born to be wild
Final Report contents
4 introduction 23 tourists’ motivations for 6 community scouts patrol the feeding wild Ifrane National Park to disrupt 24 disrupting wildlife crime through wildlife trafficking capacity building of concerned 8 anti-poaching impacts government officials and 11 fostering of a wild, injured, judiciary juvenile by a neighboring group 26 addressing human-wildlife conflict where do the confiscated animals go? what is their fate post-confiscation? 14 ensuring proper animal handling of confiscated wildlife 16 assessing and improving the welfare of confiscated animals 17 monitoring of illegal trade 20 monitoring of illegal trade online 21 fostering a new generation that values and protects wildlife in Morocco 22 safe macaque watching 23 reducing feeding and close contact with macaques
Author: Kinda Jabi
Contributors: Elizabeth Campbell (Contractor) Lois Lelanchon (IFAW) Rikkert Reijnen (IFAW) Melissa Liszewski (IFAW) Elsayed Mohamed (IFAW) Imad Cherkaoui (Contractor)
about IFAW The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans, and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations, and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org.
Final Report GeorgePhoto: Turner/IFAW
2 International Fund for Animal Welfare 3 Born To Be Wild - Final Report Photo: George Turner /IFAW introduction
The Barbary macaque (Macaca For IFAW, “Born to be Wild” was a With millions of people crossing sylvanus), a species endemic to three year project focused on the the borders between Morocco and Morocco, is listed as ‘Endangered’ sustainable protection of the Barbary Europe during the peak tourist season, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened macaque mainly from trafficking detecting illegal wildlife is a huge Species and on ‘Appendix I’ of CITES from North Africa to Europe. Born to challenge for customs officials. There (Convention on International Trade be Wild is funded by a major Dutch is a lack of accurate data, especially in Endangered Species of Wild funder, the Dutch Postcode Lottery, numbers of poached infants, but also Fauna and Flora), and the species initiated by AAP Animal Advocacy on the number of macaques kept is the most trafficked live mammal and Protection and executed together as pets and used in entertainment to Europe in the last decade. Ifrane with IFAW in the Kingdom of Morocco. in Morocco or abroad. Realizing the National Park (INP) in the Middle The project is a continuation and magnitude of this project, AAP and Atlas Mountains of Morocco is the broadening of AAP’s work, who IFAW divided roles in the project, IFAW stronghold of the Barbary macaque had cooperated for years with the was to focus on Morocco, while AAP (BM), with approximately half of the Moroccan Primate Conservation would handle the project in Europe surviving BMs living there. INP had Foundation (MPC) in Morocco by (The Netherlands, Spain and Italy). been identified as a main source of funding a community scouting poaching where juveniles are often project in part of INP where scouts targeted to be sold as pets, mainly for from the local community operated First light hitting the mountains of European consumers. in the forest throughout most of Ifrane National Park, stronghold of the year and especially during the the Barbary macaque. peak poaching seasons, which had Baby Barbary macaque chewing on a significant impact as poaching a yoghurt pot. Tourists feed the macaques almost anything, resulting numbers in the monitored groups in dietary problems. have gone down since. Photo: GeorgePhoto: Turner/IFAW
4 International Fund for Animal Welfare 5 Born To Be Wild - Final Report Photo: GeorgePhoto: Turner/IFAW
The scouts primarily act as deterrents patrols are randomized in order to be where potential poachers could easily of illegal activity. If illegal activity is unpredictable to potential poachers. escape with a captured macaque. detected or suspected, their role is to Patrols are adjusted through adaptive During the lifespan of the project the alert the authorities, provide evidence management as needed, increasing number of closely monitored groups and identification through video patrol frequency or shifting to new gradually increased as more groups recording where possible, and assist problem areas based on suspected have become exposed and habituated the local authorities as needed. The poaching attempts, susupicious to tourism and as several groups have scouts do not engage directly with activity, cases of illegal logging, or split up. The scouts identify groups suspects, but rather act as eyes and tourist numbers. based on several easily recognizable ears in the forest for the authorities. individuals, together with knowledge They patrol the national park to The scouts are all equipped with of their home ranges. prevent poaching, logging, burning, uniforms, whistles, GPS for tracking Each spring, the number of babies and other illegal activities; monitor patrols and recording locations of born in each group is recorded. macaques in groups habituated to interest, GPS cameras for taking Groups are monitored throughout the tourism, which are most vulnerable to photographs and videos, tablets for year to record any deaths, injuries, poaching; conduct educational recording information, cell phones for illnesses, and immigrations/ outreach and manage tourist- staying in contact with team emigrations. Final annual counts are macaque interactions at tourist sites; members, flashlights, binoculars, and done in January after the end of the and record and map events of interest basic first aid kits. The two project poaching season to record changes throughout the park (illegal logging, cars are stocked with personal from the previous year and whether Photo: GeorgePhoto: Turner/IFAW macaque group locations and protective equipment, hand sanitizer, any infant is missing. sleeping sites, animal road deaths, additional first aid kits, and safety etc.). In addition, the Scouts visit equipment. Head scout, Mohamed, on a community villages within and surrounding Ifrane engagement assigment in a Berber National Park to speak with people The Community Scout team currently community. Zahra (pictured), along community scouts patrol the with her husband and children, are about the macaques to raise monitors 15 groups of habituated farmers in direct contact with the awareness of their conservation status macaques, which are most vulnerable Barbary macaques. Scouts carry out these visits on a weekly basis to Ifrane National Park to disrupt and the presence of the Scouts’ to to poaching because they are less ensure safety and prosperity for both protect them, and discuss any afraid of humans. These groups are people and macaques. problems that villagers have with often being fed by tourists, are easy to The scouts of the Born to Be Wild wildlife trafficking macaques. The time and day of find, and are located close to roads project, plotting movements for the later afternoon and night shifts.
