ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 1 ASSEANEAN CEENTRENTRE R O F FOR BIIODIVERSITYODIVERSITY www.aseanbiodiversity.org Conserve Biodiversity, Save Humanity!

medicine, and aesthetic and other life-sustaining resources. ASEAN Region’s Rich Biodiversity Without a concerted effort to protect and conserve biodiver- Despite occupying only three percent of the earth’s surface, sity, the ASEAN region’s 567 million people and the entire the ASEAN region hosts 20 percent of all known species human race would be in danger. that live deep in the region’s mountains, jungles, rivers, lakes and seas. The region includes three mega-diverse ASEAN’s Response: states (Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines); several ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity bio-geographical units (e.g., Malesia, Wallacea, Sundaland, Indo-Burma and the Central Indo-Pacific); and numerous As an intergovernmental regional organization, the ASEAN centers of concentration of restricted-range bird, plant and Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) facilitates cooperation and co- insect species. ASEAN has one-third, translating to 284,000 ordination among the members states of ASEAN, and with square kilometers, of all coral reefs, which are among the relevant national governments, regional and international most diverse in the world. Common land and water borders organizations, on the conservation and sustainable use of bio- have allowed the ASEAN states to share many species that logical diversity guided by fair and equitable sharing of benefits are biologically diverse from the rest of the world. All these arising from the use of such biodiversity in the ASEAN region. make the ASEAN region significant to global diversity. ACB aims to contribute to the reduction of the current rate of loss of biological diversity by enhancing regional cooperation, capacitating stakeholders, promoting awareness for biodiver- The Threat sity conservation, and maintaining the regional biodiversity database. To contribute to the achievement of socially respon- The region’s rich biodiversity is heavily under threat. Out of sible access, equitable sharing, use and conservation of natural 64,800 known species, two percent or 1,312 are endangered. ecosystems and the biodiversity these contain, ACB builds stra- Seven of the world’s 34 recognized biodiversity hotspots are tegic networks and partnerships geared to mobilize resources in the ASEAN region. If the rate of deforestation continues, towards optimally augmenting effective programmes on biodi- the region will lose up to three-fourths of its forests, and up versity conservation. to 42 percent of its biodiversity by 2100. Some 80 percent of coral reefs are at risk due to destructive fishing practices and coral bleaching. Contact Us ACB Headquarters Forest conversion, forest fires, shifting cultivation, large-scale 3F ERDB Bldg., Forestry Campus mining, wildlife hunting and trading, population growth and College, Laguna 4031,Philippines Tel/fax: +6349 536-2865, +6349 536-1044 poverty, climate change, and lack of conservation resources Website: www.aseanbiodiversity.org greatly contribute to biodiversity loss. Biodiversity loss could General Inquiry: [email protected] trigger enormous effects on food security, health, shelter, Message Towards a Regional Management Framework

for Invasive Alien Species in Southeast Asia...... 5

Global Conservation News ...... 6 Special Reports Status of Global Alien Invasive Species

An Overview ...... 12 Inside Developing A National Framework

for Invasive Alien Species ...... 17

Cambodia’s Report on Invasive Alien Species ...... 21 National Regulations on Invasive Species

Management in the Philippines...... 25 Janury - April 2009  Managing Invasive Alien Species and Protecting

Indigenous Species in Thailand ...... 29 Invasive Alien Species in Vietnam: Vol. 8, No. 1 Their Impacts and Management ...... 30 Are There Beneﬁ ts from IAS?

Janitor Fish ...... 36 One of the World’s Worst Invaders:

Mimosa pigra ...... 39

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 3 aaseansean BBIODIVERSITYIODIVERSITY Profiles Conserve Biodiversity, Save Humanity Indonesia Editor-in-Chief Monina T. Uriarte, PhD Gunung Leuser National Park ...... 42 Managing Editor Myanmar Bridget P. Botengan

Indawgi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary...... 47 Creative Artist Myanmar Nanie S. Gonzales Writer-Researcher Khakaborazi National Park ...... 50 Sahlee Bugna-Barrer Bookmarks EDITORIAL BOARD Rodrigo U. Fuentes Biodiversity Loss: The Forgotten Crisis ...... 53 Executive Director

Revisiting ASEAN Biodivesrity Hotspots ...... 55 Clarissa C. Arida Director, Programme Development and

Myanmar and ACB Strengthen Partnership ...... 57 Implementation Ma. Consuelo D. Garcia Upstream-Downstream: Wetlands Connect Us All...... 58 Director, Biodiversity Information Biodiversity Inventory Symposium in Tokyo Management ACB Discusses Biodiversity Sharing Gregorius Wisnu Rosariastoko Director, Networking, Partnership Service at International Forum ...... 59 and Resource Mobilization

World Wetlands Day: ‘Upstream, Downstream’ Rolando A. Inciong Cambodia Promotes Wetlands Head, Public Affairs and Biodiversity Conservation ...... 60 ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB)

Shared Resources Mark World Water Day 2009 ...... 62 Headquarters 3F ERDB Bldg. Forestry Campus ACB joins ASEAN Environment Year University of the Philippines-Los Baños

Celebration; Promotes Ecotourism Best Practices ...... 63 College, Laguna, Philippines Telefax: +63-49.536-2865; +63-49.536-1044 E-mail: [email protected] GIS Enhances ACB Data Sharing Service ...... 64 Website: www.aseanbiodiversity.org

International Women’s Day 2009: ACB Annex

Celebrating Women and Biodiversity ...... 66 Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1156 Biodiversity and Culture Highlighted Philippines in EU Cultural Counsellors Visit to ACB ...... 68 Printed by: Dolmar Press, Inc.

ACB Co-sponsors 5th Hornbill Conference No. of Copies: 2,000

World’s Experts on Hornbills Discuss Conservation Disclaimer: Views or opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent any ofﬁ cial view and Research Techniques ...... 69 of the European Union nor the Association of ASEAN Member States to Streamline Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat. The authors are responsible for any data or Reporting to Global Environmental Agreements ...... 70 information presented in their articles.

Letters, articles, suggestions and photos are welcome and should be addressed to: Surfing the Web of Life ...... 70 The Editor-in-Chief ASEAN Biodiversity ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity Policy Brief College, Laguna E-mail: [email protected] Invasive Alien Species ...... 71 [email protected]

4 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g Towards a Regional Management Framework for Invasive Alien Species in Southeast Asia

Excerpts from messages delivered by Executive Director Rodrigo U. Fuentes, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, and General Director Phung Van Vui, Biodiversity Conservation Agency, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment during the ASEAN Workshop on Invasive Alien Species Management held on 17-21 December 2008 in Hanoi, Viet Nam

hen talking about invasive alien species, what nvasive Alien Species (IAS) are now recognized as one of comes to mind is how a few years ago, the janitor the greatest threats to the ecological and economic well be- Wfi sh caused alarm in Laguna Lake in the Philip- Iing of the planet, causing enormous damage to biodiver- pines. It started as a pet for cleaning up aquariums. When the sity and the valuable natural agricultural systems upon which fi sh was released into the Laguna waters, its population rap- we depend. Direct and indirect health effects are becoming idly grew and eventually disrupted the ecosystem. Fishermen increasingly serious and the damage to nature is irreversible. complained about the pet that turned into a pest. The janitor These impacts have been recognized in the Convention on Bi- fi sh not only gobbled up the algae in the Lake and deprived ological Diversity, which calls for the control and monitoring other fi sh with food, it also destroyed fi shing nets with their of alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats and species. sharp fi ns. More signifi cantly, the Convention on Biological Diversity has Another story is that of the golden apple snail that wrought declared “Biodiversity and Invasive Alien Species” as the theme havoc in Viet Nam’s rice fi elds. The golden snail was intro- of the 2009 International Day for Biological Diversity. duced in Viet Nam in 1988 to encourage people to culture it Invasive alien species are invading and threatening habi- in their gardens as a high protein duck and fi sh food. Two snail tats, species and their production capacity. These species have farms were established then as a joint venture between Viet- serious negative impacts on ecosystem services including a namese and Taiwanese companies for large-scale culture and stable hydrology for water supply and containment of fl oods; export to Taiwan. Some stable soils, pol- snails escaped and spread lination and con- to nearby ponds, trench- “The Convention on Biological Diversity tainment of crop es and rice fi elds, where diseases for food they quickly reached pest has declared ‘Biodiversity and Invasive crop production. status. The government Efforts to prevent eventually banned snail Alien Species’ as the theme for the 2009 and manage the farming and spent vast introduction and sums of money on con- International Day for Biological Diversity.” establishment of trol programs and public invasive alien spe- awareness campaigns. cies in each country are not effective as activities are spread These are but two examples of how Southeast Asia has wit- out in various government agencies and research institutes and nessed how the introduction of certain species into ecosystems sometimes are not coordinated. turned into virtual nightmares. We have seen how some spe- In Viet Nam, invasive alien species emerged as an issue in cies, when left uncontrolled, affect the environment and the the mid 1990s and has become a major threat not only to biodi- livelihood of people. versity but also to sustainable development and human health. The management of invasive alien species is truly a crucial The Viet Nam government had invested billions of dollars to step for ASEAN Member States. As an initial step, the ASEAN control the spread of invasive alien species such as the golden Centre for Biodiversity collaborated with Viet Nam’s Minis- snail, Mimosa pigra, and Brontispa longissima. Still exotic spe- try of Natural Resources and Environment for the conduct of cies continue to be introduced to Viet Nam for agriculture and a workshop to enhance the capability of the ASEAN Mem- aquaculture development, commerce and other purposes such ber States to protect the environment against invasive alien as entertainment and decoration. species. Among the capacity needs that have to be developed International collaboration plays an important role in and /or addressed include capacity for the prevention of entry managing the risks of invasive species. Region-wide shar- and control of invasive alien species; strengthening national ing of early warnings about potential invaders, their rapid policies, laws and regulations on invasive alien species man- detection and identification as well as the sharing of bio- agement; promoting business opportunities to utilize invasive logical information, risk assessments, and monitoring and alien species; public awareness; and inclusion of concerns on control techniques are invaluable tools to help prevent invasive alien species in regional trade agreements. – Rodrigo the spread and establishment of potential invasive species. U. Fuentes – Phung Van Vui

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 5 GLOBAL CONSERVATION NEWS

New rare orangutan Whale sharks threatened Project to study found in Borneo by interbreeding carbon storage in April 12 – A formerly April 8 – A new study on Malaysian forests unknown population of the whale shark, the world’s March 22 – The Institute orangutans numbering around largest living fi sh, shows that of Tropical Forestry and 1,000-2,000 has been found it is threatened by interbreed- Forest Products (INTROP) on the island of Borneo by ing. Comparing the DNA of of Universiti Putra Malaysia conservation researchers who 68 individual whale sharks joined hands with the Ministry were tipped off by locals. The from eleven locations across of Science, Technology and Mekong Delta: more primates were found in a rug- the globe, geneticists found Innovation Malaysia (MOSTI) fl ood and drought ged, largely inaccessible moun- that the whale sharks had little in a program called “Brain March 19 – A forecast by the tainous region. More than 200 genetic variation between the Gain Malaysia”. The program Climate Change Research nests were found crammed populations. This also means aims to assess future carbon Institute in Viet Nam shows into just a few kilometers and that whale sharks move across storage in Malaysian forests that in 2030, drought in the spotted three wild orangutans great distances, and may fi nd with the project “Control Mekong Delta will be very in the canopy. Researchers say themselves in areas where they of Diversity and the Carbon intense because of rainfall that this could be a kind of are not legally protected. The Balance of Tropical Forest”. reduction. In 2030, the orangutan refugee camp - with massive plankton-eating whale INTROP’s expertise is in rainfall from January to July several groups moving into the shark is listed as Vulnerable by the area of sustainable forest will decrease by around 20 same area following widespread the IUCN Red List, but some management, exploration of per cent compared to 1980. forest fi res. Scientists are now countries still allow it to be carbon and the dynamics of In addition to the drought, working with local groups to hunted. - mongaybay.com tropical forest biodiversity, as climate change will cause a try to protect the area. – BBC well as global climate change. one-meter rise in sea level, News – The Star Online resulting in encroachment of seawater into most of the Endangered Philippine Law on Biodiversity rivers in the delta. Predicted orchids to fi nd ‘home’ to take effect in July droughts, fl ooding, sea level in the wild again March 20 – The Law on rise and increased storms will April 9 – A project led by Biodiversity of Viet Nam will affect economic development Dr. Nestor Altoveros of the take effect on 01 July 2009, six and cause unemployment, University of the Philippines- months after its ratifi cation by hunger and poverty, disease, Los Baños has embarked the National Assembly. The pollution, and the decrease on the collection and re- Law stresses that biodiversity of biodiversity. The Climate introduction of indigenous preservation is a decisive Change Research Institute is orchids in selected protected Humpback whale beaching in factor in sustainable economic currently developing a strategy areas in the Philippines. The Alaska. Photo by Rhett A. Butler development and an urgent to cope with climate change Philippines is home to more need for Viet Nam and the and to train local people than 800 species of orchids, Marine protected whole world. Viet Nam has to adapt to the situation. although unabated collection areas too small over 2 million hectares of – VietnamNet has resulted in the signifi cant April 7 – According to the forest and once the Law on loss of natural orchids growing Whale and Dolphin Conser- Biodiversity takes effect, Critically endangered in the wild. In 2005, some vation Society (WDCS), 40 the country will need up vulture saved from 143 orchid species in the percent of the 300 marine to VND600 billion ($35.3 poisoning Philippines have been listed as protected areas worldwide are million) a year to preserve the March 19 – Seven critically- endangered by the Convention too small to offer any protec- area. – VietnamNet endangered white-rumped on the International Trade in tion to whales and dolphins. vultures were found dead in Endangered Species of Wild A worldwide effort must be Cambodia after feeding on the Flora and Fauna. The team has made urgently to identify corpse of a poisoned buffalo. collected 200 orchid geno- and defi ne whale and dolphin The only two survivors, an types, representing 22 genera, critical habitats and hot spots. adult and a juvenile, were from nine provinces. There are Whales migrate thousands of sick. The pair was sent to a now 41 orchid species with miles annually, and dolphins veterinary clinic in Phnom 111 accessions being reared in are wide-ranging and will fol- Penh to be cared for by the vitro. Of these, 73 accessions low food sources. The WCDS Wildlife Conservation Society are in the rooting stage, the adds that probably less than 1 and the Angkor Centre for last stage before the plants are percent of the world’s marine Conservation of Biodiversity. potted out into community mammal critical habitat has The white-rumped vulture pots. Cultures have been trans- been identifi ed much less pro- experienced declines in the ferred to partner organizations tected. Strategies for address- 1990s largely due to the to facilitate the re-introduction ing gaps in marine protected anti-infl ammatory cattle drug of the orchids in protected areas must be implemented. Gibbons in Bach Ma diclofenac. The drug proved areas. - Innovations Report – mongabay.com National Park effective in cattle but caused

6 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g GLOBAL CONSERVATION NEWS

renal failure and mortality 2008 a plan to have 1,000 New forests to to any vulture that fed on tigers roaming in the wild help ease poverty the cow corpses that still by 2020 through increased March 12 – Viet Nam has retained the drug. Populations protection of jungle corridors been striving to spread its of white-rumped vultures where poachers prey on the big forests to cover 43 percent of dropped to a staggering cats. – The Seattle Times the country by 2010, which 95 percent and have yet to Destroyed rainforest in will be vital in eradicating recover. Cambodia is one of Ifugao rice terraces Kalimantan province, Indonesia. hunger and reducing poverty the last strongholds for the are GMO-free (Reuters/Hardi Baktiantoro) among its citizens. Currently, species. – mongabay.com March 17 – The Ifugao Viet Nam has 12.6 million province in the Philippines announced that it would allow hectares of forest (10.3 hectares has declared itself free 8 percent of its 25 million of natural forests and 2.3 from genetically modifi ed hectares of peatlands, which million hectares of plantations), organisms (GMO). The harbor huge carbon stocks, to and 85 percent of forest provincial government be used for palm oil. – Reuters preservation areas are located worked with conservation in poverty-stricken regions. organizations to encourage Hydroelectric dam The new forests of 7 million organic farming since threatens livelihoods hectares will also help to boost GMO rice threatens the and endangered species economic development, as well Veterinarians examine a white- way of life of the Ifugaos. rumped vulture. (Allan Michaud) March 13 - A government as reduce the impact of climate Hybrid varieties of rice are plan to build a hydroelectric change. – BERNAMA harvested faster than the local dam a few meters above Tinawon variety. Usually, the Mekong River fl owing the rice cycle from planting through Siphandone in to harvest season takes six southern Laos would to seven months. Use of ruin a magnet for tourists GMO would break the cycle and an important site for and the traditional activities conservation. The dam would of indigenous groups. have a major impact on – Philippine Daily Inquirer endangered species such as Irrawaddy dolphins and giant Floods in Bangladesh last year, catfi sh, and reduce water fl ow where coastal areas are already to the Khone Falls, Asia’s affected. (AFP/Getty) largest waterfall. In 2006, the Lao PDR signed an agreement Sea levels rising with Mega First Corporation twice as fast Malaysia to do a feasibility as predicted Rare white-rumped vulture study to build a 240MW March 11 – Sea levels are (Allan Michaud) dam across Mekong’s Hou predicted to rise twice as fast Farmer in Banaue Sahong channel, bordering compared to United Nations Tigers found in logged (Inquirer.net/Izah Morales) Cambodia. A Project forecasts made only two forests of Malaysia Development Agreement years ago. Rising sea levels March 18 – Wild tigers Indonesia must was signed in 2008, but are caused by the thermal caught on camera in Malaysia boost palm yields construction has yet to start. expansion of the ocean show that the endangered to save forests Other organizations also – where water increases in carnivores can thrive in March 16 – Indonesia should note that the dam would volume as it warms. Melting partially logged forests. The aim for higher yields from affect breeding cycles and into the sea of land-based ice rare study indicated that better existing palm oil plantations. migration of 300 species of is causing the rise in sea levels. wildlife protection in those Indonesia is the world’s fi sh, thus reducing fi sh catch The accelerated melting areas, long thought to be top palm oil producer, but and affecting the livelihoods of the vast, land-based ice less valuable in conservation plantations yield only about of thousands of fi sherfolk. sheets in Greenland and efforts, can help Malaysia 2 tons per hectare, compared – guardian.co.uk Antarctica caused by rapidly meet its aim of doubling its to 6 to 7 tons in Malaysia. rising temperatures is now tiger population in 12 years. Indonesia has 7.1 million speeding up the increase of Offi cials estimate Malaysia’s hectares of palm oil estates, sea levels. The Greenland ice wild tiger population has but is hoping to expand. Many sheet, in particular, is not decreased from 3,000 to conservation organizations simply melting but melting 500 due to illegal hunting, state that there is no need “dynamically” and collapsing human encroachment and to encroach on forests and in parts as melt water seeps the destruction of the tigers’ peatlands to get increased down through crevices and natural jungle habitat. The economic benefi ts from palm Lao fi sherman on the Mekong speeds up its disintegration. Government announced in oil. The government recently River. (Suthep Kritsanavarin/ONASIA) These melting ice sheets are

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 7 GLOBAL CONSERVATION NEWS

likely to push up sea levels of these mysterious animals. is the only mammal known to by a meter or more by 2100, WWF is currently planning exist on the island. According swamping coastal cities and on resettling a portion of the to Lawrence Heaney, curator obliterating the living space rhino population in another of mammals at Chicago’s Field of 600 million people who suitable region in Java to help Museum, more new species live in deltas, low-lying areas their chances of long-term will likely be found due to the and small island states. – The survival. – mongabay.com unusual geology of the region. Independent The museum co-led the 2006 Indonesia applies expedition with the Philippine for REDD partnership government. – National March 4 – Indonesia has Geographic News applied to join the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, becoming the largest developing country Female Sumatran tiger to apply to the Reduced (Irwin Fedriansyah/AP) Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) tiger subspecies. Tigers mechanism. REDD could usually have little taste for A whale shark “interaction eventually send billions of human fl esh, and their attacks offi cer” cradles a baby dollars to tropical nations on humans suggest how whale shark An agricultural worker at the for forest conservation and hungry and desperate they Nam Nung Nature Reserve sustainable development are becoming, as economic in Dak Nong, Viet Nam Smallest whale shark activities. Indonesia already exploitation of their habitat (VNA/VNS/Ngo Lich) discovered in has more than 20 REDD confi nes them to ever smaller the Philippines projects, most of which are and more impoverished Forests disappear March 9 – The discovery in Kalimantan, Papua, and patches of jungle. – The Times at rapid rate of a baby whale shark could Sumatra. – mongabay.com February 18 – The Central help protect these rare giants Hairy-tailed rat Highland province of Dak by shedding light on where Unique reforestation plan is new species Nong in Viet Nam is rapidly whale sharks are born. March 4 – Garut district in February 18 – The losing large tracts of tropical Whale sharks feed mainly West Java has ordered couples Hamiguitan hairy-tailed rat forests, with rangers struggling on plankton and can grow planning to get married to is the newest member of to cope with the increasing to at least 40 feet long. One provide 10 trees to local the mammalian family. The number of illegal loggers. key to safeguarding whale authorities for a reforestation yellow-brown rodent was Deforestation intensifi ed sharks, listed as vulnerable program. Anyone fi ling for discovered in 2006 in pygmy during 2008, with 440 by the International Union divorce would also have to forests of Mount Hamiguitan hectares lost – an increase of for Conservation of Nature, provide at least one tree. on the Island of Mindanao, 55 percent – according to is fi nding their birthing The new regulation will help the Philippines, but was only the province’s Department of grounds. The baby whale support a national reforestation recently identifi ed as a new Forestry. The most vulnerable shark’s discovery in Donsol, program. – Reuters species. The mammal was so areas are located on borders Sorsogon, Philippines suggests distinctive that DNA testing with other provinces where that the Donsol area may Sumatran tiger was not needed to determine offi cials’ responsibilities are be such a place. – National faces extinction it as a new species. The rat, not clearly defi ned and forests Geographic News March 3 – The Sumatran which scurries through a tiny are inhabited by migrant tiger is in danger of becoming habitat of less than 3.9 square slash-and-burn farmers. Even Rarest rhino the fi rst major mammal to miles (10 square kilometers), closely-guarded national parks caught on fi lm become extinct in the 21st and conservation areas like March 6 – The World Wild century, as villagers fi ght a Nam Cat Tien, Ta Dung, and Fund for Nature (WWF) has deadly war with the ferocious Nam Nung are beginning caught the world’s rarest rhino predator. At least four tigers to be violated. Conservation on fi lm. There are less than and nine people have been work is complicated by the 60 Javan rhinos estimated killed this year as the shrinking vast areas, diffi cult terrain, and to exist in the wild. One of of Sumatra’s already depleted massive migration by people in the world’s most imperiled forests brings an increase in search of arable land. – VNS species, the rhinos are very attacks on farmers, hunters shy and are rarely seen. and illegal loggers. The Honeybees under Using 34 spy cameras with Sumatran tiger is critically attack on all fronts infrared triggers that take endangered with less than February 16 – The world’s video every time they sense 400 Sumatran tigers left in honeybees are dying off in movement, the WWF team the wild, and is the most horrifying numbers, and there was able to get some footage vulnerable of the six surviving Hamiguitan rat is no single cause for their

8 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g GLOBAL CONSERVATION NEWS

Crop biodiversity Dolphins stranded at decreases fertilizer Philippine bay damage February 11 - Dozens of February 13 – In the Philippine fi shing boats “Frontiers in Ecology and the tried to stop hundreds of Environment” e-View paper, disoriented dolphins from ecologists show that when the beaching themselves in biodiversity of crops is high, Bataan, near the mouth of Honeybee populations are now in crisis (Nature Picture Library/Rex) less dissolved nitrogen can be Manila Bay. Many of the found exiting the surrounding dolphins were found in demise. Infections, lack of watersheds. Nitrogen from shallow water and some had food, pesticides and breeding agricultural fertilizers leaches come ashore. Three dolphins Jakarta ‘most at risk’ are having a synergistic effect, through soils to groundwater died, but the rest eventually of climate change pushing bee survival to a lethal and runs off into rivers and went back into deeper January 29 – The Economy tipping point. A third of the lakes, increasing aquatic waters after several hours. and Environment Program world’s food supply relies on dissolved nitrate. Too much – Philippine Star for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA) bees for pollination. There nitrate in the water can lead ranked Central, North and is little information on how to prolifi c growth of aquatic West Jakarta at the top of a the causes work together, but algae, which can use up most list of administrative regions the situation should become of a water body’s oxygen when prone to climate change. The clearer in the next few years as they die and are decomposed, report reveals that Jakarta the United States government, creating “dead zones” that is vulnerable to all types the European Union and cannot support life. Diverse of climate-change related others are pouring money into farms tend to have smaller disasters except for tropical bee research. – NewScientist fi elds with more edges, thus storms. EEPSEA assessed there is a greater buffering Forest exploitation Jakarta’s history of exposure to Agricultural expansion effect on nitrogen runoff by puts endangered fi ve types of natural disaster since 1980 came at surrounding grasslands or rhinos at risk — fl oods, landslides, drought, expense of forests woodlands. – ScienceDaily February 11 – The residents sea-level change and tropical February 15 – More than half of two villages near Cat Tien storms — from 1980 to of cropland expansion between Tracking the National Park in the Central 2000, along with those of 1980 and 2000 occurred at Cambodian tiger Highlands province of Lam 530 other areas in Southeast the expense of natural forests, February 13 – A German Dong have affected the lives Asia. The results were drawn while another 30 percent wire-haired pointer trained and only known habitat up by considering exposure occurred in disturbed forests, to sniff for tiger droppings of a group of endangered to disasters and ability to reported Holly Gibbs, at will help conservationists one-horned rhinos. Illegal adapt to such threats, and the annual meeting of the determine if tigers still logging and other activities comparing those fi ndings with American Association for roam one of Cambodia’s by locals were affecting the the vulnerability assessment the Advancement of Science largest nature reserves. The food supply of the rhinos. framework of the United (AAAS) in Chicago. Gibbs dog will begin scouring the The residents have yet to be Nations’ Intergovernmental analyzed more than 600 undergrowth and sniffi ng relocated, although in 2003, Panel on Climate Change. satellite images from the for tiger scent on trees at the the Ministry of Agriculture Other vulnerable areas in United Nations Food and 3,000-square kilometer Seima and Rural Development Indonesia include West Agricultural Organization and Biodiversity Conservation approved a project to move Sumatra and South Sumatra. other organizations. Forests Area in northeastern local residents out of the The study also reveals that were the primary source for Cambodia, where a paw print National Park’s core. Illegal all regions in the Philippines, new croplands as they expanded was last spotted in 2007. logging has destroyed rhino Viet Nam’s Mekong River across the tropics during the Tracking the tigers is part habitats and pushed them Delta, Cambodia, North and 1980s and 1990s. Cropland of a 10-year initiative by into very inhospitable eco- East Laos and Bangkok are expansion for fuel, feed or the Wildlife Conservation regions where there is a lack vulnerable. – The Jakarta Post food has undoubtedly led Society and Panthera called of food and natural salt to more deforestation, and “Tigers Forever”. It aims to licks, which are crucial to UN urges release evidence is mounting that this increase the numbers of tigers the rhino’s survival. If efforts of billions for world trend will continue. This is a by 50 percent in Cambodia, are not made to set aside food crisis major concern for the global China, India, Indonesia, Laos, protected areas within Cat January 27 – The United environment, particularly as Myanmar, the Russian Far East Tien where the rhinos can live Nations Food and Agriculture biofuels are being promoted and Thailand through several undisturbed, then the animals Organization (FAO) urged to help reduce climate change, measures that include better may become extinct. The one- donors at an international despite their potential to monitoring, assessments of horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros meeting on food security to transform rainforests and threats and efforts to minimize sondaicus) is one of the quickly release $22 billion in savannas into expanding biofuel the dangers facing the big cats. world’s most endangered large development aid pledged at a croplands. – mongabay.com – Associated Press mammals. – VNS 2008 food crisis summit. The

