The Babbler 8

1 BirdLife International in Indochina

December, 2003 Number 8

TThhee BBaabbbblleerr BirdLife International in Indochina

Welcome

Features *Launch of "Saving Asia's Threatened Birds" *Summary *Indo-Burmese Forest

Regional News *Vulture death mystery explained? *Vietnam's Environment in the news *Office launch

Rarest of the rare

Project updates *Pink-headed Duck survey in the Hukaung Valley, Myanmar *Strengthening site support groups to conserve critical biodiversity *Stake-holder-based conservation of Che Tao forest, Vietnam

Staff News

Profile

Recently Published Book Review From the Archives

BirdLife International in Indochina #4, Lane 209, Doi Can Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: + 84 4 722 3864 Fax:+ 84 4 722 3835 E-mail: [email protected]

Welcome to the latest edition of the Babbler.

The Babbler, December 2003

In this issue, we feature "Saving Asia's Threatened Birds", animportant new publication from BirdLife. Below be the reproduced

part of the Foreword by Dr Micheal Rands, Director and ChiefExecutive of BirdLife International:

...Threatened Birds of Asia was a monumental study of theplight of bird species in the world's most heavily populated andfastest-developing region. This new strategy draws on that work andbrings together every crucial element in it for the conservation of Asia's threatened birds. It identifies all the important actions thatneed to be taken, and it does this in a way which is clear andaccessible to its users. It is also a vital tool for the monitoring ofprogress towards the many and various targets and goals itidentifies.

Three primary issues highlighted by this strategy fire mydetermination. First, the lowland dipterocarps rainforests ofSunderland-Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo-are among the very richest in biodiversity on earth, but they are disappearing so fast that we scarcely have time to draw breath. This strategydemands true sustainability and real corporate responsibility in theregion in order to prevent any further destruction of habitats that arevital not just to birds but to thousands of species of animal and plant, and indeed to the long-term welfare of the indigenous and local peoples of the region.

Second, it is imperative that the governments and NGOs ofAsia take new steps towards improving the gaps in their protected area coverage. Every acknowledges that parks and reserves arecrucial guarantors of biodiversity on this planet but, as this strategymakes very plain, there are still many critically important areaswhich remain outside the formal systems of protection that Asia currently possesses. This situation must change.

Third, the dimension of the bird trade in Asia can no longerbe countenanced. This problem affects sites and habitats as much asit does species, and much of it is beyond the control of international regulation. New vigor, and new rigor, are needed to enforce themany existing national and international laws on wildlife trafficking,and this must be accompanied by a sustained and well-targeted series of advocacy and educational campaigns to reduce demand. Details are in this strategy... Babbler is now compiled and edited by Nguyen Thi Ngoc Ha. Ifyou have any contribution or suggestion for the next issue, pleasecontact [email protected] by 15 March.

mailto:[email protected]




Features BirdLife's latest publication Saving Asia's threatened birds was launched in December at an event held in Tokyo, Japan. It was co-hosted by BirdLife together with the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), who had given funds towards the publication.

Here are some images from the launch and features of the book.

HIH Princess Takamado of Japan, Honorary Patron of BirdLife's Rare Bird Club, launched the publication with a keynote speech.

Noritaka Ichida (BirdLife Asia Director) gave a presentation summarizing the results of the

publication.

The Asia Division staff were able to toast the launch of the book and begin to relax a little.

1

Asia: birds, habitats and people

SUMMARY

ASIA: BIRDS, HABITATS AND PEOPLE (pp.3–17)

Asia has a great diversity of habitats, ranging from Arctic tundra totropical forests, and including the highest mountains in the world. This isreflected in the region’s immense richness in birds and other wildlife. Asiaalso has a very large and rapidly growing human population, and many ofthe world’s most dynamic economies. As a consequence, the region isexperiencing rapid environmental change and many of its habitats and thebiodiversity that they support are under great pressure. Every country inAsia has populations of threatened birds, and needs to take action for theconservation of these species and their habitats.

THREATENED BIRDS OF ASIA (pp.18–19)

BirdLife International has been documenting the conservation status of the world’sbirds since the 1970s, in partnership with IUCN–The World Conservation Union,in a series of regional Red Data Books and global checklists of threatened birds.The most recent of these, Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International RedData Book, was completed by the BirdLife Asia Partnership in 2001. It covers morethen 300 threatened bird species, and contains many thousands ofrecommendations for the conservation of these birds, and their habitats and keysites. These proposals for conservation action are synthesised and further developedin the current review.

KEY HABITATS FOR ASIA’S THREATENED BIRDS (pp.19–24)

Analysis of the distributions and habitat requirements of Asia’s threatened birds hasidentified nine major forest regions, three grassland regions and 20 wetland regions aspriority areas for conservation. There is also a group of threatened seabirds. Many ofthese habitat regions correspond closely to one or more of Conservation International’s25 global Biodiversity Hotspots, BirdLife’s 218 Endemic Bird Areas and WWF’s Global200 Ecoregions. The recommendations made for threatened birds, sites and habitats in theforest, grassland and wetland regions are relevant to all people working in these priorityareas for the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainability in the use of naturalresources.

Threatened Birdsof AsiaThe BirdLife International Red Data Book

Front cBack co

EuroIllustrat

Threatened Birds

of AsiaThe BirdLife International Red Data Book

22

Asia’s threatened birds and their habitats

Figure 4. Key forest regions for threatened birds in Asia.

F02

F09F05

F07

F04

F08

I N D I A

I N D O N E S I A

C H I N A

R U S S I A

MONGOLIA

PAKISTAN

JAPAN

PHILIPPINES

MALAYSIA

THAILAND

MYANMARBANGLADESH

NEPAL

BHUTAN

NORTHKOREA

BRUNEI

SINGAPORE

F01 Boreal and northern temperate forests(pp.43–48)F02 Japanese forests (pp.49–54)F03 South-east Chinese forests (pp.55–60)F04 Sino-Himalayan mountain forests(pp.61–68)F05 Indian peninsula and Sri Lankan forests(pp.69–74)F06 Indo-Burmese forests (pp.75–82)F07 Sundaland forests (pp.83–92)F08 Wallacea (pp.93–102)F09 Philippine forests (pp.103–112)

VIETNAM

CAMBODIA

LAOS

TIMOR-LESTE(EAST TIMOR)

A R C T I C O C E A N

I N D I A N O C E A N

P A C I F I CO C E A N

SOUTHCHINA

SEA

EASTCHINA

SEA

YELLOWSEA

SEA OFJAPAN

SEA OFOKHOTSK

BERINGSEA

BAY OFBENGAL

SRI LANKA

F04

F06

TAIWAN

F03

F04

F01

POLICY APPROACHES TO BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION (pp.25–30)

The current review focuses primarily on the direct pressures on Asia’s threatened birds andtheir habitats, and on how these should be addressed. However, in the longer term theunderlying and indirect causes of biodiversity loss, for example rising consumption,undervaluation and perverse subsidies, will need to be tackled. Ultimately, fundamentalchanges in landuse and resource utilisation are needed, through policy and planning, andsocial, political and economic reform. Specifically, the value of area-based approaches toconservation policy is explored, covering Important Bird Areas and other networks of keysites for biodiversity, and how these can be used to achieve conservation on the ground.

Administrator

Note

FEATURES Here we publish the Summary from "Saving Asia's Threatened Birds" and on the pages that follow, the account for the Indo-Burmese forest. This is one of the 33 Habitat-Regions details in the main body of the text.

2

Asia: birds, habitats and people

PRIORITIES TO PREVENT THE EXTINCTION OF ASIAN BIRDS (pp.36–40)

Remarkably few birds are proven to have become extinct in the Asia region in historical times,but more than one hundred species are now Critical or Endangered. Several of these have notbeen recorded in recent decades, and may already have disappeared. The issues that are drivingthese species towards extinction include forestry mismanagement and illegal logging, andconversion for agriculture and plantations, particularly in the tropical forests of Indonesia, thePhilippines and mainland South-East Asia. Urban, industrial and infrastructural development isaffecting natural habitats in many parts of Asia, including major dam and irrigation projects andthe construction of roads into previously inaccessible areas. Planned large-scale reclamation ofcoastal wetlands could have a huge impact on the migratory waterbirds of the East Asia-Australasia flyway. This section identifies the issues that could cause birds extinctions in Asia,and highlights the priority conservation actions that must be taken to prevent this.

