NE'HS

Edi ted by:

s. C. Dey

Global Tiger Forum An inter-governmental and international

body for the conservation of the tiger in the wild

Global Tiger Forum Secretariat Poryovoron Bhovon, e.G.O. Complex,

Lodhi Rood , New Delhi· 11 0003 . Telefox : 4363661

JUNE,1999

Photo: Valmik Thapar

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Edited by :

S. C. Dey

Global Tiger Forum An inter-governmental and international

body for the conservation of the tiger in the wild

Global Tiger Forum Secretariat

Paryovolol1 Bhavol1, e.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road, ~Iew Delhl- II 0003. Telefox: 4363661

Cove, Photo: BCP/KMTNC

JUNE, 1999

I GTFNE~S JUNE

CONTENTS

1. Note from the editor

2. Preamble

3 Bangladesh

4. Bhutan

5. Cambodia

'6. India

7. Laos

8. Malaysia

9. Myanmar

10. Nepal

11. Russian Federation

12. U.S. Rhinoceros and tiger conservation fund

1999

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5

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9

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14

Note from the editor The second newsletter of Global Tiger Forum is being issued at a historic moment when Global Tiger Forum has already received the 5th ratification from the tiger range states making it fully operational as per requirements of the statutes. It is also a happy occasion because the first non tiger range country United Kingdom has also declared its intention to join the Global Tiger Forum.

A meeting of the Global Tiger Forum was held on 5th March , 1999 taking advantage of the Millennium Tiger Conference organised by Government of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests between 3rd to 5th March, 1999. The meeting was attended by the representatives of nine tiger range countries namely Bangladesh , Bhutan , Mala ysi a, Myanmar, Nepal , India, Thailand , Russian Federation & Vietnam . The delegation of Bangladesh was headed by the Minister Incharge of Environment and Forests, People's Republic of Bangladesh and the delegation of Bhutan was headed by the Deputy Minister of Environment. WWF-International attended as category C member and United Kingdom as observer from Category B member.

The meeting adopted a resolution to continue with the interim arrangements under the chairmanship of the Minister of Environment and Forests, Government of India till the meeting of the first General Assembly of the Global Tiger Forum, which is scheduled to take place in the next winter at Bangladesh.

The proceedings of the meeting of the Global Tiger Forum held on 5th March, 1999 at New Dehi has already been circulated which cover the details of the deliberations of the meeting. We hope that in the General Assembly meet of GTF to be held at Bangladesh in the next winter all the fourteen tiger range countries will be present and we will have more formal members

by them. ~

~ (S.C . DEY)

Secretary General of the Global Tiger Forum

0ii~ NEWS

PREAMBLE

The secretariat of the Global Tige~ Forum was working on the col lection of information on tiger conservation from various tiger lange states. We have since received details from some of the tiger range states. The details as compi led are indicated against the Individual countries.

BANGLADESH Status of habitat

There is no trend of habitat fragmentation in sundarbans which IS the main home of Bangladesh tiger. The Information on other areas e.g. Kassalong reserved forests of Chittagong hill tracts, Patharia forests of syl het and south -eastern forests of Chittagong hill tracts where some population of tiger are believed to be still existing is not availagle. No reserved or notified forests , which is the abode of

Stable Population _

flgcrs. v'jl'o.n..t

MAP OF BANGLADESH Showing

The Present Dlstnbut lun of Tiger

Scale 11nch = 45 Miles

tiger has been diverted or placed for non forestry use in recent time. Human pressure is there on tiger habitat and for this reason in the fringe forests there are indication of quality degradation. A map showing distribution of tiger in Bangladesh is given in the margin .

Status of Tiger Population

After 1993 no further estimation of tiger population has been carried out. About 360 tigers are believed to be continuing in Sundarbans and existence of juveniles is indicati ve of the population trend Estimation of tiger population , Including correct mapping of ti ger areas , ou tside sundarbans IS proposed to be taken up shortly.

Progress of implementation of action plan

The government has prepared a development project on conservation of tiger in Sundarbans. though specific tiger action plan for the country as a whole is yet to be formulated , and is likely to be taken up in near future

Current Status of Infrastructure and staff

The existing arrangements are being maintained and continued. Besides the forest range offices and the revenue sta tions , there are special mobile protection and anti-poaching and anti illicit squads for Sundarbans which have been provided with communication facilities and are well eqUipped However, considering the vastness of Sundarbans. the total man power available is not suffiCient.