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 9 GLOBAL CONSERVATION NEWS

FAO warned that the global and policy initiatives in the create “dead zones” in the enforcement is critical but economic crisis must not cause United States. – Reuters ocean that would be devoid insuffi cient alone, and also countries to neglect the nearly AlertNet of fi sh and seafood and highlights that rising costs billion people in the world endure for up to 2,000 years. of agricultural commodities that do not get enough food to The authors say that deep can be detrimental to tropical eat. The World Food Program cuts in the world’s carbon forests. Preserving forests in identifi ed four effects the emissions are needed to break Bukit Barisan Selatan over the global fi nancial meltdown is a trend capable of wrecking long run will require a strategy already having on the hunger the marine ecosystem and that reduces the incentives for crisis: remittances to poor depriving future generations coffee cultivation. – mongabay. countries are down; nations of the harvest of the seas. At com that depend on exports of farm Giant Knotweed, originally from the heart of the model are two goods are suffering because the Far East Sakhalin Island, well-used scenarios that use Ecologists warn of the economic slowdown in threatens the natural habitats atmospheric levels of carbon the planet is running in Europe. (Milan Chytr) buyer countries; investment dioxide as an indicator of short of water in agricultural infrastructure temperature rise. Marine “dead January 22 – The Pacifi c is declining; and the credit Invasive alien species zones” already exist today, in Institute in California crunch is particularly painful mapped in the EU shallow areas next to the coast, warned that a swelling global for small-scale farmers who January 27 – The fi rst map where runoff from agricultural population, changing diets and need to borrow money for of the level of alien plant fertilizer causes an explosion mankind’s expanding “water seeds and other supplies. invasions in the European in oxygen-gobbling algae. footprint” could be bringing – Associated Press Union has been published in The paper warns that wide an end to the era of cheap the Wiley-Blackwell journal, oxygen depletion of the ocean, water. Agriculture, industry Asian cities prepare Diversity and Distributions. though, poses a far greater and other demands use about for climate change A team of plant ecologists threat, touching at the heart of half of the world’s renewable January 27 – Asian cities will investigated the species biodiversity. – AFP and accessible fresh water. But form a network to prevent composition of vegetation even at those levels, billions of disasters and prepare for the in more than 50,000 sites in people live without the most impacts of climate change with northwestern, southern and basic water services. United initial backing of around $50 central Europe. In each of Nations calculations suggest million from the Rockefeller these sites, they quantifi ed that more than one third Foundation. The network, the proportion of alien to of the world’s population is which will start with six cities native plant species. The suffering from water shortages: in India and Viet Nam, aims team also found that the Deforestation in Sumatra. by 2020 water use is expected to help poor and vulnerable highest risk of alien plant (David Gaveau) to increase by 40 percent, and residents become more invasions was in agricultural by 2025, two out of three resilient to extreme weather and urban ecosystems. Prices of agricultural people could be living under and rising seas. It will receive Low levels of invasion were products affect conditions of “water stress”. some 70 percent of the $70 noted in natural and semi- deforestation – Times Online million the philanthropic natural grasslands and most January 22 – The Durrell foundation is committing woodlands, and the lowest Institute of Conservation Wildlife trade creating to its fi ve-year program on levels in the Mediterranean and Ecology and the Wildlife “empty forest syndrome” climate change that includes evergreen vegetation, Conservation Society’s across the globe agriculture projects in Africa heathlands and peatlands. This Indonesia Program assessed the January 22 – In a talk at a pattern was quite consistent effectiveness of conservation in Smithsonian Symposium on among European regions Bukit Barisan Selatan National tropical forests, the Wildlife with contrasting climates, Park in Indonesia over a Conservation Society (WCS) biogeography, history and 34-year period using satellite emphasized that for many socio-economic background. imagery, ecological data, endangered species, it is not – ScienceDaily interviews, and GIS modeling. the lack of suitable habitat The study found that law that has imperiled them, but Global warming enforcement effectively hunting. In certain areas, could unleash ocean “reduced deforestation to pristine forests stand empty ‘dead zones’ nil” in areas where it was and quiet, drained by hunting January 26 – In a study undertaken. In areas where for bush meat, traditional published by the journal enforcement activities were medicine, the pet trade, and Nature Geoscience, scientists lax or non-existent, forest trophies. Hunting in the last in Denmark built a computer areas were rapidly replaced few decades has increased model to simulate climate by coffee plantations, the exponentially and most of the change over the next 100,000 expansion of which was species targeted by hunters People wade through a fl ooded years. The study showed closely correlated with coffee are not able to recover fast road in India. (Reuters) that global warming may prices. This indicates that law enough to sustain the levels

10 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g GLOBAL CONSERVATION NEWS

aircraft to fi re visible light More than 600 elephants known ecosystem commodity towards the ground and analyze found in Malaysian park is carbon. The global the wavelengths that are January 15 – Using new carbon market - exchanges refl ected from the leaves. This survey techniques, the Wildlife of mandatory or voluntary generates a three-dimensional Conservation Society (WCS) greenhouse gas reductions map of the chemical and the Department of - rose 84 percent in value last composition of the trees, from Wildlife and National Parks year, according to the research Tapirs are especially vulnerable the canopy to the forest fl oor, of Malaysia estimated that group, New Carbon Finance. to over-hunting. and hence the biodiversity of there are 631 Asian elephants Programs for biodiversity the forest. – NewScientist living in Taman Negara banks, wetland, and water National Park in the center of markets are also being New species hotspot peninsular Malaysia. Rather developed. As a sign of the in remote Cambodian than visually counting the growing interest in ecosystem Mekong elephants, researchers counted markets, the U.S. Department January 15 – A series of dung piles. This has become of Agriculture is creating surveys jointly conducted by an internationally recognized the fi rst offi ce dedicated WWF Cambodia, the Fisheries technique and has been solely to these emerging Administration (FiA) and the endorsed by UN Convention conservation strategies. The Forestry Administration (FA) on International Trade in new Offi ce of Ecosystem of the Ministry of Agriculture Endangered Species. Asian Markets and Services is Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) elephants are endangered due tasked with creating uniform in 2006 and 2007 has resulted to habitat loss and poaching; guidelines for the numerous in the discovery of 24 species, between 30,000 and 50,000 markets, with an initial focus including the Cantor’s Giant may remain in 13 Asian on carbon sequestration Red howler monkey killed for food. softshell turtle. The study countries, according to the standards for agriculture and area is home to a near- WCS. The Taman Negara forestry. – Environmental at which they are hunted. pristine region of tall riverine protected rainforest jungle, News Network Primates are very vulnerable forests, waterways and island known simply as the “Green to overhunting due to a archipelagos, and is described Heart” by Malaysians, spans State of the World 2009: slow breeding process, as are by scientists as including one about 4,343 square kilometers Into A Warming World other species like elephants of the last suitable freshwater (1,676 square miles). – The January 10 – Worldwatch and tapirs. Animals that live habitats for the critically Times of India Institute has just published in groups, like birds and endangered Irrawaddy State of the World 2009: Into primates, are also vulnerable Dolphin. This region used to Ecosystem a Warming World, which is since one population can be be one of the last strongholds markets take off based on the fi ndings of the wiped out by a single hunter. of the Khmer Rouge and January 13 - Ecosystem Fourth Assessment Report of The implications of all this was off-limits to local and markets, exchanges of the Intergovernmental Panel on for loss of ecosystem function foreign agencies until as late nature’s various services, are Climate Change and provides are still not fully understood, as 1998. WWF Cambodia adding new dimensions to a comprehensive overview of although many studies show has sought to get the “Central conservation. In addition to the policy imperatives facing that tropical forests depleted Section” designated as a special using regulation to restrict humanity in the face of current of large vertebrates experience management site, ensuring that development, more countries environmental challenges. reduced seed dispersal, the region’s plant and animal are turning to the invisible This edition of State of the altered patterns of tree life are afforded adequate hand of the market to protect World brings out the difference recruitment and shifts in the protection and integrated into biodiversity, clean waterways, between inaction based on a relative abundance of species. the government’s national and fi ght climate change. business-as-usual approach and – mongabay.com biodiversity strategy. – WWF Market-based approaches action to mitigate greenhouse assign an economic value to gas emissions to avoid the Flying eye maps rain ecosystem services such as worst impacts of climate forest’s health erosion control, fl ood buffers, change. It also emphasized January 22 – Greg Asner, and clean air. Supporters the importance of new an ecologist at the Carnegie praise the approach for its technologies and different Institution in Washington promotion of conservation approaches in terms of human DC, is developing an imaging funding at a time when behavior and choices. An device to assess the plant fi nancial resources are scarce. important element of future diversity within a rainforest But critics suggest the solutions is a different form without setting foot there. It market is a last resort that of global governance-one will also be used to measure indicates governments may that would create a high deforestation and the damage be neglecting their duty to level of seriousness in the done by logging. Asner uses protect ecosystems as habitats implementation of global a laser scanner linked to a come under increasing levels agreements. – Environment spectrometer on board an Amorphophallus species of stress. The most widely News Network

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 11 SPECIAL REPORTS AN OVERVIEW STATUS OF GLOBAL ALIEN INVASIVE SPECIES* nvasive alien species are organisms that cause damage or disturbance to biodiversity, human livelihoods and development. When working with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), it is best to use the two relevant CBD Ideﬁ nitions from Article 8 (h). The ﬁ rst refers to alien species that cause damage to biodiversity. The second refers to invasive alien species (IAS) that cause damage to biodiversity. A species can become invasive only when it is introduced to a new ecosystem or habitat that is different from its native situation. Species can become invasive if they stay in one place despite changes in environmental conditions in the area.

* The article is condensed from the presentation by Geoffrey Howard at the ASEAN Workshop on Invasive Alien Species Management held on 17-18 December 2008 in Hanoi, Viet Nam. The workshop was organized by Viet Nam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), in cooperation with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB). Geoffrey Howard is the IUCN Global Coordinator of IAS, and Technical Director of Species and Ecosystems of the Global Invasive Species Programme, IUCN, Nairobi, Kenya

12 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g Water hyacinth in tropical Central America

Introduction is part of the devel- ment, habitat or country and survives duce without assistance and the young opment of the invasive characteristics in the wild without human help (such survive and begin to spread. Wild canna or invasiveness of a species. Biological as horticulture, aquaculture, aquarium (Canna indica), for example, was natu- invasions are caused by species that be- support or domestication). This is ralized as a weed and began spreading come invasive after introduction. But usually the case with many “low-level in Eastern Africa. Naturalization can not all species that are introduced be- weeds” and accidentally introduced in- thus be equated with plants that have come invasive even if they have caused vertebrates. “escaped from human care.” invasions in other places. An example would be the water hyacinth (Eichhor- nia crassipes), the “world’s worst water weed.” When the water hyacinth grows in its native habitat, together with native competing plants, it is not invasive.

Invasions by alien species The following steps show the prog- ress toward the invasion of species:

1. Introduction – Species introduction may be intentional or unintentional Ornamental canna established Introductions are mostly due to human activity and can or may result South American Senna spectabilis in Africa in the establishment of species in new begin to regenerate independently after habitats. “Intentional introduction” decades or centuries of establishment. occurs when species are introduced as sources of food, medicine, ornamental plants, among others, and are used in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, and other industries. “Unintentional introduction” happens when species move with other imports or travel when they attach themselves to various modes of Wild canna established transportation such as ships, and garbage that ﬂ oat in the sea. 3. Spread 3a. Naturalization – Species become 2. Establishment – Species survive part of the ﬂ ora and fauna of but do not spread its new habitat. Establishment happens when a Naturalization begins when the es- plant or animal enters a new environ- tablished animal or plant starts to repro- Wild canna

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 13 SPECIAL REPORTS

3b. Invasion – Species expand and The probability for the development Vertebrate invasive species include impact on other species and of invasive species is 10% (for establish- fi sh, reptiles, birds and mammals. The ecosystems as well as people and ment) x 10% (for naturalization) x 10% Nile tilapia, for example, was inten- development. (for invasion) = 0.1%. This means that tionally introduced to many water sys- only 1 in 1,000 introduced species ever tems in Africa, Asia and Latin America, When established and naturalized become invasive, or usually less, some with devastating effects on the native species spread and “get out of hand”, say 1 in 1,000,000. fi sh. and begin to compete with native (and Once species have been introduced, other established) species, this can be established and naturalized, there is of- defi ned as “invasion”. Species invasions ten a “lag time” before further spread impact ecosystems, cause environmen- and invasion occurs. For some species tal damage and also affect human wel- (e.g. trees), this may be more than 100 fare and development. years; in others (e.g. water hyacinth), may be a few weeks. As the invading species consolidates, affected plant or animal habitats may decline or become degraded. Tilapia Invasive taxa (types) Invasive species can be animals, The common carp from China is plants or micro-organisms (including now invasive in water bodies on four those causing disease in plants, animals continents including Africa. and people). They can be terrestrial, aquatic or marine as well as pathogens, parasites or predators. They can be min- Australian possums invaded New Zealand ute, small, large, and widespread or locally abundant as well. Microorganisms may include plant and animal viruses, bacteria, yeasts, and fungal pathogens of both animals and plants. Invertebrates may encompass mollusks (both terrestrial and aquatic), insect pests, crustaceans, and other arthropods. Common carp

Lantana camara is a classic invasive alien species; after 160 years, the species Latin American green apple snail is still spreading across Africa and in- invaded Asia vading new lands such as Australia, Asia and North America. Lantana replaces The alien house sparrow has in- native vegetation and pasture, is poison- vaded Tanzania 90 years ago and spread ous to livestock and harbors tsetse ﬂ ies throughout. (Glossina sp.) and rats.

Australian long-horned tree borer now House sparrow invades eucalypts in many African countries Lantana

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(Oreochromis niloticus), for example, which originally comes from the Nile in Zambia, has become a problem in Asia and the Americas.

Mesquite

Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) from Cen- and is found entirely in Zambia. It is tral America is an invasive alien species a source of potable water for about 40 introduced for agrofrestry, and grows per cent of the Zambian population and well in dry (pastoral) areas. It causes the major source of water for the capital wounds with its spines, replaces native city, Lusaka. The Kafue Floodplain was dryland vegetation and destroys pas- home to many wild animals and plants Tilapia tures for livestock and wildlife. and supported cattle grazing, fi shing, conservation and tourism activities. In An example of invasion impacts of “Invasiveness” of alien species 1974, the plant Mimosa pigra could be species on terrestrial ecosystems is the What makes a good invader? Good found occasionally on the edges of the Old World climbing fern (Lygodium invaders are generally characterized by Kafue River. A heavy fl ood in 1981 then microphyllum), which is smothering the the following: brought a few plants of Mimosa pigra bald cypress in Florida, in the United • Rapid growth rate, to the fl oodplain. After a slow start in States of America. • Great dispersal characteristics, the late 1980s, Mimosa pigra began to • Large reproductive capacity, spread and, by 2000, it was covering a • Broad environmental tolerance, few hundred hectares. By 2007, Mimosa and pigra was growing up to four meters • Effective competitor with local high and was largely excluding almost species every other plant and most animals in the area. Out of 12,000 hectares in the All invasive plants can be called fl oodplain, 3,000 hectares are now com- “weeds”, but not all weeds are invasive. pletely covered by Mimosa pigra. Today, Climbing fern Invading species affect ecosystems there is no livestock, no fi sheries, and by altering or replacing natural sys- no tourism on this part of the Kafue The Indian House crow (Corvus tems through competition, exclusion, Floodplain. Mimosa pigra has severely splendens) has invaded most coastal cit- predation, parasitism, and pathogen- affected the livelihoods and production ies in Eastern Africa and the Middle esis. They also alter or cause changes of people living in the area. East. It kills domestic and wild birds, in micro-climate, nutrient availability, In freshwater ecosystems, aquatic in- spreads human diseases, raids food, and and ecosystem cycles (energy, water, vasive plants pollute drinking water, re- destroys radio aerials, among others. minerals, organics). All this, in turn, af- duce fi sheries, exclude other biodiversity, fects ecosystem function, health, goods block waterways and water pipes, reduce and services, and impacts humankind oxygen, and reduce the entry of sunlight. by damaging livelihoods, well-being, When freshwater fi sh are introduced health, and development. for aquaculture, they may escape into An example of the impacts of the wild water systems, destroy vegetation spread and invasion of species can be and fi sh faunas and hybridize with lo- seen in the Kafue Floodplain. The Ka- cal species. While they may bring some fue River, a major tributary of the Zam- benefi ts, they also cause great damage bezi, is about 1,000 kilometers long, to indigenous species. The Nile tilapia House crow

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 15 D. Luguet, France Seaweed (Caulerpa taxifolia) invading a new site in the Mediterranean

In marine systems, alien invasives al- in forestry, fi sheries, agriculture, and pigra, water hyacinths have affected the ter the production and life cycles of fi sh, aquaculture. Parasitism, pathogenesis, Kafue Gorge Dam and hydropower sta- crabs, oysters, prawns, barnacles, mus- predation, competition, exclusion and tion in Zambia. sels, comb jellies, seaweeds, plankton destruction of productive systems are The water hyacinth and similar spe- through competition, exclusion, preda- all recorded in these industries, and are cies that establish themselves in dams tion, and pollution of marine waters. most common in farming, horticulture increase water loss, block water fl ows, Alien species can also invade pro- jam hydropower generators, prevent duction ecosystems, native or cultured, water traffi c, encourage growth in the that are used for food and commodity population of snakes and crocodiles, production. These species can cause ma- suppress fi sheries and aquaculture, and jor production and economic impacts harbor vectors of human diseases. Some invasives are themselves human pathogens (e.g. ebola, SARS, and H5N1).

Management of invasions Kafue Gorge dam Avoiding or lessening the impacts of invasion could be done through any of the following courses of action: 1. Prevent their introduction, 2. Eradicate a new invasion soon- est, 3. Contain a small, expanding invasion, or 4. Manage the impacts and the presence of an established invasion.

According to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the ﬁ rst step is the best and cheapest. As all these actions have relevant costs to the environment, economy, and society, the prevention of invasions should be the primary con- Water hyacinth sideration in dealing with invasive alien species. Tall trees of Senna spectabilis from and livestock production. The last step should be the “last South America are replacing native forest Invasion impacts include effects on resort” as it entails extensive and long- in Uganda human development. Aside from M. term management of invasions.

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DEVELOPING A NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES* national framework aimed at addressing biological invasions, with an agreed set of policies and supported by the government and people, should be developed, whether as a dedicated national activity or as part of a regionalA programme of biosecurity. Invasive alien species are the second greatest threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services – and are increasingly spreading worldwide. Biological diversity is being decreased and “sameness” is spreading.

* The article is condensed from the presentation by Geoffrey Howard entitled “Development of National Frameworks for Invasive Alien Species” at the ASEAN Workshop on Invasive Alien Species Management. The workshop was organized by Viet Nam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), in cooperation with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and held on 17-18 December 2008 in Hanoi, Viet Nam. Geoffrey Howard is the IUCN Global Coordinator of IAS, and Technical Director of Species and Ecosystems of the Global Invasive Species Programme, IUCN, Nairobi, Kenya.

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 17 SPECIAL REPORTS

Convention on Biological Diversity); or a separate (new) biosecurity agency with high status. Regions might utilize the Plant Protection Convention and its regional agencies (e.g. European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Or- ganization or EPPO), or a separate regional organization for IAS (e.g. Paciﬁ c Invasive Initiative or PII), or a regional economic organization (e.g. Southern African Development Community or SADC).

Strategies in developing policy 1. National Invasive Species Strat- egy and Action Plan or NISSAP. Some countries have developed a NISSAP, which is related to the National Biodiver- sity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). A NISSAP would outline the agreed approach to issues such as: • Prevention, eradication and control; • The Ecosystem Approach (from the CBD) for action against IAS; • The Precautionary Approach (if there is insufﬁ cient information, then one can refuse entry to likely IAS); • Policies and institutions and responsibilities

2. Regional approach. Invasive species do not stop at national boundaries. A regional approach (as well as a national strategy) is important so that nations can cooperate Invasives threaten terrestrial, fresh- and prevent introductions and manage and help each other. Nations can water and marine ecosystems with in- invasions; infrastructure to support the assist each other with expertise, creasing or continuing impacts. They strategy; and awareness to involve all stake- information, experiences in man- are also becoming an even greater threat holders. agement, and release alerts con- due to increasing climate change. cerning new invasions that might Invasions begin with the introduc- Policy and institutions spread to neighboring countries. tion of species alien to a country or eco- Countries and regions need to de- system. An introduced alien species then cide how they want to address IAS, as Recognizing invasive establishes itself, spreads and begins to well as assign a level of importance to alien species cause damage to biodiversity, infrastruc- this issue. Existing policies that include Many species are introduced - in- ture and livelihoods. How then can we biological invasions (if any) need to be tentionally or unintentionally - to an prevent the introduction or spread of coordinated and enhanced for action. ecosystem, a country or a region each invasive alien species (IAS), or control Responsible government ministries or year. From these species, a small pro- their spread or eradicate these, and re- agencies need to be assigned based on portion may become established and a pair the damage done by these IAS? the proposed and agreed level of impor- small proportion may spread and be- All of these need the elements of an tance. come invasive. From the onset, there is IAS Framework that includes policies Some countries place IAS issues a need to identify new species and then and institutions; strategies for prevention under agriculture or forestry; environ- assess their possible impacts on the en- and management; capacity to recognize ment and/or biodiversity (related to the vironment.

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The capacity to recognize species • Establishing permits and condi- tion fails and a known invasive species and to access information on their like- tions, is detected, rapid response is required. lihood for invasiveness is important. • Monitoring and general surveil- This will require knowledge and coop- One can rely on and make evaluations lance, and eration at local government and civil so- based on existing information such as • Developing regional coopera- ciety levels as well as among frontliners personal experiences, literature, and tion programs and sharing of such as landowners, farmers, and cus- internet websites (e.g www.gisp.org, information. toms ofﬁ cials. www.issg.org, Global Compendium of A very recent example follows the Weeds). Some countries develop a list of Rapid responses to “African Barriers Project” in Uganda. species that may never be intentionally establishment and spread 1. Recognition and awareness - introduced and a list of some that are Again, knowing what might be a During annual meetings of the allowed. problem if IAS is established is cru- Project teams, all saw the seri- Species must be recognized when cial. Mechanisms for surveillance (ex- ous invasion of Parthenium hys- these are found at various stages of inva- isting and new) are needed and the terophorus in Ethiopia. Thus the sion such as introduction, establishment proper agencies should have the phys- three countries which do not and spread, and invasion, in all types of ical and legal capacity to respond to have this plant became sensitized ecosystems. A strategy or framework for IAS issues. They should be reinforced to the threat of its introduction IAS should include capacity to address with: and establishment. This plant is each of these stages. Strategies for pre- • Equipment and resources, a rapidly spreading weed with venting introductions include: • Policies and laws, impacts on agriculture, livestock • Checking for introductions – in- • Systems in place for in-country- and human health tentional and unintentional, cooperation, and 2. Preparation for recognition of • Listing unwanted species and al- • Regional communication and the threat - The Project used lowable species, alerts. the “Climex” process to map • Conducting inspection at entry the potential distribution of P. points, Rapid response and eradication or hysterophorus if it spreads. Addi- • Developing means to prevent containment tional information was gathered (and destroy if necessary) intro- Prevention is the best protection from the experiences of other duction of IAS, against biological invasion. If preven- countries and relevant websites.

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 19 SPECIAL REPORTS

3. Initiated vigilance in Uganda The necessary infra- and other countries - Gen- structure should be set in eral mapping was developed place in managing inva- based on existing information. sions. All activities neces- Roadside mapping was used be- sary to prevent and control cause many IAS are transported biological invasions re- through road and rail net- quire interaction between works. The Project established separate government and an agreed system in all four other organizations. Ar- countries using Project vehicles rangements for coordina- and staff and Global Positions tion and cooperation need Systems (GPS) – for mapping to be established. Some with Geographic Information countries develop an IAS Systems (GIS) - of any detected agency or a dedicated possible (or known) invasive Raising awareness at the local level group to address IAS con- species of plants. cerns. Sometimes invasive 4. First detections in Uganda - Two during roadside mapping. species operations are part of biosecu- separate small infestations were 5. Rapid response - More suspect rity. All these arrangements need to be detected on 16 November 2008 areas were examined and three established and funded for quick and more small infestations were all effective action. detected and eradicated. At the Stakeholders should be made aware same time, local people were of the impact and prevention of invasive alerted and the media were in- species through an awareness strategy formed, resulting in four more that is essential to an invasive species reports in early December 2008 framework. This applies to leadership and policy-making levels, government Managing invasions personnel, private sector and civil soci- Once invading species have es- ety, as well as “the general public” and tablished and spread, their infestation children. has to be managed or controlled. This Regional cooperation programs requires access to experience and in- must also be developed since all information and capacity vasive species are re- to be built (including gional issues. This additional funds). In a is particularly true project for framework on continents with development, this is many countries, best done through pilot such as Asia, the Farm wasteland site projects to manage Americas, Africa, and known invasions and to Europe, where species attempt to restore af- can easily travel and fected ecosystems. cross borders. Thus Mechanical, chemi- there is a need for cal, and biological con- regional cooperation trol and procedures and exchange – espe- for approval of actions cially about new inva- should be established. sions.

