications, Inc. Neptune City.
Mistar. 2003. Panduan lapangan amﬁbi kawasan ekosistem Leuser. Gibbon Foundation-PILI-NGO Movement.
Musters, C.J.M. 1983. Taxonomy of the genus Draco L (Agamidae, Lacertilia, Reptilia). Zoologische Verhandelingen (199): 1-120.
Stuebing, R.B. and R.F. Inger. 1999. A ﬁeld guide to the snakes of Borneo. Natural History Publications (Borneo). Kota Kinabalu.
Tweedie, M.W.F. 1983. The snakes of Malaya. National Press. Singapore.
Van Kampen. 1923. The amphibia of the Indo-Australian Archipelago. E.J. Brill. Leiden.

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Towards the Restoration of Macuata Island: Conserving theCrested Iguana
Research Grant

Craig Morley
The University of the South Paciﬁc, Fiji

Key Objectives
・Determine the impacts of Pacific rats on regenerationof the dry-forest, weed invasion, and crested iguana
numbers on Macuata Island, Fiji.
・Increase the capability within Fiji to restore and manage
the dry-forest habitat and its resident crested iguanas.
Progress
I have erected ten treatment and control rat exclosureplots (2 m x 2 m x 1 high) on Macuata. This work is being
done to determine if rats are a pest species (that is, arethey seed predators which may alter or change the foodtypes available for the iguanas?). If rats are a problem
then we can make a decision to eradicate them, or not.
Furthermore, establishing whether rats are a problem
is especially important if we wish to translocate someiguanas to another island. Having all the iguanas in only
two locations could spell disaster if a disease or ﬁre swept
through these two islands (Yadua Taba and Macuata).
September Trip 2005
A team of five people (including Dr. Peter Harlow, an
iguana expert from Taronga Park Zoo in Sydney, Australia)
went to the island, along with ﬁve locals from Vunitogoloa
Village to survey the iguanas for two nights. We located 22

crested iguanas (21< 10 m from the transect line) in 800m
of transect. Transect 1 was 480 m long and in the forest
remnants on the NNW side of the island (20 iguanas seen),
and Transect 2 was 320 m long and on the western side (justnorth of the sandy beach: two iguanas seen). DNA samples
were taken from 11 of the iguanas – to determine if they
are the same species as on Yadua Taba or are indeed a subspecies as we believe they are. The samples have been sent
to Dr. Ross Sadlier at the Australian Museum for analysis.
Two of the people in our survey team (Dr. Tom Gillispie,from the Department of Biogeography, UCLA, USA, andGunnar Keppel, a PhD candidate from the University of
Queensland, Australia) were botanists and they will help
me prepare a plant list of most of the species seen in theundisturbed sections of the island. This should be available
in 2006.
All exclosure plots were checked for any rat breaches andphotographs were taken of each exclosure. No vegetation
measuring was done at this stage as we did not want totrample on the plants – I aim to measure the plants early in
2006. However, we did see a signiﬁcant physical difference
in appearance between the treatment and control plots
with most treatment exclosures having much more
vegetation than the control plots (see ﬁgures attached).

2

3

4

5

1
1) Picture of treatment and control plots. Treatment in theforeground and control in the rear.
2) A few weedy species growing on treatment plot 3.
3) Virtually no growth in control plot 3.
4) Plants growing in treatment plot 6.
5) No plants growing in control plot 6.

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We have erected signs up on the island for people not tolight ﬁres because this is the greatest threat to the islandand the iguanas. So far the people are abiding by thisrequest. However, as we are not out there all the time, I
cannot guarantee that this will not happen. If it is burnt
this will set us back and the iguanas will face an evengreater threat of extinction – which is our major concern. I
would like to construct ﬁrebreaks across the island dividing
the island into quarters. Hopefully if a fire did occur aﬁrebreak will at least stop the ﬁre from covering the wholeisland. This work is planned for 2006. I will also try andtrain the local people, with help from the ﬁre brigade, on
how to react if a ﬁre does occur.
December Trip 2005
We surveyed the island again and did three transects,
averaging 200 m each night. I had four locals helping meout. I set a limit on the survey time of two hours. On thefirst night we saw eight iguanas in the same part of theisland we surveyed in September. The transect length was
175 m (However, I only got one DNA sample as the iguanas
we saw were very high in the canopy). The captured iguana
received a PIT identification tag (as did all the iguanas
caught on this trip).
On the second night we went into a completely new areaof forest on the island. It was a good habitat, although
the vegetation was very dense. We saw ﬁve iguanas andthree DNA samples were collected in a transect of 200 m.
On the third night (and this was the most surprising night),
I decided to do a transect on the other side of the island
in a very isolated and disturbed forest patch. The transect
was 225 m long. This area had been regularly burnt in
the past. We captured seven iguanas and saw one other.
The iguanas were not always in dense forest. In fact, one
iguana was in a vaivai tree out in the open surrounded bygrass, which goes against everything we had previously

known about these iguanas. Interestingly, all these iguanas
were low down in the vegetation.
Using the Software Program "Distance" (which helps us
estimate the density of iguanas present in an area), we
estimate that there could be an average of 25.6 iguanas
per hectare, and 95% conﬁdence limits of from 14 - 46.9
iguanas per hectare. However, our conservative estimate
is that there are around 14 iguanas per hectare. Larger
samples (more survey trips in the next few years would
produce smaller conﬁdence limits). However, I must stress,
this estimate is probably only useful for "good" forest
cover, not the burnt out areas or scrubland which accounts
for over half the island.
Future work and progressI plan on going out to Macuata Island for three to four days
every four months to continue the rat exclosure plot workand to carry out some night surveys, so we can get a better
insight into the behaviour and ecology of the iguanas. At
present we know virtually nothing about spatial behaviour,
eating habits, reproductive physiology, or survival. If
possible, I would really like to get students interested inthis work, so they can do their MSc. on some of the issues I
have raised above.
We believe from this preliminary data that the populationof iguanas on Macuata Island is the second largest inFiji, but it is also extremely vulnerable. We thought we
had a secure population of iguanas in the Yasawas but
they have all but disappeared, and if we are not careful
this will happen on Macuata Island as well. I would liketo once again thank the Foundation for the funding andopportunity to learn more about Fiji’s crested iguanas.

Crested Iguana

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NEF NEWSLETTERISSUE No.15 March 2006

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Field Assessment of the Cobra (Naja spp.) Population in
ThailandResearch Grant

Apinya Chaitae
Division of Wild Fauna and Flora, Protection under the Convention,
National Park, Wildlife Conservation Department, Thailand

Cobras (Naja spp.) were reclassified from Appendix III
to Appendix II of CITES in 1990. They were selected as
species of urgent concern in implementing the provisionof Res. Conf.12.8 upon the review of signiﬁcant trade in
specimens of Appendix II species to ensure that survivalof the species is not detrimentally affected, with the
population maintained at a level consistent with the role ofthe species in its ecosystem.
As with most species of snakes, there is a scarcity of
information about the biology, ecology, and use of cobras(Naja spp.). Three Thai members of
the genus Naja that inhibit a verylarge range in various habitats are
the Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia),
Black and White Spitting Cobra (Najasiamensis), and Golden Spitting Cobra(Naja sumatrana). Cobras are known tobe very adaptable, surviving in a varietyof habitats such as forests, agriculturallands (i.e., paddy fields, oil palm andsugar cane plantations), and otherMeasuring of captive bred cobra

The rice paddy ﬁeld in central region, main harvesting area for cobra.

14

areas of human activity, even houses and settlements. N.
kaouthia is common and widespread throughout Thailand,
and the most traded and exported species of cobra.
Preferred habitats for N. kaouthia are low-lying areas,such as cultivated rice ﬁelds. N. siamensis is found in areas
higher than N. kaouthia, especially in some districts ofNakornsawan province. This species is usually sold for local
consumption. N. sumatrana is found in upland areas ofsouthern Thailand. Cox (1932) indicated that N. sumatrana
is the least common of Thai cobras, associated with cobra
trader information. Only one or two N. sumatrana havebeen caught in a one-year period in the mountainous areasof Nakorn Srithammarat province.
Cobras are mainly exploited for consumption as wild meat,with other cobra parts (gall bladder, skin, etc.) being used
as by-products. This manner of cobra use is dictated byeconomic value. N. kaouthia is mainly used for its skin,because N. siamensis and N. sumatrana do not produce
good quality leather (Cox.1932). Due to the large bodysize of N. kaouthia and its abundance, it constitutes anopportunity for exploitation. Data obtained in 2001 to2003 that is available from CITES Management of Thailand
indicates that approximately 2,000 skins were exported per
year. This data excludes other exported products of cobra
skin, such as shoes, handbags, wallets, and key chains.
Shine et al. (1998a) showed that it is virtually impossible toobtain reliable information on the population densities ofsnakes inhabiting complex tropical habitats, as they remain
immobile for long periods. The tropical climate eliminates
any need for the snake to bask in the open to raise its
body temperature. Thus, adaptive techniques such as
examining harvested animals are needed. These techniques
were previously employed for several species of snakes(i.e., cobra, python, rattlesnake, file snake) and varanids,
by studies on the biological perspectives of commercial
harvesting and harvesting techniques (e.g. Shine et al.
1995, 1996, 1998a).
The first step was examining and compiling existing
information related to the cobra from various sources,
especially from the perspectives of exploitation andassessment methodology. The information obtainedsuggested that harvest practices are dictated by market
demand and the availability of snake catchers. Snakecatchers need special skill in catching cobras since thecobra’s bite is venomous and potentially fatal. Due tothe cobra’s biology and applicable harvest factors, areasof study were restricted to the main harvest locations in
the low-lying areas of central and southern Thailand. It
was found that collecting harvest data remains the mostappropriate way to monitor the cobra trade.