Legal provisions and enforcement details

The legal enforcement IS through the Bangladesh Wildlife (Preservation Amendment) Act. 1974 Tiger is included in the th ird schedule of this act ., and as such , enjoys the highest legal protection A set of rules under the title of "The Banglasesh Wildlife Conservation Rule" is in the final stage of preparation. There is a regular wildlife advisory board since 1977 which meet as and when reqUired The Government has prohibited shooting of wildli fe for next five years . For implementatIOn of these decisions , arrangements of mobile courts In big

June, 1999 : Page I

cities and towns have been made for on the spot trial of illegal trade in wildlife , their parts and derivatives. In addition to basic training, the country feels , that there is a need for separate training course on nature and wildlife conservation for staff, which will be implemented in the course of re­organisation of institutions and organisations involved in this arena.

Poaching and Illegal Trade

In 1998 there was no record of tiger poaching in Sundarbans . There was also no record of legal or illegal trade involving tiger in Bangladesh. One tiger was found dead in the North-eastern part of Sundarbans in December, 1998.

Fi~ancial Support received during year

(a) Nationa/ Source (Government)

Plan : No plan on tiger conservation was in implementation in 1998. Forest Department submitted a development project to the government on tiger conservation in Sundarbans.

Non Plan : In various informal ways, government implemented awareness programmes among people in the Sundarbans which did not involve much fund . The activities of tiger conservation are implemented through non plan grant of protection and conservation .

(b) National Source other than Government

A national NGO namely "Coastal Area Resource Development Managment Association (CARDMA) undertook compilation of information on tigers in Sundarbans. Fund involved in the programme is not known.

(c) International Source :

(i) Cicada Films, Ltd. U.K. : The organisation started its activities in November, 1998 and continued till 28th February, 1999. The main objective of the study was to know the impact of changes on tiger due to human factors and due to changes of environment. The amount involved in the programme is not known.

(ii) IUCN Bangladesh : This organisation promoted a study project with the funding from British Council. The Teachers and students of Jahangir Nagar University, Dhaka are implementing the project. The main objective is to derermine the habitat status of tiger in Sundarbans.

(iii) The Government submitted a project to the Fish and wildlife Foundation USA. The Project was not included in the programme of the Foundation

Activities of international/Intergovernmental bodies and NGOs

(i) Received invitation through IUCN from WJVF for utilisation of Emergency Fund.

(i i) The Biodiversity Conservatin Project in Sundarbans funded by Asian Development Bank has been approved by the Government. This project has a tiger conservation component.

(iii) World Bank sponsored a seminar on tiger conservation with CARDMA.

Transboundary Cooperation

Bangladesh has not yet entered into any programme oftransboundary cooperation for tiger conservation, but feels the need to maintain coordination with India and Myanmar. Items listed for initial co-operation include seminar, symposium, training programmes, information exchange, technology transfer and identification of trade routes.

Public awareness and education programme

Public awareness and education programme on nature, wildlife and environment conservation are included in all development programme. These are carried out through preparation of leaflets , posters, stickers. Features on . different aspects of wildlife and nature conservation are published in newspapers and brodcasted through radio and Bangladesh television.

Cooperation with International Conventions

Bangladesh has ratified/acceded to seven

June, 1999 : Page 2

0ii~ NEWS

environmental and species conservation conventions like CITES, World Heritage Convention, Ramsar Convention, Conservation on Biological Diversity , Climate Change , Combating Desertification and Global Tiger Forum. They are taking active interest and part in all the conventions. Sundarbans of Bangladesh , which is the main tiger land, has been designated in the list of Wetland of international importance . A project with funding of "Wetland Conservation Fund" of Ramsar Convention is under implemention. The wild life sanctuaries of Sundarbans have also been included in the world heritage list in 1998. A plaque of World Heritage Convention has been inaugurated by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Heron Point of Sundarbans on the 4th February, 1999.

BHUTAN

Tiger conservation strategy and habitat

Bhutan has prepared a tiger conservation strategy in mid 1998 in association with WWF. The goals of the tiger conservation strategy are (a) nationally to conserve a viable breed ing population of tigers within tl1e Kingdom of Bhutan and (b) internationally to safeguard th e corridors co nnecting that population with tigers beyond its frontiers in India (and probably China). In contrast to the situation in neighbouring countries, in Bhutan tigers have wide range of altitudinal distribution starting from less than 200m, altitude in the South to 4000m altitude In the North. There are atleast three reliable records of tigers' presence above 4000m, all in Bumthang in the vicinity of Konla north east of Dhur which visits Tang as well dUring the summer, two at Puchela (4100m) and one just below Dipdela (4200m) . Likewise a female with cubs move between Lhuentse to Rudongla and Kisernangbi around 3500m altitude. Although tigers are widespread throughout the central himalayan region . they are

present in low density 0.54 adult tiger per 100sq. Km. By contrast in the more optimal habitat of Royal Manas National Park the density is approx two adult tigers per 100 sq .km .

