The Land of Cats

Home , Black tiger, Indochinese leopard, Marbled cat, Western Forest Complex

Dawna Tenasserim: The Land of Cats Protecting our Feline Natural Heritage Executive Summary Tiger, leopard, clouded leopard - names that conjure up images of graceful, mysterious felines stalking prey in the world’s most spectacular forests.

To scientists they are Felidae - and they live in every region of the world except for Antarctica and Australia. Amazingly, almost one fifth of the world’s 36 cat species can be found in a landscape straddling Myanmar and Thailand - the Dawna Tenasserim. The landscape is home to at least 7 of the 11 felines found in Southeast Asia. However, these big cats that underpin the cultures, art and identities of many of the region’s inhabitants are under threat. The 2019 Intergovernmental Panel for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services detailed the shocking rate of biodiversity loss globally, and the risks to wildlife in tropical and sub-tropical areas especially. Saving the spectacular feline biodiversity of the Dawna Tenasserim demands concerted effort now.

In 1850, Francis Mason, an American naturalist visiting the ‘Tenasserim’ region of Myanmar (a part of the Dawna Tenasserim landscape) described, a land of “unimaginable beauty” with “tigers almost everywhere.” So prevalent once was this big cat, that in 1903 shocked visitors to Yangon’s famous Shwedagon Pagoda spotted a tigress crouching on its golden steps. Chaos ensued as monks fled the structure and British soldiers fumbled to kill the unwelcome visitor. Right up until 1931, tigers were so common that they were considered pests, and the government of Myanmar at the time even provided licenses and rewards for killing them. However, decades of rampant killing of tigers and other big cats have taken a major toll on their numbers. Populations have plummeted and in Myanmar in 2018, an official from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation expressed concerns over whether tigers had become functionally extinct in the country. Thailand however has taken a somewhat different approach to its tigers and is increasingly recognized as a hub of tiger conservation in Southeast Asia.1 However other felines have been and continue to be hunted as pests and for skins and bushmeat. © Diana Rudenko / WWF Rudenko © Diana Dawna Tenasserim (11) ofthe36globalcatspeciespresentlyrecognisedby The IUCNRedListof Threatened Species. significant forfelinebiodiversity, coveringabout3%oftheworld’s landareayetsupporting 30% in thelandscapewerecameratrapped(withexception ofjunglecat). side oftheDawna Tenasserim inmid-2019(coveringonlylimitedareas)sixoftheseven catspecies populations arestillrelativelyhealthyandintact. InthemostrecentcameratrappinginMyanmar Despite thethreatstowildlifedescribedinthisreport, itisimportanttopointoutthatthefeline Southeast Asia. protected areacomplexintheregionandpresents thebesthopeforsurvivaloftigerswithin sanctuaries andprotectedareasinthenorthernpart oftheDawna Tenasserim isthelargest harbours thelargest populationoftigerswithinmainlandSoutheast Asia. This complexofparks, Tigers arethebestknownoffelinesand Western ForestComplex(WEFCOM)of Thailand threatened duetopersecution,andlossdegradationofhabitat. from fewrecordsandlocalities.Itislikelythatpopulationsofthisspeciesmaybeparticularly Krachan NationalParkin Thailand). However, ofthese, junglecatisparticularlyrareandknown cat, junglemarbledcatandleopardcat.Sixcanbefoundwithinasinglenationalpark(Kaeng seven oftheninecatspeciesfoundinSoutheast Asia: tiger, leopard,clouded Asiatic golden That thislandscapeharbourssuchatreasuretroveoffelinebiodiversityistrulyremarkable,home to stewards ofthelandscapetheirancestorshavelivedinforcenturies. indigenous groupsareanimportantpartoftheDawna Tenasserim, servinginmanycasesas conservation andisoneof WWF’s 9priority placesaroundtheworld.Ethnicminoritiesand landscape isrecognizedasoneoftheEarth’s mostbiologicallysignificantareasforbiodiversity wildlife species,includingsomethatarecriticallyendangeredorendemic. The Dawna Tenasserim Forests cover82%oftheDawna Tenasserim landscapeandserveasimportantrefugesformany - withinmainlandSoutheast Asia. the largest contiguousforested area -eightmillionhectares relatively unknownDawnaTenasserim landscapecontains Stretching across theMyanmar-Thai border, thestill 2 Southeast Asia ingeneralis 3

clouded leopard leopard cat

in 2018/19 WWF, along with partners, conducted camera trapping surveys in:

1. Tanintharyi Division 2. Kaeng Krachan National Park 3. Kuiburi National Park 4. Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary tiger leopard 5. Mae Wong and Klong Lan National Parks

marbled cat Asiatic golden cat

PHOTO CREDITS: CLOUDED LEOPARD, LEOPARD (left page): © KWCI /WWF-Myanmar TIGER (left and right page), MARBLED CAT (left and right page), LEOPARD CAT, LEOPARD (right page): © The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) / WWF-Thailand ASIATIC GOLDEN CAT: © Karen Forest Department / WWF Myanmar Tigers, Asian elephants, gaur, banteng, be attributed to the rain shadow effect of clouded leopards, Asian tapirs, Asiatic wild the mountain ranges which result in dogs, hornbills and Siamese crocodiles differences in average annual rainfall The Land that roam the jungles and rivers of the Dawna from around 140cm on the Thai side to Tenasserim. 560cm in Myanmar. Additionally, the Dawna Tenasserim is the origin of about Endemic species dwell here that exist 1300 species and 180–190 genera of Time Forgot nowhere else on Earth, including the orchids, comprising the majority of Gurney’s Pitta, Burmese Yuhina, and the tropical orchid genera in the world. As Impossibly high waterfalls cascade over rock Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, the world’s smallest parts of the landscape remain poorly mammal, weighing a little more than a large explored scientifically, particularly in outcroppings and plunge into dense jungle. bumblebee. The Dawna Tenasserim was a Myanmar, more biodiversity discoveries stronghold for both Javan and Sumatran are expected. Deep valleys huddle beneath towering rhinoceroses in the Greater Mekong throughout the 1950s and 60s and possibly Despite its natural abundance, the granite and limestone mountains cloaked in well beyond, although there is no recent landscape also has an ancient and diverse evidence of them. history of human habitation intertwined misty clouds. The Dawna Tenasserim is with the environment. For example, the The Dawna Tenasserim is remarkable in that cave art at Khao Pla Ra, just outside of truly a unique and beautiful place where it is the meeting point of four distinct Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary biogeographic zones: Indo-Burmese, in Uthai Thani, Thailand, dates back to global biodiversity thrives; home to at least IndoChinese, Sundaic and Sino-Hima- approximately 3,000 years. The highly layan. It is comprised of two ecoregions: stylized cave art depicts the way of life 168 mammal species and 560 bird species. the Kayah-Karen Montane Rain Forests for prehistoric communities, including the ecoregion and the Tenasserim Moist Forests vital importance of their interactions with ecoregion. The warm climate in the landscape the natural landscape. Today, the largest also promotes abundant plant growth and its ethnic group within the Dawna forests are considered among the oldest in the Tenasserim Landscape is the Karen. world. ‘Karen’ refers to a number of ethnic groups who speak 12 related ‘Karenic The great forests of the Dawna Tenasserim languages’ that are part of the Tibeto- are however not homogenous. Due to Burman language group. In addition to different rainfall patterns, forests in the east the Karen, the Dawna Tenasserim is also or Thai side of the mountains are made up home to Thai, Shan, Bamar, Mon, Lisu, of more dry deciduous varieties, while the Lahu, Hmong and various other ethnic west-facing or Myanmar slopes are a mixture groups. of moist deciduous and evergreen. This can

© Adam Oswell / WWF-Thailand “The Dawna Tenasserim is a modern day “We count tigers because we are trying to save Eden - a place of staggering beauty and rich Myanmar’s nature. When tigers are present, you biodiversity. The fact that it harbors seven cat can generally infer that the ecosystem is thriving, species puts it right up there with some of the so we use them like a metric. It takes a whole lot world’s most iconic ecosystems and begs for of effort to save tigers and increase their numbers, us to protect this world class landscape.” but once you know you’re keeping tiger numbers stable, you can be sure that their habitat is thriving

- Stuart Chapman, WWF Tigers Alive Leader with all the other significant wildlife.”

- Paing Soe, Conservation Biologist, WWF-Myanmar

Rev. Francis Mason, originally born in England and an American émigré, was a notable force in the cataloguing and documentation of wildlife in the Tenasserim (Tanintharyi) area of the Dawna Tenasserim landscape. In 1850 the amateur naturalist published the landmark publication “The natural products of Burmah, or notes on the fauna, flora and minerals of the Tenasserim provinces, and the Burman empire” still referred to today by feline and wildlife experts interested in the region. 1. Tiger (Panthera tigris) Endangered