Objectives:
1. To assess the status of Naja spp., a particularly harvested
species,
2. To collect biological and ecological data on the species
both from wild and harvested animals,
3. To assess current levels of harvest and gather data on
domestic and international trade in the species, and
4. To make recommendations for the sustainable
management of harvesting Naja spp., including export
quotas.
Methodology:
1. Field study to investigate aspects of biology and otherimportant parameters. Capturing wild snakes would
enable an assessment of the age-class structure ofwild populations, and could then be compared withthat found in restaurants, shops, and collected stock,
including breeding captive stock.
2. Interviews and observations with collectors, traders, andexporters will provide the basis for analysing the impact
and level of present and past trade, including methodsof harvesting, harvesting period, and sizes of snakesbrought in to be killed.
3. Examination of harvested animals (dissections inshops / restaurants) will provide data on basic biology
and characteristics (sex and reproductive status). Data
collection will consist of examining, measuring, andweighing snakes brought in to be killed, to obtain dataon reproduction and consumption habits.
4. Collection of data on trade history, annual quantities ofwhole snakes, skins, and other products including otheraspects from the CITES Ofﬁce.
5. Monitoring the growth rates of captive bred cobra.

References
Boeadi, Shine, R., Sugardijto, J., Amir, M. and Sinaga, M.H. (1998b). Biology of the commercially-harvested rat snake (Pytas mucosus) and cobra (Naja sputatrix) incentral Java. Mertensiella 9: 99-104.
Cox, M.J. 1932. The Snakes of Thailand and their husbandry. Krieger Publishing Company, Florida, USA. 288-313 pp.
Shine, R., Harlow, P., Keogh, J.S. and Boeadi (1995). Biology and commercial utilization of acrochordid snakes, with special reference to Karung (Acrochordus
javanicus). J. Herp. 29(3): 352-360.
Shine, R., Harlow, P.S., Keogh, J.S. and Boeadi (1996). Commercial harvesting of giant lizards: the biology of water monitors, Varanus salvator, in southern Sumatra.
Biol. Conserv. 77: 125-134.
Shine, R., Harlow, P.S., Ambariyanto, Boeadi, Mumpuni and Keogh, J.S. (1998a). Monitoring monitors: a biological perspective on the commercial harvesting ofIndonesian reptiles. Mertensiella 9: 61-68.
Shine, R., Ambariyanto, Harlow, P.S. and Mumpuni (1998b). Ecological traits of commercially harvested water monitors, Varanus salvator, in northern Sumatra. Wildl.
Res. 25: 437-447.
Shine, R., Ambariyanto, Harlow, P.S. and Mumpuni (1999a). Reticulated pythons in Sumatra: biology, harvesting and sustainability. Biol. Cons. 87: 349-357.

A female N. kaouthia is caught with a noose after digging.

Measuring of N. kaouthia found in gatherer stock15

NEF NEWSLETTERISSUE No.15 March 2006

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Status Overview and Recommendations for Conservation of
the Milky Stork Mycteria cinerea in Malaysia: Final Reportof the 2004/2005 Milky Stork Field Surveys in the Matang
Mangrove Forest, Perak, Malaysia
Research Grant

David Li, Zuo We, John Howes, Siti Hawa Yatim,
Rahmah Ilias
Wetlands International Malaysia, Malaysia

The Milky Stork Mycteria cinerea is a large waterbird
with distribution restricted to Indonesia, west Malaysia,
Cambodia, Thailand, and possibly Vietnam. Globally,
the species has been listed by IUCN/BirdLife Interntional
as "Vulnerable" with an estimated World Population of
only 5,550 birds (Wetlands International 2002). Within
Malaysia, the Matang Mangrove Forest in Perak has always
been a stronghold for the species, with a highest count of
115 Milky Storks found there in 1983. Monitoring resultsof the species indicates that Milky Stork populations haveundergone a massive decline (90%) over the last 20 years
in the Matang Mangrove.
The main goal of the 2004/2005 Milky Stork Field Surveys
in Malaysia jointly undertaken by Wetlands International
and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks(PERHILITAN), with support from Malaysian Nature Society(MNS) volunteers, was to reassess the status and population
size of Milky Stork in at the Matang Mangrove Forest
and adjacent coastal areas. In consideration of the future
reintroduction of the species in Malaysia, an inventory of
the captive breeding of the Milky Stork was also conductedin Malaysia and neighboring countries.

Status of Milky Stork habitats. The lake at Pulau
Kelumpang was confirmed to be the most importantarea for Milky Stork in the Matang Mangrove Forest andadjacent coastal areas. The lake at Pulau Terong appears
to provide an important alternative site for the Milky
Stork population during periods when the lake at Pulau
Kelumpang is too disturbed or dry. The hydrology of thelakes at Pulau Kelumpang and Pulau Terong are moreheavily inﬂuenced by rainfall than by tidal events. Lack ofsuccessful breeding at Matang (and in Malaysia) is probably
related to a lack of large tracts of undisturbed, tall, maturemangrove forest. Large numbers of natural predators,
particularly raptors, such as Brahminy Kite, may threaten
the survival and breeding success of Milky Stork in the
Matang Mangrove Forest.

Findings of the study
Decline of Milky Stork and overall waterbird

Human Impact. Milky Storks are wary of the presenceof humans and very sensitive to disturbance. During eight

Milky Storks at Pulau Kelumpang Lake

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populations in Matang Mangrove Forest and adjacentcoastal areas. The maximum number of Milky Stork
recorded were nine individual birds during the study, thus
the Milky Stork population in Malaysia has been undergone
a steady decline to less than ten birds. The total numbers of
wintering waterbirds represent a decline of between 75%
to 95% over a period of between 10 to 16 years.

Photo: Lim Kim Chye

Waterbirds at Pulau Kelumpang Lake

Photo: Cheang Kum Seng

survey visits to the lake at Pulau Kelumpang during whichstorks were present, on seven occasions they took ﬂight at
the approach of the survey team. Forestry activities, ﬁshingactivities, and hunting were noted as potentially having
a significant impact on the Milky Stork population andbreeding success at Matang.
Other issues. In captive and free-flying zoo flocks,
hybridization between Milky Stork and Painted Stork
has been reported at Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur, andpotentially occurring at Singapore Zoo and Dusit Zoo
in Bangkok. If this occurs, the wild gene pool of any
remaining wild Milky Stork populations, or even a future
reintroduced population, could be negatively impacted.
The fact that two species of Mycteria have bred with L.
javanicus might make it possible that hybridization is also
occurring in the wild given limited con-specific partner
choice. Lessons learned from the joint PERHILITAN/
Zoo Negara/MNS captive breeding and reintroduction
programme for Milky Stork at Kuala Selangor underline thelong-term and costly conservation effort. Better information
on wild populations and their ecological requirements, andcoordinated planning of any future release programmes
should be priorities.

Have PERHILITAN implement a "Milky Stork patrolling andmanagement schedule" and establish a new ofﬁce at Kuala
Sepetang to facilitate such operations.
Further investigate the potential to erect and manage
suitable artiﬁcial nesting platforms for Milky Storks at Pulau
Kelumpang and Pulau Terong.
Continue monitoring the existing and future population
at Matang Mangrove Forest and adjacent areas to further
increase our understanding of the population, its habitat
preferences, predators, and threats.
Conduct specific research recommendations at Matang
Mangrove Forest for conservation and future reintroductionof the Milky Stork.
Carefully consider any future attempts to initiate a Milky
Stork reintroduction programme in Malaysia in terms oflong-term costs and benefits. Furthermore, the risk ofhybridization with free-flying zoo-bred populations ofPainted Stork must be carefully monitored.

Recommendations
Increase the Global Conservation Status
for the species from "Vulnerable" to"Endangered" and use Milky Stork as a
"ﬂagship" conservation species to underline
the need to protect and conserve coastal
wetlands, particularly inter-tidal mangrovesand mudﬂats, throughout Malaysia and thesurrounding region.
Enlarge the "Protective Forest" and storklake buffer zone at Pulau Kelumpang and
Pulau Terong.
H a v e P E R H I L I TA N a n d t h e F o r e s t r y
Department formalize the designation of"Protective Forests" proposed under the
Matang Mangrove Forest Working Plan
under the Wildlife Act (1972). This may
be in the form of gazettement of Wildlife
Sanctuaries to include Pulau Kelumpang
and Pulau Terong and the entire coastal
fringe along their shorelines. In view of
its importance as the last refuge for theEndangered Milky Stork in Malaysia andits contribution to local livelihoods and thenational economy, the Matang Mangrove
Forest should be nominated as a Wetland ofInternational Importance under the Ramsar
Convention (1971).

