training in wildlife survey and data analysis for the national biodiversity conservation areas dong...
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Training in Wildlife Survey and Data Analysis for the National Biodiversity Conservation Areas Dong Hua Sao and Phou Xiang ThongTRANSCRIPT
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BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PROJECT (75170)
Training in Wildlife Survey and Data Analysis for theNational Biodiversity Conservation Areas
Dong Hua Sao and Phou Xiang Thong
Ramesh Boonratana, PhD.September 1999
IUCN/BCP
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARYTwo levels of training were conducted for the patrolling staff of Dong Hua Sao and PhouXiang Thong NBCAs. The focus of the first training was on field craft, basic map reading andcompass use, observing and recording evidence of impacts and wildlife in the field. The mainobjective was to able all patrolling staff to plan patrolling trips, orient themselves in the field,indicate their position on a map and collect/record usable data. This training also served as arefresher for the senior staff, who had received a similar training 20 months earlier.
This training was achieved fairly quickly and well, as it was a refresher for the senior staff,and because the senior staff assisted the new staff through the learning process, occasionallyacting as instructor assistants. Both the new and senior staff, however, need to continuouslyapply this knowledge while on the job to further improve themselves and the quality of theirwork.
The second training focused on data analysis and its use in monitoring. The staff of bothDong Hua Sao and Phou Xiang Thong NBCAs has systematically compiled records overseveral years. Hence, this training aimed at the senior staff being able to produce informativereports cross referenced to sector maps. They also learnt and practiced searching sector datafor a specific information and presented it in the form of graphs and thematic maps.
Although this exercise proceeded rather slowly, being a totally new an unfamiliar topic, it wasnevertheless successfully achieved. The staff can now be expected to summarize, analyze andinterpret by themselves. Occasional guidance, would, however, ensure the quality ofinterpretation.
The need for continuously building the capacity and capability of protected area staff wasfurther observed through this training program. Only through continuous support and regularreinforcements, can one hope to produce qualified protected area staff. Most importantly,relevant district and provincial officials need to take interest and provide support to theprotected area staff. Otherwise, all efforts at capacity building will be defeated.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTSI sincerely acknowledge Mr. Bounsay Saphangthong, Head of Forestry Division, ChampassakProvince, and Mr. Klaus Berkmuller, Field Adviser of IUCN - Biodiversity ConservationProject, for giving me this opportunity to follow up on a earlier training exercise, and toprovide the senior staff of Dong Hua Sao and Phou Xiang Thong NBCAs with a moreadvanced training. Credit is also due to the staff themselves, both old and new, for theircontinued efforts and interests. My personal thanks to Klaus for commenting on thismanuscript, and both Klaus and Oonchai for putting me up and keeping me well fed duringthe write-up period.
Ramesh Boonratana, Ph.D.a.k.a. Zimbo
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................1ACKNOWLEDGMENTS......................................................................................................2TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................31. INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................4
1. 1 Background..........................................................................................................41.2 Aims and Objectives .............................................................................................51.3 Dong Hua Sao and Phou Xiang Thong NBCAs.....................................................5
2. TRAINING A: FIELD TECHNIQUES ..............................................................................62.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................62.2 Theory Training ....................................................................................................62.3 Field Training .......................................................................................................72.4 Observations and Assessment ...............................................................................82.5 Survey Findings ..................................................................................................10Table 2.1: List of Participants ...................................................................................12Table 2.2: Topics of theory training ..........................................................................13Table 2.3: List of Wildlife Recorded.........................................................................14
3. TRAINING B: ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION........................................................ 153.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................153.2 Observations .......................................................................................................163.3 Outputs ...............................................................................................................163.4 Results ................................................................................................................17Table 3.1: Number of records by sector and month for Dong Hua Sao NBCA in 1996.................................................................................................................................21Table 3.2: Number of records by sector and month for Dong Hua Sao NBCA in 1997.................................................................................................................................23Table 3.3: Number of records by sector and month for Dong Hua Sao NBCA in 1998.................................................................................................................................25Table 3.5 Summarized sector records for Dong Hua Sao NBCA for 1996.................29Table 3.6 Summarized sector records for Dong Hua Sao NBCA for 1997.................30Table 3.7 Summarized sector records for Dong Hua Sao NBCA for 1998.................31Table 3.8 Summarized sector records for Dong Hua Sao NBCA for 1999 (until August1999) ........................................................................................................................32Table 3.9 Summarized sector records for Dong Hua Sao NBCA for 1996 - 1999 (untilAugust 1999) ............................................................................................................33
4. CONCLUDING DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS............................................ 354.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................354.2 Discussion...........................................................................................................354.3 Recommendations...............................................................................................364.4 Conclusion..........................................................................................................38
LITERATURE CITED......................................................................................................... 39Appendix I: Terms of Reference........................................................................................... 40Appendix II: Consultant’s Itinerary ...................................................................................... 42
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1. INTRODUCTION
1. 1 BackgroundAn information gathering system has been developed and established in both Dong Hua Saoand Phou Xiang Thong NBCAs1. Systematically and regularly gathering information is animportant element of the management strategy pursued under the Biodiversity ConservationProject (75710) at both the protected areas (K. Berkmuller, pers. comm.). The system is meantto provide information on the presence and distribution of wildlife species and habitats, andon the use of natural resources by people. This information will then provide a ‘picture’highlighting the NBCAs’ values and potentials in terms of the distribution and concentrationof their biodiversity and natural resources. Furthermore, the ‘picture’ will similarly highlightthe type, severity, and distribution of impacts and threats to the integrity of the NBCAs. Thisinformation, gathered over time will further allow the status of wildlife and habitat to bemonitored. Thus, there is a major need for a continuing improvement of the data gatheringprocess, and the quality and quantity of the data.
Some of the current patrolling and monitoring staff of both NBCAs have previously receivedtraining in field techniques (Boonratana, 1988), which resulted in a marked improvement ofdata collecting. The training2 was carried out in both Dong Hua Sao and Phou Xiang ThongNBCAs from November 1997 to January 1998.
The training was conducted both in the classroom and in the field. The classroom trainingcomprised two theory sessions totaling six days. The initial theory training prepared thetrainees for the field, and comprised fundamentals on conservation biology, wildlife ecologyand animal behavior; the use of maps and compass; wildlife survey and data collectiontechniques; and report-writing. The second theory session, held at the end of the exerciseallowed the topics learnt during the initial theory training and the training in the field to bereviewed. Both theory sessions were conducted at the field station of Dong Hua Sao NBCA.The field training comprised four field trips of about 7-8 days each, three to Dong Hua SaoNBCA and one to Phou Xiang Thong NBCA. In the field, trainees carried out ‘on-the-job’surveys for wildlife and impacts, applying techniques learnt during the initial theory training.
By the end of the 97/98 training session, trainees were able to independently plan and carryout wildlife surveys and observations, but were still in need of frequent reinforcement andsupervision to maximize their efforts in the field, and be able to collect quality data. Topicslearnt during the exercise that still needed strengthening and continued practice include theuse of map and compass, wildlife observations and surveys, and data reporting. It wasrecommended then that similar on the job training should be conducted at least once a year,preferably twice, for three consecutive years in order to produce fully qualified and effectivepatrolling team.
Thus, ‘trained’ staff would, however, benefit from a refresher training course to maintain thatimprovement. Also, there is a need for the newly employed staff to receive a similar training,as the senior staff could not pass on much of the skills. Furthermore, there is an equallyimportant need to train the staff at another level - training in data analysis and interpretation,hence preparing them towards management planning and decision-making (see appendix I forTerms of Reference).
1NBCA = National Biodiversity Conservation Area
2From hereon referred to as the 97/98 training program.
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1.2 Aims and ObjectivesTo provide training to the staff of Dong Hua Sao and Phou Xiang Thong NBCAs in:
• use of map and compass, wildlife and impact survey, data recording, and field craft;
• data management, analysis, and interpretation, followed by using the findings to drawconclusions and future management plans.
1.3 Dong Hua Sao and Phou Xiang Thong NBCAsDong Hua Sao NBCA covering an area of 1,100 km², is located within Bachieng, Pakxongand Pathoumphon Districts in Champassak Province, between 14°50’-15°11’N and 105°55’-106°18’E. The vegetation comprises mainly of evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, anddry dipterocarp forest. The drainage is westwards into the Mekong River. Lakes, ponds andwetlands are important features in the lowland of the NBCA. The NBCA have elevationsmainly ranging from 200 - 1000 m, and much of the upland areas form a part of the southernBolavens plateau (Berkmuller et al., 1995).
