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A note on felid trade at local markets in Myanmar
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CATnews 67 Spring 2018 original contribution
DoFPS. 2015. Counting tigers in Bhutan: Report on Table 1. Summary of camera trap capture records of the six felids in Gedu Territorial the national tiger survey of Bhutan 2014-2015. Forest Division in 2014. Department of Forest and Park Services, Minis- # of stations # Notionally Species Photographic rates try of Agriculture and Forests, Royal Govern- recorded independent events ment of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan. Asiatic golden Cat 13 37 0.0075 Gumal G., Salleh A. B. B. M., Yasak M. N., Horng Clouded Leopard 1 1 0.0002 L. S., Lee B. P. Y., Pheng L. C., Hamzah H., Kong D., Magintan D., Yung D. T. C., Zalaluddin A. Z. Leopard 1 4 0.0008 B., Azmi A. B., Khalid N. B., Yen T. P., Mufeng V., Leopard Cat 2 7 0.0014 Meng F. C. F & Ng S. 2014. Small-medium wild Marbled Cat 4 23 0.0047 cats of Endau Rompin Landscape in Johor, Penin- Tiger 5 19 0.0039 sular Malaysia. Cat News Special Issue 8, 10-18. Jigme K. & Tharchen L. 2011. Camera-trap records of tigers at high altitudes in Bhutan. Cat News Tempa T., Hebblewhite M., Mills L. S., Wangchuk Wangchuk T., Thinley P., Tshering K., Tshering 56,14-15. T. R., Norbu N., Wangchuk T., Nidup T., Dhen- C., Yonten D., Pema B. & Wangchuk S. 2004. Sanderson J. & Harris G. 2013. Automatic data dup P., Wangchuk D., Wangdi Y. & Tshering Field Guide to the mammals of Bhutan. De- organisation, storage, and analysis of camera 2013. Royal Manas National Park: A hotspot partment of Forests and Park Services, Mi- trap pictures. Journal of Indonesian Natural for wild felids. Bhutan, Fauna & Flora Internati- nistry of Agriculture, Royal Government of History 1, 6-14. onal, Oryx 47, 207-210. Bhutan. 182 pp. Sangay T., Rajaratnam R. & Vernes K. 2014. Wild- Thinley P., Morreale S. J., Curtis P. D., Lassoie J. life camera trapping in the Himalayan kingdom P., Dorji T., Leki, Phuntsho S. & Dorji N. 2015. 1 ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation of Bhutan with recommendations for the fu- Diversity, occupancy, and spatio-temporal oc- and Environmental Research, Lamai Goempa, ture. Camera Trapping for Animal Monitoring: currences of mammalian predators in Bhutan's Bumthang Bhutan 32001 Case studies, 87-96. Jigme Dorji National Park. Bhutan Journal of *
Sapai Min (Jasmine)1,2, Neil D’Cruze2,3 and David W. Macdonald2 Myanmar, by virtue of its relatively large areas of remaining forest may harbour signif- A note on felid trade at local icant populations of wild felids (see species entries in Table 1 taken from Nijman & Shep- markets in Myanmar herd 2015). Although to date relatively few quantitative field surveys focused on wild With its biogeographic position, its multiple international borders and changing po- felid populations have been carried out (Nij- litical circumstances, Myanmar is a country of on-going felid conservation priority. man & Shepherd 2015), results from existing To complement pre-existing longer term illegal wildlife trade studies, we initiated studies suggest serious populations declines a short scoping survey focused on five study sites including those located in the due to factors such as hunting and habitat interior of Myanmar (Kyaiktiyo, Mandalay and Min Bu Shwe Sat Taw) and along the loss (e.g. Lynam et al. 2006, Lynam 2010). To Thailand border (Myawaddy and Tachileik). We confirm notable ongoing open trade what extent the illegal wildlife trade contri- in at least six species of Asian felids (jungle cat Felis chaus, clouded leopard Ne- butes to these declines have not yet been ofelis nebulosa, leopard Panthera pardus, tiger Panthera tigris, Asiatic golden cat fully quantified (Shepherd & Nijman 2015). Catopuma temminckii and leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis) at three of these However, in Myanmar illegal wildlife trade is study sites (Kyaiktiyo, Min Bu Shwe Sat Taw and Tachileik). With regard to field widespread, involves numerous species, and skins, we found tiger to be the most expensive (US$ 1,100) and jungle cat to be the is often carried out openly (Shepherd & Nij- cheapest species available (US$ 11). However, full felid skins (and full skulls) de- man 2008, Nijman & Shepherd 2015). rived from clouded leopard were most commonly observed, supporting pre-existing Felid skins, sold for use as decorative items, concerns that this species is under particular pressure from poaching in Myanmar. have been noted during market surveys Based on our findings, we support calls for increased donor support for research throughout Asia (Shepherd & Nijman 2008, into illegal felid trade dynamics in Myanmar and for improved cooperation between D’Cruze & Macdonald 2015, Nijman & She- national and international enforcement agencies on CITES to help conserve remain- pherd 2015). Similarly, researchers have also ing wild populations. documented trade in their bones for medi-
CATnews 67 Spring 2018 felid trade at local markets in Myanmar
