sangay, t. and wangchuk, t. 2005. tiger action plan for ... · sangay, t. and wangchuk, t. 2005....

Sangay, T. and Wangchuk, T. 2005. Tiger Action Plan for the Kingdom of Bhutan 2006-2015. Report: 1-46. Nature Conservation Division, Department of Forest, Ministry of Agriculture, Royal Government of Bhutan.

Keywords: 4BT/action plan/CCT/cct_ap/conservation/distribution/history/human-carnivore conflict/Panthera tigris/poaching/policy/protected area/public awareness/public education/status/strategy/threats/tiger/trade

Abstract: In this Tiger Action Plan we present our endeavour to safeguard and conserve the majestic tiger and its habitat in the country. While this plan is the culmination of the outputs from the Tiger Conference held in September 2004, and inputs from various Bhutanese and foreign experts, it is the beginning of a strategic and planned effort to enhance existing conservation programs and activities. The ultimate goal of the Action Plan is to maintain a viable interconnected population of breeding tigers in Bhutan, a population existing predominately on wild prey with minimal conflict between humans and tigers. We hope to achieve the above goal through three major areas of focus, namely: species conservation, habitat conservation, and human wildlife conflict management. The fourth section focuses on creating an enabling environment for achieving this goal through education and awareness, regional cooperation and human resource development. A Budget for the activities is given.

Notes: also in RefID:6249 GTF_2007_Action_Tiger.pdf

Nature Conservation DivisionDepartment of Forests

Ministry of AgricultureRoyal Government of Bhutan

TIGERACTION PLAN

FOR THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN 2006-2015

In collaboration with WWF Bhutan Program

TIGER ACTION PLAN FOR THEKINGDOM OF BHUTAN

2006-2015

In collaboration with

Nature Conservation DivisionDepartment of ForestsMinistry of Agriculture

Royal Government of Bhutan

WWF Bhutan Program Save The Tiger Fund

© 2005Nature Conservation DivisionDepartment of ForestsMinistry of AgricultureRoyal Government of Bhutan

ISBN 99936-666-0-2

Compiled by:

Tiger Sangay

Tshewang Wangchuk

CONTENTS

Foreword by His Excellency, Lyonpo Sangay NgedupMinister of Agriculture, Royal Government of Bhutan vAcknowledgement viExecutive Summary vii

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. STATUS OF TIGER CONSERVATION IN BHUTAN 32.1. Tiger Conservation Program 32.2. Tiger Population and Distribution 52.3. National and Global Significance 5

3. OPPORTUNITIES 83.1. Extensive Habitat 83.2. Legislation 93.3. Inaccessible Habitat and Wide Tiger Distribution 93.4. Pro-conservation Development Strategy and Stable Political Conditions 9

4 KEY THREATS 104.1. Commercial Poaching and Wildlife Trade 104.2. Fragmentation of Habitat 104.3. Reconciling Tiger Conservation And Human Needs 114.4. Lack of Public Awareness on Tiger Conservation Issues 124.5. Inadequate Database and Data Management 134.6. Lack of Trained Manpower 13

5. ACTION PLAN 145.1. Goal 155.2. Objectives 15

A. Species Conservation 16B. Habitat Conservation 18C. Human Wildlife Conflict Management 20D. Education and Awareness Program 22E. Regional Cooperation 22F. Human Resources Development 23

6. BUDGET AND WORKPLAN 25

REFERENCE 32

ANNEXURE 1- LIST OF PARTICIPANTS 33

ANNEXURE 2 - HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT 35

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B H U T A N T I G E R A C T I O N P L A N 2 0 0 6 - 2 0 1 5

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Guru Rinpoche brought Buddhism to Bhutan riding on the back of a flying tigress. The tiger isone of our four protector animals in the "Tag Seng Chung Druk" quartet (the other three animalsbeing the mythical snow lion, garuda and dragon). Thus the tiger is a symbol of great reverencein Bhutanese society. Ecologically, it stands at the top of the food chain, and its presence in theforest symbolizes the well-being of many other species living with it. For all these reasons, thesurvival of the tiger is vital for the very existence of every Bhutanese.

It gives me immense pleasure to introduce the 'Tiger Action Plan for the Kingdom of Bhutan 2006-2015' that was put together by Bhutanese and international tiger experts during a meeting inParo from 14-16 September 2004. The content of the Tiger Action Plan (TAP) was discussedduring the conference and post-conference consultations with some of the world's best tigerexperts. This document is the synthesis of their wisdom, knowledge and expertise, and signifiesyet another commitment by the Royal Government of Bhutan towards tiger conservation.

The TAP has three main components viz. species conservation, habitat conservation and human-wildlife conflict management. It outlines some of the enabling environments which are necessaryfor its successful implementation. Environmental integrity is one of the four pillars of "GrossNational Happiness", our development philosophy instituted by His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo.Successful implementation of the TAP will no doubt contribute significantly towards this. Ensuringthe tiger's survival in the wild means protecting its habitat, prey species and a myriad of otherspecies, ecosystems and processes.

I want to express my thanks to the Save the Tiger Fund, and our long-time conservation partner,WWF, for rendering assistance in this venture. Many thanks also go to all the international andBhutanese participants at the meeting for putting this important document together.

I wish the Department of Forests every success in the implementation of the TAP, and in ensuringthat future generations of Bhutanese will continue to hear the tiger roar in the pristine forests ofBhutan, in very natural conditions of abundant habitat and prey.

Tashi Delek.

Sangay NgedupMinisterMinistry of Agriculture

FOREWORD

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are grateful to H.E. Hon'ble Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup, Minister of Agriculture for hisforeword that exemplifies his continued support for conservation.

We would like to acknowledge numerous persons, particularly the participants of theInternational Conference held in Paro from 14-16 September 2004, for their valuablecomments and assistance received in shaping this important document - the Tiger ActionPlan (TAP). Additional comments were received from AJT. Johnsingh, Ullas Karanth, FrancineMadden, Tim O’Brien, John Seidensticker, Tshewang Wangchuk, Per Wegge, and EricWikramanayake from the international participants; Sangay Wangchuk, Karma Tshering, DekiYonten, Ngawang Norbu, Sherub, Sonam Choden, Nagdrel Lhamo, Bap Pema of NCD, TashiWangchuk of the Bhutan Museum of Natural History and Kinzang Namgay, Chado Tenzinand Vijay Moktan of WWF Bhutan added more comments in the discussions that followed.

Tiger Sangay of NCD compiled all the materials from the Tiger Conference in Paro and putthis document together. Tshewang Wangchuk of WWF International was instrumental inrefining the contents of the TAP and Trishna Gurung of WWF International assisted in editingand layout of the document at FORMAT Graphics. The maps were produced with help fromKinley Gyeltshen and Kinga Deki of NCD. Kuensel, WWF, Bhutan Museum of Natural History,and NCD provided the photographs. Save the Tiger Fund and WWF provided financial andtechnical assistance for the meeting that has made this document possible.

The Nature Conservation Division and WWF wish to thank these individuals, agencies, andall the participants of the meeting who contributed materials and support for this documentin various capacities.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Bhutan is fortunate to have extensive forest area with approximately 35 percent of the countryset aside in protected areas linked by biological corridors. While we are proud of our richbiodiversity, we also recognize that wildlife and human needs have to be reconciled. Inthis Tiger Action Plan we present our endeavour to safeguard and conserve the majestictiger and its habitat in the country. While this plan is the culmination of the outputs fromthe Tiger Conference held in September 2004, and inputs from various Bhutanese andforeign experts, it is the beginning of a strategic and planned effort to enhance existingconservation programs and activities.

Recognizing existing opportunities and threats, this ten-year Action Plan takes intoconsideration some of the country’s important commitments such as maintaining 60 percentforest cover, and the “middle path” approach to conservation. At the same time we hope toaddress one of the most crucial constraints to effective management and conservation ofrich biodiversity, the lack of detailed information on many aspect of biodiversity

The ultimate goal of the Action Plan is to maintain a viable interconnected population ofbreeding tigers in Bhutan, a population existing predominately on wild prey with minimalconflict between humans and tigers. We hope to achieve the above goal through threemajor areas of focus, namely: species conservation, habitat conservation, and human wildlifeconflict management. The fourth section focuses on creating an enabling environment forachieving this goal through education and awareness, regional cooperation and humanresource development. The main areas of focus for the initiation of the ecological studycomponent of the program are in Royal Manas, Jigme Singye Wangchuck and Jigme DorjiNational Parks. This contiguous tract of the Bhutan Biological Conservation Complex spansfrom the sub-tropical forests to alpine meadows. Once these areas are covered activitieswill be replicated in other areas.

The first theme, species conservation, focuses on developing field based information throughvarious survey methods, suppression of killing of tiger and prey species, and halting theillegal trade of tiger parts and products and other endangered wildlife.

The second theme, habitat conservation, focuses on assessing the status of tiger and preyhabitat, monitoring changes over time and identifying and resolving existing conflict landuse policies affecting tiger and prey habitat through several means. This information will beused to develop a national “conservation radar” that will inform decision makers on impending

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threats well in time.

The third theme, human wildlife conflict management, will focus on determining the maincauses of livestock depredation and reducing retaliatory killing through preventive andmitigative measures as well as incentives.

To further enhance these three focus areas, enabling factors such as education andawareness programs for various stakeholders and audiences, regional cooperation to reducetrans-boundary poaching and trade, and human resource development through increase innumber of adequately trained staff will be carried out.

At the end of these ten years we will have developed a database on tiger and ungulateprey population status and acquired enough information on the ecology, demography,movement patterns and behavior of tigers in the selected sites. We will be able to confidentlyinform decision makers whether tiger and prey numbers are increasing or decreasing inparticular locations as well as the cause of such changes. Where human wildlife conflictsare the cause of the demise of tigers, mitigative measures will have been tested and adopted.

Research projects concerned with tiger ecology, prey species and habitat conditions willbe embarked upon and through experience, we hope to be able to exchange informationwith other international experts and scientists to further enhance our conservation programs.

