SOS Final Technical Report

SOS Final Technical Report 1. Project Information Organization: Fauna and Flora International Project Title: Ensuring a future for the Critically Endangered Siamese crocodile Grant code: 2012A-024 SOS Grant Type: Threatened Species Grant Report Author and Contact Information: Jackson Frechette Jackson.frechette@fauna-flora.org Date of Report: January, 15, 2015 SOS Strategic Direction(s): Threatened tropical terrestrial Asian vertebrates Project Dates 01 December 2012-30 November 2014 SOS Grant Amount (in $49,962 US$): Total Project Amount $61,378 (in US$): Focal Threatened Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) Species: Implementation Cambodian Forestry Administration (FA) Partners for this project: 2. Project Progress by Objectives / Results 2A. Report on Objectives and Results. Reporting should state if Objectives and Results have been ACHIEVED, PARTIALLY ACHIEVED or are still IN PROGRESS. Please reference specific products/deliverables from the approved project design and other relevant information including quantitative and qualitative measurement of chosen indicators. Add or remove Objectives and Results as required Objective or Result Actual at Completion Objective 1: The National Siamese Crocodile Reintroduction and 1

Reinforcement Action Plan is finalized, approved and launched by 2013 R.1.1 At least 20 juveniles supplement the wild populations in a pilot release under the National Siamese crocodile Reintroduction and Reinforcement Action Plan in November 2012 R.1.2 National Siamese Crocodile Action Plan finalized and IUCN endorsed in 2013 R.1.3 Using lessons learned from the pilot release (R.1.1), the National Siamese Crocodile Reintroduction and Reinforcement Action Plan is approved by the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries in 2013. R.1.4 Wild populations are supplemented with at least 10 more captive-bred crocodiles released in Nov 2013, in accordance with the National Siamese Crocodile Reintroduction and Reinforcement Action Plan Objective 2: Community management of crocodile sanctuaries is strengthened and at least 5 additional new sanctuaries are established at the national level with the support of local ACHIEVED. Released 18 juveniles from Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center in December 2012 into our pilot release site in Chhay Reap. ACHIEVED. The National Siamese Crocodile Re-introduction and Reinforcement Strategy & Action Plan (RRP) was developed by the CCCP (FA and FFI staff) and has been reviewed and approved by the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group and Reintroduction Specialist Group, and by WCS, an implementation partner in 2012. In Progress. CCCP team completed translation the plan to Khmer language following recommendations made by a group of officials FA at the first review, and on 03 April 2014 FA had another internal meeting to review the plan again and requested us to follow the formats from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) that the plan be formatted as an official action plan. Following this, we decided to re-format the plan based on the official guidelines as the Siamese Crocodile Action Plan. This plan will be submitted to FA for reviewing again after CCCP team has finished translating it into Khmer. However, we have not received any feedback from Fishery Administration (FiA). And we are concerned that the reluctance with FiA could prevent the Plan s acceptance by MAFF. Consequently, we are behind schedule with this activity. Now, due to a new push from MAFF and FiA, we have begun working together with FiA, WCS, and the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group to develop a National Crocodile Strategy Plan. This strategy plan has a broader governmental buy-in, and hopefully its passage will facilitate our Action Plan being approved in 2015. ACHIEVED. 8 juveniles from Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center were released in January 2014 into our pilot release site in Chhay Reap. We also released 20 head-started 1-2 year old hatchlings into the Areng river valley in August 2014. 2