6 International Fund for Animal Welfare 7 Born To Be Wild - Final Report November 2019 There appears to have been a Scientific Results and decrease in the recorded cases of Research on Project Impacts In November 2019, an infant was large-scale illegal logging where Born poached from one of the habituated to be Wild operates over the course of The data gathered by the Community groups. The individuals who took it the project, both in frequency and Scouts produced valuable scientific were identified, tracked and arrested. scale. The Scouts recorded illegal information on the Barbary macaque The monkey was brought to the loggers on several occasions and population in Ifrane National Park, the police, and she was returned to her provided information to the local effects of tourism on the macaques, group the following day, having been authorities, resulting in fining of the tourist interaction with the macaques, away for less than 24 hours. The culprits by the courts. Moreover, a the impact of the Scouts’ tourist poacher was fined 30000 dh (€ large-scale illegal logging event was outreach efforts, and an unusual case 3000). This case involved excellent considered to be in range of >10 cuts., of a juvenile adopted by a communication and coordination and the scouts reported over a total of neighbouring group. These findings between vendors in the national park 170 cedar / oak cuts in October 2018, have been and will be published in who observed the event, Ifrane June 2018, November 2018, and peer-reviewed scientific journals to National Park authorities, Regional and February 2019. Understanding trends demonstrate the effectiveness of the National Forestry departments, police, in illegal logging allowed the Scouts project, provide science-based and the IFAW Community Scout team. to adapt their patrols to prevent illegal recommendations for further efforts logging. for Barbary macaque conservation, and provide findings which can be August 2018 valuable for conservation of other Additonal impacts species. The scouts intercepted several additional suspected poaching Moreover, many additional valuable attempts. In one case (in August impacts resulted from the daily 2018), the scouts received information activities of the scouts, for example: 1 from a community member that extinguishing fires on many successfully returned poached macaque several men were planning to poach occasions, several of which required to her group, arrest and fining of the macaques that evening and he the fire department to be called to poacher in 2019 provided information on the car they action; rescue of a juvenile monkey would be driving. The full team of with a wire wrapped around its foot; 6 scouts worked together and their assisting tourists that were sick, infants poached from the monitored presence deterred the poachers and injured, or assaulted; directing traffic groups in 2018 prevented them from capturing a and assisting police following car macaque. There were an additional accidents to prevent further four suspected poaching attempts accidents; and many other similar 1 during the project that were events. Furthermore, there was infant Barbery Macques that intercepted by the Scouts, though it is increased awareness, cooperation, disappeared in 2019 from an unknown cause (road mortality is a possibility) not known for sure whether these and engagement from the various throughout the duration of Born to be were indeed potential poachers. authorities, e.g. increased awareness Wild of wildlife crime and conservation with the police following cooperation Habitat loss on the case of the poached macaque increased that was returned; increased awareness and Habitat loss and fragmentation is the engagement and information-sharing cooperation greatest long-term threat to the between the Scouts and the national survival of Barbary macaques, as they park and local authorities on between the Born to be Wild Community Scouts, local communities, and local rely on forests for protection, shelter, suspicious activities in the park for authorities has results in protection and food. Protecting Barbary them to inspect and collaboratively of Barbary macaque habitat, including
Photo: George Turner /IFAW a reduction in large-scale illegal macaque habitat protects the habitat address. There was also increased logging identified by the Community of many other species that also rely conservation awareness in the local Scouts and catching and fining of several illegal loggers on these forests. An important role of community as a result of the scouts’ the Community Scouts is therefore work, especially in Ain Leuh and anti-poaching impacts monitoring and preventing illegal Azrou. Inquisitive Barbary macaque, from the habitat destruction through illegal “tourist” group. logging, burning, and grazing, and protecting the forest from fires.