CONVENTIONS AND RELATED MECHANISMS (pp.30–36)

Various international conventions and other mechanisms are relevant to the conservationof threatened species (e.g. the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species),sites (e.g. the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands) and habitats (e.g. the United NationsConvention to Combat Desertification). Implementation by contracting parties is currentlypatchy, and guidance is provided to governments and civil society on what immediateaction might be taken to advance these mechanisms for the benefit of threatened birds in theAsia region.

Summary

ACTION FOR ASIA’S KEY BIRD HABITATS (forests: pp.43–112,grasslands: pp.113–136, wetlands: pp.137–234, seabirds: pp.235–240)

Each regional account documents and maps the groups of threatened bird species that itsupports, and the habitats and sites that are critical for their survival. Most crucially, theaccounts focus on the major land-use issues affecting the habitats of threatened birds, aswell as any direct threats to the birds themselves. Proposals are made on how to reduceor eliminate the negative impacts of activities causing habitat loss and degradation.Important gaps in coverage of threatened bird species by national protected areasnetworks are identified, with proposals on where new parks and reserves might beestablished. Unsustainable exploitation is identified as a major problem for certainthreatened birds, and recommendations are made for its control. The conservation ofmany threatened Asian birds is hindered by incomplete data, and surveys or ecologicalstudies are identified to address the most important gaps in knowledge.

IntCON

Th199haobjbioanofapPathhisptoenlpctf

Table 3. Participation in international agreements and other

mechanisms by countries in the Asia region.

Convention

Country CBD Ramsar CITES CMS WHC UNCCD MAB

Bangladesh CP–p CP (2) CP CP (3) CP NC

Bhutan CP–C CP CP

Brunei CP CP

Cambodia CP–C CP (3) CP CP (1) CP NC (1)

China CP–C CP (21) CP CP (28) CP NC (22)

India CP–p CP (19) CP CP CP (23) CP NC (3)

Indonesia CP–C CP (2) CP CP (6) CP NC (6)

Japan CP–C CP (13) CP CP (11) CP NC (4)

North Korea CPCP NC (1)

South Korea CP–C CP (2) CP CP (7) CP NC (2)

Laos CP–p CP (2) CP

Malaysia CP–C CP (4) CP CP (2) CP NC

Maldives CP–C CP CP NC

Mongolia CP–C CP (6) CP CP CP CP NC (4)

Myanmar CP CP CP CP NC

Nepal CP–C CP (1) CP CP (4) CP NC

Pakistan CP–C CP (19) CP CP CP (6) CP NC (1)

Philippines CP–C CP (4) CP CP CP (5) CP NC (2)

Russia1 CP–C CP (14) CP CP (4) CP

Singapore CP–C CP CP

Sri Lanka CP–C CP (2) CP CP CP (7) CP NC (2)

Thailand S CP (10) CP CP (4) CP NC (4)

Timor-Leste

Vietnam CP–C CP (1) CP CP (4) CP NC (2)

K CBD: Convention on Biological Diversity (CP = Contracting Party; CP–C = Contracting

( SAP) leted; CP p = NBSAP

213

Myanmar plains

W16

HE Irrawaddy, Chindwin and Sittang valleys were once hugely

important breeding grounds for large waterbirds such as Spot-

billed Pelican and Greater Adjutant, but their populations crashed in

the early twentieth century because of the wholesale destruction of

the forests where they used to nest. There is little recent information

on the status of these and other threatened waterbird species from

Myanmar, but it is possible that the sandbars on these rivers still

support breeding populations of Indian Skimmers and that

significant breeding populations of birds such as Pallas’s Fish-eagle

and Sarus Crane occur around large lakes and swamps, while Baer’s

Pochard may winter in substantial numbers. Pink-headed Duck, a

species which may now be extinct, could possibly survive in the

poorly known wetlands of Myanmar. This region also supports

populations of White-rumped and Slender-billed Vultures, which

may prove to be important, given the recent rapid declines in their

numbers in the Indian subcontinent (see G03).

■■■■■ Key habitats Freshwater wetlands on riverine plains, cultivation

and other open habitats.

■■■■■ Countries and territories Myanmar.

213

T

W16

ENCR VUThreatened species

Total

3 — 5 8

— — — —

— 1 2 3

Total 3 1 7 11

Key: = breeding in this wetland region.

= passage migrant.

= non-breeding visitor.

The Myanmar plains region is within Conservation

International’s Indo-Burma Hotspot (see pp.20–21).

Small populations of Sarus Cranes have been found in several parts of Myanmar during

recent surveys. PHOTO: ELEANOR BRIGGS

75

Indo-Burmese forestsF06

HE Indo-Burmese region includes the moist tropical andsubtropical forests which extend from north-east India and

southern China across the lowlands and isolated mountains ofSouth-East Asia, as well as the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Theforests in this region support 24 threatened bird species, 18 of whichbreed nowhere else; the other six include four which also occur in theSundaland forests (F07) and two from the South-east Chinese forests(F03). Seven threatened species are relatively widespread within thisregion (Table 2), and 17 are confined to one of the region’s sixEndemic Bird Areas and two Secondary Areas. Nine species of thisregion are Endangered, including three low-density species whichinhabit forested wetlands, and six restricted-range species affected bydeforestation.

■■■■■ Key habitats Lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen tropicalrainforest, moist deciduous forest and hill evergreen forest, andassociated wetlands.

■■■■■ Altitude 0–2,400 m.■■■■■ Countries and territories China (Yunnan, Hainan); India

(Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur,Andaman and Nicobar islands); Bhutan; Bangladesh; Myanmar;Thailand; Laos; Cambodia; Vietnam.

F06

75

T ENCR VUThreatened species

Total

— 7 11 18

— 2 3 5

— — 1 1

Total — 9 15 24

Key: = breeds only in this forest region.= also breeds in other region(s).= non-breeding visitor from another region.

The Indo-Burmese forests region correspondsclosely to Conservation International’s Indo-BurmaHotspot (see pp.20–21).

Much of the original forest in Thailand has been cleared, and most of the remaining forestsare inside protected areas such as Nam Nao National Park. PHOTO: MIKE CROSBY/BIRDLIFE

77


Table 2. Threatened birds of the Indo-Burmese forests.

Green Peafowl is widespread in mainland South-East Asia, but it is now very thinly distributed because of deforestation and other pressures.

Species Distribution and habitat

White-bellied Heron Ardea insignis EN Forested rivers and swamps at up to 1,500 m in India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam,Nagaland), Bhutan and Myanmar, non-breeding birds sometimes in non-foresthabitats

White-winged Duck Cairina scutulata EN In this region, widespread but very local in forested wetlands at up to 1,400 m fromnorth-east India to mainland South-East Asia

Crested Argus Rheinardia ocellata VU In this region, found in lowland and hill forests from the level lowlands to 1,900 m inVietnam and adjacent parts of Laos

Green Peafowl Pavo muticus VU In this region, widely but thinly distributed in open forest, mainly in lowlands butsometimes above 2,000 m, from north-east India and Yunnan to mainland South-East Asia

Masked Finfoot Heliopais personata VU In this region, widely but thinly distributed in forested wetlands in the lowlands, fromnorth-east India to mainland South-East Asia

Pale-capped Pigeon Columba punicea VU Widespread but very local and irregular in forest at up to c.1,600 m, from north-eastIndia and southern China to mainland South-East Asia

Silver Oriole Oriolus mellianus VU Non-breeding visitor to evergreen forest at c.450–1,300 m in Thailand and Cambodia

ANDAMAN ISLANDS (EBA 125)Narcondam Hornbill Aceros narcondami VU Confined to the forests on tiny Narcondam island (6.82 km2)

