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IUCN/SSC Caprinae Specialist Group

IUCN/SSC Caprinae Specialist Group

Newsletter of the IUCN/SSC Caprinae Specialist Group

May 1999 hunting involving threatened taxa. Such Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V6T 1Z4 In this issue practices are undefendable. Of all of the Central Asian states in the CIS, only [email protected] Editorial ...... ….…...... ….. 1 returns some of the money The status of some wild in Central Asia ………. 1 generated from trophy hunting to Caprinae sheep populations in the Balkan …..….....…... 4 conservation. Conservation News ………… 5 The Smithsonian Institute was recently CIS (former USSR) and the under the scrutiny of the US press when it impact of trophy hunting Ammotragus in Tunisia ...... ….. 5 applied for an import permit for a Kara Pakistan ………………….……. 6 Tau ( ammon nigrimontana). Surveys IUCN’s new Head .……….…… 6 The specimen was donated to the Institute In 1997, we surveyed wild sheep Severtozov’s argali ……….…… 6 by a hunter, but because of its endangered populations exploited for trophy hunting Abstracts. …………….………. 6 status cannot be imported into the U.S.A. in Kazakhstan and Kyrghizstan. Our The same hunter had also made a $20 research was financed by the Russian Conference ………………….... 7 million donation to the Institute. Recent Publications ………… 7 Office of WWF (TRAFFIC). Similar Following one of the Action Plan’s studies were planned in the Pamir as well, general recommendations, a Taxonomy however, the Ministry for Nature Editorial Working Group is currently being Conservation of Tadjikistan denied us established, and plans are being made to permission. Despite guidelines provided in our Action hold a workshop in May 2000. At the time We surveyed Transcaspian or Ustyurt Plan, trophy hunting is clearly in need of of writing, the potential venue is Ankara, (Ovis vignei arkal) and Kazakhstan careful controls in some areas, especially Turkey. The goal of the Taxonomy Group argali (O. a. collium) in Kazakhstan. A where threatened taxa are involved. Recently and that of the workshop, is not only to researcher with the Kazakh Zoological there have been problems surrounding the encourage and co-ordinate taxonomic Institute, R.Zh. Baidavletov, participated planned disbursement of funds that will be revision of Caprinae, but also to help “sort in the latter survey. Pamir argali or Marco generated from hunting in Pakistan. out” the taxonomy for conservation Polo Sheep (O. a. polii) was studied in In another instance, described in the lead purposes. We will keep you informed of Kyrghizstan. article of this issue, trophy hunting quotas future developments. for argali in the south-eastern Pamir In this issue is a new (trial) column Transcaspian urial increased sharply in 1996, following the devoted to publishing abstracts of Transcaspian urial inhabits mainly the decision to allow importation of argali graduate student theses. The purpose is to precipices of the , as well trophies from Tadjikistan into the USA. bring exposure of a student’s work to a as the coastal cliffs and low mountains Although Caprinae continue to face other wider audience and to keep ourselves along the eastern shore of the , problems, the article does present some good informed of the latest work. Obviously, we in western Kazakhstan and north-western news in some areas. can only consider work on Caprinae, their Turkmenistan. Its total numbers are Despite what should be obvious, it seems habitat and predators. estimated to range from 6,000-7,000 th that it cannot be over-emphasised that for Just a reminder - 1999 is the SSC’s 50 (Weinberg et al. 1997) and have remained any form of hunting to take place, there must anniversary. stable in recent years. In the second half of be a clear management plan that includes a As always, please keep those articles April, we obtained data on numbers and sustainable harvest quota based on adequate coming in – without them we won’t have a population structure in the Karagiye biological population data. There must also newsletter. Depression and the table-mountains of be a transparent process for the allocation North in the central and northern and distribution of generated funds to local David Shackleton parts of the Mangyshlak Peninsula. A total people and to conservation of the taxa being Editor of 130 urial were counted in Karagiye and exploited. Wildlife Research Group, Agroecology 869 in North Aktau. The first population Pressure must be placed where necessary Faculty of Agricultural Sciences has declined because of its proximity to to halt abuses of trophy hunting, especially University of British Columbia the city of Aktau (50 km) and because of 1 intensive livestock grazing. In contrast, the 9,717 and mean densities 0.6 /km2 November, 24% in August and second population has increased slightly (Baidavletov and Auezov 1995). Highest September, and the rest in December since 1990. We estimated the total number densities (1.5-2.8/km2) were found in the through March. Hunting occurs in Edrei, of urial in the North Aktau mountains at ca. mountains in the north-eastern part of Myrzhyk, Koshubai and Kinyr-Temirshi 1,000 animals. Population density was Karaganda Oblast. Numbers and densities mountains. Between 4 and 19 males are estimated to be around 2.5 animals/km2, decline in south-western and southern taken annually, and 75 were shot over the calculated for an area that included the plain directions. period 1990 to 1996. More than half of the between separate mountains, and flat In the early 1990s, total numbers of trophies taken in the first years had horn mountain-tops. The