Milky Stork poster was produced

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NEF NEWSLETTERISSUE No.15 March 2006

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Impact of tourism development and resource assessment in
Don Det and Don Khone Islands, Khone District,Champasack Province, Lao PDR
Research Grant

Sengdeuane Wayakone
Faculty of Forestry, National University of Laos, Lao PDR

Introduction
Tourism in Context of Laos
Tourism in Lao PDR is entering a new phase. Economic andsocial changes in the different geographic market segments
have caused some major shifts in the tourist markets.
Laos has become a new tourism destination on the world
map since just over a decade ago. Tourist arrivals to Laoshave increased from 14,400 in 1990 to almost 900,000
in 2004 – an average growth rate of almost 30% perannum. However, tourism dropped by 20% in 2003 due toconcerns over SARS and international terrorist incidents.
In recent years, tourism (including kinds of environmental
tourism) has officially become one of the country’s key
areas of emphasis. It is one of the most important andrapidly expanding sectors of the Lao economy; it has thepotential to become a major earner of foreign exchange forthe country, while also providing direct economic beneﬁts
at the local level. Nature-based tourism, in particular, holds
vast promise in Laos, given the extent and wide distributionof protected areas, the variety of possible ecotourism
activities, and the high biodiversity and landscape value oflarge parts of the country.
The future outlook for the Lao tourism industry is extremely
positive. The Greater Mekong Sub-region is recognised tobe the fastest growing tourism destination in the world,and Laos offers an array of unspoiled natural and cultural

Khon Pa Paeng Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia

18

resources.
The government of Laos has chosen not to develop mass
tourism, but to target small-scale tourism of the sociocultural and ecological types, and appeal to up-market
tourists interested in religion, history, nature, and culture
coming to Laos on small guided group tours. Laos will
become a world-renowned destination specialising informs of sustainable tourist that, through partnershipand cooperation, benefit natural and cultural heritage
conservation, local socioeconomic development, andthe spread of knowledge regarding Lao’s unique cultural
heritage around the world (Lao Vision).
Tourism in Champasack
Champasack is one of the major tourist attractions.
Between 1997 and 2003, the number of visiting tourists
grew rapidly from 23,260 to 65,827. Aside from a drop
in tourist arrivals in 2002 (most likely due to outside
inﬂuences), growth has been quite strong in Champasack.
Tourist arrivals in Champasack Province have grown at
an average annual rate of 20%, which is higher than thenational average (10%).
Champasak Province has a variety of historical, cultural,and natural attractions. The most famous are Vat Phouand Khon Pa Paeng, each regularly appearing in national
tourism promotions. Vat Phou, a World Heritage Site,attracts tourists for day visits to its impressive temple
grounds. However, many of the site’s ancient ruins haveHouse of local residents in Ban Hangkhorn

yet to be developed for tourism, and there is a lack ofinterpretative information at the site, limiting both theamount of time that tourists spend in Champasack district(location of Vat Phou) and the overall benefits to local
people. Khon Pa Paeng, the largest waterfall in Southeast
Asia, attracts a wide variety of tourists, who typically view
the waterfall briefly before returning the same day. The
site, which provides some beneﬁts to local people throughthe sale of food and souvenirs, will soon be managed as aconcession by a Singaporean company.

Don Det Islands, Kong District, and Champasack Province.
Residents of more than 90% of the ﬁve villages of the Don
Khorn Don Det Islands were interviewed, totalling 395
households. Various statistical and non-statistical tools wereused to analyse the data. The proﬁles of the respondents,
their attitudes and perceptions are indicated in terms offrequency, percentage, means, and standard deviation.
Factor analysis was also used to examine the perceptionsof residents related to the impact of development andresources.

The Siphandon (four thousand islands), offering tourists a
unique experience of relaxed island life on the banks of the
Mekong River, is another major attraction of the province.
Many tourists travelling between Cambodia and Laos stopat the islands to see the freshwater dolphins, whose habitat
is located in this transboundary area of the Mekong. Sometourists also choose to use the Mekong River to travel byboat from site to site through the province, following theriver tourism network. Some areas along the river, mostnotably north of Pakse, have yet to be developed for
tourism and have the potential for completing this river
network.

The results reveal that the perception of residents inthe Don Khorn Don Det Islands is quite similar to thoseof other studies. The residents perceive that tourism
will bring several changes to the social, economic, andphysical environments of the area. They feel that mostchanges are beneficial for their community. Moreover,
the residents have given higher priorities to issues related
to businesses like guesthouses, food stalls, agricultural
products, handicraft sales, and boat services, since thesehelp increase their family income and improve theirstandard of living. However, they are less enthusiastic
about the attributes of the social and environmental impact
of tourism development. Residents also feel that the local
government, especially the district tourism authority,
should strictly control the physical development in the Don
Khorn Don Det Islands, immoral activities, and the prices
of foodstuffs. The results suggest that the residents are
sensitive to the future impact caused by tourism and areable to judge the nature of said impact in relation to theirneeds and desires.

Given the province’s strategic asset of being a major
gateway to Cambodia and Thailand, in addition topossessing three major, internationally recognizedattractions (Vat Phou World Heritage Site, Kon Pa Paeng
Waterfall, and Four Thousand Islands), it is likely that
Champasack will continue to attract a large portion of thecountry’s visitors and grow at least at a modest rate in the
future.
Abstract of the study
Concerns over the importance of residents’ attitudes about
tourism development have created significant demands
for comprehensive planning, including the assessment oflocal support for tourism. This study is concerned with theassessment of residents’ attitudes towards the impact of
tourism development as related to socio-cultural, economic
and physical impact, and the assessment of resources interms of importance for their livelihood in the Don Khorn

Locally used ﬁsh trap

Guest house on the bank of the Mekong River19

NEF NEWSLETTERISSUE No.15 March 2006

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Study on Non-Timber Forest Products in Phongsaly Province,
Lao PDR
Research Grant

Khamleck Xaydala
Faculty of Forestry, National University of Laos, Lao PDR

Short summary of the projectThis study intends to clarify the present situation of nontimber forest products (NTFPs) in Phongsaly province,
Lao PDR, through a comprehensive survey including thecollection of specimens and conducting interviews withvillagers on their use of NTFPs. At present, NTFPs, possibly
divided into four categories such as 1) edible plants, 2)
medicinal plants, 3) ﬁber plants, and 4) extractive plants,are essential to villagers as items for self-consumption andcash income. This study will help facilitate the productionof NTFPs in the region and, as a natural consequence,
improve the living standards of local people not only in
Phongsaly province but also throughout the entire country.
The ﬁeld guidebook on NTFPs in Phongsaly province, whichis planned to be published as an outcome of the research,is expected to be used in educational institutions, such as
high schools and universities, throughout the country toraise interest in NTFPs and awareness of environmental
conservation in the younger generation.
Objectives, scientific problems/hypothesis, andexpected output of proposed research project
It is generally believed that Laos is one of the world's
most prominent "forest countries", endowed with
abundant forest resources. Even though the Lao forests
were considerably destroyed in the second half of the lastcentury, most villagers still live in close proximity to theforest. In reality, Lao people have used various kinds offorest resources in their daily lives since ancient times. At
present, NTFPs, possibly divided into four categories suchas 1) edible plants for making supplementary food, dessert,
seasoning, etc., 2) medicinal plants for treating diarrhea,
and making febrile, analgesic, etc., 3) fiber plants formaking furniture, baskets, mats, brooms, paper, etc., and 4)
extractive plants for making torches, perfume, insecticidecoils, incense sticks, etc., are essential to villagers as items
for self-consumption and cash income.
The use of the NTFPs in Phongsaly province, thenorthernmost part of the country, which is limited incultivable acreage due to its mountainous terrain andlacking in any signiﬁcant industry, is much more crucial to
the local people than in any other province. Though all 13
ethnic minority groups in the province (Phounoi, Khamu,
Thai Dam, Thai Deng, Hmong, Yao, Leu, Akha, Yang,
Bid, Lolo, Hor, and Eko), have passed on their knowledge
and experience on the use of NTFPs from generation to20

generation, that knowledge still remains to be shared witheach other due to a lack of serious overall research anddocumentation. If we are able to accumulate this valuable
information from each ethnic minority group and place it at
general disposal, this would help facilitate the productionof NTFPs in the region and, as a natural consequence,
improve the living standards of local people not only in
Phongsaly province but also throughout the country. Thisis also coincident with the governmental policy for the"eradication of poverty" in underdeveloped regions of thecountry.
Moreover, because the northeastern region of the country(i.e., Phongsaly, Xiangkhuang, and Houphan provinces) has
many similarities in its vegetation due to common natural
conditions such as high altitude and cool climate, the resultof this study would be signiﬁcantly beneﬁt future studies
on NTFPs in the region above, which have never been
seriously considered. The plant specimens collected in thecourse of this ﬁeld survey will be kept in the herbarium of
the Faculty of Forestry, National University of Laos, and are
expected to be used as basic materials for studies on the
ﬂora in Lao PDR.
Methodologies and Activities
Interviews will be conducted with local people from various
ethnic minority groups in the three districts (Phongsaly,
Boun Neua, and Khua in Phongsaly province) for collecting
basic data on NTFPs in the areas above to cover traditional
ways of cultivation, collection and use, distributional
range, local names, state of conservation, and other topics.
Moreover, pictures would be taken of NTFPs, with NTFPs
collected from the areas above and specimens prepared.
Then the species would be identified and classified, withthe data collected during the course of the field survey
analysed.
Schedule for data collection in Year 2005: Mar. Field
Survey (1); Apr. Species identiﬁcation & classiﬁcation; Jul.
Field Survey (2); Aug. Species identiﬁcation & classiﬁcation;
and Nov. Field Survey (3); in Year 2006: Jan. Field Survey(4); Mar. Species identiﬁcation & classiﬁcation; May. Field
Survey (5); Jun. Species identiﬁcation & classiﬁcation; Aug.
Writing report; and Sep. Field Survey (6).

