Local | PANORAMA

Reintroducing the Salmon to Its Historical Habitats (Ex-Situ Conservation)

Following habitat restoration efforts, including the removal of silt traps and reforestation along riverbanks, the salmon were reintroduced to five historical streams. Technologies, such as mini radio transmitters, were used to track the salmon’s behavior and assess the suitability of their restored habitats.

The Formosan landlocked salmon is a keystone species in stream ecosystems, with its presence helps maintain ecological balance. Restoring populations in historically distributed areas promotes the integrity and stability of local ecosystems.
The three-phase goal set at the 2000 Formosan Landlocked Salmon Conservation Research Symposium aims to restore its natural habitats, expand the species' natural distribution range, and reduce survival risks posed by issues like climate change.
The 2005 Wuling Stream Long-Term Monitoring Integrated Plan (2005-2013) involved monitoring habitats and species prior to the silt trap improvement plan, laying the groundwork for the restoration of ecosystem balance.
In 2017, a cross-regional collaboration with Taroko National Park enabled the release of Formosan landlocked salmon into Hehuan and Nanhu rivers, which are at higher elevations than the Qijiawan River.
Releasing salmon into different streams and different sections of the same stream fosters evolutionary diversity, contributing to the genetic diversity of the Formosan landlocked salmon.
In October 2023, a breakthrough in reintroduction techniques overcame the challenge of transporting fish over long distances. Through waterless transport, the eggs were transported and reintroduced into the upper reaches of Nanhu River, at an altitude of 2,200 meters in Zhongyangjian River.

In 2004, Typhoon Aere brought heavy rains and landslides that destroyed the hatchery along the Qijiawan River. The previous efforts were washed away, causing a 2–3-year disruption in the off-site conservation work. However, researchers and conservationists, equipped with prior experience, remained determined to persist in their efforts. To mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events, they also began releasing salmon into multiple streams, dispersing the risks associated with such climatic challenges.

Inception phase

Implementation

Monitoring

Documentation and dissemination of results

Local

Subnational

七家灣溪國寶魚—臺灣鮭魚基因窄化警訊 (A Warning of Genetic Narrowing in the Formosan Landlocked S…

Comprehensive life-cycle breeding program (Ex-Situ Conservation)

A comprehensive artificial breeding program was established over four years, producing 10,000 fish annually for conservation and reintroduction. Challenges included low genetic diversity and habitat-specific requirements.

A gene bank was established based on the concept of Noah’s Ark, aimed at increasing the population of the Formosan landlocked salmon through artificial breeding.
In 2000, the Formosan Landlocked Salmon Conservation Symposium was held, where a comprehensive conservation framework was developed. The goal was to gradually restore the five historical streams in the upper Dajia River, where the salmon originally thrived, within 30 years. A dual strategy of in-situ (on-site) and ex-situ (off-site) conservation was adopted.

Purely artificial breeding methods can reduce genetic diversity, so it is essential to establish a complete and sustainable breeding program.
There is limited experience in reintroducing endangered species, making it crucial to understand the life history and habitat requirements of the Formosan landlocked salmon.

臺灣櫻花鉤吻鮭保育之實驗生物學研究（廖林彥） (The Experimental Biology on the Conservation of Landloc…

「臺灣櫻花鉤吻鮭種源庫復育管理」工作計畫書 (Formosan Landlocked Salmon Gene Bank Restoration and Man…

East Asia

How to Save the Critically Endangered Formosan Landlocked Salmon

Kai-Fang

Cheng

The Establishment of Shei-Pa National Park in 1992

Comprehensive life-cycle breeding program (Ex-Situ Conservation)

Reintroducing the Salmon to Its Historical Habitats (Ex-Situ Conservation)

Collaborating with Local and Indigenous Communities (Ex-Situ Conservation)

Habitat Restoration (In-Situ Conservation)

Reforestation and Water Quality Improvements (In-Situ Conservation)

Educational Initiatives

Action Response Plan

Sensor alert system will be activated after sensor installation and software platform development phase till the end of data collection phase. A trial-based action response plan for each type of sensor is listed below. For long run, an action response plan will be developed through fine tuning after the completion of review and evaluation of IoT system phase.

Scenarios (Trigger level) <Action Response>

A. Water level too high/ too low (The initial limit of high/low water level will be set with reference to the optimal levels set in the Mai Po Management Plan) <1. Staff may decide if field check is needed and whether action shall follow. Normally, field check would be arranged. 2. Perform site check to confirm the water level is out of range. 3. If yes, mark the alert as true alarm and arrange adjustment of water level back to optimal range. 4. If no, mark the alert as false alarm.>

B. Water quality out of range (Alerts will be set based on the normal range from past water quality data in Mai Po Nature Reserve) <1. Staff may decide if field check is needed and whether action shall follow. Normally, field check would be arranged. 2. Perform site check to confirm the water quality is out of range. 3. If yes, mark the alert as true alarm and decide if water exchange shall be performed for the sensor at Gei wai #12 For the sensor near Northern hide, record need to be kept and informed to relevant parties if necessary. 4. If no, mark the alert as false alarm.>

C. Buffalo out of fence (Tracker out of geofence) <1. Staff may decide if field check is needed and whether action shall follow. Normally, field check would be arranged. 2. Perform site check to confirm buffalo is out of fence. 3. If yes, mark the alert as true alarm. Followed by tracking of the buffalo with the assistance of AFCD Cattle Team and identification of reason of escape 4. If no, mark the alert as false alarm>

Insight Gained from the IoT System

Waterbirds’ sensitivity to water level : Correlation between water level and waterbird usage at the major high-tide roosting site (gei wai #16/17) was evaluated. Based on the available shorebird count data, all shorebirds seem to avoid using gei wai #16/17 when the water level is above 1.65m.