Honourable Minister for Agriculture H.E. Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup with conference participants

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Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, theKingdom of Bhutan, with an area of 38,394km2 (RGoB 2002) represents a region thatexhibits one of the richest diversities of wildplant and animal life on earth. Biologicalinventories have so far recorded some 7,000vascular plants, 770 species of birds and160 species of mammals (MoA 1998).Three main biophysical features areresponsible for this incredible biodiversity.First, the country straddles two major bio-geographical realms, the Palearcticcharacterized by temperate and alpineregions of the central and northernmountains, and the Indo-Malayancharacterized by tropical and sub-tropicalecosystems of the lowlands and southernfoothills. Second, climate and altitude varybetween two extremes. Annual rainfallranges from 5,000 mm in the southern partof the country to less than 500 mm in thealpine highlands, and elevations range from100 meters above sea level (masl) in thesouthern foothills to more than 7,000 maslin the northern mountains. The eastern partof the Himalayan region receives morerainfall than the western part and hencevegetation and treeline extends higher in theformer. Lastly, over 72.5 percent of thecountry's geographical area is covered withundisturbed forests.

Bhutan's socio-political conditions havebeen, and continue to be, favorable for theconservation of biological diversity. The

Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) isstrongly committed to environmentalconservation as reflected in various nationalpolicies and legislations. One of the mostimportant commitments of the 1974 ForestPolicy has been to maintain 60 percent of thecountry under forest cover, in perpetuity. Thisclause is now embodied in the newConstitution that was released for nationwidedebate in 2005. Further, several factorsprovide optimum conditions for the continuedconservation of the kingdom's rich

Much of Bhutan is marked by thick forests

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environmental resources, namely; 1) a smallpopulation of less than one million, 2) aBuddhist ethic that strongly supports natureconservation, 3) the integration ofconservation into mainstream economicdevelopment as one of the four pillars ofGross National Happiness (GNH), primeindicator of Bhutan's development philosophy,4) the "middle path" conservation approach ofavoiding the extremes of severe protectionismand outright destruction, and 5) Bhutan'srugged topography that makes many parts ofthe country inaccessible, and therefore out ofreach of environmental degradation.

Nature conservation as a national programpre-dates planned development, which onlybegan in 1961 with the advent of the Five-Year Development Plans. Traditionalconservation ethics existed with the protectionof important forests and catchment areas asthe abodes of deities and spirits. This practicestill exists in many parts of Bhutan. Nature

conservation was initiated as a nationalprogram with the creation of the Departmentof Forests in 1952. Subsequently, it wasenhanced by the establishment, in 1966, ofthe country's first protected area, the ManasWildlife Sanctuary (now Royal ManasNational Park) in southern Bhutan, followedby the enactment of the Bhutan Forest Actin 1969. Until 1984, all wildlife managementresponsibilities were vested in the variousterritorial divisions of the Department ofForests. In 1984, two functional entities, theNorthern and Southern Wildlife Circles,were established under the administrativeand technical assistance of the Departmentof Forests to oversee wildlife conservationand protected area management activities.In 1992, the two circles were integrated toform the Nature Conservation Division thatcurrently functions as the nodal agency foroverall planning, coordination,implementation and technical support ofnature conservation and protected areamanagement.

In Bhutan tigers are found from the tropical south to the temperate north

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2.1. Tiger ConservationProgram

Although a specific program focusingprimarily on tigers did not begin until 1996,many of the conservation needs of thespecies were addressed through theestablishment and management of a networkof protected areas and the enactment of theupdated Forest & Nature Conservation Act ofBhutan in 1995, which replaced the BhutanForest Act (1969). The national protected

areas system accounts for 26 percent of thecountry's area and encompasses the fullrange of all major ecosystems found in thecountry. An additional 9 percent of thecountry is included for conservation asbiological corridors, based on results fromtiger surveys. The Forest and NatureConservation Act of Bhutan (1995) accordsthe tiger "fully protected" status: a statusextended to 22 other species of wild animalsand seven wild plants found in Bhutan.

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In 1996, the Department of Forests andWWF Bhutan Program initiated the TigerConservation Program aimed at achievingthree objectives:1. to complete a tiger survey for the entire

country in order to assess presence/non-presence, distribution, and densityof tigers across Bhutan

2. to develop the capacity of protectedarea and territorial Forest Departmentstaff to conduct technically competenttiger surveys and

3. to promote public awareness of tigerconservation and related issues.

Major achievements of the program, to date,are the following:1. the formulation and endorsement by

RGoB of a national strategy for tigerconservation based on a nationwidetiger sign survey, in 1998

2. the training of more than thirty-five ForestDepartment staff in and outside PAs ontiger and prey survey methodology

3. the declaration of nearly 9 percent of thecountry's total land area as biologicalcorridors, thereby ensuring that criticalforest areas outside the PAs are alsoprotected in the long-run

4. the expansion of two protected areas viz.Thrumshingla National Park (from 768 to905 km2) and Bomdeling WildlifeSanctuary (1182 to 1545 km2) to includeimportant tiger and snow leopardhabitats, and

5. the establishment of the TigerConservation Fund to minimize human-wildlife conflict by compensating villagersfor valuable livestock lost to predatorslike tigers, snow leopards, leopards andHimalayan black bears.

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2.2. Tiger Population andDistribution

Prior to the survey initiated by the TigerConservation Program, the tiger populationwas assumed to be in the range of 80-240(Jackson & Kemf 1996; Dorji & Santiapillai1989). After completion of five nation-widesurveys, an analysis of the sign data yieldeda conservative crude estimate of 67 to 81adult animals and a total of approximately115 to 150 animals, including juveniles(McDougal & Tshering 1998).

The tiger in Bhutan ranges from 100 masl inthe south to as high as 4,100 m in the north.It is found in almost all parts of the country.Bhutan offers a wide range of habitat for tigerand prey and data from previous surveyshave resulted into two different densities oftigers based on habitat type and elevation;there are more tigers in the south (sub-tropical forests) with a density of 1 tiger per

50 km2, whereas in the central Himalayanregion (temperate forests) the density is 1tiger per 185 km2 according to the lastsurveys (McDougal & Tshering 1998). Thesedensities so obtained need further verificationthrough more rigorous monitoring as a nextstep.

2.3 National and GlobalSignificance

There is global concern for the tiger'sconservation and protection. Its numbershave declined drastically in the last century,reducing them to small fragmentedpopulations. The species is near extinctionmainly due to human interferences such asthe destruction of habitat and poaching forskin and bones. The tiger stands at the topof the food chain and, therefore, serves asan indicator species of environmental health.In addition to this significant role, the tigerplays an important socio-cultural role in Asian

Taktshang-tiger's den temple

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myth, legend and folklore where it isrespected and revered. Sadly, its parts are

occasionally coveted for alleged strength,vigor and curative properties.

Conservation of the tiger is of greatrelevance to Bhutan's religious and culturalheritage as the tiger is believed to be oneof the four power animals of the statereligion, Buddhism (the other three are themythical garuda, snow lion and dragon).Most Bhutanese are Buddhist and respectall forms of life. The tiger is also reveredbecause it is believed to be the protector ofBuddhism and the mount of Guru Rinpoche,who flew on the back of a tigress when hebrought Buddhism to Bhutan in the eighthcentury. Taktshang, or "Tiger's Den" is oneof the holiest temples in Bhutan.

Bhutan offers one of the best opportunitiesfor the long-term survival of the tiger. Overa quarter of its surface area, about 10,714km2, was estimated to be potential tigerhabitat (McDougal & Tshering 1998).

Dorji Droloed riding a tigress

TCU’s in the Eastern Himalayan Region (Source: WCS/WWF)

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However, logically, all forested areas inBhutan, connected with the main tiger habitatis potential tiger habitat. More surveys andfield investigations need to be carried out toconfirm this. Additionally, nowhere else canthe tiger move in contiguous forests oversuch a wide range in altitude, from 100 toover 4000 masl. Bhutan is also one of thelast places on earth where large cats suchas the tiger can undergo evolutionaryprocesses under fairly undisturbed naturalconditions. Tigers exist at the edge of snowleopard habitat in the north, with leopards inmuch of Bhutan, and also with cloudedleopards in the lower areas. They survive ondifferent prey species in different parts of acontiguous habitat across an altitudinalgradient, while sambar and wild pigs are themain prey.

Geo-referencing tiger sign locations during field surveys

Not only is Bhutan's tiger populationdistributed throughout most parts of thecountry, the habitats also connect with thosein India. Tigers in Bhutan move from PhibsooWildlife Sanctuary to the Manas TigerReserve and three Reserved Forests ofAssam, and to Buxa Tiger Reserve andJaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary of West Bengal.This continuous distribution forms thenucleus of one of the two largest tigerpopulations in South Asia, the Manas-Namdapha Tiger Conservation Unit (TCU).The other population, in the Sundarban TCU,is shared between India and Bangladesh.Clearly, Bhutan's contribution will be crucialto the long-term survival of the tiger in theregion.

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Bhutan is in a favorable and unique positionwith respect to tiger conservation comparedto other tiger range countries, and can playa key role in this at regional and internationallevels. Unlike other countries, Bhutan offersan opportunity for preemptive conservation -a chance to act before the damage is actuallydone. This is attributed to the followingfactors:

3.1. Extensive HabitatThe country has ca. 72.5 percent of its totalsurface area under forest cover (LUPS1997), providing potential habitat for tiger andprey species. This is also important for manyspecies that are endangered in other partsof the eastern Himalayan region. Tigerhabitat in Bhutan contains several differentprey species in one contiguous habitat: in thenorth, takin, sambar and wild pigs are thedominant prey while in the south it is mostlysambar, chital, gaur, and buffalo. Protectedareas cover more than a quarter of thecountry's total land area. The tiger isconfirmed present in six protected areas:Jigme Dorji National Park, Jigme SingyeWangchuck National Park, Royal ManasNational Park, Thrumshingla National Park,Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and BomdelingWildlife Sanctuary and is expected in thethree others.