Phou Xiang Thong NBCA, covering 1,200 km², is located between 15°19’-15°52’N and 106°29’-106°47’E. The upper two-thirds of the NBCA is in Salavan Province and its lower one-third in Champassak Province, within the districts of Lakhonpheng, Khongxedon, andXanasombun. The main habitat types comprise mixed deciduous forest, evergreen forest, androcky flats. The drainage is similarly westwards into the Mekong River, but much of theNBCA’s elevations lie below 500 m (Berkmuller et al., 1995).
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2. TRAINING A: FIELD TECHNIQUES
2.1 IntroductionTraining in field techniques primarily focused on familiarizing the new staff at basic skills inmap reading and compass use, observing and recording wildlife presence and impacts, and onfield craft. This training also served as a refresher for staff who had received a similar, butmore intensive training about 20 months earlier (Boonratana, 1998). With this training, it isexpected that the staff will be able to organize and plan field trips, orient themselves in thefield, indicate important locations/evidence on a map, and record significant data. Training infield techniques was carried out both in the ‘theory’ and in the field, putting the theories learntinto practice.
2.2 Theory TrainingTheory training was conducted for three days, from September 2-4, at the field station ofDong Hua Sao NBCA at Ban3 Houay4 Bangliang in Pathumphon District. Besides the staff ofDong Hua Sao and Phou Xiang Thong NBCAs, participants (table 2.1) also included threemilitary personnel from military camps close to Dong Hua Sao NBCA. Their participationwas to provide them with a better understanding of the workings and objectives of a protectedarea, and the tasks and duties of the NBCA’s patrolling and monitoring unit. They, however,left early, as the training was inappropriate for personnel at the rank of senior officers.
Theory training began with an introduction to the basics of conservation and protected areas.Topics that followed included map reading and compass use, surveys for wildlife and impact,camping and field equipment, note-taking and recording techniques, and report-writing (table2.2).
Summarizing, the training was designed to assist the patrolling and monitoring staff inplanning their field trips efficiently, to make accurate observations and record theseaccurately, and to clearly report their findings in a simple but detailed format.
The theory training topics comprise the following:
• Basics of Conservation: These included brief lectures and discussions on protected areasand protected area management, conservation of natural resources, conservation biology,and wildlife ecology and behavior. This was to give the trainees a better understanding theobjectives of the protected area, and the need of reliable and relevant information towardseffectively managing species and protected areas. This topic also served to generateinterest and provided some insight to the necessity and purpose of acquiring the basicskills in field techniques. In addition, a fundamental understanding of wildlife ecology andbehavior was to assist them in recording observations in the field.
• Map and Compass: This was followed by lessons in the use of maps and compasses.Lessons in map reading included understanding the map’s description, details, directions,distances and designations. Lessons in compass use were mainly on taking accuratebearings and determining back-bearings, followed by the use of compass together with
3Ban = Village or settlement.4Houay = River or stream.
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maps. Trainees were also given exercises and assignments to improve their map andcompass skills. Basic use of GPS5 and altimeter were also explained.
• Note-taking and Recording Techniques: Lessons in making observations and recordingevidence in the field, including identifying tracks and other wildlife signs were thenimparted to the trainees. Detailed note-taking was emphasized throughout the training.Trainees were instructed to sketch unidentified wildlife species, tracks, etc., and takemeasurements or estimate their sizes in the case of wildlife species sighting. This was toassist them in species identification.
• Wildlife Surveys and Observations: Only a single method of wildlife survey wasintroduced. This method primarily emphasized on diurnal surveys along existing trails. Ityields information on species presence through actual sighting and indirect evidence(tracks, scats, etc.). Using existing trails have been observed to be effective in coveringlarge areas in tropical rainforests (Boonratana, 1997). The chances of encountering ananimal or its signs are higher when patrols are carried out along existing animal trails. Themethod is practical - simple to understand and carry out, and less time-consuming thanothers are. To improve the quality of data collected during wildlife surveys, trainees weretaught how to identify species and cross-refer to field guides.
• Camping and Field Equipment: Preparation and location of campsites, essential fieldequipment, and suggested food items for the field was discussed. Without proper planningand adequate preparation, much field time can be wasted.
• Reporting: The process and format of reporting was described. The report comprised aone-page written summary highlighting significant finds, the data recording sheets, andmap/maps for locations of key wildlife and wildlife habitats, significant impacts, androutes traveled. Mammal identifications were referred to Lekagul & McNeely (1977), andbird identifications were referred to Lekagul & Round (1991) and King et al., (1991).Although several trainees could not read in English, they nevertheless found theillustrations useful.
• Monitoring: The concept and purpose of monitoring was explained. This comprised stepsand methods to summarize and evaluate information that primarily include key species,impacts and effort. Discussions were made on what constitutes a base line information,then on how to detect changes or trends, followed by the interpretation and use of themonitoring results.
2.3 Field TrainingA six-day ‘on-the-job’ field trip based at Houay Namphak (15°02’21”N/106°02’17”E) inDong Hua Sao NBCA, was carried out from September 25-30. The field training could notimmediately follow the theory training due to severe rains, and only one trip was possible dueto a delay caused by human error during Training B (section 3).
Field training primarily focused on developing the staff’s capacity and capability in:
• field surveys for wildlife and key wildlife habitats;
• observing and assessing human and habitat impacts;
• mapping trails and recording locations of wildlife, and evidence of human/habitat impacts; 5GPS = Global Positioning System
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• note-taking and recording and reporting information correctly;
• field craft.
Activities carried out related to field training comprised:
• Logistics Preparations and Allocation of Responsibilities: Participants were dividedinto four teams of three participants to each team. Care was taken to ascertain that teamswere of similar, if not equal, strengths. Pre- and post-survey briefings were held beforeand after the field trip. Responsibilities were issued and objectives were clarified duringthe pre-survey briefing. Supply coordinators were responsible for purchasing, preparing,and maintaining food and equipment. Team leaders were responsible for the team’s andteam members’ equipment, and planning survey routes.
• Daily Trip Preparations: Survey routes were pre-determined from 1:100,000topographic maps (enlarged sector-wise). Routes normally took the shape of irregularloops, originating and terminating at campsites. On a rotational basis, one team stayedback at camp and was given the tasks of maintaining camps, preparing food, gatheringfirewood, etc.
• Observations and Recording: Wildlife presence was recorded based on sightings orother evidence (tracks, scats, vocalizations, etc.). No trapping was carried out. Surveyswere carried out on foot, mainly along existing trails. Team members wouldsimultaneously search for evidence of wildlife and impact. Speed of travel when carryingout surveys was maintained between 40 to 60 minutes for every kilometer, with regularpauses of at least a minute, to observe the general surroundings. This was to avoid missingcryptic animals or animal signs. Thus, up to an average of eight kilometers per day wascovered on each route by each team. Surveys usually began between 0730h to 0800h andteams returned to camp between 1530h to 1700h. Type of evidence was recorded, alongwith date, time, species, and location. Evidence such as tracks and scats were aged,described, sketched and measured. Locations of key wildlife evidence and habitats, andimpacts were determined using maps and compass, and where feasible, a GPS unit wasused.
• Daily Debriefing: Debriefing was conducted nightly after meals. This was to review theday’s findings and plan surveys for the next day. Teams would report the results ofsurveys, highlighting their main findings. Team members would alternate on a daily basisin reporting their findings, to encourage participation by all. Comments and suggestionswere offered to improve their field performance and skills. Discussions were also held onissues raised by the trainees themselves and by the instructor, hence encouraginganalytical thinking.
2.4 Observations and AssessmentThe trainees can be categorized into two major groups, those who had earlier participated inthe 97/98 training and those6 who had not. Both groups comprised NBCA staff with forestrycollege training and, project staff7 of variable background. At the start of this training, the firstgroup had trainees who were fairly good in most topics and those who were still weak insome topics, particularly map and compass, and data recording. The latter group had anassortment of those who were totally unfamiliar with all topics to those who were familiar 6Staff who joined the NBCAs after the 97/98 training program.7Villagers from key settlements in or around the NBCAs.
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with some, but nevertheless still weak. Hence, it was often quite collectively or categoricallydifficult to assess the trainees. Nevertheless, at the end of the training, there were individualsfrom both groups that were fairly good in most topics and those who were still weak in sometopics. The presence of previously trained staff greatly assisted the new staff learning abilities.
In the field, all trainees worked together quite well, showing good cooperation and division oflabor. Briefings carried out every night in the field improved their performance. Having theinstructor with the different teams on a rotational basis served to reinforce their training. Also,it allowed doubts and questions that usually arose during the surveys to be immediatelyresolved. Furthermore, several field techniques such as detecting and correctly identifyingand/or measuring wildlife signs, and orienteering could only be clarified under fieldconditions. Findings made during the ‘on-the-job’ training are presented in section 2.5.