Predatory behaviour

Although the tigers of Bhutan normally prey upon wild boar, sam bar, barking deer, and at higher elevation serow and takin , in some places such as Bumthang live stock depredation is very heavy and in others it is moderate to only occasional This is certainly related to the avai labi lty /non availability of natural prey base of tiger in forests . There IS

however no case of man eating by tiger in the Kingdom of Bhutan in recent time.

Territoriality

The average home range in the Central Himalayas is estimated to be approx 150 sq . km for a tiger However, at very high altitude in Bumthang tigers are estimated to cover a home range of 400 to 500 Sq. km . This is because they have to commute tigresses In separated locations and there are inadequacy of natural prey base .

Landscape approch to tiger conservation

Bhutan recognises tha t protected areas by themselves are not enough to protect a Viable population of tigers in the long run . They have thus proposed linking the protected areas through corridors . Three important corridors are -

1. That connecting Jigme DOrJl National Park with Black Mountain National Park.

2. That linking Black mounta in/Royal Manas National Park with Thrumshlngla National Park.

3. That connecting Thrumshingla National Park with Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctiuary

The most critical corridor is that between Jlgml Dorji National Park and Black Mountain National Park because it is very narrow and relatively long . Fortunately none of the three corridors have more than a few settlements and contain forest cover

June, 1999 : Page 3

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Potential tiger .habitat in protected areas and linking corridors

Based on habitat ty pe and actual tiger distribution

Status of Tiger

Survey concluded in 1998 had indicated breeding population of tiger at four protected areas viz. (1). Jigmidorji National Park. (2). Black Mountain National Park. (3). Royal Manas National Park. (4). Thumsh ingla Nat ional Park . and a inferred population for (5). Bomdiling Wildlife Sanctuary. Evidence of one tiger was found at Phibsoo wildlife sanctuary and one at Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary. The survey team found no tiger at Torsa strict nature reserve nor at Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. Given the limitation of time and inadequacy of personnel, the existence of tiger in these two areas and also elsewhere cannot be ruled out.

The total number of continuously distributed tigers in Bhutan including adults , sub-adu lts and dependent young as per this survey is estimated to be around 115 to 150. However, since the existence of tiger outside the continuous area are also reported from other sources, the actual tiger population in the Kingdom of Bhutan may be higher. The position would be clear further when the next phase of survey is over which is likely to be completed by April , 2000.

Antipoaching Programme

The Bhutan anti-poaching programme, with VVWF support was initially established to combat musk

BOMOILING WLS

SAKTENG WLS

deer poaching. It is recognised now that th is programme needs to be expanded on large scale to provide effective protect ion for tiger and other endangered species. There is also ,the need of more mobile strike force for conservation of tiger in Bhutan.

Transboundary Cooperation

Bhutan attaches high importance for transboundary cooperation

KH~t~G with India and also China . With India they have identified six protected areas which can be

taken up for complimentary tiger conservation programmes. These in Bhutan side are :-

1. Torsa Strict Nature Reserve.

2. Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary.

3. Royal Manas National Park.

4. Sakteng Wi ldlife Sanctuary.

5. Bomdi ling Wildlife Sanctuary.

6. Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Priority activities identified for transboundary cooperation

1.

2.

3.

4.

Counterpart area identification and installation of a harmonious management system.

Regu lar communication and info rmation sharing at country, regional and field levels.

Identification of Wildlife trade routes indicating items in trade and seasons of trade.

Developing bi latera l protocols based on detailed discussion.

June, 1999 : Poge~

Problems and protection of t iger conservation in Bhutan

Even though continuous forest cover, the Buddhist ethics, inaccessibility of tiger areas and political stability offer favourable position with respect to conservation of tiger in Bhutan , there are some serious problems also. These include (a) grazing in tiger habitat by cattle and yaks leading to conflict between tiger and local people (b) inadequacy about the knowledge of the importance of conserving tiger, with apparent no direct benefit to local people from tiger conservation (c) the depredation of live stock by tiger. This is compounded by the lack of trained manpower for proper implemention of tiger conservation programme.

