Bio-diversity

Executive Summary Many Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) populations are threatened by habitat loss, poaching and direct conflict with humans. The species is listed as Endangered in the 2008 IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species and is included in Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Peninsular Malaysia still has extensive tracts of forest that are habitat for elephants and other endangered species including tigers. Yet, these habitats under pressure with increasing demands on forests and other State land to support economic development. Human-elephant conflict (HEC) is already a major issue in Peninsular Malaysia. There is therefore an urgent need to incorporate elephant conservation into national development strategies and to reduce HEC as part of Malaysia s strategy of balancing development and conservation. WCS-Malaysia Programme (hereafter known as WCS) has been invited by the Government of Malaysia to help them develop a holistic elephant plan for Peninsular Malaysia because the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) recognizes the importance of up-to-date and accurate data for guiding both wildlife conservation and development strategies. This is a 10-year project. The overall goal of the project is to help balance development and conservation by using evidence-based elephant management strategies to help conserve wild elephant populations in the Endau-Rompin Landscape. Project activities are: Monitoring the extent and distribution of elephant crop raid around Endau-Rompin (Johor) National Park and Endau-Rompin Pahang State Park; Strengthen crop protection methods around ERJNP and expand village sites; Participatory monitoring of behavior, and documentation of movement for elephants in conflict areas by local communities; Produce a HEC handbook as a tool to raise awareness on elephant conservation and HEC mitigation and management methods amongst local community; and Conduct relevant training (HEC surveys, mitigation methods, etc) for local communities, park staff and other relevant government personnel. A total of USD49,930.00 is sought from GEF-SGP (Malaysia). A total of USD48,600.00 matching funds is supported by WCS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and USD20,300.00 in-kind contribution is given by JNPC. The project focuses on finding a balance of protection, management, mitigation and cohabitation for the endangered Asian elephant, its habitat and local communities whose livelihoods are affected by the presence of the species. This project subscribes to the GEF focal area of biological diversity and livelihoods and sustainable development . Overall goal: Help balance development and conservation of Asian Elephants in Peninsular Malaysia Specific objectives: To monitor human-elephant conflict around Endau-Rompin (Johor) National Park and Endau-Rompin Pahang State Park; To strengthen crop protection methods around ERJNP and expand village sites; To have participation from local communities in the monitoring of behaviour, and documentation of movement for Asian Elephants in human-elephant conflict areas; and To raise awareness and build capacity on HEC survey, mitigation and management methods amongst local community (including examining the potential for elephant-wildlife tourism), Government and JNPC staff, and other stakeholders (where relevant). Anticipated project outputs include: Data on the extent and distribution of HEC (crop raiding and property damage by elephants; human or elephant injuries and deaths) Data on trends in HEC 6-monthly reports on the extent and distribution of HEC crop raiding and property damage by elephants/human or elephant injuries and deaths) and trends in HEC. Public GIS database application Field testing and improvements to HEC mitigation measures Liaison with local communities on mitigation measures and elephant conservation Data on the effectiveness of HEC mitigation methods Maps of elephant trails Information leaflets on elephant movements which could potentially be useful for tourism Data on encounter rate of fresh elephant signs and trail Conservation outreach module Handbook in 2 languages (English and Malay) on HEC survey, mitigation and management strategies, based on some Malaysian case examples

Malaysia