General observations and assessment made during both the theory and field training canbriefly be described as follows:
• Basics of Conservation: Initially, some old staff and most new staff do not fullyunderstand the concept of conservation of natural resources, protected areas and protectedarea management, in particular why conservation is needed and what management is allabout. All, however, knew that ‘conservation was future generations’ as often aired by themedia and coined by the leaders, but never understanding what that phrase actually meant.Understanding gradually improved through the training. Although made much clearer bythe end of the training program, regular reinforcement is needed, possibly through talks byvisiting conservationists, through nature-related videos and magazines8, lest they fall backto just ‘parroting’ the phrase again.
• Map and Compass: Not all aspects of map and compass use could be covered. Onlyskills needed for them to perform their tasks well were imparted. Both groups showedvariable knowledge and aptitude in the use of map and compass. For some this trainingserved as a refresher, reinforcing previously acquired skills, for the rest it was a newlyacquired knowledge. The instruction of this topic proceeded fairly well and quickly,resulting from the presence of the better trainees who assisted the new or weaker trainees.Some of the previously trained staff was occasionally called upon to assist in theinstruction of this topic. Trainees generally became better at distinguishing landformfeatures only under field conditions. Most of the trainees could navigate fairly well in thefield. This was because either they had already put their skills to practice after the 97/98training or they had become familiar with most of the trail network of the NBCA. In mostcases, it was a combination of the two. Nevertheless, major achievement have been madewith regard to the use of map and compass under field conditions compared to the staff’sinitial condition during the 97/98 training - when most were not willing to walk throughthe forest without a village guide.
• Note-taking and Data Recording: The quality of note-taking and data recording hasslightly deteriorated from the post 97/98 training program. This was apparent during dataanalysis training, where it was observed that the quality of records was maintained for notmore than some months after the 97/98 training. From thereon, records began to lackcertain information that was nevertheless significant. Through the current training, thequality of note-taking and data recording was again reinforced. Two of the better trainees
8At present there are no ‘nature’ magazines in the Lao language, but inexpensive magazines in the Thai language (legible to
the NBCA staff) on related subject matter are available.
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from, one from each NBCA, have now been appointed to check all field reports andrecords before they are filed, ensuring that quality of reports/records will be maintained.
• Wildlife and Wildlife Signs: Most trainees could identify key wildlife species, and wereable to distinguish similar-looking mammals and birds fairly well, usually in consultationwith each other and using the field guides. Track and scat identifications were still limitedonly to major taxonomic groups. The project staff were generally better at detecting andidentifying wildlife and wildlife signs.
• Equipment Use: Some of the staff was already familiar with taking locations using a GPSunit. They, however, had difficulties in initializing and setting up the unit after longperiods of disuse, resulting from dead batteries. Hence, step-wise instructions were issuedfor ‘first-time’ use of the unit. Also, the senior staff apparently ‘forgot’ that it wasnecessary to correctly set the altimeter before taking altitudinal readings, although theywere previously instructed in the 97/98 training program. Many of the new staff did nitknow how to use binoculars, although some have joined the NBCAs for a year or more.The blame entirely lies with the senior staff, for not having instructed the new staff in theircorrect usage.
• Equipment Care: Although all the staff had previously been issued basic field gear suchas machetes and flashlights, most were without them. Also, there has been noimprovement with regard to care and maintenance of field equipment and vehicles. Dampor wet binoculars, tents and sleeping bags were usually kept in their cases until the nextfield trip. GPS units were left with dead and leaking non-alkaline batteries, causing rust insome units. The only likely explanation is that the staff generally lacks responsibilitytowards items that do not personally belong to them. Again, this time around, specificinstructions were issued for the staff to dry and air their tents, sleeping bags andbackpacks immediately on return from the field. One person from each NBCA has beenappointed to maintain binoculars, compasses, altimeters and GPS units. That person willalso have the responsibility of recording the names of the personnel when these equipmentare issued, and their condition on issue and on return.
2.5 Survey FindingsBoth intensive and extensive surveys carried out while ‘on-the-job’ yielded very littleinformation on wildlife but more information on impacts. Wildlife recorded from the areasurveyed (sectors 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) are presented in table 2.3. In spite of a major concentratedeffort (52 man-days), evidence of large mammals was generally rare, and no primates wereencountered. Only two sets of sambar deer tracks and one set of wild pig tracks wereencountered south of Houay Namphak. Several fresh tracks and dung of gaur were howeverobserved at a mineral lick in sector 5, north of Houay Namphak. The only mammal that wassighted with slightly greater frequency was the variable squirrel. Leeches, good indicators ofthe terrestrial mammal density, were similarly rare, in spite of the wet ground and daily rains.This low mammal density was undoubtedly a direct impact of excessive human activities inthe area.
Human intrusion was observed throughout most of the areas surveyed. Old and recenttemporary shelters and campfires were occasionally encountered. The survey teamscollectively recorded encountering an average 20 persons everyday, and every team woulddaily encounter at least one active snare line ranging from 300 to 500 meters long. Gunshotsfrom automatic rifles were heard almost daily, generally from sector 10. Empty shells ofbullets used with AK-47 and M-16 automatic rifles were found on eight occasions, suggesting
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poaching by members of the security force. Human activities in the area at the time of surveycan broadly be categorized into fishing, hunting, rattan extraction and cultivation. Othernegative impacts observed were the presence of buffaloes and domestic dogs. Most dog scatswere observed to contain rodent hairs and bones, and some were recognized to be those of thevariable squirrel.
One very disappointing observation made during the field trip was that the peopleencountered had no regard whatsoever to the patrolling and monitoring staff and to theNBCA’s rules. Some, particularly from Ban Houay Namphak, even taunted the staff duringthe encounters, challenging the staff to take their names and photographs. This attitude wasdirectly a result of non-action by the district authorities when cases were reported to them bythe patrolling and monitoring staff.
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Table 2.1: List of Participants
Participant Unit Agency Theorytraining (3days)
Field (6days)
Data analysistraining (17days)
Khamviset Patrolling & Monitoring DHS 2 6 14Nouphone Patrolling & Monitoring DHS 3 6 15Bounlith Patrolling & Monitoring DHS 3 2Phonesay Patrolling & Monitoring DHS 3 6 16Kongkeo Patrolling & Monitoring DHS 3 6 17Khamkingkeo Patrolling & Monitoring DHS 3 6 15Samly Patrolling & Monitoring DHS 3 6 17Bounnpheng Patrolling & Monitoring DHS 3 6 17Kamtan Extension DHS 3 13Douangvilay Patrolling & Monitoring PXT 3 6 11Souksakhone Patrolling & Monitoring PXT 3 6 5Sayya Patrolling & Monitoring PXT 3 6 16Sopha Patrolling & Monitoring PXT 3 6 17Sangvorn Patrolling & Monitoring PXT 3 6 17Note:
1. Columns 4 to 6 represent the number of days trainees attended the training.2. Some trainees had valid reasons to be absent from the training for some days, but not for
all days.
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Table 2.2: Topics of theory trainingMAJOR TOPICS SKILLS/SUB-TOPICSConservation Basics - protected areas & protected area management;
- conservation of natural resources;- conservation biology;- wildlife ecology & animal behavior.
Map & Compass - types and purposes of maps;- information from maps: description, details, directions, distances &
designations;- description: map no., edition & location;- details: colors, vegetation types, drainage & landform features;- directions: bearings & location determination;- distances: map scale, linear & non-linear distances;- designations: names & significance;- best routes of travel & feasible camp locations;- types & purposes of compasses;- taking compass bearings & determining back-bearings;- altimeter & GPS use;- assignments & exercises.
Recording Techniques - note-taking, sketches & measurements;- wildlife & human activity data recording sheets;- hunter/villager interviews;- photography;- specimen collection: scat, skull & skin collection, specimen record
book;- assignments & exercises.
Wildlife Observation - presence/absence;- survey routes;- identifying species & using field guides;- indirect evidence: tracks & scat (sketch & measure), vocalization,
scrapes, etc.;- speed of travel & precautionary measures.
Camping & FieldEquipment
- ideal locations & set-up;- field equipment list & significance;- pre-survey preparations.
Data compilation &Report-writing
- tabulation of human activities & wildlife data;- maps for routes traveled, important sightings: wildlife, human
activities, mineral licks, etc.- scat analysis;- highlights of significant finds.
Monitoring - purpose;- methods;- focus on key species and habitats;- interpretation.