However, there are some brighter aspects also. These are :-

1. Even though no compensation is paid in cash for tiger depredation , there are development programmes taken along the fringes of tiger areas to take care of grievances of local people arising out of strict restrictions of people's rights in protected areas.

2. Considerable cooperation and support for eco-system conservation comes from various donors like UNDP , GEF, WWF, Government of Netherlands , Norway , Switzerland, Finland and Denmark. Though there are various strings attached to such grants , but lot of them can take care of tiger conservation activities . Infact WWF supports conservation of tiger in Manas and Thrumshingla National Park. UNDP and GEF in Jigmidorjl National Park, Netherland in Black Mountain National Park and the Government of Denmark in Bomdiling Wildlife sanctuary .

CAMBODIA

Survey of Wildl ife

Very recently Fauna and Flora International of Cambridge carried out a large mammal survey in Cambodia with financial support from G.T.F.

The Survey was conducted between 10th May, 1998 to 13th June, 1998 with the aim of determining the status of Wildlife and conservation status of forests in North Eastern Cambodia . No evidence was found of tigers or any other large cats and very few signs of Asian Elephants. Searches for tigers were largely focused around areas of wetlands and seasonal meadows. Considerable distances were covered in the terrestrial survey .

The lack of any evidence of tigers and other very large mammals from the surveyed areas indicate that the population of these species are very poor even if they exist. Records indicate that at one time these areas supported a good population of tiger and other large mammals . It seems that in the last 20 years the population of these species have been great ly reduced because of hunting pressures which was high and widespread .

Logging continues through out North-eastern Cambodia which certainly has deleterious effects on wildlife. Shifting cultivation is also a serious threat , fire is also an annual feature and. do affect wildlife.

Recommendations for future

1. Institutional commitment for the protection of Cambodia's remaining tigers and other wildlife which form the prey base of tiger.

2. Active and effective patrolling of protected areas where tiger population still exists .

3. Efffective legislation with serious penalties for hunting and poaching of tiger and the trade in tiger trophies and other body parts.

4 Enforcement of legislation through installation of proper mechanism.

5.

6.

7.

Registration or confiscation of . ex isting trophies remaining in private hands.

Logging in prime tiger habitat must be stopped.

No sector of society should be exempt from the above mentioned conservation actlon/ needs.

June, 1999 : Page 5

0[j~ NEWS

8. Awareness amongst local communities and provincial Govt. bodies must be raised over wide areas.

INDIA

Vision

India recognises that with the present human population over one billion it is not possible to bring back the situation of tiger as existed in the beginning of the century when the number of tiger was estimated at nearly 40,000. However, the country intends to keep 5000 to 6000 tigers within specially protected areas of nearly 50000 to 60000 Sq.Km . designated as tiger reserves. However the tigers beyond these areas will also be given adequate protection.

New initiatives

Some new initiatives have been taken up by the Government of India regarding tiger conservation recently and these includes.

1. Financing specialised forces by the Central Government in identified protected areas to flush out the militants and insurgents.

2. Granting of project allowance to all categories of tiger reserve personnel.

3. Doubling the budget provision for conservation of tiger in the current plan.

4. Adding two more tiger reserves in the 25"'year of project tiger to increase the number of tiger reserves to twentyfive.

5. Not allowing diversion of prime tiger habitat for non-forestry use in spite of heavy demand.

6. Establishing special wildlife bureau for monitoring and review of illegal wildlife trade.

7. ' Taking steps to amend the wildlife protection act. to make it more stringent including creation of two new categories of protected areas, and

by making enabling provisions for CITES requirements/implementations.

8. Holding year long calender of events to review the managment of tiger at local , regional and national level including holding of the millennium tiger conference of the tiger range states and tiger loving countries. The declaration adopted in the conference is reproduced below :-

The millennium tiger declaration

Realising

• That tiger is a symbol of biodiversity and has a right to live in inviolate habitats.

• That the protection of the tiger and the conservation of bio-diversity is a vital national, regional and global concern.

• That the support of all governments of the world is essent ial for tiger conservation and , therefore, environmental and natural resource management policies of tiger range and non­range countries must be consistent with the spirit , requirments and goals of global tiger conservation .

• That continuing cooperation between all tiger range countries is a necessary step for the better management of tiger habitats , and trans boundary initiatives for coordinated mangement are vital to the safety of tigers.

• That the involvement of international conservation organisation , NGOs and the part icipation of local commun ities in conservation initiatives are essential to ensure the future of the tiger.

• That scientific research projects and sharing of information are exceedingly important for the design of field strategies that will effectively manage population of wild tigers.