The Data Deficient Andaman Crake Rallina canningi is known only from forested wetlands on Middle and South Andaman islands

NICOBAR ISLANDS (EBA 126)Nicobar Sparrowhawk Accipiter butleri VU Forest, only definitely known from Katchall (in the Nancowry group) and Car Nicobar

Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis VU Occurs throughout the forests of the Nicobars (other than Car Nicobar), butconcentrated near the coast

Nicobar Bulbul Hypsipetes nicobariensis VU Found in forest and man-modified habitats only in Nancowry group of islands

The Data Deficient Nicobar Scops-owl Otus alius is known only from coastal forest at a single locality on Great Nicobar

HAINAN (EBA 142)White-eared Night-heron Gorsachius magnificus EN Forest in the hills in the centre of the island

Hainan Partridge Arborophila ardens VU Forest in the hills in the centre and south of the island

Hainan Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus hainanus VU Forest in the hills in the centre and south of the island

ANNAMESE LOWLANDS (EBA 143)Edwards’s Pheasant Lophura edwardsi EN Tropical evergreen forest up to c.600 m, found to the south of the core range of

Vietnamese Pheasant

Vietnamese Pheasant Lophura hatinhensis EN Tropical evergreen forest up to c.300 m, in the northern part of the EBA

Imperial Pheasant Lophura imperialis, which is known only from the Annamese lowlands, is currently listed as Data Deficient, but new research has shown it to be of hybrid origin, andit will therefore be removed from the 2004 Red List.

= breeds only in this forest region; = also breeds in other region(s); = non-breeding visitor from another region.

PHO

TO: S

MIT

H S

UTI

BUT

... continued

78


6

Table 2 ... continued. Threatened birds of the Indo-Burmese forests.

condition of forests is generally poor, there are still somelarge unprotected areas that remain intact and available forconservation.

China: The area of natural tropical forest has decreasedconsiderably on Hainan. Estimates of the extent of thisdecline are from 16,920 km2 of forest in 1943 to 3,000 km2

in 1994, or from 8,630 km2 (25.7% of the island) in 1949 toabout 2,420 km2 (7.2%) in 1991. Much of the remainingforest is disturbed and unlikely to support many threatenedforest birds, but some blocks of higher-quality forest areprotected in nature reserves. In Yunnan, forest coverdeclined from c.55% to c.30% between the early 1950s and1975; subsequent loss of habitat in China has, if anything,been even more rapid, but logging was banned in 1998 (seeF03: South-east Chinese forests). However, some tracts oflowland and hill forest are protected in nature reserves.

India: The plains and foothills of north-east Indiaoriginally had extensive tracks of rainforest, but most plainsforest was lost during the nineteenth century, and in recentyears the foothill forests have been rapidly cleared, at a rateof at least 1,000 km2 annually during the 1970s and 1980s.However, some relatively large areas survive with importantpopulations of several threatened birds, and logging andtimber export was recently banned in Arunachal Pradeshand other north-east Indian states. Forests on the Andamanand Nicobar islands have been widely logged, but remainrelatively intact, although a few islands have sufferedsignificant forest loss and degradation throughunsustainable commercial logging and conversion foragriculture and plantations.

Bangladesh: The forests of Bangladesh are now reducedto a few small, mostly highly disturbed fragments, as a resultof logging and conversion to agriculture and settlements. Bythe 1960s, only c.16 km2 of primary forest remained inSylhet, previously one of the strongholds of forest in thecountry, and virtually no primary forest now remains in theChittagong Hill Tracts.

OUTSTANDING IBAs FORTHREATENED BIRDS (see Table 1)

Seventeen IBAs have been selected, which together supportpopulations of all of the region’s threatened forest birds,and include some of the largest and richest forests thatremain. Several of these IBAs are unique, as they supportthe only (or by far the largest) known populations of one ormore threatened species, for example Narcondam IslandWildlife Sanctuary for Narcondam Hornbill and Ke GoNature Reserve (together with Khe Ket forest) forVietnamese Pheasant. Several of the more widespreadspecies in this region occur at low densities and aremigratory or nomadic, such as Masked Finfoot and Pale-capped Pigeon, and require extensive networks of sites toensure their survival. Many other forest sites with significantpopulations of these and other threatened forest birds will bedocumented during BirdLife’s ongoing IBA Project.

CURRENT STATUS OF HABITATS ANDTHREATENED SPECIES

Vast expanses of lowland and hill rainforest once extendedfrom north-east India and southern China to most ofmainland South-East Asia. However, extensive forest lossand degradation has occurred in this densely populatedregion, particularly in recent decades, through logging,conversion to agriculture, development and overexploitationof forest products. The remaining forests (and theirpopulations of threatened birds) are highly fragmented, andunder great pressure from conversion and exploitation, aswell as hunting. Many protected areas have beenestablished, including some that are large and relatively wellprotected, but also many that are small, isolated andgradually being eroded by illegal encroachment. Thefollowing sections give an overview of the status of lowlandand hill forests throughout the region; although the

Species Distribution and habitat

KON TUM PLATEAU (SA 0841)Golden-winged Laughingthrush Garrulax ngoclinhensis VU Recorded in primary evergreen forest at 2,000–2,200 m on Ngoc Linh massif and

Mt Ngoc Boc

Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush Garrulax konkakinhensis2 VU Recently described species recorded in evergreen forest above c.1,000 m on Mt Kon Ka Kinand Mt Ngoc Boc

Black-crowned Barwing Actinodura sodangorum VU Evergreen forest at c.1,000–2,400 m, known from Ngoc Linh massif in Vietnam and theDakchung plateau in Laos

1 The description of the three restricted-range species listed in the table means that the Kon Tum plateau now qualifies as an EBA, according to the criteria used by Stattersfield et al. (1998).2 This species was described by Eames and Eames (2001) after the publication of the Threatened birds of Asia; its status was subsequently evaluated, and it was added to the 2002 IUCN Red

List as Vulnerable.

SOUTH VIETNAMESE LOWLANDS (EBA 144)Orange-necked Partridge Arborophila davidi EN Forest and secondary habitats on low hills (of up to 400 m), very small known

distribution in Vietnam and eastern Cambodia

Germain’s Peacock-pheasant Polyplectron germaini VU Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forest at 0–1,200 m or higher, widespread insouthern Vietnam and recorded in eastern Cambodia

DA LAT PLATEAU (EBA 145)Collared Laughingthrush Garrulax yersini EN Dense undergrowth in evergreen forest at 1,500–2,300 m

Grey-crowned Crocias Crocias langbianis EN Closed-canopy evergreen forest at 900–1,700 m

THAILAND-CAMBODIA MOUNTAINS (SA 085)Chestnut-headed Partridge Arborophila cambodiana EN Evergreen forest above c.400 m

= breeds only in this forest region; = also breeds in other region(s); = non-breeding visitor from another region

79


Myanmar: In the 1980s the rate of forest clearance inMyanmar was estimated at up to 6,000 km2 per annum, oneof the highest deforestation rates in the world. By the early1990s, the area of forest remaining was estimated to cover47.4% of the country, 39.1% being intact forest and 8.3%degraded forest. Much of the remaining forest is montane,although some extensive areas of lowland and hill forestsuitable for the birds of this region may remain.

Thailand: Forest cover apparently fell from an estimated70–80% of total land area in the 1940s to well under 30% inthe 1980s. Logging was officially banned in 1989, but foresthas continued to be rapidly cleared and degraded throughconversion to plantations and illegal logging.

Laos: Although level lowland forest has been cleared inmost parts of the country, relatively large areas of foothilland hill forest remain, notably in Xe Pian NBCA. However,the remaining forests are under intense pressure fromcommercial logging operations, and some large areas offorest are scheduled to be submerged by hydropower projects.

Cambodia: Large areas of forest in Cambodia have beendegraded or cleared in recent decades because ofunsustainable logging and conversion to agriculture. Somevast tracts of lowland dry-deciduous forest remain in thenorth of the country, and support populations of White-winged Duck and Green Peafowl, as well as a selection ofthreatened waterbirds (see W18).