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Table 2.3: List of Wildlife RecordedEvidence:
1.Sighting2.Tracks3.Vocalization4.Scat/Dung5.Nests6.Scrapes/Claw Marks
7.Feeding Signs8.Other:- Wallows/Bathing Pools- Mud Smears- Antler/Horn marks9.Reliable Report
Common Name Scientific Name EvidenceGaur Bos gaurus 2, 4Sambar deer Cervus unicolor 2Common muntjak Muntiacus muntjak 2Wild pig Sus scrofa 2Smooth Otter 2Civet spp. 4Leopard cat Felis bengalensis 2Variable squirrel Callosciurus finlaysonii 1, 2Indochinese ground squirrel Menetes berdmorei 1Cambodian striped tree squirrel Tamiops rodolphi 1Northern treeshrew Tupaia belangeri 1Pitta spp. 1Pied hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris 1Drongo spp. 1Greater racket-tailed drongo Dicrurus paradiseus 1Ashy drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus 1Scaly breasted partridge Aborophilia charltonii 1Olive-backed woodpecker (?) Dinopium rafflesii 1Hill Myna Gracula religiosa 1Green-billed malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis 1Chestnut-headed bee-eater Merops leschenaulti 1Purple heron Ardea purpurea 1Jungle fowl Gallus gallus 1Yellow wagtail Motacilla flava 1Orange-breasted trogon Harpactes oreskios 1Greater flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus 1Puff-throated bulbul (?) Criniger pallidus 1Yellow-vented bulbul (?) Pycnonotus goiavier 1Blue whistling thrush Myiophoneus caeruleus 1Thick-billed pigeon Treron ciuvirostra 1Chinese pond heron Ardeola bacchus 1White-rumped shama Copsychus malabaricus 1Siamese fireback Lophura diardi 1Blue-eared kingfisher Alcedo meninting 1Leafbird sp. 1Reticulated python 1White-lipped pit viper Trimerusurus albolabris 1Cobra sp. (?) 1Indochinese rat snake 1
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3. TRAINING B: ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION
3.1 IntroductionAn advanced-level training session, focusing on data compilation, quality, analysis andinterpretation using actual patrolling and monitoring data collected from March 1996 untilAugust 1999. This is the first instance in the history of protected areas in Lao PDR wherestaff has compiled records systematically over several years. In both Dong Hua Sao and PhouXiang Thong NBCAs, there already exist a system whereby field records are:
• gathered in a standard format;
• filed chronologically and by sector;
• accompanied by A3-size map to record survey route, camps and note worthy informationon wildlife and impacts;
• accompanied by a summary on impacts and wildlife observations.
The target trainees were primarily the senior staff of both NBCAs, therefore carrying forwardthe process initiated in November 1997 (Boonratana, 1998). Besides data compilation andanalysis, staff was encouraged to discuss the results and draw tentative conclusions, using thefindings towards planning management activities.
The major steps involved in Training B comprised:
• Checking the accuracy and completeness of existing records;
• Compiling a table on wildlife presence by year and sector;
• Compiling a table on impacts by year and sector;
• Compiling the number of records for each key wildlife species by year and sector;
• Compiling a cumulative number of records for key wildlife species for each sector;
• Compiling the number of records for impacts by year and sector;
• Compiling a summarized information on patrolling and monitoring activities by year andsector;
• Preparing a yearly assessment of coverage in terms of time and space;
• Preparing a trail map for each sector;
• Updating the trail map for the NBCA;
• Preparing a thematic map for key wildlife evidence for each sector by year;
• Preparing a thematic map for key wildlife evidence for the whole NBCA until date;
• Preparing a thematic map for agricultural activities until date for each sector;
• Reviewing and discussing all summarized information and thematic maps;
• Drawing tentative conclusions.
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3.2 ObservationsThe first step was more time-consuming than anticipated because many records lackedimportant details such as names of personnel, dates, locations of area surveyed, andaccompanying maps. Also, many records were filed wrongly and several were missing. Theproblems, however, did not end there. It was discovered that some individuals had apparentlydecided upon themselves that ‘organizing records chronologically and sector-wise’ did NOTmean placing the records where they ought to be, BUT instead meant making ‘corrections’ tothose records. These erroneous ‘corrections’ included changing the time, date and sectornumber of those records. This meant that the ‘corrections’ had to be undone, and the recordsreorganized again, and all the summarized information on wildlife, impacts, and sectors hadto be completely redone.
This exercise, with the activities listed in section 3.1 and the outputs listed in section 3.3,allowed a closer scrutiny of the quality of records collected by the staff. Although manyreports had shortcomings, they nevertheless contained usable information and could beretained.
Examples of incorrect or missing information include:
• The date as ‘31/9/98’ when there’s only 30 days in September, or ‘17/10/99’ whereas therecords collected until date were only until August 1999;
• Missing names of personnel, dates of record, sector number, survey site, location ofsighting or signs of key wildlife species and impacts, and accompanying maps of surveyedarea;
• Incomplete or no measurements, and descriptions of wildlife or their evidence;
• Wrong species identification, occasionally including species not found in Dong Hua SaoNBCA or in Lao PDR;
• Two overlapping records, instead of one, for a two-man team doing a survey together.
Nevertheless, this exercise provided valuable training to the staff. The staff can now beexpected to repeat this exercise unaided, although there is still that element of carelessness.Furthermore, there is a strong tendency among staff not to check, double-check, and cross-check information without being told or guided to do so. Thus, unless they overcome thisattitude and be more responsible towards their commitment, there is every likelihood thatmost errors made during this exercise will be repeated.
3.3 OutputsOutputs that resulted from this exercise comprised the following:
• Annual Report: All sector reports from 1996 to 1998 were arranged chronologically andorganized separately for each year. Each annual report has a cover page listing out thenumber of records, assessment of coverage in terms of time and space (tables 3.1 - 3.3;figures 3.1 - 3.12). Also included were noteworthy observations on wildlife and impact,and some tentative conclusions. The number of records, assessment of coverage,noteworthy observations on wildlife and impact, and some tentative conclusions were alsoprepared for the year 1999, up to August. (table 3.4; figures 3.13 - 3.15).
• Current Sector Records: All sector records for the current year were arrangedchronologically and organized into separate folders for each sector.
17
• Wildlife Summary: All evidence of wildlife for each sector was summarized into tabularformat and organized separately for each year, and one cumulative.
• Impact Summary: All evidence of impacts for each sector was summarized into tabularformat and organized separately for each year, and one cumulative.
• Sector Summary: All evidence of key wildlife and impacts for each sector wassummarized into tabular format and organized separately for each year (tables 3.5 - 3.8),and one cumulative (table 3.9).
• Trail Maps: One complete ‘master’ set of enlarged maps of all sectors on A3 format,each map marked with all known trails and one enlarged map of the protected area on A0format, and several on A3 format marked with all known trails.
• Wildlife Maps: Four complete sets of enlarged maps of all sectors on A3 format, one setfor each year, and each map marked with all known locations of key wildlife evidence.Also, one enlarged map of the protected area on A0 format marked with all knownlocations of key wildlife evidence.
• Cultivation Maps: One ‘complete’ set of all enlarged sector maps on A3 format, witheach map marked with all known agricultural areas, by year of establishment.
3.4 ResultsFrom the outputs (section 3.3) above, there emerged several findings with regard to the datacollected by the patrolling and monitoring unit of the Dong Hua Sao NBCA. Briefly, thefollowing observations and tentative conclusions were made for each year, and for thecumulative records.
1996 (tables 3.1 & 3.5, figures 3.1 - 3.4):
• 16 field trips comprising 22 field days were made resulting in 22 records, averaging 1.38records per field trip and 1 record per field day. This was achieved in 53 man-days ofeffort, averaging 2.41 man-days needed for each record.
• Data was collected in 11 out of the 27 sectors in only 5 months, resulting in an average of2 records (range = 1 - 7) for each sector surveyed.
• Significant wildlife observations included the presence of gaur in sectors 3 and 5 and thepresence of gibbon in sectors 5 and 6.
• Significant impact observations included fishing signs and people encountered in morethan half the sectors surveyed.
• No conclusions can be drawn due to scanty data, except there was a major need for moredata and wider coverage, and the number of man-days per record should be reduced.
1997 (tables 3.2 & 3.6, figures 3.5 - 3.8):
• 64 field trips comprising 101 field days were made resulting in 107 records, averaging1.67 records per field trip and 1.06 record per field day. This was achieved in 340 man-days of effort, averaging 3.17 man-days needed for each record.
18
• Compared to 1996, there is an improvement in the number of records per field trip and perfield day, although more effort was expended (number of man-days) per record. This wasmainly due to the fact that most of the records were obtained during by 3-4 person surveyteams.
• Only three sectors were not surveyed, and surveys were carried out in all months. Thisresulted in an average of 4.46 records (range = 1 - 20) for each sector surveyed.
• Significant wildlife observations included the presence of gaur in sectors 5 and 23, tiger insector 5, leopard in sector 11, silvered langur in sectors 5 and 11, and peafowl in sector20. Also, bear species was recorded in almost 40% of the sectors surveyed, gibbon 25%,and other primates (primarily macaques) in at least 30% of the sectors surveyed. Sector 5,however, had more key wildlife records, likely due to the abandonment of rice cultivationnear the mineral lick.
