Tree kangaroo conservation program
2009 Annual Report Front Cover Photos A. Ryan Hawk / Woodland Park Zoo B. Ryan Hawk / Woodland Park Zoo C. Bruce Beehler / Conservation International
Back Cover Photos A. TKCP B. Bruce Beehler / Conservation International C. Bruce Beehler / Conservation International
Bruce Beehler / Conservation International contents about us 2
Year in Review 4
Conservation 6
Research 10
Community Development & Livelihoods 14
Education 16
Health 18
Conservation Trust 21
TKCP Press 2009 22 support 2009 24
Yus Conservation Area Map 27 ABOUT US 2 T K cp: 2009 A 2009 cp: vision / The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program envisions a sustainable, healthy environment that maintains the unique biodiversity of Papua New Guinea
nn in balance with the culture and needs of human communities. u a l R epor Mission / The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program fosters wildlife and habitat
t conservation and supports local community livelihoods in Papua New Guinea through global partnerships, land protection, and scientific research.
History TKCP, Conservation International, One of Woodland Park Zoo’s towards conservation, protecting and the German Development “Partners for Wildlife,” The Tree the habitat of the Matschie’s tree Bank Lifeweb Initiative Kangaroo Conservation Program kangaroo and other endemic and TKCP has entered a unique and (TKCP) has been partnering with endangered species. exciting period in the history of local landowners on the Huon our program. In 2008, TKCP was Peninsula in Papua New Guinea TKCP and the people of YUS awarded a multi-year grant from (PNG) for over a decade. An achieved a major milestone in Conservational International (CI), innovative collaboration involving January 2009, when the PNG through the German Development indigenous communities, scientists, National Government granted Bank (KfW) and Germany’s teachers, students, health workers, official recognition to the YUS “Lifeweb Climate Change and conservationists, among Conservation Area, protecting the Initiative.” Under this special others, TKCP is creating and area from resource extraction in initiative, goals include: managing the country’s first perpetuity. The YUS Conservation officially-recognized Conservation Area extends from sea level to »» Developing a Management Area (CA). 4,000 meters, thus preserving a Plan for the Conservation Area complete altitudinal spectrum and a Landscape Plan to guide TKCP works in and around the of Huon Peninsula habitats sustainable land use in YUS YUS Local Level Government from coral reefs to cloud forest »» Building the capacity of region in Morobe Province, PNG. and mountain peaks, including indigenous people to manage YUS stands for the three main the home of the endemic and the YUS Conservation Area watersheds in the region: Yopno, endangered Matschie’s tree by establishing a Community Uruwa, and Som. The region kangaroo. The tree kangaroo has Based Organization is home to over 10,000 people important cultural significance living in over 45 villages. The for the local indigenous people, »» Piloting fast growing fuelwood people of YUS rely on the land and serves as a flagship species and livelihood projects for for subsistence and hunting, for the YUS Conservation Area. income-generation and understand the importance In addition to research and »» Developing a system of of protecting the forest and conservation, TKCP has worked ecological and socio- wildlife. Indigenous people own to build capacity and improve the economical monitoring for the all of the land in the YUS area, standard of living in indigenous YUS CA to evaluate the impact including the land pledged to communities. Community of conservation and community the YUS Conservation Area. improvement projects include work in YUS Working with TKCP, indigenous addressing health care access, communities have pledged more providing education opportunities, »» Supporting research into the than 180,000 acres of rain forest and creating a Community Based impacts of climate change on Organization to locally manage YUS and promote the expansion the YUS Conservation Area. of protected areas in PNG, with the YUS CA serving as a model 3 Achieving these objectives is a b essential to the long-term success o
Tree Kangaroo Conservation u ut of the YUS Conservation Area. Through collaboration with Program Staff s Conservation International, our long-time supporter and Dr. Lisa Dabek Susan O’Neil partner, TKCP was able to make Program Director and Program Manager, great progress towards these Senior Conservation Woodland Park Zoo, objectives in 2009. For this special Scientist, Woodland Seattle, Washington initiative, TKCP has restructured Park Zoo, Seattle, USA. Washington USA. and has brought on additional staff, including US Program Coordinator Hilary Aten, Regional Mike Heywood Ruby Yamuna Manager Mike Heywood, Regional Program PNG Program Manager, Cairns, Coordinator, Lae, Agroforestry and Livelihoods Australia/Lae, PNG. Papua New Guinea. Coordinator Zachary Wells, and Community Development Coordinator Benjamin Sipa. Wells and Sipa will focus their efforts on Hilary Aten Karau Kuna, Jr. community development in YUS, US Program Mapping and with Heywood now supervising Coordinator, Conservation & GIS TKCP staff and projects in Cairns, Woodland Park Zoo, Coordinator, Lae, Seattle, Washington Papua New Guinea. Australia and Lae, PNG. USA.