All these protected areas have been legallyrecognized and have implementedconservation management activities.Moreover, breeding tigers are found in thecorridors between Jigme Dorji National Parkand Jigme Singye Wangchuck NationalPark/Royal Manas National Park; betweenJigme Singye Wangchuck National Parkand Thrumshingla National Park; andbetween Thrumshingla National Park andBomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, making theselinkages more than mere corridors fordispersing tigers. The National TigerConservation Strategy, adopted by theRoyal Government of Bhutan in 1998, callsfor protection of the corridors linking theprotected areas where tigers are locatedresulting in the establishment of biologicalcorridors. The biological corridor complexwas gifted under the "Gift to the Earth"campaign of WWF in 1999 during HisMajesty the King Jigme SingyeWangchuck's silver jubilee celebration of hisglorious reign. Aptly named the BhutanBiological Conservation Complex (B2C2)this landscape spans across Bhutan, and isthe focus of its conservation efforts.Moreover, the tiger population spanning thesix protected areas in Bhutan spreads southinto India's state of Assam, linking updirectly with the 2,840 km2 Manas Tiger

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Reserve. It spreads westward into WestBengal's Buxa Tiger Reserve (370 km2) andJaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary (220 km2), bothof which provide good forest cover.

3.2 LegislationThe tiger is listed as a "fully protected"species, as it is included in Schedule I of theForest and Nature Conservation Act ofBhutan, 1995, and is equivalent to the statusof Appendix 1 'endangered' in the IUCN RedData Book. The penalties for killing a tiger,or being in possession of its parts/products,as per the Forest and Nature ConservationAct of 1995, include imprisonment of up to 5years, and fines from Nu 50,000-200,000(USD 1,100-4,400) or both. While this isenforced strictly, the monetary fine seemslow at present - for this reason thegovernment is revising the schedule of finesfor wildlife crimes against endangered andthreatened species.

3.3 Inaccessible Habitat andWide Tiger Distribution

Bhutan is a mountainous country and thetiger inhabits very rugged terrain. Theinaccessibility of this terrain makes it verydifficult for poachers to hunt tigers as well asto exploit the forest frequented by tiger andprey. The extensive and contiguous nature oftiger and prey habitat in Bhutan allows for awide distribution of tigers, ranging from thesub-tropical south through the middle hills upto the temperate and alpine north. However,inaccessibility and the dense nature of theforests also present a challenge for carryingout tiger and prey surveys.

3.4 Pro-conservationDevelopment Strategyand Stable PoliticalConditions

The development strategy and the nationalpolicy for development have emphasizedlong-term sustenance of the environmentrather than short-term economic growth.The Royal Government has had a stablepolitical system that always accorded highpriority to conservation initiatives. Theseconditions have greatly aided conservationefforts in the country. Bhutan is alsoprobably the only country where tigerconservation efforts entail pre-emptive andproactive efforts to maintain existingconditions. It does not have to deal withexpensive restoration or rehabilitation ofhabitat.

Tiger pugmark in Jigme Dorji National Park

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4.1. Commercial Poachingand Wildlife Trade

Many parts of the tiger have medicinal valueand, in addition, some parts are also madeinto high priced souvenirs. These parts andproducts have a lucrative market in theregion, as well as in the United States andEurope. In addition, Bhutan has a porousborder with both India and China, makingthe transportation of wildlife parts andproducts across borders relatively easy. Atpresent, there is no legislation to allow lawenforcement agencies in Bhutan to checkand apprehend foreign traders. Theproblem is compounded by the lack ofmanpower to effectively carry out anti-poaching patrolling.

Poaching and illegal trade of Asian big

cats is a threat

4.2 Fragmentation of HabitatBhutan is a developing nation. Consequently,many development activities have yet to becompleted. For instance, in the current FiveYear Plan, the Department of Roads hasplans to construct 633 km of roads (DOR2003), the Ministry of Agriculture plans toconstruct 183.8 km of farm roads (MOA2003), and, the Forestry DevelopmentCorporation will construct 120 km of forestroads. By the end of 2007, a 937 km stretchof forests, with a width of 10 m, will becleared for road construction, which willdisturb wildlife habitat in various places.Bhutan Power Corporation will install 1033km of transmission lines with a corridor widthof 50 m, carrying power to India from theChukha and Kurichu Hydroelectric Projects(BPC 2003). For the next five years, the

Poorly aligned roads can fragment vital habitat

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Forestry Development Corporation hasearmarked 2142.67 km2 of forests for theharvesting of timber; an annual allowable cutof 208,088 m3 has been projected (FRDD2001). Annually, the Forestry DevelopmentCorporation harvests 57,000 m3 of timberand 50,000 trees are marked for ruralconsumption. Additionally, Bhutan's naturalresources have been under threat of forestfires, especially during the dry winter months.In the last twelve years (1992-2003)approximately 1,251 km2 of forests havebeen destroyed in 803 forest fire incidences(Social Forestry Division 2004). All thesefactors cumulatively place a huge pressureon tiger and prey habitat all across thecountry.

While the northern and central temperateforests face potential fragmentation due todevelopment activities, it is mainly thesouthern broadleaf forests that face a greaterthreat from hydropower projects, industriesand infrastructure development. Althoughmuch of the tiger habitat within Bhutan ismore or less contiguous, it is important tomaintain connectivity of swathes of the levelI TCU (number 10) with tiger reserves (Buxaand Manas) and other forests in India. This

Huge projects require large amounts of timber for

adequate housing infrastructure

would allow for exchange of genes betweena larger metapopulation of tigers andmaintain genetic vigor in the long run.

4.3. Reconciling TigerConservation and HumanNeeds

Villagers in much of Bhutan still follow theage-old tradition of livestock rearing. Theymove livestock to higher elevations duringsummer and back to lower grounds in winter.This practice has exacerbated human-wildlifeconflict, resulting in depredation becauselivestock are left to graze freely in the forests.It is inevitable that a tiger will attack livestock,especially in areas where natural prey isscarce or steep terrain makes hunting

Improper alignment of transmission lines can

cause breaks in habitat connectivity

Indiscriminate snaring kills many

untargeted animals

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To this end, in 1995, the Department ofForests notified herders and farmers thatsuch practices were considered illegal andthat they would face legal action iffound guilty.

4.4. Lack of Public Awarenesson Tiger ConservationIssues

Approximately 79 percent of the Bhutanesepopulation are agrarian and live in closeproximity to tiger habitat. However, thepeople are, for the most part not aware oflong-term consequences of environmentaldestruction. Often, many rural people andgovernment officials do not understandclearly the dynamics of predator-preyrelationships and, therefore, are unable torelate to the consequences of removingpredators such as the tiger or wild dog. Atother times they are compelled by economicforces to let survival and their immediatelivelihoods take precedence over any long-term effect. It was through a livestock

difficult. Such conflict has led to retaliatoryactivities, notably the poisoning ofcarcasses with the intention of eliminatingthe threat to valuable property. There is anincreasing trend in livestock depredationincidents in most parts of the country. Thistrend has led to increasing human-wildlifeconflict that has resulted in retaliatory killingsof tigers and other predators. In 2000, angryvillagers near Thrumshingla National Parkkilled a tiger by poisoning a tiger kill.

Tiger prey species such as wild pig andsambar cause considerable damage toagricultural crops. As much as 41.9 percentof all farm households on an average hadreported crop damage by wild animals (MoA2002). Villagers often set up snares andtraps to catch these animals. The mostwidely used steel wire snares areindiscriminate and frequently kill predatorsas well. It is important to take this aspect ofhuman wildlife conflict into consideration aswell.

Forestry official, veterinarian and community leader verifying livestock killed by tiger

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protection programme in the 1980s thatmany wild dog populations wereexterminated from some regions of thecountry. A profusion of wild pigs followed thecrash in wild dog populations, and soonfarmers all across the country werelamenting about crop loss due to wild pigs.There is a gradual trend of urbanization andmigration of youth from rural to urban areas.Increasingly, the urban youth are removedfrom their natural surroundings and loseawareness about the interconnected of theecosystems that was so obvious in theirrural settings.

4.5. Inadequate Database andData Management

Although the tiger program has been up andrunning since 1996, the program still lacksa good information database. There is adefinite need to set up a centralizeddatabase at NCD to store survey data fromvarious field surveys. Information fromprevious surveys has not been properlystored and cannot be easily retrieved. Lack

of a systematic procedure for datacollection, compilation, analysis anddevelopment of management prescriptionsremain as a stumbling block for better-informed tiger conservation efforts. Thereare plans for numerous field studiesincluding grid-based index, line transect,and camera-trapping surveys of tiger andprey species. In order for all of these effortsto be useful, a sound database has to beset up in NCD.

4.6. Lack of TrainedManpower

There is an acute shortage of manpower atall levels. The Nature Conservation Divisionof the Department of Forests has a staff ofonly 223 to manage and protect theprotected areas network of the country.Similarly, the Tiger Conservation Programand the Tiger Conservation Fund iscoordinated by a single person but theimplementation of program activities arecarried out with manpower from territorialforest divisions and parks.

Anti-poaching team briefing before heading out on a patrol

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Bhutan is fortunate to have an extensive landarea under forest cover, with approximately35 percent set aside in protected areas linkedby biological corridors. A landscapeapproach to conservation is essential for thelong-term survival of floral and faunaldiversity. However, one of the impedingfactors to the effective management andconservation of rich biodiversity is the lack ofdetailed information on this diversebiodiversity, be it the tiger, prey species orlocal socio-economic activities. It isrecognized that such information is crucial forthe successful implementation of anyconservation and management interventions.

Bhutan's Tiger Action Plan (TAP) 2006 - 2015will address the key threats identified above.

The planning of the Tiger Action Plan waspart of an international conference held inBhutan in September 2004 to update theexisting Tiger Conservation Strategy. Thestrategy used in designing the Tiger ActionPlan had three focal themes: speciesconservation - covering the tiger, its preyspecies and their status; habitat conservation- including forests, protected areas andbiological corridors; and, human-wildlifeconflict management - including conflictsarising between humans and wildlife.

