Scientific Monitoring of Tiger Populations and Habitats

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1 Scientific Monitoring of Tiger Populations and Habitats John Seidensticker Conservation Ecology Center Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute GTRP Stocktaking New Delhi May 16, 2012

2 Tiger Monitoring Monitoring data are not to be gathered with a vague hope that they will prove useful for conservation. Instead, monitoring focuses on precisely the information to make conservation decisions. J. D. Nichols and B. K Williams, 2006.

3 This science-based conservation management platform has three elements: Improved law enforcement based on effortdirecting technology; Improved effectiveness of PA management by measuring management results against objectives; Backed-up with science-based monitoring of tiger populations and habitats, including prey populations.

4 Essential components of science-based conservation management: Define objectives; Define potential management actions; Implement those actions; Monitor tigers, prey, and habitats using a science-based sampling methodology to inform the management decision; Repeat the sequence.

5 Science-based monitoring is A defined and repeatable sampling methodology that is peer reviewed, and in the practicing science community is recognized as best practice. This can be defined through a consultative process of best practice by academics and practitioners with experience in the methods available and in the region. And Data gathering, analysis, and final reporting are transparent and peer reviewed.

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9 In the phase IV monitoring at the tiger reserve level, India set spatial and camera trapping effort guidelines to obtain populations estimates to detect true change: camera-trap density: one camera pair per 4-5 sq km; minimum trap nights per 100 sq km: 1000; minimum area covered: 400 sq km; closure period: days.

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11 Monitoring system indicators Supporting consulting group Peer reviewed methodology Trainers to train trainers Teams trained Program implemented Quality control Trained analysts Adequate computational power

12 Monitoring system indicators Skilled report preparation Technical peer review of monitoring results Report dissemination plan Do you have a process in place whereby the monitoring results can inform management interventions to achieve progress toward management goals to stabilize and recover tigers at the site and landscape levels?

13 I return to the monitoring mantra: Monitoring data are not to be gathered with a vague hope that they will prove useful for conservation. Instead monitoring focuses on precisely the information to make conservation decisions.

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20 Tiger Monitoring Biome type and breeding female tiger densities / 1000 sq km Biome/habitat Potential breeding female density Temperate forests 3 Tropical evergreen 10 Mangrove 10 Tropical dry deciduous 33 Tall-grass savannah 150

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29 Tigers on the Leading Edge itle The St. Petersburg Tiger Summit November 2010 Convened 5 Prime Ministers, 13 ministers, heads of international organizations; hosted by PM Putin and chaired by President Zoellick. Created strong political will. Adopted the St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation with the goal of doubling the number of wild tigers by Endorsed the 12-year Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP): estimated cost $350M for the first 5 years. As the history of the tiger shows, while engaging in development, we must focus on more than just economic activity; we must also focus on such things as nature conservation. - Vladimir Putin

30 Tigers on the Leading Edge The St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation Protect and enhance tiger habitats. Eradicate poaching and illegal trade in tiger parts. Engage local communities in conservation. Increase habitat management effectiveness capacity building. Develop sustainable financing.

31 Tigers on the Leading Edge It is absolutely vital that impacts from St. Petersburg and the Global Tiger Recovery Program are felt on the front lines of conservation. Park rangers and forest guards need our help. - Robert B. Zoellick Priority Actions on the Ground Provide training, equipment, technology, and resources to people on the front lines in protected areas to increase effectiveness of protection. Create inviolate core breeding areas and maintain the landscapes in which they are embedded. Put the heat on poachers and traffickers through interdictions at hot spots.

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33 John s Talk Running Title Headline Bullet 1 Bullet 2 Bullet 1 Bullet 2