Common Acronyms Zachary Wells Benjamin Sipa Agroforestry Community TKCP / Tree Kangaroo and Community Development Conservation Program Livelihoods Coordinator, Lae, Coordinator, Cairns, PNG. WPZ / Woodland Park Zoo Australia/Lae, PNG. (Seattle, Washington, USA) PNG / Papua New Guinea Gabriel Porolak Danny Samandingke YUS / Yopno/Uruwa/Som Research and Education Monitoring Coordinator, Teptep CA / Conservation Area Coordinator, Lae, village, YUS LLG, CBO / Community Based Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea. Organization YUS CO / YUS Conservation Organization (title of the CBO) Dono Ogate Namo Yaoro NGO / Non Governmental Conservation Conservation Officer, Officer,Yawan village, Keweng village, YUS Organization YUS LLG, Papua New LLG, Papua New CI / Conservation International Guinea. Guinea. KfW / German Development Bank JCU / James Cook University (Cairns, Queensland, Australia) Victor Eki Matthew Tombe Mapping Assistant, Mapping Assistant, NGS / National Geographic Society Towet village, YUS Isan village, YUS LLG, LLG / Local Level Government LLG, Papua New Papua New Guinea. Guinea. GIS / Geographic Information Systems TREE KANGAROO CONSERVATION PROGRAM YEAR IN REVIEW
Photo by Ryan Hawk / Woodland Park Zoo 2009 Year in Review Y 5 YUS Conservation Area Woodland Park Zoo and TKCP New Resources for Landowners ear in revie in ear Declared! in the News TKCP provided YUS landowners On January 9th, 2009 the 2009 was a banner year in with a PNG Landowners Law Papua New Guinea National the media spotlight, featuring Booklet and YUS Indigenous Maps.
Government granted official extensive global coverage of the Developed in collaboration with w recognition to the YUS official declaration for the YUS Community Conservation Inc, Conservation Area (CA). On Conservation Area, as well as the Center for Native Lands, and April 22nd a celebration took TKCP’s Crittercam work with National Geographic Society, these place in Teptep village with National Geographic. Through guides and maps were printed and local landowners, government collaboration with partners distributed throughout YUS in 2009. officials, staff, and TKCP partners Conservation International and in attendance, including National Geographic, these New YUS Teachers for Villages representatives from Conservation stories received prime coverage In 2009, five new students received International. on CNN.com, MSNBC, and ABC’s scholarships from TKCP to attend World News and Nightline, among Balob Teacher’s College in Lae, New Tree Kangaroo Research others. PNG. Three students graduated from with National Geographic’s Balob under a TKCP scholarship Crittercam Increased Capacity Building in in 2008, and began their six-year In pilot field research conducted YUS Communities teaching commitment in YUS in with National Geographic in TKCP made great strides in 2009. the fall of 2009, TKCP scientists 2009 for community livelihood collared two wild Matschie’s tree projects benefiting the people Improved Health Services for kangaroos with mounted cameras, of YUS, including potential YUS Communities allowing for the collection of new income-generating projects In 2009, TKCP continued to assist information on the behavior of tree such as YUS-grown coffee, and YUS communities with gaining kangaroos for future research. sustainable land use projects such health services, including workshops as agroforestry for fuel wood and and solar refrigerators for YUS construction materials. aid posts. The refrigerators will allow YUS villagers to access much needed vaccines, previously impossible to store because of lack of electricity.
YUS Conservation Trust Fund Through a generous challenge grant from Conservation International’s Global Conservation Fund, TKCP is raising funds for a YUS Conservation Trust Fund — an endowment which will provide future annual income to support the long term management of the YUS Conservation Area. You can help — please visit www.zoo.org/tkcp/abcnews. CONSERVATION
Dancer at the YUS Celebration in Teptep village Photo by Ryan Hawk / Woodland Park Zoo Celebration of the YUS Conservation Area 7 2009 was a record year of on April 22nd, 2009 (U.S. Earth Dr. Bruce Beehler (CI), and Dr. conserva accomplishment for TKCP, Day) to formally recognize the Andrew Krockenberger (James beginning with the National creation of the YUS Conservation Cook University). Executive Council’s formal Area. This monumental t declaration of the YUS celebration was held in Teptep The two-day celebration ion Conservation Area in January. village. Over five hundred featured traditional “Sing The declaration represents the members of the YUS community, Sing” performances along with culmination of a decade of work WPZ and CI staff, international formal speeches by Dr. Lisa on the part of the people of YUS, guests, and significant PNG Dabek and visiting officials. For all levels of PNG government, government officials were in many attendees this event was particularly the Department of attendance. Honorable guests the first time they had heard Environment & Conservation, YUS included PNG Acting Prime or seen elected officials from Local Level Government, and Minister and Deputy Prime the Provincial and National Morobe Provincial Government, Minister Dr. Puka Temu, Minister Government in person. They and dedicated partners such for the Environment Benny Allen, learned that YUS landowners are as Conservation International Minister for Defense Bob Dadae considered conservation leaders (CI). Official approval of the (also the Member of Parliament for PNG and their bold act of YUS Conservation Area is representing this district), the creating the first Conservation significant because it provides an Morobe Provincial Governor Area will serve as a model for unprecedented level of protection Luther Wenge, Kabwum District other regions of PNG. The visiting against resource extraction and Administrator, other district governmental leaders addressed represents the first implementation officials, and all members of the the lack of attention YUS has of PNG’s Conservation Areas Act YUS Local Level Government. received in the past for health and of 1978. The YUS Conservation The PNG Department for education services, promising Area (YUS CA), encompasses Environment and Conservation improvement. The day will be over 180,000 acres of pristine was represented not just by the remembered for a long time to cloud forest, lowland forest, and Minister, but also by staff members come by the people of YUS as other habitats, protecting endemic who have attended landowner marking an important milestone. endangered and threatened workshops in YUS and have been The fact that numerous national, species of bird of paradise, collaborating with TKCP on the provincial, and district officials, cassowary, long-beaked echidna, management plan for the YUS as well as NGO leaders gathered and Matschie’s tree kangaroo. Conservation Area. CI-PNG was in YUS to officially launch the represented by Modi Pontio and first-of-its-kind YUS Conservation To celebrate this achievement, Kepslok Kumilgo. International Area solidified the importance TKCP and the people of YUS guests included Chris Stone of conservation and the act of hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony (CI Global Conservation Fund), pledging land in the minds of the local people.