Participants were divided into three groupsand discussions were held on topics ofspecies conservation, habitat conservationand human-wildlife conflict management.The groups conducted situational analyses,

Conference participants visiting Jigme Dorji National Park

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identified threats and recommended actionsto mitigate these threats. These threethemes were then integrated to formulate aTiger Action Plan for the next decade.

This TAP is arranged into three majorthemes: species conservation, habitatconservation, and human-wildlife conflictmanagement. In order to achieve theobjectives within these themes, a fourthsection focuses on creating an enablingenvironment, which includes an educationand awareness program, regionalcooperation and human resourcedevelopment.

5.1. GoalTo maintain a viable interconnectedpopulation of breeding tigers in Bhutan, apopulation existing predominately on wildprey with minimal conflict between humansand tigers

5.2. ObjectivesSpecies Conservation

In the first five years, develop field-basedinformation on tiger and ungulate preypopulation status (ecology, demography,genetics), with special focus on three keyareas (Royal Manas NP representing thesubtropical belt, JSWNP representing themiddle hills, and JDNP representing thenorthern temperate belt). This is then tobe replicated in other areasrepresentative of the whole country by2015Suppress killing of tiger and preyspecies, and halt the illegal trade of tigerparts and products, and otherendangered wildlife

Habitat ConservationAssess country-wide tiger and preyhabitat status and change over timeusing GIS and remote-sensing, identifycritical areas for managementintervention in order to maintain habitatcontiguityIdentify existing conflicting land-usepolicies affecting tiger and prey habitatand resolve them through multi-sectoraldialogue, and develop a legalmechanism to ensure future policiesadequately accommodate tigerconservation concerns

Human-Wildlife Conflict ManagementDetermine main causes of livestockdepredation by tigers in three areasincluding Punakha Dzongkhag (wherelivestock depredation was highest in2004) in order to understand the conflictso that appropriate remedies can beadopted. This study would then bereplicated to other sitesReduce retaliatory killing throughpreventive and mitigation measures aswell as incentives

Developing Enabling FactorsEducation and Awareness Program

Increase general awareness on thetiger's ecological and cultural significanceto various stakeholders and audiences

Regional CooperationReduce trans-boundary poachingthrough bilateral dialogue, legislation andenforcement, as well as explore trans-boundary cooperation for habitat linkages

16


Human Resource DevelopmentIncrease the number of adequatelytrained staff of NCD/DOF

A. Species ConservationObjective A1: In the first five years, developa database on tiger and ungulate preypopulation status (ecology, demography andgenetics) and trends, with special focus onthree key areas (Royal Manas NPrepresenting the subtropical belt, JSWNPrepresenting the middle hills, and JDNPrepresenting the northern temperate belt) by2010. This is then to be replicated in otherareas representative of the whole country by2015.

The last nationwide tiger survey wasconducted in 1998. At that time, the totalpopulation was estimated to be between 67to 81 breeding tigers. There is a need tofurther update this result using moreintensive surveys, and to determine thepopulation trends.

In order to narrow down the study focus,three sites representing the sub-tropical belt(RMNP), middle hills (JSWNP) and thenorthern temperate belt (JDNP) will beselected to represent different parts andstrata of a larger contiguous landscape. Theproposed surveys will be conducted bypooling key field staff from respective PAsand NCD, after training them on surveymethodology. Most of the staff selected havealready undergone previous training on tigerand prey surveys.

In each of the sites, tiger and prey distributionand relative abundance will be surveyedusing interviews, index-surveys, linetransects, and capture-recapture samplingwith double-sided camera-traps.

Additionally, the program will embark onresearch projects concerned with tigerecology, prey species and habitat conditionsin the country. The identified teams willundergo a short training program, and will

17


then be trained on-the-job. One componentof the field research will focus on analysis oftiger diet composition through scat analysis.A reference slide collection of ungulate hairand tissues will be developed for use byNCD. This will further provide information onthe genetic diversity and viability of the tigerpopulation in Bhutan through non-invasivecollection and analysis of tiger DNA materials(to be carried out at the PCR lab of theMinistry of Agriculture).

Information associated with tiger range,territory and movement patterns andbehavior would be useful and provide bettertools for conservation. Due to difficult terrainin much of the country, conventional VHFradio collars will be useful only in limitedplaces like parts of RMNP where animals canbe tracked from elephant-back, on foot andfrom vehicles. It might be possible to trackanimals on the eastern and northern sides ofJSWNP from along the highway. However,resource permitting, GPS satellite collarsshould be used for radio telemetry studies asfar as possible in most parts of Bhutan.

OutputData on tiger and prey distribution andtheir relative abundance in three PAscollected, which would then beextrapolated to the larger adjoiningareas, and finally to the whole countryInformation on tiger ecology and rangingbehavior in Bhutan collectedA detailed report on the genetic profileand long-term viability of the tigerpopulation in Bhutan producedSpatial distribution and habitat partitionby wild herbivores in the three studyareas determined

Reference slide collection of ungulatehair and tissue samples, and anidentification manual prepared

ActivitiesEstablish randomly selected grid-basedstudy sites of adequate size in the fieldfor routine monitoring of tiger and preypopulationsConduct index surveys, line transectsurveys, and capture-recapturesampling surveys using camera traps toevaluate tiger and prey distribution andrelative abundance for each one of thethree PAs selectedStudy the behavior and ecology of thetiger and its prey species using radiotelemetry, camera trapping and othermodern techniquesSurvey and assess tiger and preyhabitat conditionsObtain, tranquilize and take geneticsamples from collections of blood andtissue from wild tigers captured for radiotelemetry or those that die from othercausesConduct DNA testing and other geneticstudies of tigersPerform exploratory population viabilitymodelingEstablish a permanent monitoringsystem of the habitats of the main tigerprey speciesDetermine food habits of tigers throughtiger scat analysis, and develop areference collection of ungulate hairsamples and an identification manual

18


Objective A2: Suppress killing of tiger andprey species, and halt the illegal trade oftiger parts and products, and otherendangered wildlife.

In the period between 1999 and 2003, threetigers were reported to have been poachedbased on apprehension reports compiled bythe Forest Department. In the same perioda total of 17 sambar and 19 musk deerpoaching cases were reported (FPUD 2004).While these are relatively low figures, it islikely that several cases have goneunreported. Further, the low poaching recordis also a direct result of stringent anti-poaching efforts by the Forest Departmentboth inside the PAs and outside.

In anticipation of and to prevent poaching,there is need to put in place an effective anti-poaching patrol system that is well equipped,trained, and well-informed. An informernetwork comprising local communitymembers should enhance detection ofpoachers and poaching activities. Theexisting penalties for wildlife crime, especiallypertaining to killing of tiger and illegallytrading in tiger parts is very low, and does notact as a deterrent: killing a tiger has amonetary fine ranging from Nu 50,000 (USD1,100) to 2,00,000 (USD 4,400) and orimprisonment up to five years. This has to bereviewed and updated to make the penaltiesstronger so that they act as deterrents towildlife crimes.

OutputTwo-hundred government officialsrepresenting various law enforcement,airport and border regulatory authorities,and tourism agencies trained inidentification of wildlife and wildlife parts,

CITES regulations and national andinternational legislation regarding illegalwildlife tradeKilling of tiger and prey species and otherwildlife crime reduced or stoppedThe Schedule of Fines in the Forest andNature Conservation Act reviewed andupdated

ActivitiesOrganize training on identification ofwildlife parts and products for ForestDepartment, Customs, Police, Tourism,Bhutan Agriculture and Food RegulatoryAuthority (BAFRA), Immigration andother relevant law enforcement officialsEstablish network of informants usinglocal communities to assist in detectionof poachers and poaching activitiesStrengthen anti-poaching capacity byproviding effective communicationequipment and field gearConduct regular anti-poaching patrolsand surprise checks by PA and ForestDepartment staffSurvey poached animals and plants, andidentify and document trade routes,volumes and market forces

B. Habitat ConservationObjective B1: Identify critical areas of tigerand prey habitat for managementintervention, using GIS and remote sensing,in order to maintain habitat integrity andcontiguity

Bhutan is fast developing with a myriad ofdevelopmental activities occurringsimultaneously across the country. As aresult, there is a great risk that critical tigerand prey habitat will be converted forinfrastructure development. This is especially

19


true for the broadleaf forests that lie in theindustrial belt of the south, which are alsocritical corridors connecting tiger habitat inIndia. In order to understand the dynamicsof habitat change over time, a detailedanalysis of forest cover change will be carriedout using time-series satellite images. Suchanalyses will be coupled with ground-truthingwhere necessary. This will then provide a toolwith which to identify critical breaks in habitatcontiguity and highlight threatened areas.Having done this, appropriate habitatprotection and managementrecommendations can be made.

OutputForest cover change maps (from 1960's- or earliest available - till present)developedMaps highlighting critical and potentialbreaks in connectivity developedReport on overall habitat status andmanagement prescriptions producedMap of critical tiger and prey habitatdeveloped

ActivitiesInterpret satellite image and classifyvegetation types based on existing LUSSvegetation types for one standard ofvegetation classificationCarry out forest cover change detectionover timeIdentify critical and potential breaks,validate causes for these on the ground,and restore the breaks or removepotential threatsDevelop criteria for defining critical tigerand prey habitat developed based oninformation on tiger and prey distribution,usage of habitat, level of threat andothers

Delineate critical tiger and prey habitat,especially in the southern broadleaf beltthat should be closely observed forupcoming or planned industrial orinfrastructure development

Objective B2: Identify existing conflictingland-use policies affecting tiger and preyhabitat and resolve them through multi-sectoraldialogue, and develop a legal mechanism toensure future policies adequatelyaccommodate tiger conservation concerns

A systematic review of all the legislationregarding land-use has to be carried out inorder to highlight conflicting issues. Thesewill then need to be discussed and resolved.For this purpose, a multi-sectoralconsultation workshop will be organized.The workshop will bring togetherrepresentatives from sectors such asagriculture, forests, livestock, survey andland record, road, energy and trade andindustry. Key stakeholders such as theBhutan Power Corporation, the Royal AuditAuthority, the National EnvironmentalCommission Secretariat (NECS) and privateorganizations will also participate in theconsultations. The workshop is expected tomake recommendations to the governmenton measures for land-use conflict resolutionand the means to resolve them.