• Significant impact observations included hunting and fishing signs, new clearance andpeople encountered in more than half the sectors surveyed.
• Although there was better coverage in time and space, it was unevenly distributed, andhence there was still a need for more records.
1998 (tables 3.3 & 3.7, figures 3.9 - 3.12):
• 169 field trips comprising 380 field days were made resulting in 346 records, averaging2.05 records per field trip and .91 record per field day. This was achieved in 937 man-daysof effort, averaging 2.71 man-days needed for each record.
• Compared to previous years, there is vast improvement in the number of records per fieldtrip, but a disappointing number of records per day and the number of man-days perrecord. These were primarily because many records were missing from the files (section 3.2) and could not be accounted for, and because there were possibly more persons thanrequired on a daily recording trip.
• Only one sector, sector 22, was not surveyed, but surveys were carried out in all months.This resulted in an average of 13.31 records (range = 3 - 33) for each sector surveyed,with nine sectors having more than 15 records.
• Significant wildlife observations included new records of gaur presence in sevenpreviously unrecorded sectors. Similarly, tiger, bear species, and gibbon were respectivelyrecorded in six, seven and ten previously unrecorded sectors. In ratio to the total recordsthere were significant decreases in the number of gaur and bear records compared to 1997.Previously unrecorded Douc langur were reported in sectors 6 and 12. Sambar deer, wildpig, common muntjak and macaques were recorded in over 80% of the sectors surveyed.Although the distribution of sambar deer, wild pig, common muntjak, and macaques arewidespread, their records are nevertheless less than half of the total, possibly implying alow to moderate relative density.
• Every sector surveyed recorded one form of impact or the other. There was generally asignificant increase in the number of impact records compared to 1997, but only hunting,agriculture, rattan/damar harvesting, and people encountered had showed a true increasein activity, in ratio to the total number of records. In a similar manner, it was observed thatthere was a decrease in fishing, and timber extraction.
19
• New clearance was recorded in less than half the sectors, and there was a significantdecrease compared to 1997.
• There was indeed better coverage compared to previous years, although still unevenlydistributed across sectors and across months. Main conclusion drawn with regard to datacollection is that there should be minimum number of records, possibly six for all sectorsin general, and 12 for the core sectors (sectors with key or denser wildlife, and/or keyhabitats, and/or major threats and impacts).
• With regard to data, frequent and regular data collection is needed to provide a betterpicture of wildlife presence and distribution, and the threats and impacts to wildlife andhabitats.
1999 (until August; tables 3.4 & 3.8, figures 3.13 - 3.16):
• 90 field trips comprising 186 field days were made resulting in 181 records, averaging2.01 records per field trip and .97 record per field day. This was achieved in 468 man-daysof effort, averaging 2.59 man-days needed for each record.
• Compared to the previous year, there is a minor drop in the number of records per fieldtrip, but an improved number of records per field day and a reduction in effort needed perrecord.
• Three sectors, sectors 16, 17 and 22, were not surveyed, and surveys have now beenplanned for these three sectors before the year-end. Surveys were, however, carried out inall months. This resulted in an average of 7.54 records (range = 1 - 17) for each sectorsurveyed, with five sectors having more than 15 records.
• Significant wildlife observations included one new record of gaur in sector 15, but norecords of gaur presence in sector 59. Not much more information could be drawn due toinsufficient records.
• Most sectors surveyed recorded one form of impact or the other. More information is,however, needed.
• Many more records are needed to provide adequate coverage. Hence, patrolling andmonitoring activities should increase threefold for the remaining months of 1999.
1996-1999 (table 3.9; figures 3.17 - 3.20):
• A total of 339 field trips comprising 689 field days were made, resulting in 656 records,averaging 1.94 records per field trip and .95 record per field day. This was achieved in1798 man-days of effort, averaging 2.74 man-days needed for each record.
• More records need to be collected to achieve an average of two records per field trip andone record per field day. Also, the effort taken to obtain one record should be reduced - itshould not take more than two persons to produce a record on any given field day.
• More attention, in terms of data collection, needs to be focused on sectors 4, 6, 12, 13, 16,19, 22 and 27.
9Gaur presence in sector 5 was, however, recorded during the field training A in September-end.
20
• The distribution of most key wildlife species is generally restricted, whereas most of thelarger prey species are widespread, although density appears low to moderate.
• Activities deleterious to wildlife and habitats are widespread.
Monitoring
The data gathering method currently in use at Dong Hua Sao and Phou Xiang Thong NBCAshave been useful in indicating the presence and distribution of species, particularly keyspecies. It has also been useful in recording the type and location of impacts. To a limitedextent, if the records are adequate, it has been able to suggest the relative density (e.g., rare,common, abundant, etc.) of selected species, and the relative intensity of impacts.
If the minimum number of records per annum can be maintained and there is an adequatecoverage in time and space, then it is possible to tell the relative density of species or therelative intensity of impacts with more certainty. Also, more importantly, it can show changesand trends in population size and human activities. Furthermore, if there was a minimum ofone record per week for all sectors, then it might be possible to tell the seasonal movements ofwide-ranging species. This, however, will most likely not be possible at the moment, due tolack of manpower.
Nevertheless, the current data recording system should aim to provide information onpresence, distribution and trends. The main improvement needed is to correctly identifyevidence of key species, and correctly determine their locations, therefore preventing valuableinformation from being discarded. Hence, staff must put in every effort to be good at wildlifesurveys and observations, and the use of map and compass.
Under the current set-up, the minimum requirements for monitoring should include aminimum of one record per field day; a minimum of sixteen records per annum for theproposed ‘core zone’ sectors (sectors 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 21, 22, 23, and 27), and a minimum ofeight records per annum for the other sectors, totaling a minimum of 288 records per annum.The number of records in 1988 has shown that this is possible. Also to provide adequatecoverage over time. Monthly, there should be at least two records for the core sectors, and onerecord for the other sectors, totaling 432 records per annum. This is again possible, if thenumber of man-days per record is reduced to two.
21
Table 3.1: Number of records by sector and month for Dong Hua Sao NBCA in 1996Sector Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total123 2 245 4 2 1 76 2 27 1 2 38 1 19 1 110 1 1 21112131415161718 1 11920212223 1 124 1 12526 1 127Total 6 1 2 5 8 22
22
Figure 3.1 No. of Field Trips/Sector in 1996
01234
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
SectorN
o. o
f Trip
s
Figure 3. 2 No. of Records/Sector in 1996
02468
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sector
No.
of R
ecor
ds
Figure 3.3 No. of Field Days/Sector in 1996
0
5
10
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sector
No.
of D
ays
Figure 3. 4 No. of Man Days/Sector in 1996
0
5
10
15
20
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sector
No.
of M
an D
ays
23
Table 3.2: Number of records by sector and month for Dong Hua Sao NBCA in 1997Sector Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total1 1 1 22 1 1 23 2 24 2 2 45 2 18 2067 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 138 2 1 3 1 79 1 1 210 1 1 1 311 1 7 812 1 113 2 1 314 1 2 315 3 31617 1 1 218 1 2 1 41920 3 321 2 222 1 123 1 1 2 424 1 1 2 425 1 1 1 326 1 1 3 2 727 4 4Total 1 7 8 10 15 8 1 6 4 3 24 20 107
24
Figure 3.5 No. of Field Trips/Sector in 1997
05
1015
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
SectorN
o. o
f Trip
s
Figure 3.6 No. of Records/Sector in 1997
0
10
20
30
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sector
No.
of R
ecor
ds
Figure 3.7 No. of Field Days/Sector in 1997
0
5
10
15
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sector
No.
of D
ays
Figure 3.8 No. of Man-Days/Sector in 1997
0
50
100
150
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sector
No.
of M
an-D
ays
25
Table 3.3: Number of records by sector and month for Dong Hua Sao NBCA in 1998Sector Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total1 1 2 1 6 102 1 4 3 3 6 173 2 4 5 2 2 154 4 1 2 75 2 4 2 2 4 3 2 4 2 5 306 1 2 4 77 4 3 3 6 3 1 9 2 2 338 2 4 3 7 1 2 199 1 2 3 1 1 810 1 2 1 3 711 3 2 3 812 2 1 1 3 2 913 2 2 414 2 2 1 3 2 2 1215 1 1 1 316 1 3 417 3 3 3 4 3 1618 2 1 7 2 2 1419 2 5 720 5 1 3 5 1 2 1721 1 3 4 6 142223 1 2 2 2 4 4 7 5 2724 5 5 3 3 1 6 7 3025 2 1 1 5 3 2 4 1826 3 3 627 4 4Total 8 23 26 7 19 14 25 42 36 57 51 38 346
26
Figure 3.9 No. of Field Trips/Sector in 1998
0
10
20
30
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
SectorN
o. o
f Trip
s
Figure 3. 10 No. of Records/Sector in 1998
010203040
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sector
No.