Vietnam: More than 80% of the original area of closed-canopy forest in Vietnam has been cleared. There is someevidence that the rate of loss of natural forest has slowed inthe past decade, but the quality of that which remainscontinues to decline. Absolute forest cover may beincreasing because statistics include plantations of exoticsfor pulp and commodity tree-crops like coffee and cashewas well as natural forests.

CONSERVATION ISSUES AND STRATEGICSOLUTIONS (summarised in Table 3)

Forest loss and degradation■■■■■ FORESTRY AND ILLEGAL LOGGING

Commercial clear-felling and selective logging have beenmajor factors in the loss of large areas of lowland forest inthis region, but logging has now ceased in many areas.Excessive timber extraction was a major problem on Hainanuntil, in 1994, logging of primary forest was officiallybanned, although some illegal logging is reported tocontinue. A national logging ban was enacted in China in1998. In north-east India, logging has depleted forests overmuch of lowland Assam; however, logging and timberexport was recently banned in north-east Indian states,although some illegal logging takes place and it is still legalto cut timber for local plywood and veneer factories. Large-scale logging operations continue in Myanmar, to producetimber for export to Thailand and China (where logging isnow banned). In Cambodia, despite a total ban on theexport of sawn logs and timber in 1995, there are majorlogging operations (including in national parks), illegaltrade continues and most forest remains under concession.Commercial timber extraction is also a threat at loweraltitudes elsewhere in Indochina.

Given the massive reduction in lowland forest in thisregion, existing bans on logging should be enforced (andsimilar bans promoted elsewhere), and reforestationprogrammes (using native species of trees) adopted. Wherelegal logging continues, sustainable forestry practices needto be promoted, including allowing natural regeneration,

lower timber quotas and preservation of old-growthpatches, and low-impact logging practices to reducestructural damage to the forest and allow more rapidregeneration. Measures are needed to minimise illegallogging, particularly in protected areas and other sites ofhigh biodiversity value, and to control illegal trading oftimber.

■■■■■ CONVERSION TO AGRICULTURE AND PLANTATIONS

The clearance of forest for cultivation and plantations is acontinuing threat, linked to human population growth andthe movement of people into formerly remote regions. Innorth-east India areas of forest are being converted to teagardens, paddyfields and teak plantations, and on theNicobar islands forests have been converted into rice paddyand plantations (including cashew nut, coconut andrubber). In Vietnam, forest is being lost to plantations ofcash crops, such as coffee and cashew, even inside Cat TienNational Park (where conversion to fishponds has posed anadditional threat), which stems in part from politicallymotivated settlement programmes. The large areas of opendry deciduous forest habitat that remain in Dak Lakprovince are likely to suffer from agricultural development,as it has the highest immigration rate of any province inVietnam.

There is a general need to control encroachment intoforest for agriculture and plantations in protected areas andat other key sites for threatened birds and other biodiversity.This means investigating the underlying causes behind themovements of people into forest areas and forest conversionto cash crops, including the effects of global commodityprices; the conservation community needs to influence thesepolicies, to minimise the pressures to convert natural forests.The establishment of new nature reserves may be requiredat some key sites, with effective legislation and patrolling toprevent encroachment. The development of more efficientagriculture (through the introduction of improved and

Together with nearby Ke Go Nature Reserve, the forests at KheNet are vital for the survival of the endemic Vietnamese Pheasant.

PHO

TO: J

. C. E

AMES

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6

appropriate techniques) to help alleviate poverty, ifcarefully implemented, also has the potential to reduce thepressure on remaining areas of natural habitat. Plantationmanagers should retain forest patches along streams and inperipheral areas, and minimise their use of agrochemicals.These measures should be promoted through conservationawareness work, stressing the ecological services that forestsprovide (e.g. maintenance of water supplies) as well as theirvalue for biodiversity.

■■■■■ SHIFTING AGRICULTURE

The habitats of some of the region’s higher-altitude species,such as the species endemic to the mountains of Vietnam,are affected by shifting agriculture (see F04 for furtherdetails). This is increasingly causing forest degradation, asthe numbers of shifting cultivators increase and the area offorest decreases. Measures to control unsustainable shiftingagriculture could include: provision of sustainableeconomic alternatives to shifting cultivation, includingimproved agricultural practices and agro-forestry, enablingfarmers to settle in established clearings; rehabilitation ofabandoned land, including through the development ofcommunity forestry plantations; and projects at selected keysites that integrate conservation and land-use development,and work in collaboration and participation with the localpeople.

■■■■■ EXPLOITATION OF FOREST PRODUCTS

The forests of this region face increasing pressure fromexploitation as human populations grow and natural habitatdiminishes. The areas around many reserves are denselypopulated; for example, over 100,000 people live in thebuffer zone of Cat Tien National Park in Vietnam, and alarge town separates Cat Loc (stronghold of Orange-neckedPartridge) from the other sectors. Local people use forestsas a source of timber, fuelwood (including charcoal) andrattan; these activities cause severe degradation, anddisturbance to wildlife. Human access to and exploitationof forests need to be controlled in protected areas and otherimportant sites for threatened birds. Some reserves mayneed to be redesigned, with broad buffer zones to absorbhuman needs, and rigorously patrolled core areas to preventforest exploitation. The establishment of community forestsshould be promoted, to provide a sustainable source offorest products for local people, and their managementimproved through training in forestry techniques. At somesites, alternative livelihoods could be developed (e.g. fish-farming, ecotourism, floriculture, cultivation of medicinalplants, etc.) to reduce local dependence on forest products.

These should be promoted through conservation awarenesswork, stressing the ecological services that forests provide,for example maintenance of water supplies.

■■■■■ DEVELOPMENT (URBAN, INDUSTRIAL, ETC.)

Habitat is threatened by the region’s expanding network ofnew roads, which allow access by loggers and settlers toonce-remote regions, and often result in near-total forestloss. For example, the ongoing construction of the Ho ChiMinh highway in Vietnam, and the associated humansettlement, are causing habitat loss and placing increasedpressure on forest products at numerous key sites forthreatened birds, including Khe Net and Phong Dien /Dakrong. Numerous hydropower developments are plannedfor South-East Asia, for example in the Mekong catchment,especially in Yunnan and Laos; these dams threatenenormous stretches of riverine forest, especially in theMekong basin (see W18), and cause a suite of problems byimproving access for loggers and hunters, and displacingpeople from inundated areas. The Andaman and Nicobarislands are also threatened by development. Forest is beinglost through the establishment and expansion of settlementswith associated roads, airstrips and defence installations, aswell as a hydroelectric project. The most alarming threat liesin a proposal to develop Great Nicobar as a free-trade portand to create a dry dock and refuelling base forinternational shipping at the mouth of the Galathea river.Environmental impact assessments should be conducted fordevelopment projects that have the potential to damageforested areas, with appropriate mitigation plans. Whereverpossible, new developments should be avoided nearprotected areas and other sites of high biodiversity value.The proposed developments on the Andaman and Nicobarislands need to be assessed with particular care, because ofthe vulnerably of the endemic biodiversity on these oftensmall oceanic islands.

■■■■■ DISTURBANCE

This region has a large and rapidly growing humanpopulation, with a high proportion of these people live inrural areas, meaning that most natural habitats are affectedby human disturbance. Lowland forests and their accessiblevalleys and waterways are particularly susceptible. Speciessuch as White-winged Duck, Green Peafowl and MaskedFinfoot are strongly tied to pools and rivers within or nearforest, and it is precisely these areas that are cleared andcolonised first, or visited most frequently by people; theyare seriously threatened with extinction in many areas aslowland wilderness disappears. Networks of protected areasneed to be developed and managed, through themodification of existing reserves and the establishment ofnew areas, to protect extensive river systems and networksof forest pools from human disturbance, habitat loss andother threats. Some potentially suitable large areas ofrelatively intact forest wetlands still exist, for example inAssam and Cambodia.