The Royal Audit Authority (RAA) now hasthe capability to perform environmentalaudits. It is important for the Department ofForests to nominate a forestry official to beon the RAA committee in order to put forthconcerns of the department. A mechanismwill also be put into effect that will assurethe Department of Forests' review of all

20


developmental activities before the NEC issues"environmental clearance". This is primarily toavoid destruction to critical wildlife habitat.The Department of Forests will also need toform a review team that will review proposalsbefore the issuance of "environmentalclearance".

OutputA gap analysis report of all policies andlegislation related to land-use,highlighting loopholes, bottlenecks andconflicting issues with regards to threatsto critical tiger and prey habitat compiledA mechanism and protocol to consult orinform the review committee on anydevelopmental activities in critical tigerand prey habitat put in place

ActivitiesContract a legal expert to work with NCDto carry out a gap analysis of all relevantexisting legislation pertaining to land-usethat could have a negative impact oncritical tiger and prey habitatConduct multi-sectoral consultationworkshops on conflicting land-use inorder to resolve existing conflicts andprevent future conflictsAppoint a Forest Departmentrepresentative to the environmentalauditing committeeIdentify land-use conflict zones(development and infrastructure projects)based on surveys and habitat analyses

C. Human-Wildlife Conflict ManagementObjective C1: Determine main causes oflivestock depredation by tigers in three areasincluding Punakha Dzongkhag (wherelivestock depredation was highest in 2004) in

order to understand the conflict so thatappropriate remedies can be adopted. Thisstudy would then be replicated to other sites.

In 2004, 714 cases of livestock depredationby tiger and other carnivores across thecountry were reported. Out of these 127cases were related to depredation by tiger(Sangay 2004). Based on survey reports,most of the depredation occurred during themonths of July-September coinciding with therainy monsoon season. Why is thishappening? If there is adequate prey, whyare livestock preyed upon? Could weattribute livestock depredation to low preydensity, or poor livestock management, orare there other reasons? To understand andresolve human-wildlife conflict thesequestions must be answered. When thecauses for depredation are identified,appropriate remedial measures must betaken. The program would also like to builda geo-referenced database on livestockdepredation that will be crucial in theidentification of depredation hotspots in thecountry. Once these hotspots are identifiedand mapped, detailed investigations must becarried out to understand the main causes oflivestock depredation.

Leopard (70%)n=499

Tiger (18%)n=127

Bear (9%)n=65

Snow Leopard (3%)n=23

Livestock depredation incidents reported in 2004

21


OutputLivestock depredation hotspot mapproducedReport on livestock depredation by tigerthat highlights its relation to habitatquality, prey abundance, humaninfluences and other factorsSuccessful interventions tried andtested to prevent livestock depredationand mitigate human-wildlife conflict

ActivitiesSet up a geo-referenced database onlivestock depredation and map hotspotsConduct studies in areas that have thehighest number of tiger depredationcases to compare with other tiger areaswith little or no depredationExplore appropriate remedial measureslike providing improved breed of cattle(to discourage open grazing in theforest), reinforced corrals to protectcattle and other livestock, and improvedanimal husbandry practices

Objective C2: Reduce retaliatory killing oftiger and prey species through preventionand mitigation measures as well asincentives.

At present, the program does not have anycredible livestock data regarding: 1)livestock holding, 2) livestock type/breed, 3)rearing systems (free ranging, migratory andstall-fed), 4) migratory routes and stations,and 5) population trends (whether thepopulation is stable, increasing ordecreasing by breed). Livestock informationwill be sought from the Department ofLivestock and will be cross-checked with theRNR census database to build a databasefor future assessment on livestock-related

issues. The program will also exploreexperimental measures for reducinglivestock depredation, i.e. agricultureintensification programs designed to changethe livelihood of people who depend solelyon livestock, promotion of superior breeds,stall feeding, infrastructure enhancementand improved husbandry practices. In orderto foster friendly relations with livestockowners and to prevent retaliatory killings,the program has started the ambitious TigerConservation Fund, a compensationscheme to compensate owners for livestockkilled by tigers, snow leopards, commonleopards or Himalayan black bears. Thisscheme was started two years ago andthere is a need to study its effectivenesswhile exploring alternative measures orincentives to cash compensation.

OutputReport on the analysis of the existingcompensation scheme producedA database on livestock information anddepredation cases in the countrydevelopedVarious options for preventive andconflict mitigation measures exploredand put in placePeoples' attitude towards, andacceptance of human-wildlife conflictstudied

ActivitiesEvaluate current compensationschemes and explore opportunities forimprovementCollation of livestock information fromvarious districts and other institutionsExplore other opportunities and optionsto compensationConduct survey on local people'sperception on wildlife damages

22


Creating an EnablingEnvironment

D. Education and Awareness ProgramObjective D1: Increase general awarenesson the tiger's ecological and culturalsignificance to various stakeholders andaudiences

The participation and ownership of localresidents are the most important factors forthe success of any conservation effort. Localcommunities should be made aware of theimportance and significance of theconservation of endangered species like thetiger. The benefits of tiger conservationshould be understood, appreciated andreceived by those who have to live with thetiger, often losing their primary source oflivelihood to depradation.

Output:Education materials (print, electronic,audio/visual) on ecological and culturalsignificance of tigers prepared anddistributedThese materials included by EducationDepartment in school curricula atdifferent levelsEducation and awareness materialsprepared and distributed to the urban andrural public, at border entry points, check-posts and other relevant places

Activities:Printing of education materials onecological and cultural significance oftigers in BhutanProduction of a 30-minute audio-visual aswell as radio program on the status oftigers in Bhutan, threats to its survival,and long-term conservation needs

Consultation meeting with the EducationDepartment, particularly the CurriculumDivision, to discuss the inclusion oftiger-specific chapters in science andenvironmental studies in the lowerschool curriculaDiscussion with Sherubtse College,Natural Resources Training Institute,Ugyen Wangchuck Institute of Forestryand Environmental Studies and BhutanForestry Institute to include tiger-specificchapters in their lesson plansIdentify network of institutions, natureclubs, schools and community groups inthe urban and rural public, at borderentry points, check-posts and otherrelevant places to distribute printededucational material

E. Regional CooperationObjective 5: Reduce trans-boundarypoaching through bilateral dialogue,legislation and enforcement, and exploretrans-boundary cooperation to maintain andimprove habitat linkages.

Tiger habitat in Bhutan spreads across atleast six protected areas (additional surveysare likely to yield positive data from moreareas). It is further connected to India atManas Tiger Reserve in Assam, and BuxaTiger Reserve and Jaldapara WildlifeSanctuary in West Bengal. This forms acontiguous tiger habitat all the way toNamdapha in Arunachal Pradesh on theMyanmar border, resulting in one of thelargest contiguous TCU's in the region.Bhutan is a landlocked nation that sharesopen borders with India in the east, westand south, and China in the north. Theseextensive borders are very porous and areoften actively used for poaching and illegal

23


wildlife trade activities. It is of utmostimportance to collate information on trans-boundary issues of wildlife trade andpoaching in order to understand their natureand extent.

There is a need to organize frequent trans-boundary meetings to discuss cross-borderpoaching and wildlife trade. A Memorandumof Understanding (MOU) that will includedetailed legal provisions for prosecuting andextraditing foreign offenders has to be signedbetween the Royal Government of Bhutanand the Government of India. In addition,joint anti-poaching patrols need to bestepped up to monitor border protected areassuch as Royal Manas National Park, Phibsooand Khaling Wildlife Sanctuaries. Exchangevisits between Bhutanese and Indian Forestofficials will allow them to share experienceson PA management, and discuss issues ofcommon concern especially regardingpoaching, habitat destruction and otherwildlife crimes.

OutputProtocol and Memorandum ofUnderstanding drawn up and signedbetween the Royal Government ofBhutan and Government of IndiaJoint anti-poaching patrolling of borderprotected areas increasedJoint exchanges of field visits to shareexperiences and discuss issues ofcommon concern increased

ActivitiesIdentify and establish a baseline ofhotspots in poaching and wildlife tradeactivitiesStudy the current legislation gaps andprotocol developed for the prosecution of

international poachers that will be themain content of the MOU with the IndianauthoritiesInitiate dialogue on trans-boundaryconservation issues between India andBhutanConduct joint inspection and patrols ofborder PAs with Indian authoritiesArrange exchange visits betweenBhutanese and Indian forest officials

F. Human Resources DevelopmentObjective 6: Increase the number ofadequately trained staff of NCD/DOF andpartners to implement the Tiger Action Plan.

At present, the country is acutely short ofhuman resource at all levels. This isespecially true in the protected areas. Tocope with this, the Department of Forests hasemployed villagers as forest guards to helpreinforce the protection of forests. Thesevillage forest guards need basic training insurveying and monitoring wildlife. There isalso a need for additional training to locally-trained foresters in order to update their skillsin survey methodologies adapted to localconditions. These trainings will be in the formof specialized courses, study tours andattendance at various regional andinternational conferences and workshops ontiger and wildlife conservation. In order toimplement the Tiger Action Plan, the followingcapacity building activities are foreseen:

Training on Survey Methodologies andMonitoring TechniquesPresently, untrained personnel execute theprogram activities in the field and as a result,information generated is not compatible oruseful. The program will train some

24


(territorial divisions and parks) field staffs onsurvey methodologies and monitoringtechniques for two weeks. The training willenhance their capacity to carry out programactivities independently.

