Malayan Sun Bear recorded in video in South Rakhine State: steps towards the updated checklist of the mammals of Rakhine State

Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest of the eight bear living species and it is characterized by a short black fur with a typical U-shaped yellow spot on its chest. Despite being part of one of the most studied animal taxon worldwide, few information on the biology and ecology of this species are available and its current distribution in Myanmar is unknown. During the past years, scattered pictures, randomly recorded by conservation organizations, showed evidence of the presence of Sun Bear in several regions, thus suggesting Myanmar could host viable populations relevant for the conservation of the species at global level. In order to investigate the presence, assess its population and collect data on the ecology of Sun Bear, Istituto Oikos, in collaboration with the Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division (NWCD), has been monitoring the natural area comprised between Thandwe and Gwa, and the Rakhine Yoma Elephant Range WS since the end of 2016. 120 camera traps were setup in an area of 240km2 during two monitoring sessions. Presence sign surveys were conducted to identify best spot to arrange the camera traps position and estimate the relative abundance of the species. In order to maximize the probability of finding bears and capture evidences of their presence, the field team included elements with a mixture of experiences and backgrounds; international experts, local forestry graduates, NWCD staff, community members and two former traditional hunters converted to conservation, participated to the monitoring sessions. Thanks to the synergy of the different competences put in place, a large amount of presence signs were identified and consistent bear and other wildlife's videos were recorded. Despite Rakhine State is generally considered a hotspot of biodiversity, the result of the camera trapping survey even exceeded the expectations in terms of species variety and bear abundance. More than 25 mammal species were identified and almost 100 Sun Bear videos were recorded, thus steadily confirming the presence of reproductive populations in the area. The videos showed males, females and young cubs displaying a wide range of behavioral patterns. Two adult males repeatedly rubbed their back on the same tree during subsequent days, thus suggesting the presence of territorial attitude among them. Several cubs and sub-adults were recorded in company of their mothers, roaming into the forest, feeding on insects, climbing trees and playing. The data collected bring and exceptional contribute to the research on South-east Asian bears; the upcoming analysis will identify a methodology to assess the bear population consistency from camera trap videos and presence signs survey, which could be replicated in other natural areas.

Other than Sun Bear, unexpected rare species were caught on film. A critically endangered Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica) was recorded in video for the first time in the area. This finding brings hope to the conservation of scaly anteaters, severely threatened by commercial hunting and habitat loss, and opens the way to new intriguing research possibilities. Incredible footages of large and small cats were obtained thanks to the project, as a rarely filmed Marbled Cat (Pardofelis marmorata) sinuously climbing on the branch of a tree and elegant Clouded Leopards (Neofelis nebulosa) roaming into the forest with evident predatory attitude. A mysterious species, not yet fully described by the scientific literature, was identified in one exceptional video: the Red Serow (Capricornis rubidus). This goat-antelope herbivore was believed to have a distribution limited to northern Kachin State in Myanmar, but further biological and genetic studies are needed to clarify its relationships with other serow species and its area of distribution. The biological survey performed between 2017-2018 added important information to the scientific knowledge of the natural area of Rakhine. Understanding the real value of the natural heritage by knowing endemisms and being aware of the unique characteristics of the environment is the first step towards an effective conservation approach. Basis were laid to draft conservation strategy action plans informed by a deep knowledge of the south Rakhine ecosystem and its components. A detailed checklist of the mammal species identified will be soon published, together with recommendations for the conservation of the main threatened wildlife taxa. The great commitment demonstrated by the NWCD and the FD in expanding the research on wildlife and supporting conservation project as well, will likely lead to a broad range of actions aimed at the sustainable management of the natural resources which will benefit the Myanmar's unique environment in the next future.