Reintroduction of a Siamese Crocodile population in Bau Sau lake, Cat Tien National Park

In 1998, site managers and scientists discussed the possibility of reintroducing a crocodile population at Bau Sau. This was because the lake was situated in the historical occupation range of the species, and at that time, the habitat quality had been improved and ready for a reintroduction program. Feasibility studies were carried out. The park also held discussions among experts, managers, and authorities at all levels to gain consensus on the program.

In 2000, with the support from international experts, purebred Siamese Crocodiles, which are believed to have provenance from Cat Tien area, were selected from a farm in Ho Chi Minh City, to training for restoring their natural behaviours. From 2001 to 2005, a total of 60 adults were released into Bau Sau. In September 2005, the first baby crocodiles were recorded.

Recent monitoring shows that the number of individuals is increasing, the distribution area is also expanding with records in some neighbouring lakes. As of 2019, monitoring data has recorded at least 286 individuals (including 228 juveniles). Up to now, it can be confirmed that freshwater crocodile populations have been successfully re-established in Cat Tien National Park. The number and structure of the recorded population ensures that this is a healthy and viable population.

  • Natural habitats of Crocodiles in Cat Tien National Park (Bau Sau and surrounding wetlands) are well protected and restored, prey populations are well maintained to facilitate the reintroduction.
  • Source of breeds in the crocodile farms meet requirements in terms of genetics and epidemiology.
  • There is enough scientific basis for a population reintroduction program.
  • Supports from governments and international community helped the National Park managers have enough determination in re-establishing a Siamese Crocodile population.

The success of re-establishment of a Siamese Crocodile population in Cat Tien National Park is the result of a joint effort of Vietnam and the international conservation community. This is a good lesson for future re-wilding efforts. Local political determination (local governments and site leaders) plays an important role in creating the necessary conditions for population re-establishment.

Important elements for this success include: i) available breeding stock for re-wilding, ii) safe habitats with sufficient prey sources, and iii) proper awareness on animal-human conflict for to ensure the compatible behaviours for long-term survival of the re-established population.

To date, the freshwater crocodile re-establishment programme at Bau Sau was recognized as the first successful crocodile reintroduction effort in the world, and it therefore can provide experience for other population re-establishment projects in future.

Strengthening of community organization

Under the "Strengthening community organization" component, the project worked with the Tanta community to develop a livestock management strategy, with the support of a specialist, to improve livestock management in the community’s farm territory. The objective was to fortify the community’s collective decision-making process in regards to the management of its natural resources, thus contributing to the recovery of grazing areas, which in turn ensures having the necessary level of food for livestock and improving both productivity and ecosystem services for water regulation.

The livestock management strategy has been the product of a participatory process facilitated by Instituto de Montaña and led by the authorities and the community's livestock department (committee). As part of this process, visual materials (maps and infographics) have been developed to graphically represent the proposed management plan and rotation of livestock among the different sectors of the communal farm. These visual materials are exhibited in the community premises so that the community members can follow up on the plan and the agreements and commitments made by all.

  • Participatory approach to decision-making and planning.
  • Interest and commitment of the local population.
  • Relationship of trust between the community and the implementing institutions.
  • Availability and commitment of the authorities in charge, such as the boards of directors and specialized committees.
  • Traditional knowledge of the local population and technical knowledge of external experts.
  • Participation of the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve (NYCLR) team.
  • Working on community strengthening and organization is a process that takes time but is essential to achieve long-term results.

  • The project needs to be flexible enough to modify plans in the face of unexpected situations. This also contributes to building trust.

  • In the face of the initial distrust towards external institutions, the permanent presence of Instituto de Montaña's field staff and their involvement in the community's day-to-day life was important.

Partnerships with local partners

Partnerships with the provincial Taskforce, which oversaw the project's activities in general, and the provincial Agriculture Extension Center and Farmers’ Union helped achieve the expected results despite travel restrictions owing to COVID-19.

 

Partnerships with these local partners also led to the later integration of the project’s interventions into provincial partner’s programmes.