Protected areas coverage and habitat management■■■■■ GAPS IN PROTECTED AREAS SYSTEM

Many protected areas have already been established, butthere are some important gaps in their coverage ofthreatened birds; new reserves and the modification ofexisting ones, are urged by country below. It should be notedthat some species are wide-ranging and generally occur atlow densities, including ones which make migratory ornomadic movements such as Masked Finfoot and Pale-

Local people use forests as a source of timber and other products,but management is required to prevent forest degradation.

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lowlands, establish and consolidate Lo Go Xa Mat NationalPark and Bu Gia Map Nature Reserve, and expand CatTien National Park to encompass the surrounding oldforestry enterprises; on the Kon Tum plateau, upgrade threecontiguous sites—Ngoc Linh (Kon Tum) Nature Reserveand Ngoc Linh (Quang Nam) and Song Thanh proposednature reserves—to a national park, ensure that managementregimes in the forest areas between Kon Ka Kinh and KonCha Rang Nature Reserves are consistent with themaintenance of habitat corridors, and maintain forest coverbetween Ngoc Linh, Ngoc Boc and Kon Ka Kinh.

Current protected areas networks do not adequatelycover forested rivers and wetlands, with riverine speciesparticularly poorly represented because of their lineardistributions. For species such as White-winged Duck andMasked Finfoot, improved reserve design and managementis necessary, involving: (1) use of ridges rather than rivers todelimit protected areas; (2) conservation programmestargeting entire river systems and networks of pools, whichaim to protect and manage forest wetlands both inside andoutside the protected areas. Education campaigns areneeded to promote these proposals, particularly to highlightthe importance of natural river systems, for example asspawning grounds for fish.

■■■■■ INADEQUATE LEGISLATION

In several countries the laws designed to protect habitats areweak or ambiguous, or newly introduced and unfamiliar tothe officials who must enforce them. National ProtectedAreas in Laos, for example, had their legal status clarified

Table 3. Conservation issues and strategic solutions for birds ofthe Indo-Burmese forests.

Conservation issues Strategic solutions

Forest loss and degradation

■ FORESTRY AND ILLEGAL LOGGING■ CONVERSION TO AGRICULTURE AND PLANTATIONS■ SHIFTING AGRICULTURE■ EXPLOITATION OF FOREST PRODUCTS■ DEVELOPMENT (URBAN, INDUSTRIAL, ETC.)■ DISTURBANCE

Protected areas coverage and management

■ GAPS IN PROTECTED AREAS SYSTEM■ INADEQUATE LEGISLATION■ WEAKNESSES IN RESERVE MANAGEMENT

Exploitation of birds

■ HUNTING AND TRAPPING

Gaps in knowledge

■ INADEQUATE DATA ON THREATENED BIRDS

Other conservation issues

■ INTRODUCED SPECIES

capped Pigeon; protected areas alone cannot guarantee thesurvival of these species, which also require habitatprotection and management at the landscape level. China: InYunnan, the existing protected areas support only smallnumbers of Green Peafowl, and new reserves are required toprotect the largest populations, for example in the area whereChuxiong city meets Shuangbai and Lufeng counties. India:The protection of the important White-winged Duckpopulations in eastern Assam needs to be improved througha network of specially protected and managed sites,including gazettement of Upper Dihing (west block) and theadjacent forests of Joypur and Dirok as a new protectedarea. In the Nicobar islands, protected areas should beestablished on Camorta and/or Katchall islands. There aretwo national parks on Great Nicobar, but their boundariesneed to be revised to address the following threeweaknesses: (1) the coastal forests important for NicobarMegapode are relatively unprotected and thus mostvulnerable; (2) the central road across Great Nicobar and thegap between national parks leaves the habitat open tofragmentation; (3) the current buffer zone covers large tractsof land that are uninhabited, and as such should be fullyprotected. Myanmar: Effective new protected areas need tobe established for major areas of lowland forest (andassociated wetlands), following surveys to locate suitablesites. Vietnam: Proposed changes to the protected areassystem include: in the Annamese lowlands, support theestablishment of the proposed Phong Dien and DakrongNature Reserves, and create a new nature reserve at Khe Net(165 km2) in Quang Binh province; in the South Vietnamese

➤ Establish new reserves, and modify existing reserves, to fill gaps in coverage of threatened species in China, India,Myanmar and Vietnam

➤ Develop conservation programmes for selected river catchments➤ Review and improve protected areas legislation in Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia➤ Strengthen reserve management through improved funding, infrastructure and staff training

➤ Maintain logging bans in Hainan and north-east India, and support similar bans if they are required elsewhere➤ Promote sustainable forestry, including low-impact logging practices and replanting with native tree species➤ Develop measures to control illegal logging and trading of timber➤ Investigate the underlying causes of forest conversion to cash crops, and seek to reduce this pressure by

influencing relevant government policies➤ Promote sustainable forms of upland agriculture in the mountains of Vietnam that do not result in net loss of

natural forest➤ Reduce local dependence on forest products by establishing sustainable community forests and developing

alternative livelihoods➤ Assess the environmental impact of development projects in forested areas, and minimise development at key

sites for threatened birds➤ Reconsider proposed development projects on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

➤ Locate and survey lowland forests in Myanmar, to identify priority sites for conservation action➤ Survey poorly known species in the Andaman and Nicobar islands➤ Continue surveys in the Kon Tum plateau of Vietnam and adjacent parts of Laos➤ Study the movements of Masked Finfoot and Pale-capped Pigeon

➤ Improve enforcement of hunting laws, including through education programmes, control of gun ownership andmore effective patrolling of protected areas

➤ Survey wildlife markets to monitor hunting pressure on threatened species

➤ Investigate the impact on Nicobar Bulbul of competition with Red-whiskered Bulbul, to help develop a strategy forits conservation

➤ Completely eradicate feral goats from Narcondam Island

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only in June 2003. Protected areas in both Myanmar andCambodia lack strict protective legislation. For reservenetworks to be successful they need to be supported by well-defined laws and the manpower (with high-level politicalsupport and motivation) to enforce them.

■■■■■ WEAKNESSES IN RESERVE MANAGEMENT

Many of the region’s protected areas receive little or noactive management, and increased resources are required toensure their long-term security, through improvedmanagement planning and training of reserve staff, andhence patrolling, boundary demarcation, etc. Specialmanagement is required for the threatened species in someprotected areas, for example planting of native fig trees andprovision of nest-boxes for Narcondam Hornbill inNarcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary, and the retention oflarge old trees and vegetation along the banks of rivers inreserves with nesting White-winged Duck. Governmentaldepartments responsible for habitat conservation in thisregion often suffer from a shortage of skills, funding andmotivation. These issues need to be addressed throughexchange programmes and training, supported byappropriate injections of funding.

Exploitation of birds■■■■■ HUNTING AND TRAPPING

Hunting with both snares and firearms is extremelycommon in the Indo-Burmese forests. In China, Thailand,Laos and Vietnam, some larger-bodied birds have almostbeen hunted out, and snaring has reduced many forest-floorspecies to very low densities. The collection of eggs andchicks of birds for food is also frequent. The widespreadthreatened species include several which are a quarry ofhunters because of their size, such as White-winged Duck,Crested Argus and Green Peafowl, and Pale-capped Pigeonis susceptible to hunting when it congregates at fruitingtrees. Green Peafowl is often sold in markets for food, andlive or dead birds are even traded internationally for theirmeat and feathers. Nicobar Megapode is subject to heavyhunting and egg collection.

The impact of hunting on forest birds is generallypoorly understood, but this appears to be the principalthreat to several threatened birds in this region. Protectedareas need to be patrolled more effectively, to intercepthunters and remove snares, backed up by firm enforcement

of existing hunting laws. Surveys of wildlife markets shouldmonitor (and provide the basis for control of) huntingpressure on threatened species. The governments of China,Laos and Vietnam are controlling gun ownership, a measurethat in Vietnam has apparently already benefitedpopulations of larger-bodied bird species, and this measurecould be applied in other countries, particularly nearimportant protected areas. These efforts to reduce huntingneed to be promoted through public education programmesconcerned with forest conservation, threatened species andthe hunting laws.