Effectiveness of water exchange: For the water quality sensor at gei wai, results showed no significant difference in pH, dissolved oxygen level, temperature, chlorophyll-a and salinity before and after water exchange. (Based on the 6-month data during the reporting period in which twelve times of water exchange were performed)

Area use pattern of buffalo: The tracking data suggests that the buffaloes have contributed to vegetation control during the reporting period. Consequently, since the vegetation has been kept in acceptable height, it is concluded that no further habitat management efforts are required at this time. (Based on the 6-month tracking data collected from 1st December 2023 to 31st May 2024)

Review phase

Local

Building Cross sectoral Partnerships

Hack The Planet acknowledge that our partnerships allow us to combine strengths, resources, and expertise, amplifying the impact and fostering innovative solutions. Collaborating creates shared value and builds networks, enabling mutual growth and sustainability.

Local involment:
The scanners send real-time alerts to the anti-poaching control room. These alerts can also be shared with local communities or neighboring farms, enabling them to act as third-party partners in anti-poaching efforts. By involving locals directly in the response process, the system fosters collaboration, increases situational awareness, and empowers communities to take an active role in protecting wildlife.

Scanneredge is a collaboration with Tech for Conservation organisation Smartparks, Management of national parks like Gonarezhou - Zimbabwe, park technicians, rangers(QRU) and the local community. Through this cross-sector partnership, we have demonstrated that ScannerEdge is ready for broader deployment, increasing the number of active national parks and total scanners in use.

To establish a successful cross-sector partnership, it is essential to clearly define each partner's role and level of involvement from the outset. Ensuring local ownership of the solution is crucial for achieving long-term sustainability and impact.

Purpose: To align resources, expertise, and strategic goals across different sectors for effective implementation and operational success.

How it Works: Partnerships are built through workshops, shared missions, and transparent agreements outlining roles and responsibilities. Regular evaluations ensure partnerships remain productive.

Scanneredge offers a plug&play innovation offering a quick installation that can be monitor the area for signs of potential poachers immediately after installation.

The true success depends on the internal Rangers Quick Response Unit's ability to act swiftly and effectively on the real-time data provided. The unit must remain on constant standby, equipped with reliable transportation, and prepared to respond on poaching activity.

Building trust among stakeholders takes time but is essential for long-term collaboration.

Cross-sectoral partnerships increase funding opportunities and knowledge sharing, enhancing the overall impact.

Documentation and dissemination of results

Quick Response Unit acting on suspicious threats based on real-time data

Leveraging real-time alerts from ScannerEdge, a response unit can quickly assess and mitigate potential threats, such as poaching or other illegal activities.

Purpose: To translate RF signal detection into actionable insights that trigger swift response actions in the field.

How it Works: Alerts are routed to dedicated response teams equipped to investigate and intervene. ScannerEdge’s GPS functionality and integration into EarthRanger aids in pinpointing signal sources for precise action.

Response protocols must be clearly defined to avoid delays in decision-making.

Collaboration with local enforcement agencies enhances the effectiveness of rapid response teams.

Real-time response is more effective when combined with predictive analytics based on historical ScannerEdge data.

Monitoring

Documentation and dissemination of results

Mobile/Satellite Phone Monitoring

ScannerEdge specializes in monitoring RF signals from mobile and satellite phones, as well as other communication devices, to detect human activity in remote areas.

Purpose: To provide real-time intelligence on human presence or illegal activities by detecting and analyzing RF signals within a 3 km radius.

How it Works: ScannerEdge scans for RF signals (UMTS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, satellite phones, and VHF radios) and transmits alerts via LoRaWAN or satellite connectivity. Data is centralized for further analysis and decision-making.

ScannerEdge’s ability to integrate with multiple communication networks LoRa/Satellite ensures reliable data transmission even very remote regions.

Satellite data transmission, while robust, can be cost-prohibitive and requires funding models that accommodate operational expenses.

Proper calibration to filter false positives is critical for actionable intelligence.

Technical Installation and Training

Ensuring that ScannerEdge devices are properly installed and configured in the field, with thorough training for operators to maximize their effectiveness in detecting illegal human activities.

Purpose: To equip field teams with the skills and knowledge to install, operate, and maintain ScannerEdge devices, ensuring continuous functionality in diverse environments.

How it Works: ScannerEdge is installed in strategic locations, configured via Bluetooth through a smartphone app, and calibrated to local RF conditions. Training includes understanding signal detection, troubleshooting, and device maintenance.

On-site, hands-on training yields better outcomes than theoretical sessions alone.

Operators need to understand both the technical and practical implications of the data collected.

Regular follow-ups improve long-term device functionality and user confidence.

Committee establishment, formalization and operationalization

Inclusive and participatory mapping of all stakeholders in the mangrove space in the five counties of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu. A series of meetings for sensitization on the National Mangrove Management Plan, and later facilitated formation of the national and five county committees. The committees were then facilitated in developing their workplans and executing some of the activities. This has since been picked up.

Partnership and collaboration.

Inclusive processes

Willingness and trust amongst partners

Documentation and dissemination of results

Forest Conservation and Management Act, No. 34 of 2016

An Act of Parliament that provide for the development and sustainable management, including conservation and rational utilization of all forest resources for the socio-economic development of the country and for connected purposes

Provides for overall management of forest in the country