* Engagement with all levels of government in the province, specifically, at the project's sites, was critically important to establish the partnerships

* Endorsement of the project at national level was critical to ensure provincial and local buy-in

* Widespread availability of smartphones and access to network and desktop computers was vital to ensuring progress even during the pandemic's travel restrictions

* Building strong partnerships is a risk-reduction strategy, as shown during the pandemic wherein local partners were able to conduct many activities with guidance remotely by expert staff

 

Wildlife surveillance for One Health intelligence

Financing support for multi-sector surveillance of zoonotic diseases in wildlife and along wildlife trade chains is essential to improve understanding of pathogen diversity, disease dynamics and potential risks posed by wildlife trade, to support evidence-based decision making, monitor emerging pathogens and support targeted future surveillance and mitigation investments

Long-term financial support for sustained wildlife surveillance: in the field, in the laboratory and for associated data analysis to inform decision-makers and support reporting through One Health coordination platforms 

It is a challenge to secure funding for longer than the typical short cycles associated with government priorities to really make a difference in capacity and system building. Wildlife and environment sectors typically receive less funding and attention compared with livestock and human health, despite their clear linkages to both and increasing risks of emerging diseases of wildlife origin. 

 

Building long-term, multi-sectoral, trans-disciplinary partnerships and capacities

Building long-term partnerships and capacity for multi-sector surveillance of zoonotic diseases along wildlife trade chains promotes and supports effective One Health collaboration from the spillover frontlines to national and international policy makers, and improved understanding of pathogen diversity, disease dynamics and potential risks posed by wildlife trade. Platforms for regular multi-sector discussion between animal health, environment, enforcement, and human health sectors, as well as with and amongst international and multi-lateral partners, is essential for open discourse and sharing of information on the risks, challenges and opportunities for pandemic prevention. This is critical to improve cross- sectoral trust, understanding, communication and coordination to increase opportunities for effective legislative change and cultural shifts.

Openness of host governments to coordination between environment, law enforcement, animal health and human health sectors and investment of time and personnel from those sectors in wildlife surveillance for One Health intelligence; patience; funding; One Health coordination platforms

Trans-sectoral coordination and support from the government is essential from the beginning to ensure effective surveillance for diseases of zoonotic origin along wildlife trade chains and to promote understanding and sharing of findings. Openness of national governments to make science-based policy changes to reduce health risks posed by wildlife trade is essential for meaningful, long-term impact. 

Monitoring + Evaluation

Given the lack of experience and the high need for learning and improving the solution, M+E is key. Starting in the nursery how the different seedlings develop, then after planting and in regular intervals. this allows improving the design, to determine the need for soil improvement, suitability of individual species on respective sites and many other aspects - including upscaling to other areas and countries with similar needs and circumstances.

- Capable institutions and link / partnerships to scientific organizations and individuals

- Local ownership and dedication, also beyond the project's lifetime

- a sound and realistic monitoring system from the outset

M+E needs to focus and should be carried out by knowledgeable and dedicated individuals and organizations. It should also involve the local landowners and their traditional knowledge

Implementación de estrategias para fortalecer la conservación y la salud de vicuñas y de su hábitat

A partir de la coordinación multisectorial, las comunidades realizan el registro de sarna durante los censos poblacionales y en las capturas para esquila y liberación, en formularios oficiales de la autoridad en biodiversidad nacional. Se espera que el área protegida implemente el uso de indicadores ecológicos y epidemiológicos para la mejor toma de decisiones de conservación. Los ganaderos locales reciben capacitaciones en manejo sanitario y productivo de alpacas coadyuvando a mejorar la salud del ganado y a disminuir el potencial de transmisión de enfermedades. Finalmente, a través del Grupo Interinstitucional de Trabajo en “Oro Responsable” se realizan escuelas de campo piloto para aplicar las mejores prácticas, técnicas sociales y ambientales disponibles, que permitan mitigar el impacto de la minería aurífera en las comunidades.

- Se desarrollaron participativamente con las comunidades locales y autoridades cinco instrumentos técnicos para la gestión y toma de decisiones por la Asociación de Comunidades manejadoras de Vicuñas de Apolobamba, el área protegida de Apolobamba.

- Se realizaron acuerdos de buena voluntad entre mineros auríferos locales, comunidades manejadoras de vicuñas, autoridades originarias y el área protegida, para la conservación de las vicuñas y del hábitat. Esto debido al impacto de la minería sobre los bofedales y pastizales y por el uso de mercurio.

- Los instrumentos desarrollados en conjunto con las comunidades locales y la ACOFIVB les permiten realizar una mejor gestión de sus actividades y en conjunto con el área protegida de Apolobamba y también son de utilidad para las demás asociaciones manejadoras de vicuñas en Bolivia.