Tigers are arguably one of the most iconic large parts of their potential range are out- species in the world. Tigers used to roam across side of any formal protection. The Western most of Asia, but today they are restricted to Forest Complex in Thailand harbors the just 7% of their original range, in isolated largest population of tigers within mainland forests and grasslands across 13 countries. Southeast Asia at approximately 150 Tigers need vast territories to survive but over individuals and has been recognized by the past few decades their habitats have been WWF as a priority Tiger Conservation destroyed, degraded and fragmented by human Landscape. The Dawna Tenasserim is the activities. This either wipes out the entire pop- last stronghold of viable tiger populations ulation or leaves them marooned on ‘islands’ in the Greater Mekong and offers one of the of habitat from which they are unable to safely best hopes for the survival of tigers. travel from one area to the next in order to mate and find food. In addition to their cultural Tigers rely on sight and sound for hunting, significance throughout the Asian region, tigers rather than smell. They give birth to two to are important for their role as apex predators four cubs every two years and if all the cubs that manage the populations of other species. in one litter die, a second litter may be The largest of all cat species, tigers are an produced within five months. Tigers “Although Mae Wong [in the Western “umbrella species” – whose targeted generally gain independence at two years conservation also supports many other species and attain sexual maturity at age three or Forest Complex] is home to breeding tigers, in the same area. four for females and at four or five years for cubs struggle to survive here because prey is males. Juvenile mortality is high however- scarce, due to commercial poaching in the past. To date the Dawna Tenasserim remains a about half of all cubs do not survive more Our main focus to save tigers here is recovery largely intact landscape that continues to offer than two years. Tigers have been known the big, contiguous stretches of habitat required to live up to 20 years in the wild. Tigers of the ungulate prey that tigers rely on.” by tigers. While there remain no definitive are mostly solitary, apart from associations - Rob Steinmetz, WWF-Thailand Tiger Scientist numbers for tigers in the Dawna Tenasserim, between mother and offspring. Individual they are expected to range from 180-220 indi- tigers have a large territory, up to 400 km2 viduals. Portions of the landscape have afforded for males and 70km2 for females.4 tigers protection in varying degrees whereas

© Emmanuel Rondeau / WWF-US @WWF Thailand Announcement of Myanmar tiger numbers The return In July 2019, the Myanmar Forest Department released for the first time the number of of tigers tigers for which there is evidence in the country: 22 individuals. This is the absolute mini- mum number of tigers living in Myanmar. For a number of reasons, including logistical challenges, inaccessibility and conflict, only 8% of 46,000km2 of potential tiger habitat has to Kuiburi been surveyed so far. While there are likely several more tigers present in Myanmar’s forests, this has represented a breakthrough in that the surveys have provided evidence of tigers breeding in the Dawna Tenasserim. The results now offer hope that with sufficient measures including most urgently, protection, that Myanmar could once again become a country with a viable tiger population. Naret Sueaturien has worked for WWF as well as its national heritage and has made Thailand for more than 15 years. In that time significant investments into SMART patrol much of his focus has been on Kuiburi systems, often supported with capacity building National Park located within the Dawna and training from WWF and other conserva- Tenasserim landscape. The park is famous for tion organizations. its easy to see wild Asian elephants as well as a large population of gaur. However, one iconic In early 2019, Naret had his wish come true. species has long been noticeable for its absence; Along with a team of rangers, they found a the tiger. The Dawna Tenasserim is the last series of pug marks in the park that came from stronghold for tigers in the Greater Mekong a tiger. Evidence in the form of paw prints was region, with roughly 120 individuals, mostly then found in multiple locations of the park clustered in the Western Forest Complex, a over the coming months. While there is yet to complex of protected areas the size of El be photographic evidence, the Department of Salvador. Thailand’s other significant complex National Parks and WWF are convinced that of protected areas is the Kaeng Krachan Forest this is a tiger. After years of creating the Complex, which includes the largest national enabling environment and working closely with park, the almost 3,000km2 Kaeng Krachan. local communities to secure it, finally the Kuiburi National Park is part of the Kaeng painstaking efforts have yielded results. Krachan Forest Complex and along with other However, more support is needed to continue parks in this complex had historically WWF’s long-term commitment to this park struggled to manage wildlife poaching. As a and to expand it to other ‘tiger heartlands’ such result, 7 years ago was the last time there was as Umphang where WWF Thailand has evidence of a tiger in Kuiburi. In Kaeng recently begun work. The support contributes Krachan to the north, only a single tiger has to research in the form of monitoring, of “Tigers are sufficiently abundant in the Provinces, almost everywhere. been camera trapped. Naret has walked with community outreach and benefit sharing Twice during my residence at Tayoy (Dawei) they came into the gate park rangers and local villagers over every hill programs and ensuring there are enough of my compound, broke open the door of the goat-house, and and valley in the park over the past decade - rangers to adequately protect the wildlife from always hoping for some sign of the return of threats such as poaching and the illegal wildlife succeeded in killing a goat each time before they could be routed.” the tiger. Thailand has recognized the trade. importance of its tigers to global biodiversity - Francis Mason - 1850 2. Indochinese Leopard (Panthera pardus ssp. delacouri) Leopards in Peril Critically Endangered In 2016 an article by S. Rostro-García et al. detailed the ‘Range collapse of the Indochinese leopard (Panthera pardus delacouri) in Southeast Asia.’ The authors found the Indochinese Leopards occupy the widest range of habitats months. Cubs typically have a greyish coat leopard, a genetically distinct subspecies that historically occurred throughout mainland South- among all old world cat species. This species with little to no signs of rosette markings. The east Asia, now occurs only in 6.2% of its historical range. The leopard is extinct in Singapore, is highly adaptable and has an extraordinarily two years that cubs spend with their mother likely gone in Laos and Vietnam, nearly extirpated in Cambodia and China, and with much high habitat tolerance in both warm and cold is the only time that individuals will live in a reduced populations in Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand. The authors find the survival of the sub climates. Leopards have been known to occupy social setting. Otherwise leopards are species dependent on only two major stronghold populations: Peninsular Malaysia and the Dawna habitats as diverse as deserts, rainforests, predominantly a solitary species like most Tenasserim (specifically the Northern Tenasserim Forest Complex). They estimate a total montane forests and swamps. large cat species (except for lions).4 remaining population of 973–2503 individuals, with only 409–1051 breeding adults.

