Threatened Wildlife of Southeast Asia : March 2013

Friday 8 March 2013

Phillipine Spotted Deer Part 2: Threats, Conservation and the Future.

(Newquay Zoo.org 2013).

Welcome to the final instalment in the series on the threatened wildlife of Southeast Asia, this week we take a look at the threats for the Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi, the conservation action taken and what the future has in store for the species, as always we hope you enjoy the blog.

Threats

The Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi, it would appear faces a battle to save its existence, classified as Endangered by the IUCN (IUCN 2008) their future hangs in the balance.

The main problems caused for this species are caused as is so often the case in the natural world by man. Hunting which is at its most severe in the dry season between January and June is clearly one of the biggest threats (Cox, 1987; Oliver et al 1991).

Local farmers and recreational hunters usually from the larger cities, are the main two perpetrators behind the hunting issue. Both see the Deer as a source of meat and for potential trophies, (Cox, 1987; Evans et al., 1993; Oliver, 1994; Oliver et al 1992).

Such was the devastating effect of the threats described above, that when a survey was conducted in 1991, that it was found the species had become extinct in 95 percent of its previous range ( Wemmer 1998).

There is always a risk for decline in species which are already face geographical limitations of the species then having these such alarming issues added to their list of problems, it is not surprising that this species desperately needs our help.

Conservation

Despite being fully protected under Philippine law (IUCN 2008) the remote, dense forest in which the remaining populations mainly inhabit, mean that guarding patrols are very difficult to conduct. As a result of this hunting continues to affect the species (Cox 1987, Whitehead 1993).

The species has been the subject of concerted conservation efforts however, and the Philippine Spotted Deer Conservation Programme has been at the heart of trying to improve the plight of this rare ungulate.

Philippine Spotted Deer Conservation Programme.

The Philippine Spotted Deer Conservation Programme, or PSDCP for short, was set up by the Mulhouse Zoo of France, already a member of the institution of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the German conservation organization Zoologische Gesellschaft für Arten- und Populationsschutz, otherwise known as ZGAP and is based in Munich and also the Willian Oliver of Fauna and Flora International FFI for short, as they all combined to step into try and help a species in serious trouble. One of the main stages to the project was to set up a captive breeding programme in the Philippines and Europe (Waza.org no date).

The first group of the species originating from Negros, arrived in the French zoo of Mulhouse in 1990, and after a smooth transition, the project showed major signs of success as the individuals then started to breed (Waza.org no date).

Eleven years on, and after detailed planning, a second group of the Deer which were unrelated to the original group, were introduced to Europe (Waza.org no date).

The project continued to expand and by 2004 a further twelve zoos spread across France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria had all joined the programme, on top of this a population from the island of Panay is now managed in populations in zoos in both Australia and the United States (Waza.org no date).

Such has been the success of the captive breeding programme that by the end of 2006, it was apparent there were almost 200 individuals of the Negros population and 50 individuals of the Panay Island population in the captive breeding programmes ( Oliver 1996; Oliver et al 2003, 2007).

As a result of this the possibility of first reintroduction of the species back into the Philippines is being discussed and as a result of this so will the increase in protected areas for the species and stronger enforcement of the protection of the species and already existed protected areas ( Oliver 1996; Oliver et al 2003, 2007).

Support both financial and scientific is crucial to the success of the project.

Through the support of 3 local breeding and rescue centres in the Philippines, the Centre for Studies in Tropical Conservation, of the Silliman University, the Biodiversity Conservation Centre of the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation Inc and the Mari-it Conservation Park at the College of Agriculture and Forestry of the West Visayas State University (CAF/WVSU), lead by William Oliver, and backed by zoos which participated in the breeding programme, conservation organisations amongst other sources, over a 15 year period, have progressed so successfully, that they have developed into three of the best known local wildlife rescue centres having originally started with groups of rescued, confiscated and donated Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi.

The success of this programme now means that these centres continue to operate as both a breeding and rescue centre for endangered wildlife of the Philippines as well as providing employment for the local people and as a place to educate about wildlife conservation (Waza.org no date).

Flagship Species

The Philippine Spotted Deer as the largest mammal of the Philippines plays an important role by raising awareness to plight of the problems mainly habitat destruction, facing the ecosystem on the island (waza. org no date).

(Newquay Zoo.org 2013).

The Future

The future for the Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi, is very uncertain (Cox 1987,Heaney and Regalado 1998).                         .

It has been put on record that unless the alarming rates of deforestation and hunting do not decrease, this species of ungulate may very soon be confined to the history books (Cox 1987,Heaney and Regalado 1998).                         .