Roadside wasteland

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CCambodia’sambodia’s RReporteport oonn InvasiveInvasive AlienAlien SpeciesSpecies*

ambodia has a total land area of 181,035 square • Mangrove forest kilometers and is dominated by low land along • Melaleuca forest Cthe Mekong River and Tonlé Sap Lake, and three • Flooded forest around Tonle Sap Lake. mountain regions in the Southwest, North and Northeast. In the 1960s, the forest of the country covered 73 percent These forests are homes to the following species: of the total land area. However, ensuing demographic • 212 species of mammals growth and economic development had led to a decline in • 500 species of birds forest cover from 73 percent to 61 percent in 2002. The • 240 species of reptiles main forest habitats in Cambodia are: • 62 species of amphibians • Evergreen forest • 500 species of freshwater fi sh and 357 species of • Semi-evergreen forest marine fi sh • Deciduous forest • More than 2,300 species of vascular plants with • Hill evergreen forest new species being discovered every year • Sub-montane and montane forest • Species that have yet to be discovered. • Pine forest with grasslands Biogeographically, there are three distinct areas with • Bamboo forest distinct fauna and fl ora in Cambodia: Cardamom Moun-

* The article is from the presentation by Neang Thy at the ASEAN Workshop on Invasive Alien Species Management held on 17-18 December 2008 in Hanoi, Viet Nam. The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Viet Nam in cooperation with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. Neang Thy is the head of the Botanical Garden Ofﬁ ce, General Department of Administration for Nature Conservation and Protection, Ministry of Environment, Cambodia.

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 21 SPECIAL REPORTS

Table 2. List of introduced animal species

Tonle Sap Lake

tains in the southwest; Annamite Mountains in the • 14 plant species northeast; and the Northern plains. Lowland areas along • 3 reptile species the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake are mainly covered • 1 amphibian species by grass and rice fi elds and have the most number of in- • 1 mollusk species vasive species. • 1 crustacean species Based on this division of geography, the World Con- • 1 insect species servation Society conducted in 2006 the fi rst interview and • 2 mammal species literature-based survey on invasive species around Tonle • 30 fi sh species Sap Lake to fi nd out which species are there and their possible impacts on agriculture, as the conditions are suitable Other exotic species of plants occur in forested areas for them to reproduce rapidly. Invasive species refers to and appear only in the clearing mosaic. alien species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause These are: economic or environmental harm to the country and hu- • Imperata cylindrica, which originated from South- man health. east Asia The results of the invasive species survey showed the • Chromolaena odorata from tropical America, and existence of the following introduced species: • Arundo donax from India.

Table1. List of introduced plant species

Common name Scientiﬁ c name Reported Status Origin 1. Water lettuce Pistia stratiotes Common Africa or South America 2. Purging nut Jatropha curcas Planted Caribbean region 3. Giant sensitive plant Mimosa invisa Present South America 4. Catclaw mimosa Mimosa pigra Abundant Tropical America 5. Sensitive plant / ‘touch-me-not’ Mimosa pudica Present Tropical America 6. Candlebush Cassia alata Planted South America 7. Watersnowﬂ ake Nymphoides indica Present Africa, Asia, Australia 8. Seedbox Ludwigia hyssopifolia Present Uncertain 9. Peruvian primrose Ludwigia peruviana present Tropical America 10. Para grass Urochloa mutica Common Africa 11. Hippo grass Echinochloa stagnina Common Africa 12. Cutgrass Leersia hexandra Present Pantropical 13. Water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes Common Amazon Basin 14. Silk cotton tree Ceiba petandra Present –

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Table 2. List of introduced animal species Table 2. List of introduced animal species Common name Scientiﬁ c name Reported Status Origin

Reptiles

1. Hybrid crocodile Crocodylus rhombifer Siem Reap Cuba, Australia, Cambodia

2. Chinese softshell turtle Pelodiscus sinensis Not reported China, Taiwan, Korea, North Viet Nam

3. Red eared slider turtle Trachemys scripta elegans Not reported America

Amphibians

North American bullfrog Rana catesbiana Not reported America

Mollusks

Apple snail Pomacea spp. Not reported South America

Crustaceans

Louisiana crayﬁ sh Procambarus clarkii Not reported Mexico and America

Insects

European honeybee Apis mellifera Not reported Tropical Africa, Eurasia

Mammals

Domestic rats Rattus rattus Reported Asia

Rattus norvegicus Reported Asia

Fish

1. Japanese eel Anguilia japonica Not reported Japan, South Hainan and northern Philippines

2. Arapaima Arapaima gigas Not reported South America

3. Pacu Colossoma macropomum Not reported South America

4. Red bellied pacu Piaractus brachypomus Not reported South America

5. Blue tilapia Oreochromis aureus Not reported Africa and Middle East

6. Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus Not reported Southern Africa

7. Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus Reported Africa and Middle East

8. Red breast tilapia Tilapia rendalli Not reported Africa

9. African catﬁ sh Clarias gariepinus Reported Africa and Middle East

10. Chinese false gudgeon Abottina rivularis Not reported Northeast Asia, Japan

11. Goldﬁ sh Carassius auratus Not reported Central and Eastern Continental Asia

12. Mrigal Cirrhinus cirrhosus Not reported Indian Subcontinent

13. Grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella Not reported Northeastern continental Asia

14. Common carp Cyprinus carpio Reported Asia

15. Catla Gilbelion catla Not reported Indian Subcontinent

16. Barbel steed Hemibarbus labeo Not reported Central and East Continental Asia

Continued next page

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 23 SPECIAL REPORTS

Table 2. List of introduced animal species AllCommon the species name listed are at low risk Scienti at fi c name Reported Status Origin the moment, except for Mimosa pigra. The article is from the presentation Fish by Neang Thy at the “ASEAN Work- Mimosa17. Spotted pigra steed is believed to haveHemibarbus ap- shop maculatus on Invasive AlienNot reportedSpecies Man- East Continental Asia peared in Cambodia in the late 1970s agement” held on 17-18 December or early18. 1980s. Silver carp Its rapid proliferationHypophthalmichthys 2008 in molitrix Hanoi, VietReported Nam. The work- East Continental Asia in Cambodia started around the early shop was organized by the Ministry of 19. Bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis Not reported China 1990s and currently, M. pigra has been Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Viet Nam in cooperation reported20. toRohu occur in at least 13 Labeoprov- rohita Not reported Indian Subcontinent inces that are located along the Mekong with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiver- River and21. Stone Tonle moroko Sap Lake. It is anPseudorasborapaparva ag- sity (ACB). Not reported Eastern Asia gressive plant and regarded as one of the worst 22.environmental Oriental weather weedsfi sh in season-Misgurnus anguillicaudatus Not reported Myanmar, Northeast Asia to Central China ally fl ooded23. Brown areas. bullhead Ictalurus nebulosus Not reported North America

The24. impacts Channel catof fi M.sh pigra are Ictalurusmas- punctatus Not reported North America sive, as it can completely alter vegetation structure.25. Suckermouth Large standscatfi sh of MimosaHypostomus plecostomus Not reported South America support fewer animals, less herbaceous 26. Mosquito fi sh Gambusia affi nis Reported North and Central America vegetation and fewer native tree seedlings. 27.This Guppy then affects water birdsPoecilia that reticulata Not reported South America rely on grassland areas, as well as reduces fi sh production28. Sailfi n mollyespecially non-scalyPoecilia fi sh velifera Not reported Central America species. They are also major barriers 29. Green swordtail Xiphophorus helleri Not reported North and Central America to agriculture development. Methods employed30. Southernto control platy thefi sh spread ofXiphophorus M. maculatus Not reported North and Central America pigra include manual methods, chemical control, burning and prevention of introduction in other areas. All the species listed are at low risk at the moment, except for Mimosa pigra. Mimosa pigra is believed to have appeared in Cambodia in the late 1970s or early 1980s. Its rapid proliferation in Cambodia started around the early 1990s. Currently, Mimosa pigra has been reported to occur in at least 13 provinces that are located along the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake. It is an aggressive plant and regarded as one of the worst environmental weeds in seasonally fl ooded areas. The impacts of Mimosa pigra are massive, as the species can completely alter vegetation structure. Large stands of Mimosa support fewer animals, less herbaceous vegetation and fewer native tree seedlings. This then affects water birds that rely on grassland areas, as well as reduces fi sh production especially non-scaly fi sh species. They are also major barriers to agriculture development. Methods employed to control the spread of Mimosa pigra include manual techniques, chemical control, burning and prevention of introduc- Mimosa pigra tion in other areas.

24 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g SPECIAL REPORTS

NNationalational RegulationsRegulations onon IInvasivenvasive SSpeciespecies MManagementanagement iinn thethe PhilippinesPhilippines*

he biodiversity of the Philippines is truly impres- sive both in global terms, and in overall diversity, Tand, more so, as regards endemism. In absolute numbers, its endemic species in groups like plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, butterfl ies are comparable to and often exceed the much larger megadiversity countries. The Philippines harbors some 8,000 species of fl owering plants distributed in about 1,600 genera and 191 families. There are more than 6,490 species of non-fl owering plants (i.e. algae, fungi, mosses, ferns), which when combined with vascular plants, would total about 14,490 plant species. Of this number, between 30 to 40 percent are said to be endemic to the country and found nowhere else. Man’s activities however, have badly damaged the pri- Paper mulberry mary forests of the Philippines that conservationists rank the country as one of the 10 hotspots of the world. Because of this, the public and private sectors have joined hands in seeking remedies to this environmental crisis. Several species of trees and agricultural plants were introduced in the Philippines during the prehistoric (Malay- Polynesian settlers), Spanish and American regimes. The foremost intention was to provide for cover crops and multiple-purpose species to meet the various needs of the country. Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), for example, was introduced in 1935 to augment bast fi ber-producing tree crops in Makiling, within the University of the Philip- pines School of Forestry campus, at Los Banos, Laguna. Like the coronitas (Lantana camara) from Hawaii, the paper mulberry escaped to become a serious pest as both invade young secondary forests thickets. Lantana camara Lantana camara was introduced as an ornamental in orchards and farms. The large leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) was fi rst The mahogany became invasive because of several at- planted in 1907 and the small leaf mahogany (Swietenia tributes of the species. Each fruit of mahogany in a capsule mahogani) in 1911, both intentionally introduced for cul- contains an average of 62 winged seeds. Assuming 50 cap- tivation. These three species are now all over the Philippine sules per tree can be dispersed per fruiting season, that’s archipelago. 3000 seeds, blown at a distance of 20 to 40 meters. Being

* Paper presented by Elpidio F. Rimando during the ASEAN Workshop on Invasive Alien Species Management held on 17-18 December 2008 in Hanoi, Viet Nam. The Workshop was organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Viet Nam in cooperation with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. Elpidio F. Rimando is the Chief of the Forest Protection Section, Forest Ecosystem Research Division, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau-Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippines.

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 25 SPECIAL REPORTS

recalcitrant, the seeds germinate in less than a month. Dip- Other agricultural plants introduced in the country are terocarps fruit and seed irregularly in intervals of four to now becoming pests or weeds in forest areas. The mile-a- ﬁ ve years and therefore stand no chance in competing with minute (Mikania micrantha) from the South and Central mahogany. Mahogany seeds contain food reserves and ger- America was introduced as a cover crop or garden orna- minate hypogeal. This means that even if the initial light is mental. The plant is now considered an invasive species and relatively poor, the young mahogany plant develops even is a problem weed throughout the warm, humid region of without initial photosynthesis. True photosynthetic leaves Southeast Asia including the Philippines. The vine was able come later and are adopted even in sun-ﬂ ecked shade to to spread rapidly because it reproduces fast. A single plant partial shade. Hardened mahogany seedlings are even rela- can produce up to 40,000 seeds per year. The small, black tively drought resistant. It is a common observation in ma- seeds with bristles at one end are dispersed by wind and ture mahogany plantations in the country that the under- adhere to clothing or animal fur. Vegetatively, the plant story vegetation is dominated by mahogany wildlings. can regenerate from small fragments, with each nodal stem The coronitas is another plant/weed that may occur as being able to produce roots on contact with the soil. The a compact shrub or a scrambler since it grows more than weed climbs up other plants to reach the sunlit tree canopy, 5 meters high and is often used as a hedge plant because smothering the host plants in the process, depriving them it forms impenetrable barriers. However, that same quality of light needed for photosynthesis and competing with makes it such a menace when it invades agricultural land hosts for nutrients and water. and forestry plantations. The leaves and fruit can poison The hagonoy (Chromolaena odorata) is another invasive cattle and sheep that eat them. weed shrub present almost everywhere in the Philippines. It thrives on disturbed lands and forms dense thickets that smother indigenous vegetation, thus reducing biodiversity. Its growth decreases the productivity of any main crop or trees that grow with it.

Regulations and policy on invasive alien species International policy/regulations Mainstreaming sustainable management of biodiversity cum invasive alien species is based upon international agreements, which are as follows: 1. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Wild Flora and Fauna - CITES has been proven to be effective in contributing to the conservation of a wide range of plants and animals through a rigorous system in issuing permits and certiﬁ cates. CITES Mikania micrantha has the ability to control commercial trade when it is proven to be detrimental to the population of the species. 2. Convention on Biological Diversity – The Conven- tion mandates Parties/countries to take appropriate measures to conserve biological diversity, ensure the sustainable use of resources and promote fair and equitable sharing of beneﬁ ts arising from the utilization of genetic resources. 3. RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands - RAMSAR mandates the development of guidelines and promotes protocols and actions to prevent, control, and eradicate invasive alien species in wetland systems.

National policy and regulations 1. Executive Order No. 430. (15 October 1990) - This Order constitutes the National Committee on Bio- safety of the Philippines, a multi-disciplinary, inter- agency technical advisory body tasked to undertake Chromolaena odorata the study and evaluation of existing laws, policies,

26 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g SPECIAL REPORTS

and guidelines on biotechnology with respect to the systems, whether terrestrial, wetland, or marine, all introduction, use and transfer of genetically modi- of which shall be designated as protected areas. It fi ed organisms (GMOs) and potentially harmful provides for categories of protected areas: (a) strict exotic species (PHES) and the recommended mea- nature reserve, (b) natural park, (c) natural monu- sures for their effective utilization and prevention of ment, (d) wildlife sanctuary, (e) protected land- possible pernicious effects on the environment. scapes and seascapes, (f) resource reserve, (g) natu- 2. Department of Agriculture –Administrative Order ral biotic areas and (h) other categories established No. 8 Series of 2002 - This Order prescribes regula- by law, conventions, or international agreements to tions for the importation and release into the envi- which the Philippine government is a signatory. Ac- ronment of plant and plant products derived from tivities within protected areas are highly regulated, the use of modern biotechnology. It also institution- especially in strict nature reserves and natural parks, alizes existing operational arrangements between the thus the release of GMOs and GM trees and prod- Bureau of Plant Industry and the National Com- ucts in such areas are most likely prohibited. mittee on Biosafety of the Philippines by providing 7. Executive Order No. 247 - This Order prescribes regulations to govern the release of such products guidelines and establishes a regulatory framework for propagation or for direct use as food, feed, or for (the Inter-Agency Committee on Biological and processing. Genetic Resources) for the prospecting of biologi- 3. Department of Agriculture-Memorandum Circular cal and genetic resources, their by-products and de- No. 7 and 8 Series of 2003 - These Circulars were rivatives that are used for scientifi c and commercial promulgated pursuant to Section 3 of AO 8 to es- purposes. The Committee is tasked, among others, tablish Guidelines for the Conduct of Risk Assess- to ensure that no biological and genetic materials ment for Applications using an Approved Transfor- are taken from the Philippines and exported, except mation Event and the Phytosanitary Inspection of under a valid research agreement; and to study and Regulated Articles for Foods, Feeds and Processing. recommend appropriate laws on the utilization of 4. Plant Quarantine Law - This Law restricts the im- biological and genetic resources including new laws portation and/or introduction of plants, plant prod- on intellectual property rights. ucts, soil, and packing material of plant origin that 8. Wildlife Resources Protection Act - This Act pro- are capable of harboring species, and are sources or vides that no exotic species shall be introduced into medium of infection/infestation of plant pests. the country, unless a clearance from the DENR 5. The Revised Forestry Code - The Revised Forestry Secretary or his authorized representative is fi rst Code mandates the Forest Management Bureau- obtained. In no case shall exotic species be intro- Department of Environment and Natural Resources duced into protected areas covered by NIPAS and (DENR) to be responsible for the protection, de- to critical habitats under Section 25 of the Wildlife velopment, management, regeneration, and refores- Act. tation of forest lands; implementation or multiple 9. Seed Industry Development Act - This Act pro- use and sustained yield management in forest lands; hibits the importation, in commercial quantities, protection, development, and preservation of na- of species of seeds that are being produced lo- tional parks, marine parks, game refuges, and wild- cally, except seeds that are difficult to grow un- life; implementation of measures and programs to der ordinary conditions or when allowed by the prevent kaingin and managed occupancy of forest Seed Industry Council. The Act also prohibits and grazing lands; and the enforcement of forestry, the exploitation of rare species, varieties, lines reforestation, parks, game and wildlife laws, rules and strains of plants from the country, except and regulations, among others. The Forestry Code for scientific or international exchange purposes provides incentives to qualifi ed persons engaged in that shall be determined by the Council. industrial tree plantation, tree farming, and/or agro- forest farming. The law is relevant in that genetically Research project on invasive alien species modifi ed (GM) trees that are introduced and used The DENR-Ecosystems Research and Development for higher timber yields or greater carbon sequestra- Bureau (ERDB) has an ongoing research project on the tion abilities, may pose risks to natural stands. Development of Pest Surveillance System for Forest Inva- 6. National Integrated Protected Areas System (NI- sive Species in the Philippines, which started in November PAS) Act – NIPAS encompasses outstanding re- 2008. The project objectives are to: markable areas and biologically important lands that 1. Determine appropriate pest/disease targets and are habitats of rare and endangered species of plants survey plantation areas to maximize the chance for and animals, biogeographic zones, and related eco- early detection of forest invasive species; and

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 27 SPECIAL REPORTS

Sample of Outline-Framework for Invasive Alien Species

Section 1. Constitutional Policies Section 3. Scope, Objectives and Defi nitions 1.1 Right to People’s Health 3.1 Scope 1.2 Right to a Healthy Environment 3.2 Objectives 1.3 Priority to Science and Technology 3.3 Defi nitions 1.4 Role of Stakeholders 1.5 Rural Development Section 4. Administrative Mechanism 1.6 Right of Indigenous Peoples/Cultural Minorities and Communities Section 5. Decision–Making Processes 1.7 Right to Information 5.1 Standard of Precaution 1.8 Local Autonomy 5.2 Risk assessment 1.9 Right to Participation 5.2.1 Principles of Risk Assessment 1.10 Consumer Protection 5.2.2 Risk Assessment Guidelines 5.3 Role of Environmental Impact Assessment Section 2. Principles 5.4 Socio-economic, Ethical, Cultural and 2.1 Policy on Modern Biotechnology Other Considerations 2.2 Policy on Sustainable Development 5.5 Monitoring and Enforcement 2.3 Scientifi c Approach 2.4 Balance Approach Section 6. Access to Information 2.5 Socio-economic, Cultural and Ethical Considerations. Section 7. Public Participation 2.6. Using Precaution Section 8. Capacity Building and Financial Resources 2.7 Transparency and Public Participation 2.8 Consensus Building Section 9. Remedies 2.9 Availability of Remedies Section 10. Review 2.10 International Obligations and Cooperation 2.11 Public Interest and Welfare Section 11. Legislation

2. Formulate guidelines on forest-pest/forest invasive alien species particularly on forestry species is still in its early species surveillance, reporting and monitoring sys- stage because of very limited qualifi ed staff, low budget/fi - tem. nances, inadequate research information and database, lax implementation of legislation, regulation and administrative Regional cooperation in the orders and the low level of people’s awareness on the nega- management of invasive alien species tive impacts of IAS. The Philippines must seriously tackle Regional cooperation is very important to prevent the the crucial problems and issues related to IAS before these introduction of IAS into the country. A list of potential IAS create havoc and make major economic, social, and en- IAS based on risk assessment undertaken at the regional vironmental impacts in the Philippines. level must be developed and be available to the network- member countries. Experts on IAS are required to conduct References such assessments. Baguinon, N.T; M.O. Quimado; and G.J. Francisco, 2003. Country Report With the available list of high-risk invasive species, the on Forest Invasive Species in the Philippines. Paper presented at the Asia- Pacifi c Forest Species Conference held on 17-23 August 2003 at Yunan, mechanism to prevent and control the movement of IAS China must be formed. The CITES permitting mechanism sys- DENR-PAWB. Developing the National Biosafety Framework for the tem could be applied and strengthened to suit network- Philippines. 2004. Department of Environment and Natural Resources– member countries. Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau. p.146. San Valentin, H. 2001. Insect pests of forest plantations: Present and future possible problems. Paper presented during the Seminar workshop on Conclusion biodiversity and management of alien invasive species in the Philippines. The prevention, control and management of invasive RCBC/DENR/EU Quezon City, Philippines, 22-23 May 2003.

28 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g SPECIAL REPORTS MManaginganaging InvasiveInvasive AlienAlien SSpeciespecies aandnd PProtectingrotecting IIndigenousndigenous SpeciesSpecies inin ThailandThailand*

tudies show that there are more than 3,500 alien species in Thailand. Most of these species provide ben- Sefi ts and few are considered invasive. On record there are around 274 invasive species in the country. Studies and surveys on exotic species in all ecosystem types in Thailand began in 1995. In 2006, a Working Group on Invasive Alien Species was set up to address concerns on invasive alien species (IAS). Measures to manage IAS are currently incorporated into Strategy III (Reduce threats to biological diversity) of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2008-2012. The Working Group currently undertakes the following: • Study current rules and all related regulations – Rosy Wolf Snail including the Plant Protection Act BE.2507, the Animal Epidemics Act BE.2499, and regulations 1. Management of alien species, by the Biosafety Committee of the Fisheries De- 2. Observation and monitoring of alien species, partment, 3. Supporting studies and researches on alien species, • Evaluate national mechanisms to address invasive and alien species, and 4. Strategies for information dissemination, education • Develop measures to control invasive alien species and raising of public awareness on alien species. and protect indigenous species Invasive alien species in Thailand have been categorized A draft national measure on the protection of indig- as follows: enous species and the control and eradication of alien spe- • Invasive alien species (82), cies has already been developed. It defi nes and provides • Nearly invasive species (52), standards for the identifi cation of invasive alien species, • Invasive alien species in neighboring countries but and provides a list of species that require protection as well have yet to invade Thailand (49), and as those that should be controlled and eradicated due to • Invasive alien species that are banned entry into their adverse impacts on the local environment. The draft Thailand (91). measure is currently awaiting approval from the Cabinet. After its approval, all levels of related government agencies Data and steps to manage the spread of invasive alien should defi ne or set up an appropriate work plan or activi- species in Thailand came from scientifi c databases, con- ties to implement that measure. sultations with national experts, researchers and ecologists The draft measure also provides information on the fol- from related agencies, as well as other relevant institutions lowing: in the private sector.

* The article is from the presentation by Ms. Somawan Sukprasert at the “ASEAN Workshop on Invasive Alien Species Management” held on 17-18 December 2008 in Hanoi, Viet Nam. The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Viet Nam in cooperation with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB). Ms. Somawan Sukprasert is a staff of the Biological Diversity Division of the Ofﬁ ce of Natural Resources and Environment Policy and Planning, Thailand

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 29 SPECIAL REPORTS IInvasivenvasive AAlienlien SpeciesSpecies iinn VietViet NNam:am: TTheirheir ImpactsImpacts aandnd MManagementanagement*

nvasive alien species (IAS) became an emerging issue in Viet Nam in the mid-1990s and has become a threat Inot only to biodiversity but also to sustainable development and human health. Initial statistics reveal that there are 92 exotic plant species belonging to 31 families and 41 aquatic animal species currently found in the country and many of these have caused serious impacts on biodiversity and agriculture. Some dangerous IAS in Viet Nam include: • Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) • Golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) • Snails (Achatina fulica) • Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) White butterfi sh • Lantana (Lantana camara) • Nutria (Myocastor coypus) • White butterfi sh (Piaractus mesopotamicus) • White-legged prawn (Litopaenaeus varanamei) • Ty ba fi sh (Hypostomis punctatus) • Red-eared turtle (Trachemys scripta) • Coconut-leaf eating insect (Brontispa longissima) • Pine caterpillar (Dendrolimus punctatus walker)

There is a noticeable quantity of imported alien plants in Viet Nam. An inventory found about 94 species of 31 families. These account for about 0.77 percent of the total current natural species of plants in Viet Nam (12,000 species). In the list of invasive alien plants in the world, ﬁ ve have been found in Viet Nam: Imperata cylindrica, Mimosa Red-eared turtle pigra, Acacia holosericea, Eucalyptus urophylla, and Eichhor- nia crassipes. In aquatic and marine mammals, there are 41 species of Out of the identiﬁ ed alien plants, the species seen as alien water animals in Viet Nam (Le Thiet Binh, 2005) that showing threats by competition to environment and biodi- have been categorized as follows: versity include the following: Mimosa pigra, Eucalyptus urophylla, Eichhornia crassipes, Lantana camara, Amaranthus spi- • White List: 9 species (22 percent of the total alien nosus, Ageratum conyzoiotes, Cyperus rotandus, Chromolaena water animals in Viet Nam) odorata, Imperata cylindrica, and Pistia stratioles. • Gray List: 18 species (44 percent of the total alien

* The article is from presentations on the Management of Invasive Alien Species in Viet Nam by Ms. Hoang Thanh Nhan, Ms. Tran Kim Tinh and Mr. Pham Quang Thu, and Forest invasive Species in Vietnam by Pham Quang Thu. The presentations were made at the ASEAN Workshop on Invasive Alien Species Management organized by Viet Nam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in cooperation with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity and held on 17-18 December 2008 in Hanoi, Viet Nam.