You can experience the celebration through the video, “Papua New Guinea’s FIRST Conservation Area” on WPZ’s You Tube channel — www.youtube.com/woodlandparkzoo; You can also find this and other videos on TKCP’s new webpage to be launched in Dabek and Porolak with Keweng community members at the YUS CA Celebration May of 2010 — www.zoo.org/treekangaroo. 8 T K cp: 2009 A 2009 cp: Mapping the YUS Conservation Area nn u a l R epor t
The YUS Conservation Area, with Mapped land parcels vs. the Proposed CA Boundary
2009 was a highly successful In addition to making progress their recruitment in April this year for the TKCP Mapping towards mapping the YUS CA’s year, mapped land parcels and project. Under Karau Kuna, the boundaries, the TKCP Mapping conservation awareness has TKCP Conservation and GIS Team has grown in capacity. doubled. With the efforts of the Coordinator, the TKCP Mapping TKCP hired two Mapping mapping team, TKCP aims to yield team demarcated another 17 land Assistants from YUS to work more acreage of pledged land to parcels (14,634 acres), adding to with landowners to map the the YUS Conservation Area in the 36 parcels mapped in previous pledged land areas that make 2010. To support Kuna’s work, he years (54,252 acres). In total, TKCP up the YUS CA. Matthew Tombe received additional Geographic has now mapped in detail a total (from Isan village in the Yopno Information Systems (GIS) training of 68,886 acres of the YUS CA. region) and Victor Eki (from Towet in 2009 through Environmental In another achievement for the village in the Uruwa region of Systems Research Institute (ESRI) biodiversity protected by the YUS YUS) were recruited to assist in Brisbane, Australia, which will CA, the areas mapped in 2009 Kuna with raising awareness build his capacity in support of his included a stretch of coral reef on of the YUS CA in YUS, and to expanded role as Conservation the coast of the Yopno region. map the boundaries of land and GIS Coordinator. pledged to the YUS CA. Since 9 conserva Landowner Resources Ecological
Monitoring t ion Workshop
Systematically monitoring the biological health of an ecosystem provides critical information on the impacts of conservation interventions, and helps guide resource management strategies for local communities. In late October, TKCP partner James Cook University (JCU) in Cairns, Australia hosted the “Workshop on Monitoring Rainforest Wildlife in PNG for the YUS Conservation Area.” With funding from Conservation International (CI YUS community members reviewing the YUS CA Indigenous maps through KfW), the workshop In order to promote sustainable Wycliffe Antonio and his fellow staff participants included staff from management of the new YUS in the Cartography Department TKCP, JCU, CI, and biologists from Conservation Area, TKCP is at the University of Technology PNG, including staff from the PNG working to provide indigenous in Lae, PNG. In 2009, these maps Institute for Biological Research landowners with the necessary were finalized with assistance from (IBR) and University of PNG. The tools to guide land use and resource Conservation International and workshop focused on determining management in YUS. These tools printed and distributed throughout the initial steps for establishing include Indigenous Maps of YUS, YUS. The maps are important tools long-term community based a Landowner Law Booklet, and for YUS landowners, aiding their monitoring in YUS, including a Management Plan for the YUS resource management choices and identification of wildlife species Conservation Area (CA). decision-making in the YUS CA. and systems for monitoring the core protected area and adjacent In collaboration with Dr. Mac The Landowner Law Booklet, buffer areas. In 2010, staff from Chapin of the Center for the a project begun in 2005 in JCU, CI, and TKCP will collaborate Support of Native Lands in partnership with Dr. Robert to develop and test protocols for Washington DC, USA, and with Horwich of Community biological and socio-economic additional funding from the Conservation Inc, Grey Mills, monitoring of YUS. National Geographic Society, Wisconsin, USA, describes the TKCP worked with landowners PNG conservation and land tenure- from across YUS to create the related laws that landowners Indigenous Maps of YUS. Through should be aware of when they this project, local landowners pledge land for conservation. In identified culturally and 2009 this valuable communication biologically significant landmarks tool was translated into Tok Pisin within YUS, which are annotated (PNG lingua franca), printed and on the maps using traditional distributed to YUS communities, language and symbols. The maps and is now available for PNG were digitized into Geographic government agencies and NGOs. Information Systems (GIS) by research 10 T K cp: 2009 A 2009 cp: nn u a l R epor t
Field Research Scientific in YUS Publications
In 2009, TKCP Research and Tree Kangaroo Genetics Monitoring Coordinator Gabriel In 2009, collaborating scientist TJ Porolak assisted CI Senior McGreevy completed his Ph.D. Research Scientist Dr. Bruce at the University of Rhode Island. Beehler in establishing research While completing his doctorate, sites along an elevational transect McGreevy worked under the in the YUS CA. The transects direction of Dr. Tom Husband and will allow Beehler and team to Dr. Dabek to complete research study wildlife response to climate on the genetic diversity of change. Porolak continued to A wild Matschie’s tree kangaroo in YUS captive and wild tree kangaroos. work with Dr. Dabek and Dr. McGreevy, Dabek, and Husband Above: The cloud forest of the YUS Andrew Krockenberger of JCU on Conservation Area on the Huon successfully published the tree kangaroo manuscripts and Peninsula, PNG article, “Microsatellite Marker research which will be published Photo by Andrew Krockenberger / JCU Development and Mendelian in 2010. Analysis in the Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei)” in the Journal of Heredity, September 2009. 11