communities by October 2014 R2.1 The free and informed consent of local communities is obtained for establishing national crocodile sanctuaries R.2.2 At least 5 new National Crocodile Sanctuaries are created under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries R.2.3 Local communities are actively involved in the protection and management of the National Crocodile Sanctuaries Objective 3: Monitoring mechanisms designed and established to evaluate and inform the species recovery programme using an adaptive management approach R. 3.1: Trends in the size and status of four wild populations are measured and evaluated in 2013 and 2014 R.3.2 Telemetry studies of released individuals help to evaluate the success of the release programme in 2012 and 2013 ACHIEVED. All four communities and commune authorities for O Som, Chhay Reap, Tatai Leu, and Chiphat have been consulted and have given consent. In all the communities the overwhelming majority of people support our project and the creation of crocodile sanctuaries. We will continue to engage with the communities as we progress. We have also consulted with the district governors and provincial authorities for Koh Kong and Pursat provinces. They too are fully supportive of establishing nationally protected areas for crocodiles. In Progress. We initially were advised to wait for the National Action Plan, but because we are now pursuing the Strategic Plan first, we will go ahead and try to get the sanctuaries nationally recognized. After consulting with Forestry Administration officials we have decided to separate the sanctuaries into two groups: those already in protected areas (Tatai Leu, Chiphat, O Som, Steung Kep), and those outside protected areas (Steung Khiew, Prek Koh, Chhay Reap). We will propose that the areas outside protected areas will be designated Protected Forests for Watershed and Biodiversity Conservation. It is still unclear what special designation those areas within the protected areas will get, but we will work with FA to determine the best way to add additional national protection. We are currently in the process of developing the proposal for these sites, and hope to submit them to MAFF early 2015. ACHIEVED. We continue to support a network of 22 community wardens across 4 sites (Areng, O Som, Chhay Reap, and Tatai Leu) to patrol for up to 10 days per month. This work will continue into the foreseeable future. ACHIEVED. Annual monitoring and nest surveys conducted in O Som, Areng, Chhay Reap and Tatai Leu. All data were entered into a CCCP National database and these data showed that populations of these sites are stable. ACHIEVED. Radio-tracking of 15 crocodiles (10 released in December 2012 and 5 released in January 2014) conducted in the dry seasons of 2013 and 2014. Two-year radio tracking data showed that the released crocodiles moved up and downstream of release site up to 14 Km, and the 3

R.3.3 Impacts of project on local communities is monitored and evaluated and mitigation measures identified crocodiles without radio-transmitters were sighted as well. The farthest movements occurred in the wet season when the river flooded. We are in the process of putting these data together to present at the next Crocodile Specialist Group meeting and for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. ACHIEVED. Through community consultations and surveys we have established baseline of community members perceptions, concerns, and perceived impact of our project. We are currently in the process of developing a socioeconomic survey for the communities with which we work to provide some additional data on the impact of the project. Our surveys and consultations have elucidated some key concerns of some of the community members that will require further outreach and monitoring in order to ensure community buy-in. 2B. Were any components unrealized? If so, how has this affected the overall impact of the project? The main components that went unrealized were those that dealt with getting higher levels of government to officially endorse. Specifically, endorsement of the national crocodile action plan and the creation of the crocodile sanctuaries has been delayed several times due to political issues outside of our control. The overall effect of this on our project is minimal. The action plan is a document that guides our program activities, and although the government has not officially signed it into law, our program has full governmental support and we are fully able to execute our conservation activities. Similarly, the crocodile sanctuaries have strong community support which, regardless of official government designation helps protect the habitat and crocodiles. Overall, although official government endorsement of the action plan and crocodile sanctuaries would be a big step, the efficacy of our work on the ground is not dependent such national level endorsements. 2C. Please list and submit (electronically if possible) any documents, tools, products, or methodologies that resulted from this project or contributed to the results. Please number and make sure titles correspond to titles of any attachments submitted electronically. 3. Species Conservation Impacts Note: Please use this section to summarize the overall impact of your project. Present results in terms of: - Overall impact of the project (see 3A to 3C below) - Project activities impacts on species status (see 3.1 below), - Population size and trajectories (see 3.2 below), - Critical habitat condition and trajectory (see 3.3 below), - Major threats (see 3.4 below), and 4

- Enabling conditions for effective conservation (see 3.5 below). 3A. Planned Outcome(s) / Impact(s) (as stated in the project logical framework): Increased numbers of wild Siamese crocodiles in specially protected community-managed wetlands in Cambodia. Overall, the project is contributing greatly to the conservation of the Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) via the protection of the three key breeding colonies and sites, in the Cardamom Mountains of South-western Cambodia. Furthermore, and most significantly, the project has conducted the release of Siamese crocodiles in Cambodia, releasing 26 captive-bred crocodiles in 2012 and 2014 under a pilot release. We have also established a comprehensive post-release monitoring programme to enable us to evaluate and adapt the release programme. The National Siamese Crocodile Reintroduction and Reinforcement Strategy and Action Plan is a long-term recovery plan for the Siamese crocodile, to allow populations to increase which will form the basis of all of our future interventions. Through this plan, the project is making progress in securing more habitats for Siamese crocodile via its progress in identifying and negotiating with local communities to secure six release sites and in its on-going effort to advocate for MAFF to recognize the six reintroduction/release sites and the Veal Veng Marsh Community Sanctuary as nationally protected sanctuaries. Crucially, we must continue to protect and conserve the three key breeding sites, monitor the status and trends of populations and engage key communities in all aspects of crocodile conservation. Our captive breeding program at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center is a critical step in increasing the wild population of Siamese crocodiles. We currently have five adults in the breeding program. To date, we have only had four juveniles, which we hope to release into the wild in the next year. We are building the capacity of our staff there and hope to expand our facilities and breeding stock in the coming months. This is the first of its kind in Cambodia and will be a necessary aspect of recovery for this species as the population is so small and fragmented. The project is also making progress in promoting coordination and collegiality among the many stakeholders involved in the conservation of crocodiles both nationally and internationally. 3B. Actual Progress towards Impacts at Completion: Total of 26 captive-bred crocodiles from Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center have been released into a new site in 2012 and 2014, reintroducing this flagship species to its natural ecosystem. Twenty head-started 1-2 year old hatchlings at Areng have been released back into Areng valley in August 2014. Key breeding populations at 3 sites stable and protected. Six proposed release sites and one sanctuary (Veal Veng/O Som) are fully supported by communities, local authorities, and district governors via consultations. Five adult crocodiles in the captive breeding program, with four 1-2 year old juveniles that will be released in the next year. 5