• That education and awareness across the world is essential in dissuading consumer countries from using tiger products and derivatives.

June, 1999 : Page 6

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And considering

• That because the distribution of tigers across its range spans a great diversity of bio-regions , including many biodiversity hot spots.

• That its conservation in nature is provenly a potent means of conserving a wide range of biodiversity.

• That considerable habitat for tiger continues to be appropriated by mega development projects of hydropower, irrigation , mining and the like and the pressures on residual habitats get compounded by the humans displaced by such development interventions .

• That the impressive gains of special measures for tiger conservation initiated in the early 70s particularly in the countries of South Asia, have lately come under threat from habitat shrinkage and degradation as well as from demand for tiger body parts and derivatives from countries outside the region.

• That habitat degradation is resulting from excessive livestock grazing and other pressures of increased local population whose community resource base has also shrunk and degraded.

• That considerble extent of tiger habitat in the range states lies outside the PA network in the production forests which suffer such degradation not only from pressures of local people but also from forest management induced collection of NTFP.

• That large investments are needed to conserve tiger by mitigating pressures on tiger habitat through eco-development, proper buffer zone management around PAs and participatory forestry management in forests outside the PA network.

• That as long as there is demand and legal as well as illegal availability of tiger parts and derivatives , it will be virtually impossible to control poaching of wild tigers .

Recommends

• That countries of the region that share international borders must co-operate in time bound programmes to manage both tiger population and habitats in and outside transborder areas and other protected areas.

• That all tiger range states strengthen regional co-operation by frequent meetings, exchange programmes , collaborative research and capacity building and share information with respect to the tiger.

• That all countries across the world , which may not have tigers, join actively in the effort to save them by supporting tiger range countries with funds and other expertise.

• That tiger range countries pursue innovative land use policies that recognise the vital importance of tiger habitats in the sustainable development of the country, thereby ensuring that large scale developmental projects with the potential to destroy tiger habitats are restrained and restricted .

• That international donor agencies support innovative tiger conservation initiatives and fund programmes to discourage the use of tiger derivatives in traditional medicine , including finding renewable alternatives and encouraging interface between technicall sCientific experts and user groups.

• That national legislation in tiger range and other countries across the world be strengthened and enforced in order to eliminate poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and its consumption in medicines and other derivatives. All countries of the world must enter into proper international conventions like CITES to ensure the elimination of this illegal trade

• That NGOs allover the world focus and intensify their compaigns and interventions to educate and increase public awareness, create oolitlcal will , lobby for conservation and jOin h~llds to save the tiger on the eve of this millennium

June, 1999 : Page 7

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proper implementation. (8) Increase in prey base. (9) Cooperation with international conventions especially CITES. (10) Training of forestry staff in the latest method of wildlife management. These are key issues which are required to be addressed if the security of tiger in Laos for a long period is to be ensured.

MALAYSIA In early 1998 the department together with the assistance of NGOs started survey of tiger using Camera trap. The Government also obtained funds from Exxon to continue the survey in 1999. During February , 1999 seven sites were covered each covering 40 Sq .Km. focussing on prime tiger habitat in Nothern and Central part of Peninsular Malaysia. Six of these sites are recorded to have resident tigers.

In June , 1998 the Government embarked two awareness campaign . On 8th June, 1998 the Deputy Minister of Science , Technology and Environment launched the Malaysian leg of Asian conservation awareness prgramme which included the message not to buy or consume products made from tiger parts . The representatives of the traditional Chinese Medicine Industries also participated in this programme . A series of advertisement were placed in the local Chinese vernacular news paper in Hongkong. The local NGO, the Malaysian nature society were also involved in the campaign.

On 9th June, 1998 the Deputy Minister launched the "Tiger alive conservation and awareness programme". A brochure aimed at general public regarding conservation of tiger was produced. The World Conservation Society , New York and WWF­Malaysia assisted the department in the campaign .

In September, 1998, two villagers were attacked by a injured tiger in the Northern part of the country which attracted a lot of media attention for a month . The tiger was eventually shot but it kicked up a lot of questions on the conservation of tigers and other wildlife . As a result some states even wanted to

ban all forms of hunting . Man-tiger conflict still continues keeping the species tiger very much in media attention.

The Wildlife Management unit in the State DWNP con tinue to receive and provide assi~tance to complaints related to livestock depredation by tigers and panthers . The country has also started photographing of individual tigers at selected sites in the states of Terengganu, Perak, and Kelantan through remote sensing Camera trap method with the support of Wildlife Conservation Society of New York to determine the presence of tiger and also provide addtional tool to estimate their population .