National Geographic Crittercam researc h Living at extreme elevations within the rugged landscape of the cloud forest, the Matschie’s tree kangaroo is incredibly elusive and difficult to research. Through a generous grant from National Geographic Society’s Waitt Grants Program, TKCP partnered in 2009 with National Geographic’s Remote Imaging Department to test the applicability of a video research tool, “Crittercam©”, to capture data on behavior of tree kangaroos in the wild. By mounting a camera on a collar worn by a tree kangaroo, resulting video can provide new insights into the animals’ behavior in the canopy, as well as test the viability of Crittercam systems for other arboreal species in the future.
In the fall of 2009, Dr. Dabek and NGS’s Kyler Abernathy led A Matschie’s tree kangaroo wearing a National Geographic Crittercam Photo by Kyler Abernathy / National Geographic Society a team to the Wasaunon field research site to deploy the tree kangaroo Crittercams. National Geographic’s Remote Imaging Department custom-designed a camera system mounted on a collar, which was programmed to record the animal’s activities at various time intervals. Using best estimates of when the tree Porolak and National Geographic’s Abernathy and field crew kangaroos were likely to be active, Abernathy review the Crittercam technology the recording intervals were assistance from YUS landowners ground movement, and pouch- staggered during daylight hours and villagers, the research team cleaning behavior of a female over multiple days, hoping to was able to capture and deploy carrying a joey in pouch. The capture as much of the animals’ Crittercams on two wild Matschie’s research trip was also successful behavior as possible. Ultimately, tree kangaroos, collecting several in generating high national level the goal of the high definition hours of footage. US media for TKCP in 2009. Now Crittercam was to capture data that this tool has been shown to on the wild behavior of tree Initial analysis of the footage work in the field, TKCP will be kangaroos, including times of includes observations of tree pursuing future long-term tree feeding, movements, plants eaten, kangaroos eating ferns and kangaroo research using NGS and any new plant species found orchids in the canopy, primarily Crittercam. in the cloud forest canopy. With crepuscular times of activity, Community Development & Livelihoods
Photo by Ryan Hawk / Woodland Park Zoo 13
Through a community-based approach comm Agroforestry
to conservation, TKCP has made u ni much progress in bringing health Destruction of forest for firewood d ty and building materials is a major eve and education services to YUS in conservation challenge in PNG. l opmen In 2009 TKCP launched a new Agroforestry initiative to help local collaboration with Kabwum District t & l villagers develop sustainable and Morobe Province. TKCP has alternatives. Agroforestry work ive l i stems from needs identified h oo worked to link government services through 2008 TKCP surveys on the d availability of trees for fuelwood s with the remote villages in YUS not and construction. Since August accessible by road. The majority of 2009, TKCP Agroforestry and Livelihoods Project Coordinator people in these regions have difficulty Zachary Wells has worked to develop new partnerships for generating household income. In these new projects with groups such as the Agroforestry and spite of the geographical obstacles of Novel Crops Unit at JCU. The goal is for YUS landowners to grow remote and rugged terrain, families their own fuelwood and some of the other traditional trees that in YUS must find a way to pay school they use for food, medicines, and construction materials. TKCP and clinic fees, and purchase the staff conducted awareness trips necessities of life in village markets through 16 villages in the Uruwa and Som regions during the last or on rare trips to town. In 2009 half of 2009. The Yopno region will be visited in early 2010 and TKCP began partnering with local fuelwood workshops will continue throughout YUS. landowners to address some of these economic challenges, marking the beginning of new TKCP projects aimed at continuing to improve livelihoods and community resources for YUS landowners. Anthropogenic grasslands and gardens are created by burning forested land in YUS 14 T K cp: 2009 A 2009 cp: Livelihoods Infrastructure
Under the German Goverment nn
u “Lifeweb Initiative,” TKCP began a l R new community infrastructure epor projects in 2009. The main
t project completed in 2009 was construction of an airstrip in the Yopno region of YUS. The airstrip services a large population from six villages (Keweng, Mengan, Nombo, Tapmange, Kumbul, and Wungon) in Ward 12 of the YUS Local Level Government area. Local villagers have been working toward the establishment of the airstrip for over 14 years; however