8 International Fund for Animal Welfare 9 Born To Be Wild - Final Report Photo: George Turner /IFAW
Changes in the Barbary population demographics and can help inform management macaque population in average group sizes since the decisions and strategies to minimize Ifrane National Park initiation of the anti-poaching efforts, negative impacts of tourism on following implementation indicating the effectiveness of the animals while allowing tourism to of the anti-poaching program in protecting the largest bring benefits to the National Park and Community Scout program remaining population of Barbary the local community. As with the macaques. Additional indicators of results on population demographics Scientific research has shown population increase are that the across all of Ifrane National Park extremely positive impacts on the numbers and groups of macaques in discussed above, this will be Barbary macaque population in Ifrane the regions of Jbel Ben Ij and Ain Leuh published in a peer-reviewed scientific National Park, both in terms of appear to have more than doubled journal to validate and verify the population demographics and since the previous census in 2008. increase in the monitored macaque population size, since initiation of the Long-term monitoring of Barbary population over the course of the Photo: George Turner /IFAW project. macaque groups most vulnerable to Born to be Wild Programme. poaching also found considerable Research in Ifrane National Park in positive impacts for the macaque 2008 identified severe disruption in population in Ifrane National Park, fostering of a wild, injured, the population demographics of consistent with the results above from long-term Barbary macaques in Ifrane National demographic monitoring across the Park: groups near tourist sites were entire park: There was an annual monitoring of juvenile by a neighboring group estimated to be missing half the average growth rate of 9.5% per year several groups immature macaques, resulting in in the monitored groups over the group sizes being half the size of course of Born to be Wild (2017-2020), of Barbary One approach to reintroducing separated from his group after serious Learn more those farther from tourist sites, equating to a 32% increase over three macaques rescued and rehabilitated Barbary injury from a car collision was Article: Fostering of a wild, suggesting high poaching pressure years (a net increase of 86 macaques). macaques, that were confiscated adopted by a neighbouring group. He injured, juvenile by a neighbouring provides detailed group: implications for and predicting local population This number even underestimates the from illegal trade, to the wild is remained with the foster group for 4 rehabilitation and release of Barbary collapse. Anti-poaching efforts were true impact, as several groups information through release into wild groups. months until returning to his natal macaques confiscated from illegal trade first initiated in Ifrane National Park in fissioned into two groups, some of on population However, very little documentation group. This observation could provide link.springer.com/article/10.1007/ 2014 and five years later (i.e. the age which moved to new areas that are currently exists on the acceptance of valuable information for developing s10329-019-00729-w of macaque maturity), this study was not studied. This long-term monitoring changes and Barbary macaques into wild foster rehabilitation and release strategies repeated to assess the impact on the of all births and deaths in the fitness in Ifrane groups. Regular and intensive for confiscated macaques. An article macaque population demographics macaque groups most exposed to National Park monitoring of Barbary macaques in documenting this was published in and the effectiveness of the anti- tourism has identified the reasons of Ifrane National Park allowed us to the scientific journal Primates and is poaching program and other mortality for infants and other observe and document an unusual free to view and download - conservation efforts. This research macaques and the impacts of tourism Three Barbary macaques socializing case where a wild, nearly 3-year-old link.springer.com/article/10.1007/ showed very positive impacts on on this endangered species, which and huddling together. Barbary macaque male who was s10329-019-00729-w
10 International Fund for Animal Welfare 11 Born To Be Wild - Final Report Section 1 where do the confiscated animals go? what is their fate post- confiscation? Photo: GeorgePhoto: Turner/IFAW
12 International Fund for Animal Welfare 13 Born To Be Wild - Final Report Rescue and Confiscation To achieve this, a full one-day Operations training workshop was organised with a combination of presentations and 35+ number of participants that received A second training on “Rescue and practical assignments. The contents the Humane Handling and Care of Confiscation Operations” of Barbary of the presentations and practical Confiscated Wildlife training, coming from different governmental agencies macaques was held on 28 June 2019 assignments reflected the Standards including Customs, the Water and at the Al Akhawayn Conference Operational Procedures, which have Forests Department, the Food Safety Authority (ONSSA) and the Rabat Zoo. Centre in Ifrane, Morocco. This been produced by IFAW, to support Participants performed well on the workshop was organised and funded the rescue and confiscation of post-training cognitive assessment, on average answering 65% of questions by the International Fund of Animal Barbary macaques. correctly. Welfare (IFAW) in collaboration with the Water and Forests Department. The best practices relating to The workshop was attended by 19 confiscations and rescue operations 19 regional officers of the Water and have been established through the Regional Water and Forest Officers Forests Department. 2019 Training on Rescue and trained on Standard Operating Confiscation Operations of Barbary Procedures for Rescue and Confiscations Operations of Barbary Macaques. The principal objective of the macaques (Ifrane, Morocco). All Personal Protective Equipment and workshop was to offer participants the training participants received a digital Animal Handling Equipment distributed opportunity to gain practical copy in French of the training to Water and Forest Officers knowledge and skills necessary for modules, developed by IFAW. safe and optimal management (handling) of confiscated Barbary The materials indicated in the table digital data macaques, and thus, facilitate the below have been obtained to support effective implementation of the Morocco’s Water and Forests management Convention on International Trade of Department with rescue and system Species wild fauna and flora (CITES) in confiscation operations of Barbary established concerning confiscated/ the Kingdom of Morocco. This was macaques. All materials have been seized Barbary macaques. The Water and achieved by: handed over to the Water and Forests Forests Department circulated the Data Collection Form for Barbary macaque Department during the practical confiscations to the regional Forestry Strengthening the capacity of training workshop, which was held on officers for comments wildlife officers to deal with live 28th June 2019 in Ifrane. The use of confiscated Barbary macaques from this equipment has been explained in the illegal wildlife trade detail during the training and instructions have been communicated The promotion of Standard to the participants. Operational Procedures for the Rescue and Confiscation of Barbary Photo: GeorgePhoto: Turner/IFAW macaques