Training on Advanced and IntensiveResearch and Sampling MethodsThe Tiger Conservation Program will initiateand implement field research projects asrequired. To enhance the capability of locallytrained staff members, they will join a twelve-week intensive course on research andsurvey methodologies in a regional institutionsuch as the Wildlife Institute of India. Thecourse will be tailor-made to meet ourrequirements and is expected to include: 1)development of research proposals, 2)various survey techniques such as cameratrapping, pellet group sampling, linetransects, etc. 3) data collection, 4)identification of animal signs, 5) trackinganimals using radio telemetry, 6) use of GPS,7) statistical analysis (spatial analysis usingGIS), 8) conservation biology (includingwildlife health and medicine) and, 9)tranquilizing animals. Upon completion of thetraining, they will form the core team forprogram implementation.

Training on advanced and intensiveresearch and sampling methodsLong-term studiesTraining in scat analysisTraining on capture and recapturesamplingTraining on image classification usingGIS and remote sensing

Training on survey methodologies andmonitoring techniquesIn-country training on survey methodsIn-country workshopRegional and international meetingsHosting General Assembly and ExecutiveCommittee Meeting of the Global TigerForum in the year of the Tiger (2010)Training course in management of wildtigersTraining in wildlife management andconservation biology

Outputl 50 staff from territorial forest divisions

and six protected areas trained in theregion on these specialized courses viz.research and sampling methods, scatanalysis, capture and recapturesampling, survey methodologies andmonitoring techniques and imageclassification and remote sensing400 staff involved with the program willattend or participate in the in-countrytraining and workshop, and attendcourses on wildlife management andconservation biology70 senior staff attended regional andinternational meetings, workshops andconferences on matters related to tigerand wildlife conservation

ActivitiesCo-ordinate and organize various trainingneeds of the program staff (as perannexure 2)

25


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l is

h

a

p

erm

an

en

t

monitoring s

yste

m o

f th

e h

abitats

of th

e m

ain

tig

er

pre

y s

pecie

s

De

term

ine

fo

od

ha

bits o

f tig

ers

thro

ug

h t

ige

r sca

t a

na

lysis

, a

nd

develo

p a

refe

rence c

olle

ction o

f

un

gu

late

ha

ir s

am

ple

s a

nd

an

identification m

anual

Org

aniz

e tra

inin

g o

n identification

of

wild

life p

art

s a

nd p

roducts

for

Fo

rest

De

pa

rtm

en

t, C

usto

ms,

Po

lic

e,

To

uri

sm

, B

hu

tan

Agriculture

and F

ood R

egula

tory

Au

tho

rity

(B

AF

RA

), I

mm

igra

tio

n

an

d

oth

er

rele

va

nt

law

enfo

rcem

ent offic

ials

Esta

blis

h n

etw

ork

of

info

rma

nts

usin

g local com

munitie

s to a

ssis

t

in d

ete

cti

on

of

po

ach

ers

an

d

poachin

g a

ctivitie

s

Str

en

gth

en

a

nti

-po

ac

hin

g

ca

pa

city b

y p

rovid

ing

eff

ective

co

mm

un

ica

tio

n e

qu

ipm

en

t a

nd

field

gear

2350.0

0

2350.0

0

4705.0

0

2350.0

0

9410.0

0

2350.0

0

4705.0

0

4705.0

0

2350.0

0

9410.0

0

2350.0

0

4705.0

0

4705.0

0

2350.0

0

9410.0

0

2350.0

0

2350.0

0

2350.0

0

4705.0

0

2350.0

0

2350.0

0

2350.0

0

4705.0

0

1176

5.00

4705.0

0

2350.0

0

4705.0

0

11765.0

0

5880.0

0

2350.0

0

4705.0

0

11765.0

0

5880.0

0

2350.0

0

4705.0

0

11765.0

0

5880.0

0

2350.0

0

4705.0

0

11765.0

0

5880.3

5

2350.0

0

4705.0

0

58825.0

0

23520.0

0

11750.0

0

16460.0

0

18820.0

0

23500.0

0

61165.0

0

Ob

jecti

ve:

• S

up

press k

illin

g o

f ti

ger a

nd

prey s

pecie

s, an

d h

alt

th

e illeg

al tr

ad

e o

f ti

ger p

arts

an

d p

ro

du

cts

, an

d o

ther e

nd

an

gered

wild

life

.

20

0 g

ove

rnm

en

t o

ffic

ials

rep

rese

nti

ng

va

rio

us l

aw

en

forc

em

en

t, a

irp

ort

an

d

bo

rde

r re

gu

lato

ry

au

tho

riti

es,

an

d t

ou

rism

ag

en

cie

s

tra

ine

d

in

identification o

f w

ildlif

e a

nd

wild

life

pa

rts,

on

CIT

ES

reg

ula

tio

ns

, a

nd

o

n

na

tio

na

l a

nd

in

tern

atio

na

l

legis

lation r

egard

ing ille

gal

wild

life tra

de

Killin

g o

f ti

ge

r a

nd

pre

y

specie

s,

and o

ther

wild

life

crim

e r

educed o

r sto

pped

Th

e S

ch

ed

ule

of

fin

es i

n

the

F

ore

st

an

d

Na

ture

Conserv

ation A

ct re

vie

wed

and u

pdate

d

Year 1

2005-0

6

Year 2

2006-0

7

Year 3

2007-0

8

Year 4

2008-9

Year 5

2009-1

0

Year 6

2010-1

1

Year 7

2011-1

2

Year 8

2012-1

3

Year 9

20013-1

4

Year 1

0

2014-1

5

To

tal

in U

SD

27


Co

nd

uct

reg

ula

r a

nti-p

oa

ch

ing

patr

ol and s

urp

rise c

heckin

g b

y

PA

and F

ore

st D

epart

ment sta

ff

Co

nd

uct

su

rve

y o

n p

oa

ch

ed

anim

als

and p

lants

, as w

ell

as

ide

nti

fy a

nd

do

cu

me

nt

tra

de

rou

tes,

vo

lum

es a

nd

ma

rke

t

forc

es.

Inte

rpre

t sa

tel li t

e i

ma

ge

an

d

cla

ssify v

egeta

tion t

ypes b

ased

on

exis

tin

g L

US

S v

eg

eta

tio

n

types t

o m

ain

tain

one s

tandard

of

vegeta

tion c

lassific

ation

Ca

rry o

ut

fore

st

co

ve

r ch

an

ge

dete

ction o

ver

tim

e

De

ve

lop

cri

teri

a f

or

de

fin

ing

cri

tica

l ti

ge

r a

nd

pre

y h

ab

ita

t

de

ve

lop

ed

, b

as

ed

o

n

info

rma

tio

n o

n t

ige

r a

nd

pre

y

dis

trib

utio

n,

usa

ge

of

ha

bita

t,

level of th

reat and o

thers

Ide

nti

fy c

riti

ca

l a

nd

po

ten

tia

l

bre

ak

s,

va

lid

ate

c

au

se

s fo

r

the

se

o

n

the

g

rou

nd

, a

nd

resto

re t

he

bre

aks o

r re

mo

ve

pote

ntial th

reats

Delin

eate

critical

tiger

and p

rey

habita

t, e

specia

lly in

the s

outh

ern

bro

ad

lea

f b

elt t

ha

t sh

ou

ld b

e

"clo

sely

observ

ed"

for

upcom

ing

or

pla

nn

ed

in

du

str

ial

or

infr

astr

uctu

re d

evelo

pm

ent

Ou

tp

ut

Ou

tp

ut

Ou

tp

ut

Ou

tp

ut

Ou

tp

ut

Ac

tiv

itie

sA

ctiv

itie

sA

ctiv

itie

sA

ctiv

itie

sA

ctiv

itie

sA

mo

un

t i

n U

SD

Am

ou

nt i

n U

SD

Am

ou

nt i

n U

SD

Am

ou

nt i

n U

SD

Am

ou

nt i

n U

SD

Ob

jecti

ve:

• S

up

press k

illin

g o

f ti

ger a

nd

prey s

pecie

s, an

d h

alt

th

e illeg

al tr

ad

e o

f ti

ger p

arts

an

d p

ro

du

cts

, an

d o

ther e

nd

an

gered

wild

life

.

1175.0

0

1175.0

0

1176

5.00

1175.0

0

7060.0

0

1175.0

0

4705.0

0

1175.0

0

5880.0

0

1175.0

0

7060.0

0

1175.0

0

1175.0

0

Ha

bit

at C

on

se

rva

tio

nH

ab

ita

t C

on

se

rva

tio

nH

ab

ita

t C

on

se

rva

tio

nH

ab

ita

t C

on

se

rva

tio

nH

ab

ita

t C

on

se

rva

tio

n

Ob

jecti

ve:

Iden

tify

crit

ical areas o

f ti

ger a

nd

prey h

ab

itat

for m

an

ag

em

en

t in

terven

tio

n, u

sin

g G

IS a

nd

rem

ote

sen

sin

g, in

ord

er t

o m

ain

tain

hab

itat

inte

grit

y a

nd

co

nti

gu

ity

Fo

res

t c

ov

er

ch

an

ge

ma

ps (

fro

m 1

96

0’s

– o

r

ea

rlie

st

av

ai l

ab

le –

ti

l l

pre

sent)

develo

ped

Ma

ps h

igh

ligh

tin

g c

ritica

l

an

d p

ote

nti

al

bre

aks i

n

con

nectivity d

evelo

ped

Report

on o

vera

ll habitat

sta

tus a

nd

ma

na

ge

me

nt

pre

scriptions p

roduced

Ma

p o

f cri

tica

l tig

er

an

d

pre

y h

abitat develo

ped

1175.0

01175.0

01175.0

01175.0

011750.0

0

2350.0

0

11765.0

0

7060.0

0

4705.0

0

5880.0

0

7060.0

0

Year 1

2005-0

6

Year 2

2006-0

7

Year 3

2007-0

8

Year 4

2008-9

Year 5

2009-1

0

Year 6

2010-1

1

Year 7

2011-1

2

Year 8

2012-1

3

Year 9

20013-1

4

Year 1

0

2014-1

5

To

tal

in U

SD

28


Year 1

2005-0

6

Year 2

2006-0

7

Year 3

2007-0

8

Year 4

2008-9

Year 5

2009-1

0

Year 6

2010-1

1

Year 7

2011-1

2

Year 8

2012-1

3

Year 9

20013-1

4

Year 1

0

2014-1

5

To

tal

in U

SD

Ou

tpu

tA

cti

vit

ies

Am

ou

nt

in U

SD

Co

ntr

act

a l

eg

al

exp

ert

to

wo

rkw

ith

NC

D t

o c

arr

y o

ut

a g

ap

an

aly

sis

of

all

rele

va

nt

exis

tin

gle

gis

lation p

ert

ain

ing t

o land u

se

that could

have a

negative im

pact

on c

ritical tiger

and p

rey h

abitat.