cines, meat for exotic dishes and live animals appears to be previously unreported). Three the cat species traded, clientele, and trade for use in the exotic pet trade (Shepherd & of the sites are located in the country’s inte- routes. We also made observations of any Nijman, 2008, D’Cruze & Macdonald 2015, rior and two along border towns adjoining felid derivatives (i.e. dried genitals, bones, Nijman & Shepherd 2015). A recent in-depth Thailand (Myawaddy and Tachileik). claws, full skeletons, skin, skulls and teeth) survey of illegal big cat derivatives at two while casually moving around stalls, taking selected border town markets (Tachileik and Methods photographic evidence when possible. We Mong La) revealed that such illegal activity is We carried out scoping surveys over a peri- identified any fakes [e.g. teeth made of resin, an issue of significant felid conservation con- od of one year between May 2016 and April fake fur (e.g. goat skin painted to mimic tiger cern in Myanmar with derivatives (involving 2017 (Supporting Online Material SOM Table fur) etc.] and excluded them from our study. an estimated 1626 individuals originating from T1). Each survey lasted between 1 and 3 days When possible, we also recorded information five different felid species) observed between with Sapai Min (experienced in such research) regarding product prices. 1991 and 2014 (Nijman & Shepherd 2015). being present during all fieldwork. We priori- With its biogeographic position, its many tised five locations where wildlife derivatives Results international borders and changing political are commonly known to be sold: (1) Kyaiktiyo During our scoping surveys we observed the circumstances, Myanmar is a country of on- (Golden Rock); (2) Mandalay; (3) Min Bu Shwe sale of derivatives belonging to six different going felid conservation priority (Nijman & Sat Taw; (4) Myawaddy; and (5) Tachileik felids that could be confirmed to species level Shepherd 2015). Studies have already high- (Fig. 1). Myawaddy and Tachileik cater large- (jungle cat, clouded leopard, leopard, tiger, lighted the value of opportunistic market sur- ly for tourists entering the town from across Asiatic golden, and leopard cat; Fig. 2 & SOM veys to demonstrate the persistent presence the border in Thailand (Nijman & Shepherd Figures F1-F3). We found no evidence of the of felid derivatives at border towns in Myan- 2015). A ‘pagoda festival’ takes place at Min trade in felid derivatives at Mandalay or My- mar (e.g. Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock), Tachileik, Bu Shwe Sat Taw in February each year. We awaddy. However, we observed trade in felid Three Pagodas Pass and Mong La), as well carried out surveys at this location before, derivatives at Kyaiktiyo (21 items from four as providing insights into how these markets during and after this cultural event (SOM T1). species via seven vendors), Min Bu Shwe Sat differ with regards to volume and diversity Myanmar is, and has proven to be, a chal- Taw (29 items from at least five species via of traded species (Shepherd & Nijman 2008, lenging country to work in, especially when eight vendors) and Tachileik (56 items from Nijman & Shepherd 2015). In order to provide documenting illicit activities (Nijman & Shep- five species via eight vendors; Table 1). more information, we initiated an additional herd 2015). As such, we carried out scoping With regards to full felid skins, we found 40 scoping survey of five study sites in Myanmar surveys discretely by engaging traders in those from clouded leopard most frequently (including one, Min Bu Shwe Sat Taw, that casual conversation focused on the origin of across all survey sites (n = 11), followed by leopard (n = 5), leopard cat (n = 4), Asiatic golden cat (n = 3), jungle cat (n = 2) and ti- ger (n = 1; Table 1). We found full tiger skins to be the most expensive felid derivative available (1500,000 Mayanmar Kyat MMK (US$ 1,100)), followed by full clouded leopard skins (between 350,000 and 700,000 MMK (US$ 257 and US$ 530)). We found jungle cat skins to be the cheapest full felid skins availa- ble (15,000 MMK (US$ 11)). With regards to complete felid skulls, we found those from clouded leopard most frequently across all survey sites (n = 8), followed by tiger (n = 4), jungle cat (n = 1), and leopard (n = 1; Table 1). In Tachileik we found four markets (Tar Lot, Ah Kha, San Sai and Wan Kaung). But we only found felid derivatives for sale at Tar Lot. In terms of wildlife, we observed live birds for sale at San Sai and monitor lizard (Varanus spp.) derivatives at Ah Kha. We observed no live wildlife or derivatives being sold at Wan Kaung. In addition to felid derivatives, we also observed derivatives from a variety of wildlife species being sold at both Kyaiktiyo and Min Bu Shwe Sat Taw. Derivatives ob- Fig. 1. Map of five served at these survey sites included those survey sites in My- from Asiatic black bears Ursus thibetanus, anmar visited dur- Asian elephants Elephas maximas, porcu- ing our study. pines Hystrix spp., pythons Python spp., fresh
CATnews 67 Spring 2018 Min et al.