population structure was Kazakhstan argali were about 13,500, lengths greater than 120 cm, but since worse in Karagiye, where the lamb:female including 6,500 in Karaganda Oblast 1994, only 1/3 of the trophies exceeded ratio was 40.1:100, the yearling:female ratio where trophy hunting occurs. Analysis of this value. Continued selective elimination 15.4:100, and class III and IV rams the count data indicates an increase in of the largest rams may damage the comprised only 6.1% and class I and II numbers at the beginning of the 1990s general status of populations and the males 11.0% respectively. The overall (including areas with trophy hunts), but a simultaneous shooting of 13-19 prime male:female ratio was only 38:100. The decline was already evident by 1994-95, breeding males is probably too great for corresponding figures for North Aktau were and numbers decreased 2-3 times in comparatively small local populations. For 44.8:100, 23, 0:100, 6.2% and 23.8%, and certain areas by 1997. There are several example, taking 19 rams in 1992 caused a 68:100 respectively. On the Ustyurt plateau, causes for the decline. Most possibly, significant decline in the number of where no trophy hunting occurs, males made trophy hunting is one of them. Also, the trophies above 130 cm length in up 32%, and the mature ones 10%, of the pressure upon pastures in argali habitat subsequent hunts. Such trophies became population, according to earlier has not diminished, despite abrupt and more frequent only after 1995 when observations. It must be noted that the large decreases in livestock numbers. This merely 5 rams were shot. However, these parturition season was not completely is because domestic sheep and are data indicate that the damage done by finished in North Aktau, so the lamb:female now being kept on the ranges year round, over-hunting may not yet be critical. The ratio may eventually have been a little while formerly those pastures were used rams simply may not have had time to higher. As to the population sex structure, only in winter. Fires are another threat that grow up and the trophies were probably the figures given in this report may not be devastate vast areas in spring and summer younger aged animals than the ones taken completely representative because they were almost every year. Poaching is also before 1992. Weakening of hunting obtained in spring, summer or early fall. frequent (Kalmykov 1995) due to pressure in 1995, may have given rams the Most dimorphic caprins, and Ovis in accessibility of argali habitat and a quite chance to grow and dimensions of trophies particular, are notorious for ecological and high human population density. Wolves increased. However, these questions often spatial segregation between adult are very abundant. In 20 days, we counted require further study. males and females outside the rut. 500 and 36 wolves (20 adults and Kazakhstan is the only Central Asian Trophy hunting has been carried out in yearlings, and 16 cubs). A reduction in state in the CIS where part of the income North Aktau since 1990, and a total of 47 livestock numbers could increase from trophy hunts is spent on research, rams have been taken, 30 in 1992 and 1993. predation upon argalis which represent the population counts and protection. In 1993- Despite the break in 1994, the mean age of 8 main wild ungulates in Kazakh 95, 0.7 - 5.3%, 6.5 - 7.2%, and 12.3 - rams shot in 1996 was only 6.5 years, and Melkosopochnik. 33.3% of the income were spent on the 3 the average horn length was 10 cm shorter Our data collected in July in the named activities, respectively (Kalmykov than those taken in 1993. Poorer quality "northern" population (Edrei, Arkalyk and 1995). Hunted animals are measured, trophies seem to be caused not only by Myrzhyk mountains) showed that females weighed and aged, and the stage of moult overharvesting but also by the severe winter outnumbered males, and the lamb:female is noted and parasites are collected. of 1993-94 when many wild ungulates ratio was about 80:100. In the "southern" Reproduction, mortality and other aspects (including ) died. population (Koshubai and Konyr-Temirshi of the ’s ecology are studied in the mountains), the sex ration was close to field. Kazakhstan argali unity, and lamb:female ratio was around Kazakhstan argali inhabits central 60:100. Mature males of class III and IV Pamir argali Kazakhstan (Kazakh Melkosopochnik), the were more numerous than younger classes, In Kyrghizstan, Pamir argali occurs in the Chinghiztau mountains, Tarbagatai, Saur and there were very few yearlings. These southern part of the country, along the and adjoining Chinese territory. It lives in results suggest low reproduction rates Chinese border. Numbers of this argali low mountains composed of granite and and/or high lamb mortality in previous subspecies in this State could have been quartzite. Females are found mainly in the years. In the opinion of Kazadh zoologists around 6,000-7,000 in the first half of the granite ranges and males in the latter. Males (Bekenov and Baidvletov 1995) and also 1990s. The Kokshaaltau range harbours migrate considerable distances in late partly ours, this age structure may be due most of the animals, the Aksai River basin autumn before the rut, while females move to trophy hunts carried out during the rut, alone has some 4,000 animals in an area 2 mostly in spring and summer, concentrating which destroy the hierarchical system, of 1,800 km . At the end of August and in birthing and nursery sites. Aerial counts in scatter rutting groups and, of course beginning of September, we surveyed the November 1991, covering most of Kazakh eliminate the best sires. Around 60% of upper part of Kurumduk River valley of Melkosopochnik, defined total numbers at the trophy hunts take place in October and Aksai River basin in Kokshaaltau range. 