Title
Cryptic cats and elusive ungulates: multiple methods for monitoring large mammals in Laos
Author(s)
Bousa, A.;Rasphone, A.;Vongkhameng, C.;Johnson, A.
Published
2015
Publisher
Cambodian Journal of Natural History
Abstract
We present a case study from the Nam-Et-Phou-Louey National Protected Area (NEPL-NPA) in Lao PDR, where monitoring activities have been conducted at a number of spatial scales to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and to assess the status of key carnivore and ungulate species. The 6,000 km2 NEPL-NPA is situated in the mountainous Northern Highlands and is recognised as one of the region’s most important protected areas; best known for its mammals, especially carnivores. It harbours Indochina’s last confirmed population of tigers and at least five other felid species. The primary pressures on mammal populations in this region are unsustainable hunting for consumption and trade. Population densities remain low and, combined with the extremely rugged terrain, impose difficulties for implementing monitoring activities. Since 2003, three different camera trapping strategies have been adopted. In 2008 a sign-based occupancy survey was carried out across the entire NEPL-NPA. Hunting prevalence was also monitored through the use of patrol team records. The results of these monitoring actions were used as the basis for zonation within the NEPL-NPA, including the designation of a Totally Protected Zone. Furthermore, monitoring results were used to iteratively adapt both the law enforcement and community outreach strategies, and to determine the relative success of different elements of each strategy. Although monitoring indicates that the effectiveness of these strategies has increased, it remains uncertain whether they will be sufficient to conserve these populations in the long term, in the face of escalating threats and limited resources.

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