Zachary Wells speaks with Yawan community members about coffee projects they were not able to finish the project due to presence of large In late 2009, Wells organized fertilizers or pesticides. Additional unbreakable boulders. TKCP was trips through the Uruwa and awareness trips for the Yopno able to bring the necessary tools Som regions of YUS to talk with region are planned for 2010. and contract a team to complete landowners about working the airstrip. The first test flight together on a new coffee project, In December 2009, TKCP staff met on the airstrip was conducted in the YUS Coffee for Land and with coffee roasters in Seattle, October of 2009, and the official People. With assistance from Washington, USA. The YUS story dedication of the airstrip will take Carl Aglai and Michael Toliman, of conservation and sustainable place in 2010. two extension agents with PNG’s development, along with the high- quality of PNG coffee, may help Coffee Industry Corporation, Wells As with any community- YUS growers command a much and TKCP Conservation Officer based conservation program, improved income from their coffee. Dono Ogate held meetings across communication with the local A meeting was also held with a the region, answering questions communities is critical for Seattle-based chocolate company and developing project plans. ongoing success. Because YUS to explore the possible market for Although coffee has long been is so remote, TKCP improved cocoa already grown in the lower grown in YUS, rugged terrain communications by purchasing elevations of YUS, where coffee and lack of transportation have and installing an office VHF radio growing is not an option. historically prevented a viable that will connect the TKCP Lae coffee market from developing In 2010, TKCP will continue to office to YUS communities. The in this region. These trips were engage the Coffee Industry TKCP radio is also connected the first visits to the region by Corporation and a coffee to the Provincial Disaster Relief coffee extension agents. The consultant to provide technical office, the Provincial Health office, team gathered baseline data trainings for the YUS grower as well as local flight operators on productivity for more than groups. TKCP is also assisting the which can allow for faster 450 growers in 35 existing groups to access the international response in emergency situations grower groups, and conducted specialty coffee market, and is within the local communities. quality tests on YUS coffee with developing plans to tie this work TKCP is also providing new VHF encouraging results. All YUS in with the establishment of the radios to key villages to increase coffee is shade-grown without Community Based Organization. overall communication among YUS villages. 15 Infrastructure comm u ni d ty eve l opmen t & l ive l i h oo d s
YUS community member wearing the YUS conservation area shirt at the CA celebration
Community Based Organization
TKCP has worked with the community to be a part of the YUS communities to officially YUS CO committees, which will establish a Community Based advise the Organization. The YUS Organization, called the YUS CO will consist of committees Conservation Organization including the Education (YUS CO). Registered with the Committee, Conservation and The Tapmanga airstrip in Keweng village PNG national government in 2009, Management Committee, and the YUS CO has been set up to Health Committee. In 2010 a empower the local communities new TKCP staff person will be to work together to manage the hired to focus entirely on the YUS Conservation Area and to establishment and sustainability allow them to develop ongoing of this critical organization. In community projects that will 2010, TKCP will begin recruiting a help improve quality of life for the board of advisors to help manage YUS people. the overall organization. This board of advisors will be made up A draft copy of the constitution of representatives from the YUS was translated into Tok Pisin community, local and national language for a scheduled formal government, NGOs, and TKCP staff. review at the first meeting of the YUS CO in 2010. During 2008/2009, the YUS communities nominated members from each education 16 T K cp: 2009 A 2009 cp: nn u a l R epor t
TKCP’s Danny Samandingke and the Acting Prime Minister / Deputy Prime Minister of PNG, Dr. Puka Temu Photo by Ryan Hawk / Woodland Park Zoo
Awareness & Outreach
Equipped with new awareness materials including posters and maps, TKCP Community Officers Dono Ogate (Uruwa) and Namo Yaoro (Yopno) continue to conduct awareness trips throughout the YUS region. These trips TKCP has been able to purchase much needed supplies for YUS schools in 2009 are designed to increase the community understanding of the newly created YUS Conservation Education Area and the ongoing work of TKCP with the region. In addition, Under coordination by TKCP’s TKCP since the beginning of the because theater and drama is Education Coordinator Danny program in 2001 and most are still an important means of sharing Samandingke, a new group working in YUS area schools. information in YUS, TKCP helped of YUS students, sponsored by organize a theater group to TKCP and the YUS Local Level In 2008 and 2009 TKCP conducted spread conservation awareness Government, began school at follow-up interviews with local in YUS in 2009. By the end of Balob Teachers College in early teachers to gauge the ongoing 2009, the theater group performed 2009. In addition, three TKCP needs of each school. In 2009, conservation awareness dramas in scholarship recipients graduated TKCP was able to provide some of fifteen villages in Yopno, and has and began teaching in YUS the much needed equipment and plans to continue performances schools. TKCP continues to assist supplies to eight primary schools across YUS through 2010. In 2010 a with the shortage of teachers in (kindergarten through 2nd grade), TKCP Conservation Officer will be remote YUS schools and supports 21 elementary schools (3rd through appointed for the Som region. students each year to gain 8th grade) and 15 pre-schools teacher certification. Through the throughout YUS. The requested scholarships, students agree to equipment included much needed return to YUS to teach for 6 years desks, text books, library/reference after graduation. Sixteen students books, and