A struggling economy and political unrest means that quick change to address these problems remains unlikely, and while their habitat of choice remains limited, the captive breed individuals will continue to remain in captivity (Cox 1987,Heaney and Regalado 1998).

Recommended steps to help the species.

1) To greatly improve the management and protection of the already existing protected areas.

2) Establish new local conservation areas through the Philippine "Local Government Code".

3) To conduct a new investigation into the state of the species on Masbate, and to develop and implement any appropriate conservation management recommendations for the protection of any remaining native forest habitats and to investigate the possibility of the reintroduction of the species and other endemic West Visaya species on this island, the island of Cebu and any available areas on Panay and Negros.

4) To control and monitor the illegal captures of the deer as well as assessing the current status of privately held captive stocks as well as continuing in attempts to access individuals of known origin, and attempt to expand the breeding project, through the loan of some animals to other institutions, which are ready to contribute towards resources and technical assistance for other relevant in situ conservation activities under the flagship programme. This process can then be extended towards other seriously endangered endemic Visayan species and of course their habitats of which they depend on for survival.

(IUCN 2008).

Three ways you can help the Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi

1) Why not sign this petition and show your support towards saving the species

http://www.causes.com/causes/335972-save-the-philippine-spotted-deer-from-just-becoming-a-memory

2) How about liking page for the species on Facebook? show your support! http://www.facebook.com/PhilippineSpottedDeer

3) Why not adopt a Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi at Newquay Zoo and play a huge role in future conservation work? For more details on this contact the Zoo via email or telephone appropriate details can be found on their website. http://www.newquayzoo.org.uk/animals-plants/animals/details/deer-philippine-spotted

So come and get involved and you could make a huge difference in the fortunes of this beautiful species!

I really hope you have not only found these blogs interesting but enjoyable to read as well, even better if they have inspired you to get involved and take action, thank you for reading !

Newquay Zoo works with the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust to conserve threatened species and habitats http://www.wwct.org.uk/conservation-research.

References

Cox, R. 1987. The Philippine Spotted Deer & Visayan Warty Pig. ORYX, 21: 37-42.

Evans, T. D., G. C. L. Dutson, and T. M. Brooks [editors]. 1993. Cambridge Philippines Rainforest Project 1991, Final Report, Study Report no 54. BirdLife International, Cambridge, 96 pp.

Heaney, L., J. Regalado. 1998. Vanishing Treasures of the Philippine Rain Forest. Chicago: The Field Museum.

Iucnredlist.org, 2008. Available at http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/4273/0. Date visited 15th January 2013.

Lorica, R. P. and Oliver, W. L. R. 2007. Reintroduction of threatened endemic species in the West Visayas – a preliminary report on possible future reintroduction sites. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Philippines.

Newquayzoo.org,2013. Available at http://www.newquayzoo.org.uk/animals-plants/animals/details/deer-philippine-spotted.

Oliver, W. L. R. and Lastica, E. A. 2003. Philippine Spotted Deer (Cervus alfredi) Conservation Programme – Programme Brief 1990-2010. Unpublished report to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Philippines.

Oliver, W. L. R., C. R. Cox, and L. L. Dolar. 1991. The Philippine spotted deer conservation project. Oryx; 25(4): 199-205.

Oliver, W. L. R., Dolar, M. L. and Alcala, E. 1992. The Philippine spotted deer, Cervus alfredi Sclater, conservation program. Silliman Journal 36: 47-54.

Waza.org, no date. Available at http://www.waza.org/en/site/conservation/waza-conservation-projects/overview/philippine-spotted-deer-conservation.

Wemmer, C. 1998 Deer: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. IUCN/SSC Deer Specialist Group, IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.

Whitehead, K. 1993. The Whitehead Encyclopedia of Deer. Stillwater, MN: Swan Hill Press.

Philippine Spotted Deer Part 1 : Ecology, Range, Biology and Behaviour Philippine Spotted Deer :Threats, Conservation and the Future

Hello and welcome to the first part of the last in the series blog on the threated wildlife of Southeast Asia. This week we take a look at a rare ungulate, the Philippine Spotted Deer, Rusa alfredi. As usual the first part of the section takes a look at the species ecology, range, biology and behaviour, we hope you enjoy it.

Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi (Newquay Zoo.org 2012).

Ecology

There was once a time when this species of deer could be found from sea level to at least 2,000 metres above, in both primary forest and secondary growth (Cox 1987) .

