Sandscript Number 20 Fall 2016

Welcome to Sandscript 20 For the past decade, Sandscript has and the Government of , the of SCF and the vibrant chorus of been bringing you news and infor- oryx project will soon see the number partners that support its activities mation about SCF, its projects, of founder animals sent to Chad and mission. In a new series of arti- partners and the challenges it and the reach the hundred mark. Already cles, we will be focussing on the work wildlife and habitats of the Sahara the animals released into the wild of some of our partners, such as the and face in this ever-changing have started breeding and we are Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, high- world we live in. Issue Number 1 confident there will be several new lighted in this issue. brought news of addax, oryx, dama births in the weeks to come. As 2016 draws to an end I would In this issue: gazelles and ostrich, species all cen- All is not plain sailing, however, the like to thank all our partners, old tral to SCF’s mission and program. oryx’s habitat in Chad and else- and new, for their most generous and Have the last 10 years seen the where in the Sahel is increasingly loyal support. May I wish you all a Front Page Editorial 1 status of these and other desert spe- under threat from phenomena, such Merry Christmas and a very Happy cies and their habitats improve or as climate change and desertification. New Year. As they say in French, deteriorate? It’s a boy! 2 Human impacts, such as the spread “la lutte continue”, the battle goes Personally, I think it’s a mixed bag. of agriculture, increase in the num- on… While species like the addax and the bers of livestock and the wells needed Arabian bustards 3 remain critically endan- to support them, are also significant, gered, measures have been taken to together with the inevitable overgraz- Fire 4 address major threats, including ing and fire that occur when human protection of their vital habitat in population numbers increase in frag- places like Termit in , Ouadi ile environments. Security, too, is a 5 Fossil Rim Rimé in Chad, and the protected major concern. The Sahel and Saha- areas of . Much remains to ra remain extremely vulnerable to the SCF-Europe 6 be done, however. threats from terrorism and the prolif- Thanks in large part to the commu- eration of firearms. Inevitably, it is nications and lobbying undertaken the wildlife of wilderness areas that by SCF and its partners, the plight suffers the consequences of anarchy. of these species and many others is While not a research organisation, better known today than ever before per se, SCF strongly believes in the and significant funding is now in- value of applied research as a basis creasingly being made available for for conservation action. It is difficult their protection and that of their to conserve something one doesn’t critical habitats. know and understand. The article on On the positive side, the recent rein- bustard tagging by SCF’s Thomas troduction of the scimitar-horned Rabeil underlines the value of re- oryx to Chad can certainly be listed search in helping mobilize resources as a success, at least in the short and conservation action to where term. The article in this issue by birds and mammals are to be found Birds on a wire: white-throated bee- Tim Wacher on monitoring the oryx at certain times of the year. eater (top) and crested lark and raising local support for their However one weighs things up, we (bottom) benefit from the fences of conservation, is very encouraging. can be certain the outlook for Sahelo- Part of the latest batch of oryx from the oryx pre-release pens to hunt And thanks to our partners the Saharan wildlife would be a lot the EAD “World Herd” in Abu insects and sing. Photos: John Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi bleaker had it not been for the efforts Dhabi. Newby/SCF.

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Female oryx, BLU-36, with her calf, here about 10 weeks old (Photo: Ahmed Al Dhaheri/EAD); Outreach and awareness raising (Photo: Tim Wacher/ZSL) It’s a boy! The first days and weeks following for several weeks. Only later did we wild-born calf. Early on we began to newly-returned scimitar-horned oryx discover they had chosen a place suspect the oldest female, carrying the in Chad was a memorable time. marked by a cluster of observations collar BLU-36, was in calf. Late Come the day of release in the mid- of the original wild oryx made by on the evening of 20 September, dle of August, the grasslands of the John Newby in the 1970s! Quickly, after watching all afternoon the herd central Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim nomad camps began to appear but came close to our vehicle and we saw Game Reserve were lush and green, the oryx remained calm, grazing or clearly that she was very large and signalling widespread and abundant resting quietly while camels fed near- her teats were very swollen. Early food and water for the oryx. Of by or a caravan passed in the dis- next morning we plotted the latest course, this also meant good condi- tance. satellite positions at the basecamp tions for the traditional seasonal Throughout this period the monitor- and saw that for the first time since transhumance of livestock from near ing team and reserve rangers trav- release BLU-36 had separated from and far. By the time of the release, elled widely to meet with nomads. the herd overnight. We dropped numerous camps with herds of cam- Each time we unrolled posters cus- everything and travelled straight els and small stock were scattered tom made to assist with staff train- back. We spotted her from 800m, throughout. After all the extensive ing and to help generate awareness alone and watchful. Again, we spent preparatory discussions, it was clear in the local population, depicting the whole day, never approaching we were going to learn much, and oryx natural history, ageing methods closer than 500m while she rested or quickly, about how the oryx would and behaviour in a series of photo- fed, not moving far. The main herd react to the nomads and equally graphs. This provided an excellent was nowhere to be seen. Only late in important, how the nomads and focal point while discussing the pro- the evening did we finally catch brief their livestock would react to the ject and these occasions generated glimpses of the head and ears of a oryx. great enthusiasm and very positive new-born calf less than 24 hours Keeping up with our free-ranging feedback while the photos were in- old, just visible above the grass, oryx is possible thanks to the work spected. Often oryx were well remem- standing right in front of its elegant of the comprehensive team of special- bered by at least one of the senior mother. The field team was elated. ists set up by the Government of members of the group. It was clear A very good start to this ambitious Chad and the Environment Agency that the oryx were coping well with project had just been sealed, and as of Abu Dhabi. The latest GPS the environment and with the human we made our way back to camp locations from satellite collars are activities they were encountering, and along darkened bush tracks we set processed and relayed each morning above all were very welcome back by about texting out the good news by to the oryx basecamp, from where the local people. satellite phone. the positions are also forwarded to All the while we were watching Tim Wacher the reserve’s rangers. carefully for the event that marks the Zoological Society of London Following release, the oryx moved beginning of the real transition back Editor’s note: the calf turned out to be a 50km to the west, where they settled to the wild; the birth of the first male. Mother and son are doing just fine.