of R
ecor
ds
Figure 3.11 No. of Field Days/Sector in 1998
0
10
20
30
40
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sector
No.
of D
ays
Figure 3.12 No. of Man-Days/Sector in 1998
0
20
40
60
80
100
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sector
No.
of M
an-D
ays
27
Table 3.4 Number of records by sector and month for Dong Hua Sao NBCA in 1999 (untilAugust 1999)
Sector Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Total1 1 1 3 1 4 102 1 1 1 33 2 3 54 2 25 2 2 46 3 1 47 2 1 2 5 2 5 178 2 1 1 4 2 5 159 4 3 3 3 2 2 1710 2 1 2 2 2 911 1 3 5 912 1 113 2 214 4 415 10 10161718 1 6 719 1 3 420 4 8 3 2 1721 1 2 6 92223 6 1 5 4 1624 1 2 2 1 625 2 2 426 2 227 4 4Total 39 28 12 19 21 25 10 27 181
28
Figure 3.13 No. of Field Trips/Sector in 1999;until Aug. '99
0
5
10
15
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
SectorN
o. o
f Trip
s
Figure 3.14 No. of Records/Sector in 1999; until Aug. '99
0
5
10
15
20
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sector
No.
of R
ecor
ds
Figure 3. 15 No. of Field Days/Sector in 1999; until Aug. '99
0
5
10
15
20
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sector
No.
of D
ays
Figure 3.16 No. of Man Days/Sector in 1999; until Aug' 99
0
20
40
60
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sector
No.
of M
an D
ays
29
Table 3.5 Summarized sector records for Dong Hua Sao NBCA for 1996
Summarized sector records for 1996 Sector 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 TotalTotal No. of records 2 7 2 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 22ElephantGaur 2 3 5SerowSambar deer 1 1 1 1 4TigerLeopardSmall cat spp. 1 1Bear spp.DholeRed-cheeked gibbon 1 1 2Douc langurSilvered langurOther primate spp. 1 1 2Wild pig 1 2 3Muntjak 2 2PeafowlAnhinga/Stork spp.Hornbill spp. 1 1Water dragonVaranus spp.CrocodilePythonCobra spp.Hunting signs 2 1 1 4Destructive huntingFishing signs 2 3 3 1 1 1 11Destructive fishingTree-cutting 1 1 1 3Livestock grazingNew clearanceAgriculture 1 1 2Road constructionIrrigation canalsMalva extractionRattan/Damar 1 2 1 4Yaang oilGaharu wood 1 1People encountered 1 4 2 1 1 1 1 11
30
Table 3.6 Summarized sector records for Dong Hua Sao NBCA for 1997
Summarized sector records for 1997Sector 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 TotalTotal No. of records 2 2 2 4 20 13 7 2 3 8 1 3 3 3 2 4 3 2 1 4 4 3 7 4 107ElephantGaur 10 1 11Serow 1 1 1 3Sambar deer 9 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 1 22Tiger 5 5Leopard 1 1Small cat spp. 1 1Bear spp. 1 5 1 3 1 1 2 1 3 18Dhole 1 1Red-cheeked gibbon 1 3 1 1 1 3 10Douc langurSilvered langur 1 1 2Other primate spp. 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 11Wild pig 1 15 1 1 3 1 1 3 2 28Muntjak 12 1 1 1 1 2 18Peafowl 1 1Anhinga/Stork spp. 1 1 1 3Hornbill spp.Water dragon 3 3Varanus spp. 1 1CrocodilePythonCobra spp.Hunting signs 2 1 1 5 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 17Destructive hunting 5 3 1 1 10Fishing signs 2 2 4 3 5 5 1 3 1 1 1 2 2 1 33Destructive fishing 1 1Tree-cutting 2 1 3 1 1 1 2 4 2 17Livestock grazing 1 1 1 3New clearance 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 15Agriculture 1 2 7 7 17Road constructionIrrigation canalsMalva extraction 1 1Rattan/Damar 1 3 1 2 1 8Yaang oilGaharu wood 1 2 3People encountered 1 1 2 3 4 8 5 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 4 3 2 42
31
Table 3.7 Summarized sector records for Dong Hua Sao NBCA for 1998
Summarized sector records for 1998Sector 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 TotalTotal No. of records 10 17 15 7 30 7 33 19 8 7 8 9 4 12 3 4 16 14 7 17 14 27 30 18 6 4 346ElephantGaur 1 2 7 2 1 2 1 3 19Serow 1 2 2 4 1 4 14Sambar deer 8 5 21 2 4 3 2 4 7 1 1 11 1 1 6 4 2 7 6 15 15 4 130Tiger 1 2 6 3 1 2 1 16Leopard 1 1Small cat spp. 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 3 1 3 3 3 1 24Bear spp. 2 3 1 5 3 2 1 2 3 2 1 1 26Dhole 3 3Red-cheeked gibbon 3 1 2 4 5 1 4 4 1 2 3 2 2 1 1 36Douc langur 1 1 2Silvered langur 1 1Other primate spp. 1 3 5 2 7 4 1 1 2 3 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 3 1 45Wild pig 2 6 3 3 22 7 7 5 2 2 5 7 2 7 2 1 6 5 1 10 6 15 14 14 6 2 162Muntjak 1 5 6 20 2 6 2 2 1 2 1 7 1 2 3 6 3 10 4 5 11 5 2 2 109Peafowl 1 1 2Anhinga/Stork spp. 4 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 13Hornbill spp. 1 1 3 2 1 8Water dragon 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 15Varanus spp. 1 2 7 2 1 13CrocodilePython 1 1 2Cobra spp. 1 1 1 3Hunting signs 5 3 7 6 1 5 2 3 1 1 2 1 3 5 1 5 7 2 2 1 1 64Destructive hunting 2 4 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 16Fishing signs 2 2 3 2 5 10 3 2 2 2 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 44Destructive fishing 1 1 1 3Tree-cutting 2 2 1 2 5 1 1 1 3 6 5 1 1 1 32Livestock grazing 4 2 1 1 5 3 1 17New clearance 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 16Agriculture 20 25 13 9 3 70Road construction 2 2 1 5Irrigation canalsMalva extraction 1 1 1 3Rattan/Damar 1 2 8 3 9 1 17 3 3 1 2 8 1 59Yaang oil 0Gaharu wood 1 3 1 5People encountered 8 5 5 13 2 24 10 6 3 4 1 4 2 1 9 10 4 12 15 12 11 3 2 3 169
32
Table 3.8 Summarized sector records for Dong Hua Sao NBCA for 1999 (until August1999)
Summarized sector records for 1999 (until Aug. 1999)Sector 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 TotalTotal No. of records 10 3 5 2 4 4 17 15 17 9 9 1 2 4 10 7 4 17 9 16 6 4 2 4 181ElephantGaur 1 1 2Serow 1 1Sambar deer 3 1 1 1 1 4 8 4 6 1 2 7 1 2 5 12 1 60Tiger 1 2 1 4Leopard 1 1Small cat spp. 1 1 3 1 2 8Bear spp. 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 11Dhole 1 1Red-cheeked gibbon 1 1 2 1 3 1 2 11Douc langurSilvered langurOther primate spp. 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 3 2 1 21Wild pig 1 1 1 2 1 5 5 1 2 1 2 1 5 5 2 3 1 2 41Muntjak 3 1 1 3 2 2 2 1 2 2 3 1 1 24Peafowl 3 3Anhinga/Stork spp. 1 1 5 7Hornbill spp. 1 1 1 3Water dragon 1 1 2Varanus spp. 1 2 3CrocodilePython 1 1Cobra spp. 1 1 2 4Hunting signs 2 1 1 1 2 3 1 1 4 1 2 2 1 22Destructive hunting 1 2 1 2 1 1 8Fishing signs 1 1 2 1 6 4 1 1 1 3 5 1 27Destructive fishing 1 1 2Tree-cutting 3 1 2 6 1 1 1 15Livestock grazing 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 10New clearance 2 2 4 2 1 1 1 2 3 18Agriculture 14 3 2 4 23Road constructionIrrigation canalsMalva extraction 1 1Rattan/Damar 4 1 2 1 11 5 6 5 2 1 2 40Yaang oilGaharu woodPeople encountered 5 2 1 2 1 15 9 5 4 5 1 1 2 5 13 6 3 2 3 2 4 91
33
Table 3.9 Summarized sector records for Dong Hua Sao NBCA for 1996 - 1999 (untilAugust 1999)
Summarized sector records for 1996-999 (until Aug. 1999)Sector 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 TotalTotal No. of records 22 22 24 13 61 13 66 42 28 21 25 11 9 19 16 4 18 26 11 37 25 1 48 41 25 16 12 656ElephantGaur 1 2 2 20 2 1 2 2 1 3 1 37Serow 2 2 3 4 1 1 4 1 18Sambar deer 3 8 7 1 32 3 5 7 10 10 19 1 2 14 9 1 6 5 2 9 12 29 17 4 216Tiger 1 2 2 7 6 3 1 2 1 25Leopard 1 2 3Small cat spp. 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 6 1 3 3 4 3 34Bear spp. 2 3 3 11 4 3 2 1 6 1 1 6 2 1 2 1 1 1 4 55Dhole 1 4 5Red-cheeked gibbon 4 2 4 7 8 2 5 4 0 1 4 2 3 1 3 2 4 3 59Douc langur 1 1 2Silvered langur 1 1 1 3Other primate spp. 1 3 10 3 12 5 2 1 2 3 6 6 1 4 4 1 1 2 3 1 2 3 3 79Wild pig 3 8 4 3 40 9 9 10 7 4 10 7 2 8 4 1 6 6 1 16 6 1 23 16 17 7 6 234Muntjak 4 6 6 1 34 5 7 4 4 1 5 1 8 3 2 3 6 5 14 5 5 12 5 2 5 153Peafowl 1 5 6Anhinga/Stork spp. 5 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 7 1 23Hornbill spp. 1 2 1 3 1 2 1 1 12Water dragon 1 2 4 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 20Varanus spp. 1 2 1 8 2 2 1 17CrocodilePython 1 1 1 3Cobra spp. 1 2 2 1 1 7Hunting signs 9 4 7 1 10 1 11 3 6 3 3 1 2 3 1 3 6 2 10 8 4 6 1 1 1 107Destructive hunting 1 2 9 5 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 34Fishing signs 5 3 7 6 13 1 24 9 8 4 3 4 3 8 1 3 1 5 4 1 1 1 115Destructive fishing 1 1 1 1 1 1 6Tree-cutting 7 3 2 3 10 1 6 1 1 1 2 1 5 11 6 3 1 1 1 1 67Livestock grazing 6 4 1 1 1 2 6 5 1 1 2 30New clearance 2 1 5 4 5 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 2 2 6 5 2 1 49Agriculture 1 35 27 16 19 14 112Road construction 2 2 1 5Irrigation canalsMalva extraction 2 1 1 1 5Rattan/Damar 5 2 10 4 13 2 31 10 9 7 3 4 10 1 111Yaang oilGaharu wood 1 4 1 1 2 9People encountered 14 8 9 3 23 3 49 25 12 7 10 2 2 6 4 1 9 18 4 25 21 1 17 17 6 8 9 313