Gaps in knowledge■■■■■ INADEQUATE DATA ON THREATENED BIRDS

In recent decades intensive survey work has improvedknowledge of the status and distribution of habitat andthreatened birds in many parts of the Indo-Burmese region.The most important exception is Myanmar, for which thereis little current information, as this country could be foundto support significant populations of several of the morewidespread threatened species, such as White-bellied Heron,White-winged Duck, Green Peafowl and Masked Finfoot. Itis therefore a priority to pinpoint any extensive stands offorest in lowland Myanmar, and to determine which ofthese deserve conservation attention. As an example, thewooded swamps of the Myitmaka river north of Yangonformerly held a large breeding population of MaskedFinfoot, but recent information is not available. On theAndaman and Nicobar islands, there is a need to improveunderstanding of the status and conservation requirementsof the poorly known Nicobar Sparrowhawk, and the DataDeficient Andaman Crake and Nicobar Scops-owl. InVietnam, recent surveys in the Kon Tum plateau have led tothe discovery of three bird species, all of which areconsidered to be threatened, and further surveys arerequired there and in the adjacent mountains in Laos toimprove understanding of their status and to look for anymore undescribed species. A study is underway toinvestigate whether Edwards’s Pheasant and VietnamesePheasant, both of which are confined to the Annameselowlands EBA, are conspecific. Two widespread species,Masked Finfoot and Pale-capped Pigeon, are migratory ornomadic and research is required (perhaps using satellite-tracking) to improve understanding of their status andmovements, and their tolerance of habitat change.

Other conservation issues■■■■■ INTRODUCED SPECIES

Alien species in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelagosmight be affecting some of the threatened species. The Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus was introduced to theNicobar islands in the late nineteenth century and hassubsequently flourished in the Nancowry group (i.e.throughout the range of Nicobar Bulbul). The populationof Nicobar Bulbul appears to have declined substantially onmost islands, and it is possible that competitive exclusion isoccurring. This needs study, and a strategy to minimise theeffects of any competition on the numbers of NicobarBulbul. On Narcondam Island, police staff introduced asmall population of goats in the 1970s, growing by 1998 to130–150 domestic animals in the police camp and over 250feral animals in the forest. As a result, there was very littlenatural woodland regeneration, posing a serious long-termthreat to the Narcondam Hornbill. Most of the goats wererecently removed from the island, but this programmeshould be continued until they are completely eradicated.

In some areas, larger-bodied birds have almost been huntedout, and snaring has reduced many forest-floor species to verylow numbers.

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World Birdwatch September 2003 25.3 9

NDUP WORLD ROUNDUP WORLD ROUNDUP WORLD ROUNDUP W

White-backed Vultures Gyps bengalensis, once a common sight in India, areincreasingly rare. (Inset) A sick vulture at the Vulture Care Centre displays theclassic neck-drooping symptom.

An exciting development in the search forthe reason why vultures belonging to theGyps genus have declined by more than 90%in parts of South Asia (see e.g. WorldBirdwatch 20(4): 6; 24(1) 14–15) in the last10 years was announced at a meeting ofraptor biologists in Hungary recently.Lindsey Oaks, from Washington StateUniversity working with The PeregrineFund, presented information on the causesof death of several vultures from threecolonies in Pakistan.

Autopsies on dead birds found they werefrequently suffering from gout – like thehuman condition, caused by uric acidcrystallising in the body. Oaks found thatbirds with gout had high levels of an anti-inflammatory painkilling drug, diclofenac,in their kidneys, whereas dead vultureswithout gout had undetectable levels. Itappears that this drug, used for humanmedicine for decades, has recently beenintroduced as a veterinary medicine in Indiaand Pakistan.

Whilst these results could explainvulture deaths in the studied Pakistanicolonies, many issues require explanation ifdiclofenac is responsible for vulture declinesin India, where the Bombay Natural HistorySociety (BNHS, BirdLife in India) has beenworking with the RSPB (BirdLife in theUK) and the Institute of Zoology (London)to investigate the phenomenon, funded bythe UK Government’s Darwin Initiative.

Debbie Pain, Head of InternationalResearch at RSPB commented “Whilstdiclofenac could be the breakthroughwe’ve been waiting for, we can’t yet assumethat it is responsible for the vulture declinesin India. Much investigation needs to bedone, and we are working on this withBNHS and IoZ as a matter of urgency.”

Vibhu Prakash, Principal Scientist at

Vulture death mystery explained?

BNHS outlined some of the anomaliesunder investigation “The experimentalresults from Pakistan suggest thatdiclofenac has a rapid effect on birds, withdeath following several days after exposure.Observations from the field and from ourrecently opened Vulture Care Centre inIndia document the birds experiencing astate of prolonged illness before death,often lasting for several weeks.Additionally, lesions more characteristic ofinfectious disease than a contaminant havebeen found in several vulture carcasses inIndia. Diclofenac is thought to be excretedby mammals within a few days. A highproportion of cattle across India wouldtherefore have to be treated shortly beforedeath for vultures to be exposed and todecline on such a large scale. Diclofenac isalso considered toxic to certain other birdspecies and to dogs. However, of all thescavenging species present at cattlecarcasses, only populations of Gyps speciesappear to be severely affected and dog

populations have increased noticeably atsites where Gyps vultures have declined.”

BirdLife is very concerned that shouldthe declines in India prove to be caused byan infectious disease and not diclofenac, itcould spread through migratory GriffonVultures Gyps fulvus to other vulturepopulations across the Middle East,Europe and Africa. Should diclofenacprove to be an important factor in India,however, spread is unlikely, as long as thedrug’s use in veterinary medicine can beprevented. Until this is shown to be case –and results of tissue sample analysis fromdead Indian birds are keenly awaited –BirdLife is keeping an open mind on thematter.

Additional information can be foundin: Prakash et al. (2003). BiologicalConservation 109(3): 381–390; Pain et al.(2003) Conservation Biology 17 (3):661–671; Cunningham et al., (August2003) Animal Conservation in press.Susanne Shultz

UK Environment Minister, Elliot Morley (right) at the openingof the Vulture Care Centre in northern India, in February2003. The Centre is a joint initiative by the Bombay NaturalHistory Society (BNHS, BirdLife in India), the Haryana StateGovernment, the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK) and the Instituteof Zoology (IoZ London), with help from the National Bird ofPrey Trust and funded by the UK Government’s DarwinInitiative and Haryana State Government. The Centre isbeing used to house sick vultures to study the illness, and toinvestigate possible causes of the declines. (Left to right:Vibhu Prakash (BNHS), Debbie Pain (RSPB), AndrewCunningham (IoZ), Mr Jakati (Haryana State Government)and Elliot Morley).