Nowadays however, the species is forced to exist in degraded habitats such as cogon grasslands as long as there is sufficient cover (Cox 1987).

The preferred habitat of the deer remains unclear however, due to them being restricted to the steep and rugged slopes of dipterocarp forest which prove impossible for humans to access (Cox 1987).

Philippine Spotted Deer, Rusa alfredi, are nocturnal and so as you would expect all their feeding is done at night (Rabor 1977).

Reports vary as to what the diet preference of the species is, one report in 2008, witnessed captive individuals "relishing" fruits and describing them as being a predominate browser (Oliver et al 2008).

Other reports have stated the main diet preference to be young shoots of corgon grass, young leaves and buds all found near the forest floor (Rabor 1977).

Range

As the name suggests, this species deer is endemic to the central Philippines, specifically the islands of Western Visayan Islands otherwise known as the Negros-Panay Faunal Region. This shows the serious nature of the decline of this ungulate (Heaney et al. 1998, Grubb 2005, Oliver 1993a, 1996).

They once existed on the islands of Panay, Guimaras, Negros, Cebu, Masbate and it is thought it may well have also inhabited the Ticao Islands as well (Heaney et al. 1998, Grubb 2005, Oliver 1993a, 1996).

Between the years of 1991 and 1993 it was thought a few individuals still existed on the island of Masbate but by now that population is almost certainly extinct, and if not officially definitely functionally (Grubb 2005, Oliver 1993a, 1996).

At present the only populations left existing in the wild can be found in the Mount Madja- Mount Baloy area of West Panay and on the sparse widely distributed patches of forest on Negros (Cox 1987, Oliver et al. 1992).

It is thought there are fewer than 2,500 mature individuals left in the wild and it is unlikely there are more than 250 mature individuals in any sub-population (IUCN 2008).

Below is an illustration of the very limited range of the Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa Alfredi (Oliver et al 2008).

Biology

The Philippine Spotted Deer, Rusa alfredi, can be considered as a small member of the deer family, with their body weight ranging from 36 to 59 kg (Key 2003) body length ranges from 120-130cm, shoulder height 60-80 cm ( Deerworld 2006).

Tail length ranges from 8- 13 cm long (Deerworld 2006).

Males are far larger than the females (Key 2003). Male Deer, like other deer species, have evolved sexual ornamentation in the form of antlers, which can be used for fighting other males during the rutting season and for attracting the attention of females (Key 2003).

The antlers themselves are grown from bony pedicles which can be anything up to roughly 4.5 cm in length (Grubb and Grooves 1983).

The antlers, which are short and stout in appearance, will also usually have three tines, or points, and this includes a brow tine (Grubb and Groves 1983).

The mating season otherwise known as the rut is from November to December, after which a gestation period of 240 days. The young are born in the April and May of the following year (Whitehead1993).

It would seem a single fawn is the most common occurrence at birth (Oliver et al. 2008) although two have been recorded (Key 2003), the young are born with spots (Whitehead 1993).

The nursing period can last from a few weeks to a few months and the young may stay with their mother after the weaning period is over (Nowak 1999).

Recently a study revealed that some individuals in captivity breed all year round, this has since opened up the possibility that the same principle applies in wild individuals (Oliver et al. 2008).

The antlers of this species of deer are relatively small; however the tines are still prominent (waza.org no date).

Behaviour

This species of deer is typically a social animal, however it is only found in small groups usually of roughly three individuals in the wild males although they are often seen alone (Oliver et al. 2008).

In captivity larger groups have successfully lived together suggesting the occurrence is down to human interference rather than a biological preference (Oliver et al. 2008).

Very little is known about large parts of Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi behaviour (Cox 1987).

It is thought the behaviour of this species is likely to be very similar to those of other species closely related to it. Based on this principle, it is thought that the mating system for this species is polygyny, where males compete with each other for access to estrous females (Nowak 1999).

Competition between the males is a mixture of non-contact competition, (vocalisation) and contact (sparring). The victorious male usually the older, stronger individual then has access to the females (Nowak 1999).

The Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa Alfredi is a nocturnal and so does all its feeding by night, after forest fires, individual animals will come to the source and lick the ash; it is assumed this is to gain minerals and to feed from new shoots (Rabor 1977).

And that concludes our first part on this rare species of deer, keep an eye out for the second part of the section where we take a look at the threats, conservation and what the future holds for the Philippine Spotted Deer, Rusa alfredi.

References

Cox, R. 1987. The Philippine spotted deer and the Visayan warty pig. Oryx 21(1): 37-42.

