Endemic Birds in Papua New Guinea's Montane Forests
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Endemic Birds in Papua New Guinea’s Montane Forests: Human Use and Conservation Thesis submitted by Miriam Supuma February 2018 For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia Raggiana (Paradisaea raggiana) and Lesser Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea minor) plumes sold during the annual Goroka Show (2015) in the Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea. Photographed by Miriam Supuma Statement of contribution of others Research funding and stipend: Australia Awards Scholarship (primary) Schlumberger Faculty for the Future (field work) Research in-kind support College of Science and Engineering, JCU Papua New Guinea Institute of Biological Research Inc, PNG Research and Conservation Foundation, PNG PNG National Museum & Art Gallery Hogave Conservation Initiative Karimui Conservation Resource Management Program Initiative, PNG Partners with Melanesians, PNG BirdLife International, UK Advisory Panel Associate Professor David King, College of Science and Engineering, JCU Professor Andrew Krockenberger, Centre for Tropical Biodiversity and Climate Change, JCU Associate Professor Alison Cottrell (Adjunct), College of Science and Engineering, JCU Dr. James Moloney (Adjunct), College of Science and Engineering, JCU Statistical, analytical and modelling support Dr. James Moloney and Dr. Elodie Ledee (GIS) Dr. April Reside (Species Distribution Model, Maxent) Dr. Rie Hagihara (Modelling) Editorial assistance Ms Victoria Lawn Co-authorship of published manuscripts Co-authors of published manuscripts within this thesis will have participated in one or more in the following ways: discussions of concept and improvement of study design, and advice on methods and manuscripts. i Permits Research associated with this thesis complies with current laws of Australia and the necessary for the project (JCU Human Ethics H5610) ii Acknowledgements Back in 2008, Paige West and Brett Benz made their time available to review my research proposal and provided valuable insight. I thought the idea to pursue my studies was quite farfetched considering I had become a mum in 2009. But what a journey it has been. I was entrusted with the support of many kind-hearted people who were unselfish with their time. Thank you, Alison Cottrell, David King, James Moloney, Elodee Ledee, Andrew Krockenberger, April Reside, and the JCU International Student Centre Team. Robin Hide and Christopher Healey have been gracious with their time whenever I reached out for advice. They saw the importance of such studies years ago when they initiated this in the central highlands of Papua New Guinea. Vivienne L. Williams and Anthony B. Cunningham were very helpful and patient when I asked many questions regarding their work on birds traded for African traditional medicine. The Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS) supported my studies in Australia. I am also indebted to the people of Australia and the Traditional custodians of Townsville, the Bindal and Wulgurukaba people – Thank you. When I moved to Townville from Papua New Guinea to commence my studies in July 2013, my family and I lived and learnt from your ancestral land. To be allowed that opportunity has been truly a humbling experience. Australia is a magnificent ancient land with an amazing array of wildlife. My gratitude to Simon Foale and Cathie Black who connected me with the Townsville BirdLife Club where I gained an appreciation of the local birds. The Aaron family made the occasional fishing trips, sightseeing at the Paluma National Park, and outdoor picnics memorable. While at JCU, I also had the opportunity to meet Debbie Bower, Mark Ziembicki, and Isabel Beasley regarding their various research interest into PNG’s fauna. It is encouraging to see Australian researchers reaching out to collaborate with PNG institutions to improve conservation efforts and capacity in PNG. For the coffee, lunch, chats, laughter, advice, and your friendship, thank you Rie Hagihara, Astrid Vachette, Imelda Ambelye, Stephanie Mrozek, Qian Li, Juliana Rechetelo, Putu Mustika, Janet Gagul, Leontine Baje, Gabriel Porolak, Francesca Marenge, and Joy Mamaril. Lucina Tadabe my long-time friend, you are a gem – thank you for sharing PNG news, and the heartwarming and joyful moments of raising a family. It was also a delight to participate in activities organised by the PNG JCU Student Association which promoted the spirit of multiculturalism and community. iii Debra Wright, Paige West, and Andrew Mack, what beautiful souls you are for your support during my budding career as a conservationist. The Papua New Guinea Institute of Biological Research Inc (PNGIBR) enabled my work in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province to progress smoothly. It has been a privilege to be a member of PNGIBR and to work