Outputs / Results
The main focus of the interviews conducted is related
to the species of edible vegetables in each village forest,
primarily during the season of flowering and bearing
fruits. A total of 77 species were collected, among these18 species are essential to villagers planting for selfconsumption and cash income.

List of some important species

Amomum villosum

Dendrobium wardianum

Broussonetia papyrifera

Dendrobium lindleyi

Cinnamomum porrectum

Ficus auriculata

Ludisia discolor

Indosasa sinica

Radermachera ignea

Prunus cerasoides

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NEF NEWSLETTERISSUE No.15 March 2006

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Promoting Community-Based Ecotourism for Sustainable
Management of Community Forests in Northern Thailand
Research Grant

Sopon Thangphet
Northern Development Center, Faculty of Social Sciences,
Chiang Mai University, Thailand

Introduction
To date the problem of deforestation in Thailand is far
from resolved. Despite the government’s concerted
efforts on forest conservation, illegal forest encroachment
continues to occur and has been reported by local
newspapers, particularly in northern Thailand. In response
to continuing deforestation, the government has been
actively promoting community forest development.
Although such a development strategy corresponds well
to existing forest management in the region, much work
is needed to strengthen the existing indigenous forest
communities in order to cope with external threats in achanging environment. My previous study on indigenous
forest communities in northern Thailand, supported by
the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF), clearly
demonstrates the local community’s capability in managing
its forest resources in a sustainable manner. Throughthe course of the study, community-based ecotourism
is identified as having the potential to offer both forest
conservation and income generation for local villagers(Sopon 2004).
In Thailand, tourism has played a major role in theeconomic and social development of the country. Various
tourism packages have been promoted to help boost thecountry’s popularity and foreign currency earnings. Basedon data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), thenumber of international tourist arrivals increased from 7.19
million people in 1996 to 10.80 million people in 2002,
with an increase in total revenue from 219.364 million
baht to 323,484 million baht in the same period (TAT2004). Although the country has enjoyed the beneﬁts ofCommunity Ecotourism Training

22

tourism, the rapid growth of tourism poses a significant
threat to cultural and biological diversity. Thus, more
attention is now given to a sustainable form of tourism thatemphasizes the demands on an unspoiled environment andbeneﬁting local people.
Since the economic crisis in mid-1997, the government
has actively promoted community-based ecotourism tomitigate the economic impact of the crisis and generate
employment and income among local people. In 1998,
the National Ecotourism Policy was officially proclaimed
and followed by the National Ecotourism Action Plan
2002-2006 in 2001. Since then, the practice of ecotourism
has been spreading throughout the country. It has
become one of the national strategies for achieving thenational development agenda on sustainable development.
However, few studies are currently available to help
understand the impact of community-based ecotourism inenhancing the sustainability of community resources andwell-being of local people.
Research Objectives
The general objective of this study is to investigate thepotential and limitations of community-based ecotourism inprotecting and enhancing community forest conservationin northern Thailand. Speciﬁcally, this research is intended
to achieve the following objectives:
1. To understand the development and management ofcommunity-based ecotourism in northern Thailand,
2. To identify the potential and limitations of communitybased ecotourism for conservation and sustainable

Cotton Weaving as an Income Generation Opportunity among Local Villagers

management of community forests, and3. To identify development strategies to strengthen the
management of community-based ecotourism for thesustainability of community forest conservation and local
income generation in northern Thailand.
Research Methodology
An inventory of existing community-based ecotourism inChiang Mai and Lamphun was conducted during the ﬁrst
two months of the study. The first month was devoted
to reviewing related literature and collecting secondary
data. The Community Development Department andthe Regional Thailand Research Fund Ofﬁce are the main
sources. The site visit took one month to complete. The
leader and committee members of each community-based
ecotourism group were interviewed using an inventory
form. At some sites, tourists were also interviewed.
The results of the inventory showed that there were 14
communities running community-based ecotourism inChiang Mai and six communities in Lamphun in 2004.
Some communities cover more than one administrative
village. The development of these communitybased ecotourism enterprises occurred in response to
deforestation, a declining traditional economic base,emigration, external promotion, and income generation.
After comparing ﬁeld data and following consultation withthe organizations concerned, three sites of communitybased ecotourism were selected for intensive study: two
in Chiang Mai and one in Lamphun. These were Ban Mae
Kam Pong and Ban Tam-Nong Bia in Chiang Mai, andPrabaht Huai Tom community in Lamphun.
Research Findings
Many factors account for the development of communitybased ecotourism in northern Thailand. These include
deforestation, a declining traditional economic base,emigration, income generation, external promotion, andlocal economic diversiﬁcation. However, leadership and theinternal viability of ecotourism business prove to be critical
for the active operation of community-based ecotourism.
The development of community-based ecotourism has
important implications for local economies and community

natural resource management, particularly with respect
to community forests and biodiversity conservation.
This development plays an important role in raising theawareness of local villagers in protecting their community
resources. Usually, community ecotourism provides anopportunity for local villagers to earn supplementary
income, thereby reducing the pressure on forestland andforest resources. In addition, revenues generated from
community ecotourism have funded various development
activities, ranging from infrastructure development tocommunity biodiversity conservation.
However, community ecotourism in each area has
different levels of ability in terms of internal governanceand management capacity. Such variance in internal
governance capacities also reveals itself in the differinglevels of reinvestment in natural resource management
and conservation of each community-based ecotourism
organization. As community ecotourism is new to local
villagers, capacity building programs, such as local guidetraining, visitor handling, and homestay management need
to be continuously provided to empower local villagers totake advantage of commercial interest in their resources
and avoid being bypassed by outside interests. In addition,
local control and management of community ecotourism
should be given priority in promoting community
ecotourism. Income generation should not be the principal
goal of developing community ecotourism development.
The emphasis should be on diversifying the economic
activities of the community and building local capacity inthe management of community resources for tourism. The
application of the philosophy of "sufficiency economy"
bestowed by His Majesty the King as the guiding principleof developing community ecotourism is critical to thesustainability of community ecotourism enterprises.
This development principle will help foster balanced
development by integrating both economic development
and conservation in community ecotourism development.
As community ecotourism is a combination of community
business and community resource management enterprises,
local government support and linkage are of greatsigniﬁcance for future development of this local initiative.

Note
1. Sopon Thangphet, (2004). Strengthening Community-Based Forest Management for Income Generation and Biodiversity Conservation: A Case Study of Two
Indigenous Forest Communities in Northern Thailand. Research Report Submitted to the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF).
2. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), 2004. Tourism in Thailand 1996-2005. Bangkok.

Community Handicrafts for Tourists

Wat Prabaht Huai Tom as the Main Tourist Attraction Site in theCommunity23

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Cetacean species inventory in the northwestern waters of
Palawan and the Mindoro Strait (South China Sea)
Research Grant

Theresa R. Aquino
Western Philippines University, Philippines

Rationale
South China Sea is a signiﬁcant marine habitat that borders
several countries including the Philippines and Vietnam.
Thus, its natural resources are of a high importance tothese countries. Being a vast habitat containing various
life forms, it is naturally difficult to monitor and manage
properly. Thus the governments of the Philippines andVietnam have come together to assess this marine habitatin an attempt to determine proper policies which would
help protect and manage the resources found within.
As a major component of this joint exercise, the need for acetacean survey in the northwestern portion of Palawan up
to Mindoro Strait was deemed necessary. Cetaceans, being
a top marine predator that is visible above water, have to
be studied so that a clearer perspective of conservation
management needs of the habitat may be achieved. Dueto its close relationship with its habitat, cetaceans area distinct reflection of the conditions of its habitat andare thus considered good bioindicators of the marine
environment.
The Philippines, together with government of Vietnam,
has been conducting a baseline survey of the South China
Sea for about 2 years now. As part of its joint exercise
and as a major component of it, a cetacean survey has
initially established the presence of 5 species in the

Figure 1: Trackline enter

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Southwest portion of Palawan, Philippines (Nillos et al,2003). However, to complete the picture, the information
gap that exists in the Northwestern waters need to be
filled up. Thus this particular study aims to (1) establish
a cetacean species inventory of the Northwestern watersof Palawan and Mindoro Strait, (2) identify problems thatpose a threat to cetacean populations in the area and(3) outline recommendations to protect and manage thecetacean populations and its habitat. It is hoped that theresults of the survey will assist the legislators and managers
alike in drafting appropriate management policies for theconservation and protection of the South China Sea. As acorollary to this, it is also anticipated that this survey would
help enhance the skills of local researchers and students.
Progress of the research
The ﬁrst of a two-part cetacean survey in South China Sea
was conducted from 26 September 2005 until 5 October2005 covering a total trackline length of 296.6 km. Usinga 16-footer outrigger that provided observers with anelevation from sea level of about 2 meters, the survey
team followed the designated line transect starting fromthe municipality of San Vicente going north to Busuanga,
Palawan in southwestern part of the Philippines (Figure1). Waypoint 4, found within a restricted zone, had tobe dropped when permission to enter the area was not
obtained. Vessel speed during on-effort was maintained
at 10-12 kph. Ecological parameter readings wererecorded at every waypoint. These included data on watersalinity and temperature and cloud cover. Water depth was
not taken since this was to be covered by separate study
altogether.
Active effort was suspended when cetaceans were spotted
to attempt to fully document the sighting. Ecologicalreadings were likewise taken at the area of the sighting.
Attempts were made to photograph sightings for possible
identification of individuals with unique markings. All
throughout the survey, human activities observed while
covering the trackline were noted.
Weather was mostly conducive for carrying out a survey
although, towards the end of the survey, effort had to
be cut short a few times due to rain and strong winds.
Nevertheless, the survey team was able to cover the
trackline in duplicate.
A total of 8 on-effort and 2 off-effort sightings were
made. Four species were positively identified, namely:
bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), long-snouted
spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), Risso’s dolphins(Grampus griseus), and short-finned pilot whales(Globicephala macrorhynchus). All other sightings were
unidentiﬁed including 1 sighting, possibly Fraser’s dolphin(Lagenodelphis hosei), which disappeared before proper
documentation could be done and another sighting of a
mysticete about 4.2 km from the trackline. By the time
the boat got near the area, the team had lost sight of themysticete.
Most sightings were encountered near the vicinity of El
Nido. It is possible that a bias was created since the team
had to start at the middle of the trackline since the survey
boat was stationed in El Nido. It is also possible that thehigh level of enforcement and protection in the area has an