sports equipment. have now been sponsored by Additional supplies included 17 additional copies of the PNG e National Reform Curriculum for Conservation Connection: du teachers. ca t Global Youth Art Exchange ion In 2009, TKCP’s Samandingke held two rounds of in-service workshops with YUS teachers. During his first in-service in May he visited YUS Primary Schools to get teachers and students involved in the TKCP Annual World Environment Day Essay Contest. Samandingke conducted classroom visits to talk about conservation issues and had students write essays and poems regarding ways they can help conservation efforts in their communities. Samandingke started a second round of in- service visits to YUS Primary Schools in September/October Drawing of tree kangaroo by YUS Student and presented on topics such Photo by Bruce Beehler / Conservation International as conservation practices and TKCP’s Global Youth Art local wildlife) by writing letters English teaching techniques. In Exchange project has provided and producing artwork with 2010 Samandingke will continue opportunities for YUS students written descriptions in English. coordinating the Teacher to exchange art and letters In previous years, US TKCP staff Scholarships and in-service with American and Australian has coordinated the exchange, by workshops for YUS schools. In students since 1999. Students collecting art work and letters from addition as part of the TKCP/Hutan communicate on a range US and Australian schools for Exchange Program, with funding of topics including wildlife, distribution to PNG village schools from the Shared Earth Foundation conservation, and community and vice versa, and providing Samandingke will participate life. In partnership with St. Louis PNG schools with art supplies in a professional development Zoo, this successful program has and instruction. In 2009, the St. training in Borneo with the engaged PNG students in an Louis Zoo has agreed to adopt community-based conservation ongoing exchange of art and ideas the coordination of the US portion program, Hutan Asian Elephant/ about conservation and ecology of the Art Exchange, with Anne Kinabatangan Orangutan with fellow students in the US Bartin, Zoological Manager at St. Conservation Project. and Australia. Students in each Louis Children’s Zoo, taking the country educate each other about lead for this project in the US. conservation issues (focusing on
YUS children learn about the importance of protecting the environment through TKCP’s Education Project health
Photo by Bruce Beehler / Conservation International H 19
Healthy Village, Healthy Forest Initiative ea lth
Since 2005, TKCP has conducted TKCP also sponsored health interviews with local community patrols to Yopno, Som, and health care workers to gauge Uruwa regions of YUS in 2009. the needs of each village and Working with Dr. Gerard Saleu health center. Through follow-up from the Institute for Medical interviews conducted in 2009, Research (IMR) in Goroka, the TKCP was able to provide some TKCP Health Project provided of the much needed equipment funding and coordination for and supplies to five main health health patrols in YUS by dentists centers and 10 smaller aid posts and general nurses. The health throughout YUS. The requested patrols took place in the Som equipment included infant scales, Region, Uruwa Region, and thermometers, blood pressure Yopno Region, and were able to gauges, stethoscopes, solar treat over 1,000 YUS community flashlights, patient beds, and basic members and vaccinate first aid supplies. hundreds of children in the villages. These health patrols TKCP sponsored the Kabwum were conducted at a critical The Teptep village aid post District Health Department to hold time when a cholera outbreak Photo by Ryan Hawk / Woodland Park Zoo another Village Birth Attendant occurred in Morobe Province, (midwife) Workshop in Teptep and health patrol nurses were village in February 2009. The able to discuss the importance Teptep workshop was a success of hygiene in controlling the with 25 participants receiving spread of the disease. training and medical kits. TKCP has planned with the Provincial Health Department to conduct additional workshops throughout YUS in Family Planning, HIV/AIDS, Health posters in YUS aid posts help spread information on nutrition and medical issues Hygiene, and Nutrition in 2010. Photo by Ryan Hawk / Woodland Park Zoo
TKCP conducts its work in some of the most remote areas of PNG. These areas receive little in healthcare services and supplies. To improve access to healthcare, TKCP has been collaborating with the National, Provincial and District level Health Departments to support their priorities and to raise funds in support of YUS health centers and health care workers to treat the local community. 20 T K cp: 2009 A 2009 cp: Immunization Initiative
Immunizations are a major nn
u focus for the Healthy Village, a l R Healthy Forest Project. In order epor to make vaccinations regularly available, TKCP purchased t five solar refrigerators for YUS health centers in 2009. These solar refrigerators are necessary in remote villages, which have no other way of keeping vital medications and vaccinations cold, and will allow for regular vaccinations of the local community. In addition to the refrigerators, TKCP purchased
solar lights to be placed in the Solar refrigerators provided to YUS aid posts by TKCP will allow Community Health health centers. Installation Workers to regularly vaccinate the communities planned for 2010. In the future, Photo by Ryan Hawk / Woodland Park Zoo TKCP hopes to have more solar lights installed in health centers and aid posts in YUS. TKCP will continue to build the Healthy Village, Healthy Forest Initiative in 2010.