In the rainforests of Southeast Asia, this Black or melanistic leopards are sometimes species spends much of its time in trees high referred to as black panthers. They appear above the forest floor. In fact, leopards often monochromatic because of excessive black hunt their prey from branches or haul their kill pigmentation of skin. These individuals are up into the forest canopy in order to keep it more common in Asia than in other parts of away from scavengers. The strong swimming the leopard’s range.4 In survey sites within the skills of leopards also allow them to hunt fish Dawna Tenasserim, the population of and crabs. melanistic leopards is close to 30%. Further south, in Malaysia, melanistic coat variations These large cats are most closely related to predominate. Despite this species’ adaptability lions and jaguars. Leopards can weigh up to and widespread occurrence, all subpopulations 90 kg, and their bodies can be as long as of leopards are on the decline largely due to 210cm not including their tail.3 The distinctive targeted hunting for criminal trade, spots on the leopard’s coat are called rosettes over-hunting of prey by people, and habitat and help individuals blend into tree canopies conversion. With their populations severely so they are not detected by prey. diminished in neighbouring countries such as Cambodia (possibly already below numbers There is no specific breeding period for for a viable population), the Dawna Tenasserim leopards, allowing females to give birth to cubs once again offers a refuge and stronghold for at any time of the year. Litters usually consist this species in the Greater Mekong. of three cubs after a gestation period of three

“Black leopards commonly called black tiger, are frequently met with in Tavoy province. They are dangerous beasts. A few years ago a Burman was devoured by one not eight miles distant from Tavoy (Dawei) city.”

- Francis Mason 1850 © Klara Bousova Klara © 3. Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) Vulnerable

Clouded leopard is the second-most commonly recorded cat in Myanmar.5 The stunning clouded leopard is a medium-sized cat weighing between 11 and 20kg. Their bodies measure 60 to 110 cm, excluding their exceptionally long tail that doubles their overall length. This tail gives clouded leopards extraordinary balance, while short legs and broad paws give clouded leopards famed arboreal (living mostly in trees) ability. However, a growing body of research, including from Myanmar and Thailand, questions the generalized assumption that this species is highly arboreal. As there has yet to be any arboreal survey effort, it is difficult to assess just how arboreal the species is.3

Clouded leopards are believed to hunt most of their prey on the ground using their large canines. Their teeth are the largest of all wild cats proportional to body size. A common meal for a clouded leopard may include deer, wild pigs, monkeys, squirrels, or birds. Throughout its range, the clouded leopard spends most of the time in tropical evergreen rainforests but can also be found in dry tropical forests and mangrove swamps.