Every year about 400 violations against the provisions of the Protection of the Wildlife Act. are apprehended. Though most of the violations are minor, there are occasional poaching also. On an average 4 cases of tiger poaching and illegal trade in tiger parts are detected a year.

Although tiger is a national animal , the awareness in conserving this magnificent animal is still generally low among the general public . The Government is looking at the ways and means to convey the conservation message to decision makers at federal , state and loca l govt. level for keeping potentially important wildlife habitat intact.

MYANMAR

Status of tiger

The status of habitat and the population of tiger continue to remain the same. The information of both habitat and population of tiger are minimum. The density of tiger is estimated to be from 0.3 to 1.0 tiger per 100 Sq.Km. However, many frllgmented habitats have potential to carry tiger population which still remain unlisted . These areas need to be identified in details to get the true total tiger population and in order to protect them before they disappear.

Outside Support

Technical cooperation exis ts between forest

June, 1999 : Page 10

0iil1 NEWS

department , the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Smithsonian (ST) Institution. The ASian Elephant Specialist Group of IUCN and ScientifiC expedition society of California Academy of SCience are now cooperating with the Government on SCientific management of Wildlife . Only national NGO working In the same sphere IS Forest Resource Environment Development and Conservation Association (FREDA), that has been acting as a executing agency for a number of wildlife and nature conservation programmes In collaboration with International NGO's from Japan, United Kingdom and USA.

DaVid Shepherd Conservation foundation (DSCF) of United Kingdom togerher with Global SurVival Network (GSN) of US and Woodland travels , a national eco-tour company had initiated "Find the tiger" programme at the 1605 Sq .Km . of Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park The main objective of thiS programme IS conservation of tiger, and In general other wildlife Under this programme patrolling in the park has been stepped up and the morale of the patrolling stafff strengthened by subSidies and Incentives As a result of this and increased patrolling there have been little or no poaching of wildlife and trespassing through the park especially since the time when one suspected poacher was shot. Their work programmes Include monitoring actiVities , recording of slghtings and signs of tiger and other Wildlife , community development programme, publiC awareness campaign and Incentive-reward system. The park personnel who have to work deep in the forests In remote areas were prOVided with substantive extra allowances , food subSidies , uniforms and complementary patrolling gear under FREDA and DSCF/GSN collaboration .

Under "Find the tiger programme" FREDA and Wood land travels also proVided a four wheel drive vehicle , a Camera With high power lense and a Viqeo Camera Community development training programme for the park staff and the buffer zone Villages have also been undertaken . Tiger conservation posters were printed and distributed allover the country

Priority Action

The listed priority actions are

1 IdentifYing tiger halbtat and estimation of tiger population In and outSid e protected area system .

2 Giving legal status to the Identified areas and establish management faCility

3. Creation and maintenance of COrridors between major tiger halbtats

4 Buffer zone identification and launching eco­development programme

5, Scientific studies on the behaViour of tiger and its ecology supported by research and monitoring .

6 Estimation of the prey species Including their listing where necessary and providing them adequate protection

7 Training of staff In speCifiC management needs.

8. Public education and awareness programme to cover not only the publiC but also the pressure lobbies and decision makers

9 Effective enforcement of law Irrespective of the status of offenders

10 Transboundary cooperation between Thailand , Chilla India , la o PDR and Bangladesh

NEPAL Tile situation of tiger In Nepal remains tile same as Indicated In the first Newsletter However. Nepal has been very active In promoting regional cooperation on tiger conservation and for thiS purpose the Regional Symposium on Conservation of Royal Bengal tiger was organised at Sauraha Cllltwan Nepal on 13 and 14 December 1998 which wa s attended by the representatives from Bangladesh Bhutan , Myanmar, India and Nepal In addition a number of International NG O 's and Inter -

June, 1999 : Page 11

0[i~ NEWS

governmental bodies attended the said conference. The hon'able Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation , His Majesty's Governement of Nepal inaugurated the conference which also synchronised with the 25th year of Project Tiger of Nepal.

The meeting discussed various issues like updating of country action plans based on regional experience, in the context of overall global approach to tiger conservation . Other issues discussed included tiger research experience , the reco­mmendations for research priority, policy frame work for the conservation of tiger on the basis of regional priorities, research output, and initiatives of transboundary tiger conservation programmes etc.