3C. Were there any unexpected impacts (positive or negative)? In the past, we had a rocky relationship with the Fisheries Administration (FiA). This is mainly due to political in-fighting between government agencies who have trouble working together and the overall lack of clarity as far as legal responsibility for crocodile conservation. But recently there has been a regional push to get the Siamese crocodile downlisted to Appendix II to greater facilitate trade in farmed crocodiles. This has softened the position of the FiA a bit, as they are primarily involved in the farming regulations and we are conducting the majority of the conservation work. We are now making major progress in collaborating on putting together national strategy and action plans. One of the biggest hurdles to getting our Action Plan finally approved was FiA buy-in and support. But now, with our help developing the Strategic Plan, we are very confident that the door is open for our Action Plan to be approved with little obstruction. Note: Following the summary provided above, please use questions 3.1 to 3.5 to provide a detailed, technical response for results achieved from inception of SOS support to date. Provide responses within the context of stated project objectives, where possible. Attach annexes if necessary. Depending on the project, not all questions may be applicable. 3.1. SPECIES POPULATION - Did you stabilize or improve the conservation status of a species or important species population a. Global or target population: Note: Please state whether the project affected the global population or a target population of the target species. In the case of a target population please provide the estimated percentage of the global population affected. Target population that we estimate may represent > 60% of the global population. b. Indicate type and level of improvement or decline within the context of the following parameters: (i) numbers of individuals (use quantitative assessments, if available, otherwise state increasing, decreasing, or remaining the same over project period, with justification and methods); We supplemented the wild population with 26 captive-bred individuals and they appear to be doing well after their release. However we will not know whether this has been ultimately successful in increasing the population until the crocodiles mature and begin to breed when they are approximately 12 years old. Our population monitoring at the key breeding and release sites indicate that the crocodile populations appear to be stable, and in the well protected areas the crocodiles are in fact breeding (Areng valley has experienced increased human activity recently due to hydrodam development which may have influenced breeding). (ii) population trajectory over a 5 year period from monitoring date as increasing, decreasing, or remaining the same (with natural ranges of variation taken into consideration; give quantitative estimates, if available). 6

We do not have this specific quantitative data due to the crocodile population being so low, fragmented and difficult to observe. But our annual monitoring of key sites indicate that in all areas the population is stable. Poaching has virtually stopped in these areas, so with our reinforcement of crocodiles coupled with on-the-ground protection, we are confident in ascribing the population trajectory to minimally remain the same, but with continued captive releases and head-starting, the population should increase. 3.2. IUCN RED LIST STATUS - After project implementation, can the species globally be considered for a change of Red List status, either positive or negative? If shifts of status within a category are applicable, describe relevant Red List metrics used to support assertion. Provide quantitative data, if available. No. This project is the start of a long-term initiative required to improve the status of Siamese crocodile in the wild. 3.3. CRITICAL HABITAT - Did your project improve the quality or condition of a threatened species critical habitat within the project target area? Present in terms of the following parameters, where relevant: (a) the total area (that is, the suitable habitat available to the target or global population); No (b) condition (note, this must be defined for suitability for each target species; for example, degree of fragmentation, edge effects, impact of invasive species, etc.); and No (c) estimated trajectory (that is, increasing, stable, decreasing) of critical habitat required by the population of the target species within the area addressed by the project. No 3.4. DIRECT THREATS - Did your project stop or reduce important direct threats to a threatened species within the target area? Please state if the direct threats are for: (i) the target species; (ii) its critical habitat, or both. Present in terms of the threats : (a) intensity (that is, high, moderate, low with criteria tailored to threat); 7