2 This are was previously surveyed in the trophy hunting, but it is necessary to spend does not allow us to evaluate the impact of summer of 1993 (Fedosenko et al. 1995). In part of the income from trophy hunts on trophy hunting upon argali population in 1993, 565 argalis were counted on 226 km2 argali protection, annual counts and the south-eastern Pamir. (2.5/km2). In 1997, the valley harboured 861 monitoring the age and sexual structures In Russia, small populations of Altai animals (3.8/km2). The increase could be of exploited populations. argali survive in southern Altai and Tuva, partly caused by marmot trappers, operating Finally, we present data on Pamir argali along the Mongolian border. The upper primarily in lower sections of the valleys. in the Pamir (Tadjikistan) and Chagan-Burghazy River (Sailyugem Their activities made animals move (O. a. ammon) in south-eastern Altai Range in Altai) harbours the largest upstream. Trapping season lasts from about (Russia) obtained by K. Fedosenko in population. Here some 100 to 200 animals 10 August to 10 September. Nevertheless, November 1995 and September 1996, occupied a narrow strip of land along the there may be an actual rise of argali respectively. Pamir argali inhabits the border in places called Sarzhenaty and numbers, because local residents informed Eastern Pamir where its numbers were Bayan-Chagan in 1988. By 1996, their us that, in the last years, argalis showed up estimated at 10,000 - 12,000 at the numbers rose to around 300. Argali have in places where nobody has seen them beginning of the 1990s (Odinashoyev et expanded their range to the right bank of during the previous decade. Livestock herds al. 1990). About 60-65% of these animals Karasu River where they have not been had shrunk drastically since beginning of the occur behind the barbed-wire fence, reported before. The strip of land 1990s. In fact, Kokshaaltau range had almost running along the border with China. The occupied by this population has widened no domestic sheep or cattle in places that we total length of this fence is about 250 km up to 15-17 km. Growth of the population visited and pastures were re-establishing. In and its distance from the border is is most probably due to a significant 1993, male:female ratio was 105.4:100, III between 5-30 km. Wild animals feel less decline in livestock herds. Pastures used and IV class males made 13.9%, I and II human disturbance behind the fence, by domestic sheep and are being class ones made 24.3% of all animals, because the border regime limits gradually occupied by argali. Despite lamb:female ratio was 42.5:100 and admittance of unauthorised persons and these changes, protection of wild sheep is yearling:female ratio was 27.5:100. In 1997, livestock. far from satisfactory. The territory of the respective figures were 96.1:100, 19.5%, The survey was conducted in the south- Kosh-Agach Sanctuary, where the 10.6%, 80.1:100 and 39.0:100. Percentage eastern Pamir and counted a total of 1,137 mentioned population and some other of mature males is rather high for a argalis over an area of 2,000 km2. Of smaller ones occur, is now totally population exploited for trophy hunting these, 905 were found in the southern half unprotected because the Altai Committee since 1990. However, our data indicate that of the area near the Afghan border, and for Nature Conservation that runs the this percentage was much lower (5% of 298 only 232 occurred in the northern half, sanctuary has no money for employing counted argalis) and that females closer to the road from Murgab to Khorog, even a single warden. Poaching, especially significantly outnumbered males in smaller in the vicinity of the town of Akbura. by border guards, is happening more and neighbouring Kok-kiya, and more distant Later, after snowfalls, argalis started more frequently. Shepherds, wintering Sary-Imek valleys, while lamb:female and moving to the latter region. Towards the with domestic ( mutus grunniens) yearling:female ratios were close to those in rut, the proportion of adult males in argali habitat also hunt these wild Kurumduk. Thus, it looks as if there was increased there. Of 878 aged and sexed sheep. some concentration of adult males in argalis, 32.9% were males, 46.5% females Kurumduk, maybe caused by activities of (both including yearlings), and 20.6% Summary marmot trappers. A higher reproduction rate were lambs. Class III and IV rams We conclude that Transcaspian urial may be due to better weather conditions comprised 8%, while younger ones numbers appear to be stable and may even during the last few years (mild winters, and represented 25% of the population. be increasing slightly due to decreases in warm springs and summers without Poaching has increased in the Pamir livestock and regeneration of pastures. snowfalls, as reported by local people). since the start of the civil war in 1992, However, urial populations of North Asiatic ibex ( [ibex] sibirica), when refugees resulted in a doubling of Aktau sometimes suffer from excessive inhabiting the same area, displayed similar the human population. Many owned trophy hunting. Clearly, no more than 10 increase of kid:female ratio compared to military firearms and used them for rams can be taken annually from this 1993. hunting wild ungulates as well as for population without it causing detrimental A total of 110-115 argali rams were shot trading with local people. Trophy hunting effects. in Kokshaaltau range (12-31 annually) over began in 1987. Each year, between 9 and Numbers of Kazakhstan argali have a period of 1990-96. During the last years, 24 argali rams were taken between 1987- been diminishing recently in central no more than 17 rams were taken annually. 