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VIETNAM'S ENVIRONMENT IN THE NEWS

Submitted by Education for Nature-Vietnam Illegal Timber ExploitationPhu Yen Province - On the 1st December, rangers from the Krong Trai Nature Reserve intercepted a vehicle with fake number plates transporting 1m3 of rare timber. A group of 15 loggers attempted to set fire to the vehicle and its contents, attacking the rangers. The group fled the scene after rangers fired warning shots. A day later a truck was stopped by rangers in the same district for illegally transporting over 7m3 of precious Group 1 timber. The timber was hidden in rice husk bags as it was taken from Gia Lai Province to Phu Yen Province. No arrests were made as the driver escaped. (Youth Newspaper issue 285, date 4 Dec 2003) Loggers and Rangers at WarBinh Phuoc Province - On the 11th December 2003 local provincial rangers were attacked by a group of 12 loggers carrying knives and bush-hooks. The rangers were guarding a holding area that was used for storing confiscated timber and trucks at Bu Gia Map National Park in Phuoc Long District. Local police were informed of the incident and quickly appeared on the scene. The group dispersed without report of any serious injury. (People’s Police Newspaper issue 1174, date Dec 12, 2003) Illegal Logging Case Re-openedGia Lai Province - The Provincial Police Force Investigation Bureau have reopened a 12-year-old case into an illegal logging incident in Chu Prong Commune. The decision follows the recent arrest of repeat offender Nguyen Thi May in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province who is believed to be responsible for falsifying the certification of 900m3 of illegal timber in 1992. The case was left open when Nguyen Thi May reportedly set fire to the timber, destroying the evidence and fled the scene. (Labor Newspaper issue 351 date Dec 17,2003) Big Logging CaseGia Lai Province - The State Police Force have prosecuted 25 people and 19 more are in custody for allegedly taking part in an illegal logging operation in Kon Ka Kinh National Park. Over 2,400m3 of timber is believed to have been illegally cut down in the operation since February 2003. Some of the suspects held positions responsible for forest protection whilst the illegal activity was taking place. The case has moved forward rapidly since being taken over by the State Police Force's special investigation division in October 2003. Police stated that the logging operation began when the Director of Mang Den Farm used the company permit to cut down 2,000m3 of timber in the park then went on to sub-contract his quota and divide it amongst Tan Lap Farm and six other private enterprises. Local rangers and management officials were bribed to allow the same permit to be used repeatedly, each sub-contract using 10-20% more than their quota at a time. The case continues. (Labor Newspaper issue 350, date Dec 16, 2003, Pioneer Newspaper issue 250, date Dec 16, 2003, Vietnam News issue 4430, date Dec 16, 2003) Confiscating Illegal TimberBinh Thuan Province - In the last two months authorities in Binh Thuan Province have uncovered 58 cases of wildlife trading. As many of those arrested were repeat offenders the authorities made the decision to confiscate 60 trucks involved in the cases rather than issuing the standard fines. (Labor issue 350, date Dec 16, 2003)


Regional News

OFFICE LAUNCH

Welcome to our new office at n a Dinh, Hanoi. An office launch was held on December 16 to ce e some images of the launch.

The beautiful house

BirdLife staff and doctor Nguyen Cu, a close friend of the office

o.4, lane 209, Doi Can, Blebrate this event. Here ar

...Cheers

Thanks for coming...



Rarest of the rare White-winged duck Cairina cutulataThis forest duckThis forest duck qualifies as Identification: 66-81 cm. Large, dark, forest duck with contrasting whitish head and upper neck. Males have mostly dull yellowish bill, blackish mottling on head and upper neck, white lesser and median coverts and inner edges of tertials and bluish-grey secondaries. In more densely mottled head and upper neck. Juvenile is duller and browner. Similar spp. Female Comb Duck Sarkidomis melanotos has mostly whitish under-parts and all dark wings. Voice Flight call is series of vibrant honks, often ending with nasal whistle, Also single, short, harsh honks. Hint Very secretive, often feeds only at night. Range: 370,000 km2

Population: 450 Altitude: 0-1,400m Habitats: Forest, wetland Threats: Habitat loss and degradation, exploitation, human disturbance Range and population: Cairina scutulata was historically widely distributed from north-east India and Bangladesh, through South-East Asia to Java and Sumatra, Indonesia. It has undergone a dramatic decline such that, in 1997, its population was estimated at 450 individuals, comprising 130 in Laos, Thailand,

Vietnam, and Cambodia., 150 on Sumatra Indonesia and 170 in India (chiefly Assam and Arunachal Pradesh) and Myanmar. Whilst recent surveys, particularly in north-east India, suggest the population may be higher, it continues to decline throughout its range, and is probably extinct in Malaysia and on Java Ecology: It inhabits stagnant or slow-flowing natural and artificial wetlands, within or adjacent to evergreen, moist, deciduous or swamp forests, on which it depends for roosting and nesting, usually in tree-holes. Although lowlands (below c. 200m) provide optimum habitat, it occurs up to 1,400m, especially on plateaus supporting sluggish perennial rivers and pools. Although essentially sedentary, some birds make short dry-season movements in response to low water-levels.

This forest duck qualifies as Endangered because it has a very small, rapidly declining, severely fragmented population as a result of

deforestation, wetland drainage and exploitation

Threats: Its decline is largely attributable to widespread lowland deforestation, compounded locally by drainage and conservation of wetlands. The resultant small, fragmented populations are vulnerable to extinction from stochastic environmental events, loss of genetic variability, disturbance, hunting and collection of eggs and chickens for food or pets. Hydro-power development, inappropriate forest management, and pollution are more localized threats. Conservation: In 1993, 21 protected areas were known to support populations. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Assam, was established because of its importance for this species. Conservation awareness materials depicting it have been widely distributed in Laos and Cambodia. Targets: *Conduct further surveys to clarify its distribution and status



*Instigate regular monitoring of selected key populations *Promote strict enforcement of hunting regulations and minimize encroachment, disturbance and habitat degradation in all protected areas supporting populations

*Campaign for increased protection of peat-swamp forest in Sumatra *Campaign against pesticide and oil pollution at key sites in north-east India *Promote widespread conservation awareness campaigns in and around key protected areas.

ck qualifies as Endangered because it has a very small, rapidly declining, severely and

Project updates During November, staff from BirdLife and the Bird Enthusiasts and Nature Conservation Association (BENCA) undertook a survey of wetlands in Kachin State organized by Wildbird Adventure Travels and Tours (WATT). The main objective of the survey was an attempt to rediscover the enigmatic Pink-headed Duck Rhodonessa caryophyllacea which has not been recorded in Myanmar since 1910. Traveling along the Ledo Road wethe team began its boaTanai on the Chindwin then surveyed the numefound along the river bostream from Tanai. Tconducted in the both theHukaung Valley Wildlifurther south beyond thethe survey the team receivfrom two fishermen, whoone another, claimed thunted the species at the s

Masked Finfoot Heliopais personata is common on ox-bow lakes in the Hukaung valley. Photo: J. C. Eames.

PINK-HEADED DUCK SURVEY IN THE HUKAUNG VALLEY, MYANMAR

st from Mytkyina, t-based survey at River. The team rous ox-bow lakes th ups and down he survey was newly designated fe Sanctuary and boundary. During ed credible reports independently of

o have seen and ame ox-bow lake.

During the survey the team recorded the Endangered White-winged Duck Cairina scutulata almost daily, with a total of ten birds recorded in total, including a flock of four together on 18 November. The Masked Finfoot Heliopais personata was also common with a total of seven birds recorded. Green Peafowl was very common being seen in flocks of up to eight birds on the sandy banks of the Chindwin River. Other common ox-bow lake inhabitants included the Lesser Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga humilis, Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster and Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus. More unexpectedly the team recorded Black-necked Stork



TP

Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, and flocks of migrating Black Storks Ciconia nigra and Comon Cranes Grus grus. Although the team did neither observe or find material evidence of the species we believe there is a high probability that the species still occurs in Kachin State, based on reports received during this and the previous survey undertaken last March. We base this belief on the fact that the area still supports extensive tracts of undisturbed lowland semi-evergreen forest, riverine, oxbow lakes

and emergent aquatic vegetation, including grassland, combined with low human impacts on the landscape. Therefore the reasons cited for the decline of the species elsewhere, particularly landscape level agricultural conversion of natural habitat do not appear to apply to Myanmar. The historical occurrence of the species further west and east also suggests the species should occur in the area. BirdLife hopes to undertake further surveys in the area during 2004. This project is supported by the Asia Bird Fund.

DuNoAsin QuobuntheNaRe

STRENGTHENING SITE SUPPORT GROUPS TO CONSERVE CRITICAL BIODIVERSITY

he ox-bow lake from which Pink-headed Duck Rhodonessa caryyophyllacea was reported.hoto: J. C. Eames.

ring the period from October to vember, a Socio-Economic and Threats sessment was conducted for three weeks the two planned project provinces of ang Binh and Quang Tri. The main jectives of this assessment were: (i) to derstand the socio-economic conditions of buffer zones of the Khe Net Proposed ture Reserve and Dakrong Nature serve (ii) to identify the threats and

problems around these areas and (iii) to look for the solutions to improve the natural resources conservation and management practices of local community. The outputs of this assessment will be described in the report prepared by the team members and to be completed by December 2003.The project was funded by John D. & Catherine T. Mac Arthur Foundation.