Grubb, C., and C. P. Groves. 1983. Notes on the taxonomy of the deer (Mammalia: Cervidae) of the Philippines. Zoologischer Anzeiger; 210 (1-2): 119-144.

Grubb, P. 2005. Artiodactyla. In: D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder (eds), Mammal Species of the World. A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed), pp. 637-722. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, USA.

Heaney, L. R., Balete, D. S., Dolar, M. L., Alcala, A. C., Dans, A. T. L., Gonzales, P. C., Ingle, N. R., Lepiten, M. V., Oliver, W. L. R., Ong, P. S., Rickart, E. A., Tabaranza Jr., B. R. and Utzurrum, R. C. B. 1998. . A synopsis of the Mammalian Fauna of the Philippine Islands. Fieldiana: Zoology 88: 1-61

Iucnredlist.org, 2008. Available at http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/4273/0. Date visited 15^th January 2013.

Key,N. 2003. "Rusa alfredi" On-line, Animal Diversity Web. Available at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Rusa_alfredi/. Date visited 15^th January 2013.

Newquayzoo.org,2013. Available at http://www.newquayzoo.org.uk/animals-plants/animals/details/deer-philippine-spotted. Date visited 15^th January 2013.

Nowak, R. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World. Baltimore, Maryland: The Johns Hopkins University Press.

Oliver, W. L. R. 1993. Threatened endemic mammals of the Philippines: an integrated approach to the management of wild and captive populations. In: P. J. S. Olney, G. M. Mace and A. T. C. Feistner (eds), Creative Conservation: Interactive Management of Wild and Captive Animals, pp. 467-477. Chapman & Hall, London, UK.

Oliver, W. L. R. 1996. Philippine spotted deer (Cervus alfredi) conservation program. IUCN/SSC Deer Specialist Group Newsletter 13: 14. f the Mammalian Fauna of the Philippine Islands. Fieldiana: Zoology 88: 1-61.

Oliver, W. L. R., C. R. Cox, and L. L. Dolar. 1991. The Philippine spotted deer conservation project. Oryx; 25(4): 199-205.

Oliver, W. L. R., Dolar, M. L. and Alcala, E. 1992. The Philippine spotted deer, Cervus alfredi Sclater, conservation program. Silliman Journal 36: 47-54

Oliver, W., J. MacKinnon, L. Heaney, and E. Lastica. 2008. Rusa alfredi. InIUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.1. Available online at the IUCN Redlist website.

Rabor, D. S. 1977. Philippine Birds and Mammals: A project of the U. P. Science Education Center. Quezon City: University of Philippines Press.

Waza.org, no date. Available at http://www.waza.org/en/zoo/pick-a-picture/rusa-alfredi.

Whitehead, K. 1993. The Whitehead Encyclopedia of Deer. Stillwater, MN: Swan Hill Press.

World Deer. February, 2006. Available at http://www.worlddeer.org/philippinespotteddeer.html.

Owston's Civet Part 2: Threats, Conservation and the Future.

Hello and welcome to the latest edition in this six part feature looking at the wildlife facing serious problems in Southeast Asia. This time we look at the plight of the Owston's Civet Chrotogale owstoni and what the future holds for this secretive mammal. As usual it is hoped you enjoy this latest edition to the series.

Threats.

The threats to this beautiful animal, are mainly as a direct result of the interference and persecution of man (IUCN 2008).

Hunting is a huge problem, the Owston's Civet Chrotogale owstoni, due to it's predominantly ground dwelling existence, and regularly falls victim to snare trapping (Owston's Civet Conservation Programme 2001).

These animals are victims of their own beauty as their pelts are sold on to taxidermists or collected as trophys, while their meat is sold to restaurants and numerous body parts including their bones, scent glands, penis and gall bladder are sold to be used in Chinese medicine (Viet Nam News 2007).

The restricted range of the species, combined with habitat loss and habitat degradation, have all also been assessed as serious threats to the fortunes of the species (Newquay Zoo.org 2013).

Sadly the threats which face this species are similar to the problems which face the other species that appear in this feature it is little wonder that action needs to be taken to help species face problems that largely have been created by man.

(BBC.co.uk 2013)

Conservation.

As is the case with so many species around the world, various threats as a result of human interference, persecution and greed have a deeply negative affect on their respective habitat, food supply and ultimately, the overall population of their respective species.

Fortunately however, despite this there are always organisations who through pure dedication and love of the natural world, continue to fight to save threatened habitats and species all round the globe.