The clouded leopard’s name comes from the cloud-like ellipses that spot its coat. The base of the fur is a pale yellow to rich brown, making the darker cloud-like markings look even more distinctive. The limbs and underbelly are marked with large black ovals, and the back of its neck is conspicuously marked with two thick black bars. The pelt is prized by poachers, contributing to the species’ overall population decline and vulnerable status.4 © naturepl.com / Georgette Douwma / WWF Douwma / Georgette © naturepl.com 4. Asiatic Golden Cat (Pardofelis temminckii) Near threatened

Within the Dawna Tenasserim, Asiatic golden cats seem to be relatively abundant. They have been camera trapped in proximity to the Dawei-Htee Khee Road in Myanmar, historically in Tanintharyi Nature Reserve as well as through national parks in both the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex and the Western Forest Complex in Thailand, sometimes in pairs. In surveys in Thailand, Asiatic golden cats have been recorded in various forest types and across a wide range of elevations (from 144 m in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary to 1,310 m in Khao Yai National Park) suggesting considerable adaptability.3

The Asiatic golden cat is a striking feline of varying shades of gold ranging from dark brown to almost grey. White lines running across the Asiatic golden cat’s cheeks and crown are this species most conspicuous feature. It is typically found in closed forest though has also been observed in more open landscapes such as grasslands. This cat prefers dry deciduous forests, tropical and subtropical moist evergreen forests and mixed evergreen forests - the primary forest types of the Dawna Tenasserim. Adults can grow to be 75 to 85 cm long, with a 40 to 48 cm tail.

There continues to be relatively little known about the ecology and behaviour of the Asiatic golden cat in the wild, as it is one of the least studied cats in tropical Asia. However data suggests that the species may be diurnal or crepuscular (active during daytime or twilight). Birds and small mammals, such as ground squirrel and rat, likely make up a majority of the Asiatic golden cat’s diet. Litters of 2 to 3 young are likely born in secluded den sites.4 © Gerald S. Cubitt / WWF © Gerald S. Cubitt Technology to the Rescue

One of the challenging aspects of conservation the Dawna Tenasserim benefit from having a work in the Dawna Tenasserim is its political complete picture of individuals , especially as complexity. Recent post-conflict history on the some of them are likely moving back and forth Myanmar side and remaining sensitivities with over the border. However, this is difficult due ethnic groups in the border area mean that to the restrictions on sharing of photographs. conducting biodiversity surveys and camera WWF is advancing technological solutions trapping there can be very difficult. While to these political challenges such as utilizing ethnic groups are often strong proponents of stripe extraction technology that allow tigers to wildlife protection, there are tight controls over be individually identified without ever having information and especially photographic data. exchanged a photograph. Protection efforts of big cats, namely tigers, in

© The Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) / WWF-Thailand © Hkun Lat / WWF - US Lat © Hkun 5. Marbled Cat (Pardofelis marmorata) Near threatened Marbled cat has historically been camera lacking. Research suggests that marbled trapped in Tanintharyi Nature Reserve5 and as cats are likely diurnal, spending most of part of recent (2019) camera survey in Kaeng their time in trees. Where marbled cats Krachan National Park. Although the have been camera trapped in Myanmar, marbled cat is about the size of a domestic cat 81% of events were during the day. Their and weighs only 3kg, it resembles the larger long bodies and tails, short legs and wide clouded leopard. Similar to the clouded feet make them particularly suited for leopard, it has enlarged canines and brownish an arboreal lifestyle. The limited camera fur with a dark blotchy pattern. The marbled trap records of marbled cat may not be an cat’s name is attributed to the less defined coat actual reflection of local status, but rather a pattern than that of the clouded leopard. result of semi-arboreal behaviour.5

The marbled cat is forest dependent, residing Like big cats, individuals reach maturity in deciduous-evergreen tropical forests and approximately 2 years after birth. Birds hill forests. The species is found over a large likely make up the majority of their diet, range of elevations, spanning rugged areas but they also are known to feed on rodents where forest loss is not as prevalent. Overall, such as squirrels and rats as well as lizards behavioural data on the marbled cat is and frogs.4