89, 20-25 from 1990-92, and 15-17 Kazakhstan. The causes are thought to be Hunting took place mainly in Kurumduk and between 1993-95. However, starting in frequent fires, probably increases in Uzengigush valleys, usually in September 1996, the annual quota rose sharply to 30 predation and poaching, and perhaps and October, before the rut. Killed animals and more, following the decision to allow trophy hunting especially when it occurs were not weighed, measured or aged. The importation of argali trophies from during the rut. It should also be added, horns from Kyrghizstan are smaller than Tadjikistan into the USA. The number of that Kazakhstan argali habitat is clearly those from the Pamir. hunting companies also increased from 3 the most readily accessible of all those Judging from our survey, Kurumduk to 5. Hunts occur mainly outside the rut, in described in this report. population does not currently suffer from October, November and March. Our data 3 The status of Pamir argali in the Pamir is Status and management A New Population and its Habitat unclear. The impact of trophy hunting is not Description yet know, but hunting quotas have risen needs of a Balkan chamois in February 1998, a population of 15-25 sharply to accommodate growing demands. population in the Rodopi individuals, not referred to before, have Trophy hunting takes place in any area Mountains been located approximately 20 km from accessible to a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. the Frakto Virgin Forest, in an area called Poaching has also probably increased in the Lepida Forest, 15 km out of Dipotama Introduction village. These animals probably do not Pamir. populations in Greek chamois populations have been communicate with the closest population Kyrghizstan are stable or may even be recognized to belong to the Balkan in the Frakto Virgin Forest. expanding, because of overall decline in subspecies ( rupicapra Animals in the Lepida Forest use a livestock numbers. Until now, they have not balcanica). They can be found in 11 valley with an altitude ranging from 700- suffered from trophy hunting. mountain ranges: Giona, Vardoussia, 1000 m a.s.l., covered by oak except for Despite an increase in poaching, numbers Timphi, Smolikas, Zigos, Trigia, Ligos, the higher parts covered by beech. They of Altai argali may be slowly recovering Olympos, Grammos and Western Rodopi occupy a range of about 1500 ha where thanks to a reduction in livestock herds. (Karandinos 1992, Adamakopoulos et al. slopes range from 60-95% incline. The 1997, Adamakopoulos - Matsoukas 1992, valley’s bedrock is granite and limestone, References Papaioannou 1991, Hatzirvassanis 1991, Baidavletov, R.Zh. and Auezov, E.M. 1995. while the Kaba Rema gorge which crosses Hatzissarantos and Kannelis 1962, Aerial counts of arkhar in Central the area, ends at the Arkoudorema River Sfougaris et al. in prepar.). The chamois Kazakhstan. Pp. 47-50 in: Materials of (Xanthi Prefecture). are forming populations, mainly small, scientific and practical conference on The fauna of the wider area includes the approximately 15-50 individuals hunting management in new economical following species : Brown bear (Ursus (Karandinos 1992) or even up to 100 conditions. Almaty. [in Russian] arctos), red ( elaphus), roe individuals (Hatzirvassanis 1991), some of Bekenov, A.B. and Baidavletov, R.Zh. 1997. deer ( capreolus), which are completely isolated. The "Arkhar" - a scientific experiment. P. 10 (Sus scrofa), wolf (Canis lupus), wild cat chamois have already disappeared from in: Rare species of Russia and (Felis sylvestris),golden eagle (Aquila the Varnous mountain and Parnassos adjacent countries. Moscow. [in Russian] chrysaetos),capercaillie (Tetrao mountain (Hatzirvassanis 1991). In Fedosenko, A.K., Weinberg, P.J. and urogallus), hazel grouse (Bonasa Varnous mountain, probably seasonally, Valdez, R. 1995. Argali sheep survey in bonasia). some individuals come from the Peristeri the headwaters of the Korunduk River, mountain (former Yugoslavia). The same Kirghizstan. Mammalia 59: 452-455. Legal Status is true for Nemertsika mountain, where Kalmykov, I.V. 1997. Hunting program for The valley is a state area but does not some individuals move in from Albania Kazakhstan argali. Caprinae, April 1997. fall in any category of “protected areas”. (Papaioannou 1991). It is estimated that Odinaschoyev, A.O., Kadamshoyev, M.K. the total population of chamois in Greece Human Activities and Temirov, T.T. 1990. Distribution and does not exceed 500 individuals and is In the area, poaching constitutes a great numbers of arkhar in the Pamir. Proc. Vth constantly decreasing (Hatzirvassanis pressure on the chamois population, even Congr. USSR Theriol. Soc., Vol. 3: 164- 1991). though the species has been included in 165, Moscow. [in Russian] the “rare” category of the Red Data Book Weinberg, P.J., Fedosenko, A.K., Arabuli, Chamois of the Rodopi Mountains of the Threatened Vertebrates of Greece A.B., Myslenkov, A.V., Romashin, A.V., (Frakto Virgin Forest) (Karandinos 1992) and its hunting is Voloshina, I.V. and Zheleznov, N.K. The Frakto Virgin Forest, which is forbidden. 