30 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g SPECIAL REPORTS

water animals in Viet Nam) developing and implementing a strategy on the prevention • Black List: 14 species (34 percent of the total alien and control of these species. Steps to monitor, evaluate water animals in Viet Nam) and prevent IAS should be set in place, and relevant agencies must check and verify the breeds, species and genetic Some of the species used to be found in Viet Nam but sources of imported organisms. IAS policy is also embed- presently have been eliminated like the Cuba frog, Nutria ded in the Strategy of Environmental Protection in Viet (Myocastor coypus). Nam (2010 – 2020). The legal framework on IAS management is also in- Impacts of invasive alien species cluded in the Biodiversity Law (2008) and Environment The Viet Nam government annually invests millions Law (2005). Some aspects of invasive alien species have of dollars to control the spread of IAS such as the golden also been partly mentioned in other laws such as the Law apple snail and the coconut-leaf eating coleopteran due to on Fisheries, Law on Forest Protection and Development, economic impacts (such as damage to crops), environmen- Ordinance on Plant Protection, Ordinance on Animal Pro- tal impacts (including pollution, epidemic diseases, and tection, Ordinance on Plant Varieties, and Ordinance on others) and impacts on biodiversity (reduction of genetic Animal Breeds. resources; degradation and loss of native species). Challenges to the management of IAS in Viet Nam in- Some examples of IAS impacts include the following: clude: • The Spike Rush (Eleocharis spp) in Cham Trim Na- • Lack of an orientation policy framework for IAS tional Park, which is the important habitat for the management at different levels, sarus crane (Grus antigone), has been gradually in- • Planning of prevention and control issues is not fested by Mimosa pigra, leading to the decline of the comprehensive and synchronized, crane from 600-800 individuals in the mid-1990s • Legislation system has many drawbacks and incon- to less than 100 individuals in 2003. sistencies, and legal documents are scattered among • Due to the damage caused by the coconut-leaf eat- different agencies, ing coleopteran, the Vietnamese coconut industry • Management systems are incomplete with overlap- lost an estimate of 3.5 million USD. ping and unclear functions and responsibilities and • The government has to annually invest billions weak coordination, and of Vietnamese dollars to control the spread of the • Management capacity in IAS is limited, and not yet golden apple snail. In the report of the Department ready to meet the demand of socio-economic devel- of Plant Protection dated 26 December 2006, agri- opment. cultural land area infested with golden apple snails in the whole country totalled to 242,663 hectares, Proposed scheme on IAS prevention and control of which 5,316 hectares showed a high density of The principles of the proposed scheme focus on the infestation. In southern provinces, the infested prevention, control and elimination of IAS balanced with area is recorded at 217,328 hectares (approximately the protection, conservation and sustainable development equal to the infested area in 2005), of which 2,647 of biodiversity, environmental protection, human health, hectares showed a high density of infestation. and sustainable development of the country. It should also mobilize local, national, and international resources for the Management status of invasive alien species prevention and control of IAS. With the negative impacts of IAS on the country’s bio- The overall objective of the scheme is the prevention diversity, sustainable development and human health, the and control of IAS to protect biodiversity, promote con- government of Viet Nam has carried out several initiatives servation and sustainable use of natural resources, protect including preventing the introduction of alien species, and human health and well-being; ensure food security and so- controlling and eradicating invasive alien species. These cial safety in order to contribute to economic and social issues have been mentioned in different policies and legal development according to the country’s sustainable devel- documents. opment program. Some researches and inventories on IAS have also been car- Major tasks in the scheme include the following: ried out. Two major ministries involved in IAS management • Prevention of the introduction and establishment of are the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and IAS. the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development • Early detection, rapid assessment and rapid re- Some of the important policies on IAS management sponse to IAS introduction and establishment in include the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2010–2020. Viet Nam. The Plan indicates the need to strictly control and manage • Control, mitigation and elimination of IAS existing invasive alien species by making an inventory of IAS and in Viet Nam.

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 31 SPECIAL REPORTS

• Restoration of high-value ecosystems degraded by impacts of IAS. • Improvement of the management capacity on IAS.

Some of the identiﬁ ed measures that would help re- solve IAS issues in Viet Nam are the following: • Improve the organizational structure system and management capacity on the control of IAS; • Apply scientiﬁ c and technological solutions in addressing IAS issues; • Enhance the awareness active participation of the public in preventing, controlling and eliminating IAS; • Increase and diversify investment sources for IAS prevention and control; and Eupatorium adenophorum found north west of Viet Nam. • Promote international cooperation on IAS prevention and control.

Implementation of the proposed IAS scheme will depend on the mobilization of relevant agencies including the Ministries of Natural Resources and Environment; Ag- riculture and Rural Development; Health; Education and Training; Information and Communication; Science and Technology; and Finance. The participation of the police, provincial/municipal people’s authorities and other organizations, including non-government organizations and CBOs are crucial to the success of the IAS program.

Forest invasive species in Viet Nam The forest invasive species in Viet Nam include the following: Mimosa diplotricha occupies forest lands

Table 1. Weeds and plants

Species Origin Threat level

Pennisetum polystachyon National Forest plantations

Chromolaena odorata South and Central America National Forest plantations

Eupatorium adenophorum Central America National Forest plantations

Mimosa pigra Mexico, South and central America National Forest plantations

Mimosa diplotricha Brazil National Forest plantations

Imperata cylindrica Philippines, India National Forest plantations

Lantana camara Tropical America National Forest plantations

Mikania micrantha South and Central America National Forest plantations

32 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g SPECIAL REPORTS

Table 2. Fungi

Species Origin Threat level

Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum Australia National; Host: Eucalyptus spp.

Cryptosporiopsis eucalypti Australia National; Host: Eucalyptus spp.

Cryphonectria cubensis Cuba National; Host: Eucalyptus spp.

Kirramyces destructans East Timor, Australia National; Host: Eucalyptus spp.

Cercospora pini-densiﬂ orae Japan National; Host: Pinus spp.

Spaeropsis sapinae South Africa, USA National; Host: Pinus spp.

Cronartium orientale Asia National; Host: Pinus kesiya

Hemileia vastatrix National; Host: Coffea spp.

Bursaphelenchus sp. Regional; Host: Pinus kesiya

Oidium heveae Brazil, Cuba National; Host: Hevea brasiliensis

The pathogen Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum was found for the fi rst time in Viet Nam in 1995. It caused great damage to eucalyptus in high rainfall areas especially in central and southeastern Viet Nam. Cryptosporiopsis eucalypti is another pathogen that was fi rst discovered in Viet Nam in 1995. Since then it has been causing great damage to eucalyptus trees in the whole country. Cryphonectria cubensis/Chrysoporthe cubensis is another fungus associated with Eucalyptus spp. Kirramyces destructans is a disease that was found in the country for the fi rst time in 2002. The fungus spread very fast and can be found all over Viet Nam. Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum

Kirramyces destructans Pinus kesiya infected by Bursaphelenchus sp.

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 33 SPECIAL REPORTS

Table 3. Insects

Species Origin Threat level

Dendrolimus punctatus China National; Host: Pinus spp.

Dasychira axutha China Regional; Host: Pinus massoniana

Diprion pini China National; Host: Pinus massoniana

Sarothrocera lowi Malaysia Regional; Host: Eucalyptus urophylla

Aristobia testudo Regional; Hosts: E. camaldulensis

Trirachys bilobulartus Regional; Host: Rhizophora apiculata

Celosterna pollinosa sunphurea Thailand Regional; Host: Anisoptera apiculata

Leptocybe invasa Australia National; Host: Eucalyptus spp.

Quadrastichus erythrinae Africa National; Host: Erythrina variegata

Xylosandrus crassiusculus Sub-tropical Asia National; Host: Acacia mangium

Samples of pests that have invaded Viet Nam in- • Dendrolimus punctatus – This pest was found for the clude: ﬁ rst time in Viet Nam in the 1970s. Outbreaks have • Dasychira axutha – Outbreak of this pest was dis- occurred every two or three years, and each time covered for the ﬁ rst time in Viet Nam in 2005 with tens of thousands of hectares damaged. The and damaged thousands of hectares of forest. Its host tree is Pinus spp. distribution is only in the North (near the Chi- • Diprion pini – Outbreaks have occurred every two nese-Vietnamese border). Its host tree is Pinus or three years. The host tree is Pinus massoniana. massoniana. • Aristobia testudo – This stem borer has attacked E.

Dasychira axutha Diprion pini

Dendrolimus punctatus Aristobia testudo

34 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g SPECIAL REPORTS

Sarothocera lowi

Celosterna pollinosa sunphurea Xylosandrus crassiusculus

camaldulensis and E. tereticornis, and was found for and then become invasive in new habitats. Forest pest re- the fi rst time in 2002 in the Mekong delta only. search collaboration in regional and international level is • Sarothocera lowi - The long-horned beetle damages also limited and this adds to challenges in dealing with Eucalyptus urophylla and was fi rst recorded in 2008. IAS across borders. • Celosterna pollinosa sunphurea – First recorded in The following action plans have been developed to ad- 2005, the long-horned beetle damages Anisoptera dress mounting concerns over IAS: costata. 1. Build capacity of professional staff through train- • Trirachys bilobulartus – The long-horned beetle ing, workshops and participation in forest pest sur- damages Rhizophora apiculata and was fi rst recorded veillance projects. in 2008. 2. Strengthen collaboration between research institu- • Quadrastichus erythrinae – The wasp is associated tions and management agencies to build institu- with Erythrina variegate and was fi rst discovered in tional framework from the central level to the pro- Viet Nam in 2006. vincial level in the surveillance and monitoring of • Xylosandrus crassiusculus – The ambrosia beetle is FIS associated with acacia hybrid and Acacia mangium 3. Identify research priorities for FIS; fi rst of all, se- and was fi rst discovered in Viet Nam 2008. rious and potential FIS should be listed and their impacts also identifi ed. There are several key challenges in addressing forest 4. Provide obtained information on FIS to manage- invasive species (FIS) in Viet Nam, which include the lack ment agencies to issue appropriate policies and to of professional staff on FIS. Funds are also scarce, and reform quarantine orders. these are necessary to systematically survey forest pests in 5. Promote regional and international cooperation for the whole country. Biological studies of forest pests are exchange of information, collaborative research and rare, resulting in diffi culty in forecasting and pest man- professional trainings agement. There is a need to raise awareness of the dan- 6. Apply advanced methodology in investigating and gers of IAS among stakeholders and frontliners, such as monitoring FIS protected area managers and staff, customs offi cials, and police, so that they can immediately identify IAS at entry Ms. Hoang Thanh Nhan, Ms. Tran Kim Tinh and points. Mr. Pham Quang Thu are from the Ministry of Natural The general public must also be more aware of the Resources and Environment, Viet Nam Environment dangers of species introduction since some people release Administration. Pham Quang Thu is from the Forest pets into the wild or these pets escape from their homes, Science Institute of Vietnam.

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 35 SPECIAL REPORTS

ARE THERE BENEFITS FROM IAS? JANITOR FISH Potential benefits from the dreaded fish

an there ever be any benefi t derived from organisms categorized as invasive alien species (IAS)? Their very name suggests that they can cause great damage to the environment and people’s livelihood and health, to the point Cthat their very entry into a new ecosystem is cause for alarm. In areas where these species have established themselves, can society derive benefi ts from IAS as part of a program for their eventual eradication? This is a question that has been applied to the janitor fi sh in the Philippines.

36 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g SPECIAL REPORTS

There are two species of janitor fi sh, Laguna de Bay and the Marikina River. broilers by conducting chemical analy- also known as sucker mouth or sailfi n In Laguna de Bay, growing concern for ses on the developed fi sh meal and their catfi sh, in the Philippines: Pterygopli- the fate of the aquaculture and fi shing impacts on livestock. chthys pardalis found in the Marikina industry led to the development of the The project yielded the following River and Lake Paitan in Cuyapo, Laguna Lake Development Authority results: Nueva Ecija; and the Pterygoplichthys (LLDA) project to determine economic 1. Nutrient-wise, laboratory disjunctivus found in Laguna de Bay. benefi ts from the janitor fi sh. Funded analyses showed that the pro- Considered a major nuisance in these by the World Bank, the project aims to cessed janitor fi sh meal can be an areas, this South American aquarium control the species’ invasiveness while alternative source of protein. catfi sh was introduced in the country providing additional income to the lo- 2. Field experiments evaluating possibly by hobbyists. They have since cal fi sherfolk. The premise is to use the the effects of feeding janitor escaped into local freshwaters and seri- janitor fi sh as an ingredient of feeds for fi sh meal to chickens and ously threatened the livelihood of local pig and poultry. Specifi cally, the proj- pigs showed that its inclu- fi shermen. ect aimed to address the invasiveness of sion in the diet of both In its natural habitat, the janitor fi sh the janitor fi sh by reducing its impacts the animals improved feeds on tadpoles and insects. Locally, on the local ecosystem; establish the vi- their growth. they are voracious algae eaters, and thus ability of processing the fi sh into fi sh displace native species when they com- meal and using it as basic raw material pete for algae and detritus (organic mat- for fi sh and livestock or animal feed and ter) on the bottom. When it breeds, the janitor fi sh builds nests in mud banks and thus contribute to water turbid- ity. This also causes the erosion 3. The use of of riverbanks. Its bone janitor fi sh meal is very structure can damage much comparable with the aquaculture struc- use of commercial feeds since tures and gill livestock producers may earn nets used by roughly the same income from fishermen. both types of feeds. The uncon- 4. The most benefi cial use for the trolled pro- janitor fi sh is as fi sh meal, but it liferation can also be used as organic fertil- of this izer, bio-fuel, leather, fi sh silage. invasive Silage is fermented, high-mois- species ture fodder that can be fed to poses a cud-chewing animals like cattle and sheep, or used as a bio-fuel pro- feedstock. mote its In Marikina, the city government utiliza- also has an ongoing campaign to rid tion as the river of the janitor fi sh. Some ex- such among periments have involved using the skin the fi sh farmers, of the janitor fi sh as leather for wallets, hog raisers or feed watch straps, billfolds, and key chains. millers in the region; and Skin from the fi sh’s belly can be cooked help create the conditions where mar- and tanned to make various leather threat ginalized fi shermen and backyard scale products or embellishments. Its poten- to the liveli- hog raisers can continue to undertake tial use as leather is great though a more hood of thousands livelihood activities in a sustainable effi cient production process has to be of small-scale fi shing fami- manner. developed. lies, and also to the biodiversity of lakes The project paid fi sherfolk PhP10 Oil has also been extracted from and rivers. per kilogram of the janitor fi sh, which is janitor fi sh, which raises the possibility converted into fi shmeal for pig feed by a of its use as bio-fuel. Potential uses of janitor fi sh cooperative in Siniloan, Laguna. Scien- Perhaps the easiest way to eradicate Several studies have been initiated tists then studied the viability of using janitor fi sh would be to eat them, par- to control their rising population in janitor fi sh meal as feeds for hogs and ticularly in the Philippines where fi sh

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 37 SPECIAL REPORTS

fi gures prominently in the local diet. be allocated; and activities to reduce the and prevent their introduction in other The janitor fi sh in Laguna de Bay has janitor fi sh population be funded. Since areas. A comprehensive bio-ecological been declared safe for human consump- janitor fi sh can be used a substrate for research should be conducted so that tion by the LLDA and do not contain fi sh meal, concerned agencies may con- a realistic plan to eradicate the janitor toxic levels of heavy metals. Though sider promoting its utilization and en- fi sh or control its proliferation in the edible, local residents however do not courage feed manufacturers to use jani- Philippines may be formulated and want to eat janitor fi sh because their tor fi sh meal as an alternative protein implemented. current habitats are heavily polluted. In source and ingredient for animal feeds. South America, where the janitor fi sh Also, since janitor fi sh breeds and References originates, locals usually gut the janitor grows quickly, scientists suggest that Alve, Kristine L. 2007. More Ways to Skin the fi sh and grill them whole or use the fi sh the best way to reduce its population ‘Pest.’ Philippine Daily Inquirer, 13 May 2007. to make soup. is by catching the adults through grill Cariño III, Jose K. 2009. Benefi ting from the nets or traps at their nesting sites. Dreaded Janitor Fish. Paper presented during the Agriculture and Development Seminar Series Managing the janitor Other livelihood opportunities may (ADSS), SEARCA, Los Banos, Laguna, held on 13 fi sh population be explored and refi ned in the years to January 2009. Laguna Lake Development Authority. Based on the results, the LLDA come. However, it is necessary that Guerrero III, Rafael D. Fresh Look on the project has recommended that janitor further studies on the janitor fi sh be “Janitor Fish”. S&T Post. PCAMRD (http://www. stii.dost.gov.ph/sntpost/frames/JultoSept05/ fi sh collection activities be sustained; a conducted to effectively address their Fresh%20look%20on%20the_janitor%20fi sh_ modest budget by concerned agencies impacts on livelihood and biodiversity, pg33a.htm)

38 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g SPECIAL REPORTS ONE OF THE WORLD’S WORST INVADERS MIMOSA PIGRA

What is Mimosa pigra? he shrub Mimosa pigra is invasive, especially in parts of Southeast Asia and Australia. It reproduces through buoyant seed pods that can be spread long distances in fl ood waters. Mimosa pigra hasT the potential to spread and convert natural grassland fl oodplain ecosystems and pastures into unproductive scrubland, which are only able to sustain lower levels of biodiversity. Mimosa pigra favors a wet-dry tropical climate and grows in open, moist sites such as fl oodplains, coastal plains and river banks, agricultural areas, natural forests, planted forests, range/grasslands, scrub/shrublands, urban areas, and water courses.

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 39 SPECIAL REPORTS

When mature, Mimosa pigra is an duced weed in Africa, Asia, some Pacifi c In Thailand, Mimosa pigra blocks erect, much branched prickly shrub islands, and Australia. irrigation systems that supply rice reaching a height of three to six meters. fields, reducing crop yield and harm- Stems are greenish at fi rst but become General impacts ing farming livelihoods. This also woody, growing up to three meters long, Mimosa pigra has the potential to encouraged increases in the numbers and have randomly scattered, slightly harm a wide range of ecosystems and of rats and crabs that damage crops. curved prickles. Leaves are bright green, damage various industries. If large infes- In Viet Nam, it is typically found 20 to 25 centimeters long, and consist tations occur on farmland, Mimosa pigra along the edges of both natural and of about 15 pairs of opposite primary may reduce the area of grazing land. If manmade water bodies and along segments with narrow leafl ets that fold livestock on certain farms are reliant on roadsides. It has also invaded unique together when touched or injured, and natural water sources for drinking, their ecosystems in protected areas, threat- at night. The fl owers are pink or mauve, access to water may be blocked, thus af- ening the biodiversity of seasonally small, regular and grouped into globu- fecting meat production and livelihoods flooded grasslands. lar heads that are one centimeter to two of farmers. Mimosa pigra may reduce Mimosa pigra may also cause prob- centimeters in diameter. The heads are water fl ow and increase siltation since it lems in other industries such as power borne on stalks that are two centimeters favors the edges of water courses. This generation since it may grow along to three centimeters long. The fruit is a may threaten the sustainability of res- power poles on roadsides. It may en- thick hairy, 20-25 seeded, fl attened pod ervoirs, canals and any associated live- danger drivers since the plant can block borne in groups in the leaf axils. The fruit lihoods. The shrub may also interfere road signs and thus increase the poten- turns brown when mature, breaking into with the cultivation of other economi- tial for traffi c accidents. one-seeded segments. cally-important plants. For example, it Mimosa pigra is more likely to colo- can cause a decrease in the production Mimosa pigra management in nize and eventually cause problems in of palm oil since Mimosa pigra may the Lower Mekong Basin disturbed areas. This is because Mimosa compete with young palm trees in im- In the lower Mekong Basin, Mi- pigra seeds have the ability to establish mature oil palm plantations. mosa pigra invades wetlands, freshwa- rapidly on bare soils, which lack com- petitive pressures imposed by other seedlings. The species does not appear Use(s) Laos Cambodia Thailand Vietnam to prefer any soil type, but is found most Feeds for goats X commonly in soils ranging from black cracking clays to sandy clays to coarse Firewood X X siliceous river sand. Mushroom cultivation X Mimosa pigra is native to tropical (ear wood) America where it can be found from Dye for fi shnets Mexico through Central America to X northern Argentina. It is a serious intro- (mixed with buffalo blood)

40 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g SPECIAL REPORTS

5. Mahidol University (Thailand) 6. Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) 7. Mahasarakham University (Thailand) 8. Konkern University (Thailand) 9. An Giang University (Viet Nam) 10. Can Tho University (Viet Nam) 11. Nong Lam University (Viet Nam) 12. Vietnam National University (Viet Nam) 13. University Saint Malaysia (Malaysia) 14. Yezin Agricultural University (Myanmar) Each university in the network focuses on a particular area in the Lower Mekong Basin to conduct studies on the manage- ter systems and public lands. It spreads for fi shnets. ment of Mimosa pigra. Training activities primarily through water fl ows and the The University Network for Wet- have focused on fi eld survey and mapping; transportation of sand and soil for con- land Research and Training in the Me- determining density and biomass; develo- struction. kong Region provides capacity building ing a soil seed bank; studying impacts on The spread of the shrub has severe activities to deal with the spread of Mi- biodiversity and human livelihood, as well impacts on human livelihood since it af- mosa pigra. The network was established as controlling methods. fects rice fi elds, thus increasing the cost in May 2003 with 14 universities from of rice production and possibly lead to six countries in Southeast Asia, namely: References the loss of farm lands. Mimosa pigra also 1. Royal University of Agriculture Duong Van Ni and Tran Triet. 2008. “Mimosa disturbs fi shing activities and affects wa- (Cambodia) pigra Management in the Lower Mekong Basin: A Regional Cooperation” presented at the “ASEAN ter-based transportation. 2. Royal University of Phnom Workshop on Invasive Alien Species Management” Mimosa pigra does have some ben- Penh (Cambodia) on 17-18 December 2008 in Hanoi, Viet Nam. efi ts, and has been used by people in 3. National University of Laos Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Viet Nam and ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. the Mekong Basin as feed for goats, fi re- (Lao PDR) Global Invasive Species Database. Ecology of Mimosa wood, for mushroom cultivation, and 4. Champasak University (Lao pigra (http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology. dye (when mixed with buffalo blood) PDR) asp?si=41&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN)

Mimosa pigra used as feeds for goats and for mushroom culture.

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 INDONESIA Gunung Leuser National Park

he Indonesia island of Sumatra contains some of the country’s last great forest wilderness. The core of this is contained within the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as The Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, which spans the Barisan Range of mountains Tand includes three major national parks: Bukit Barisan Selatan, Kerinci-Seblat and Gunung Leuser.

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Established in 1980, Gunung Leuser National 8,000 can be found in the Gunung Leuser ecosys- Park is located in the north of Sumatra. It covers tem. Among these are giant trees, palms, fl owers, 950,000 hectares (7,927 square kilometers) and is orchids, mangrove trees, and fruit trees such as one of Indonesia’s largest national parks. The Park mango, rambutan, banana, durian, wild fi gs, and encompasses what used to be a number of much citrus. Spectacular species include raffl esia, which smaller nature reserves: Nature Reserve Gunung has the largest fl ower in the world, and amor- Leuser, Nature Reserve Kappi, Nature Reserve phophallus, which has the tallest. There are also Kluet, Sikundur Langkat Wildlife Reserve, Ket- graceful bamboos that grow up to 18 meters. ambe Research Station, Singkil Barat and Dolok Sembilin. Mammals Most parts of the National Park lie in the There are around 200 species of mammals in region of Aceh Tenggara (Southeast Aceh). Other the Park, including the Sumatran tiger, rhinoc- parts are situated in the region of east Aceh, south eros, elephant, clouded leopard, marbled cat, Aceh, and Langkat (a part of North Sumatra). Temminck’s golden cat, red giant fl ying squirrel, The Park comprises more than 100 kilometers of Sumatran serow, sambar deer and sun bear. It is the Bukit Barisan Mountains. As a result, the Park believed to contain around 300 elephants, 110 consists of steep, almost inaccessible mountainous tigers and 40 rhinoceros but the chances of seeing terrain, with altitudes that range from 0 meters one of these is slim. An estimated 5,000 orang- in Kluet (South Aceh), to 3,381 meters on top of utan can be found in the Park. Other primates Gunung Leuser (Southeast Aceh), after which the like the white-breasted Thomas leaf monkey, Park is named. The Alas River cuts the Park into siamang, gibbon and several species of macaques an eastern and western half. are common all over the area. The Gunung Lesuer National Park is particularly signifi cant for conservation since it is Birds the last place where orangutans, tigers, elephants, Among the trees and fl owers live more than rhinoceros and leopards live together. 300 species of birds, including 21 endemics such as the Sumatran ground cuckoo and Sumatran Habitats cochoa. Birds are particularly common along the The National Park protects a wide range of Alas River, and different species include hornbills ecosystems, such as beach forest, swamp areas, (such as the Asian pied hornbill and rhinoceros lowland rainforest, alpine and mountain forest. hornbill), pheasants (e.g. argus pheasant), parrots (like the blue-crowned hanging parrot), eagles Wildlife (such as the white-bellied sea eagle), kingfi shers, Among the 10,000 plant species recorded in and bee-eaters. There are more varieties but the the West Indo Malayan Region, approximately dense vegetation makes it diffi cult to watch them.