Having been given up by many as extinct in collection of jungle cat skins and skulls Thailand, the photographing of a male and from British India and adjacent countries female jungle cat in Om Koi Wildlife led to subspecies determination based Sanctuary, Chiang Mai (part of Dawna mainly on differences in fur length and Tenasserim) by renowned wildlife colour. The tawnier coats from Burma photographer Parinya Paduntin, in 2017 has were designated Felis chaus fulvidina. given hope that populations persist in the landscape.6 In the 1970s, jungle cats were The behavior of the jungle cat in the wild supposed to have been relatively common is poorly known. For example, in India near villages in certain parts of Thailand. jungle cats are found to be most active at But since the early 1990s, jungle cats have night whereas in Cambodia the species is declined drastically due to hunting and most active during the day. Despite this habitat destruction. While globally they are lack of knowledge, it has been observed an IUCN Red List species of least concern, that jungle cats can be successful in their official Thai status is critically cultivated and artificial landscapes, and endangered. sometimes inhabit abandoned burrows or dens of other carnivores. The coat of the jungle cat can range from a sandy grey to a tawny red, with more brown Jungle cats mainly feed on small rodents phenotypes found in Pakistan and India. and birds also make up a significant Adults sometimes retain a faint stripe on portion of their diet. Individuals can catch their legs that never completely faded from up to 3 to 4 rodents a day, and will when they were cubs. Jungle cats have long scavenge kills of larger predators to Fuller Protection Required legs with relatively short tails ringed by supplement their diet. Sometimes jungle Cats will use their swimming skills to According to Myanmar’s 2018 Conservation of Biodiversity and black markings. In the 1930s, a review of catch fish.4 Protected Areas Law, five species of cats (tiger, leopard, clouded the British Natural History Museum’s leopard, marbled cat and Asiatic golden cat) are “Completely Pro- “The record of jungle cats these days, they are very rare and in tected” (i.e. with penalties for illegally killing involving fines of up to 1,000,000 kyats [650 USD] and up to five years in prison). The other Thailand a lot of good people believe it may have gone already. protection categories, that of “Normally Protected” and “Seasonally But this time, the person who used this high quality camera Protected Species,” contain no cat species, leaving fishing cats, leopard trapping system, got very good quality photos of the cat; very cats and jungle cats unprotected.5 clear, very beautiful. It’s very, very important to confirm.”

- Anak Pattanavibool - director of Thailand’s Wildlife Conservation Society (in interview with Voice of America)

Leopard cats seem to be relatively Males typically have territories that overlap abundant throughout the Dawna with multiple female territories who they try Tenasserim. They were the most to mate with. In Southeast Asia it is likely that commonly camera trapped species in a leopard cats breed year round. Their gestation series of surveys in Myanmar, including period is approximately 60 to 70 days. Litters Tanintharyi Nature Reserve.5 As their typically consist of 1 to 4 young. Cubs become name suggests, leopard cats have sexually mature 18 months after birth. leopard-like coloring. The coat is yellow or reddish and marked with dark spots and This predominantly nocturnal species has a stripes. Leopard cats are the size of a large high tolerance for human modified landscapes house cat, weighing 3 to 7kg. They range such as degraded forests, palm oil and sugar from 45 to 75cm in length, excluding their cane plantations. There is evidence that 23-35cm long tail. Leopard cats are leopard cats use plantations for hunting exceptional swimmers, having rodents, which make up the majority of their successfully colonized offshore islands diet, but forest areas remain important for the throughout their range outside of the safety of individuals as well as breeding.4 Dawna Tenasserim landscape.

“This is the handsomest animal of the tiger tribe in the Provinces. It is spotted with black, as like a leopard, on a yellowish ground, and is as large as a small dog. It is very fierce. A Karen whom I knew was attacked by one and his arm shockingly lacerated but he was saved by his dog: which seized the cat when it attacked his master and the man and dog together proved too much for it.”

- Francis Mason - 1850

© Lee Poston / WWF Greater Mekong restricted coastalhabitatsoftencomposedofinaccessible terrain. species, fishingcatevidenceisrare. Thisisconsideredtobeafunctionof on farmers’ chickensratherthanpoachingforpelts. As withotherfeline in thewild.Fishingcatsareoftenkilledasretribution in Thailand forattacks their own10monthsafterbirth.Onaverage,fishing catsliveupto12years Cubs typicallylearnhowtofishfromtheirmother, until theyventureouton between onetofourcubs. The youngaresuckledtotheageofsixmonths. camouflage. Cubsareusuallyborninthespring, withlittersizesvarying are swimmingandalongermoreelaboratelycoloredlayergivesfantastic stripes. A short,denselayeroffurkeepsthemwarmanddrywhilethey The olivegreycoatofthisspeciesisspeckledwithblackspotsand carcasses oflarger animals. also preysonfrogs,crustaceans,snakesandbirds,scavenges with theirpaws,orplungingheadfirstintodeeperareas. Apartfrom fish, it wetlands. Individualshavebeenobservedscoopingfishoutofshallowwater adept swimmer. Webbing betweenitspawshelpitswimandwalkin powerful buildandstockylegs. As itsnamesuggests,thefishingcatisan About twicethesizeofatypicalhousecat,fishingcatisfelinewith their speculativeinclusionasapossiblefelinecontenderinthelandscape. Dawna Tenasserim, however, claimsoftheirpresencepersist,leadingto their presenceanditappearsunlikelythatfishingcatsexistwithinthe suspected tobeofareleasedfishingcat. there iscameratrapevidenceofafishingcatinKaengKrachan2002and populations inareas Thailand justoutsideoftheDawna Tenasserim, and Myanmar thoughnotintheDawna Tenasserim landscape. There areknown range ofwildfelidsintheregion.Fishingcatshavebeendocumented (Prionailurus viverrinus Formerly occurringwidelyovermostofSoutheast Asia, fishingcats SPECIES #8? (Prionailurus viverrinus Endangered Fishing Cat ) nowappeartohavethesecondmostrestricted 7 There isvery littleevidenceof )

CONTENDER POSSIBLE POSSIBLE

I literally jumped for joy.”