Co

nd

uc

t m

ult

i-s

ec

tora

lc

on

su

lta

tio

n

wo

rks

ho

ps

o

nco

nflic

tin

g l

an

d u

se

iin

ord

er

tore

so

lve

exis

tin

g c

on

flic

ts a

nd

pre

vent

futu

re c

onflic

ts

Ap

po

int

a F

ore

st

De

pa

rtm

en

tre

pre

se

nta

tiv

e

to

the

en

vir

on

me

nta

l a

ud

itin

gcom

mitte

e

Ide

ntify

la

nd

-use

co

nflic

t zo

ne

s(d

eve

lop

me

nt

an

d i

nfr

astr

uctu

rep

roje

cts

) b

ase

d o

n s

urv

eys a

nd

habitat

analy

ses.

5880.0

0

3530.0

01

1175.0

0

2350.0

0

5880.0

0

3530.0

0

1175.0

0

2350.0

0

Ob

jecti

ve:

Iden

tify

exis

tin

g c

on

flic

tin

g lan

d u

se p

olicie

s a

ffecti

ng

tig

er a

nd

prey h

ab

itat

an

d r

eso

lve t

hem

th

ro

ug

h m

ult

i-secto

ral d

ialo

gu

e, an

d d

evelo

p a

leg

al m

ech

an

ism

to e

nsu

re f

utu

re p

olicie

s a

deq

uate

ly a

cco

mm

od

ate

tig

er c

on

servati

on

A g

ap

an

aly

sis

re

po

rt o

fall

polic

ies a

nd legis

lation

rela

ted

to

la

nd

u

se

,h

igh

lig

hti

ng

lo

op

ho

les,

bo

ttle

ne

ck

s

an

dc

on

flic

tin

g is

su

es

w

ith

reg

ard

s

to

thre

ats

to

cri

tic

al

tig

er

an

d p

rey

habitat com

pile

d

A

me

ch

an

ism

a

nd

pro

toc

ol

to c

on

su

lt o

rin

form

th

e

rev

iew

co

mm

itte

e

on

a

ny

de

ve

lop

me

nta

l a

ctivitie

su

p in

cri

tica

l ti

ge

r a

nd

pre

y h

abitat put in

pla

ce.

29

B H U T A N T I G E R A C T I O N P L A N 2 0 0 6 - 2 0 1 5Y

ear 1

2005-0

6

Year 2

2006-0

7

Year 3

2007-0

8

Year 4

2008-9

Year 5

2009-1

0

Year 6

2010-1

1

Year 7

2011-1

2

Year 8

2012-1

3

Year 9

20013-1

4

Year 1

0

2014-1

5

To

tal

in U

SD

Ou

tpu

tA

cti

vit

ies

Am

ou

nt

in U

SD

Se

t u

p

a

ge

o-r

efe

ren

ce

d

da

tab

as

e

on

l i

ve

sto

ck

depre

dation a

nd m

ap h

ots

pots

Co

nd

uct

stu

die

s i

n a

rea

s w

hic

h

ha

ve

h

igh

es

t n

um

be

r o

f

de

pre

da

tio

n c

ase

s b

y t

ige

r to

co

mp

are

with

oth

er

tig

er

are

as

wit

ho

ut

an

y d

ep

red

ati

on

, o

r

where

depre

dation is low

.

Exp

lore

ap

pro

pri

ate

re

me

dia

l

me

as

ure

s s

uc

h a

s p

rov

idin

g

imp

rov

ed

b

ree

d o

f c

att

le (t

o

dis

co

ura

ge

op

en

gra

zin

g i

n t

he

fore

st)

, re

info

rce

d c

orr

als

to

be

tte

r p

rote

ct

ca

ttle

an

d o

the

r

live

sto

ck,

an

d i

mp

rove

d a

nim

al

husbandry

pra

ctic

es

Eva

lua

te c

urr

en

t co

mp

en

sa

tio

n

sc

he

me

s

an

d

ex

plo

re

opport

unitie

s for

impro

vem

ent.

Colla

tion o

f liv

esto

ck info

rmation

fro

m v

ari

ou

s d

istr

icts

an

d o

the

r

institu

tions

Exp

lore

oth

er

op

po

rtu

nitie

s a

nd

options to c

om

pensation

Conduct surv

ey o

n local people

’s

perc

eption o

n w

ildlif

e d

am

ages

5880.0

0

2350.0

0

1765.0

0

4705.0

0

2350.0

0

1765.0

0

4705.0

0

2350.0

0

2350.0

0

1765.0

01765.0

0

1176.4

71176.4

71176.4

71176.4

7

20000.0

0

14115.0

0

10585.0

0

2350.0

0

2350.0

0

2350.0

0

2350.0

0

Hu

man

/Wild

life

Co

nfl

ict

Man

ag

em

en

t

Ob

jecti

ve:

• D

ete

rm

ine m

ain

cau

ses o

f livesto

ck d

ep

red

ati

on

by t

igers i

n 3

areas i

nclu

din

g P

un

akh

a D

zo

ng

kh

ag

(w

here l

ivesto

ck d

ep

red

ati

on

was h

igh

est

in 2

004)

in o

rd

er

to u

nd

ersta

nd

th

e c

on

flic

t so

th

at

ap

pro

pria

te r

em

ed

ies c

an

be a

do

pte

d. T

his

stu

dy w

ou

ld t

hen

be r

ep

licate

d t

o o

ther s

ites

Liv

es

toc

k

de

pre

da

tio

n

hots

pot m

ap p

roduced

Re

po

rt

on

l i

ve

sto

ck

de

pre

da

tio

n b

y t

ige

r th

at

hig

hlig

hts

its

rela

tedness to

ha

bit

at

qu

ali

ty,

pre

y

ab

un

da

nc

e,

hu

ma

n

infl

ue

nc

es

a

nd

o

the

r

facto

rs p

repare

d.

A

se

t o

f s

uc

ce

ss

ful

inte

rve

nti

on

s t

o p

reve

nt

livesto

ck d

epre

dation,

and

mit

iga

te h

um

an

w

ild

life

conflic

t tr

ied a

nd teste

d

Re

po

rt o

n t

he

an

aly

sis

of

the e

xis

ting c

om

pensation

schem

e p

roduced

A d

ata

ba

se

on

liv

esto

ck

info

rmatio

n a

nd d

epre

datio

n

ca

se

s

in

the

co

un

try

develo

ped

Vario

us

optio

ns

for pre

ventiv

e

an

d

co

nfl

ict

mit

iga

tio

n

measu

res

exp

lore

d a

nd p

ut i

n

pla

ce

Pe

op

les’

att

itu

de

to

wa

rds,

and a

ccepta

nce o

f hum

an

wild

life c

onflic

t stu

die

d

1765.0

01765.0

01765.0

0

4705.0

0

1765.0

0

4705.0

0

5880.0

0

Ob

jecti

ve:

Red

uce r

eta

liato

ry k

illin

g o

f ti

ger a

nd

prey s

pecie

s t

hro

ug

h p

reven

tio

n a

nd

mit

igati

on

measu

res a

s w

ell a

s in

cen

tives

30


Ou

tpu

tA

cti

vit

ies

Am

ou

nt

in U

SD

Printing o

f education m

ate

rials

on

ec

olo

gic

al

an

d

cu

ltu

ral

sig

nific

ance o

f tigers

in B

huta

n

Pro

du

ctio

n o

f 3

0 m

inu

tes v

ide

o

pro

gra

m a

s w

ell

as r

adio

pro

gra

m

on t

he s

tatu

s o

f tigers

in B

huta

n,

thre

ats

to

its

su

rviv

al, a

nd

lo

ng

-

term

conserv

ation n

eeds

Co

ns

ult

ati

on

m

ee

tin

g

wit

h

Ed

uc

ati

on

D

ep

art

me

nt,

part

icula

rly C

urr

iculu

m D

ivis

ion, to

dis

cuss o

n t

he i

nclu

sio

n o

f tiger-

sp

ecific

ch

ap

ters

in

th

e s

cie

nce

an

d

en

vir

on

me

nta

l s

tud

ies

subje

cts

in low

er

school curr

icula

Dis

cu

ss

ion

w

ith

S

he

rub

tse

Co

lle

ge

, N

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REFERENCES

CSO 2001. Central Statistical Year Book 2001, Planning Commission, Royal Governmentof Bhutan, Thimphu Bhutan.

DoF 2003. Briefing on Department of Forest, Department of Forest, Royal Government ofBhutan. Thimphu, Bhutan

Dorji, P., & Santiapillai, C. 1989. Status, distribution and conservation of the tiger in Bhutan,Biological Conservation 48 (311-319).

Jackson, P. & Kemf, E. 1996. Wanted Alive! Tigers in the Wild: 1996 WWF Species StatusReport, WWF, Gland, Switzerland.

LUPS 1997. Atlas of Bhutan - Land Cover & Area Statistics of 20 Dzongkhags, Land UsePlanning Section, Plan and Policy Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Thimphu Bhutan.

McDougal, C. & Tshering, K. 1998. Tiger Conservation Strategy for the Kingdom of Bhutan,Nature Conservation Division, Forestry Services Division, Ministry of Agriculture & WWFBhutan Program, Thimphu Bhutan.

MoA, RGoB 1998. Biodiversity Action Plan for Bhutan, Ministry of Agriculture, RoyalGovernment of Bhutan, Thimphu Bhutan.

MoA 2002. Renewable Natural Resources Statistics 2000 Vol. 1, Ministry of Agriculture,Royal Government of Bhutan, Thimphu Bhutan.