1997. The Commonwealth of Independent located in Rodopi mountain range, Logging is the main productive activity States (former USSR). Pp. 172-193 in Northeastern Greece has been declared as in the wider area and is facilitated by the D.M. Shackleton (ed.) and IUCN/SSC a “preserved nature monument”, provides opening of new roads. The construction Caprinae Specialist Group: Wild Sheep habitat for one of the largest chamois phase, created a major disturbance for and goats and their relatives. IUCN, population in Greece. This population has chamois, along with erosion problems. Gland, Switzerland. been estimated at 65-75 individuals Such roads give access to poachers and (Giannakopoulos and Goumas, in prep.). result in chamois habitat fragmentation. A.K. Fedosenko They use an area ranging from 900- Currently, a forest road above the valley Lenin str. 30-93, Balashicha 7 1900m above sea level (a.s.l.) and their 143900 Moscow Oblast, Russia already exists and construction of a new preferred habitat is mainly valleys with one crossing the valley is planned. P.J. Weinberg steppe slopes partially or totally forested The logging activities constitute a North Ossetia State Reserve by spruce, fir, scotch pine, beech and oak. disturbance mainly during the gestation Basiyeva Str. 3-8, A big part of this population is moving and lactation periods, and in the early Algari, North Ossetia 363200 during winter outside the boundaries of growing phase of the young. Russia the Virgin Forest and the surrounding Pastures inside the valley at elevation Game Reserve (Giannakopoulos and higher than 1000m a.s.l. are grazed from Goumas, in prepar.). spring to autumn by approximately 1200 cattle and 500 goats. Probably the grazing 4 of domestic animals is an antagonistic factor International Symposium, Toulouse, ha, totally fenced, and contains canyons to chamois. France. with some suitable habitat for Barbary Among the above human activities, the Giannakopoulos, A. and H. Goumas (in sheep. They keep 7 Libyan most serious threats for the survival of this prep.). Study of the distribution and in enclosures 4 of which (2 males & 2 population are roads opening inside the ecology of the chamois (Rupicapra females) came from the Bou Hdema valley and poaching. rupicapra balcanica) in the Rodopi breeding stock and 3 animals (2 males, 1 mountains. Technological Educational female) from the Governor’s private Management Recommendations Institute of Kavala, Department of collection. One more male is kept in The survival of this chamois population is Forestry, Drama, Greece. captivity in the Sidi Toui National Park 80 considered to be highly important. Thus Hatzirvassanis, V. (1991). The status of km to the NE. some measures must be completed in order chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra Both Sidi Toui National Park and Oued to protect the species including: balcanica Bolkay 1925) in Greece. Dekouk Nature Reserve are part of the 1. Avoid forest road opening through the Biologia Gallo-Hellenica 18: 31-45. dammah reintroduction program valley area since it will cause disturbance Hatzissarantos, H. & A. Kanellis (1955). being carried out with support of the Bonn to the chamois population and facilitate Chamois and wild goats of Greece. To Convention (CMS). This means that they poaching. Vouno 187: 142-164 [in Greek] will receive substantial international 2. The entire area of 1500 ha must be Karandinos, Μ. . (ed.) (1992). The Red support, and that the local managers will declared at least as a Permanent Game Data Book of the Threatened be trained in reintroduction techniques. Reserve or be included in the European Vertebrates of Greece, p.297-299. So, in a few years, we might expect the “Natura 2000” network of protected areas. Hellenic Zoological Society, Athens. Libyan Barbary sheep to be the next The following reduction in wood Papaioannou, H. (1991) The chamois species to be reintroduced in these production would not be too important (Rupicapra rupicapra) in the Epirus protected areas in southern Tunisia. since the area is not very productive. mountains. Biologia Gallo-Hellenica, 3. The existing forest road must be closed 18: 53-67. Reference and access allowed only under special Sfougaris, A., A. Giannakopoulos and H. de Smet, K. 1997. Tunisia. Pp. 45-47, in: circumstances. Goumas (in prep.). Current status of the D.M. Shackleton (ed.), Wild Sheep and 4. Prohibition of grazing domestic animals in distribution, populations, habitat and Goats, and their Relatives: Status the valley outside the chamois habitat management of the chamois Rupicapra Survey and Conservation Action Plan would be very beneficial. However, for rupicapra balcanica in Greece. for Caprinae. IUCN, Gland, economic wellbeing of the local people, it Switzerland. A. I. Sfougaris is suggested that only grazing be Dr. Ir. Koen de Smet banned because it is considered a more University of Thessaly Department of Agriculture Head of the Nature Division direct competition with the chamois. Flanders 5. The protection of the area, which is under Pedion Areos 38334 Volos, Greece. Belgium Forest Service responsibility, must be e-mail: intensified through more effective A. Giannakopoulos, H. Goumas, [email protected] guarding. and E. Tsachalidis 6. Authorities should educate people, Technological Educational Institute of Pakistan especially those living in the area, about Kavala Himalayan Ibex - WWF continues to the importance of this chamois population. Department of Forestry collaborate with the Northern Areas 7. All Greek chamois populations are Drama, Proastio 66100, Greece. Directorate of Wildlife, IUCN and the isolated and close to the minimum viable conservation committees that have been population level, and its habitat is Conservation News formed by some of the alpine villagers, to deteriorating. It is urgent a field study be conduct annual surveys. The number of