- Paing Soe, Conservation Biologist, WWF-Myanmar

© naturepl.com / Anup Shah / WWF Mounting Threats Case Study: Dawei- Htee Khee Road The Dawna Tenasserim and the cat species adaptive responses to increasing The planned ‘Dawei Road’ will biodiversity survey conducted of Myanmar proceeds and that call it home are facing immediate and climatic extremes and limiting genetic connect a deep sea port and over a period of six months along economic liberalization growing threats. The integrity of the dispersal. Populations of endangered species Special Economic Zone in Dawei the route yielded photos of a accelerates, the refuge of wildlife landscape is being compromised by that live in the Dawna Tenasserim, including Myanmar with Thailand and the surprising array of biodiversity, will quickly be lost unless economic pressures that fuel conversion of tigers, will face growing challenges to rest of Southeast Asia via suggesting a remarkably complete measures are put in place for forestland for agriculture (rubber, palm oil, subsist in a habitat fragmented by accelerating Kanchanaburi. It will cut through ecosystem including top level protection that at the same time maize, betel nut) or other threats that conversion to agriculture and general trends the heart of the Dawna Tenasserim. predators such as leopard and respect and uphold community adversely affect its ecological viability of national economic development. Large cat While controversial dimensions of dhole (wild dog). The survey team level needs and aspirations. (mining, infrastructure development, species are at risk from poaching, primarily to the project and its overall economic camera trapped 23 mammal hydropower). Much of the land surrounding meet demands from the regional illegal viability have delayed progress species moving in close proximity While the Dawei-Htee Khee protected areas on the Thai side has already wildlife trade, and are magnified where over the past number of years, to the road (within 2 km), Road threatens to sever the been converted from original forest cover. protection either does not exist or is not design and construction have including three endangered wild landscape and create habitat On the largely intact Myanmar side of the recognized. The Dawei-Htee Khee Road is proceeded rapidly with the soft cat species: Indochinese fragments, increasing Dawna Tenasserim, threats of under construction and Special Economic loan from Thailand’s leopard (Vulnerable, expected to poaching and wildlife trade, encroachment, concession allocation and Zones are being planned for either end of this Neighbouring Economies be uplisted to Endangered), there are reasons for hope. As infrastructure development are growing, road in Myanmar. These projects will create a Development Authority (NEDA) clouded leopard (Vulnerable) and the source of the soft loan for the underscoring the urgency with which growing market demand for forest and wildlife approved in early 2018 by the Asiatic golden cat (Near road and the likely construction protection modalities need to be agreed products and decrease habitat in the Dawna Myanmar Parliament. Threatened). contractors, Thailand is in fact upon. Tenasserim, creating compounded impacts of a leader in the Greater Mekong reduced habitat connectivity, increased A 2018 Environmental Impact The persistence of cats and other region for sustainable Unsustainable development within the proximity to human settlements as well as Assessment of the road wildlife in the Dawna Tenasserim infrastructure. It has experience Dawna Tenasserim fragments the landscape, rising threats of poaching. construction claimed that the area can largely be attributed to a with the construction of world restricting movement of species, curtailing planned for the paved 2 lane Dawei combination of Thailand’s class wildlife mitigation Road had little wildlife and that extensive and effective protected measures (overpasses and most of the species found were area management system, as well underpasses) along Highway 304 common species which could as the long-standing running between Khao Yai and “The cat diversity and the overall size and easily adapt to the disturbance of inaccessibility of areas in Tap Lan National Parks. quality of the forest habitat in the Dawna the road. In fact, the area is in the southern Myanmar due in large The Myanmar Government has midst of one of 5 ‘Tiger part to longstanding conflict expressed a strong interest in Tenasserim are remarkable. But the cats’ days Heartlands’ - critical sites for tiger which has led to relatively little seeing the Dawei-Htee Khee are numbered unless the countries, and the recovery identified by WWF within incursion into forested areas. As Road become a landmark the Dawna Tenasserim. A 2018 the peace process in ethnic areas example of sustainable road world in general, recognize the value of this design in Myanmar. cradle of biodiversity and quickly step up to address the threats to it.”