Table 1. Felid derivatives offered for sale at three survey sites in Myanmar from which data were available. Species IUCN status: EN = Endangered; VU = Vulnerable; NT = Near Threatened; and LC = Least concern. Species CITES status: I = Appendix I; II = Appendix II. Na- tional protection status (Myanmar Wildlife Protective Law MWPL 1994): CP = Completely Protected species; P = Protected; - = Not Listed. Conservation / Protected Survey Sites Common Scientific Status Observed Total Price (MMK) Name Name Derivatives Kyaiktiyo Min Bu Shwe Tachileik IUCN CITES MWPL Sat Taw Asiatic Golden Catopuma NT I CP Full skins 1 - 2 3 60,000 cat temminckii Full skins 3 1 7 11 350,000 - 700,000 Clouded Neofelis VU I CP Pieces of skin - - 20 20 - leopard nebulosa Full skeletons 1 - - 1 - Skulls - 6 2 8 - Full skins - 2 - 2 15,000 Jungle cat Felis chaus LC - - Skulls - 1 - 1 - Panthera Full skins 4 - 1 5 700,000 Leopard VU I CP pardus Skulls - 1 - 1 - Prionailurus Full skins - 1 3 4 25,000 Leopard cat LC II P bengalensis Pieces of skin - - 10 10 - Full skeletons 1 - - 1 1,500,000 Penises 4 - - 4 - Panthera Tiger EN I CP Pieces of bone 1 4 2 7 - tigris Pieces of skin - - 20 20 - Teeth (canines) 8 4 4 16 - Unidentified Felis spp. - - - Skulls X 8 X 8 - small cats 41 water turtles Testudinidae and various spe- ing this illegal activity to continue (Nijman & Thailand may have helped to decrease their cies of deer Artiodactyla. Shepherd 2015). Nonetheless, Chapter XI of availability, it is clear that illegal cross bor- the aforementioned 1994 legislation offers der trade remains ongoing. Discussion guidance on penalties which, for the killing Documenting illegal wildlife trade activity is We confirm a significant and ongoing open of a fully protected species, can be up to 7 difficult and sometimes dangerous, because trade in at least six felid species at three dif- years in prison or a fine of 50,000 MMK. of the covert and potentially violent behav- ferent locations in Myanmar (Kyaiktiyo, Min Furthermore, Asiatic golden cat, clouded iour of the actors involved (UNODC 2016). Bu Shwe Sat Taw and Tachileik), with deriv- leopard, leopard and tiger are also afforded Although our survey observations are frag- atives of globally threatened species offered the highest possible level of international mentary, they corroborate previous findings for sale. legal protection (CITES Appendix I) with in- (with regards to felid diversity and derivative This on-going trade activity is of particular ternational trade in leopard cat also being volumes) of more in-depth studies carried conservation concern because it represents restricted (CITES Appendix II; Table 1). Of the out over a longer time period (e.g. Nijman the open trade of legally protected species markets visited during this study, Myawaddy & Shepherd 2015). Of particular note, with within Myanmar. Asiatic golden cat, clouded and Tachileik are both situated on interna- regard to the offered full felid skins, clouded leopard, leopard and tiger are afforded the tional borders with Thailand. Although we leopard was the most common species ob- highest possible level of national legal pro- found no evidence of the trade in felid deri- served. In total, we observed skins from 11 tection (listed as ‘totally protected’ species vatives at Myawaddy, our study confirms no- different individuals’ at all three sites where under Myanmar Law: State Law and Order table on-going open trade in Asian felid deri- felid trade was observed. As such this spe- Restoration Council Law No 583/94.1994 vatives by at least eight vendors at Tachileik cies appears to be under particular pressure (Shepherd & Nijman 2008;)) presumably be- (Table 1). Although survey methods may from poaching in Myanmar (Nijman & Shep- cause of their relatively high current conser- have differed, restricting direct comparison, herd 2015). vation status (Table 1). However, hunting of this level of illegal trade activity appears to Illegal wildlife trade is a major threat to the non-protected wildlife (i.e. jungle cat and le- be similar to that recorded in