conducted and protective measures be Tunisia hunting permits approved by the completed. Barbary sheep Government has now been extended from There is good news about the Libyan 5 to 12 for 1998/99. WWF has facilitated References Barbary Sheep (Ammotragus lervia the sale of one licence to a US hunter on Adamakopoulos, T., Ch. Hablützel & V. fassini) from southern Tunisia. As noted behalf of the Bar Valley Community. Hatzirvassanis (1997). Greece. Pp. 104- in the IUCN Caprinae Action Plan, I had Attempts are being made to get the 107, in: D. M. Shackleton (ed.), Wild hoped that they still occurred south of different institutions to allow collation of sheep and goats and their relatives. Tatahouine in the mountains near Remada all the information associated with the IUCN, Gland & Cambridge. (de Smet 1997). Their occurrence has now surveys geo-referenced and entered into a Adamakopoulos – Matsoukas, P.(1992). been confirmed by officials of the GIS here at WWF. Chamois environment in Greece. Pp. 295- Tunisian Forest Service (anti poaching 298, in: F. Spitz, G. Janeau, G. Gonzalez brigade) in Djebel Nekrif - El Angar. Marco Polo sheep - the Chinese have & S. Aulagnier (eds.), “Ongulés / Moreover, a new nature reserve called completely fenced off the col at the Ungulutes 91”, Proceedings of the Oued Dekouk has been created by the summit of the Khunjerab Pass. The fence Tunisian government in 1995. It is 6000 will definitely stop any ungulate 5 movement through the col in the summer. It from wild aegagrus populations and with is about 2 m high and it is uncertain how IUCN the definition of two clades in the quickly it would drift over in the winter to As of March 1999, Dr. Maritta Koch- Caucasus, one in the eastern, the other in allow argali to negotiate it. Weser is the new Director General of the western part of the Caucasus. The ibex IUCN. Dr. Koch-Weser is a social group (the Alpine, the Siberian, the Chiltan markhor/Wild Goats - WWF- scientist who has worked at the World Nubian and Abyssinian wild goats) is not Pakistan has just completed a detailed Bank. monophyletic. That questions the use, in management plan for Hazarganji-Chiltan this case, of morphological characters to National Park in Balochistan. This is the Urial now considered an infer the phylogeny. The haplotypes of the last known refuge for Capra aegagrus Argali Spanish and Alpine populations are chialtanensis and the plan focuses So it’s an argali, Severtsov's urial or monophyletic. Moreover, the mean principally on conservation measures for the Kyzylkum sheep (Ovis orientalis [vignei] genetic distance between Pyrenean and species. There are 2 years of reasonably severtzovi) is now considered an argali other Spanish haplotypes is similar to the good census data that were generated (Ovis ammon severtzovi). This change is mean genetic distance between Spanish specifically for the plan. Part of the based on the discovery that its karyotype and Alpine haplotypes. The Pyrenean management proposals include number is 2n=56 (Lyapunova et al. 1997, population can be then considered as a establishment of a breeding nucleus Bunch et al. 1998: see Recent conservation unit. Nevertheless, since elsewhere in Balochistan. Recently a dead, Publications). Sheep with 2n=54 are there are few individuals in the Pyrennees, apparently poached, mature male (11 considered to be urial and those with we recommend reinforcing this population obvious growth checks on his horns) was 2n=56, argali. Unfortunately, this sheep is with individuals from the most diverse found. The horns were massive being 92 cm still endangered (ENA2cde,C2b - 1996 Spanish population or from several along the curve from base to tip and about IUCN Red List). Spanish populations. 30 cm around the base. This specimen certainly looked more like a markhor than a Valérie Manceau (Ph.D.) . Université Joseph Fourier Abstracts Grenoble, France. Provision has also been made for the CONFERENCE Polymorphisme des séquences possible reintroduction of Afghan urial that ANNOUNCEMENT once occurred in Hazarganji-Chiltan d'ADN mitochondrial dans le National Park, according to anecdotal genre Capra. Application à la evidence. conservation du Bouquetin des IUCN/SSC Caprinae Pyrénées (C. pyrenaica Specialist Group Workshop Punjab urial - The survey conducted last pyrenaica). on Caprinae Taxonomy year was inadequate in coverage due to Ankara, Turkey political wrangling that kept it out of the The reintroduction project of the Spanish May 8-10, 2000 (Tentative) Kalabagh Region. Only 4 other sub- wild goat (Capra pyrenaica) in the French populations were located and the total side of the Pyrenees raises questions about Goals of the workshop: population estimate outside the Kalabagh systematics. The systematics of the species • region was a maximum of 200-250 urial. Capra pyrenaica and of the genus Capra Provide an update on the current status There are plans for a WWF-sponsored are based on morphological criteria. Four of taxonomy of mountain ungulates • census of the entire Punjab urial population. sub-species have been defined in the iberic Identify knowledge gaps, particularly We also hope to collect DNA samples from species, the pyrenean population belongs those most relevant to conservation • captive animals and from trophies. This new to the subspecies C. p. pyrenaica. Provide a forum to exchange ideas and survey will also attempt to determine what However, the morphological characters establish collaboration • happened in the Lehri area at the eastern are plastic and these systematics are Help co-ordinate future research and limit of the Salt range where an unspecified questioned. So, in order