Pitcher plant

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White-breasted Thomas leaf monkey

Butterﬂ y Lizard

agricultural encroachments, often for coffee grow- Reptiles and amphibians ing. Illegal logging is extremely rampant on the Both groups are highly represented, with island, within and outside protected areas. An estimates of up to 194 reptiles and amphibians estimated 4,000 hectares of forest across Sumatra in the Park. Among the most famous are several is damaged or removed each day. As the forest species of pythons, the king cobra, black cobra, is removed, fl ooding occurs and becomes wide- krait, tree snakes, as well as many species of frogs, spread. Illegal unsustainable hunting is another turtles, and lizards. These include the swamp major threat, as tiger and rhinoceros poaching crocodile, estuarine crocodile, fl ying frog, fl ying activities continue. These activities have severe snake, common fl ying lizard, hawksbill turtle, implications on the survival of various species. In leatherback turtle, and water monitor. fact, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has rated Indonesia as a coun- Threats try whose endangered species are under threat of Sumatra has a large and growing human extinction. population and hundreds of villages often surround or even lie within remaining forests and Conservation programmes national parks. This presents a challenge to park A number of organizations have conserva- managers as they balance the need to protect tion projects or activities in the Park as well as its natural habitats and wildlife while respecting the associated ecosystems. The Leuser International rights and livelihoods of local people. Foundation, for example, strives to support the Currently, the greatest threat to the wildlife protection and conservation of the Leuser Eco- and wildlands of Gunung Leuser National Park system, even beyond the confi nes of the National is forest clearance, typically through small-scale Park. The LIF promotes sustainable development

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solutions that provide benefi ts to local communi- large areas of lowland rainforest to survive. ties and maintain the region’s natural biodiversity Regular patrols and other activities by LIS and original landscapes. In areas where environ- have helped keep habitats intact and saved mental degradation has occurred, LIF aims to these and many other species from extinc- curtail destructive activities, and through land tion. rehabilitation, restore the life-supporting ecologi- One project of LIF is the Aceh Forest and cal functions of the region. Environment Project (AFEP) that was developed The Foundation was established in 1994 in 2004 to maintain the life-supporting ecologi- and its senior members are respected leaders cal support systems of the Leuser Ecosystem for from Aceh and North Sumatra. The LIF has a millions of Achenese. AFEP aims to ensure that 30-year mandate through Presidential Decree environmental concerns are integrated into Aceh’s (Kepres 33/1998) to implement the manage- planning and reconstruction processes. AFEP ment of the Leuser Ecosystem and ensure that activities are funded by a grant from the Multi environmental services are maintained for the Donor Fund (MDF) totaling US$ 9.81 million. benefi t of the populations that live around it. The project will run for a period of 4.5 years, The major objectives of the organization include ending in December 2010. The primary objec- the following: tives of AFEP are to: 1. Secure the legal acknowledgement of the Leuser Ecosystem. Recognizing that the wealth of biodiversity goes beyond the Gunung Leuser National Park, the LIF has worked with Park staff and other agencies in gaining recognition for an area that is now three times the size of the Park. Known as the Leuser Ecosystem, the site is now fully backed by several legal instruments including two ministerial decrees, one presidential decree and a draft Government Regulation. 2. Support the process of zonation of the Leuser Ecosystem. A zoning system that includes a core conservation area and buffer zones will be drawn up through a bottom-up process with the full involve- ment of government and non-government organizations at the local level. 3. Win broad based support for the conservation of the Leuser Ecosystem. Winning Sumatran rhinoceros the support of local communities is a complicated process but is essential to 1. mitigate the negative environmental im- the successful conservation of the Leuser pacts of reconstruction activities on Aceh’s Ecosystem. forests; 4. Slow down the rate of destruction and re- 2. improve the livelihoods of millions of verse the damage to the Leuser Ecosystem. Acehnese by ensuring that forest ecosys- Extraordinary gains have already been tem services are maintained, and support made in preventing the worst abuses in- Aceh’s future social and economic develop- side the Leuser Ecosystem, resulting in the ment; reduction of illegal logging, and preven- 3. build the capacities of Government forest tion of many inappropriate infrastructure management institutions; and plans, such as irrigation schemes and road 4. develop the basis for a conservation networks that would have caused habitat economy through sustainable fi nancing fragmentation. solutions. 5. Prevent the extinction of key species of fl ora and fauna. LIF projects also help The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) sustain endangered species in the Park, Indonesia has a major project centered on the particularly the Sumatran rhinoceros, UNESCO Tropical Rainforest Heritage of elephants and orangutans, which require Sumatra, which includes the Gunung Lesuer

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National Park. WCS Indonesia has worked for groups. Caving enthusiasts will have a great time many years in Bukit Barisan Selatan National exploring caves and other geological structures Park, with activities ranging from small-scale within the Park. The extensive wildlife also offers research to a broad landscape-scale programme, beautiful sights for photographers and bird watch- addressing conservation needs through collab- ers. orative management and improved development Visitors can also go to Tengkahan, which has planning, and supported by research, capac- elephants and guided jungle treks. Fewer buses ity building, law enforcement, education and go to Tengkahan than Bukit Lawang, so condi- awareness. As the project develops, the lessons tions are rougher and rides are longer. Travelers learned are being taken to Kerinci-Seblat and will have to take a two hour-ride by motorbike to Gunung Leuser National Parks with the vision Tengkahan from Bukit Lawang since there is no of achieving a common management strategy direct bus service between the two areas. for the entire heritage site, backed by a network of information and resource sharing. Visiting Gunung Leuser National Park Within its boundaries, the Park also supports The best time to visit Gunung Leuser Nation- research stations and reserves such as the Orang- al Park is from June to October. Before entering utan Rehabilitation at Bohorok-Bukit Lawang the Park, visitors need to get permits at the Park that rehabilitates captive orangutans and rein- management offi ces at both Bukit Lawang and Kutacane. The airport nearest the Park is found in Medan while Kutacane is the nearest town. The Park is most easily accessible from Medan, where travelers can take a bus to either Kutacane or Bohorok-Bukit Lawang. The 233-kilometer ride from Medan to Kutacane goes through Brastagi and Kabanjahe and takes fi ve to six hours. There are also regular and faster mini-bus services between Medan and Kutacane. Mini-buses can be found at the Pinang Baris bus terminal in Medan. From Kutacane, mini-buses serve the Lawe Gurah Tourist Park, about 43 kilometers from Kutacane, and from there one can enter the Gunung Leuser National Park. Visitors can also access Gunung Leuser National Park by taking a bus to the Orang- utan Rehabilitation Centre in Bohorok-Bukit Lawang. These buses leave the Pinang Baris bus terminal in Medan several times a day and will take passengers to Bukit Lawang in a few hours. Orangutan Others can also choose to take a bus to Binjai (22 kilometers from Medan), and from there take a troduces them back into the wild. The Ketambe bus to Bukit Lawang. From the south, tourists can research station, on the other hand, is restricted reach Bohorok-Bukit Lawang with a bus ride from to scientists working on conserving species diver- Brastagi. sity in the Park. References Other interests Indonesia Tourism. Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Indonesia (http://www.my-indonesia.info/index.php?lang=en) Many mountain climbers and trekkers fl ock LeuserFoundation.org (www.leuserfoundation.org) to the Park due to its mountain ranges that of- Rainforest Lodges (http://www.gunung-leuser-trek.net/index. fer some great trekking opportunities, namely: html) Gunung Leuser (3,404 meters), Gunung Kemiri Sumatra Travel (http://www.sumatra-indonesia.com/ (3,414 meters) Gunung Simpali (3,270 meters) gunungleuser.htm) and Gunung Perkinson (2,828 meters). Trekking Sumatran Tiger Reserves and National Parks (http://www.lairweb. into Gunung Leuser can be arranged at two loca- org.nz/tiger/gunungleuser.html) tions - Bukit Lawang and Kutacane/Ketembe. World Conservation Society (http://www.wcs.org/ globalconservation/Asia/Indonesia/trhs) Tourists can also go rafting, kayaking, and World Wildlife Adventures (http://www.world-wildlife-adventures. canoeing. Camping is encouraged for serious com/indonesia/wildlife-park.asp?sanctuary=Gunung+Leuser+Nati mountain climbers, hikers, families and student onal+Park&state=Aceh+and+North+Sumatra+Provinces)

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 MYANMAR Indawgi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

he Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1999 with an area of 775.25 square kilometers (299 square miles) for the protection of local waterfowl and their habitats, as well as the neighboring catchment areas. The Sanctuary lies in Ta north-south elongated basin with ﬂ at plains. Located 175 meters above sea level, the Lake covers 12,000 hectares making it the largest inland lake in Southeast Asia and the third largest in the world. Water depth varies between 15.88 to 23.8 kilometers.

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Wild elephant Civet

The eastern side of the lake is a mountainous terrain and brahminy kite. A survey led by BirdLife that rises up to 1,175 meters. The hill to the west International in 2004 also recorded eight globally and north are more extensive and reaches up to threatened bird species, fi ve globally near-threat- 1,500 meters. Local inhabitants believe that a pow- ened species, as well as two new bird species for erful spirit, known as the Dragon, protects the Lake. Myanmar. A total of 64 species of fi sh have been recorded Habitats in the Lake basin. Three of these species are Moist upper mixed deciduous and semi- endemic to Myanmar, including the catfi sh (Akysis evergreen forests on the mountainous terrain prashadi). dominate the Sanctuary. The Lake habitats include open water, herbaceous marsh, fl oating Threats mats, limited emerged beds and extensive area of Although Indawgyi Lake is a Wildlife Sanc- submerged macrophytes. tuary, human settlements are present and local activities may prove detrimental to the ecosystem. Wildlife Agricultural areas can be found along most of the As a major wetland, the water hyacinth, southern half of the wetland, and unregulated known locally as baeda, is fairly common. Fauna fi shing occurs throughout the Lake. Further dis- species that have been recorded to inhabit the turbance to the wetland results from the activities forests surrounding the lake include the wild of rattan collectors and hunters. Gold mining is elephant, leopard, bear, serow, gaur, banteng, also polluting smaller tributaries. red goral, gibbon, macaque, sambar deer, barking deer, wild dog, golden jackal, wild boar, hog Conservation programmes badger, and civet. In 2004, a joint team comprising personnel Aside from waterbirds, around 326 forest bird from the Biodiversity and Nature Conserva- species have also been observed. Considered a tion Association (BANCA), Leicestershire and bird watcher’s paradise, the Sanctuary is home to Rutland Wildlife Trust, BirdLife International in hundreds of ruddy shelduck, bar-headed goose, Indochina and organized by Wildbird Adven- greyleg goose, northern shoveler, tufted duck, ture Travels and Tours, undertook a survey of common crane and brown-headed gull. wetlands in the northern Kachin State as part Many rare species can also be found, includ- of the Darwin Initiative-funded project entitled ing the red-crested pochard, grey-headed lapwing, “Building Constituencies for Site-based Conser- sarus crane, lesser adjutant, black-necked stork, vation in Myanmar”. woolly-necked stork, white-rumped vulture, The project aimed at identifying Important slender-billed vulture, blue-bearded bee-eater Bird Areas (IBAs) and focused on attempting to

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Green peafowl rediscover the pink-headed duck (Rhodonessa cary- ate funding support for conservation and provide phyllacea), which was last sighted in Myanmar in alternative livelihoods to local communities. 1910. The project team, joined by staff from the Wildlife and Conservation Division of the Forest Other interests Department, surveyed Indawgi Lake, which sup- Visits to the wildlife sanctuary present ports vast numbers of waterfowl. wonderful opportunities to relax and reconnect During the survey, the team had a possible with nature. Travelers can view the wildlife and and unconfi rmed sighting of a pink-headed duck walk through the lush forest. They can also study and recorded eight other globally threatened butterfl ies and the different fl ora. Bird watching bird species including the green peafowl (Pavo is very popular due to the extensive number of muticus), white-winged duck (Cairina scutulata), bird species around the Lake. Visitors may also masked fi nfoot (Heliopais personata), greater participate or view traditional fi shing practices, or spotted eagle (Aquila clanga), white rumped pass through the historically famous Shwe Myint vulture (Gyps bengalensis), slender-billed vulture Zu Pagoda that is situated on the western side of (Gyps tenuriostris), spot-billed pelican (Pelecanus the Lake. philippensis), and lesser adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus). The expedition also recorded fi ve (5) Visiting the Wildlife Sanctuary globally near-threatened species comprising fer- The Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Moenyin ruginous pochard (Aythya nyroca), great hornbill Township, Kachin State, in the northern part of (Buceros bicornis), lesser fi sh eagle (Ichthyophaga Myanmar. Hoepin is the closest town to Indawgyi humilis), grey-headed fi sh eagle (Ichthyophaga Lake and is accessible by car from Myitgyina as ichthyaetus), black-necked stork (Ephippiorynchus well as by plane from Yangon or Mandalay. From asiaticus), plus two new species for Myanmar, there, one can take a car to travel the 23.8-kilo- the Himalayan griffon vulture (Gyps himalayen- meter distance to Hoepin. The best time to visit is sis) and chestnut-crowned bush warbler (Cettia from the middle of October to May. major). References The survey is part of a bigger project within Eames, Jonathan C. and U. Uga. 2005. Darwin Initiative for Myanmar to identify important bird areas, the Survival of Species: Building constituencies for site- capacitate relevant government agencies and local based conservation in Myanmar, Annual Report 2004/2005. conservation organizations to protect and manage BirdLife International and Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association (BANCA). United Kingdom. wilderness areas, and create information materials Myanmar Travel Information 2008 (http://myanmartravel to strengthen public awareness as well as mobilize information.com/mti-ecotourism/indawgyi-wetland.htm) support for conservation activities. The project also Trek Thailand (http://www.trekthailand.net/myanmar/parks/ hopes to encourage ecotourism activities to gener- indawgyi/)

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 49 PROFILES

 MYANMAR Khakaborazi National Park

irst established as a forest reserve in 1996, Khakaborazi National Park was declared a National Park in 1998. It occupies an area of 1,472 square miles and is located in Putao distrist in Kachin State, in the northernmost part of Myanmar. It features Mount Khakaborazi, which Fat over 19,000 feet is the highest mountain in Myanmar. Formed with mountain ranges, waterfalls, rapid streams and ravines, it is the largest natural park in Myanmar. Khakaborazi is the natural habitat of numerous species of wildlife, including some rare birds and animals, and is a perfect haven for the nature lover and wildlife enthusiasts. It is also the home of the rare “black orchid”.

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Suspension bridge

Habitats Dominant forests and vegetation types include evergreen forests, hill pine forests, and moist upper mixed deciduous forests. The region also contains the headwaters of the country’s most important river system, the Ayeyawady, which drains vast expanses of agricultural lands and helps sustain extensive rice production.

Wildlife Rare mammal species include takin, musk deer, blue sheep, black barking deer and phet gyi (Muntiaus putaoensis). One of the main attractions found in this region are the beautiful, colorful and rare species of butterfl ies. The beautiful yellow and black Papilionidae butterfl y Papilionidae butterfl ies, the bright orange colored Pieridae and yellowish brown ones with black and white spots on their bodies, the Nymphalid butterfl ies, are all rare butterfl y species, but commonly found in the Putao region. Although rare around the world, black orchids can be found in the Park. The black orchid (Paphiopedium wardii) is systematically grown in a garden at the Khakaborazi National Park Exhibition Centre. Other rare orchid species found in Kachin State such as Cymbidium, Pleione maculata and Dendrobium nobile can be examined in the garden.

Threats The greatest threats to wildlife are hunting for trade, habitat destruction through shifting cultivation, a proposed mining concession, and Dendrobium nobile

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over-extraction of forest products. Many village better promote and implement ecotourism in the residents hunt wildlife and trade them for basic park; and the conservation of traditional culture, household items or cash. However, species are customs and way of life of the indigenous people. also heavily hunted for trade across the border. The Park remains an excellent center for fi eld Over-harvesting of non-timber forest products study for students of botany, geology, zoology and occurs as well. geography. The extraordinarily rich fl ora and fau- Population growth and agricultural expansion na in the Park however have barely been studied have spurred extensive shifting cultivation that and still await proper research and identifi cation. has resulted in degraded forest patches. A proposed mining concession poses a major threat to Other interests the viability of the ecosystem in the area, particu- There are plenty of opportunities for educa- larly since the proposed lease will last 20 years. tion and recreation in the National Park. The black orchid and the rare butterfl ies are among the Conservation programmes extraordinary fl ora and fauna attractions. Many The Khakaborazi National Park was estab- international experts have visited Khakaborazi to lished to conserve natural forests and wildlife in study the rare butterfl ies. Orchid enthusiasts and the northen part of Myanmar, following inter- biologists can also see rare orchids planted in the national standards and policies in environmental botanical garden. conservation. Some of its specifi c objectives are to Climbing Mount Khakaborazi and other promote ecotourism in the region, and conserve mountain ranges is one of the challenging activi- watersheds in the area where the Ayeyawady ties that visitors can do in the Park. They may also River originates. explore the Ayeyawady River and its headwaters. Conservation, development and research A visit to the Park will also provide insights into programs have been developed to protect habitats the traditional culture and customs of the Kachin and species within the Park. These focus on hill tribes such as the Rawang, Lisu and Tibet actions against poaching and illegal trade of – Myanmar. rare species; fi eld studies to study new plant The Khakaborazi National Park Exhibition and animal species; research and fi eld studies to Centre is another good place to visit. The Centre showcases the programmes and activities of park management and other features of the Park, including objectives, conservation tasks, achievements, measures for improving and maintaining ecotourism, signifi cant natural environs of Kachin State, and other biodiversity values of the region. These are highlighted through numerous photo- graphs and relevant maps of the area.

Visiting Khakaborazi National Park Visitors can ﬂ y to Yangon and travel to Myit- kyina by car (920 miles or 1,472 kilometers) or by train (723 miles or 1,157 kilometers). From My- itkyina, they still need to travel by land to Putao (218 miles or 349 kilometers), and then go on to Naungmung (35 miles or 56 kilometers).

References Adventurous Expeditions in Myanmar (http://www.myanmar. net/myanmar-expeditions/khakaborazi-park.htm) Madhu Rao, Arlyne Johnson, and Nora Bynum. Assessing Threats in Conservation Planning and Management. Wildlife ConservationSociety. Gold Backed Travel and Tours (http://www.goldbacked-lynn. com/ecotourism_khakaborazi.html) Golden Rock Travel and Tours (http://www.visitmyanmar.com/ Pages/EcoTours.html) Myanmar Travel Information 2008 (http://myanmartravel information.com/mti-ecotourism/khakaborazi-national-park.htm) Trek Thailand (http://www.trekthailand.net/myanmar/parks/ Icy creek khakaborazi/)

52 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g BOOKMARKS Biodiversity Loss: The Forgotten Crisis

hen the sub-prime mortgage cri- Wsis hit the United States, fear of a deep and prolonged recession quickly spread across continents. Another pan- ic attack ensued when the Melamine scare shook milk-importing countries. World attention is focused on the hu- manitarian implications of the ongoing confl ict in the Middle East. Bur- ied under these infamous issues and other problems such as terrorism, high crimes, and corruption is a less popular crisis with far greater implications than anyone can imagine – biodiversity loss. “We are losing plants, animals and other species at unprecedented rates due to deforestation, large-scale mining, massive wildlife hunting and other irresponsible human activities. Biodi- versity loss is a signifi cant threat to our food security, health, livelihood, and the world’s overall capacity to provide for our needs and those of future generations,” ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity Executive Director Rodrigo U. Fuentes said. The Millennium Ecosystem Assess- happened to the other 9,850 species? If contribution to climate stability, main- ment published in 2005 reported that they have not been lost already, they are tenance of ecosystems, soil formation humans have increased extinction lev- now vulnerable,” Director Fuentes said. and protection, and pollution break- els dramatically over the past decades The ongoing food crisis, he said, is down and absorption. Biodiversity is at 100 to 1,000 times the normal back- testament to decades of misguided en- also a source of livelihood to millions as ground rate. In Southeast Asia alone, ergy policies, extensive use of unsustain- the economy of many communities is 1,312 out of 64,800 species are endan- able agricultural practices, and wanton driven by the use of species in industries gered. destruction of nature and damage to such as biotechnology, forestry, agricul- “No one will argue that it is in the ecological services. ture and fi sheries. Moreover, biodiver- area of food security, perhaps more than Health is another arena where the sity provides social benefi ts including any other, that the value of biodiversity natural benefi ts of a healthy biodiver- recreation and tourism, as well as cul- value is most clear. Nature provides the sity are most obvious. “The natural tural and aesthetic values. plant and animal resources for food world holds the key to many medicinal “Forgetting the biodiversity crisis is production and agricultural productiv- resources and pharmaceutical drugs. If therefore akin to cutting our lifeline to ity. When we destroy biodiversity, we the world continues to lose around 13 the world’s natural treasures. We at ACB destroy our source of food,” Director million hectares of its forest cover every wish to remind everyone that extinction Fuentes explained. year, it would be diffi cult to develop is forever. And with every species lost, The Food and Agriculture Organi- better kinds of medicine to cure both the natural ecosystems we call home zation reported that out of more than existing and emerging illnesses. We have become biologically poorer,” Director 10,000 different plant species used to remember that about 80 percent of Fuentes underscored. for food by humans over the millen- the world’s known biodiversity, many The consensus to save the region’s nia, barely 150 species remain under of which have medicinal value, could thinning biodiversity moved the As- cultivation. Of these, only 12 species be found in forests,” Director Fuentes sociation of Southeast Asian Nations provide 80 percent of the world’s food said. (ASEAN), with funding support from needs and only four – rice, wheat, maize Apart from providing people with the European Union (EU), to establish and potatoes – provide more than half food and medicine, nature also offers a the ASEAN Regional Centre for Biodi- of human’s energy requirements. “What wide range of ecosystem services such as versity Conservation (ARCBC) project.

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of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefi ts arising from the use of genetic resources. By signing the Convention, they committed to reducing biodiversity loss by 2010 --- the International Year of Biodiversity. The ACB performs its mandate through programme development and policy coordination, human and institutional capacity development, biodiversity information management, and public and leadership awareness of biodiversity values. The Centre strengthens its efforts through alliances with key stakeholders in the regional and global levels. “There Deforestation is an urgent need to involve all sectors to save the region’s endangered biodi- From 1999 to 2004, the project facil- “It is the fi rst regional initiative versity. The issue may not be as hot as itated collaboration among ASEAN to save the ASEAN’s rich but highly politics or the global fi nancial crisis, but Member States for biodiversity-re- threatened biodiversity,” Director massive biodiversity loss will have a huge lated initiatives. In 2005, the ASEAN Fuentes said. All ASEAN Member impact on the lives of hundreds of mil- and the EU agreed to establish the States are signatories to the Convention lions if left unsolved. Our biodiversity ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity to on Biological Diversity, the fi rst global faces a bright future if all sectors would carry on the work of the completed agreement to cover the conservation of work together to conserve it,” Director ARCBC project. biological diversity, the sustainable use Fuentes said.

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Revisiting ASEAN Biodiversity Hotspots

s threats to biodiversity continue to Asian region. Occupying a mere three insular Malaysia. The hotspot also covers Amount, areas of the world that ex- percent of the world’s surface, the region the coastal lowlands of southern China, emplify tremendous biodiversity but face is home to 20 percent of all known plant, and several offshore islands. massive negative impacts from various animal and marine species. The region Some of the features of biodiversity forces fi nd themselves on a poignant list includes three mega-diverse countries - richness in Indo-Burma include: – the biodiversity hotspots. Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines; • Around 13,500 vascular plant How do we decide which areas are several bio-geographical units - Malesia, species, of which about 7,000 (52 priorities for conservation? In 1988, Brit- Wallacea, Sundaland, Indo-Burma, and percent) are endemic; ish ecologist Norman Myers developed the Central Indo-Pacifi c; and numerous • Over 1,260 bird species, of which the concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ to centers of concentration of restricted- more than 60 are endemic; address the dilemma of identifying areas range bird, plant and insect species. It also • 430 mammal species, of which most important for preserving species. has one-third or 284,000 square kilome- more than 70 species and seven Many areas of global signifi cance face ters of all coral reefs. Many of the region’s genera are endemic; tremendous pressure from logging, ag- species are also biologically diverse from • 520 reptile species, of which 12 riculture, hunting, and climate change, the rest of the world due to the unique genera and over 200 species are among others. The hotspots strategy em- geological history of Southeast Asia. endemic; phasizes risks of species extinction, since However, various drivers of biodi- • Highest diversity of freshwater species loss is irreversible. The strategy versity loss continue to undermine the turtles in the world with 53 spe- also emphasizes species endemism. Since region’s natural environment. Out of cies, representing one-fi fth of the these species can only be found in spe- 64,800 species found in the region, 1,312 world’s species; cifi c areas, the loss of such areas would be are endangered due to deforestation; wild- • More than 280 amphibian spe- considered “irreplaceable”. life hunting for food, pets, and medicine; cies, over 150 of which are en- Myers developed the hotspots con- climate change; pollution; population demic; and cept with Conservation International growth; and other causes. Destruction of • More than 1,260 documented (CI), which adopted the strategy in habitats will result in long-term impacts freshwater fi sh species, or about 1989. CI designated hotspots as regions on ecosystem services, as well as lead to 10 percent of the world’s freshwa- that must support at least 1,500 plant the extinction of valuable species. ter fi shes. More than 560 of these species found nowhere else in the world, Biodiversity hotspots in Southeast species are endemic. and they must have lost at least 70 per- Asia include the following: cent of its original habitat. The organiza- Philippines tion employs a dual conservation strategy Indo-Burma The Philippines holds the distinction that always prioritizes endemic-rich and The Indo-Burma hotspot encom- as the only country in the ASEAN identi- high risk areas, while preemptively pro- passes 2,373,000 square kilometers of fi ed as a biodiversity hotspot. Geological tecting equally unique places that are not tropical Asia. It contains the Lower movements, tropical weather and once yet under extreme threat. Mekong catchment, and begins in east- extensive forest cover of the country have The CI has identifi ed 34 biodiversity ern Bangladesh and then extends across conspired to develop high species diver- hotspots all over the world. These regions north-eastern India, to encompass nearly sity in some groups of organisms and a hold especially high numbers of endemic all of Myanmar, part of southern and very high level of endemism. There are species, yet their combined area of re- western Yunnan Province in China, all of fi ve major and at least fi ve minor centers maining habitat covers only 2.3 percent the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, of endemism, from Luzon (with at least of the Earth’s land surface. Each hotspot Cambodia and Vietnam, the vast major- 31 endemic mammal species) to tiny faces extreme threats and has already lost ity of Thailand, and a small part of Pen- Camiguin Island (at least two endemic at least 70 percent of its original natu- mammal species). The Philippines has ral vegetation. Over 50 percent of the among the highest rates of discovery in world’s plant species and 42 percent of all the world with 16 new species of mam- terrestrial vertebrate species are endemic mals discovered in the last 10 years. to these areas. Four of these hotspots are Some features of the Philippines’ rich in Southeast Asia: Indo-Burma, the Phil- biodiversity include: ippines, Sundaland and Wallacea. • 9,250 vascular plant species, of which at least one-third are en- SE ASIAN hotspots demic; are getting hotter • More than 150 species of palms, Scientists have long lauded the wealth of which around two-thirds are of biodiversity found in the Southeast endemic;

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 55 BOOKMARKS

• More than 2,000 species of orchids in Borneo; • Approximately 770 bird species, nearly 150 are endemic. Borneo supports nearly 30 endemic species. • More than 380 mammal species, over 170 are endemic. Borneo has the most endemic mammal species of any island in the hotspot, with over 25 species. • Over 450 species of reptiles, of which roughly 250 are endemic, including 24 genera; 265 (40 percent) are endemic. There are also 29 endemic genera. • 1,000 species of orchids, with 70 • Sulawesi has the largest number percent endemic; of fauna, with 356 species, in- • Over 530 bird species; of these, cluding 96 endemics. about 185 are endemic (35 per- • More than 220 mammal species, cent) and over 60 are threatened; with around 125 endemics. • At least 165 mammal species, • Sulawesi has at least seven species with over 100 endemic species of endemic macaques and at least (61 per cent), one of the highest fi ve species of endemic tarsiers. levels of mammal endemism in • More than 220 species of reptiles, any hotspot; of which nearly 100 are endemic. • 235 species of reptiles, of which • Nearly 50 amphibian species; more some 160 are endemic (68 per • More than 240 species of am- than 30 of these are endemic. cent); phibians, of which nearly 200 are • More than 300 freshwater fi sh • Nearly 90 amphibian species, of endemic; and species, of which about 75 are which almost 85 percent are en- • About 1,000 known species of endemic. Sulawesi alone has demic; fi sh, of which about 200 species nearly 70 known fi sh species, and • More than 280 inland fi sh, in- have only been discovered in the about three-quarters of these are cluding nine endemic genera and last decade. Borneo has about endemic. more than 65 endemic species, 430 species, of which more than many of which are confi ned to 160 are endemic. These four hotspots cut across a wide single lakes; and area of the region, and stress the signifi - • 21,000 recorded insect species, of Wallacea cance of the region’s rich biodiversity, as which 70 percent are endemic. Wallacea encompasses the central is- well as the rapid rate of biodiversity loss lands of Indonesia, east of Java, Bali, and caused by wide-ranging threats. Sundaland Borneo, and west of the province of New According to Executive Director Ro- The Sundaland hotspot covers the Guinea, and the whole of Timor Leste. drigo U. Fuentes of the ASEAN Centre western half of the Indo-Malayan archi- The hotspot occupies a total land area of for Biodiversity (ACB), these biodiversity pelago, and is dominated by Borneo and 338,494 square kilometers including the hotspots underline the need for a region- Sumatra. It is bordered by three hotspots: large island of Sulawesi, the Moluccas, al approach to biodiversity conservation Indo-Burma, on the northwest; Walla- and the Lesser Sundas. to protect a common resource base. cea, on the east, and the Philippines, on Some features of the rich biodiversity “The ASEAN environment is a the northeast. of Wallacea include: shared heritage, and all Member States Samples of Sundaland’s unique and • An estimated 10,000 species of must work together to ensure greater threatened biodiversity include: vascular plants, with roughly 1,500 success in reducing biodiversity loss and • About 25,000 species of vascular endemic species (15 per cent) and thus maximizing its benefi ts for the peo- plants, of which 15,000 (60 per- at least 12 endemic genera. There ple of the region,” said Fuentes. cent) are endemic; are about 500 endemic species on • About 3,000 species of trees in Sulawesi, 120 on the Lesser Sudas References Borneo, including more than 265 and 300 on the Moluccas. Conservation International (www.conservation.org) species of dipterocarps, of which • About 650 regularly occurring National Geographic News 155 are endemic; bird species, of which roughly (www.news.nationalgeographic.com)