One of the main organisations trying to change the fortunes of the Owston's Civet Chrotogale owstoni, is the Carnivore and Pangolin Programme with the Owston's Civet Chortogale owstoni being one of the species focused on. Newquay Zoo has supported the project through funding research and providing their own expertise to the programme (wwct.org 2013).

Carnivore and Pangolin Programme.

(wwct.org 2013)

The aim of the project is to ensure there is a future for remaining wild populations of threatened carnivores and Pangolins of Vietnam. In 2011, the programme outlined the following points to focus on, which combined, it's hoped will give the threatened wildlife of Vietnam hope of a future with greater stability.

1)The project knows that all of the focal species have all become threatened as a result of the actions of humans. By attempting to change the attitudes of people in a positive way towards the species focused on, it is hoped that this in turn will have an effect on human behaviour which is having a negative impact on the wild populations of both carnivores and Pangolins. Ways of reaching out to the people about the plight of these animals include; communication campaigns through both traditional and electronic media, education publications and collateral and training workshops.

2) At the time these points were announced, the mortality rate of both confiscated and rescued animals was high, due to a lack of knowledge about the rehabilitation needs of the animals. It is hope that by developing and improving the protocols for looking after carnivores and Pangolins, the mortality rate will significantly drop. This will be done through setting up workshops with both rescue centres and the Forest Protection Department Rangers.

3) One of the biggest problems faced is that of trade confiscated animals. By working alongside organisations such as the IUCN and SSC specialist groups, it is hoped by following a set of guidelines and protocols it is hoped the placement of rescued Pangolins and Carnivores is not only done responsibly, but so it supports the conservation of wild populations.

4) Already the programmes history with ex -situ conservation programmes is long and detailed. This includes the successful international breeding programme, of the Owston's Civet Chrotogale owstoni. It is hoped that in future the programme can build on this success by working with amongst others, the IUCN, SCC, regional zoo associations and other non-governmental organisations by producing detailed criteria which will enable them to identify most at risk species and try and provide suitable programmes for them.

5) By recognising the necessity to become with involved with conservation organisations, and educational institutions both locally and internationally, it is hoped that the goals set to help with the conservation of the wildlife of Vietnam and Southeast Asia will become a lot more achievable.

(Carnivore and Pangolin Programme 2011).

The Future.

Some if not all the points mentioned above have since been started successfully (wwct.org 2013).

This combined with the successful breeding programmes already conducted for the species (Carnivore and Pangolin Programme 2011), mean there is definitely reason to hope there may be a brighter future for not just the Owstons Civet Chrotogale owstoni, but for other species of Southeast Asia threatened by issues created largely by humans.

Three ways you can help the Owstons's Civet Chrotogale owstoni.

1) Why not adopt an Owston's Civet Chrotogale owstoni ? for more details follow this link http://www.newquayzoo.org.uk/get-involved/unique-gifts-experiences/adopt-an-animal .

2) By making a donation to charity’s such as Wildlife Vets International, you can make a huge difference to the fortunes of wild animals http://www.wildlifevetsinternational.org/content/About%20us .

3 ) By supporting local charity’s , you are also helping to raise the awareness of the local to the plight of the species and as a result, change their behaviour accordingly. For more information visit:

http://smfootscray.catholic.edu.au/kidseyes/vietnamzoos/cucphuong/endangered.htm .

And as steps towards the conservation towards the species continue, here is further proof that through dedication and hard work, there is a positive future for this fascinating animal.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-21375443?fb_source=timeline&ref=profile&refid=17

I hope you enjoyed learning about this unusual, beautiful yet sadly threatened mammal. The problems the species faces are largely man made, however with organisations fighting the corner of the threatened wildlife of Southeast Asia, there is hope. You could play a part in helping with the conservation of this most eye catching of species and hopefully working towards a much more stable future for the Owston's Civet Chrotogale owstoni. Keep an eye out for the next edition in this series, next time an introduction to the Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi.

Newquay Zoo works with the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust to conserve threatened species and habitats http://www.wwct.org.uk/conservation-research.

References

bbc.co.uk ,2013. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-21431880.

Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Programme. Available at http://www.cucphuongtourism.com/index.php/en/conservation/carnivore-a-pangolins-.html.

IUCNredist.org, 2008. Available at: : http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/biblio/4806/0.

Newquayzoo.org, 2013. Available at: http://www.newquayzoo.org.uk/.

The Owston’s Palm Civet Conservation Program September, 2001. Available at: http://carnivoreconservation.portland.co.uk/pdf/owstons%20program%20summary.pdf.