34
Figure 3.17 Total No. of Field Trips/Sector (1996-1999)
0
20
40
60
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sectors
No.
of T
rips
Figure 3.18 Total No. of Records/Sector (1996-1999)
0
20
40
60
80
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sector
No.
of R
ecor
ds
Figure 3.20 Total No. of Man-Days/Sector (1996-1999)
0
50
100
150
200
250
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sector
No.
of M
an-D
ays
1196
Figure 3.19 Total no. of Field Days/Sector (1996-1999)
0
20
40
60
80
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Sector
No.
of D
ays
35
4. CONCLUDING DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 IntroductionProlonged and repeated on-the-job field training is possibly the only way to equip protectedarea and associated conservation staff with the basic skills and experience required toimplement field management activities. Training A was designed to provide the most basic offield techniques; easily understood and practical, yet essential for protected area management.Furthermore, these techniques require a minimal of monetary input. The primary aim of thistraining was to strengthen the capacity of the staff in gathering quality data towards themanagement and protection of the reserve through the collection of basic information on thewildlife and impact. Training B was designed to carry forward the processes initiated in the97/98 training, with the aim of advancing their capacity towards analyzing, interpreting alldata gathered until date and using the results to draw tentative conclusions and plan activitiesaccordingly.
4.2 DiscussionAn important feature of all training programs, be it in field techniques or analysis, there mustbe a component of ‘on-the-job’, carrying out actual activities. It is only in this manner thatone can hope to build the capacity of the protected area staff. Observations made during thistraining exercise and earlier ones showed that training and capacity building of protected areastaff could only be achieved through intensive long-term support accompanied by appliedtraining with refresher sessions. Such training and capacity building are likely to besignificantly more effective when provided systematically over a period of several yearswithin each protected area, rather than delivered in a centralized ‘one-off’ training event,which may not be adequately absorbed or acted on. However, given the short duration of thisfollow-up exercise, it now depends on the head of the NBCAs to provide the necessaryleadership and motivation. Likewise, it is equally important that the staff translate the skillsacquired into meaningful activities, carrying forward the processes initiated during this andthe earlier exercise.
Also, it is imperative that the Heads of the NBCAs, relevant district and provincial authoritiesseriously regard the efforts of the patrolling and monitoring staff, lest all efforts at capacitybuilding and conservation are defeated. The district authorities should immediately act uponthe offenses referred to them by the NBCA. That is, the district authorities must fulfill theirpart in maintaining the integrity of the NBCA, and carry out the responsibilities bestowedupon them.
Observations made and results obtained during Training A and B have shown that a singletraining session alone cannot guarantee that staff will be proficient at the skills acquired.Regular reinforcement and supervision is needed to allow the staff to further improve theirskills and to ensure that the quality of data gathered is maintained. Although a follow-uptraining exercise was planned for February 1999, approximately a year after the 97/98training, it wasn’t until September 1999 that it could be carried out. This was due tobureaucratic problems. As a result, the deterioration in the quality of data collected could notbe arrested earlier, hence losing much important information essential towards themanagement of the NBCA.
With regard to data collection, 1998 has shown that it was possible to achieve 346 records in12 months of patrolling and monitoring activity. Thus, at least 29 records per month, and atleast one record per sector per month, or 13 records per sector per annum can be expected. In1996 it was possible to collect one record for every field day, therefore using 1988 as a
36
yardstick, it should be possible to gather at least 380 records for 1998. Also, aiming for aneffort of not more than two man-days per record, it should theoretically be possible to gather469 records for 1998, or 39 records per month, or 17 records per sector per annum.
Thus, based on these observations and assumptions, there should be between 13 to 17 recordsper sector per annum. However, as there is a need to focus on the proposed core sectors andsectors with key and/or abundant wildlife and habitat, and facing serious threats and impacts,then it is estimated that there should be at least 8 records for other sectors, and at least 16records for the core/key sectors. Furthermore, with a patrolling and monitoring staff of nine(in DHS), each member should spend at least eight days a month in the field, but should aimfor 15 days a month to be truly productive.
4.3 RecommendationsTraining & Training Needs:
• Whenever possible, training should be carried out in the Lao language without aninterpreter. Rapport between the instructor and the trainees cannot be easily and quicklyachieved with the use of an interpreter. Much information would also be ‘lost’ duringinterpretation or misinterpreted, and in even worse situations, misinterpretation could leadto animosity towards the instructor.
• Instructors should partake in the activities that follow any training program, to guide theprocess of translating skills acquired by the trainees into meaningful activities, and toallow any queries to be resolved on the spot.
• Future training programs and activities should be carried out along similar lines, andrepeated annually for three continuous years. This will not only reinforce the staff’scapability, but will also allow them to learn other skills still unfamiliar to them and/orneeded for the changing needs of the NBCAs. Furthermore, repetitive ‘on-the-job’training will allow wildlife, habitats, impact and data gathered to be monitored andassessed, besides maintaining some continuity in developing skills of protected area staff.
• It is important that all members of the NBCA, including the Heads and the extension unit,participate in all training and occasionally field activities carried out in the NBCA, to givethem a better understanding of the NBCA’s objectives and assist them in managing theNBCA better.
• Training programs could be extended to include staff of PAFO10 and DAFOs11, andinstructors and students from Lao institutions of tertiary learning. Exposure of this typewould provide a better understanding of the NBCA, the NBCA’s objectives, and theactivities needed to achieve those objectives. Also, it will assist the PAFO and DAFOstaff in their day to day duties. It will prepare students from relevant fields for futureconservation work in the country, and provide ‘materials’ for instructors to introduceconservation-related courses in the institutions.
• There must be an obligation among the senior staff to train newly employed staff orreinforce weaker ones. A formal training could be carried out with the staff of Dong HuaSao and Phou Xiang Thong NBCAs, whereby one or two selected senior staff can take thelead in instructions. Topics need be limited to map and compass use, wildlife and impact
10PAFO = Provincial Agricultural and Forestry Office.11DAFO = District Agricultural and Forestry Office.
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survey, data recording and field craft. This could be carried out with three days in theclassroom and five nights in the field, particularly in areas those lack adequateinformation. Such exercise can be repeated every quarterly, or at least twice a year. As atest case, an exercise along these lines should be carried out before the year-end.