Yawan aid post Conservation Trust 21
One of the biggest challenges 2008, Conservation International conserva in ensuring the long-term (CI), a long-time Tree Kangaroo success of a protected area is Conservation Program (TKCP) t identifying a sustainable source partner and supporter, issued a t ion of funding to support long-term generous challenge grant through r u
operations, such as management the CI Global Conservation s of the conservation area and Fund to Woodland Park Zoo for t ongoing needs of the involved the management of the newly communities. Without the funds to established YUS Conservation YUS landowner Mambawe Manaono and Bommy Jerry, who worked closely manage and sustain the program, Area. If TKCP can raise $1 million with Dabek in the first steps to the YUS too often protected areas remain by the end of 2010 and meet Conservation Area. protected in name only, with additional program milestones, no enforcement of necessary the funds raised will be matched As an endowment, the interest restrictions or real long-term by CI, for a total of $2 million earned on the investment of the benefits for the local communities. for the YUS Conservation Trust. Trust principal provides an annual The trust will provide support program income in perpetuity, In order to maintain the YUS to the YUS Community Based funding program components such Conservation Area in perpetuity, Organization, YUS Conservation as the technical work of TKCP staff TKCP is striving to create the Area, and the local needs of YUS in PNG, as well as the community YUS Conservation Trust Fund. In communities. development projects in YUS villages.
In 2009, TKCP made initial progress on meeting the non-financial requirements of the matching grant from the Global Conservation Fund, as well as raising significant donations towards the monetary match. In 2010, TKCP will focus efforts on completing the challenge match requirements for the YUS Conservation Trust Fund, including raising the remaining funds, drafting the YUS Conservation Area Management Plan, and completing a Financial Plan for the YUS Conservation Area and Trust Fund. Symbolism is very important in YUS indigenous communities. During the To contribute to this effort, please visit April celebration, the Mother’s Group www.zoo.org/tkcp/abcnews or www.zoo.org/treekangaroo. of Isan Village wrote and performed a song and dance about a Bower Bird, symbolizing the contributions of Dr. Dabek and TKCP to the YUS community. TKCP Press 2009 22 T K cp: 2009 A 2009 cp: nn u a l R epor t
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29494856/
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSSP472209
YUS Conservation Area Announcement
With TKCP’s landmark that featured the story, notable media blitz had great impact in accomplishments in 2009 came examples included CNN.com, spreading the message of TKCP’s a record level of national and MSNBC, National Geographic accomplishments in YUS over the international media coverage. News, the Seattle Times, and the last decade, and the importance In early 2009, Woodland Park New York Post. The announcement of the YUS Conservation Area Zoo launched a media blitz was also covered by local TV in protecting PNG’s incredible with partners Conservation stations in Seattle, radio stations biodiversity. WPZ’s Photographer International and National in New Zealand and Australia, Ryan Hawk and Public Relations Geographic Society, marking the and dozens of national and Coordinator Rebecca Whitham official declaration of the YUS international online news sources. were essential to success of Conservation Area. Of the 53 With such a wide distribution, the TKCP’s 2009 media efforts. media outlets across the globe 23 T ress 2009 KCP P ress
Dan Harris of ABC Nightline joins TKCP and National Geographic on the Crittercam field project in late 2009
NGS Crittercam & U.S. ABC News
Also in 2009, TKCP’s partner Porolak, and their long-term work organizations National on tree kangaroos and TKCP’s Geographic Society (NGS) and conservation efforts. The coverage Conservation International by ABC has undoubtedly (CI) collaborated with TKCP increased awareness of the to promote coverage of the endangered Matschie’s tree Both the ABC Nightline Crittercam Research project. In kangaroo across a much broader feature and the National November 2009, U.S. based ABC audience; the ABC coverage Geographic News video can News anchor Dan Harris traveled reached an estimated audience of be found online at www.zoo. with Nightline Producer Almin 23 million viewers. org/tkcp/abcnews. ABC also Karamehmedovic, joining Dabek featured TKCP and National In addition to ABC’s coverage, and team in Papua New Guinea. Geographic’s Crittercam work the Crittercam research The ABC news team captured in an online article, found expedition with NGS was the first video footage of a tree at http://abcnews.go.com/ covered in National Geographic kangaroo making the dramatic Nightline/tree-kangaroos- leap from over 60 feet high in the News. Additional coverage of papua-guineas-rare-fuzzy- canopy to the forest floor, which this project will be ongoing with creatures/story?id=9270647. was showcased in a December National Geographic in early 15th feature story on both ABC’s 2010, including a feature on World News and Nightline. The NGS’s Weekend Radio program. story also highlighted Dabek, support 2009 24 T K cp: 2009 A 2009 cp: Above $100,000 Conservation International – Global Conservation Fund nn Lifeweb Initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Environment u a (BMU) and German Development Bank (KfW) l R