STAKEHOLDER-BASED CONSERVATION OF CHE TAO FOREST, VIETNAM

A team of ten members have been selected to be Site Support Group members from three project communes. Materials and necessary equipment were provided to these members after the needs assessment. As planned, a training on awareness raising skills was delivered to all SSG members and relevant project stakeholders. After a two day in-house training, the SSG members went to the field for practice. An action plan was developed by SSG members to carry out the awareness raising activities in all selected villages of the project communes for two months from October to November. The signing of agreement for natural resources protection, particularly not

hunting the hornbills and gibbons, was integrated to the awareness raising activities. An internal review of the awareness activities was done by project staff to evaluate the recognition of local community on the importance of forest protection and biodiversity and the effectiveness of the awareness raising activities. Although there are big gaps in knowledge, customs and languages the SSG members have done great jobs in awareness raising activities that has improved environmental awareness and convinced them to commit to forest protection through the signing of agreements.

Staff News The Vietnam Programme is delighted to welcome Gina, Chris Mill from BirdLife UK and Phala, from the Cambodia programme to work and train in our office in November. Here are some features of their activities in Hanoi.

Last day of Chris Mills in Hanoi
Phala, Gina and Vietnam Programme staff after lunch


Phala (of Cambodia office) and Chris (of Cambridge Secretariat) enjoy the Vietnamese hospitality and delicious cuisine, November

Gina enjoys the beautiful scenery at Halong bay, November 2003

2003

Profile

Le Trong Trai, Programme Officer

Jonathan Eames, chief representative (left) & Le Trong Trai, programme officer (right)



Trai is curently leading a multi-disciplinary team who are conducting baseline biodiversity survey in forest areas adjacent to Ba Be National Park and Na Hang Nature Reserve as part of the PARC project.

Le Trong Trai was formerly the senior project officer on the collaborative BirdLife– Forest Inventory and Planning Institute (FIPI) project Expanding the Protected Areas Network in Vietnam for the 21st Century. This European Union-funded project provides support for the implementation of the Government of Vietnam's policy commitment to expand the national network of protected areas. Prior to this, he was project officer on the project entitled: The Conservation of Biodiversity in the Annamese Lowlands and the Da Lat Plateau, Vietnam, which was also funded by the European Union.

Trai's work has concentrated on biodiversity surveys and monitoring the wildlife resources of Vietnam. He is now recognized as one of Vietnam's leading field ecologists. He has discovered an undescribed taxon of muntjac and re-discovered Roosevelt's Muntjac. He was also involved in the discovery three new species of birds – the Black-crowned Barwing, the Golden-winged Laughingthrush and an undescribed form of laughingthrush from Mount Kon Ka Kinh, in central Vietnam. He has published extensively on the fauna of Vietnam. He also has extensive experience of protected areas planning, and production of feasibility studies and investment plans for the establishment of protected areas in Vietnam. Trai has recently co- authored Vietnam's first Vietnamese-language bird field guide Chim Viet Nam. Trai has a B.Sc. in Biology and has worked at FIPI since 1981.

Recently Published

Butterflies of Vietnam "Butterflies of Vietnam" was published by BirdLife in November. The text is written by Alexander L. Monastyrskii and Alexey L. Dvyatkin, translated by Khuat Dang Long. This is the first annotated checklist of the butterflies of Vietnam, and includes a series of color plates featuring the type specimens of new butterfly taxa described by the authors. This is an attractive publication by the World's leading authorities on butterflies of Vietnam. This checklist is an essential reference for any serious student of South East Asian butterflies. It is available from the senior author or from the BirdLife office in Hanoi.



Birds of Myanmar Just published at the end of the year, this attractive field guide is the first bird guide in Burmese. Aimed at the general interest reader, this attractive book illustrates about half the birds species found in Myanmar. Written by acknowledged authorities on the birds of Myanmar, BirdLife hopes it will become a standard text fro all those interested in birds. This book is available from BirdLife in Hanoi or in Yangon.

Environmental protection and sustainable aquaculture, by Vu Thi Minh Phuong & BirdLife project officers.

"Environmental protection and

sustainable aquaculture" was the outcome of the cooperation between the Department of Environment and
Front cover Resources of Quang
people committee of Yen Hung distriDGIS. The book was published in Viesupport group (SSG) models in Hainformation of black-faced spoonbill,available from BirdLife office in Hano

Back cover

Ninh province, the ct and BirdLife International with the financial support of tnamese, December 2003. This manual introduces the site

nam and SSG activities in the region. It also includes a species found in Hanam and Xuan Thuy. The book is i.



Book Review A Conflict of Interests The uncertain future of Burma's forests This new publication from Global Witness provides an insight into logging in Myanmar. Drawing on original research and informed reliable sources, it details how the current government uses resources from logging and how it is related to conflict and civil unrest in Myanmar. Essential reading for all with an interest in natural resource management and conservation in Myanmar. Available from Global Witness: Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.globalwitness.org

The Vanishing Tiger, by Vivek R. Sinha This wonderful book documents the history and the lifestyle of the tiger, with stunning photographs of the Bengal tiger taken in the wild that have never before been published. It is a wonderful record of a species in danger, and will be essential reading for all those concerned about the future of the wildlife of our planet. The book also features a superb portfolio of Indian wildlife including many rarely photographed species. A Salamander book, published by Salamander book Ltd, The Chrysalis Building, Bramley Road, London W10 6SP, UK.

The Tonle Sap Great Lake: A Pulse of Life, by Renaud Bailleux The text of this large format “coffee table” book provides an in-depth introduction to Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake, the largest inland water body in South-East Asia and one of the most productive in the world. Its nine chapters describe the reverse water-flow flooding regime that has given rise to this extraordinary natural phenomenon, its fishery (one of the mainstays of Cambodia’s economy) and peoples, the characteristic flora and fauna, conservation

issues and the ecosystem’s increasing fragility as pressures on its natural resources reach



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unprecedented proportions. It has been well researched, and is written in an accessible style, laced with local anecdotes, frequent reference to historical context, and illustrated with several clear, informative maps. The book’s most eye-catching feature is its lavish decoration with a unique collection of photographs by some of the best-known photographers of Cambodian life. Many are large and stunning, but if I were to have one criticism, it would be leveled at the reproduction quality and choice of some. This, however, is a relatively minor gripe. Retailing at approximately $30, with all proceeds from its sale going to supporting environmental education within Siem Reap Province, especially on and around the Tonle Sap, it is an essential reference for anyone with an interest in the region’s natural resources and development. (Pete Davidson)

From the Archives Tbpfdwucm

Over the Langbian Plateau

his picture, entitled “Over the Langbian Plateau” was published in On and off duty in Annam, y Gabrielle M. Vassal and published in London by William Heinemann in 1910. The hotograph, also taken by the author, is a southerly view of a mountain whose appearance will be amiliar to many. What is interesting is that both the foreground and the mountain appear to be eforested and the vegetation to consist only of short grass. This is confirmed by the author who rote, “The plateau is so peaceful and soothing, no steep slopes, no impenetrable tangles of ndergrowth, only pine groves in the gorges between the hillocks.” The grassland is almost ertainly a fire-climax resulting from regular burning by indigenous people. Although the ountain appears deforested, this cannot actually be the case because numerous bird collectors



trapped in the forests during the first two decades of the 20th century and since the photograph was probably taken around 1890 this would have been too short a period for evergreen forest to have grown. The same view taken today would reveal patches of pine woodland (also a fire-climax), market gardens and human habitation. All of which indicates that the current landscape around Da Lat is merely a phenomenon of the last 100 years. Gabrielle Vassal was the British wife of a French Army Doctor in whose honor the endemic White-cheeked Laughingthrush Garrulax vassali was later named.




Documents

The Babbler 8