Although commonly seen all over the country, the spinner dolphins were
only encountered near the islands of Busuanga and Linapacan during thissurvey and did not appear amenable to interaction.

effect on condition of the marine environment thus making
it more attractive for cetaceans to frequent the area. Thisobservation can be further refined by the results of thesecond survey in the summer of 2006.
A total of 157 sightings of human activities were noted
during the 8-day survey, averaging 23 of boats observed
per day over an area of about 16,800 sq km. Most of thevessels were at various stages of ﬁshing operation with only
43 boats seen traveling (27.39%). One commercial liner
was also observed but was probably an international vessel
given the distance from the survey site. In addition, a deepsea oil platform was observed in the area. It was difﬁcult
to assess whether this structure had any impact on the
cetacean population since entry to the area immediately
surrounding the platform was disallowed.

Bottlenose dolphins were often encountered during the survey but mostly
limited to the waters east of El Nido. It is possible that the frequency of theirpresence may be a reﬂection of the level of protection being to afforded the
area

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(2)Small-scale Research Grant
The Birds of Lake Manguao, Taytay, Palawan, Philippines
Small-scale
Research Grant

Joie D. Matillano
Aquatic Biology Section, Western Philippines University,
Philippines

Rationale
Palawan is listed as one of the key conservation sites in
the Philippines, particularly for birds (Mallari et al. 2001).
Considered as one of the Important Bird Areas (an IBA Site)of the country, within the province are at least 11 identiﬁedsites important for both bird studies and bird conservation.
One of these areas is the San Vicente-Roxas-Taytay forest,
which constitutes the largest forest block in northern
Palawan and harbours Lake Manguao and its watershed.
Lake Manguao is the only freshwater lake on mainland
Palawan. It is approximately more than a 1000-hectare
body of water surrounded by a catchment area of atleast 4,425 ha of high-quality lowland forest (Davies andGreen 1990). Within the periphery of the lake are marshes
and swamplands, which are known as a vital habitat ofwaterbirds.
Though the province’s avifauna have been studied in thepast, most bird studies are restricted to terrestrial species,
while some are even island and species based (Widmann2001). Very few studies have been conducted on migratory
species and wetland birds. It is in this concept that thepresent study is being conducted.
The avifauna of the lake was surveyed from August to
November 2005. We were not able to conduct ﬁeldwork in
December 2005 due to bad weather conditions brought byPanorama of Lake Mangauo, a 640 ha landlocked water body located in the hilly zoneof Taytay, Palawan. The area is surrounded by high quality lowland forest

26

a typhoon that trapped us on the road going to northern
Palawan. Mist netting, Mac Kinnon list surveys, andPoint counts were used during the survey. Mist netting
was conducted at different areas of the catchments tocatch secretive or cryptic birds, while Mac Kinnon list
surveys were conducted to assess the diversity of birds
through encounter rates. Birds caught in mist nets were
photographed prior to release after gathering biometricdata. Point counts were used to estimate the population
size of migratory waterbirds recorded within the lake’s
ﬂoodplains.
During the conduct of ﬁeldwork for this research, at least
five biology students from Western Philippines University
were involved. The students received hands-on training on
bird survey methodology and became research assistants inthe subsequent surveys.
Interviews were conducted to assess whether the locals
were aware of the conservation of the birds, as well as todetermine whether there are indeed seasonal changes in
the waterbird population. Interviews were also used todetermine whether existing laws protecting birds are being
observed in the lake, as well as to determine whether there
is continuing pressure from hunting.
Based on the survey conducted in 2005, a total of 115
species were recorded thus far for Lake Manguao. Of
these, 20 are migratory while 95 are resident species.
Eight species are listed as Vulnerable in IUCN including
the migratory Chinese Egret, Falcated ground babbler,
Palawan hornbill, Palawan flycatcher, Palawan peacockpheasant, Blue-headed racquet tail, Grey imperial pigeon,and Philippine duck. At least four species recorded arebeing near-threatened. The record of Philippine duck in
the lake constitutes the first record of this Philippineendemic duck in northern Palawan, while the record of the
Falcated ground babbler and Palawan ﬂycatcher is the ﬁrst
record of both species in northern Palawan. We are still
expecting the number of species to increase since someof the most commonly encountered birds (both migratory
and residents) we believe to see in the lake were not yet
recorded to date. We were also able to record bird calls
within the lake during the first five months of the fieldsurvey.

The presence of the Falcatedground babbler, which isan indicator of good forest
cover, is one of the major
f i n d i n g s o f t h e s u r v e y.
We have also observed
large numbers of PalawanStudents participated in survey
Hornbills and based on ourobservations elsewhere in the province, Lake Manguao
may boast the highest population density of this bird in an
unprotected area. A group of seven individual birds is notuncommon in the lake. At least 15 Palawan-endemic birds
including the ashy-headed babbler, Palawan ﬂowerpecker,
white vented shama, and Sulphur-bellied bulbul were
present in the lake. Based on the classification of Mallari
et al. (2001), the lake and its catchments will qualify bothas an Important Bird Area (IBA) for conservation and as an
Endemic Bird Area (EBA).
For population estimates, at least 50 individual Philippine
ducks were observed in the lake. Three Chinese egrets
were recorded in last November’s survey, while not lessthan 500 egrets (including all white egrets) were counted
at one of the roosting sites. Still, these numbers are
expected to increase since we still do not have the data for
January, which is the peak season for migration of thesebirds. Herons, rails, and other common waterbirds werealso recorded during the survey.
As for exploitation, some locals admitted that they do catch
some species of birds for consumption; however, these arebirds that are of least conservation concern (e.g., quail andrails). It is also good to know that some of the residents
do show a certain degree of awareness regarding which
species of bird should not be hunted. For example, Palawanpeacock pheasant was previously sought after but is now
no longer hunted due to a ban on hunting this species.
However, the ducks are still taken by some locals as ducks
are perceived to be very common in the lake. We also
found out that the critically endangered Philippine cockatoo
is already extinct within the lake and its catchments.
The locals revealed that there used to be thousands of

The Palawan hornbill Anthracoceros marchei isendemic to Palawan Group of Islands. Listed as
Vulnerable under IUCN Red List, this species is acommon resident in the catchment area of the lakecockatoos in the lake sometimes in the 1960s, with roosts
on the two smaller islands near the northern coast of thelake. However, local trappers lured by buyers extirpated theremaining population in the 1980s to early 1990s. We havelearned that the price of one cockatoo at that time wasonly PhP 50. We fear that the same fate of the cockatoo
befell the Hill mynah population in the lake, which we havenot encountered even once. According to the residents,
mynahs used to be very common in the lake's catchments.
Apparently there is existing hunting pressure on this species
in the lake since it is a popular cage bird in the Philippines.
Regarding the destruction of habitats and encroachment ofsettlements, we have learned that the local government of
Taytay is regulating illegal squatting by migrants. However,slash-and-burn farming practices are still ongoing within
the lake’s catchments, as well as large tracts of forestthat were previously cleared for farming and residential
purposes.
We are grateful that during the conduct of this research,
the local government of Taytay, PCSD, and the local DENR
ofﬁce provided assistance. The WWF MSCCDP and KatalaFoundation were also among those who shared theirresources that helped a lot during the samplings. Theseshared efforts and resources proved to be very usefulduring the conduct of our ﬁeldwork. The administration ofWestern Philippines University also provided much needed
cooperation during the fieldwork, which significantly
contributed to the positive progression of the research.