Yes, our project helps to prevent high intensity threats including poaching of the target species, collection or predation of crocodile eggs and hatchlings, and deaths of crocodiles in illegal fishing gear. The project also reduces low intensity threats to the habitat including grazing by buffalo, fire, and smallscale changes to the habitat. (b) distribution (that is, widespread, common, localized); and Our project helps to reduce these high intensity threats. Poaching would be localized and opportunistic but no cases have been reported since 2010. Low intensity threats listed above are common and widespread where crocodiles occur; this project helps to prevent small-scale changes to the species critical habitat. (c) area affected over time (that is, expanding, decreasing, stable using defined boundary) of 1-3 major, direct threats to the target species within the projects target areas. The area of the threats above are probably stable, but we need to conduct further analyses of threat monitoring data in order to fully determine this. The area we will need to protect (and where threats will occur) will increase over the project s duration however, as we release captive-bred crocodiles into new sites. 3.5. ENABLING CONDITIONS - Did your project contribute to improving, no impact on, or worsening enabling conditions that facilitate successful conservation for threatened species? Present in terms of the degree (that is, favorable, neutral, unfavorable) to which local socio-economic, political, and cultural conditions (that is, enabling conditions ) contribute to the probability of success for conservation of the target species with the project area. Protected area tracking protocols are required, where applicable (consult with the SOS Secretariat on the appropriate PA tracking tool to use). Applicable metrics include: (a) legislative tools associated with species protection (poor, fair, good, very good; Good, we have produced and almost finalised the conservation action plan which is essentially a 20-year recovery plan for the target species in Cambodia, a globally important Siamese crocodile range state. This will guide future conservation interventions and when it is approved, will ensure we have high level political will to conserve Siamese crocodiles. Siamese crocodiles are already protected under Cambodian law. (b) financing for conservation (poor, fair, good, very good based on available resources for 8

conservation, sustainable financing mechanisms are developed and in place, public-private partnerships, positive benefits for community livelihoods, etc.); Fair, it is becoming increasingly difficult to finance species conservation, however we leveraged significant new sources of funding during the project period to sustain our activities. It s also quite difficult to secure long-term funding for programs such as these that require 25+ years of support. (c) wildland or protected area management effectiveness (poor, fair, good, very good based on PA tracking tool indices applied to target area); and N/A we only work within a very small part of two protected areas. (d) existence of robust conservation strategy or Action Plan for the species or critical habitat (poor, fair, good, very good based on important features such as priority areas identified and ranked, representation analysis complete, thresholds of habitat and species population size and condition identified, conceptual model and conservation action plan developed, actions prioritized and results chains elaborated, monitoring program). Fair We are in the process of finalizing this for Cambodia, but are just dealing with the last few political hurdles, hopefully in 2015 it will be submitted for final approval. 4. Lessons Learned Describe any lessons learned during the design and implementation of the project, as well as any related to organizational development and capacity building. Consider lessons that would inform projects designed or implemented by your organization or others, as well as lessons that might be considered by the global conservation community. a. Project Design Process: Note: Please describe what aspects of the project design contributed to its success or caused any shortcomings The project has been implemented smoothly largely because we have worked with the Cambodian government (Forestry Administration (FA)), being a joint project between FA and FFI. Also, we have kept the same staff for 14 years and successfully built their capacity to be the leaders of crocodile conservation in Cambodia. The project itself is fairly small-scale and works closely with local communities, not trying to tackle the major issues in Cambodia right now (illegal logging and PA management, economic land concessions). 9

b. Project Implementation: Note: Please describe what aspects of the project execution contributed to its success or caused any shortcomings. Conducting the two pilot releases of captive-bred crocodiles in 2012 and 2014 has been a valuable learning experience for the whole team. We have developed and refined relevant protocols (health checks, transportation, soft-release, and animal care) which we and other organizations will be able to benefit from for all future Siamese crocodile reintroductions. The protocols will be continually refined during the project. We have also worked closely with other experts (Disney, Australia Zoo, and Madras Crocodile Bank) to help train staff and design our protocol. Radio-tracking studies of released crocodiles has and will help us to understand the survival, adaptation and dispersal of captive bred crocodiles, and allow us to evaluate and adaptively manage the release program. But the difficulty in accessing the release sites during the wet season has made it impossible to get data on wet season movement. So moving forward, we feel that getting GPS transmitters is one way to overcome this shortcoming, despite the cost. The processes of getting approval of the Action Plan from government officials has been quite difficult and slow. It is hard to predict these delays, but we have learned a lot about what the government officials like to see in an action plan. We have had a difficult relationship with the Fisheries Administration due to the political infighting between ministers. We have begun making a strong effort to work together on the Action Plan, and now Strategic Plan development. It took a while, but getting their buy-in will help move the process forward of getting national level conservation action plans approved. c. Other lessons learned relevant to the conservation community: One of the most successful aspects of our project was the level of community engagement. From the beginning we recognized the cultural importance of crocodiles to the local people, and immediately partnered with the community members to help protect the crocodiles. Our engagement gave the community members a sense of ownership and empowerment, which allowed a sustainable effort on their part working with us as patrol wardens and helping to manage the site. We also realized the importance of engaging local and regional authorities. By keeping them informed of our activities we received a great deal of support which will help in awareness raising concerning the crocodile sanctuaries and general protection of the areas. 5. Additional Funding Provide details of any additional funding that supported this project and any funding secured for the project, organization, or the region, as a result of the SOS investment in this project. Use the following 10