Viet Nam News: Viet Nam to protect, breed endangered civet January, 2007. Available at: http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/2004-12/29/Columns/Environment.htm. Date visited 11th January 2013.

wwct.org,2013. Available at http://www.wwct.org.uk/conservation-research/vietnam/carnivore-pangolin.

Owston's Civet Part 1: Ecology, Biology, Range and Behaviour.

Hello everyone and welcome to the latest feature on the threatened wildlife of Southeast Asia. Last time we took a look at the beautiful Fishing Cat, Prionailurus viverrinus, on this occasion our attention turns to another of Southeast Asia's threatened species, the Owston's Civet, Chrotogale owstoni. Once again we hope you enjoy learning about the incredible wildlife this part of the world has to offer.

Ecology

The Owston’s Civet Chrotogale owstoni prefer densely vegetated, broad leaf habitats. These evergreen forests are almost always situated in the vicinity of lowland water sources (Nowak 1999, Schreiber 1989).

The species is thought to live a largely terrestrial lifestyle (Adams 2002). They are also known to sleep, rest and to some extent search for their food in the trees (Roberton et al 2003).

The Owston's Civet is omnivorous (Shaldon Wildlife Trust no date), with its diet ranging from earthworms, which would appear to form a large proportion of its diet (Adams 2002), through to fish, frogs and fruit (Shaldon Wildlife Trust no date).

Local hunters believe individuals may have approached locals’ homes to consume kitchen waste, this suggests they may be capable of surviving in the vicinity of villages (Nowak 1999, Schreiber 1989).

(waza.org, no date).

Range.

The Owston's Civet, Chrotogale owstoni, inhabits North and Central Lao PDR (Duckworth et al 1999, Johnson et al 2004) as well as Northern Vietnam, Northern Laos, and the Chinese provinces of Southwest Guangxi and Southern Yunnan (Schreiber 1989).

The population of the species throughout its range has been severely depleted as a result of overexploitation, habitat destruction and degradation. It has been estimated that over the past 15 years the decline has been as steep as 30 %. Because they spend a large part of their lives on the forest floor they unknowingly put themselves at greater risk from human interference and persecution (IUCN 2008).

Click on the link below to see a full map of the Owston’s Civet’s Chrotogale owstoni range.

http://maps.iucnredlist.org/map.html?id=4806

(IUCN 2008)

Biology.

The Owson's Civet Chrotogale owstoni has a head to body length ranging from 56-72 cm, and its tail alone can range from 35 -47 cm in length (Vernon 2007).

The adult body weight of the species ranges from 2- 3 kg (Adams 2002).

Due to mainly captive based research it has been established that the main breeding months for the species would seem to be between January and March, however reports have recorded the breeding season lasting as long as November (Nowak 1999).

This Civet, like almost all mammals, is viviparous, meaning the young develop inside the female and continue to gain nourishment until they are ready to be born (britannica.com 2013).

It is thought the gestation period for the Owston's Civet Chrotogale owstoni is 60 days at the end of which the female gives birth to up to 3 young, possibly twice a year. These young will typically weigh between 75 -88 grams (Nowak 1999).

This Civet is believed to use scent marking to delineate its territory (Roberton et al 2003).

The scent is released through the genital/anal glands; it is thought that strong, unpleasant smell may also act as an anti-predation adaption, warning potential predators of its toxicity (Nowak 1999).

The long snout of the Owston's Civet Chrotogale owstoni is one of its primary hunting adaptions. Using it to forage along the forest floor unearthing potential prey amongst the foliage they will also use their forepaws to scratch and search for food ( Grzimek 1990, Kanchanasakha et al 1998).

( Newquay Zoo 2013).

Behaviour.

The Owston's Civet Chrotogale owstoni is a nocturnal forager and it is thought to live a mainly solitary existence in the wild (Nowak 1999).

Captive individuals, both males and females however, will happily co-exist in their enclosures with no aggression shown to each other even when another new individual is introduced into the group (Nowak 1999).

They will create dens to sleep in which may be under large tree trunks, thick vegetation or alternatively they may choose to use natural tree holes or rocks (Nowak 1999).

As previously mentioned the Owston's Civet Chrotogale owstoni will use their scent glands to act as a warning to predators, it is thought these serve as an indicator of their toxicity (Nowak 1999).

Although they primarily feed on the forest floor searching for predominately earthworms it has also been recorded searching for food in the trees as well (Grzimec 1990).

Leaving its den at dusk, the civet will return to the safety of its den in the early hours of the morning (Nowak 1999).