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Myanmar and ACB Strengthen Partnership

he Ministry of Forestry of Myan- Tmar headed by its Minister, Briga- dier General Thein Aung and other key ministry offi cials met with offi cials of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) on 08 January 2009 to strengthen cooperation efforts in conserving biodiversity. The ACB contingent led by Executive Director Rodrigo U. Fuentes also consulted Myanmar’s forestry offi - cials on the ongoing processes leading to the ratifi cation of ACB’s Establish- ment Agreement by at least six ASEAN Member States. As of the January meeting, Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, the Philippines, Singapore and Viet Nam have signed the Establishment Agreement. Director Fuentes explained that the enforcement ACB Executive Directro Rodrigo U. Fuentes pays a courtesy visit on U Than Tun, of the Establishment Agreement would Director-General of the ASEAN Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Myanmar. lead to the full recognition of ACB’s legal personality, enabling it to enjoy Biodiversity indicators are informa- Summit on Sustainable Development in the rights and privileges accorded to an tion tools that summarize data on com- 2002 and at the United Nations Sum- international organization. The Agree- plex environmental issues to indicate the mit in 2005, has been included in the ment will only enter into force upon overall status and trends of biodiversity. Millennium Development Goals. the deposit of the sixth Instrument of These indicators can be used to assess The ACB offi cials’ visit to Myan- Ratifi cation with the Secretary-General national performance and to signal key mar further strengthened collaboration of the Association of Southeast Asian issues to be addressed through policy in- between ACB and Myanmar. For the Nations (ASEAN). terventions and other actions. past three years, Myanmar has been a Apart from discussing the Establish- Countries all over the world, includ- partner of ACB in regional collabora- ment Agreement, the Ministry of For- ing Myanmar, are working to achieve tive efforts in the conservation and sus- estry and the ACB conducted a “Na- their commitment in reducing the cur- tainable use of biodiversity in South- tional Consultation Workshop for the rent rate of plant, animal and marine east Asia through ACB programmes Preparation of the 4th National Report” species loss by 2010. The countries are that refl ect the needs of ASEAN on 09 January 2009 to assist Myanmar preparing for the ASEAN 2010 Biodi- Member States, the Vientiane Action in preparing its report. Policymakers in versity Assessment Report that would Programme (VAP), and the decisions the environment sector, planning of- show whether or not their conservation by the ASEAN Ministers on Environ- fi cers, and scientists participated in the efforts are succeeding. ment. Myanmar has participated in workshop co-organized by Myanmar’s The ACB assists ASEAN Member ACB workshops on management ef- National Commission for Environmen- States in generating information needed fectiveness assessment, protected areas tal Affairs, Ministry of Forestry. for the Report through national consul- management, biodiversity indicators, “The workshop was held to con- tation workshops. The national work- preparation of national biodiversity sult with national level stakeholders shop served as a venue for Myanmar strategic action plans, and mainstream- of Myanmar on the identifi cation and to consolidate its available information ing biodiversity. refi nement of workable sets of informa- and to draft its country report which is The thrusts and programmes of tion and policy-relevant biodiversity expected to be submitted in 2009 to the ACB have been developed through a indicators meaningful in the context Secretariat of the Convention on Bio- consultative process at various levels of the 2010 target,” Director Fuentes logical Diversity. The report will then that involved representatives from the said. It also sought to share information be used in crafting the 3rd Global Bio- relevant institutions of ASEAN Mem- on biodiversity status, specifi cally those diversity Outlook Report. ber States, the ASEAN Working Group on mainstreaming biodiversity into the The 2010 Biodiversity Target was on Nature Conservation and Biodiver- sectoral and inter-sectoral policies and set in 2002 by the Parties to the Con- sity, and the ACB Governing Board indicators used in the 4th National Re- vention on Biological Diversity. The Members, wherein Myanmar is an ac- port. Target, endorsed by leaders at the World tive participant.

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Upstream-Downstream: Wetlands Connect Us All

very second of February each year, critical environmental sustainability to people who have played impor- Eenvironmentalists all over the world goals. tant roles in wetland conservation and celebrate World Wetlands Day (WWD), The Declaration emphasizes the management. The Ramsar Wetland which marks the signing of the Con- signifi cance of wetland governance; Conservation Award in the Education vention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran actions people may take to ensure the category was awarded to Dr. Sansanee (also known as the Ramsar Conven- effectiveness of wetlands in the fi ght Choowaew of Mahidol University, Thai- tion). This year’s slogan is “Upstream against climate change; the interconnec- land. Dr Choowaew was recognized for – Downstream: Wetlands Connect Us tion between people’s livelihoods and her 15-year experience and exceptional All”, which is designed around contribution to wetland man- a theme of wetlands and river agement, education, capac- basin management or the role ity building, and training in wetlands play in their sur- Thailand and in Asia. She has rounding environments. published a large number of Wetlands encompass a educational and public aware- broad range of ecosystems and ness materials and participated is defi ned by the Ramsar Con- in extensive learning projects. vention as “areas of marsh, fen, In addition to her achieve- peat land or water, whether ments as an academician and natural or artifi cial, perma- a teacher, Dr Choowaew has nent or temporary, with water been largely involved with that is static or fl owing, fresh, communities and their repre- brackish or salt, including sentatives, valuing traditional areas of marine water, with knowledge and culture related depths not exceeding six me- to wetlands. She has been ters at low tide”. associated with the Ramsar The WWD 2009 pro- Centre Japan and has served vided an opportunity to build on the steering committee of on the achievements of the several Asian Wetland Sympo- 10th Conference of Parties sium meetings. or COP 10 and for people The Ramsar Convention to look around their own continues to provide guid- wetland and its interconnec- ance on managing river basins tions with the environment because it is such a vital issue: around it – how the wetland good site management can be benefi ts the surroundings and quickly negated by bad deci- how activities throughout the sions on managing water at river basin may affect their the basin level. While wetland wetland. This year’s theme managers need to engage at all “Upstream – Downstream” levels with the water managers, essentially captures the sense the basin level is probably the of interconnectedness people have with health on wetlands; the effects of land most challenging. However, raising pub- the river basin, and how communities use change and biodiversity loss; plan- lic awareness on the importance of river can be impacted by activities of those ning and sustainable fi nancing; as well basins should be a primary concern. All upstream and how their activities affect as sharing knowledge and experience in people are users of river basins, and all those downstream. wetland conservation management. human activities have an impact on the In 2008, the 158 contracting parties The 10 Member States of the As- basin. Ensuring a better understanding to the Convention on Wetlands met in sociation of Southeast Asian Nations of river basin functions, the impact of Changwon, the Republic of Korea for and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity users, and the challenges of good man- the COP 10 with the theme “Healthy actively participated in the COP 10 as agement, is the key focus for Wetlands Wetlands, Healthy People”. At the end wetland management is a crucial issue day 2009 and should be a major concern of the Conference, the Changwon Dec- in biodiversity conservation in South- for conservation organizations. laration presented an overview of prior- east Asia. Other information on wetlands and ity action steps that together show “how One of the highlights of the Con- the Ramsar Convention is available on to” deliver some of the world’s most ference was the presentation of awards www.ramsar.org.

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Biodiversity Inventory Symposium in Tokyo the ASEAN-BISS. The ASEAN-BISS was initially developed to reduce the burden of country reporting to global ACB Discusses Biodiversity Sharing biodiversity treaties by streamlining and facilitating the collation of various types Service at International Forum of relevant information. Among its key features are live maps that can be loaded iodiversity scientists, experts and ing national biodiversity information in initially via Google Earth, protected ar- Bpolicymakers gathered at the In- the ASEAN region. BISS is anchored on eas and species lists with ASEAN and ternational Symposium for East and the Vientiane Action Plan and program International Union for Conservation Southeast Asia Biodiversity Inventory areas of the ASEAN Working Group on of Nature categories, interactive maps, Initiative (ESABII), hosted by Japan on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity, and socio-economic data in maps. 21 January 2009 at the United Nations which called for the establishment of a Both the ASEAN-BISS and Enhanced University U Thant Interna- ASEAN-BISS apply Geographic tional Conference Hall in To- Information System (GIS) con- kyo, Japan. cepts and methodologies. Among the presenters was “The use of GIS technology ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity enables the Enhanced ASEAN- (ACB) Executive Director Ro- BISS to perform more in-depth drigo U. Fuentes who discussed analyses ranging from the simple ACB’s biodiversity information display of geographic data to com- sharing initiative. plex, multistep analytical models. “One of the key challenges The application of GIS technol- faced by ASEAN Member States ogy to biodiversity information is the lack of tools to effectively makes information a powerful share taxonomic information. functional regional database or network tool to support policy and deci- Establishing these tools is crucial to of national databases containing an in- sion making,” Director Fuentes said. information sharing which in turn en- ventory of the biological resources of Director Fuentes also participated hances collaboration among Southeast Southeast Asia. in the policy dialogue “Conserving Bio- Asian countries,” Director Fuentes said. ACB carried on the work initiated diversity and Promoting Sustainable The ACB developed the Biodiversity by its predecessor, the ASEAN Regional Development: Biodiversity Issues and Information Sharing Service (BISS) as a Centre for Biodiversity Conservation, Challenges in ASEAN” on 25 January common platform for sharing and link- and introduced new features to enhance at the United Nations University. ASEAN Biodiversity magazine online

For in-depth information and news on biodiversity across Southeast Asia, check out the ASEAN Biodiversity Newsmagazine, the quarterly international publication of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB)! ASEAN Biodiversity features special reports on biodiversity-related themes in the ASEAN context, such as climate change, ecotourism, transboundary protected areas, and ASEAN Heritage Parks. Proﬁ les on protected areas provide information on the status of habitats and wildlife, and interesting activities in the parks. A pull-out section on speciﬁ c species can be interesting reference materials for researchers and students. The magazine also features ongoing programmes and activities of ACB that assist ASEAN Member States in addressing various biodiversity conservation issues. ACB welcomes contributions from volunteer writers and photographers who want to help popularize biodiversity. Interested parties may contact Dr. Monia T. Uriarte, Editor of ASEAN Biodiversity at [email protected], Rolando A. Inciong, Head of ACB’s Public Affairs at [email protected], or Ms. Sahlee Bugna-Barrer at [email protected], or call ACB at (+632) 928-3210 and (+632) 929-4147.

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World Wetlands Day: ‘Upstream, Downstream’ to the landward side of the riverbanks. Stung Treng is important for the migration of over 100 species of fi sh between Lake Tonle Sap and the upper reaches of Cambodia Promotes Wetlands the Mekong above Khone Falls. World Wetlands Day is organized and Biodiversity Conservation annually to commemorate the signing of the Ramsar Convention (Convention on ambodia and the ASEAN Centre bodia’s Ministry of Environment and Wetlands of International Importance, Cfor Biodiversity (ACB) together other government institutions attended especially as Waterfowl Habitat) on 2 continue to strengthen their efforts on the lecture. February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. initiatives to promote wetlands and “The event was organized to edu- Wetlands are areas of water, marsh, biodiversity conservation in Southeast cate students, communities, govern- fen or peatland with static or fl owing Asia. ment agencies, civil societies and brackish or salt water. Wetlands may be In observance of World Wetlands other institutions on the signifi cance natural or artifi cial, permanent or tem- Day on 02 February 2009, Cambodia of wetlands and biodiversity conserva- porary and include areas of marine water and the ACB joined environmentalists tion to the sustainable development which are below six meters at low tide. across the globe in celebrating the sig- of Cambodia’s natural resources,” said A large portion of the people of ASEAN nifi cance of wetlands and the need for Dr. Suey Sunleang, Deputy Director of depends on wetland resources for their their conservation. Department of Wetlands and Coastal livelihoods, and yet only a small fraction To raise awareness on wetlands, Zones of General Department of Ad- of the population understands what wet- Cambodia’s Department of Wetlands ministration for Nature Conservation lands are. and Coastal Zones, in cooperation with and Protection of Cambodia’s Ministry ACB, hosted a lecture dubbed “Up- of Environment. Working together to strengthen stream, Downstream” on 7 February Cambodia is home to Stung Treng biodiversity conservation 2009 at the Stung Treng Ramsar Site. that was declared a Ramsar site in 1999. On 16-17 February 2008, ACB of- Hundreds of primary school students The site encompasses the entire Me- fi cials met with key environment and from the Osvay Primary School, uni- kong River, its islands and channels, foreign affairs offi cials of Cambodia to versity students, and offi cers from Cam- to the terrestrial boundary 150 meters further strengthen their cooperation in

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conserving the country’s and the South- Monyneath. ACB and Cambodia has always had east Asia’s biodiversity. “The workshop offered an oppor- a strong relationship. Since its establish- A priority agenda for discussion, tunity to consult with various stake- ment in 2005, ACB has been a partner according to ACB Executive Director holders on developing workable sets of Cambodia and other AMS in region- Rodrigo U. Fuentes, was the ongoing of indicators that will assist scientists, al collaborative efforts in the conserva- process leading to the ratifi cation of policy makers and other relevant par- tion and sustainable use of biodiversity the Establishment Agreement (EA) of ties in assessing efforts in relation to in the region through ACB programmes ACB. The EA embodies the commit- the 2010 biodiversity target,” Director that refl ect the needs of Cambodia and ment of ASEAN Member States (AMS) Fuentes said. Participants also shared other ASEAN Member States, the Vien- in establishing ACB as a regional centre available and current information on tiane Action Programme (VAP), and that facilitates cooperation and coordi- biodiversity status, and discussed ways the decisions by the ASEAN Ministers nation among AMS and with relevant to mainstream the information into on Environment. organizations on the conservation and policies and indicators used in the 4th ACB has supported Cambodia sustainable use of Southeast Asia’s rich National Report. through various workshops that helped but highly threatened biodiversity. These national consultation work- enhance its capacity to conserve biodiver- The Centre also conducted a “Na- shops aim at consolidating information sity and meet its commitments to various tional Consultation Workshop for the on programs and activities that will multilateral environmental agreements. Preparation of the 4th National Report” evaluate the success of current conser- From 2007-2008, ACB has trained 52 of on 16 February to assist Cambodia in vation efforts. ACB actively supports Cambodia’s scientists, environment offi - preparing its report. Policymakers in such workshops in ASEAN Members cers and staff, and protected area manag- the environment sector, planning of- States, so that they may develop their ers and workers on various thematic areas. fi cers, and scientists participated in the respective country reports and submit- Other benefi ts gained are in the areas of workshop co-organized by Cambodia’s ted these in 2009 to the Secretariat of joint research programmes on biodiver- Ministry of Environment led by Dep- the Convention on Biological Diver- sity, support to the preparation of the 4th uty Technical Director-General and sity. The report will then be used in National Report (4NR), support for vari- ASEAN Senior Offi cials on the Envi- crafting the 3rd Global Biodiversity ous activities on wetlands and Payment ronment (ASOEN) Chairman Vann Outlook Report. for Ecosystems Services.

ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) Executive Director Rodrigo U. Fuentes (2nd from left) discusses with Dr. Mok Mareth (right), Senior Minister of the Ministry of Cambodia and Dr. Somaly Chan, Director, International Convention and Biodiversity of Cambodia’s General Department of Administration for Nature Conservation and Protection, the ratiﬁ cation of the ACB Establishment Agreement and efforts aimed at further strengthening collaboration in conserving Cambodia’s biodiversity. The ACB mission included Programme Development and Implementation Director Clarissa C. Arida, Administration and Finance Head Wilfredo J. Obien, and Policy and Programme Specialist, Dr. Filiberto A. Pollisco.

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Shared Resources Mark World Water Day 2009

ater is life. All living things de- Wpend on water for survival. Communities all over the world rely on access to safe drinking water since it ensures human health and well-being, availability of food sources, and viable clude the territory of 145 countries and facing increasing scarcity of freshwater, livelihoods. Decades of misuse and poor cover nearly half of the world’s surface. and it is estimated that by 2025, some management, however, have degraded The world’s major transboundary riv- 1,800 million people will be living in what was formerly a common commod- ers include the Nile (6,800 kilometers countries or regions with absolute water ity, thus threatening the lives of many of and shared by 10 countries), Amazon scarcity, and two-thirds of the world’s the world’s poorest populations. (6,400 kilometers and shared by seven population could be under stress condi- The United Nations underlined countries), Congo (4,700 kilometers tions. The situation is so alarming that it the need to protect the world’s water and shared by nine countries), Mekong is predicted that confl icts between states resources when it declared the 22nd and Danube (2,850 kilometers and may soon rise as countries fi ght for ac- March as World Water Day (WWD) shared by 20 countries). In Asia, fi ve cess to water. in 1992. Since then, all countries have ASEAN Member States -- Cambodia, This scenario should provide an op- been invited to devote WWD each year Laos PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and portunity for countries to cooperate, to concrete activities such as the pro- Viet Nam -- share the 4,350-kilometer rather than clash over scarce resources. motion of public awareness through long Mekong River with the People’s Nearly 300 international agreements are publications, documentaries and other Republic of China. Great reservoirs of in place to protect water resources and information materials; roundtable dis- freshwater also move below borders in ensure harmony between common users. cussions and seminars related to the underground aquifers. There are over Nurturing the circumstances for coop- conservation and development of water 270 known transboundary aquifers. eration in transboundary water manage- resources; as well as clean-up activities Localized water use, management ment can help build mutual respect, un- of lakes, rivers and their associated en- and economic programmes across derstanding and trust among countries, vironments. countries will inevitably result in dif- and promote peace, security and sustain- In 2009, WWD emphasizes the sig- ferences in access, quality, sustainabil- able economic growth. nifi cance of transboundary waters with ity and services in relation to safe and All communities and countries ul- the theme “Shared Waters – Shared Op- clean drinking water. Natural resource timately share the responsibility for portunities”. management that focuses on catch- managing the world’s transboundary Nearly 40 percent of the world’s ment and watershed areas, as well as a waters for current and future genera- population lives in river and lake basins changing global climate also has severe tions. World Water Day 2009 encour- shared by two or more countries. The impacts on the sustainability of water ages everyone to actively incorporate world’s 263 transboundary basins in- resources. Many countries are already water protection measures in their daily life to protect this valuable resource. Governments, in particular, should integrate water management measures that recognize the transboundary nature of water resources and watersheds, and work with other countries to ensure water sustainability. The United Nations Educational, Scientifi c and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) led global activities of the World Water Day 2009 with the support of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. More information on WWD 2009 and other water resource management materials can be accessed through the WWD 2009 website (http://www.unwater.org/ worldwaterday/fl ashindex.html).

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ing and discuss the implementation of ACB joins ASEAN Environment recommendations in ecotourism in the region such as sharing ideas, challenges, Year Celebration; Promotes and resolution of ecotourism issues; developing coordination and promotion Ecotourism Best Practices of ecotourism activities; implementing ecotourism model tours; and training he law of supply and demand is Models and challenges in ecotour- personnel in the ecotourism industry,” Tnever more evident than it is in ism practices are thus current and major Director Fuentes said. nature tourism. The deterioration of issues in biodiversity conservation, and Other recommendations include natural landscapes, beaches, and marine were discussed in the “Regional Work- establishing a common system of areas have led to a booming ecotourism shop on Identifi cation of Ecotourism certifi cation and licensing of excel- industry which features travel to pris- Best Practices among ASEAN Member lent ecotourism examples and guides; tine areas that remain habitats of beau- States” organized by ACB in coopera- launching campaigns for education and tiful and rare plants and animals. Its so- tion with Lao PDR’s Water Resources promotion of ecotourism; advertising cial component, where benefi ts of such Environment Agency on 29 March in and broadcast of ASEAN ecotourism travel should fi rst go to local communi- Champasak Province. The workshop through various media such as web- ties that live within or adjacent to such coincided with the celebration of the sites, publications, broadcast, and other areas, is an added attraction to travelers ASEAN Environment Year 2009 on 30 campaigns; and establishing a fund for who prefer ecotourism to traditional to 31 March 2009 which featured eco- resource conservation to make ASEAN forms of travel. tourism as its theme. ecotourism sustainable. “For all its good intentions, eco- The activity was a follow-on event Workshop participants included tourism still creates major impacts, of the ACB workshop on “Recreation, technical experts on ecotourism and rep- particularly since destinations are often Tourism and Ecotourism” held in Gu- resentatives of environmental ministries fragile ecosystems, such as protected ar- nung Ledang, Malaysia on 17-21 March across Southeast Asia. They identifi ed eas, and other sites of natural and cul- 2008. The Malaysia workshop helped ecotourism best practices in the region, tural importance,” Rodrigo U. Fuen- managers and staff of ASEAN Heritage as well as provided policy recommenda- tes, Executive Director of the ASEAN Parks and other protected areas improve tions for ecotourism development and Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), said. and enhance their abilities in ecotour- management. Ecotourism creates livelihoods and gen- ism management. ACB also mounted an exhibit fea- erates incomes for local communities, With this workshop held in sup- turing the Centre’s ecotourism-related thus providing an incentive for locals to port of ecotourism during the celebra- activities. preserve natural areas. Increased human tion of the ASEAN Environment Year, For more information on the work- traffi c however, may also result in other ACB was able to provide a venue for shop and other ACB events, log on to economic and social pressures. stakeholders to undertake the follow- www.aseanbiodiversity.org.

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GIS Enhances ACB Data Sharing Service

nformation sharing and the harmo- the capability of ASEAN and ASEAN formation. It also provides a gateway Inization of data across countries is Member States to conduct regional data for exchange of data, knowledge, and an integral part of biodiversity conser- analysis; formulate data sharing strate- information among countries within vation worldwide. The compilation of gies and develop a uniform reporting and outside Southeast Asia. Moreover, data on biodiversity resources such as scheme; use monitoring indicators; and ASEAN-BISS provides a regional pic- species, habitats and ecosystems, pro- facilitate reporting to national, regional ture when available data is consolidat- tected area coverage, and others allows and international needs and commit- ed. scientists, protected area managers, ments. and policy-makers to track changes Geographic Information in the environment. Accurate data al- The ASEAN Biodiversity System in enhanced BISS lows relevant personnel to make in- Information Sharing Service Each set of information or data fi elds formed choices and prioritize actions The Biodiversity Information in the protected area database, the spe- that would ultimately improve natural Sharing Service (BISS) was initially a cies database, and additional socio-eco- resource management. Biodiversity in- web-based data management system nomic and environmental data can be formation sharing in Southeast Asia is envisioned to serve as the common rendered as individual layers in a Geo- particularly signifi cant, due to the rich sharing platform for ASEAN Mem- graphic Information System (GIS). The shared natural heritage of the ASEAN ber States on biodiversity information. use of GIS technology enables the en- Member States. Developed by the ASEAN Regional hanced ASEAN-BISS to perform more The Vientiane Action Plan and the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation, in-depth analyses ranging from simple ASEAN Working Group on Nature ACB’s predecessor, BISS linked rel- display of geographic data to complex, Conservation and Biodiversity (AW- evant biodiversity information of AMS multi-step analytical models. The appli- GNCB) highlight the need for infor- to produce information at a depth and cation of GIS technology to biodiversity mation sharing and the creation of “a in a format that a wide range of audi- information makes information a pow- functional regional database or network ences can understand. ASEAN pro- erful tool to support policy and decision of national databases containing inven- tected areas information and species’ making. tory of the biological resource of the lists for different taxa were compiled The ARCBC BISS database, which ASEAN region”. Commitments made through BISS, and currently includes contains only protected areas and spe- by ASEAN Member States to multilat- lists, distribution, habitat details, and cies information, was moved to an eral environmental agreements (MEAs) International Union for the Conserva- open-source platform (PhP/MySQL). such as the United Nations Conven- tion of Nature (IUCN) categories of The protected area database portion of tion on Biological Diversity (CBD) and birds (2,401 species), mammals (945 the BISS was segregated and normal- the Convention on International Trade species), amphibians (727 species), ized to facilitate map creation. The ini- of Endangered Species of Wildlife and freshwater fi sh (2,008 species), reptiles tial protected area maps were likewise Flora (CITES), also require that coun- (1,691 species), plants (37,361 spe- converted to keyhole markup language try reports include data on information cies), and butterfl ies (8,992). (KML) format so that the KML maps generation, analysis, and sharing in sup- The Centre has since introduced can be loaded and viewed in Google port of policy development and deci- new features to the ASEAN-BISS, such Earth. These KML maps are now avail- sion-making. as live maps which can be loaded via able and downloadable via the ACB The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity Google Earth. ACB will eventually use Website (http://www.aseanbiodiver- (ACB) assists ASEAN Member States live Map Server to load these maps. The sity.org) and the ASEAN Regional in its data sharing and harmonization enhanced BISS also provides informa- Clearing-House Mechanism Website needs through its Biodiversity Informa- tion on protected areas and species with (http://chm.aseanbiodiversity.org). tion Management (BIM) Component. ASEAN Member States and IUCN clas- Ecosystem and socio-economic data BIM has four core areas: (1) Sustaining sifi cation categories and enables users to are being subsetted from global and data and information harmonization interact with the available maps. ACB regional sources for mapping purposes. on biodiversity resource; (2) Support- has also subsetted socio-economic data An open source Map Server is also being interactive web-based information for the ASEAN region, and is preparing ing set up to make the protected area on biodiversity resources in the ASEAN maps for these. By linking biodiversity maps more interactive. In addition, region; (3) Enhancing geo-spatial based data with socio-economic data, ACB map attributes will be made available Biodiversity Information Sharing Ser- can provide analytical maps for deci- for download in MS Excel format. vice; and (4) Bridging information with sion-making. The current focus of ACB on en- ASEAN Member States and regional The enhanced ASEAN-BISS serves hancing the BISS is the re-coding of and global partners. Through its BIM as a common platform for sharing the Species Database, which originally Component, the Centre aims to enhance and linking national biodiversity in- contains only a checklist and metada-

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tabase that links to external information. The initial Entry Points for Enhanced BISS graphical user interface, the Search engine and the Via the ACB Website ASEAN-wide and Country Speciﬁ c Checklist are now accessible online. Ofﬂ ine, the species checklists and links of seven (7) taxa will be updated and live links to a regional data center (e.g.Fishbase) will be tested. Species location and distribution information, where available, may also be used to map out the regional distribution of species.