Purpose Item ensuring proper animal PPE Surgical masks Handling gloves (thick and thin) Face masks Overalls handling of confiscated wildlife Hygiene Disinfectant hand gel Disinfectant surface spray
Capture/Trapping Capture net Humane Handling and Care personnel involved. Therefore, we ways forward, at the national level. Trap cage of Confiscated Wildlife training held the “Humane Handling and Care More specifically, the training has Handling Leads; can be used to handle macaques during rescue/ confiscation ops. Collars; can be used to handle macaques during rescue/ confiscation ops. of Confiscated Wildlife” in Rabat, been designed to engage participants ‘Loop-leash’; can be used to handle macaques during rescue/ confiscation ops. In April 2018, our aim was to provide Morocco. The training modules were with practical exercises and government agents with best combined into a 3-day workshop, with presentations on topics including, Transport Transport carrier; Reinforced XL dog carriers, mainly for infant & juvenile macaques. Transport cage; Heavy duty double door metal cage suitable for juvenile and adult practices and techniques on the participants attending from all over Species Identification; Recognizing macaques. handling and care of live animals most the country. This was an excellent and Mitigating Risk; Animal Handling; Water bottles Padlocks; to lock carriers/ transport cages. commonly seized in the country, with opportunity for participants from Animal Escape and Extraction; Sick & Cable ties; to tie up door transport carriers. a view of minimising die-offs and various agencies/entities to exchange Injured Animals; Short Term Care; and improving animal welfare while information on their overall Transportation of Wildlife. safeguarding the safety of the experience, challenges and to find
14 International Fund for Animal Welfare 15 Born To Be Wild - Final Report Photo: George Turner /IFAW Photo: George Turner /IFAW assessing and improving the monitoring of illegal trade welfare of confiscated animals To preserve Barbary macaques and place. Among these factors are the capable of identifying reptiles, birds other wild animals from illegal number of individual terrestrial and animals species present in the trafficking in Morocco, we need to vertebrates of which species may be markets and were able to distinguish With the agreement of the Water and Barbary macaques at the Jardin identify the knowledge gaps that are killed/taken illegally each year in between native animals and exotic Forests Department, and the National Zoologique National de Rabat” was supported present to be able to fill them with chosen black spots throughout ones. Nevertheless, to guarantee the Zoological Garden of Rabat (JZN), a shared with the JZN through the Water awareness that can lead to crucial Morocco; which species may be the students understanding of the team from IFAW and AAP gathered and Forests Department in February existing facilities decisions towards the protecting of most impacted; and what types of conventions of which are ratified by and visited the National Zoological 2019. that care for confiscated Barbary many of the species that are endemic illegal activities may be most the Moroccan government, the macaques with advice, guidelines and Garden of Rabat as part of the Born to material in regards to the feeding, to the Kingdom of Morocco. significant. students were given a course on the be Wild project in the Kingdom of The main focus of this was to improve physical health, behavioral state, and Multi-Environments Agreements integration capacity of the confiscated Morocco. The visit took place on facilities of the quarantine area of JZN, Barbary macaques With the assistance of Masters To best prepare the Masters students (MEA) such as CITES, CMS, AEWA and October 16, 2018 and aimed to assess which are made available as a students and in close cooperation to take on this mission, a series of CBD. the management needs of the temporary holding facility for rescued with the Water and Forests trainings on terrestrial vertebrates’ This image was taken seconds before Barbary macaques confiscated by the Barbary macaques. Improvements a huge Barbary macaque alarm rang Department, a pilot plan was identification were initiated and authorities. This assessment consisted were implemented based on the out through the forest, as a large developed to start the quantification conducted by Dr. Imad Cheraoui – the pack of feral dogs approach. Although These Barbary macaques are semi- of a visit to the premises used by the advisory report ‘Advice on the rescue there’s clear no evidence of the process (scale and scope) of illegal professor we worked with in Morocco. wild, living deeper in Ifrane JZN to house Barbary macaques, as of Barbary macaques at the Jardin park’s feral dogs attacking macaques, wildlife trade in Morocco and its The trainings took place in different National Park. Contact with people it cannot be ruled out. is infrequent - hikers, bikers, well as interviews with the veterinarian Zoologique National de Rabat’ possible impact on individual species, cities including Rabat, Salé and runners - and as such, they are far and handlers. Existing protocols and compiled by AAP and IFAW. In line especially on Barbary macaques. The Casablanca, and were initially more skittish. They display natural behaviours, unlike the ‘tourist product information were also made with this report, advice was also students supported the project by conducted at the pet shops and g r o u p s’. available shortly after the visit, at the provided on general care and assessing a number of factors that will animal markets. At the end of the request of the team. The report integrations/ resocialisations. help define wildlife trafficking taking training phase, the students were produced “Advice on the rescue of
16 International Fund for Animal Welfare 17 Born To Be Wild - Final Report Photo: Water and Forests Department in Morocco of kingdom the Photo: Water and Forests Department in Morocco of kingdom the