The Oriental dwarf kingﬁsher Ceyx erithacus is one of the mostcommonly seen birds along tributaries of Lake Manguao

The Philippine Duck Anas luzonica is a Philippine- The Hooded pitta Pitta sordida is one of the mostendemic duck which is listed as Vulnerable under commonly heard birds in the catchments of the
IUCN Red Listlake, particularly during dusk and dawn

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Status of Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia) and the perception of
conﬂict in Kanchanjunga Conservation Area, Eastern Nepal
Small-scale
Research Grant

Janak Raj Khatiwada
M.Sc. in Zoology, Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan
University, Nepal

Introduction
The Kanchanjunga Conservation Area in the northeast
region of Nepal (27.15’-27.56’ North to 87.32’ to 88.65’
East) is an extraordinary landscape of unique floral andfaunal diversity, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural
heritage. Biogeographically, it lies in the eastern Himalayas(Olson and Dinerstein 1998).
The raising of livestock (goats, sheep, and yaks) is the major
use of land in the Himalayan region of Nepal and drives
the region’s economy (Khatiwada 2004). Local people
living in the area have high levels of conﬂict with the snow
leopard. Each year snow leopards kill a signiﬁcant numberof livestock, resulting in signiﬁcant economic losses for thepoor people living in this area.
Unless this human-snow leopard conflict is more clearly
understood and appropriate management activities are
implemented, the long-term coexistence between people
and the snow leopard will be in jeopardy.
The objectives of this project are to assess the present
status of the snow leopard and the amount of livestock
predation by snow leopards. The following is a summaryof some of my ﬁndings from research conducted between
August and November 2005.
Highly cryptic coloration, reclusive, and mostly solitary
behavior, sparse distribution in relatively inaccessible
mountains make the snow leopard an extremely difficult
subject of surveys (Malik 1995). Therefore, a direct
census of the snow leopard population is very difﬁcult to
conduct using currently available technological resources.

Therefore, an indirect census method was used to roughly
estimate the population status, the habitat usage, anddistribution of the snow leopard in the present study. The
snow leopard leaves marks in the form of scrapes, scentspray (urine mark), scat (feces), and pugmarks (Riger 1978,
Allborn and Jackson 1988). These marks can be indexed
to derive information on abundance using a standardized
methodology called the Snow Leopard Information
Management System (SLIMS) (Jackson and Hunter 1996
and Jackson 2005).
By using the SLIMS protocol, sign surveys were conductedin three valleys on habitats ranging from high-to-low
human usage (Khambachen, Lonak, Jimbubari, andPangpema Base camp). Transect routes were plottedon available 1:500000 topographical maps, and wereplaced along terrain where leopard signs are likely to
be found, such as on ridge lines and along the base ofcliffs. To minimize transect variability, transects were shortand rarely crossed habitats (i.e. forest, shrubland andgrassland) boundaries. All transects were walked by apair of observers and all signs were recorded according
to type and number. At each site where snow leopard
signs were encountered, various parameters including
elevation, aspects, vegetation cover, dominant topographic
features, ruggedness of terrain, and land use patterns wererecorded. Such signs were considered as indicators of
the leopard’s preferred habitat. During data analysis, thesign density expressed in number of signs per kilometre oftransect were calculated for each transect.
Local herders and key residents were interviewed about
the number and abundance of snow leopards and rate oflivestock depredation. They were also questioned about
land use practices, such as grazing and the overall usage of
pastureland.
Results
Status of snow leopard
Between October and November 2005, sign surveys wereconducted in the study areas. Altogether, eight transects
were walked covering 9.44 km. Ninety-six (96) signs werediscovered. Among the total signs (96), 75% signs were
scrapes, 10% scats (fecal deposits), and others pugmarks
and scent spray.

Mount Kanchanjunga, the third highest peak in the world

28

The density of snow leopard signs was not equal across all
study areas. Lonak had a higher density of snow leopard
signs (37.65 signs/km) than Jorkyu and other places. Morestatistical analysis will eventually be conducted for the ﬁnal
report, when more data is collected.
Pugmark survey
Five different pugmarks of snow leopards were conﬁrmed.
The pugmark method has been used by many biologists(e.g. Choudhary 1971, McDougal 1997, Sunquist 1981,
and Tamang 1982) to roughly estimate tiger population
because it is reliable, easier, cheaper, and more precise thanother methods. Similarly, this method was also employed
to estimate the abundance of snow leopards in Langtang
National Park (Khatiwada 2004).
Human-snow leopard interaction
Interviews with 26 households (herders/key residents)
in Ghunsa, Khambachen, and Lonak (with traditional/
conservative animal husbandry practices) revealed that
more than 51% had a negative attitude towards snow
leopards due to its livestock depredating nature.
Livestock depredation
The livestock herding system of the Kanchanjunga

Conservation Area features rotational grazing over various
pastures in a year. Out of 26 households surveyed during
August to September 2005, 20 reported that they lost
livestock from snow leopards in the 2004 and up to
October of 2005. Other respondents reported that they
had no loss of livestock from snow leopards during theperiod although some were lost due to disease, wintersnowfall, and accidents.
During the two-year period (2004-2005 up to Oct.), outof 38 livestock lost, 36 were killed by snow leopards in the
Khambachen, Lonak, and Olangchungola areas. The snow
leopard depredated their livestock during all months ofthe year, but 70% of the depredation occurred during thewinter months (December to February).
Prey Species Survey
A total of 424 sightings of blue sheep were recorded
during the study period in the Khambachen, Lonak, andDudhpokari areas, and the Pangpema base camp. The
Yamphudin and Yangma areas have yet to be explored. Theage and sex of individual blue sheep could not be identiﬁed
due to the lack of a spotting scope.

References
Choudhary, R.S. 1971. Tiger tracer, Cheetal 13 (1).
Jackson, R. and G. Ahlborn. 1998. A Radio Telemetry Study of the Snow Leopard Panthera uncia in west Nepal. In: Tiger Paper, April - June 1998, XXV (2):1-4.
Jackson, R.M. 2005. Snow Leopard Survey and Conservation Hand Book. Snow Leopard Conservancy, USA
Jackson, R.M. and D.O. Hunter. 1996. Snow Leopard Survey and Conservation Hand Book (IInd Edition). International Snow Leopard Trust Seattle, Washington, USA.
Jackson, R.M. 1996. Home range. Movements and habitat use of Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia) Nepal. Ph. D. Thesis, University of London.
233 p.
Khatiwada J.R. 2004. The status of Snow Leopard and relation with principal prey species in Langtang National Park, Nepal. MSC dissertation. Tribhuvan University,
Kathmandu, Nepal.
Malik, M.M. 1995. Status and Conservation of Snow Leopard in Pakistan. Procedings of the Eight International Snow Leopard Symposium Pakistan, Nov. 12-16,
1995. International Snow Leopard Trust and World Wide Fund for Nature. Pakistan, International Snow Leopard Trust Seattle Washington, USA. p. 11-20.
Olson, D..M. & E. Dinerstein 1998. The global 200: A representation approach to conserving the earth’s most biologically valuable ecoregion. Conservation Biology,
Vol. 12(3): 502-515.
Sunquist, M.E. 1981. The Social Organization of Tiger in Royal Chitwan National Park Nepal. Smith Sonian Contribution Zoology. 336:14-98.
Tamang, K.M. 1982. The Status of the Tiger (Panthera tigris) and its impact on principle Prey Population in the Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal Ph. D. Thesis,
Michigan State University East Lansing. Michigan.

Researcher measuring snow leopard scent spray29

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(3)Conservation Activity Grant
Environment Conservation Awareness Program
Conservation
Activity Grant

Ritu Gurung
Wildlife Conservation Nepal (WCN), Nepal

In developing countries like Nepal, rapid urbanization andpopulation growth have taken a toll on natural resources.
As population grows, people tend to move to metropolitan
areas such as Kathmandu in search of better prospects.
Today there is a need to understand that the environmentis being degraded at a fast pace and we may perhaps lose
the chance to revive it forever. Communication, education,and public awareness play a significant role in resolving
the conflicts between man and biodiversity. Among
different programs of Wildlife Conservation Nepal, theEnvironment Conservation Awareness Program (ECAP) is
one of the programs designed to raise awareness about
nature conservation and the environment at schools,
among university students, and communities at large. Only
since 1992 has the current curriculum for the higher levels
in schools, colleges, and universities been designed withemphasis on the environment and related issues under therecommendation of the National Planning Commission.
WCN Environment Conservation Awareness Program
believes that we need to address these issues, especially toyoung people who are the caretakers of our environment
in the long run.
ECAP since its inception has been conducting various
programs based on different environmentally related
themes for school students as well as concer ned
organizations. The program has always stressed that

A student showing a picture of the dumping place near her school asking all her friends
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conservation success stories that rely on better educationand capacity building programs have become true whileworking with ECAP.
ECAP has designed an outreach workshop so that each
student participates and come up with new ideas thatthey share with their friends and teachers. The outreachprogram has been highly appreciated in schools where it
has been conducted. To date, the outreach program has
been conducted in about 20 schools in its ﬁrst phase, witha vision toward creating and generating greater awarenessabout nature conservation.
ECAP has given one-hour conservation education classes
to 295 high school students in both rural and urban
areas. ECAP has also developed its own curriculum toconduct conservation education classes for high school
students. The curriculum consists of chapters on illegal
wildlife trade, conventions, introduction to wetlands,
and biodiversity conservation. In this regard, outreachworkshops based on different environment-related
themes were held in three districts (Kathmandu, Lalitpur,
and Bhaktapur) in the valley. The students practiced
photography, learned about arts, studied local plants,
and made herbariums and inventories, drew green mapsof their locality, and also prepared newsletters of theworkshop. Apart from this they were engaged in wildlife
games, attended classes on contemporary conservation
issues, and watched documentaries. The major themes thatthe students focused on during the workshops were solid
waste management, the 4 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,
and Rethink), the sustainable use of resources, fashionand illegal wildlife trade, and religion and wildlife. The
participants of the outreach workshop have conductedvarious case studies. Case studies to date have been on the
Solid Waste Management of the Bhaktapur Municipality,
Fisheries Development in Nepal, the Natural History
Museum and its role in conserving biodiversity, the Faunal
Diversity of Zoos, and the Conservation Plans of Zoo.
Through these workshops participants have also conductedstudies on the ﬂoral diversity of community forests in thevalley. The students learned from hands-on experience
about the conservation of nature that makes a lasting
impression on their minds.