ASEAN BISS and Taxonomy The ASEAN-BISS will be particularly relevant as PA Database ACB has identifi ed the Global Taxonomic Initiative as a priority theme for 2009. The ASEAN-BISS is inextricably linked with taxonomy – the science of describing, naming and classifying organisms, as a building block for information sharing on fl ora and fauna – as both concerns the inventory of biodiversity resources. Focus- ing on taxonomy will assist ASEAN member States in cataloguing their biological resources that will help set directions in conservation management. Opening Page of ASEAN Heritage Parks To boost Southeast Asia’s taxonomic capacities, ACB has partnered with the French Embassy in the Philip- pines. The French Government will provide funding support for the “ASEAN Regional Workshop on Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI): Needs Assessment and Net- working” to be organized by ACB in April 2009. The workshop will provide a venue for sharing experiences in the implementation of the Programme of Work (PoW) for the Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI) and identi- Map Attributes of a Protected Area fying future programmes for capacity development in the ASEAN region. Through this partnership, ACB can mobilize and share expertise in the fi eld of taxonomy and ensure that taxonomic capacities will be accessible to ASEAN Member States.

Planned activities of ACB for the ASEAN BISS and the GTI Opening Page to Species Database The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity will provide technical training to ASEAN Member States on the use of ASEAN-BISS data in a GIS environment; support the inventory of biodiversity resources through the ASEAN-BISS and GTI initiatives; and continue to facilitate cooperation among ASEAN Member States by highlighting the interrelationship between the ASEAN- BISS, the GTI, and the biodiversity inventory. Consistent with its mandate to improve information Species Checklist sharing and access, and enhance capacity building in the ASEAN region, ACB is shoring up its efforts in the areas of GIS and GTI. These efforts are envisioned to assist ASEAN Member States in meeting their commitments to multilateral environmental agreements.

Reference Fuentes, Rodrigo U., Ma. Consuelo D. Garcia, Leslie Ann V. Jose, and Norman Emmanuel C. Ramirez. 2009. Biodiversity Geographic Information System of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. Unpublished. ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. Laguna, Philippines.

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International Women’s Day 2009 Celebrating Women and Biodiversity

orldwide, most countries dedi- corporations, scientists, engineers, and with the environment that date back Wcate the month of March to lawyers, and they continue to advance to millions of years. As direct users of celebrating women and their contri- in industries that used to be dominated natural resources, they have developed butions to politics, business, econom- by men. Despite women’s emancipa- an intimate knowledge of the life cycles ics, science, and culture. Every 8th tion, changes in attitude towards gen- of plants and animals and their habi- of March is International Women’s der roles, and greater opportunities, in- tats, thus knowing when crops are ripe Day (IWD) and commemorates the equality still exists on many levels and for harvesting, which leaves, fruits and struggles of women all over the world in many areas such as business, politics, roots are good to eat, and which plants to gain equal rights and recognition education, and health. will cure a particular ailment. at home, in their community, in the In agricultural areas, women of- workplace and in society. Women play critical roles in ten take on the role of directly col- Women have been fi ghting for equal biodiversity conservation lecting and conserving edible plants rights since the 1900s when women Women’s contributions are often since these are often used to supple- fi rst started marching in the streets overlooked, particularly when actions ment dietary needs. Their roles also demanding shorter work hours, better revolve around the home and commu- encompass food processing and stor- pay and voting rights. The idea of an nity life. As such, traditional roles of age. Other roles also require them to International Women’s Day was fi rst women in relation to the environment gather firewood and other products broached in 1910, as a way for working and their critical role in biodiversity for medicine, and house-building. women to press for their demands. In conservation are largely ignored. Stud- They also take charge of many ag- 1913, International Women’s Day was ies on gender roles and biodiversity, ricultural activities. After men have fi rst celebrated on 08 March and has however, show that rural women in de- cleared the land, women sow, weed, remained the global date for IWD ever veloping countries play critical roles in hoe and bind the stalks. In backyards since. The United Nations offi cially maintaining agriculture and forest bio- and on their own plots, they manage recognized the event in 1975, which it diversity. They may also hold the key home gardens, and grow a wide vari- designated as “International Women’s to food and livelihood security through ety of vegetables, and ingredients for Year.” their roles in the selection of seeds, the relishes and jams. The Food and Ag- Women’s organizations continue to management of small livestock and the riculture Organization (FAO) notes celebrate IWD by holding large-scale conservation and sustainable use of that research on 60 home gardens in events to honor women’s advancement plant and animal diversity. Thailand, for example, revealed 230 while diligently reminding others that For many women, biodiversity is different species, many of which had vigilance is necessary to ensure that the cornerstone of their work, belief been rescued from a neighboring for- women’s equality is gained and main- systems and basic survival. Women est before it was cleared. tained in all aspects of life. The world from indigenous and traditional com- Women farmers have been largely has seen female presidents, heads of munities, in particular, have direct links responsible for the improvement and

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adaptation of many wild plant variet- produced, selected and saved by wom- Women’s intimate relationship ies. After using and observing many en in the community. They rely on with nature makes them a very im- wild plants through the years, they maintaining a wide diversity of crops portant authority on resource man- have come to know which are best suit- and wild plants, and animal breeds and agement. Women often take the lead ed for cultivation and domestication. strains that are adapted to the local en- in environmental movements, par- In terms of crops, their observation vironment. These provide protection ticularly at the grassroots level. Many of plant cycles and productivity allow against crop failure and animal disease, women understand the significance them to choose what seeds produce the as well as a continuous and varied food of their roles and take on the mantle most desirable plant characteristics. supply. of protecting the environment by Seeds that produce crops with the best leading movements to reverse eco- grains and are most resistant to pests Need for gender logical stress. Many women around and diseases are set aside by women for responsive policies the world have led organizations that preservation and future use. Over time, changes in beliefs and have helped heal the environment, Women also play a role in livestock attitudes have resulted in international with programmes that focus on refor- production and breeding. Depend- agreements and government strate- estation, species and habitat protec- ing on local conditions, women may gies that emphasize the recognition of tion, organic and sustainable farming, choose and breed cattle, for example, women’s contributions and the signifi - waste segregation and management, to produce desired traits such as pref- cance of their participation in national pollution, environment-friendly erence for local feeds and resistance development. Key important interna- products, and sustainable transporta- to disease. Keeping a diversity of live- tional policies and legal agreements tion, among others. stock also directly benefi ts diversity in also acknowledge the role of women in Certainly, nature will benefi t im- vegetation. the management and use of biological mensely if men and women share re- Women’s roles in biodiversity con- resources. sponsibility in resource management. servation are also tied to the collec- However, despite increased rec- Many programmes that promote gen- tion of medicinal plants. As traditional ognition at international levels, there der equality and strengthen women’s caregivers, women have had to amass is little effort on the ground to stress participation are already in place, and a tremendous amount of knowledge the role of women in biodiversity, ag- these may spur greater action among on plant use and medicinal properties riculture, and the environment. While stakeholders and thus reap more ben- to ensure the well being of family and such information is taken for granted efi ts for people and the environment. community members. in communities where women play tra- Success stories are already out there. ditional roles in resource use and food Local and international recognition Homogenization affects production, this is largely unknown to of women’s contributions to the envi- biodiversity, traditional the general public. As such, women’s ronmental cause are on the rise. Such knowledge and women’s status key roles, responsibilities and manage- activities and achievements will hope- Advances in science and technol- ment practices for the conservation fully provide the foundation for larger ogy, however, have led to modern ag- and improvement of animal and plant and more robust programmes. ricultural practices that ignored tra- genetic resources remain “invisible” to As women continue to struggle ditional knowledge and undermined environmental technicians, planners for equality, their contributions and women’s roles in biodiversity conser- and policy-makers. As a result, wom- achievements in the environment and vation and agricultural diversity. Ag- en’s needs and concerns are not given other aspects of life can only reap posi- ricultural innovations have centralized adequate attention and their involve- tive rewards and secure an equitable plant breeding, standardized livestock ment in formalized efforts to conserve and biologically diverse world for pres- production and have changed gender biodiversity remains low because of ent and future generations. roles in farming communities. Since poor representation at policy and deci- modern farming technologies no lon- sion-making levels. References ger rely on traditional farming prac- FAO Focus: Women and Food Security (http:// www.fao.org/FOCUS/E/Women/biodiv-e.htm) tices and knowledge, this has affected Nature needs a woman’s touch International Women’s Day (http://www. women’s roles, thus undermining their There is no doubt that environ- internationalwomensday.com/about.asp) fi nancial empowerment and status in mental management will benefi t from MacDonald, Mia and Danielle Nierenberg. 2003. the community. women’s focus and attention. After all, The Third World: Women as the key to a shift However, subsistence farming signifi cant environmental features have in priorities. The International Herald Tribune. February 11, 2003. (http://www.iht.com/ communities that cannot afford exter- inherent feminine characteristics and articles/2003/02/11/t-edmia_ed3_.php) nal inputs necessary in modern agri- nature is often described in culture as United Nations Environment Programme. culture, such as seeds of current high protective, caring and nurturing. They 2004. “Women and Biodiversity: the core of yield crops, fertilizers and pesticides, often take a female personality, hence existence” in Women and the Environment. UNEP and Women’s Environment and Development veterinary products, and high quality the terms “Mother Earth” and “Mother Organization (WEDO). (http://www.unep.org/PDF/ feeds, still depend on planting material Nature.” Women/ChapterThree.pdf)

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 67 BOOKMARKS

Biodiversity and Culture Highlighted in EU Cultural Counsellors Visit to ACB

hat is the connection between Member States’ embassies in the Philip- Bloemen, Belgium; Ambassador Jaro- Wculture and biodiversity? pines. slav Ludva, Monika Kozdova, and Mary Biodiversity and cultural diversity Nine cultural counselors from six Katherine Igban, Czech Republic and are intimately and inextricably linked, EU countries visited the ACB head- representing the EU Presidency; Emi- that they should be thought of as a uni- quarters in Los Baños, Laguna in the lie Flambeaux, France; Inkeri Tankera, fi ed whole. In fact, signifi cant overlaps Philippines on 30 March 2009 to know Finland; and Anamaria Vlad and Vlad in distribution and factors affecting the more about the Centre and its advocacy, Stefan Cristian, Romania. geographic patterns of biodiversity and as well as the interface between culture During the ACB meeting with the culture have been observed. and biodiversity. EU cultural counsellors, Ms. Coburn This was the gist of the presentation Led by Thelma Gecolea, Public Af- explained that the management of na- by Rusyan Jill Coburn, research and fairs Offi cer of the Delegation of the ture is the expression of our many hu- policy specialist of the ASEAN Centre European Commission to the Phil- man cultures. A detailed understanding for Biodiversity (ACB), for the cultural ippines, the group was composed of of biodiversity is necessary to compre- counselors of European Union (EU) Monika Junker-Guldin, Austria; Anne hend how the environment reshapes

Above: Rusyan Jill Coburn (center), ACB Research and Policy Specialist, discusses the interface between culture and biodiversity.

Above, left: Ambassador Jaroslav Ludva of the Czech Republic views ACB’s exhibits on Southeast Asia’s rich but threatened biodiversity.

Left: European Union cultural counselors with ACB ofﬁ cers and staff.

68 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g BOOKMARKS human culture through feedback. ACB Co-sponsors 5th Hornbill Conference The Convention on Biological Di- versity also encourages all countries to manage, sustainably use and share equi- World’s Experts on Hornbills tably the benefi ts of biodiversity. These goals can be achieved through a better Discuss Conservation and understanding of how human cultural activity has shaped today’s biodiversity. Research Techniques The ASEAN Centre for Biodiver- sity has several initiatives that advance the culture of biodiversity conservation in the 10 ASEAN Member States. It supports the ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP) Programme of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that seeks to conserve AHPs – protected areas of high conservation and cultural importance. The ASEAN region cradles 27 AHPs. The promotion of the concept of community conserved areas is another initiative that ACB is advocating. The management of community conserved areas involves spontaneous activities conducted by local communities, often for generations, based on local knowledge, beliefs and practices about the use of local ecosystems and biological resources. Through workshops, the Centre is also promoting ecotourism or environ- ingapore’s National Parks Board of the local populations of the Oriental mentally responsible travel and visita- S(NParks) and Thailand’s Hornbill Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris). tion to natural areas, that has low visi- Research Foundation brought together Previous conferences were held in Bang- tor impact, promotes local culture and the world’s experts on hornbills during kok, Phuket, and South Africa. heritage, and provides socio-economic the 5th Hornbill Conference held in Universities, zoos, research institu- benefi ts for the local people. Singapore from 22 to 25 March 2009. tions, and non-governmental organi- The ACB encouraged the EU cul- The event provided a venue to share in- zations from 20 countries were repre- tural counselors to join hands with the formation on the bird’s biology, as well sented at the conference. Dr. Woraphat Centre in promoting culture to address as conservation and research techniques Arthayukti, CEO of NParks and the threats to biodiversity. employed by various institutions, and Deputy Director of the Hornbill Re- ACB Director for Networking, was co-sponsored by the ASEAN Cen- search Foundation, opened the confer- Partnership, and Resource Mobilization tre for Biodiversity (ACB). ence, while renowned hornbill research- Gregorius Wisnu Rosariastoko briefed Found through most of sub-Saharan ers Dr. Alan Kemp, Dr. Pilai Poonswad, the delegation about the Centre’s man- Africa, and South and Southeast Asia, and Dr. Margaret Kinnaird delivered date and its other core activities. The hornbills are renowned for their unique keynote addresses. EU cultural counselors were also treated nesting habits. Females are sealed in- Forty-six papers and posters were to a screening of the video documentary side the nest in a hollow tree, while the presented on topics such as the status and “Saving ASEAN’s Natural Treasures,” male and the rest of the family group distribution of hornbills, their behavior, which chronicles the efforts of ASEAN bring food for the mother and chicks. threats they face, research techniques, Member States to conserve the region’s Hornbills are among the largest forest and efforts to conserve the bird. extremely rich but highly threatened birds which play the key role of dispers- Documentaries on hornbills were biodiversity. ing seeds of trees such as nutmegs, fi gs, also screened, and fi eld trips were made The delegation visited the nearby and laurels over long distances. South- to Pulau Ubin and Jurong Bird Park to Makiling Botanic Garden. Forester Ro- east Asia is home to 24 of the world’s 54 see hornbill research in action. The pub- berto Cereno, Head of the Botanic Gar- hornbill species. lic seminar “The World of Hornbills” dens, Parks and Ecotourism Division This year’s conference was held in featuring experts Dr. Kemp, Dr. Vijak of the Makiling Center for Mountain Singapore in view of the remarkable Chimchome, Mr. Marc Cremades, and Ecosystems, gave them a walking tour achievements of the Singapore Horn- Dr. Vilma D’Rozario was also held at of the Garden. bill Project involving the rehabilitation the Botany Centre on 26 March.

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 69 BOOKMARKS

ASEAN Member States to Streamline Reporting to Global Environmental Agreements

esolving global issues require in- points or reporting agencies and crafted ters biodiversity for the CBD and the Rternational agreements, and this is according to formats set by the secretari- Ramsar Convention. particularly important in environmental ats of MEAs. The workshop aimed to promote conservation. Loss of species and habi- In some cases, there are similar re- national and regional efforts to harmo- tats, biodiversity conservation, wildlife porting agencies for different MEAs. nize or synergize reporting to biodiver- trade, pollution, and climate change are Some also require similar information, sity-related conventions; strengthen concerns requiring concerted global ef- such as habitat coverage, species inven- national capacities in harmonized re- fort in addressing them. tory, composition of local communi- porting by providing training on the A number of international conven- ties, human activities that may affect use of relevant tools and approaches; tions and agreements have been devel- the local environment, protected area and discuss possible ways and means to oped to establish wide-ranging coop- status, number of rangers, and oth- harmonize reporting at the global level. eration in protecting the environment, ers. Since a number of issues may need The workshop emphasized informa- including the Convention on Biologi- to be presented in reports to various tion exchange and active learning. This cal Diversity CBD), Convention on MEAs, there is a need to harmonize allowed ASEAN Member States to ana- Wetlands of International Importance the gathering of and management of lyze and strengthen national processes (Ramsar), Convention on International data. Streamlining reporting to MEAs and capacities for synergizing reporting Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), will reduce reporting burdens on Par- to biodiversity-related conventions, as Convention on Migratory Species ties, encourage more data sharing, and well as provide recommendations for (CMS) and the World Heritage Con- create synergy in environmental work harmonization at the global level. vention (WHC). among concerned national and inter- ACB organized the workshop in These multilateral environmental national agencies. partnership with the Vietnam Envi- agreements (MEAs) require national To facilitate national reporting to ronment Administration (VEA) and reporting from all signatory countries MEAs, the ASEAN Centre for Biodi- with the support of the United Na- (Parties) to create a global picture of versity (ACB) conducted the ASEAN tions Environment Programme-World environmental efforts as well as provide Workshop on Harmonization of Re- Conservation Monitoring Centre; directions for the future. Reports often porting to Biodiversity-Related Con- the Secretariats of the CBD, CITES, require data from different national ventions on 15 – 17 April 2009 in Ha- CMS, Ramsar and the World Heritage agencies covering a wide range of bio- noi, Vietnam. The workshop focused Convention; and the Government of geographical, social, economic, legal on the development of a framework to Australia. and political information. These have harmonize reporting on the implemen- For more information, log on to to be meticulously prepared by the focal tation of efforts to conserve inland wa- www.aseanbiodiversity.org.

SURFING THE WEB OF LIFE The Global Invasive Species Programme (http://www.gisp.org/about/ mation on invasive alien species (IAS) around the world (http://www. index.asp) is an international partnership dedicated to addressing the issg.org/database/species/search.asp?st=100ss). The database pro- global threat of invasive alien species (IAS). The mission of GISP is to vides a description, general impacts, reproduction, life cycles, geo- conserve biodiversity and sustain livelihoods by minimizing the spread graphic range, management, and other relevant information on IAS. It and impact of invasive species. The Programme provides support to also features the 100 of the world’s worst invasive alien species. These the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and has were selected for the list according to two criteria: their serious impact contributed extensively to the knowledge and awareness of invasive on biological diversity and/or human activities, and their illustration of species through the development of publications, reports, brochures important issues surrounding biological invasion. Absence from the and training materials. The GISP site provides links to global legislation list, however, does not imply that a species poses a lesser threat. and programmes on IAS, new developments in science and technology, training courses on various aspects of IAS management (such as * * * economic analysis, legal and institutional frameworks, management of Information on invasive alien species (IAS) in Asia can be found at marine and coastal IAS, strategies and tools to prevent IAS introduction; the National Invasive Species Center of the United States Department taxonomy of marine IAS; and regional capacity building workshops), of Agriculture (http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/international/asia. guidelines, publications, reports, and brochures, among others. shtml). It provides links to government, non-government and academic initiatives on IAS in Asia. The site also includes relevant publi- * * * cations on invasive ﬂ ora and fauna, proceedings of workshops on IAS, The Global Invasive Species Database allows users to search for infor- as well as links to databases on IAS in the Asian region.

70 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g POLICY BRIEF Invasive Alien Species and their Increasing Threat to Biodiversity nlike people, animal and plant occur in all major taxonomic groups, belongings and travelled with domes- Uspecies do not recognize borders. including viruses, fungi, algae, mosses, ticated livestock and carefully chosen They move when their habitats change, ferns, higher plants, invertebrates, fi sh, seeds to search for more habitable hunt where there is food, and breed in amphibians, reptiles, birds and mam- areas. Plants with medicinal benefi ts areas that may be thousands of kilome- mals, and can affect all types of ecosys- would likely have been brought dur- ters from home. When such activities tems. Common characteristics of IAS ing migration. While these may have are natural and happen over time, spe- include: provided the early foundations for the cies naturally integrate themselves into • Rapid reproduction and growth, travel of IAS, their impacts would have the environment. However, when they • High dispersal ability, been countered by the more immense are drastically introduced into new ar- • Phenotypic plasticity or the abil- biodiversity in early times, which eas, these may have unforeseen impacts ity to adapt physiologically to would have naturally limited the pos- on new ecosystems and their native spe- new conditions, and sibility of invasion. cies. • Ability to survive on various These days, modern technology and In the past, formidable mountains food types and in a wide range transportation defi ne the relocation of and wide expanses of ocean served as of environmental conditions species. Globalization, increased trade, natural barriers to species movements. and greater travel for business and rec- Developments in transportation and Generally, the survivability of species reation have allowed plants and other global trade, climate change and other in new environments can predict the po- wildlife to move from one country to factors, however, have facilitated the tential invasiveness of the species. New another on airplanes, cargo ships, cruise movements of various species across environments may or may not have the ships, fi shing boats, trucks and others. countries. Depending on their adapt- elements necessary to control IAS, such Species introduction may be both ability, species may thrive in their new as predators or competitors. When these intentional and unintentional. People habitat, or simply die out. Those that are absent and the new habitats are simi- may export or import species for trade, survive and reproduce may or may not lar enough to their former range, then and to support agriculture, aquaculture, negatively impact their new surround- the species may survive. Their popula- horticulture, forestry, fi sheries, food ings. New species that multiply to a de- tion may then grow to a point where and others. Some have been used as gree and overwhelm the environment, they take over food sources, prey on local biological control for certain pests, and and robs resident species of food and species, and, generally begin to affect lo- ironically became pests themselves. In- shelter, presents a danger that needs to cal biodiversity. Oftentimes, only a small ternational aid organizations have also be addressed by resource managers. The percentage of alien species become inva- brought plants and animals that have threat of species breeding in a new envi- sive, but those that do may have exten- turned invasive as part of altruistic in- ronment is so severe that invasive alien sive and long-lasting impacts. tentions to introduce new sources of species are now considered the second Studies show that disturbed habi- food to impoverished nations. Other biggest threat to biodiversity after habitats make it easier for IAS to survive. forms of interventions, such as military tat loss. Habitats that have deteriorated due to and relief operations, may have also fa- human activities or have been modifi ed, cilitated the entry of IAS. Exotic pets, What are invasive alien species? such as agricultural areas, are particular- such as snakes, monkeys and ornamen- What makes species both alien and ly vulnerable. Climate change will also tal fi sh may also have simply been re- invasive? The Convention on Biological be a consideration in the management leased by their owners. Diversity (CBD) states that alien species of IAS as temperature changes continue Unintentional introduction may oc- “refer to species, subspecies or lower tax- to modify habitats and ecosystems. cur when species “hitchhike” on planes, on, introduced outside its natural past ships, and even garbage fl oating in the or present distribution; includes any IAS use different pathways open sea. Seeds may adhere to clothes part, gametes, seeds, eggs, or propagules While plants and animals do not and suitcases. Insects may infest wood of such species that might survive and travel on their own, people generally packaging materials. Exotic animals subsequently reproduce”. provide some form of transportation. kept in captivity as pets or for breeding Invasive alien species (IAS), on the In the past, whole communities moved purposes may escape and then turn in- other hand, are species whose introduc- when local conditions made it neces- vasive. tion and/or spread outside their natural sary to search for new food and water These IAS may also carry pathogens past or present distribution threaten sources as well as more verdant pas- that pose tremendous risks to other biological diversity. These species may tures. Families carted all their worldly plants and animals, as well as people.

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 71 POLICY BRIEF

Some invasive alien species in Southeast Asia

gajah, semalu gajah; Bahasa Indonesia– putri malu; Viet Nam–trinh nu nhon, xao ho) in the Greater Mekong Sub Region has made fertile agricultural lands along the Mekong River unproductive, converting agricultural lands into shrublands that harbor lesser biodiversity. It has reduced fi sh production especially fi sh with no scales. and affected water birds relying on grasslands. In Viet Nam, the Mimosa The cane toad (also commonly known as and temperatures, and has a high breeding pigra decreased the population of Giant Toad, Marine Toad) (Bufo marinus) rate. The fi sh competes with indigenous Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) from 800 was introduced as a biological control fi sh species for zooplankton food, and individuals in the 1990s to less than 100 agent of insect pests in sugar cane and also prey on their eggs and larvae. Studies in 2003 through outcompeting the Spiked other crops. The toad spread rapidly show that mosquito fi sh exacerbates rather rush (Eleocharis sp), which is the habitat because it has a wide environmental than alleviates the mosquito problem of the Crane tolerance, eats almost anything, and since the fi sh does not eat mosquito larvae has few natural enemies. It is now well but actually reduces the population of established in Japan, Papua New Guinea species that naturally control mosquito and the Philippines. populations.

The coconut leaf-eating beetle (Brontispa longissima) damaged Viet Nam’s coconut industry causing 3.5 The golden apple snail (Pomacea The water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) million USD in losses (Pham Quang Thu, canaliculata) is a freshwater snail from was introduced to many parts of the world 2008) South America. It was introduced to as an ornamental plant, and today occurs in Taiwan in 1980, and has since become over 50 countries in fi ve continents. The plant an invasive pest throughout Southeast thrives in still and slow-moving water bodies Asia. Widely known as golden kuhol in that have become nutrient-enriched through the Philippines, it was introduced in the eutrophication. Dense mats of water hyacinth country as a high-protein food for both now blanket many of tropical Asia’s natural animals and humans. The snail escaped and man-made water bodies. into waterways and has since ravaged rice fi elds all over the country. The snail feeds on young rice seedlings, with large adults being able to consume up to 25 seedlings per day. Janitor Fish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis The mosquito fi sh (Gambusia affi nis) is and P. disjunctivus) in Laguna Lake of now well established in Southeast Asia the Philippines has damaged fi sh cages where it was widely distributed for the and fi shing nets such that they have biological control of mosquito larvae. affected the fi sh production and fi sh The Mimosa pigra (Thai–chi yop, mai yah This fi sh species can survive in waters catch of fi shermen. They also damage the raap yak, maiyarapton; Malay–kembang with low oxygen levels, high salinities riverbanks of important waterways.