epor – through partnership with Conservation International t
$20,000 to $50,000 Anonymous Robert Plotnick and Gay Jensen Kevin Schofield
$5,000 to $20,000 Columbus Zoological Park ESRI Australia (in-kind donor) Ted and Tara Hart / Microsoft Matching Contribution Carol and Bruce Hosford National Geographic/Waitts Grant Program Shared Earth Foundation Zoo New England
$1,000 to $5,000 John and Andrea Adams AZA Marsupial and Monotreme Taxon Advisory Group — Alice Gilley Memorial Scholarship Mark Christiansen / Microsoft Matching Contribution Michael Craig Richard and Ginger Goldman Miami Metro Zoo / Florida Zoological Society Trish Miner / Microsoft Matching Contribution Roger Williams New Mexico BioPark Society / Albuquerque Biological Park Park Zoo Matt and Davi Ann Norsworthy Roger Williams Park Zoo Sedgwick County Zoo St Louis Zoological Park Lisa Tiedt and Mike Nichols / Microsoft Matching Contribution Zoo Parc de Beauval Zoological Society of Milwaukee County Zoological Society of San Diego
Up to $1,000 AAZK Chapter of Greater Kansas City Carl Darnell and Chinook Medical Gear AAZK Chapter of Roger Williams Park Zoo Katherine McGrath and Microsoft Matching Contribution Air Niugini (in-kind donor) Merie and Dan Morris and Microsoft Matching Contribution Glen and Susan Beebe / Microsoft Matching Contribution Oaklawn Farm Zoo Jabe Blumenthal, Julie Edsforth, and the League of the Wallatreeroos Nancy Philips and Blair Brooks John and Sarah Brooks Sylvia Tompkins Calgary Zoological Society Zoo Krefeld and the Tree Kangaroo Species Survival Plan Workshop 25
Special thanks ackno wl e
Special thanks to Carol and Bruce d Hosford, long-time TKCP and WPZ gemen supporters who hosted a festive t dinner celebration in January 2009 s to mark the declaration of the YUS Conservation Area. TKCP also thanks WPZ supporters Margie Wetherald, Vicki Leslie, and Robert Liddell for hosting the WPZ ZooVenture dinner on TKCP’s work in the fall of 2009. Special thanks to Conservation International’s Bruce Beehler for speaking at several TKCP events in 2009. TKCP would not be able to accomplish Bruce Beehler of CI, Andrew Krockenberger of JCU, and Chris Stone of CI-GCF at the our work without the support and YUS CA Celebration, April 2009 efforts of WPZ President and CEO and PNG, departed from the TKCP TKCP’s Seattle-based staff on Dr. Deborah Jensen and all our team in November 2009. Tallarico projects. Many thanks to our fellow staff at Woodland Park Zoo. and Ross oversaw TKCP’s field wonderful volunteers! Thanks also to Jacque Blessington, operations and projects through coordinator of the AZA Matschie’s a critical period of success. TKCP On a very sad note, a long-time Tree Kangaroo Species Survival is incredibly fortunate to have supporter of TKCP is recovering Plan (TK-SSP). Thank you also benefitted from their talent, skills, from a tragedy in late 2009. to TK-SSP Vet Advisors Dr. Erika and dedication to conservation Kiunga Aviation suffered from a Travis and Dr. Darin Collins, and the people of YUS. major accident in December, with research volunteer Trish Watson, 6 local fatalities and pilot Richard TKCP volunteer archivist Henrietta In addition, TKCP would like to Leahy in critical condition. TKCP Philips, and Jared Stabach for send special thanks to our 2009 would like to acknowledge assistance with GIS information. team. Australian veterinarian Kiunga and the Leahy family Carol Esson volunteered her time for supporting TKCP since its With the YUS Conservation to ensure the health of tracked inception, and send our heartfelt Area gazettal complete and a animals during the Crittercam wishes for Richard’s recovery, and marriage on the horizon, Susan research trip. WPZ Volunteer Judy our condolences to the families of Tallarico and Toby Ross, Program Nyman-Schaaf has dedicated those lost. Managers for TKCP in Australia hundreds of hours supporting Partner recognition 26 T K cp: 2009 A 2009 cp: nn u a l R epor t
PNG Department of Environment and Conservation Balob Teachers College Morobe Provincial Government Teachers, Headmasters and School Board Members of YUS Kabwum District Government The Leahy Family YUS Local Level Government Dr. Andrew Krockenberger Rainforest Habitat Dr. Jared Diamond PNG Institute for Biological Research North Coast Aviation University of Papua New Guinea Kiunga Aviation PNG Forest Research Institute And all the people of YUS AZA Tree Kangaroo Species Survival Plan
For more information & to support our program:
Please contact Hilary Aten, Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program Coordinator. Woodland Park Zoo, 601 North 59th Street, Seattle, Washington 98103 USA T: (206)548-2620 F: (206)547-6962 E: [email protected] W: http://www.zoo.org/conservation/PFW/tree-kangaroo
TKCP will be launching a new webpage Mid-2010! Please check back soon at www.zoo.org/treekangaroo to see more TKCP photos, video, and updates from the field. Papua new guinea
yus conservation area
0 5 10 15 Kilometers
Major Villages Rivers proposed YUS Conservation Area Tree kangaroo conservation program
US office: Woodland Park Zoo, 601 North 59th Street, Seattle, Washington 98103, USA T: (206) 548-2622 F: (206) 547-6962 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]
Australia office: Australian Tropical Forest Institute, James Cook University P.O. Box 6811, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia E: [email protected]
PNG office: P.O. Box 360, Lae, Morobe Province, PNG E: [email protected] www.zoo.org/treekangaroo