A standardized questionnaire was Until now, observations of Barbary towards the protection of wildlife and kept in covered cages or boxes. The - Siskin (Cardualis spinus) – 15% Reptiles developed by the students in order to macaques were restricted to monitoring the illegal trade, a number birds react to the dark by gorging - African chaffinch Fringilla coelobs Greek Tortoise Testudo graeca – 61% collect information on different wild entertainment squares (Djamae Lfna of confiscations were carried out. themselves on grain, usually millet africana – 8% - Mediterranean Chameleon animals exhibited in entertainment in Marrakech, Sahat Lahdim in seed, until they double their bulk. - Linnet linaria linaria 6% Chamaeleo chamaeleon 12% places and wildlife markets. The Meknes, Martil near Tétouan, Sadiya Taxa Numbers confiscated Therefore, they are sold to French - Eurasian Serin Serinus serinus 5, - Moroccan Uromastyx Uromastyx questionnaire was tested and adjusted near Berkane, Sid Rehal near EL by Forest department tourists. The Ortolan bunting is served 4% nigriventris 9% during several visits to the markets Jadida). Another entertainment place Raptors 53 individuals (all species in French cuisine, typically cooked - Greenfinches Chloris chloris 4,6% included) and entertainment places such as the called Ain Asrdoun with a famous and eaten whole. Traditionally diners - Great Tit Pariparus major 2% Songbirds 1055 (all species included) famous Jamae el fana in Marrakech waterfall also attracts tourists and cover their heads with their napkin, or - Others 2% 13 out of 17 during April 2018. The questionnaire Barbary macaques are exhibited. The Reptiles (mainly Greek 450 a towel while eating the delicacy. tortoise - Testudo falcons were released back to the wild was an important tool to record the place was visited in August but graeca) There were NO Barbary macaques or Raptors on February 2020 information collected in situ and it has macaque were not captured but wild Mammals (Barbary 120 other globally endangered animal (Seven species were found sold been tested initially in different cities monkeys, who become used to beg ground Squirrels and recorded among the wild animals sold more or less regularly). (Agadir, Casablanca, Kénitra, food from tourist as in “Cedre Algerian Hedghogs) illegally in the markets. The 53 raptors, 1055 Marrakech, Oujda, Rabat, Salé, Gourou” area near Arzou, have entertainment squares remain the According to our survey, the falcons Tangier, Tetouan and Meknes). adapted their behavior accordingly. For instance, on January 17 falcons only place, so far, where the (peregrine and lanners) are the most songbirds, 450 16 enforcement units detect (Lanner Falcon and Peregrine/Barbary Macaques are being exhibited. trafficked birds as the poachers are reptiles (mainly Survey and field work started in legislations violation (Monitoring of Falcons) were confiscated by the trying to satisfy demands of raptors August 2018 and was carried out at wild animals and its exploitation units). Animal protection units of Forest During the reporting period, up to 14 from the Arabian peninsula. Greek tortoises) monthly basis by visiting regularly six These units work throughout the Conservation authority. The raptors and 8 Macaques are being exhibited and 120 mammals markets (Meknes, Casablanca, Kénitra, country and help in confiscation wild passed a health check and quarantine regularly in two regular entertainment Gamebirds Marrakech, Rabat and Salé) and Two animals from smugglers. before release. 13 out of 17 were square Jamae Lafna (Marrakech) and Barbary Partridge, Woodpigeon, (Barbary ground wildlife entertainment places (Jamae released back to the wild on February Lahdim (Meknès), respectively. Turtle doves and common quail are Squirrels Lafna Square in Marrakech and The Moroccan conservation 2020. However, those that belong to the most common species in the and Algerian Lahdim Square in Meknès) following authorities were informed of all the non-native subspecies or those that Two to three macaques are being animal markets throughout the the developed methodology and an illegal taking and exhibition of wild were unable to fly were kept at used by seasonal exhibitors in country Hedgehogs) agreed work plan. animals particularly those of Barbary “Dream village zoo”. The Moroccan summer touristic area such as Sadiya were confiscated macaques and raptors in different association of Falconry and beach (Berkane), Sidi Rehal Beach (EL Other birds Other markets were irregularly visited areas visited so far and at each time of conservation of Raptor (AMFCR) has Jadida), Martil – Restinga (Tétouan) Mainly caught accidentally but even because of like Tétouan, Tangier, Fes, Oujda, the visit. assisted this operation. All the birds and Tangier city beach. Other places though poachers are not releasing monitoring the Agadir, Essaouira, Chefchaoun and got macro-shiprd. frequented by tourists such as them back to wild and they prefer illegal trade Nador. And during the summer Born to be Wild has been working with Asserdoun springs and Ouzoud selling them to animal and pet Saidiya, EL Jadida, Martil and Ouzoud 19 collaborators and volunteers of The monitoring of illegal trade waterfall are also frequently used by markets. Except for the Eurasian Falls were visited. which many underwent several reseach has revealed the trafficking of Barbary macaques’ exhibitors. hoopoe who are used for sorcery. The team at the Department of Water and Forests in the Kingdom of trainings by the IC in Animal Market Ortolan buting (Emberiza hortulana), Morocco, checking the falcon prior to First results on Percentage of monitoring and animal identification which an abundant passage migrant Regarding the other wildlife, the most Mammals its release back in the wild.
Terrestrial vertebrates (Reptiles 17%, throughout the country since the in Morocco. The birds are caught with illegally trafficked animals concern: The most trafficked animals are The team at the Department of Birds 67%and Mammals 16%) project quick off. This collaboration nets set during their autumn migratory - Barbary Ground Squirrel Water and Forests in the Kingdom of Morocco, releasing falcons back in exhibited for sale in the markets by has allowed confiscation of Mammals, flight to African sub-Saharan wintering Song birds (Atlantoxerus getulus) 68% the wild after they were confiscated cities during the reporting period Raptors, songbirds and reptiles. ground through Morocco. According - Goldenfiches (Cardualis cardualis) - Algerian hedgehog (Atelerix from poachers with the help of information provided by the Born to (March18-April2020). Moreover, because of the united effort to the common practice, Ortolans are – 57% of songbirds algirus) 11% be Wild team.