categories: (i) Project co-financing (Other donors or your organization contribute to the direct costs of this project) We were able to secure the following co-financing: US Fish and Wildlife Service: $ 6132, Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund: $1071, Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund: $2233, Ocean Park Conservation Fund: $1667, Critical Ecosystems Partnership $1187, Association of Zoos and Aquariums: $619. (ii) Grantee and Partner leveraging (Other donors contribute to your organization or a partner organization as a direct result of successes with this SOS funded project.) It s hard to say that which sources for funding were directly a result of having SOS as a funder. But during the project period we were able to secure several grants for additional aspects of the overall Siamese crocodile project, including the US Fish & Wildlife Service 2013-2014 ($25,001) and People s Trust for Endangered Species 2014-2015 ( 7,990). none (iii) Regional/Portfolio leveraging (Other donors make large investments in a region because of SOS investment or successes related to this project.) 6. Sustainability/Replicability Summarize the success or challenge in achieving planned sustainability or replicability of project components or results. Summarize any unplanned sustainability or replicability achieved. The sustainability of this project is a result of our partnerships with the government and communities. The strong buy-in by the major stakeholders has made this project sustainable and only a failure to fundraise could jeopardize the long-term goals of increasing crocodile populations. But the fact that the program has been operating for 15 years is a testament to its sustainability. The community members have a strong recognition of the value of crocodiles, and play an important role in their conservation. The government has also come to recognize crocodiles as an important flagship species, and is therefore very open for conservation activities. Our collaborative approach not only allows for sustainability, but is also a highly replicable approach that could be used in other areas for a variety of species. Our biggest challenge in terms of sustainability is economic development, most notably hydrodam construction. We have had little success stopping hydrodam projects in crocodile areas due to the economic and international pressures to develop. 11

7. Safeguard Policy Assessment Provide a summary of the implementation of any required action toward the environmental and social safeguard policies within the project. This should be extracted from the responses provided in the Safeguards Aspects for SOS grants form submitted with past interim reports. Attach any additional document required. We did not engage in any activity with potentially adverse environmental impacts, but our project did have the potential of impact on indigenous people and the livelihoods of local people. To safeguard against any negative impacts that creating crocodile sanctuaries might have, we extensively consulted with the communities. Our consultations revealed strong support for our protection related activities and together we developed a simple method for monitoring the impact of our activities: Participatory monitoring indicators to be monitored via 6 monthly community meetings. (NB. Negative impact is not expected but these are based on potential impacts and had to be simple and easy for the Cambodian team and communities to understand and monitor themselves): % of people who fish inside the crocodile sanctuary (if this or the one below changes, we need to investigate why) % of people using the crocodile sanctuary for other purposes # of fishing gear broken by crocodiles % of people who are afraid of or concerned by the crocodiles % of people to have seen crocodiles since the last meeting % of participants with children who attend the local school supported by the CCCP (positive impact) # of dead crocodiles found/reported Overall, our impact has minimal impact on indigenous communities or livelihoods. We have been working with these communities for almost 15 years, and our relationship is very collaborative and mutually supportive. Following this, we are now in the process of engaging the communities in the development of management plans for the crocodile sanctuaries. These engagements will include the development of ways to mitigate potential negative economic impacts through the development of alternative means, such as aquaculture and ecotourism development. 8. Additional Comments/Recommendations 9. Information Sharing and SOS Policy SOS is committed to transparent operations and to helping Civil society groups share experiences, lessons learned, and results. Final project completion reports are made available on our website, www.saveourspecies.org and publicized in our newsletter and other communications. 12

Please include your full contact details below: Name: Jackson Frechette Organization name and Fauna & Flora International Mailing address: PO Box 1380 # 19, St. 360, Boeng Keng Kang I Khan Chamkarmorn, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel: +855(0)23211142 Fax: E-mail: Jackson.frechette@fauna-flora.org 13