1st Interregional Bongo Workshop, 13-15 May 2013

Species PlanningDavid Mallon

Co-Chair Antelope Specialist GroupIUCN Species Conservation Planning Subcommittee

Why?

• Working together achieves more than working alone (synergy)

• Global framework for all partners• Helps coordinate action by all • Avoids duplication• Addresses the highest threats• Helps fundraising

Species Conservation Strategy (SCS)

• Several planning processes

• We are following the IUCN process (SCS)

• Common elements to all processes

• Based on sound science/information

• Partnership between some or all of: 1) Government, 2) NGOs, 3) Local communities, 4) Researchers, 5) Conservationists (in situ and exsitu)

"When we understand that slide, we'll have won the war” (General Stanley McChrystal)

- US Military General STAnley McChrystal

Where are we?Where are we?

Where do we want to Where do we want to go?go?

How do weHow do weget there?get there?

Steps in Conservation Planning

1. Where are we now?

2. Where do we want

to go?

3. How do we get

there?

Basic features of conservation planning (at all levels):

Status Assessment Status Assessment

Action PlanAction Plan

Vision/Goal (Strategy)Vision/Goal (Strategy)

From diagnosis to action: how do we change the situation?

• Strategies are tools - implementation is key

• “Action Plans alone don’t save species – only action does”

• Is it a question of resources? • Do we have the capacity?

– institutions, personnel, training?

• Motivation?– Laws adequate, enforcement weak

Vision & Goal

• VISION: ideal situation in 25-50 years

• GOAL(s): A concrete step towards achieving the Vision

• Actions: what is needed to attain the Goal

Regional examples

• Arabian Leopard– Very few left in in the wild (<250)– In fragmented populations– Ex-situ populations in 5 centres– Coordinated breeding programme (partly)– Every individual is valuable

Arabian LeopardWorkshop Results 1: Vision and GoalVision and Goal

Vision:

To have viable and sustainably managed populations of the Arabian leopard, its wild prey and natural habitats in co-existence with local communities across its range in the Arabian Peninsula.

Goal:

To ensure the survival of all known wild populations of Arabian leopard and develop conservation programmes for the leopard, its prey and natural habitat in all range states.

Extinct in the Wild 1970sNow 8 reintroduced populations in 5 countries

Coordinated breeding programme, within the region and outside

Vision Free ranging and viable AO populations thrive in their historic range across the Arabian Peninsula

GoalSuccessful reintroduction programs in north and south of the Arabian Peninsula to establish 2 metapopulations

Arabian Oryx Regional Conservation Strategy and Action Plan Workshop 2007