RGOB 2002. Ninth Plan Main Document (2002-2007), Planning Commission, RoyalGovernment of Bhutan, Thimphu Bhutan.

Sangay 2004. A Paper Presented to the Tiger Conservation Fund Board Meeting on 21January 2004, Thimphu Bhutan.

33


ANNEXURE 1: LIST OF CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTSANNEXURE 1: LIST OF CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTSANNEXURE 1: LIST OF CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTSANNEXURE 1: LIST OF CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTSANNEXURE 1: LIST OF CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS

National Part ic ipantsNational Part ic ipantsNational Part ic ipantsNational Part ic ipantsNational Part ic ipants

Department of ForestsDepartment of ForestsDepartment of ForestsDepartment of ForestsDepartment of Forests

1. Dasho Dawa Tshering, Director General, Department of Forests

2. Tashi Wangchuk, Head, Bhutan Museum of Natural History, Dept of Forests

3. Dechen Dorji, Project Director, Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forest and

Environment, Dept of Forests.

Nature Conservation Div is ionNature Conservation Div is ionNature Conservation Div is ionNature Conservation Div is ionNature Conservation Div is ion

4. Sangay Wangchuk, Joint Director, Nature Conservation Division

5. Raling Ngawang, Head, Data and Information Management Section

6. Ngawang Norbu, GIS Officer In-charge, D & IM Section

7. Karma Tenzin, Ethno-botanist, D&IM Section

8. Karma Tshering, Head, Management Planning and ICDP Section

9. Sonam Choden, Env. Education Officer, MP & ICDP Section

10. Namgay Dendup, Ranger Officer, ICDP, MP & ICDP Section

11. Deki Yonten, Head, SCREaM Section

12. Sherub, Ornithologist, SCREaM Section

13. Nagdrel Lhamo, CITES, SCREaM Section

14. D.S.Rai, ADF, SCREaM Section

15. Sangay, Co-ordinator, Tiger Program, SCREaM Section

16. Sherab Wangchuk, Deputy Ranger, Tiger Program, SCREaM Section

Protected Area SystemProtected Area SystemProtected Area SystemProtected Area SystemProtected Area System

17. Tshering Phuntsho, Park Manager, Jigme Dorji National Park

18. Sonam Wangyel Wang, Park Manager, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National

Park

19. Sonam Wangchuk, Park Manager, Thrumshingla National Park

20. Thinley Dorji, Park Manager, Royal Manas National Park.

21. Phurba Lhundup, Park Warden, Bomdelling Wildlife Sanctuary

22. Pema, Park Manager, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary

WWF BhutanWWF BhutanWWF BhutanWWF BhutanWWF Bhutan

23. Kinzang Namgay, Country Representative, WWF Bhutan

24. Chadho Tenzing, Conservation Director, WWF Bhutan

25. Vijay Moktan, Sr. Program Officer, WWF Bhutan

26. Pema Yangzom, Finance and Administration Manager, WWF Bhutan

27. Karma Tshedon, Administration Officer, WWF Bhutan

28. Echay Kumar, Program Officer, WWF Bhutan

Internat ional Part ic ipantsInternat ional Part ic ipantsInternat ional Part ic ipantsInternat ional Part ic ipantsInternat ional Part ic ipants

29. Tariq Aziz, Coordinator, AREAS Program, WWF India;

[email protected]

30. Fred Mason Bagley, Fund Manager/Biologist, Rhinocerous and Tiger

Fund, USF&WS, US; [email protected]

34


31. Jonathan Ballou, Head, Department of Conservation Biology,

Conservation and Research Center, National Zoological Park, Smithsonian

Institution Washington DC, US; [email protected]

32. Dekila Chungyalpa, Program Officer, WWF-US;

[email protected]

33. David Lawrence Hulse, Sr. Program Officer, MacAurthur Foundation,US;

[email protected]

34. AJT. Johnsingh, Dean, Faculty of Wildlife Sciences, WII, India;

[email protected]

35. Ullas Karanth, Director, Wildlife Conservation Society – India;

[email protected]

36. Sybille Klenzendorf, Sr. Program Officer, WWF-US;

[email protected]

37. Susan Lumpkin, Director of Communications, Friends of the

Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington DC, US; [email protected]

38. David Whyte MacDonald, Director, Dept. of Zoology, South Parks Road,

Oxford University; [email protected]

39. Ewan Alexendar MacDonald, Zoologist, Dept. of Zoology, South Parks

Road, Oxford University; [email protected]

40. Charles McDougal, Tiger Specialist, Tiger Mountain/International Trust

for Nature Conservation, Nepal; [email protected]

41. Dale Richard McCullough, Professor, University of California, Berkeley,

US; [email protected]

42. Yvette McCullough, Consultant, California, US; [email protected]

43. Francine M. Madden, Consultant/Chair, IUCN Human-Wildlife Conflict

Task Force, US; [email protected]

44. Timothy G. O’Brien, Sr. Conservation Zoologist, Wildlife Conservation

Society-Asia Program; [email protected]

45. John Christian Seidensticker, Chairman, Save the Tiger Fund Council

and Senior Scientist, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, Washington

DC, US; [email protected]

46. James L. David Smith, Professor, Dept. Fisheries, Wildlife, &

Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, US; [email protected]

47. Melvin E. Sunquist, Professor, Dept. of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation,

University of Florida, US; [email protected]

48. P.K. Sen, Director, Tiger and Wildlife Division, WWF India, New Delhi, India;

[email protected]

49. Per Wegge, Professor, Dept. of Ecology and Natural Resources

Management, Agricultural University of Norway; [email protected]

50. Wikramanayake, Eric., Sr. Conservation Scientist, WWF US [email protected]

51. Tshewang R. Wangchuk, Tiger Program Co-ordinator, WWF International.

[email protected]

35


ANNEXURE 2

Human Resource DevelopmentTraining on Advance and Intensive Research and Sampling MethodsThe Tiger Conservation Program will enhance the capability of the program staff that arelocally trained with a twelve-week course on advanced and intensive research and samplingmethods. The course is expected to include: 1) development of research proposals, 2)various survey techniques such as camera trapping, pellet group sampling, line transects,etc. 3) data collection, 4) identification of animal signs, 5) tracking animals using radiotelemetry equipments, 6) use of GPS and geo-referencing, 7) statistical analysis (includingspatial analysis using GIS), 8) conservation biology (including wildlife health and medicine)and, 9) immobilization and translocation of animals. The staffs will be sent to reputedinstitutions in the region.

Long-term StudiesThe program plans for long-term research where studies can be integrated with higherdegrees. Dedicated and motivated staff from the Nature Conservation Division andProtected Areas could pursue independent studies for postgraduate degrees (Diploma,MSc and PhD).

Training in Scat AnalysisThe program will identify two staff to undergo a two-week training on scat analysis handlingand management at the Wildlife Institute of India. They will carry out scat analysis todetermine tiger diet composition.

Training on Capture and Recapture SamplingThe program will send three staff to attend a three-week on-the-job training at the Centreof Wildlife Studies, India, on capture and recapture sampling. They will then train otherstaff in camera trapping exercises, and conduct capture and recapture samplings inselected study areas.

Training on Image Classification Using GIS and Remote SensingThe program will be updating land-use maps and will need to carry out habitat classificationfrom satellite images. At present, the GIS unit of NCD does not have the capability tocarry out image classification using GIS and RS. Therefore, two GIS personnel will betrained in image classification using GIS and RS at either ESRI or ITC (Netherlands). Asfar as possible expertise from other agencies such as Land Use and Stastistic Sectionand Survey of Bhutan will be used.

36


Study Tours and Training on Surveying Methodologies and Monitoring TechniquesThe program will send the staff who are closely involved with the program on a study tourto Nepal and India. Such trainings and tours will expose them to tiger conservation effortsand challenges outside their immediate experience.

In-country Training on Survey MethodsA week-long in-country training and refresher course will be conducted for forestry andpark staff on survey methodologies and monitoring techniques that are necessary to carryout wildlife surveys. The training will also cover the tigers and its conservation efforts andIt will be attended by 40 staff from various territorial forest divisions and parks and heldevery alternate year.

In-country WorkshopA one-day in-country workshop will be held to report on survey and research finding aswell as on the compensation results. This workshop will be organized once every threeyears.

Regional and International meetingsAs Bhutan has recently ratified and joined CITES (2002), this allows for the CITESmanagement authority and scientific authority personnel to attend CITES meetings. It isimportant for the Bhutanese government officials to keep abreast of what is happening inrelation to tiger conservation in the region and internationally.

General Assembly and Executive Committee Meeting of the Global Tiger ForumThe Global Tiger Forum Secretariat has requested Bhutan to host its General Assemblyand Executive Committee meeting, which we would like to host in the Year of the Tiger(2010), to showcase our commitment to tiger conservation. The meeting will be attendedby all members of the Global Tiger Forum, as well as by organizations that have a stakein tiger conservation.

Training Course in Management of Wild TigersThe Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has conducted a three-week course on the managementof wild tigers. The program would like to request the Institute to organize a similar trainingcourse for Bhutanese staff in Bhutan. It will be attended by select staff that have proventheir dedication to tiger conservation.

Training in Wildlife Management and Conservation BiologyThe Smithsonian Institution has conducted several training on wildlife management andconservation biology in various countries. The program will request it to conduct a similartraining in Bhutan. About 50 staff from the forestry divisions and parks including researcherswill attend the three-week session.

For further information:

Nature Conservation DivisionDepartment of ForestsMinistry of AgricultureTashichhodzongThimphu, BHUTAN

Phone : +975 2 325042Fax : +975 2 325475email : [email protected]

WWF Bhutan ProgramP.O. Box 210ChubachuThimphu, BHUTAN

Phone : +975 2 323316/323528Fax : +975 2 323518email : [email protected]

ISBN 99936-666-0-2

Sub-tropical forest in Royal Manas National Park

sangay, t. and wangchuk, t. 2005. tiger action plan for ... · sangay, t. and wangchuk, t. 2005....

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