And that concludes our introduction to possibly one of Southeast Asia’s most secretive animals. I hope this edition to the series has been of interest, these animals certainly fascinate me. Next time we take a look in detail at the problems facing this strikingly animal and what can be done to try and help ensure its future is secure for many generations to come. As we will discover humans have had a major impact on the decline of the species, it is surely up to us to right the wrongs and help the species in desperate need of intervention.

Keep an eye out for the next issue!

References.

Adams, R. 2002. "Chrotogale owstoni" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Chrotogale_owstoni/.

Britannica.com,2013. Available at : http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/631443/viviparity.

D.M. Johnson, O.N. Bjørnstad & A.M. Liebhold 2004.: Landscape geometry and travelling waves in the larch budmoth.

Duckworth, J. W., Salter, R. E. and Khounbline, K. 1999. Wildlife in Lao PDR: 1999 Status Report. IUCN, Vientiane, Laos.

Grzimek B,. 1990. Grzimek's Encyclopedia of Mammals. New York: McGraw-Hill.

IUCNredlist.org, 2008. Available at: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/biblio/4806/0

KanchanasakhaB., S. Simcharoen U. Than. 1998. Carnivores of Mainland South-East Asia. Bangkok: Endangered Species Unit, WWF-Thailand Project Office.

Nowak, R. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World. 6th ed. v.1. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.

Roberton, S., Rosenthal, S. and Muir, S. 2003 Management Guidelines for Owston’s Civet, Chrotologale owstoni. Owston’s Civet Conservation Program, UK and Vietnam.

Schreiber, A. 1989. Weasels, Civets, Mongooses, and Their Relatives : an action plan for the conservation of mustelids and viverrids. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN.

Shaldonwildlifetrust .org. Available at .http://www.shaldonwildlifetrust.org.uk/who/mammals/who1_38.asp.

Veron G,. 2007.Pers. comm.

Waza.org,no date. Available athttp://www.waza.org/en/site/site-search.

Fishing Cat Part 2 : Threats, Conservation and the Future

Hello everyone and welcome to the second part of our look at a beautiful species and what the future has in store for an animal which brings so much life and character to the natural world, the endangered predator the Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus . Last time we took a look at the background of the species, its ecology, biology and behaviour this section focuses on the serious issues facing the species.

(NewquayZoo.org 2013).

Threats

The Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus is currently ranked by the IUCN as "Endangered" officially this means the species has a very high chance that it will become extinct in the wild (IUCN 2010).

So why has a species which was previously so successful suffered such a steep and severe decline resulting in a battle to save its very existence? Humans perhaps unsurprisingly have played a large and devastating role in the decline of the species.

The wetlands which the species rely so heavily on are being destroyed at an alarming rate, more than 45 % of protected wetlands and an unbelievable 94 % of globally significant wetlands in Southeast Asia are now considered threatened (Dugan 1993).

These wetlands are targeted by people for a number of reasons including the increasing number of setters seeing the wetlands as a new home, the demand for more room for agriculture means wetlands are drained as well as the omnipresent threat of pollution, over hunting and fishing (IUCN 2010).

Recently it has that Thailand's shrimp farms are now starting to add yet another serious problem to the growing list of the felines challenges. The damage done by Shrimp farmers by digging huge holes in prime habitat to harvest thousands of shrimps means the habitat is being demolished at an alarming rate (abcnews 2012) .

In desperation, Fishing Cats Prionailurus viverrinus will attack locals chickens and in retaliation, they themselves killed (abcnews 2012).

While not targeted specifically by poachers, Fishing Cats Prionailurus viverrinus, does still fall victim to snares ( Nowell and Jackson 1996).

The result of snaring alongside trapping and poisoning is a serious contribution towards the depletion of a population to the point where even with what appear to be in good condition wetlands in Southeast Asia, no members of the species could be found (IUCN 2010).

(WWFIndia 2011).

The habitat requirements of the Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus, are coming under increasing threat.

Conservation

So what is being done to a help a species in desperate need of saving?

The Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus, has now been protected by national legislation over the majority of its range, as well as hunting being banned over Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand ( Nowell and Jackson 1996).

The species is not protected however by laws outside of protected areas in Bhutan and Vietnam ( Nowell and Jackson 1996).

The species also now appears on the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Appendix 11 (Nowell and Jackson 1996).

Fishing Cat Conservation and Research Project.

Organisations have also been set up to try and aid the species plight, for example the Fishing Cat Conservation and Research Project, which through field research, good habitat management and through starting and continuing to support education and outreaching activities, is able to look for viable populations of the cats and support work with the aim of directly protecting and conserving their populations.