to test the conservation efforts • number of urial are reported to have been taxonomic status of the Spanish species For those taxa for which a consensus ‘accidentally' released into the wild. All of within the genus Capra and the status of exists, produce a guide to the this work will be thoroughly geo-referenced the Pyrenean population within the identification of the world's mountain in a GIS being developed for this project. Spanish species, we made phylogenetic ungulates inferences with sequences of Richard Garstang mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Fragments From the 1997 IUCN Caprinae Action Conservation Advisor of the mtDNA central region and of the Plan: World Wide Fund for Nature - Pakistan cytochrome b gene were analysed. Capra 12.2.2 Taxonomy and Genetic Diversity Ferozepur Road, Lahore - 54600 species samples were provided by It is clear from the preceding sections of P.O. Box 5180 collecting bones in museums and in the this Plan, that a total revision of the entire Pakistan field. Phylogenetic inferences are subfamily is necessary if long-term e-mail: [email protected] Caprinae conservation is to be effected. also [email protected] congruent with the hypothesis of a domestication event in the fertile crescent Not only is there biological justification 6 for this task, but as Geist (1992) observed, a the division of taxa among members. This livestock (e.g., domestic goat x Nubian taxonomy has major implications for may be best achieved through an ibex in Israel - Rattner et al. 1985; conservation legislation. The immediate international workshop on Caprinae domestic goat x Asiatic ibex and markhor benefits of a revised Caprinae taxonomy evolution and taxonomy aimed at in Pakistan - Rasool and Hussain 1993). If include: a) improved CITES identification developing a recommended program for successful, such crosses can only threaten sheets to aid law enforcement officials in resolving taxonomic uncertainties the genetic integrity of the wild taxon. their task of controlling the illegal trade in pertaining to wild Caprinae populations. Last, are cases where "re-introductions" taxa, b) clarification of biological and legal have been made without using animals of aspects for conservation laws, and c) an 2) Conservation of Maximum Genetic the appropriate taxon (e.g. from advance in our understanding of the Diversity. Greenland into Alaska, Alpine chamois phylogenetic relationships within the While it is clear that Caprinae taxonomy into several European countries). subfamily Caprinae. is problematic, taxonomic confusion must However, it should also be borne in mind not be allowed to prevent or delay Tentative list of topics: that most conservation actions do not conservation. Our aim is maintenance of Invited and contributed presentations on necessarily require a formal taxonomy, maximum genetic variation, not merely topics such as: especially where management units can be conservation of "taxa" per se. With this in • Evolutionary/fossil history of Caprinae defined by other criteria (see Cronin mind, it will not be sufficient to preserve • Why caprin taxonomy is important for 1993:345). just 1 or 2 "representative" populations of conservation Recommended actions and a given taxon, or even 1 or 2 populations • What are the problems involved in using implementation: within a country. We must ensure that a taxonomy for conservation taxon's broad geographic distribution is • Ovis taxonomy: where are we at? 1) Taxonomy Working Group. well represented through our conservation • Capra, Ammotragus and Hemitragus: Establish a Taxonomy Working Group actions. Only in this will we effectively where are we at? within the IUCN/SSC Caprinae Specialist maintain as current levels of potential • Rupicaprin taxonomy: where are we at? Group. This will require additional members genetic variability along with the • Hunters' view of caprin taxonomy, and to the Specialist Group (see below) with supporting habitats. how it may (or may not) differ from responsibilities to: 1.1) organise an Taxonomy is an area where regional co- scientific taxonomy international workshop on Caprinae operation can be vital. International co- evolution and taxonomy; and 1.2) revise the operation and concerted action can ensure To be followed by, or intermixed with, taxonomy of the Caprinae. To be useful, a not only that adequate samples are either plenary workshops or small working revision of Caprinae taxonomy will require a available, but that the necessary wide groups on the following topics: multi-disciplinary, integrated approach geographic (genetic) representation is • Molecular Vs morphological taxonomy: involving DNA analysis, internal and preserved. The alternative, to let countries can we agree on anything? external morphology, behaviour, address their own Caprin conservation • Appropriate and inappropriate zoogeography, palaeontology, and issues in isolation, will most probably lead taxonomic characters evolutionary history (Avise 1989; Cronin to an unsatisfactory, piece-meal solution • What are the most important and urgent 1993; O'Brien and Mayr 1991; Ryder 1986). that fails to address the real conservation taxonomic problems of Caprinae that It will also require large sample sizes if it is issues. affect their conservation? to be a valuable revision (Cronin 1993). A • World-wide co-ordination of sample revision would be most effectively achieved 12.2.3 Maintaining Genetic Integrity and data collection if a Taxonomy Working Group of the At least 3 issues are involved. First, for • Production of a standardized sampling Caprinae Specialist Group is established some Caprinae, threats