prior studies. survival of felids in Asia with actors typically opard cat) still requires a permit from the Di- Nijman & Shepherd (2015) observed 6 differ- trafficking protected species belonging to a rector General of the Forest Department, who ent illegal vendors in Tachileik during 2013. variety of taxonomic groups along the same may grant a hunting license, but apparently Like Myanmar, Thailand is a signatory coun- trade routes (Nowell & Pervushina 2014). does not do so (Nijman & Shepherd 2015). try to CITES, prohibiting any cross-border To address the conservation threat posed Therefore no parts originating from any cat trade of these Asian cat species, their parts by illegal trade in felid derivatives (and in- species from Myanmar should be in trade. An and derivatives (Shepherd & Nijman 2008). deed other protected species), we support egregious lack of enforcement is likely allow- Although, increased enforcement activity in existing calls for increased donor support
CATnews 67 Spring 2018 felid trade at local markets in Myanmar
for research into illegal felid trade dynamics with preparation of this report. Lastly, the author COP16) on conservation of and trade in tigers in Myanmar, increased cooperation between would like to thank the WildCRU for their support, and other Appendix-I Asian big cat species. national enforcement bodies across inter- which made this project possible. Unpublished report. national borders (Lynam et al. 2006, Nijman Shepherd C. R. & Nijman V. 2008. Trade in wild & Shepherd 2015), improved compliance of References cats in Myanmar. TRAFFIC, Selangor. 13 pp. trade data management platforms (D’Cruze & D’Cruze N. & Macdonald, D. W. 2015. Clouded in UNODC 2016. World wildlife crime report: traf- Macdonald 2015), the registration and perio- mystery: the global trade in clouded leopards. ficking in protected Species. United Nations dic destruction of any privately held stockpiles Biodiversity and Conservation 24, 3505-3526. Office of Drugs and Crime, New York. 101 pp. and the development of comprehensive legal Lynam A. J., Khaing S. T. & Zaw K. M. 2006. Deve- frame-works to prevent laundering via legal loping a national tiger action plan for the union Supporting Online Material SOM Table T1 and Fi- commercial breeding facilities (Decision 14.69 of Myanmar. Environmental Management 13, gures F1-F3 are available at www.catsg.org. of CITES Resolution Conf. 12.5 (Rev. CoP16)). 30-39. Lynam A. J. 2010. Securing a future for wild In- 1 Department of Zoology, University of Yangon, Acknowledgements dochinese tigers: transforming tiger vacuums University Avenue, Kamayut 11041, Myanmar The author extends her profound gratitude to into tiger source sites. Integrative Zoology 5,
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A B C
D E F Fig. 2. Full skins observed being offered for sale during market surveys in Myanmar. A: Leopard; B: Jungle cat; C: Asiatic golden cat; D: Tiger; E: Clouded leopard and F: Leopard cat (Photos S. Min).
CATnews 67 Spring 2018 Min S., D’Cruze N. & Macdonald D. W. 2018. A note on felid trade at local markets in Myanmar. Cat News 67, 39-42. Supporting Online Material.
SOM T1. Myanmar survey itinerary, Grey indicates months were surveys were carried out at each survey location. 2016 2017 Survey sites May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr
Kyaiktiyo Mandalay Myawaddy Min Bu Shwe
Sat Taw Tachileik
A B
C D SOM F1. Recorded cat species skins in Tachilek. A: Clouded leopard skin, B: Leopard cat skin, C: Asiatic golden cat skin, D: Clouded leopard skins (Photos S. Min).
1
A B C A
D E F
G SOM F2. Recorded cat species skins in Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock). A: Leopard skin, B: Clouded leopard skin, C: Leopard skin, D: Asiatic golden cat skin, E: Clouded leopard skin, F: Clouded leopard skin, G: Tiger skin (Photos S. Min).
2
A B
C D SOM F3. Recorded cat species skins in Shwe Sat Taw (MinBu). A: Clouded leopard skin, B: Leopard cat skin, C: Jungle cat skin, D: Jungle cat skin (Photos S. Min)
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