The meeting adopted the Chitwan declaration which recognised that the most important and viable population of Royal Bengal Tiger exists in South Asia but it is under serious threat because of rising human population exerting tremendous pressure on tiger habitat leading to its degradation, fragmentation and loss. This has been compounded by the poaching of tiger and its illegal trade, the main markets of trades being outside South Asia .

The meeting recognised, amidst others, that efforts made so far in conserving the bio-diversity are inadequate and that active participation of local conservation organisation and people with government is essential for effective tiger conservation . Supports from international communities and cooperation of consumer countries are urgently needed for making the national efforts of tiger conservation a success.

The conference recommended closer regional cooperation , adoption of detailed transboundary conservation programmes, exchange of tech­nologies including training of wildlife staff, updating national laws and its better enforcement as priority actions to be undertaken by the tiger range states. The conference also recommended increased international support from developed countries and international donor agencies in implementation of

the national tiger conservation programmes as well as discouraging the use of tiger parts and derivatives in the consumer countries to save the tiger in the wild , the symbol of natural heritage of this region, into the next century and beyond .

In addition, His Majesty's Governement of Nepal also participated in the 2nd transboundary meeting between India and Nepal held on 28th February, 1999 to 1st March , 1999 at New Delhi in India sponsored by WWF-tiger conservation programme. This meeting adopted 14 points action programme for bilateral cooperation between Nepal and India most of which are also relevant for promotion of tiger conservation along transboundary areas between these two countries .

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Status of Habitat

The general state of Amur tiger habitat is regarded as satisfactory. However, the timber logging in the region has continued unabated and the number of ungulates has been significantly decreased. During the summer of 1998, due to severe forest fire , a large part of forests in the tiger habitat area were burnt and many animals died . As a result the northern border of the tiger range has shifted 200 km to the South.

Tiger Conservation Unit

In 1998 two new zone at the regional level were created in the tiger habitat area (Chukensky and Mataysky).

Status of Tiger Population

Census of the tiger population within the whole area of its habitat was conducted in 1996. The tiger population number is estimated to be about 415-476.

June, 1999 : Page 12

Progress of Implementionl Preparation of Action Plan

In 1997 Ihe program of "Conservation of the Amur tiger (1998-2003) was approved by a special decree of the Government of the Russ ian Federation.

Current Status of Infrastructure and Staff

Specialised tiger department, containing 7 anti­poaching brigades , works under the State Commi tt ee for Environmental protection of Primorsky Kray , Similar anti-poaching brigades were also created in Sikhote-Alinsky and Lazousky reserves . One anti-poaching brigade works in Khabarovsky Kray . The brigade staff number includes 30 persons In total.

Legal Provisions and Enforcement Details

The regulations on wildlife species trade was approved by the decree of the Government of the Russian Federa ti on (#1 222 from 20.10.1998) Regular training for tiger department staff was carried out in 1998.

Major Cases Detected on Poaching and Illegal Trade of Tiger

In 1998 two tiger skins and tiger bones were confiscated in Khabarovsky from two Russian citizens in the attempt to sale. In Primorsky Kray in 1998,5 cases of tiger poaching were registered, one crimina l investigation was initia ted . Five tiger skeletons were confiscated in the attempt to transfer them through the Russian Frontier. Three skeletons were found on the board of a ship leaving to South Korea , and 2 skeletons were confisca ted from Chinese citizens. Accord ing to expert estimations about 20-30 tigers were poached in Primorsky Kray in 1998.

Financial Support Received During the Year

From the Ecological Fund of the Khabarovsky Kray-177,000 Rur

From IfINVF-373,850 USD

From GSN-161 ,000 USD

Activites of Internationall Inter-governmental Bodies and NGO's

Global Survival Network (GSN) provides financial support to ant i-poaching brigades . IfINVF also provides financial support to 6 anti-poa ching br igades and ca rries out projects on PAs establishing , environmental eduction , public awareness and tiger population monitoring .

Progress Made on Transboundary Co-operation

In 1997 the Government of the Russian Federation and the Republic of China signed the Protocol on tiger Conservation , In 1998 the proposals on the Proto col realisation were passed to the Governement of China . In 1998 a joint ' group of Chinese , Rus si an and American scientists conducted census of leopard , tiger and ungulates in the boundary area of the territory.