to genetic integrity protocol useful for trained and untrained with scientists from around the world exist because non-indigenous taxa, often field people representing disciplines that directly bear on closely related, have been introduced into • Production of a guidebook with pictures taxonomic criteria. This action requires their range. Examples include, Alpine and drawings of the world's Caprinae, additional new members to the IUCN/SSC chamois introduced into Chartreuse useful for field identification, customs Caprinae Specialist Group. The working chamois range in France, and into Balkan officials and management and group's task would be to work co-operatively chamois range in the former Yugoslavia; enforcement agencies towards the goal of publishing a revised European into chamois range in • Revision of taxonomic categories used taxonomy of the subfamily, either in a single France and Italy; and Barbary sheep into for trophy evaluation of Caprinae or a series of scientific reports. The working some desert bighorn ranges in the USA. • Co-ordination of funding strategies and group should also seek input from outside The dangers arise from hybridisation, of graduate student and field personnel the scientific community, from hunting increased competition, or both. If training strategies organisations and government agencies. hybridisation occurs, even between The Taxonomy Working Group needs to subspecies, unique gene pools that were Provisional organizing committee: meet quickly to organise its adapted to local conditions are lost. • Marco Festa-Bianchet - Université de philosophy/approach and to determine a Second, wild species are sometimes used Sherbrooke, Canada division of labour. Its first tasks must be to for cross breeding in an effort to develop • David Shackleton - University of British establish guidelines and criteria, and decide better adapted breeds of domestic Columbia, Canada 7 • Cal Bilgin - Middle East Technical severtzovi). Russian Journal of Zoology - Punjab urial University, Turkey 1:387-396 • Ayut Kence - Middle East Technical Mishra, C. and A.J.T. Johnsingh. 1998. Editorial Note University, Turkey Population and conservation status of Views expressed in the articles in this • Gordon Luikart - CNRS Grenoble, France the Nilgiri Hemitragus hylocrius in newsletter, do not necessarily reflect those • Sandro Lovari - Università di Siena, Italy Anamalai Hills, south India. Biological of the Caprinae Specialist Group • John Wehausen - White Mountain Conservation 86:199-206. Research Station, USA Rubin, E.S., Boyce, W.M., Jorgensen, M.C., Torres, S.G., Hayes, C.L., Next Issue The web address for the workshop is: O’Brien, C.S., and D.A. Jessop. 1998. http://callisto.si.usherb.ca:8080/caprinae/iuc Articles in the next issue will include: Distribution and abundance of bighorn - Status of Markhor in Pakistan nwork.htm sheep in the Peninsular Ranges, You can also contact Marco directly if you California. Wildlife Society Bulletin do not have web access: Errata 26:539-551. Dr. Khushal Habibi Dr. Marco. Festa-Bianchet Schwartz, M.K., Tallmon, D.A. & G. TEL: 517-332-1237 this number is not a Universite de Sherbrooke Luikart. 1998. Review of DNA-based Département de Biologie fax number census and effective population size e-mail: [email protected] Sherbrooke estimators. Animal Conservation 1:293- Quebec S1K 2RI 299. TEL: 1-819-821-7061 FAX: 1-819-821-8049 Electronic access to IUCN Publications E-MAIL: [email protected] Services Unit: E-mail: [email protected] Recent Publications Web: http://www.iucn.org Journal Articles Newsletter Subscriptions Bleich, V.C. 1999. Mountain sheep and coyotes: patterns of predator evasion in a A subscription of US $10.00 will help mountain ungulate. Journal of defray publication and mailing costs. Mammalogy 80:283-289. Cheques or international money orders Bunch, T.D., Voronsov, N.N., Lyapunova, should be made payable to: The E.A. and R.S. Hoffmann. 1998. University of British Columbia, and sent Chromosome number of Severtzov’s to: sheep (Ovis ammon severtzovi): G-banded Caprinae News karyotype comparisons within Ovis. Dr. D. Shackleton, Editor Journal of Heredity 89:266-268. Wildlife Research Group, Agroecology Cassinello, J. 1998. Ammotragus lervia: a Faculty of Agricultural Sciences review on systematics, biology, ecology University of British Columbia and distribution. Annals of Zoology Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4 Fennici 35:149-162. Grimm, U. 1998. Conservation and use of Notice to Contributors wildlife in southern Tanzania. Animal Research and Development 48:7-18. Submissions of articles, including Luikart, G. & J-M. Cornuet. 1998. Empirical research reports, conservation news, evaluation of a test for identifying recently recent publications, etc., on wild or bottlenecked populations from allele feral Caprinae, are always welcome from frequency data. Conservation Biology any professional biologist. A potential 12:228-237. author does not have to be a member of Luikart, G., Sherwin, W.B., Steele, B.M. & the Caprinae Specialist Group. Please F.W. Allendorf. 1998. Usefulness of send submissions to the Editor, either by genetic molecular markers for detecting post or by e-mail attachment. population bottlenecks via monitoring genetic change. Molecular Ecology 7:963- 974. Acknowledgements Lyapunova, E.A., Bunch, T.B., Voronsov, - Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, UBC. N.N. and R.S. Hoffmann. 1997. - Lavona Liggins Chromosome sets and the taxonomy of Severtsov's wild sheep (Ovis ammon Next Issue Articles in the next issue will include: 8

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