Their work is split into four main groups and each of them are crucial to the survival of the Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus and their conservation throughout the whole of Southeast Asia.

The first is to conduct a regional review of both the cats distribution and conservation status, both current and historical data on the species all through Southeast Asia are included.

Secondly, as a result of a detailed study of the cats in their natural habitat, will provide biologists, with a far better idea on how to plan and execute further ecological research and conservation efforts.

Thirdly, through working together with local organisations, their work can contribute towards the research and monitoring of diseases which include avian influenza and SARS.

These provide serious health risks both to the wildlife and the people of Southeast Asia and through live screening of animals these diseases can be identified well before it becomes a serious problem.

Finally and crucially, the final main of their efforts is to educate and the reach out to local people, through the use of presentations, posters amongst other resources which, without forcing an idea on to people, teaches them how to use the wetlands in a more sustainable way to protect their native wildlife with including of course the Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus (Fishing Cat Conservation and Research Project 2009).

The link below goes into more detail about this fantastic project.

http://uk.ask.com/web?l=dis&q=thailand+fishing+cat&o=APN10645A&apn_dtid=^BND406^YY^GB&shad=s_0046&gct=hp&apn_ptnrs=AG6&atb=sysid%3D406%3Auid%3Da01910634c5e44c6%3Auc%3D1357255023%3Ab%3DSearchnu%3Asrc%3Dhmp%3Ao%3DAPN10645A

The Future.

In 2005 it was estimated the number of mature breeding individuals was less than ten thousand ( IUCN 2005), and while their future may still be in the balance, projects like the one just discussed are definitely helping the plight of this beautiful animal.

Now with Malaysia, Indonesia and India also taking notice of the importance to help this species (gale schools no date ), these are defiantly positive steps.

The species is rare everywhere however and they are also scarce in captivity as a result there are not enough individuals for a captive breeding programme to be a possibility (galeschools nodate).

This in itself highlights the fragile plight of the elusive but fascinating predator, its future rests largely in our hands. How we choose to act now could mean the difference between future generations having the opportunity to see these species for themselves, or whether like so many species before them they will be consigned to listening to other peoples memories and reading history books it really is up to us.

Three steps to help the Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus.

1) When selecting shrimps, or fish species for your own consumption, make sure you do you research first, make sure your food is coming from a responsible, sustainable source this will help not only the Fishing Cat Prionilurus viverrinus, but also help species all over the world suffering as a result of over fishing (Over fishing.org 2012). Shrimps from Thailand should not be purchased at all, (abc news 2012).

2) By making a small donation, you can help support vital research going into helping this elusive species below is an example of an organisation you could support.

http://www.wild.org/blog/help-us-save-the-fishing-cat/

3) You can also show your support through social networking sites by liking pages such as the Fishing Cat Research and Conservation Project on Facebook, a quick, easy and free way to show your support (catinwater,wordpress.com 2012).

You can also follow catinwater on Twitter, show your support in saving a beautiful species.

That concludes our look at this most fascinating feline, hopefully you will now not only be aware of the plight of the species but also feel inspired to help, just small steps can make a massive difference to the fortunes of a species of feline for which without human intervention in a positive way faces a very uncertain future.

Newquay Zoo works with the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust to conserve threatened species and habitats http://www.wwct.org.uk/conservation-research.

References.

abcnews.go.com, 2012. Available at http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2012/04/thailands-shrimp-farms-threaten-rare-fishing-cats/gan, P. 1993. Wetlands in danger: conservation atlas. Mitchell Beazley and IUCN, London, UK. Date visited 12^th January 2013.

Catinwater.wordpress,2012. Available at http://catinwater.wordpress.com/.

Cats.org,2009. Available at http://www.catsg.org/catsgportal/project-o-month/02_webarchive/grafics/dec2009.pdf.

Dugan P, 1993. Wetlands in danger: conservation atlas. Mitchell Beazley and IUCN, London

Galeschools.come,no date. Available at http://www.galeschools.com/environment/endangered/fishing_cat.htm.

IUCN Cat Specialist Group, 2005. Available at

Iucnredlist.org, 2010. Available at http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18150/0.

NewquayZoo.org, 2013. Available at http://www.newquayzoo.org.uk/animals-plants/animals/details/fishing-cat.

Nowell, K. and Jackson, P. 1996. Wild Cats. Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK.

Overfishing.org, 2012. Available at http://overfishing.org/pages/why_is_overfishing_a_problem.php.

wwfindia.org,2011. Available at http://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/priority_species/lesser_known_species/fishing_cat/.