18 International Fund for Animal Welfare 19 Born To Be Wild - Final Report Photo: Imad Cherkaoui Imad Photo: Photo: George Turner /IFAW monitoring of illegal trade online fostering a new generation that values and protects With the advanced technology and As soon as our Born to be Wild - Morocco, and can result in rise of new social media, it is Monitoring of illegal trade team was imprisonment and / or a fine important to monitor platforms to be informed about the cases of young equivalent to 10,000 euros. wildlife in Morocco able to identify the species that are Barbary macaques that were illegally most common in trade online, and to kept by some exhibitors, we have sent recognize how these online platforms a team that actively searched for the Barbary macaques have greater value Additional dangers emerge from poor are being used to commit wildlife infant macaques in different places “all united against alive in the wild than in captivity. The management and handling of these 30 schools crimes. The same team - who handled such as Salé, Essaouira, Martil, Oujda, macaques generate income for animals due to the lack of the trafficking of were reached around Ifrane National the monitoring of illegal trade offline, Hercules Cave and Nador. However, Morocco through tourism and they understanding of their behavior, Park to help fifth and sixth graders better understand the importance of in the markets and entertainment the illegal traders managed to escape wild animals in benefit the ecosystem by spreading wellbeing, and importance to the Barbary macaque conservation in 2020 hubs - monitored different social the area upon our teams’ arrival. Our Morocco” the seeds in the forest. This is the ecosystem as a whole. Therefore, with media platforms for any wildlife to preliminary investigations indicated main message shared during visits to a team of volunteers made up of The project team are collaborating share with the concerned authorities different situations but all of them with an active Facebook page sharing schools. Students were educated young adults - to get them involved in To gain the trust of the semi- for their action. have proven that poaching is still information about the wildlife about the stillbirths experienced by the conservation field - fifth and sixth wild Barbary macaques, patience is trafficking in Morocco required. Movement must be slow, eye taking place. Nonetheless we have mother macaques because of obesity graders at tschools around Ifrane contact to a minimum, and no direct approaches. By keeping still for There is currently only one website noticed that the poaching activities due to being fed unnatural food in National Park were visted to help 30-45 minutes, they’ll eventually marketing pet animals [confidential to concerning Barbary macaques has large quantities by the tourists. Stories students better understand the accept you as no danger. An online ad featuring a wild animal avoid endorsement]. From time to significantly declined and the Water for sale. were shared about juvenile macaques importance of protecting Barbary time some wild animals are sold and Forests department with the lost to poachers because of the macaques – to engage with youth in online and these are exotics or native support of internal animal rescue habituation of these wild animals as schools, we have produced an species such as Barbary macaques, units, are more engaged in disrupting park visitors neglect safe distance educational video that will continue to Raptors, and song birds - among the illegal trade, especially in Barbary keeping rules. Lastly, students were be screened in schools to help many. Moreover, our team checked macaques as it resembles a national educated how these animals live in educate children on Barbary macaque Facebook and liaised with several treasure. The poaching or trading groups and suffer greatly when they conservation and what they can do to volunteers to report posts and online practices of Barbary macaques is lose one another to a poacher or car help preserve these species. markets. punishable by the national law in strike.
20 International Fund for Animal Welfare 21 Born To Be Wild - Final Report reducing feeding and close contact with macaques
Feeding wildlife is associated with encourage change. Furthermore, this several risks for both animals and research provided evidence of the tourists. Education is a common effectiveness of education efforts by strategy used in an attempt to reduce the Community Scouts in increasing wildlife feeding, but research on the awareness and changing behaviors of effectiveness of education in tourists. The results from this changing tourist behavior is lacking. scientific research were incorporated Surveys conducted with tourists into the design of a new educational visiting Ifrane National Park provided sign installed in Ifrane National Park. valuable information on the Further monitoring allows the prevalence of feeding and close effectiveness of these intervention contact with macaques, the factors strategies to be evaluated and influencing tourists’ behaviours and optimized to reduce feeding and opinions on interactions with close contact of animals by tourists. macaques, and what may be the most effective education strategies to
Photo: George Turner /IFAW tourists’ motivations for feeding wild safe macaque watching primates
The Born to be Wild awareness and With thousands of tourists visiting no feeding, no littering, and no education activities are focused on Ifrane National Park annually, we have touching / petting macaques. The motivations for feeding wild informing the public, the local worked with the Water and Forests To reinstate some of these guidelines, Barbary macaques were explored finding population, tourists and schools about department on developing and we placed road signs on roads in and through more than 8000 surveys with Feeding was common but most was Barbary macaque behavior and distributing a map of Morocco’s around the park, and installed special tourists from 55 countries visiting opportunistic; most tourists came to the park to see the macaques, while conservation, and the fact that they national parks with information on trashcans in tourist areas to help Ifrane National Park. Feeding was only a small proportion came to feed are an endangered species. their flora and fauna, highlighting prevent the animals from eating common but most was opportunistic. the macaques. Exploring tourists’ motivations for feeding macaques can In early 2018, the surveys our team Ifrane National Park and the Barbary tourist left overs. Tourists fed macaques for a variety of help develop targeted intervention collected from the tourists, which macaque, and the risks associated different reasons. Statistical modelling strategies and reduce feeding of wildlife. helped to further refine the with human-wildlife interaction. of these data provided valuable messaging towards and education of Our Born to be Wild scouts’ team information on the factors influencing Until around 3 months, baby Barbary this target audience, showed that less informed people about the Barbary macaques are entirely black. To age tourists’ motivations and behaviours Typical Barbary macaque behaviour: than 50% of tourists knew that the macaque, their natural habitat, and them look for remaining patches, such to develop targeted feeding playtime! as the cheek areas in this image. Barbary macaque is an endangered how tourists can help keep them safe interventional strategies. Visitor species. by following basic guidelines; driving satisfaction was also analysed, slowly on the roads through the park, showing that macaque viewing is just as enjoyable for tourists as macaque
Photo: George Turner /IFAW feeding.