Patrols:
• Patrolling activities should be carried out regularly but randomly in both time and space,so as not to familiarize poachers with the patrolling schedule and routes.
• Patrolling teams should submit their reports including data recording sheets immediatelyon return to the NBCA’s headquarters, so that actions, if needed, could be followed upand the reports properly filed.
• The appointed persons should scrutinize all reports to ensure that details are not lackingand to ensure the continuity in quality.
• Patrols should focus in proposed core zone sectors and sectors having key wildlife speciesand habitats, and major human impact.
Monitoring:
• Monitoring should be carried out throughout the NBCA to provide an overall assessment,but focus in proposed core zone sectors and sectors having key wildlife species andhabitats, and major human impact.
• There should be a minimum of 16 records per sector per annum for the core sectors, and aminimum of eight records per sector per annum for the remainder sectors. Data collectingshould, however, aim for two records per sector per month for core/key sectors and onerecord per sector per month for other sectors.
• Records should be reviewed on a quarterly basis to observe changes or trends on selectedcriteria, and appropriate plans should be made and activities implemented.
Enforcement:
• The offices of the district governors and DAFOs must fulfill their commitments inarresting the rapid loss of biodiversity and natural resources by taking immediate actionon the offenders, setting examples to would-be offenders. Also, severe punishment shouldbe taken against members of government agencies who indulge in such offenses.
• Extension assistance to Ban Houay Namphak should be suspended with immediate effectuntil the villagers stop committing further acts of destruction towards the integrity of theNBCA. Similar actions should be taken against other settlements receiving extensionassistance if they are not able to abide by the ‘mutually-agreed upon’ village rules andregulations, and the protected area’s laws.
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4.4 ConclusionThe management needs of the Dong Hua Sao and Phou Xiang Thong NBCAs, not unlikemany other protected areas in the region have to address and satisfy the needs of the peopleusing the NBCA. This is not an easy task to accomplish, given the fact that humancommunities living in and around the protected areas are often socio-economicallybackwards. Their limited options to generate income, and low, declining agriculturalproductivity have resulted in an unsustainable exploitation of forest resources. Nevertheless,only though a joint and concentrated effort, involving all the stakeholders, and through anintegrated conservation and development program, can possible solutions be found to preventfurther loss of natural resources. These settlements, however, upon receiving extensionassistance must comply to the mutually-agreed-upon village regulations, and adhere to theprotected area’s rules in exchange for the assistance received.
Even with extension assistance, the reserve must still carry out traditional protected areaactivities - patrols, monitoring and law enforcement, which are important and very muchneeded. These activities should preferably be carried out jointly with the stakeholdercommunities, hence encouraging and ultimately achieving participatory management of thereserve.
Equally important is to continue building the staff’s capacity and capability to continuewhatever positive processes initiated by past, present and future conservation anddevelopment activities.
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LITERATURE CITEDBerkmuller, K., S. Southammakoth and V. Vongphet. 1995. Protected Area System Planning
and Management in Lao PDR: Status Report to mid-1995. IUCN/LSFP, Vientiane.
Boonratana, R. 1997. A state-wide survey to estimate the density of the Sumatran rhinoceros,Asian elephant and banteng in Sabah. Wildlife Conservation Society, New York.
Boonratana, R. 1998. Wildlife survey training at Dong Hua Sao and Phou Xiang ThongNational Biodiversity Conservation Areas. IUCN/BCP, Vientiane/Pakse.
King, B, M. Woodcock, and E.C. Dickinson. 1991. A Field Guide to the Birds of South-EastAsia. Collins, London.
Lekagul, B. and J. A. McNeely. 1977. Mammals of Thailand. Saha Karn Bhaet Co., Ltd.,Bangkok.
Lekagul, B. and P.D. Round. 1991. A Guide to the Birds of Thailand. Saha Karn Bhaet Co.,Ltd., Bangkok.
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Appendix I: Terms of Reference
Background
Gathering information from within the protected area regularly and systematically is animportant element of the management strategy pursued under the Biodiversity ConservationProject at the protected areas Dong Hua Sao (DHS) and Phou Xiang Thong (PXT).
An information gathering system has been established for the sector-wise collection and filingof data. The system is meant to provide information on presence/absence of key wildlifespecies and evidence of land and resource use by people. The information allows us to take amore differentiated view on type, severity and distribution of problems.
If collected with sufficient rigor, the data would further allow us to monitor habitat conditionand the continued presence of selected key species. In the future it may even be possible toinfer population trends. Towards this end, the continuing improvement of the data gatheringprocess and increasing the quality and quantity of the data has high priority.
Patrolling staff has had training in field craft and wildlife survey techniques, which resulted ina marked improvement of data collecting. These staff would benefit greatly from refreshertraining while newly employed staff need training in field craft, and map and compass use.Most training will take place in the field in DHS.
Expectations
The instructor will design and conduct two types of training.
The focus of the first training is on field craft, on basic map reading and compass use, onobserving and recording evidence of impacts and wildlife in the field. As a result all patrollingstaff will be able to plan a patrolling trip, orient themselves in the field, indicate their positionon a map and collect/record usable data.
The second training will focus on data analysis and its use in monitoring. As a result, thesenior staff in the patrolling units will be able to produce informative reports cross referencedto sector maps. They will have learned and practiced to search sector data for a specificinformation and present it in the form of graphs and thematic maps.
Lastly we expect the instructor to recommend minimum requirements regarding quality andquantity of data with respect to drawing conclusions about key species for use in themonitoring system.
Assignment Details
We are seeking the services of trainers from the region for a period of 6 weeks to organizeand conduct two training events (training A and B) as outlined below and listed in theattached assignment schedule.
Training A: is mainly for new patrolling staff. It concentrates on field craft, using map andcompass, and recording observations. Senior patrolling staff will function as instructorassistants for training A. There are two periods of field work from a base camp.
Training B: is meant for the senior patrolling staff and it focuses on sector data analysis, dataquality, data presentation, and the use of findings in management planning and monitoring.The senior patrolling staff, field directors and other selected staff will participate. The second
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training will be immediately followed by a 7 day period for supervised review of old reportsand preparation of data summaries also presented on maps.
The trainees will begin each field work period with a clear understanding of what they areexpected to learn and how. The trainer will brief trainees daily and give a critique of eachday’s work. He/she will ensure that each trainee has specific responsibilities and provideindividual feedback on how the respective training is doing. The instructor will keep notes onprogress, strengths and weaknesses of each trainee.
The assignment will conclude with a final training session reflecting on the work done and abriefing for officials from the province. Selected trainees are expected to give shortpresentations about their experience and what they learned. The final report should, apartfrom a general review of the training, offer constructive criticism of the established datagathering procedures and their suitability for the monitoring of selected key species andhabitat condition, preferably by the local people. A confidential report must be submittedseparately giving an assessment of individual trainee performance.
Qualifications
The previous wildlife survey training has had very satisfactory results. We recommend tocontact the instructor for this training, Dr. Ramesh Boonratana, to undertake this follow-upassignment.
• Bachelor degree or higher in relevant natural science subject.
• Several years of experience in wildlife survey work preferably in Lao PDR and in theregion.
• Familiarity with wildlife survey techniques and the application of survey information tomanagement.
• Extensive experience in conducting wildlife and habitat survey training.
• Fluency in Lao/Thai
• Familiarity with mammals and birds is a decided advantage.
• Willingness to work in the field under difficult conditions.
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Appendix II: Consultant’s Itinerary
Date ActivitiesAug. 29 PM: Arrive Vientiane.Aug. 30 Initial preparations at IUCN office [Note: Flight for Pakse fully booked for
the day].Aug. 31 AM: Arrive Pakse. Discussions with Padith (Head of DHS NBCA).
PM: Proceeded to DHS field station. Introductions to some trainees, andpreliminary preparatory discussions.
Sep. 1 Training delayed due to late arrival of PXT staff.Sep. 2-4 Training ASep. 5 Brief review of sector data & station clean-up. [Note: trainees rest day]Sep. 6-24 Training BSep. 6 PM: Introductory meeting Mr. On Keo (Head of PAFO)Sep. 6-11 Training BSep. 12 Review organized and compiled data. [Note: trainees rest day]Sep. 13-18 Training BSep. 19 Review analyzed data [Note: trainees rest day]Sep. 20-23 Training BSep. 20 AM: First briefing for field tripSep. 24 Debriefing for Training B: Discussions, final analysis, tentative conclusions,
& tentative plans for future patrolling & monitoring activitiesSep. 25-30 Field training A to DHS.Sep. 30-Oct. 9 Report write-up in Pakse.Oct. 7 Presentation at PAFO.Oct. 9 Assignment terminates. Depart for Vientiane.