- Regan Pairojmahakij, WWF Dawna Tenasserim Transboundary Landscape Manager.

Greater investment is essential for Local and indigenous communities must be conservation and enforcement within engaged and incentivized for protection of 1 critical areas for feline populations in the 5 biodiversity and key wild cat habitat. This may Dawna Tenasserim, namely the Western involve a suite of locally appropriate activities Forest Complex and Kaeng Krachan including; capacity building, landuse mapping, Forest Complex in Thailand and especially developing alternative livelihoods, sustainable adjacent areas in Myanmar. commodities, ecotourism, piloting biodiversity payment schemes and community based More feline biodiversity surveys are regulations and enforcement. required throughout the Dawna 2 Tenasserim for better understanding of High level efforts towards recognition and where exactly and how many animals are 6 formalized protection of vital wildlife habitat in within the landscape. Also required is the Dawna Tenasserim, particularly in Myanmar, further research on prey abundance and by all relevant stakeholders should continue and habitat needs and suitability for large cats be expedited. Solutions that allow agreement on such as tigers. protected areas despite political impasses are essential and require flexible and patient approaches. Identification and protection of wildlife Conclusions and 3 corridors within and between countries is A transboundary approach is needed for effective needed. Fragmentation of habitat is one of monitoring and protection of the larger, wide the greatest threats to viable populations. 7 ranging species such as tigers. There is existing Recommendations Enhancing connectivity allows for genetic evidence of movement of tigers across the border dispersal and strengthens the possibility but this has yet to be systematically collected and If the seven cat species and The solutions are inevitably political and for long-term persistence of endangered documented. A common baseline for key species social in nature and will involve both high species. in the landscape requires some degree of millions of other plant and level efforts between the two national information sharing and can hopefully evolve into wildlife species are to continue governments and the recognition and Wildlife protection and ranger units transboundary cooperation. securing of local community rights in 4 on both sides of the border should be thriving in the Dawna both countries. National economic strengthened and supported, along with Infrastructure development is a pressing issue in development is essential but must be adherence to law enforcement of illegal the Dawna Tenasserim. The relatively well known Tenasserim, the ecological countered by clear, strategic and well wildlife trade and poaching. Community 8 Dawei-Htee Khee Road is just one of a number of integrity of the area must be implemented moves to combat protection of wildlife and their habitats, planned and ad hoc roads being developed in the poaching and to protect sufficient areas particularly through Indigenous landscape. Anticipating, tracking and maintained by developing an within the landscape and connectivity Community Conservation Areas, should working with national and regional planning units between them. The cats are umbrella be encouraged. is essential in mitigating the negative impacts integrated strategy to counter species within the ecosystem - by these may have. While the anticipated wildlife the complex threats facing the protecting them we also protect a crossing measures on the Dawei-Htee Khee Road multitude of other species and secure the are a positive step, these are mitigation measures landscape. invaluable ecosystem benefits that accrue for minimizing impacts and the optimal situation from their healthy habitats. is to avoid roads in critical areas altogether.

“It brings me HOPE. A hope that encourages me to continue doing my work and a hope that one day the tiger will not just come and go, but stay in Kuiburi. With our strong collaboration with community and many sectors, I still believe that there’s still a tiny chance that we can reestablish a tiger population, not just in Kuiburi, but all over the world.”

1. Thailand Today. 2017. Thailand becoming hub for tiger conservation, honors rangers. http://www.thailandtoday.in.th/culture-and-society/elibrary/article/646. 2. Tantipisanuh N.,et al. 2014. Recent distribution records, threats and conservation priorities of small cats in Thailand. Cat News Special Issue 8, 31-35. 3. Duckworth J.W.et al. 2014. Editorial. Cat News Special Issue Nr 8. 4. https://www.iucnredlist.org/ 5. Than Zaw et al. 2014. Status and distribution of smaller cats in Myanmar. Cat News Special Issue 8. 6. Voice of America. 2017. Rare jungle cats sighted in northern Thailand. https://www. voanews.com/east-asia/rare-jungle-cats-sighted-northern-thailand. 7. Cutter, P. & P. Cutter (2009). Recent sight- ings of Fishing Cats in Thailand. Cat News 51: 26–27. Major Contributors: Regan Pairojmahakij, Dani Freund, Lee Poston, Yoganand Kandasamy

Regan Pairojmahakij Dawna Tenasserim Transboundary Landscape Manager [email protected] Tel: +66 2 619 8534-37 http://greatermekong.panda.org/ WWF-Greater Mekong