22 International Fund for Animal Welfare 23 Born To Be Wild - Final Report disrupting wildlife crime through capacity building of concerned government officials and judiciary
We build the capacity of government Moreover, we held a judiciary training law enforcement agencies and other to raise the awareness of the public 16 government officials by increasing prosecutors regarding the seizure/ confiscation cases – sixteen their knowledge on wildlife crime and international and national laws confiscations, twelve of them were confiscations of Barbary macaques the proper handling and care of live concerning animal welfare and following our DISRUPT trainings. The animals in efforts to combat wildlife wildlife trafficking. Law enforcement majority of the confiscations took place in our main targeted region trafficking. To fill the communication is crucial to address the illegal wildlife and all the confiscated species were gap between the Customs, police and trade and to enable prosecutors to covered in our trainings Forestry authorities at a national level, take action we needed to sensitize our DISRUPT trainings encourage the them with information on existing cooperation between government laws, with the aim to encourage them following departments to maximize the effect of to take action during seizure our and their efforts. operations. our Judiciary trainings, more In developing and organizing a The public prosecutors were gathered DISRUPT training, we first do a needs together to discuss the existing laws poachers were assessment of the participants and and the animals that are most taken to court the situation in the country – the most common in illegal trade in the region. common species trafficked and the We emphasized on the National Law and forced to pay smuggling techniques used in the 29.05 to highlight the national a fine for their region. That way we can tailor the consequences in getting involved in attempt to illegally training curriculum and exercises to wildlife trafficking. the level of knowledge and expertise trade in animals of the participants. When we There were many confiscation cases organized the DISRUPT trainings in following our DISRUPT trainings in The park benches visible in this Morocco, we invited the Moroccan which the poacher was taken to court Barbary macaque’s eyes speak volumes: authorities as trainers as they are best and forced to pay a fine for their they’re here to fed. Tourists will often discard the remanents of their fit to address in the national language, attempt in trading in animals illegally. picnics, feeding a plethora of foods the local situation and the legislation. Our judiciary-training workshop - not naturally in the macaque diet - to them. In Morocco, we targeted the Northern improved communication between area near Spain, as the ports (sea and forestry and judicial department. air) are known as common trafficking and smuggling routes. We organized two targeted DISRUPT trainings at trafficking hot spots Tangier and Nador in 2018. We received and continue to receive news from the concerned authorities on seizure and confiscation cases, which were carried out by the officers who attended our trainings – an indicator reflecting the importance and success of these trainings. Photo: George Turner /IFAW
24 International Fund for Animal Welfare 25 Born To Be Wild - Final Report Community livelihoods are closely Communities living near Ifrane information about the farms. Factors linked with the Barbary macaques and National Park, specifically in the we investigated included farm size, their habitat. Born to be Wild aims to region of Ain Leuh, have reported age, spatial location and distance to achieve peaceful coexistence greatly increased crop raiding forest, crop, season and current between Barbary macaques and local activities by Barbary macaques and deterrence methods. We obtained people. Community engagement subsequent human-wildlife conflict. information on how often monkeys work in and around Ifrane National Affected crops include cherries, visited the farm, how much damage is Park is focused on supporting apples, walnuts and almonds, with done, and their attitudes towards communities to identify and take conflict reported in summer (fruit macaques. This helped to a) action on issues of importance to crops) and winter (nut crops). Crop understand what influences conflict them and that link with Barbary raiding activities are extremely so that informed mitigation strategies macaque conservation, such as detrimental to the families affected, as could be recommended, b) identify reduction of human-wildlife conflict. macaques not only eat the crops and potential farms for testing mitigation Our team focused on establishing a thus reduce current yield but also solutions, and c) serve as baselines for shared vision with communities as to damage and kill trees, thereby assessing the effectiveness of what can be achieved for people and reducing future yield. This conflict mitigation strategies in future. animals by working together, and threatens the welfare and taking an inclusive approach that conservation of this endangered Between March and November 2019 promotes local leadership and species, as people may be tempted to farms were mapped (N=33) by the institution building for sustainability. retaliate against crop raiding and are community scouts and a less likely to support conservation representative from Ifrane National This project aimed to determine initiatives if the species is considered Park, along with local farmers, who efficacy of Barbary macaque conflict a pest. In addition to current risks this also responded to a questionnaire. mitigation strategies with farmers in problem poses for human livelihood Results from the data collected Ain Leuh in order to contribute to the and Barbary macaque conservation, confirmed that most farms are following objectives: future reintroduction efforts will be primarily cherry crops (see Table 1). threatened if a successful model for Monkeys visited each farm daily in 1. Document the extent of the crop engaging with local communities to spring and summer, weekly in autumn raiding issue in Ain Leuh and its develop a landscape of coexistence is and monthly in winter (see Table 2). impact on both humans and not developed. In October 2018 more While cherry farms are visited by animals; understand the factors that than 50 individuals from Ain Leuh monkeys mostly in spring and influence conflict wrote a joint letter to the governor to summer, walnut farms are visited in about the need to find a solution. Born spring, summer and autumn (Figure 1). 2. Assess the viability of conflict to be Wild Surveillants Locaux met Most people had a negative or very mitigation strategies with farmers in with farmers in Ain Leuh regularly negative attitude toward monkeys Ain Leuh that can be sustainably since then to discuss the issue and (Figure 2) and perceived conflict to be replicated elsewhere in the region ideas of how we could work together severe or very severe (Figure 3). as a team to find solutions. However, an ordinal regression model 3. Provide practical recommendations found that perceived severity of to reduce macaque crop raiding risk The ultimate goal of the project was to conflict was not related to how for communities in the region identify conflict mitigation methods to frequently monkeys visit farms. For determine which could be most 42% of farmers surveyed, farming is In order to achieve a better effective and which the community of their sole livelihood (see Figure 7), understanding of the scope and Ain Leuh would be favourable to making this initiative supporting them impact of the problem the team adopting. However, as a first step, it to work together on finding a viable undertook a series of activities to map was necessary to first quantify and long term solution and monitor the Barbary macaque crop raiding understand conflict and identify farms results to ensure it’s working, all the Photo: GeorgePhoto: Turner/IFAW activities and farms in Ain Leuh, where these methods could be tested. more critical. understand what factors influence Research was undertaken to conflict, identify the risks and impact understand what factors influence of crop raiding on humans and human-macaque crop-raiding conflict The “tourist” groups are fully addressing human-wildlife animals and identify conflict and how this impacts the local habituated Barbary macaque, with a mitigation strategies the community community by conducting surveys human presence around them all day, nearly all year. As a result, studies can test. with farmers and recording have found that these macaques conflict display more stress/anxiety induced behaviours.