Students have embraced the awareness campaigns throughartwork. Nine ECAP member schools participated in theposter painting competition that was moderated by Ms.
Samridhi Shrestha. Durga Lal Shrestha, a grade 9 student,
was awarded the "Poster of the Year" prize.
ECAP in the course of reaching out to a wider audience
conducted a seminar on "Flowers, Insects, and the
Culture of Godavari." Brilliant photographic evidence ofthe culture, insects, ﬂowers, current status, and industrial
activities in Godavari by Mr. Nripa Dhoj Khadka, a professor
at the engineering campus, Patan, a nature photography
enthusiast, and a young postgraduate student, Ms. Brinda
Dewan, depicted the current status of one of the lastremaining forests in Kathmandu Valley.

The seminar on Flower, Culture and Insects ofGodavari

Conservation activity oriented programs like ECAP
are essential to raise support and contribute to theconservation of our valuable resources. Education is usuallyperceived as a one-way delivery in classrooms, but at
ECAP both the students and we learn at the same time.
Communicative education and public awareness should
be integrated and implemented so that we can value andprotect biodiversity.

A student displaying a plant found near her schoolStudents engrossed in making a poster on a conservation theme

A student explaining his award winner poster on spirit ofconservation

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Urban Wildlife Program in Kathmandu
Conservation
Activity Grant

Sanjeevani Yonzon
Wildlife Conservation Nepal (WCN), Nepal

Kathmandu Valley with an area of 639.68 sq. km consistingof three districts (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur) withfive municipalities, one national park (Shivapuri National
Park), one central zoological garden, one botanicalgarden, and many ecologically signiﬁcant areas today faces
enormous pressure from unplanned, rapid urbanization
growth. The valley, primarily an agricultural based landwith rich forest resources is experiencing a signiﬁcant lossof forest cover and open land. Today, only about 427 sq.
km of forest remain concentrated in the surrounding hills
while the valley ﬂoor is becoming increasingly congested. A
signiﬁcant number of 20,000 houses are built every year in
the valley while the Kathmandu Metropolitan Corporation
alone issues more than 4,000 building permit certificatesper year (Rising Nepal 2005).
This haphazard urbanization has resulted in habitat
fragmentation for wildlife that faces problems compoundedby population increases, vehicle pollution, water, air,and noise pollution, waste disposal problems, and traffic
congestion.

The Urban Wildlife Program (UWP) of WCN is a pioneer
case study that focuses on identifying and conserving
the urban wildlife of Kathmandu Valley. It makes thecity people take notice of wildlife at their doorsteps andprovides opportunities for them to get involved in its
conservation, because today every wildlife species is at riskin Kathmandu Valley.
WCN Urban Wildlife Program in Action
In Kathmandu Valley, an enormous number of species ofwildlife exists, from leopards in the valley’s peripheral hills
to mongoose, porcupines, and birds ranging from kites,
eagles, and vultures to numerous colorful weavers andwarblers. UWP thus in its mission to conserve the urban
wildlife of the valley has initiated three major conservational
activities for society in general, students, government, andthe scientific community since its inception in February
2005.
Urban Wildlife Research
The Urban Wildlife Program has initiated a pilot research
project on the status of the house sparrows throughthe rapidly urbanizing Khokana Village Development
Committee of Kathmandu Valley.
Familiar in appearance the world over and once abundantin number, today the house sparrow population has
declined in many areas of the world. Traditionally (in newer
communities) the houses of Khokana used to have speciallybuilt house holes on its walls for house sparrows. UWP’s
research showed that this tradition is fast disappearing in
the new cemented houses that have been built during thepast 15 years. Only 7.5 % of new houses have such holes
for sparrows, thus undermining the importance of birds inthe lives of residents. With this change, the house sparrowsof Khokana have experienced a signiﬁcant loss of habitat.
UWP is continuing its research on house sparrows in otherparts of valley and have conducted several dialogues withthe residents of Khokana to continue the tradition ofproviding house holes for sparrows.

The oldest woman inaugurating the tree plnatation project

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Tree Plantation Project
The main objective of UWP’s tree plantation project is torevive degraded patches of the ring road (Green Belt) of thevalley in accordance to this year’s Environment Day slogan(June 5, 2005) of "Building Green Cities." UWP conducted
one such project in Dhumbarai, Kathmandu Metropolitan
City, Ward No. 4 in collaboration with a local youth club

representing the Dhumbarai community to promote urban
avian fauna and the butterﬂy habitat, and also improve thequality of life in the area. The community members alongwith UWP’s volunteers will take care of the plantations
for a period of twelve months at the end of which a new
extension program will be drawn up.
The tree and shrub species chosen for the plantation
were shade providers, fruit bearers, flowering trees, andtrees with ornamental value. Species included Pescia sp.,
Prunus cerassides D. Don, Gardenia jasminoides Ellis,
Callistemon lanceolata, Thuja orientalis, and Therus rubra
L. The plantation began with the most senior woman of
Dhumabarai planting a cherry blossom tree sapling.
Urban Wildlife AwarenessSensitivity towards the urban wild flora and fauna of
Kathmandu Valley is generated by forming birdwatchinggroups, hiking groups, and wildlife groups who have been
lobbying and motivating local governments to improve theenvironment of that area. Today two birdwatching groups
are operating in conjunction with UWP.
A one-day program of nature hikes while enjoying
birdwatching for young students is being conducted at
Taudaha (a very important wetland that harbors migratory
birds in winter). UWP is trying to conserve this ecologicallyimportant area, which is also rapidly urbanizing,through various programs in collaboration with the localorganizations there. In February 2006, with five otherconservational NGOs, Taudaha Nature Jamboree is beingorganized. UWP will be conducting nature hikes, making
green maps with students, and stressing the importance of
the Taudaha Pond ecosystem through a form of traditional
Nepali art known as Mithila. About 500 people are
expected to participate in this one-day event.
Of many innovative awareness modules, UWP has beenusing photography as an advocacy tool for promoting agreater awareness of nature and wildlife. It organized aweek-long wildlife and nature photography workshop forseventeen amateurs from July 21, 2005, featuring ﬁve of
the most prominent photographers of Nepal. While theparticipants learned various tips on better photographyduring the workshop, ideas were also actively sharedregarding the importance of urban wildlife conservationand how pictures can be used as its powerful promotional
tool. Following the workshop an exhibition entitled"Nature through Lens" was held, showing the best shot
photographs by the participants.
THE FUTURE
UWP is planning to increase its already growing popularity
by bringing out a bimonthly newsletter that will feature
success stories about urban wildlife conservation,
upcoming programs in which people can participate,answer "Frequently Asked Questions" regarding urban
wildlife, and many more activities. Along with these efforts,
UWP will continue to encourage research on wildlife in
the city, examine the effects of pollution, and encourage
people to care about wildlife in their backyards, terraces,and public gardens, and help them understand the beneﬁts
of conserving nature in our cities.
UWP is looking forward to initiating a management
plan to encourage urban wildlife and examine solutions
that reduce the conflicts between wildlife and people in
Kathmandu Valley.

Degrading GREENBELT

References
Rising Nepal 2005 http://www.gorkhapatra.org.np/pageloader.php?ﬁle=2005/02/14/topstories/main10
MOPE, 1999. HMG, Environmental Planning and management of Kathmandu Valley
Shrestha, B., Pradhan, S. 2000. Kathmandu Valley GIS Data Bridging the data gap. ICIMOD.

Education Minister Radaha Krishma Mainali
writing on a guest book after visting UWPHiking- enjoying nature
Householes for sparrows in Khokana

33

NEF NEWSLETTERISSUE No.15 March 2006

List of NEF Scholars in FY2005
In FY2005, NEF supported 373 students sitting a BSc-level or above in Indonesia,
Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Indonesia(160 undergraduates)

University of Indonesia
Dian Juniarti
Dianing Sri Astuti
Dwi Ramadhani
Eva Fitriani
Rita Damayanti Hasikin
Robby Anzil Firdaus
Ronny Rianto
Sri Surati
Sukma Oktavianthi
Yunita Fitri Anggraeni T.
Eka Viviantira
Erny Soraya
Eva Oktarina
KholifahMeilisha P. Pertiwi
Pipit Marianingsih
Poppy Y. Putri
Putri R. Ratri
Aditya Amrullah
Fika Afriyani
Mariska Astrid Kusumaningtyas
Mulyati Dewi Aisyah
Nur Mutiah Dewi
Suryani
Sutini
Tomi Dewi Khatimah
Rerin Santiana
Gita R Budiarti
Uswatun Khasanah
Asminatun
Dina Maryanti
Anggie Puspa Nurdiyati
Ayu Roossea Mustika Putri
Devri Ary Sinaga
Diana Agustina

Asysyaﬁ'iyah Islamic University
Aliman Hakim
Anastias Nurdianti
Asep Koswara
Hilim Qodriyah
Rini Agustini
Sinta Puspita Ayu
Hajar Wahyudi
Isnamaini
Iswahyudi Zuliman
Sulus Setiawati
Wahyuni Budhiarsih
Yunitasari Amalia
Andam Dewi Melani
Dwi Widyanti Octavia
Hetty Jariah
Ridho Tahir
Sartika
Sapan
Syahrul Lail