with many likeminded nationals - Banak Gamui, thank you for your support and the experience of working alongside you. Anna Koki, your energy amazes me. To my colleague late Paul Igag, I have learnt humility and a healthy sense of humour from you which has served me well. My assistants enriched my field work with enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. My heartfelt gratitude to Junior Novera, Ben Ruli, Dzarina Susuke, Diatpain Warakai, Tania Areori, John Par Kagl, Endo Evota, the Gahuno family of Nagamizah, and the Muma family of Toromambuno, Gembogl. My extended and close family also helped in immeasurable ways. Especially, Anna and William, my wonderful parents. To Jephat, my husband, and our son Liam, we make a great team. Your endless support, patience, and love made this journey possible. iv Table of Contents Thesis Abstract 1 Chapter 1: Introduction 3 Chapter 2: Literature Review 14 Chapter 3: Changes in the Trade of Birds in Central Highlands, PNG 48 Chapter 4: Case Study: Patterns of Hunting Intensity in Montane Forest 69 Chapter 5: Potential Risks Associated with use of Endemic Birds in Central Highlands 94 Chapter 6: Species Distribution of the Blue Bird of Paradise 110 Chapter 7: Discussion and Conclusion 121 References 182 List of Figures Figure 1.1 Map of main study sites 10 Figure 1.2 Main markets in Port Moresby, National Capital District (NCD) 12 Figure 1.3 Schematic diagram, thesis structure 13 Figure 2.1 Synergistic feedback 36 Figure 3.1 Historical exchange rates 53 Figure 3.2 Bird source localities 56 Figure 3.3 Comparison of trends 50 years 60 Figure 3.4 Birds sold in 1974/5 compare to 2015 (NCD) 61 Figure 4.1 Schematic diagram of data analysis (GIS) 76 Figure 4.2 Old hunting sites (1980) 78 Figure 4.3 Taboo sites 79 Figure 4.4 Preferred hunting times 82 Figure 4.5 Proportions of birds hunted 84 Figure 4.6 Old and new hunting sites and hotspot analysis 87 v Figure 5.1 Proportion of birds used in subsistence livelihood 101 Figure 5.2 Guilds of avian species in subsistence use 104 Figure 5:3 Distribution of Total Importance Score – K -Means cluster analysis 105 Figure 6.2 Species distribution model of Blue Bird of Paradise 115 Figure 6.3 Contemporary suitable habitat of the Blue Bird of Paradise at Karimui 118 List of Tables Table 1.1 Population density of case study site (smaller constituencies) 11 Table 2.1 Bird species sold in NCD 1974 – 1975 29 Table 2.2 Cost of birds 1965 – 1985 31 Table 2.3 Informal sector 32 Table 2.4 CITES and Solomon Islands 34 Table 2.5 Main hypothesis that explain bird species loss 38 Table 2.6 Summary of difference in TEK and SEK 42 Table 3.1 Timeframe summary of study by sites 52 Table 3.2 Cost of species by main bird group 58 Table 3.3 Bird species sold in Port Moresby (NCD) 63 Table 3.4 Participants and the years of feathers (plumes) in their possession 64 Table 4.1 Karimui population densities of constituencies 71 Table 4.2 Sites and numbers of participating hunters 75 Table 4.3 Hunters response to taboo sites 80 Table 4.4 Birds of Paradise hunted over study period 83 Table 4.5 Summary statistics of elevation and distance covered by hunters 85 Table 5.1 Rabinowitz’s forms of rarity based on range, abundance, and habitat specificity 99 Table 5.2 Mean rarity by Order/family 100 Table 5.3 Species often hunted, traded, and used as headdress 102 Table 5.4 Species and rarity categories and population trends as observed by IUCN 102 Table 5.5 Mean mass of species within each Rabinowitz rarity category 103 vi Table 6.1 19 Bioclimatic variables used in Species Distribution 112 Table 6.2 AIC and BIC values for ENM for contemporary and future scenarios 116 List of Plates Plate 2.1 Simbai man & headdress (Photographer M. Dozier) 21 Plate 2.2 Ubaigubi family 1960s (Photographer D. Gillison) 24 Plate 3.1 Typical Chimbu Headdress (2012) PNGIBR 51 Plate 3.2 Birds traded during the study 62 Plate 4.1 Karimui (Pawaiian) headdress (Photographer P. Barker) 72 Plate 4.2 Bena Bena headdress - Eastern Highlands Province 73 Plate 6.1 Secondary regrowth cleared with aid of fire for planting typical vegetables 117 Plate 6.2 View at Yuro village looking southwards past Pinero airstrip 119 List of Appendices Appendix 3.1 Trade data collection sheet 130 Appendix 3.2 Cultural Festival sheet 133 Appendix 3.3 Species by source site 134 Appendix 3.4 Interviewees and species traded 135 Appendix 3.5 Cultural groups interviewees 141 Appendix 4.1 Hunter survey questionnaire 145 Appendix 4.2 Datasheet sites outside Karimui 150 Appendix 4.3 Hunted wildlife 151 Appendix 4.4 Hunted and traded wildlife 164 Appendix 5.1 Priority species assessment 167 Appendix 6.1 Point count data sheet 172 Appendix 6.2 Species list point count survey 174 Appendix 6.3 Contemporary and projected scenarios for 2050 and 2070 180 vii Thesis Abstract Escalating anthropogenic impacts on tropical biodiversity have increased the vulnerability of endemic species.