26 International Fund for Animal Welfare 27 Born To Be Wild - Final Report Crops Visits by monkeys to farms Livelihood and farm Table 1 Table 2 ownership status Table 3 Crop % of farms Season Average Rough % of famers Livelihood and farm own- score interpretation ership status Cherries 0.86 Summer 3.82 Monkeys visit farms 0.25 Sole livelihood and own farm Walnuts 0.18 almost daily 0.17 Sole livelihood don’t own farm Almonds 0.11 Autumn 3.18 Monkeys visit farms 0.17 Not sole livelihood don’t own farm Peaches 0.11 more than weekly 0.42 Not sole livelihood own farm Other 0.18 Winter 2.64 Monkeys visit farms less than weekly Crops per farm 1.61 (average#) Spring 3.82 Monkeys visit farms almost daily
Average 3.37 Monkeys visit farms roughly weekly on average across farms and seasons
Scored as 1=Never/Rarely; 2=Monthly/Almost Monthly; 3=Weekly/Almost Weekly; 4=Daily/Almost Daily
Farmer attitude towards monkeys Figure 3 Photo: George Turner /IFAW
Maps of farms and severity of conflict was held in April 2019. This was the sunset. Working individually and at each were created (see Figure 4) to first time members of the community without any training in animal 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% help each farmer identify which type had come together to discuss and behaviour and effective techniques, of solution could be most appropriate work through a shared problem guards are not currently working as Very negative for the unique conditions on their statement. It was during this meeting effectively as they could be. They farm. The maps of conflict suggested that community members agreed often spend many hours a day idle Negative that farms in Ajabou along the south- they would like to form an association due to a lack of crop raiding activities Neutral east edge bordering Ifrane National to work together in a more formal on their assigned farm and often Positive Park were experiencing greater way. The association was officially chasing monkeys on to neighboring conflict than those along the north- registered in August 2019 and since farms when they do visit, rather Very positive west edge (see Figure 4a), which members have been meeting on a than back into the forest. Although raised the suggestion that macaques regular basis, both individually and a relatively ineffective system, it is may be entering farms from Ifrane in small groups, to continue sharing not a significant financial burden for Perceived severity of conflict National Park and then travelling information and ideas. The second larger/more resourced farms. It is Figure 2 through the farms to reach others, community meeting was held in a significant barrier for farms with resulting in the observed pattern of February 2020 with approximately fewer resources however; sometimes conflict. If so, focusing protection on 50 participants. Attendees included requiring all family members to this edge of the farms may protect association members, other participate when hired guards are adjacent farms. However, the home community members and government not affordable or simply bearing ranges and routes of the macaques officials. During this meeting the the worst impact of doing nothing. were not known. Therefore, home community decided the solution they These findings, together with the data range data on the macaque groups would like to utilize to deter crop gathered on the severity of the issue, 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% conducted as part of the work of the raiding during this upcoming cherry maps demonstrating connectivity community scouts were analyzed to season. of farms being raided most severely Very severe determine home ranges and travel (see Figure 4) and behaviour of BMs Severe routes of macaques (see Figure 5). The community consultation process involved confirms that a shared This showed that macaques entered revealed that the only moderately approach, rather than an individual Moderate the farms from both sides. successful methods to mitigate one is most likely to be effective in Minor BM crop raiding thus far have been keeping macaques away from farms. Absent The first community meeting with human guards hired at individual approximately 20 farmers in Ain Leuh farms, present daily from 5am to
28 International Fund for Animal Welfare 29 Born To Be Wild - Final Report animal & people Photo: GeorgePhoto: Turner/IFAW
As a result of project activities, effective (e.g. coordinated team of the terms and conditions can be community members for the first time guards wearing similar conspicuous negotiated and finalized with the Ain recognized the need to work together clothing, scarecrows wearing the Leuh Cherry Tree Association and it is rather than individually to tackle this same clothing as the guards, etc.) safe to proceed. problem. Adamant about the need and the association can be supported to find an immediate solution prior to collect their own data to enable Aside from ensuring leadership in to the 2020 cherry season, IFAW them to assess how effective their addressing this issue comes from agreed to propose a method for community-guarding network is. within the community, working employing a shared community guard through the newly formed association network likely to be more effective Unfortunately the Covid-19 crisis and will help ensure that all members and cost-efficient for all farmers in associated lockdowns hit Morocco of the community, regardless of the community. This approach is at the same time the community socio-economic status can benefit centered on utilizing fewer guards, guard trial was due to be rolled out equally through sharing of resources. training them professionally by for the 2020 cherry season. Activities Furthermore, this approach is helping the community scouts to work as were unable to proceed as planned, to ensure that the solution is better a team and cost-sharing across all however community members able to be sustained by community participating farms. Farm maps can reported that monkeys rarely visited members themselves after IFAW assist the Cherry Tree Association and farms during the entire season and involvement ends. It is a relatively thriving their community guards to coordinate harvest was very poor this year. As low cost model that is easily scalable their efforts to safely, effectively some restrictions started easing to many other communities in the and consistently push crop raiding in Morocco the team focused on region and has increased community monkeys back into the forest. They purchasing equipment for community capacity to work together to solve can be further supported to explore guards and making preparations shared challenges. other ways guards could be more for the next phase of the work once together
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