- Aunque se ha involucrado a cooperativas mineras legales en la conservación de la especie y de su hábitat, existen otras numerosas actividades mineras ilegales que representan un nuevo reto para la gestión del área protegida y de las comunidades locales para la conservación y la salud de las vicuñas y otros animales silvestres, de los animales domésticos, de los humanos y del paisaje en su conjunto.

Desarrollo de capacidades en bienestar animal, bioseguridad y obtención de fibra de mayor calidad

Se capacitaron a las comunidades manejadoras de vicuñas y guardaparques durante las campañas de captura (aprovechamiento de la fibra) y liberación de vicuñas silvestres. Los temas abordados incluyen: procedimientos adecuados de bienestar animal y bioseguridad para prevenir la transmisión de sarna, entre animales, y por instrumentos y accesorios de trabajo; bioseguridad frente al Covid-19 para prevenir la transmisión entre personas y de personas a animales silvestres capturados. Asimismo, se realizaron capacitaciones en esquila mecánica y predescerdado de la fibra, en ambos casos, para incrementar la calidad de la fibra de vicuñas obtenida durante las capturas y proporcionar un mayor valor agregado a la misma, ampliando los beneficios para la comunidad.

- Se tiene apoyo de las comunidades manejadoras de vicuñas de Apolobamba y del área protegida de Apolobamba.

- Se cuenta con un equipo técnico experimentado de veterinarios e ingenieros zootecnistas y agrónomos para el desarrollo de estudios, capacitaciones y gestiones con los actores locales y nacionales.

El trabajo conjunto y complementario del equipo técnico de WCS y de la ACOFIVB con las comunidades locales y con el área protegida de Apolobamba han generado capacitaciones con una visión de Una sola Salud, capacitaciones que fueron favorables para que las comunidades locales identifiquen que la conservación y manejo de las vicuñas también involucra el cuidado de la salud de especies animales silvestres, domésticas y de las personas, a la vez que obtienen fibra de mejor calidad y reciben mejores ingresos económicos.

Monitoreo y vigilancia del estado de las poblaciones y de la salud de vicuñas

El monitoreo de las poblaciones de vicuña, realizado en 2006, 2018, 2019 y 2021, evaluando la sarna sarcóptica y otros parásitos en Apolobamba, estableció que la especie mantiene su ratio de incremento poblacional, y que en su mayoría los individuos son saludables. Las prevalencias de sarna son bajas y afectan principalmente a las vicuñas crías y las de mayor edad con una menor condición corporal. Esta enfermedad es actualmente endémica y con bajo impacto, siempre y cuando las vicuñas cuenten con suficiente alimento para mantener una buena condición corporal. Por otro lado, debido al incremento de las actividades mineras, de 50 a 231 en los últimos 10 años, y el uso aproximado de hasta 6 kg/mes de mercurio por cada actividad, ya existe evidencia de contaminación en la especie. Esto se ha verificado mediante registros de mercurio total en sangre de vicuñas, así como en anomalías celulares (genotoxicidad), y representa una amenaza local para la salud humana y de animales silvestres y domésticos.

- Apoyo de comunidades manejadoras de vicuñas de Apolobamba.

- Apoyo del área protegida SERNAP Apolobamba.

- Financiamiento necesario para apoyar la logística de actividades de campo con los comunarios y guardaparques.

- Se cuenta con laboratorio y veterinarios parasitólogos, lo que permite reducir costos de análisis a traves del tiempo.

- Se cuenta con acuerdos con instituciones científicas académicas como el Instituto de Ecología y el Instituto de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, ambos de la Universidad Mayor de San Andrés.

- Todos los resultados de investigación que se obtienen son socializados y entregados a las comunidades y al área protegida SERNAP Apolobamba.

- Los estudios realizados son insumos para la gestión de las comunidades y del área protegida y son oportunidades para el desarrollo de investigaciones de tesis de estudiantes de licenciatura y grados superiores.

- Todas las pruebas serológicas de laboratorio requieren estar previamente validadas para especies silvestres con las que se trabaja.

Empowerment of all actors involved is key

The success of forest management and restoration efforts has also hinged on the knowledge and skills acquired by the local forest organizations such as Village Natural Resources Management Committees. This has enabled the committee members to successfully implement ANR and fire prevention activities while adhering to good leadership skills to allow increased participation in restoration activities.

Community empowerment is a key enabling factor to consider within this building block because activities being implemented by the community members are as a result of the trainings/capacity building efforts by committed extension workers and other community leaders

  1. Training acts as an incentive for communities to participate in restoration efforts because  the knowledge gained is applied on their land.