Source: Mathew, 2004

Extensive and long-lasting monitor alien species. Typically, resource Environment impacts managers generally become concerned When IAS enter new habitats, the Scientists have yet to pinpoint the ex- when impacts are already evident. The lack of predators and the ability to com- act moment when species turn invasive, control and eradication of IAS then re- pete with native species over the food and this makes it difﬁ cult to track and quires long-term ﬁ nancial investments. supply can allow them to dominate the

72 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g POLICY BRIEF

local ecosystem. Local species that may they degrade freshwater systems and contributions to food production. In actually become a food source for the catchment areas. These species drive up the Philippines, the Nile tilapia (Oreo- IAS, may also be driven to extinction. pest control costs as pesticides and her- chromis niloticus L.) or Mozambique Their domination can change the bicides have to be used and other long- tilapia (O. mossambicus) from Africa community structure and species com- term management schemes have to be is the second most important fi sh cul- position of the area, which may then developed to control the spread of IAS. tured in the Philippines next to milk- have cascading effects on ecosystem These impacts all have massive direct fi sh. In 2002, the Bureau of Fisheries functions. Habitats may be modifi ed to and indirect fi nancial costs that may run and Aquatic Resources reported that a point where it may no longer be hab- into millions of dollars. tilapia contributed 122,417 metric tons itable for the native community. Chain Some estimated costs in IAS man- or 3.6 percent of the total fi sheries pro- reactions may occur and reproduction agement (Pallewata et al, 2003) include duction (3,368,519metric tons). Their or the survival of associated species may the following: production therefore continues to be a be affected. Impacts are diffi cult to pre- • Annual worldwide agricultural major contribution to aquaculture in dict but are tremendously complex. losses: between $55 and $248 the country. Ultimately, the local biodiversity is billion As part of the eradication process, affected when non-native species elimi- • Loss of Philippine crops gener- scientists have been determining ways nate indigenous species that perform ated by the golden apple snail in to develop by-products from IAS to valuable functions in the ecosystem. the 1980s: $1 billion provide income opportunities to local The demise fo these native species may • Cost of the eradication of the communities. Studies on the janitor fi sh then affect associated fl ora and fauna. European gypsy moth (Lymant- have yielded possible benefi ts as animal Vital ecosystem functions, such as pol- ria dispar) introduced in North feed for livestock, organic fertilizer, bio- lination, soil regeneration, nutrient cy- Carolina in 1993 and eradicated fuel, leather, and fi sh silage (fermented, cling, hydrologic functions, and others, in 1997: $19 million high-moisture fodder that can be fed may then deteriorate. to cattle and sheep, or used as a biofuel Other environmental concerns such Deriving benefi ts from IAS feedstock) (Cariño III, 2009.) as climate change, pollution and habi- Are there any benefi ts to be gained Other species have been used to pro- tat loss may also magnify the impacts of from the use of IAS? Despite their un- duce leather products, such as the skin IAS. Island ecosystems are particularly savory reputation and wide-ranging im- of the giant marine toad (Bufo marinus) vulnerable to IAS because they are nat- pacts, some species do provide benefi ts while its fl esh has been utilized as food urally isolated from strong competitors to the local economy. Other species, on for pigs (Alcala, 2002). Many countries and predators. the other hand, provide certain eco- have also transformed the water hyacinth nomic opportunities as they can be used into bags as well as organic fertilizer. Human health as building material for various products The IAS can directly affect human as part of the eradication process. Measures to address IAS health as international travel facilitates Some fi sh species, particularly those Prescribed management strategies / the spread of infectious diseases. Bal- introduced in aquaculture as alterna- methods to address IAS include: last water from ships introduces diseas- tive sources of protein, provide major • Prevention. This ideally entails es, bacteria and viruses to marine and freshwater ecosystems, and degrades Some International Agreements on invasive alien species commercially important fi sheries. IAS such as exotic animals, migratory birds, • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) insects and rodents may also carry • Agreement on the Application of Phytosanitary Measures pathogens that pose tremendous health • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora risks. (CITES) When species are introduced direct- • Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS or Bonn Convention) ly into agriculture or fi sheries as possible • Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) sources of protein, they may actually af- • International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and fect food supply when they eliminate Sediments other sources of food. Human health • International Health Regulations may also be affected when various pesti- • International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) cides are applied to crops to control the • United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) spread of IAS. • United Nations Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses Economic costs • World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Agreement (1924) The IAS have major economic costs • ASEAN Agreement on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources since they destroy crops, reduce biodi- Source: CBD versity, and affect the water supply as

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 73 POLICY BRIEF

preventing the entry of alien veloping countries. While some coun- enhancement of national legislation organisms into a different countries have addressed specifi c IAS issues and policies; data sharing; creation try. in national programmes, such as the of business opportunities using IAS; • Early detection. Effective in- National Biodiversity Strategies and Ac- communication, education and public ventories and monitoring pro- tion Plans and specifi c IAS frameworks, awareness; and inclusion of invasive grammes can locate IAS before the nature of the problem requires alien species concerns in regional trade they can spread. greater cooperation particularly among agreements. • Eradication: The destruction regional partners. The ACB also provides extensive of an entire population of IAS At the national level, capacities to information on IAS through various in- is best accomplished with early deal with IAS should be developed by formation materials and media, includ- detection. paying attention to training on the ing the ASEAN Biodiversity newsmaga- • Control. A long-term manage- biology and control of IAS and bios- zine and the ACB website. The Centre ment plan that involves physical ecurity issues. The level of awareness is also developing a book on invasive removal of pests and the use of and skills must be high, particularly alien species in marine and terrestrial chemical and biological agents along entry points such as customs ecosystems to generate greater aware- should be established to control and border checkpoints. The evolving ness on invasive alien species manage- IAS. problem of IAS in relation to other ment in ASEAN. The goal of IAS management is to environmental issues, such as climate restore the ecosystem to its natural state change, land use changes, and pollu- References and increase biodiversity, since natural tion, requires constant research and Alcala, Angel C. 2006. Invasive Alien Vertebrate populations and ecosystem functions development of new control technolo- Species in the Philippines. Paper presented at may resist future invasions. gies. Protected area managers must Invasive Alien Species in the Philippines: Status, Challenges and Directions. Conference-Workshop This global issue requires rapid de- also be trained to identify non-native on Invasive Alien Species in the Philippines and tection and international cooperation. species since IAS that have been trans- their Impacts on Biodiversity. Philippines. 26 – 28 Preventing the entry of possible invasive ported through tourism becoming July 2006. species is eventually less expensive and increasing threats to protected areas. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (www.bfar.da.gov.ph) easier to manage than control and eradi- An integrated national programme Cariño III, Jose K. 2009. Benefi ting from the cation. Many international agreements covering public awareness, skills train- Dreaded Janitor Fish. Paper presented during and codes of conduct have been estab- ing, research and information sharing the Agriculture and Development Seminar Series lished that allow for inspections of in- must be developed to manage IAS (ADSS) at the Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture ternational shipments, customs checks concerns. (SEARCA), 13 January 2009. as well as quarantine regulations. At the regional and international lev- Convention on Biological Diversity The most comprehensive interna- el, organizations such as the Global In- (http://www.cbd.int/invasive/) tional instrument on IAS is the Con- vasive Species Programme (GISP) have De Pooter, Mai, Syama Pagad and Mohammed Irfan vention on Biological Diversity (CBD), been working with regional networks to Ullah. 2007. Invasive Alien Species and Protected Areas, A Scoping Report Part I. Scoping the Scale which specifi cally calls on parties to share tools, mechanisms, and best man- and Nature of Invasive Alien Species Threats to “prevent the introduction of, control agement practices. The GISP database Protected Areas, Impediments to IAS Management or eradicate those alien species which (http://www.issg.org/database/) also and Means to Address these Impediments. World Bank and Global Invasive Species Programme. threaten ecosystems, habitats or species provides extensive information on IAS Lowe, S., M. Browne, S. Boudjelas, and M. De (Article 8h)”. The CBD has developed a all over the world, an effort that can be Poorter, 2000. 100 of the World’s Worst Invasive set of guidelines to assist countries with replicated at the national and regional Alien Species: A selection from the Global Invasive the implementation of Article 8h. level to provide wider information on Species Database. The Invasive Species Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission, IUCN - World In Asia, the ASEAN Agreement on managing specifi c IAS. Conservation Union (www.issg.org/booklet.pdf) the Conservation of Nature and Natural The ASEAN Centre for Biodiver- Matthew, Sue. 2004. Tropical Asia Invaded: The Resources (1985) aims to conserve and sity (ACB) provides support in region- Growing Danger of Invasive Alien Species. The manage natural resources in the ASEAN al efforts to manage IAS by support- Global Invasive Species Programme. region, as well as preserve genetic diver- ing training on IAS and developing Pallewatta, N., J.K. Reaser and A. Gutierrez (eds.). 2003. Prevention and Management of Invasive Alien sity and protect endangered species. Arti- information materials on the issue. Species: Proceedings of a Workshop on Forging cle 3(3) of the agreement requires Parties On 17-18 December 2008, Viet Nam’s Cooperation throughout South and Southeast Asia. to strive to regulate and, as appropriate, Ministry of Natural Resources and Global Invasive Species Programme, Cape Town, South Africa. prohibit alien species introductions. Environment (MONRE), in coop- Pham Quang Thu, et.al. 2008. Management of eration with the ACB, conducted the Alien Species in Viet Nam. Paper presented at the ACB support to “ASEAN Workshop on Invasive Alien Regional Workshop on Invasive Alien Species, ASEAN Member States Species Management” in Hanoi, Viet Hanoi, Viet Nam. IAS is an issue that is tied to major Nam. The workshop sought to address ScienceDaily (23 February 2009). Invasive Species: Part of the Price of Doing Business. (http://www. economic activities and is thus a prob- capacity needs to address IAS, such sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090213172042. lem that affects both developed and de- as identifi cation and control of IAS; htm)

74 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g ASSEANEAN CEENTRENTRE

FOR BIIODIVERSITYODIVERSITY

A S E A N B I O D I V E R S I T Y 75 CConserveonserve BBiodiversity,iodiversity, SSaveave HHumanity!umanity! www.aseanbiodiversity.org

ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity 3F ERDB Bldg., Forestry Campus College, Laguna 4031 Philippines Tel: +6349 536-2865, +6349 536-1044 Email: [email protected]

ACB is an intergovernmental institution of the ASEAN with initial funding from the EU.

76 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L 2 0 0 9  w w w . a s e a n b i o d i v e r s i t y . o r g Leatherback Turtle Demorchelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1761)

Description: The leatherback is the world’s largest turtle, with and yolkless. Individuals return to nest every few years, but the largest recorded individual weighing a massive 916 kilograms. within one season a female can lay four to 10 clutches of The turtle lacks the typical bony plates on its carapace and instead eggs. The sex of the hatchlings is influenced by incubation has a ﬂ exible shell covered in a thin layer of leathery skin. This temperatures: hotter nests produce all females; cooler nests turtle has a dark color with white and pink spots. Leatherbacks are produce all males. Incubation period varies from 50 to 78 easily recognizable by the seven narrow ridges running the length days depending on temperature and humidity. Survival rate of the carapace, and by their particularly large front ﬂ ippers. is lower if incubation period is shorter.

The leatherback has a large head, and each side of the upper Threats: Populations of leatherback turtles have plummeted in jaw bears a tooth-like projection, fl anked on either side by a deep recent years, principally due to accidental capture in fi sheries and cusp. The limbs have no claws. The front fl ippers are longer than the over-harvest of eggs. Other threats include habitat loss, boat other sea turtles and may span 2.7 meters from tip to tip. The strikes, and ingestion of discarded plastics, which leatherbacks average weight may range from 300–600 kilograms. mistake for jellyfi sh.

Distribution: The leatherback is the most widely distributed of all Conservation: International trade in leatherback turtles and prod- sea turtles. Adult leatherbacks are adapted to colder water than ucts is banned under Appendix I of the Convention on International other sea turtles, a capability that is due to their protective thick Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and the turtle is protected and oily dermis, counter-current heat exchangers in the limbs, and throughout most of its range. Many conservation projects have other physiological adaptations. They can occur far from tropical been set up on various nesting locations. and subtropical nesting grounds, where water temperatures are between 10° and 20°C, such as the Indo-Pacifi c, Atlantic and Red List Status: Classifi ed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Mediterranean seas. Red List 2007; listed on Appendix I of CITES and Appendix I of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS or the Bonn Food: Soft-bodied invertebrates such as jellyfish, tunicates, Convention). crustaceans and juvenile fi shes. References Reproduction: To nest, females emerge at night on nesting ARKive (http://www.arkive.org/leatherback-turtle/dermochelys-coriacea/info.html) Field Guide for Marine Turtle Identifi cation and Management. Pawikan Conservation beaches to lay their eggs. Using their rear flippers, they ex- Project. Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau – Department of Environment and Natural cavate deep ‘boot shaped’ nests where they lay roughly 100 Resources. Philippines eggs. Around 20 percent of the eggs in each nest are small SeaLifeBase (http://www.sealifebase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=67021) Green Mussel Perna Viridis (Linnaeus, 1758)1

Common names: Asian brown mussel (FAO English); tahong by natural periodic aggregation.6 (Filipino); green mussel (English, India); green lipped mussel (Eng- lish, Malaysia). General Impacts: This species is highly invasive and can have economic, ecological and human health impacts. It can cause Description: This species is a fairly large mussel, commonly 8 problems with water systems of industrial complexes by clogging centimeters long and occasionally reaching a size of about 16.5 pipes, increasing corrosion and therefore reducing effi ciency. Fouling centimeters. Its shell is elongate, roughly triangular in outline with on marine vessels and mariculture equipment also results in raised one end swollen and pointed (anterior) and the other, rounded and costs and maintenance.8 The over abundance of this species leads compressed (posterior). The outer surface is nearly smooth with to changes in community structure and trophic relationships as concentric growth marks and faint radial lines. The outermost layer it outcompetes other local fouling organisms. It is also known to of the shell called periostracum, is attached, thick and smooth. harbor high levels of toxins and heavy metals and has been linked The ligamental ridge is fi nely pitted and the hinge has interlocking to shellfi sh poisoning in humans.9 teeth, a small one on the right valve and two on the left. The internal margins are smooth with the outside of the shell whitish under a bright periostracum that is dark brownish green (anterior) and olive-green to bright green (posterior). The interior is an iridescent pale bluish green, with a vivid green margin on periostracum.2 The wavy posterior end of the shell margin and the large kidney-shaped adductor muscle are diagnostic features of this species.3

Distribution: Known to be native to the Indo-Pacifi c, the species was introduced to Japan, Austra- Photos by Paolo Manzoni FAO Seafood in Europe CD ROM lia, Fiji, North and South America, French Polynesia, Venezuela and the Caribbean.2,4 Importance: This species is highly commercial and harvested in the Indo-Pacific as a human food resource due to its Habitat and Ecology: This mussel can be found in estuarine and dense and fast growth.3 It also serves as an indicator of marine tidal and subtidal habitats, forming dense aggregations of up biopollution of heavy metals, organochlorines and petroleum to 35,000 individuals per square meter on various structures, like hydrocarbons.10 vessels, buoys and other hard substrates.3 It can tolerate a wide range of salinities (0°80 ppt) and temperatures (7-37.5°C).5 Prepared by Conejar-Espedido, J.2, Dar, C.M., Pacres, L.D., Pa- glinawan, L.E., Pan, M.S., Sorongon, P.M.E., Palomares, M.L.D. Predators and Prey: Filter feeds on small plankton and other and WorldFish-Philippines suspended fi ne organic materials.6 The mussel is a popular table 1 Prepared from species summary page of www.sealifebase.org. (SeaLifeBase Project) seafood, preyed upon by Scylla serrata and other predators, such 2 Poutiers, J.M. 1998. Bivalves (Acephala, Lamellibranchia: Pelecypoda), In: The Living as other crustaceans, fi shes, sea stars and octopus.3 Marine Resources of the western Central Pacifi c. Vol. 1 Seaweeds, corals, bivalves and gastropods. Carpenter, K.E., Niem, V.H. eds) FAO, Rome Italy. 3 Vakily, J.M. 1989.The biology and culture of mussels of the genus Perna, ICLARM Reproduction: External sexual fertilization. Spawning peaks coincide Studies and Reviews 17, International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Manage- with the monsoon seasons except in the Philippines and Thailand ment, Manila, Philippines pp. 63. where spawning is year-round. Both sexes release gametes in the 4 Ray, G.L. 2005. Invasive Animal Species in Marine and Estuarine Environments: Biol- ogy and Ecology. Aquatic Nuisance Species Research Program. water column, where developed larvae remain for two weeks before 5 Segnini de Bravo, M.I., K.S. Chung and J.E. Perez. 1998. Salinity and temperature settling in benthic habitat as juveniles. Sexual maturity occurs at tolerances of the green and brown mussels, Perna viridis and Perna perna (Bivalvia, 15-30 millimeters shell length about 2-3 months age.7 Mytilidae), Revista de Biologia Tropical, Supplement, 46(5):121-126. 6 NIMPIS. 2002. http://www.marine.csiro.au/crimp/Reports/Perna_viridis_sheet.pdf 7 Rajagopal, S., V.P. Venugopalan, K.V.K. Nair, G. van der Velde, H.A. Jenner and C. Life Span: Growth rates are infl uenced by environmental factors den Hartog. 1998. Reproduction, growth rate and culture potential of the green mus- such as temperature, food availability and water movement. Life sel, Perna viridis. span is typically 2-3 years. 8 Ingrao, D.A., P.M. Mikkelsen and D.W. Hicks. 2001. Another introduced marine mussel in the Gulf of Mexico: the Indo Pacifi c green mussel, Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758) in Tampa Bay, Florida. Journal of Shellfi sh Research 20: 13-19. Mode of Introduction and Dispersion: The introduction of this 9 Hicks, D.W., O.F. McMahon and D.A. Ingrao. 2001. Two invasive mussels in the genus species from the Indo-Pacifi c to Atlantic waters is attributed to Perna in the Gulf of Mexico, In: Virtual Proceedings for the State of the Bay Symposium V. January 31 –February 2, 2001. Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, fouling on boat hulls and ballast-water traffi c. Local dispersion is Austin, Texas, USA pp 159-170. brought about mainly by aquaculture activities and is intensifi ed 10 Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commision (http://www.gsmfc.org). Spinner Dolphin Stenella longirostris (Gray, 1821)1

Common Names: USA: Spinner dolphin; Philippines: Lumba lumba. Description: Spinner dolphins have various forms depending on their geographical locations. Commonly, these are small and slender animals with a relatively long slender beak. They have a tripartite coloration: a dark grey band bordered above by a thin light line runs from the eye to the fl ipper; the sides are light colored and clearly discernable by a smooth curve running from the abdominal margin to just over the eye; the area around the abdomen and the stomach is white, very light with a speckled margin and the genital and axillary areas come together along the lower abdomen. The flippers are dark or speckled, outlined with a band that contrasts with the gular region by variable spots. In adult are listed on Appendix II of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS); males, the dorsal fi n is sickle-shaped or triangular and has a bulging and its value as a tourist attraction encourages different countries to small to medium ventral keel.3,4 form fi sheries Administrative Orders to mandate the proper conduct of 18 Importance: Spinner dolphins are the second most important dolphin tourism industries during cetacean watching activities. species in tuna fi sheries. They are used as shark bait and also for human Prepared by Sorongon, P.M.E.2, Conejar-Espedido, J., Dar, C.M., Pacres, consumption5 and are highly valued in ecotourism operations. L.D., Paglinawan, L.E., Pan, M.S., Palomares, M.L.D. and WorldFish- Distribution: Atlantic Ocean and Indo-Pacifi c: Stenella longirostris Philippines. longirostris: around oceanic islands in the tropical Atlantic, Indian, 1 Prepared from species summary page of www.sealifebase.org Western and Central Pacifi c, east to about 145°W; Stenella longiro- 2 SeaLifeBase Project, WorldFish Center Philippine Offi ce, Khush Hall, IRRI, Los Baños, stris orientalis: from off Baja California to Peru; Stenella longirostris Laguna, Philippines; Email: [email protected] centroamericana: from the Gulf of Tehuantepec in southern Mexico to 3 Perrin, W.F. 1972. Color patterns of spinner porpoises (Stenella cf. S. longirostris) of the Costa Rica.6 This species is present in all ASEAN countries except in Eastern Pacifi c and Hawaii, with comments on delphinid pigmentation. Fishery Bulletin 7 70(3):983�1003. landlocked Laos. 4 Perrin, W.F. 1998. Stenella longirostris. Mammalian Species 599:1-7. Ecology: An oceanic and pelagic species found in tropical and subtropical 5 Dolar, M.L.L., S.J. Leatherwood, C.J. Wood, M.N.R. Alava, C.L. Hill and L.V. Aragones. areas.8 Spinners swim with other species, e.g., spotted dolphins (Stenella 1994. Directed fi sheries for cetaceans in the Philippines. Rep. Int. Whal. Commn. 9 44:439�449. attenuata) and yellowfi n tuna (Thunnus albacares). They rest all day 6 and feed at night.10 They sometimes seek shallow sandy bottoms of Rice, D.W. 1998. Marine Mammals of the World Systematics and Distribution. Special 6 Publication number 4: The Society for Marine Mammalogy. 231p. protected coves in order to protect themselves from predators. 7 IUCN 2008. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. . Food and Predators: 4,5 They feed mainly on lantern fi shes, bar- Downloaded on 11 March 2009. racudinas, big scales and other small fi shes, e.g., grenadiers, snake 8 Norris, K.S., B. Wursig, R.S. Wells and M. Wursig. 1994. The Hawaiian spinner dolphin. mackerel,11,12 and enope and fl ying squids.13 They are preyed on by Los Angeles, California: University of California Press. 9 American Cetacean Society. 2004. Spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris. American sharks, killer whales and possibly false killer whales, pygmy killer Cetacean Society Fact Sheet. http://www.acsonline.org/factpack/spinnerDolphin/spin- whales and pilot whales.7 ner�dolphin.pdf Reproduction: Sexual maturity: 4-7 years (females, 165-170 cm); 10 Jefferson, T.A., S. Leatherwood and M.A. Webber. 1993. FAO Species Identifi cation 7-10 years (males, 160-180 cm). Breeding system: promiscuous, with Guide: Marine Mammals of the World. Rome, FAO. 320 p. + 587 fi gures. 11 Wang, S. (ed.) 1998. China red data book of endangered animals. Pisces. National observable courtship display. Gestation period: averages 10 months. Environmental Protection Agency. Endangered Species Scientifi c Commision. Science Litter size: one calf; born at 3-year intervals, nursed for at least a year Press, Beijing, China. 247p. and weaned between 1-3 years.2,14 12 Dolar, M.L.L., W.A. Walker, G.L. Kooyman and W.F. Perrin. 2003. Comparartive feeding ecology of spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) and fraser’s dolphins (Lagenodelphis L/W Relationship: The nearest available length-weight relationship is hosei) in the Sulu Sea. Marine Mammal Science 19(1):1-19. for the eastern tropical Pacifi c population with W(kilograms)= 2.78 13 Silva, J.M. Jr., F.J.D. Silva, C Sazima and I. Sazima. 2007. Trophic relationships of - L(centimeters)4.5216 the spinner dolphin at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, SW Atlantic. Scientia Marina 71(3):505�511. Red List Status: Data Defi cient. Only a few studies have been done 14 Norris, K.S. 1991. Dolphin days: the life and times of the Spinner dolphin. W.W. Norton on the abundance from regions other than the eastern tropical Pacifi c. & Company, New York, London. These populations are exposed to direct and indirect fi sheries. In the 15 Von Bertalanffy parameters computed using FiSAT and length�frequency data In Perrin, Indian Ocean, kills have been reported by the hundreds and thousands, W.F. and J.R. Henderson. 1979. Growth and reproductive rates in two populations of representing a large proportion of their global population. The IUCN spinner dolphins, Stenella longirostris, with different histories of exploitation. Rep. Int. cites an estimate of global population decline at 30 per cent. Though Whal. Comm. Special Issue 6:417-430. 16 Perrin, W.F., M.L.L. Dolar, C.M. Chan and S.J. Chivers. 2005. Length-weight relation- the eastern spinner population has recently become stable, there are ships in the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris). Marine Mammal Science 21(4):765- no clear signs of recovery.7 778. 17 Cheung, W.W.L., T.J. Pitcher and D. Pauly. 2005. A fuzzy logic expert system to Conservation and Management Measures: This species is included estimate intrinsic extinction vulnerabilities of marine fi shes to fi shing. Biol. Conserv. in the following: Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade 124:97-111. in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); the eastern 18 Reeves, R.R. 2002. Conservation efforts. In: Perrin, W.F., Würsig, B. and Thewissen, tropical Pacifi c and Southeast Asian populations of the spinner dolphin J.G.M. Eds. Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Academic Press, London. Whale Shark Rhincodon typus (Smith, 1828)

Description: The whale shark is the largest fi sh and reaches Reproduction: Very little is known about the reproduction of sizes of 9-12 meters and may weigh up to 12,500 kilograms. It the world’s largest fi sh, other than that they are ovoviviparous, generally resembles whales, hence the name whale shark. The and litter size is over 300 pups (Ovoviviparous refers to animals head is fl attened and the wide mouth, positioned at the tip of that produce eggs but retain them inside the female body until the snout, stretches almost as wide as the body. The dorsal fi n hatching occurs, so that “live” offsprings are born). is particularly large and the tail has a half-moon shape. The body Threats: Whale sharks have been fished throughout their has a very distinct pattern, with dark greyish-blue color on the range, and their flesh is highly valued in some Asian mar- back and sides, as well as an array of pale yellow blotches. The kets. A slow reproduction rate adds to their vulnerability. whale shark’s undersurface is pale. Stout ridges travel the length In some areas, they have become important tourist attrac- of the body, ending at the tail shaft. There are fi ve massive gill tions, but the impact of shark-watching tours is still poorly slits, within which are sieve-like structures of cartilage, on the side understood. of the head. The mouth contains around 300 tiny teeth although the function of these is unknown. Whale sharks are fairly docile Conservation: In Southeast Asia, whale sharks are prime at- creatures and harmless. tractions in ecotourism destinations such as in Thailand and the Philippines. The Philippines has also banned the catching of whale Distribution: Whale sharks are found throughout the world’s sharks in its waters. International conservation and management of oceans in temperate and tropical waters, most commonly in a whale sharks is also encouraged by its listing on the Convention global band around the equator between 30° to 40° latitude. They on Migratory Species (CMS) and the Convention on International inhabit shallow coastal areas as well as the open ocean. Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Biology: Whale sharks can be found singly, or in groups of Red List Status: Classified as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red over 100 individuals. They are often associated with groups of List 2007; listed in Appendix II of the Bonn Convention for pelagic fi shes, especially scombrids (which comprises mackerels the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals in and tunas). The species is highly migratory and moves between 1999; classified as a highly migratory species, in Annex I ocean basins and national jurisdictions, but generally returns to of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the the same sites annually. Sea (UNCLOS), which called for ‘coordinated management Food: They feed on planktonic and nektonic prey, such as small and assessment to better understand cumulative impacts of fi shes (sardines, anchovies, mackerel, juvenile tunas and albacore), fishing effort on the status of the shared populations’ of small crustaceans and squid. When feeding, whale sharks are often these sharks; included in Appendix II of the Convention on seen in a vertical position with the head at or near the surface. International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and The sharks turn their heads from side to side when actively feed- Flora (CITES) since May 2003. ing on zooplankton, with part of the head lifted out of the water. The sharks feed by opening and closing their mouths 7-28 times References per minute, and these suction gulps are synchronized with the ARKive (http://www.arkive.org/whale-shark/rhincodon-typus/info.html) opening and closing of the gill slits. FishBase (http://fi shbase.sinica.edu.tw/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=2081)