34

Winanjar Restu
Septika Wijayanti
Dedy Rahman
Arif Saifudin
Cut Safrina
Fadlurahman
Sukriyanti
Dahliana
Adi Saputra
Juliana
Nur Khodimah
SumarniNasional University
Dwi Hadiyansyah
Fidyatun Khoriyah
Jannatul Ma'wah
Oki Laju Lanang
Ririn Wednes Diana Sari
Thoriq Alif Faisal
Tomi Ariyanto
TuryadiUrip Rusnandi
Veronica Yuni Pagayanti
Dina Fitria
Fauzan Abdul Mun'im Alkatiri
Nur Rohmawati
Rahayu Kurniangsih
Rahmalia Nurul Ahsani Amda
Rini Sukmawati
Etika Sayekti Hidayati
Dessy Sulistya Ashari
FratiwiMaysyarohNeneng Mardianah
Shafa Noer
Dian Fajar Vitianingrum
Windrati
Melinda Octaviana Kuswandari
Rebina Urfhy Zen
Mursyidah
Wulanita
Nusuki Atara

State University of Jakarta
Ciptaningsih
Dewi Wulandari
Ferry Anggriawan
Ika Retna Sari
Achmad Sobari
Ana Median K
Arif Syahrial
Aryani
Conny Fortuna
Endang Dwi L
Octaviano Samir
Rince Sinthauly
Subhan Pradana
Yuyun Yuliani
Daulat Yusuf Harahap
Fatyah Arfah

Fuji Setia Wati
Lutﬁyah
Munah Murnianjari
Mutia Hardhiyuna
Putri Kesuma Wardhani
Rina Soﬁyanti
Supri
Listiyanah
Maria Fajri
Evindika T.P
Nur Upik
Tinur Malasari
Muhamad Chanaﬁ
Afdini Ridlatul
Desy Permatasari
Norma Rahmawati
Sari Setia Ningsih
Muhamad Pathoni
Retno Dyah

Pakuan University
Dase Suherman
Gumilar Priyana
Iroh Yulistiawati
Rismawati
Yati Apriyati
Yosep Rikiyadi
Abdurachman
Asep Yana
Dewi Agustina
Dina Agustina
Hesti Purnamasari
Iwin Sartika
Mimi Jamilah
Yuli Suprihartini
Yunis Tias Andriani
Enri Agus Setiani
Dian Sudianto
Marlina
Mita Fajriah Ibrahim
Muhamad Ahyad
Nurdiansyah
Nur Laela Fadhilah
Sanan Supriatna
Stephanie
Agustinus Sarira
Dzulﬁkar Failasuﬁ
Budi Triyanto
Intan Kusumaningrum
Aam Amaliah
Ayu Septina Prasanti

Lao PDR(100 undergraduates)
National University of Laos
Nongnouth PHANSA
Kongsy KHAMMAVONG
Khamsompong SINTHABANDITH

Payu THAMMAVONGSENG
Anouxay PHOMMALATH
Phoutsakhone OUNCHIT
Phongkeo BOUNNHAVONG
Soulaphon BOUTCHALEUAN
Sengthong SIFONG
Sinnakone SOUKSAVANH
Sensouly PHALEUKHAM
Laty PANGPASEUTH
Phonesavanh XAYALATH
Khaokeo LORVANXAY
Sayphin KHAMPANYA
Mai PHONVIXAY
Laongdao SISOMPHOUSouthanou MANISOTH
Kanchana CHANSINA
Xaysavang PHANDANOUVONG
Korakot PHOMMALIN
Somphet KHAMPHA
Nouannipha SOUTHIBORLOM
Kikeo XAYASITH
Khamboui SOUKHANTHA
Sisavath PHIMMASONE
Phangta BOUNTHAVANGKHAM
Kathingthong LATSAVONGXAY
Khamsing XAYLUEXIONG
Latsmi SOUPHAPMIXAY
Vinanda SIPHONXAY
Phouthong PHOTHISAK
Alunsavath CHANPHENGXAY
Kamphong PHONTHANA
Phetsomphone THAMMAVONG
Somphanith SIONECHANH
Sooksakhone BOUNPHAVONG
Outhay KEOCHAYYOM
Khamphong KAYALATH
Phouvone NORLADA
Bounmy SIBOUNPHAB
Chounnaphon SIBOUNHEUANG
Hongphakham INTHAVONG
Sengpasith HOUNGALOUNE
Kengchalith SOUKVOXAY
Soulisack VILAYPHONE
Inthanong SONEINTHAVONGSA
MenglorSanty KHOUMPHONPHACKDY
Khampanly XAYAKHONG
Inthavong SOUKBOUAKHAM
Somxay PHONSAVATH
Nouthong ALOUNTHONG
Somsack KOUMBASITH
Mithouna THAMMANOUN
Phannoudeth PONGPANYA
Khamla PHETNAVONGXAY
Thavone KHOUNSIDASongkane SOMSAVANH
Phouthone PHAPHOPhayvieng VONGKHAMHENG
Sengvilay SAETERN
Viengkhone XAYAVONG
Somchanh OUPHANXAY
Vilayvanh PHAISAVATH
Phoutsady OUDOMXAY
Vilaysack MAKKAPHON
Pasongsine KHAMCHANSANA
Sopa KEOINPHENG
Vanpaseuth PHOUTTHAVONG
Sonnasak PHAIPASITH

Vannapa PHOMMACHAN
Phetoudon PHANYAKEO
Phetdaraphone BOUTTAVONG
Somphit KINGSACKDA
Daovone BOUNMAVONG
Souksakhone PHANTHOULACK
Chathala VINTHAXAY
Somta SIHARATH
Ketsana SIRIVONG
Sadsada INTHAVONG
Thani PHIMMASONE
Sayson LUANGNOUNINTHONE
Sinongpheng BOUPHANOUVONG
Phetthouly PANYADA
Malailath LITSOUNTHONE
Khammany KHAMLEK
Lorsualin LORYEAR
Anousa AMPHONDOUNGCHITH
Lattana KEOPHOMMANIVONG
Vannavong SITHAMMALATH
Phengtavanh THAMMASITH
Inthavone SINGDALA
Soudaniame INTHISANE
Viengsavanh XOMVIMANE
Chindavanh SOULIYAPHAKOulavanh SINSAMPHANH
Soulichanh LAMXAY
Bounmany SOULIDETH
Taykeo SOMCHANMAVONG

Matchico, Elsie I.
Sodila, Mark AnthonyGabo, Astrid Korina
Garcellano, James A.
Jardinero John Rex N
Orge, Cedric Ian V.
Patigdas, Madel M.
Tenefrancia, Jonas G.
Alleda, Allan P.
Jalover, Cherry Lyn S.
Pablico, Riza Jane B.
Pagliawan, Ma. Retchie C.
Tan, Ken D.
Urqiola, Joan P
Villamor, Irish L.
Alaban, Ricardo Jr., V. (MSc)
Ramos, Nemrose B. (MSc)
Casia, Cristina T. (MSc)
Migallos, Jeffrey B. (MSc)

Western Philippines University
Castro Lyca Sandrea G
Gonzales, Sharon M
Agsamosan, Mercy G
Capadosa, Annielyn L.
Laxaman, Rajie Ann L.
Arizabal, Edmundo G. (MSc)
Sebido, Bernadette V. (MSc)

Vietnam(24 postgraduates)

Malaysia(10 postgraduates)

Hue University

Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Phan Thi Thuy Hang
Tran Thuy Cam Ha

Zuraida Zainudin
Siti Sarayati Abd. Mawah
Avelinah Julius
Ang May Yen
Aini Aﬁfa Ismail
Hamilda Francisca Majit
Lau Foo Chwang
Elczah Olivia Jimmy
Kalsum Mohd. Yusah
Ching Fui Fui

Myanmar(20 undergraduates and 20
postgraduates)
In the process of selection

Philippines(33 undergraduates and 6
postgraduates)

Palawan State University
Acot-Acot, Darryl H.
Amanca, Kristhel Lourdes
Cabate, Fatima G.
Cobilo, Maureen Darling Joy F.
Gurtiza Maureen R.
Manzano, Juna R.
Rosacena, Jennifer E.
Abejo, Marvin R.
Aloria, Valentin Gerald II
Gubat, Quency Ann L.
Limos, Benjamin Christopher D.
Siason, Ramon r.

Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh city
Vo Hai Thi

Ha Noi Univeristy of Pedagogy
Tran Huu Huy
Tran Duc Hau
Ta Thi Thuy
Dao Thi Hai Ly

Vietnam National University, Ha Noi
Ngo Duc Phuong
Nguyen Thi My
Ho Ngoc Giang
Vu Anh Tai
Vu Thuc Hien
Phan Thi Thu Hang
Nong The Dien
Hoang Van Chuyen
Le Duy Hung
Nguyen Thanh

Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources
Dang Huy Phuong
Dang Thi Thu Huong
Tran Thieu Du
Nguyen Thi Hien
Nguyen Quang Hung

Vietnam Forestry University
Le Van Thanh
Nguyen Thanh Ha
Asis, Jonnie A.

35

Nagao Natural Environment Foundationwww.jwrc.or.jp/NEF/
3-10-10, Taito-ku, Shitaya, Tokyo 110-8676, Japan
Phone: +81-3-5824-0771, Fax: +81-3-5824-0772
Email: nef@cronos.ocn.ne.jp