Public Awareness and Education Program

Poster "we can only save the tiger together" In 5 languages were published with the financial support of the US Fish and Wildlife Department CITES tiger poster for custom service staff were published with the financial support of the Swiss Governement

Co-operation with International Conventions

A series of actions aimed at tiger conservation were undertaken within the frameworks of the CITES conven tion . In September, 1998 inte'rnatlOnal workshop on CITES requirements and procedure for the representatives of custom service of Russia, China , Japan and the Republic 'of Korea was held in Vladivostok. The workshop was dedicated mainly to the measures for combating illegal trade of tiger and its parts, because these countries present the main Consumers markets,

Present Status of Joining the GTF

The Russian Federation supports the GTF activities. Its formal attendance in the GTF has been discussed in the last meeting of GTF.

June, 1999 : Page 13

0ii~ NEWS

u.s. RHINOCEROS AND TIGER CONSERVATION FUND

An update (extract)

Presented at the

Millennium Tiger Conference

New Delhi

March 5, 1999

By Fred Bagley U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund began its activities in July 1996 when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sent out its first annual request for proposals. Since then the fund has completed two review cycles and is now in its third.

In the first two cycles , the years 1997 and 1998, the service reviewed 166 proposals and awarded 56 grants over 12 African and Asian countries. This year the service has another 72 proposals to consider and anticipates making 20-25 grants on these.

Over the four years which the fund has received an appropriation, the funding level was $ 200,000 for 1996, $ 400,000 for 1997, $ 400,000 for 1998, and $ 500,000 for 1999. Throughout this peirod the service has requested proposals for one year projects with budget requests up to $ 20,000 . In anticipation that available funds will rise again in the year 2000, the fund is now requesting projects with budgets up to $ 30,000.

The fund's goal is to strengthen range country management of rhinoceros and tigers. It strives to do this by forming partnerships with local government and local non-government entities primarily in Asia and Africa . T~e fund sees international NGOs as important partners as well , since they are often able to get funds into areas where various obstacles make it difficult to fund local

organisations. Thus far 31 % of the fund's support has gone to range country NGOs, 39% to range country governments and 30% to international NGOs.

The support of the fund has been distributed among the following kinds of projects:

Law Enforcement - 43%

Surveys and Monitoring - 29%

Conservation Education - 22%

Protected Area Management - 4%

Sustainable Development in Buffer Zones - 2%

One of the requirements for a proposal to receive a grant from this fund is for the applicant to demonstrate that their organisation or partners are making a tangible commitment of resources to the project. The commitment of resources is necessary for a project to be successful in the long term . This shows that the organisation has a stake in the long term success of the project. While the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund put a total of$ 970,000 into grants for the years 1996, 1997 and 1998, the match provided by the partners has been nearly twice that amount ($ 1,750,000).

Thirty-three percent of the funds went to projects which were exclusively for tiger conservation . Another 24% of the funds went to projects which benefitted both Asian rhinos and tigers. Thus tigers benefitted from 57% of the funds provided under this program for the years 1996, 1997, and 1998. The remaining 43% of the funds supported projects in Asia and Africa which benefitted only rhinos .

The distribution of the 30 Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund grants which benefitted tigers during the years 1996, 1997 and 1998 was as follows: Russia-7, Indonesia-4, India-9, Vietnam--r, Thailand-1 and Nepal-2. These were primaril y utilised for surveys , capacity building, equipment supply, law enforcement, antipoaching camps and patrols, education and awareness programmes, legal support, documentation and monitoring.

June, 1999 : Page 14

Seizure of one tiger skin and one leopard skin by police and Wildlife authorities In Deihl on November, 98.

Piloto Wildlife P,a /eel/oil Soclely of l/lrlia

An antlpoachlng hide In Sundarbans where Foresters and Forest Guards are being seeing to be alert against poachers In Bangladesh. (Courtesy Banglaclesll Govl )

Mail order' Tiger penis in Japan

III';TURBING TREND ADVERTISED IN MAY 1999 CATAU,GUE OF A MAIL ORDER COMPANY. JAPAN

Rare real tiger penis and seal penis are now on sale, which used to be essential for marvelous Chinese cuisine!

Don't be surprised but this picture is real tiger and seal's dried penis. It has been highly valued since old time in China as an ultimate grocery for ageless youth and longivity. They use to make soup with sliced penis as it had great value even in that old time.

This seal was in Prybirov iland of Russia and this tiger was living in deep forest in Laos . You can't find it in the market. Eve.n dried one still great! You can use it in wine or drink soup as you like. You can easily find out you've become great just after having it.

Price : Seal penis from Russia Tiger penis from Laos

Size : Seal penis (20cm) Tiger penis (68cm)

Weight : Seal penis (55gm) Tiger penis (100gm)

70,000yen (about $ 560) 298,000yen (about $ 2384)

• As they are natural so shape is not fixed .

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