Title
An integrated approach to tackling wildlife crime: Impact and lessons learned from reforming hunters to reduce snaring in a flagship protected area in Sumatra, Indonesia
Author(s)
Jefry Susyafrianto; Kuswandono; Hermawan; Elisabeth Devi Krismurniati; Sukatmoko; Sukarman; Fathur Rohman; Sugiyo; Feizal Tawaqal; Muhammad I. Lubis
Published
2024
Abstract
Scanning: Illegal snaring in Way Kambas National Park (WKNP) causes harm to the ungulate species targeted, like deer and pigs, but also to predators, such as the critically endangered Sumatran tiger. Forest ranger patrol data from 2016-2020 showed that 86% of snaring activity was concentrated in three of the twelve resorts in WKNP; Margahayu, Suskan Baru, and Rawa Bunder (resorts are the smallest administrative sector in the Indonesian national park management system). Patrol data showed that Margahayu and Susukan Baru had chronic snaring problems, whereas snaring in Rawa Bunder was an emerging threat. Margahayu was chosen as the focal resort for the problem analysis and intervention, with the other two resorts acting as ‘controls’ for comparison. Analysis: Data from different organizations and agencies were combined to better understand the snaring problem in Margahayu. Snaring was conducted by seventeen individuals, hunting in four different areas of Margahayu. The analysis showed of these seventeen people, nine were initiators who set up hunting trips, and eight were followers. Subsequent conversations with five individuals (three initiators and two followers) revealed they did not enjoy hunting; it was just a source of income, and they would welcome alternative livelihood options. Response: By the end of 2020, a three-pronged response was initiated. First, in December 2020, support was provided to the five hunters approached during the analysis phase to transition them to duck farming as an alternative livelihood instead of hunting in Margahayu. Concurrently, focused patrols commenced in Margahayu, Susukan Baru and Rawa Bunder targeting notorious snaring locations. Finally, awareness-raising activities were carried out in specific villages in May 2021 to target suspected hunters operating across all three resorts. Assessment: In Margahayu, snare counts decreased by 94% in 2021, 84% in 2022, and 74% in 2023 compared to the 2020 baseline. In Susukan Baru, there was a 33% decrease in 2021, followed by a 56% decrease in 2022, but an alarming 118% increase in 2023. In Rawa Bunder, snare counts dropped by 97% in 2021, 93% in 2022, and 29% in 2023. The five hunters interviewed revealed that the livelihood projects allowed them to reintegrate into their community without resorting to illegal means of earning a living. Despite earning less from duck farming compared to hunting, they valued the social benefits. Most successfully transformed their duck farms into other legitimate businesses, ensuring sufficient income without relying on hunting.
Full Citation
Susyafrianto, J., Kuswandono, Hermawan, E.D. Krismurniati, Sukatmoko, Sukarman, F. Rohman, Sugiyo, F. Tawaqal, and M.I. Lubis (2024). An integrated approach to tackling wildlife crime: Impact and lessons learned from reforming hunters to reduce snaring in a flagship protected area in Sumatra, Indonesia. 32nd Annual Problem-Oriented Policing Conference, September 12-14, 2024. Baltimore, MD, USA: Arizona State University Center for Problem-Oriented Policing.
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