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Arabian Bustard Ardeotis arabs fitted with a GPS satellite transmitter (Photos: Thomas Rabeil/SCF and Yves Hingrat/Reneco) Where’s that bustard? Sahelo-Saharan bustards are among edge of the Termit & Tin Toumma Initial data shows that four of the some of the least studied birds glob- reserve. Park rangers and staff from females moved very little following ally. Over the past decade, regular SCF partners, the Niger Fauna capture due to incubation and chick surveys have been carried out by Corridor and Niger-Chad Trans- rearing in the area where they had SCF in Niger’s Termit & Tin boundary projects, were part of a been captured. After four months of Toumma National Nature Reserve. team that also included four tradi- monitoring, southward movements, The reserve hosts two species of tional hunters, appointed by the first by two males and then by two bustard, the Nubian and the Ara- Sultan of Zinder. females, were observed, suggesting a bian. The latter is listed as Near Bustard density was relatively high, seasonal movement pattern confirm- Threatened by IUCN. Bustards in with around 1 bird per 2 km². July ing assumptions based on our data general have become extinct over corresponds to the beginning of the from surveys in Niger and Chad. large areas due to agricultural en- bustard breeding season, with males Our hope is the tagged bustards will croachment, over-grazing and espe- observed displaying and one female continue sending information at least cially unsustainable hunting. Rang- located on a nest. The capture tech- until the next breeding season to get ers in Termit & Tin Toumma, nique consists of a line of snares set a complete annual cycle of monitor- supported by SCF and its partners, on the ground between shrubs, which ing data to provide estimates on have dismantled bustard poaching are used by the bustards when hid- their survival, home range and sea- networks. ing from potential threats. The sonal movements. Gathering To better understand the biology, capture technique was both effective knowledge on the species is im- ecology and behaviour of the Arabi- and harmless, with birds released portant but not enough to reverse the an bustard, SCF has partnered after 10-15 minutes, during which decline in numbers. In many ways, with Abu Dhabi-based Reneco body measurements and blood sam- the expertise of the traditional hunt- International Wildlife Consultants ples were taken, and GPS satellite ers was key to the mission’s success. to conduct the first satellite monitor- transmitters fixed. In total, nine They can also play a pivotal role in ing survey of wild Arabian bustards adult Arabian bustards (6 females raising awareness among local peo- in Africa. The main aims are to and 3 males) were equipped with ple, including traditional leaders and gather data on the bird’s survival, transmitters kindly donated by the hunters, about the emergency facing movements and breeding. To im- International Fund for Houbara wildlife and especially bustard spe- prove conservation measures we need Conservation. cies. Their participation in the mis- to know where bustards go through- Currently, eight of the nine tags are sion was essential in paving the way out the year, what constraints are still transmitting. One device for long-term collaboration for the there on their movements, and where stopped signalling after a month’s preservation of the endangered wild- and when do they breed. activity due likely to equipment life in this part of Niger. The end of July, 2016, saw SCF’s failure because there was no sign of Thomas Rabeil and Reneco’s Yves poaching or natural mortality at the Thomas Rabeil Hingrat counting and trapping last location transmitted. SCF Regional Program Officer Arabian bustards on the western

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Bushfire in the Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Game Reserve (Photos: Abakar “Bobby” Zaid/SCF, Marc Dethier/SCF & John Newby/SCF) Fire When the scimitar-horned oryx season temperatures. In 2014, the basecamp and pens. We also engage became extinct in the wild sometime situation was so bad that lack of actively in fighting fires when these during the late 1980s, the causes fodder for gazelles caused a major occur. So far this year, there have were clear: traditional hunting, die-off as animals lost weight and been five major fires in the general poaching and mechanized slaughter. fell prey to endemic diseases such as vicinity of the project’s base and this Some 30 years later, the oryx is pasteurella. within the space of only a few weeks. being reintroduced into its former In 2016, rainfall and resulting The next rains may only come in range in Chad. And while the pasture in the Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi June or July, with the hottest and threat of hunting cannot be ruled Achim Game Reserve in central windiest times still to come out, far more intractable problems Chad, were excellent. The oryx Without adequate manpower and constitute the greatest long-term released into the wild in August specialised equipment, firefighting is challenges. Among these is fire. found abundant grazing and were both difficult and hazardous. When Over the past few years, rainfall in very quickly able to adapt to life in pushed by a prevailing wind, fires central Chad has been good. Each the wild, where water is available can spread faster than a walking year dense pasture has covered the only during a very short period of the man. dunes and surrounding plains. The year. Ironically, though, the wonder- If not addressed, fire and the de- excellent grazing has drawn in large ful pastures are extremely vulnerable struction it havocs risk becoming a numbers of local and more distant to fire and already many hundreds very major threat to the long term pastoralists and their livestock. of square kilometres of bush have success of the oryx reintroduction With increased numbers of people, burned. project. Not only do we need to however, the risk and incidence of Major causes include lack of care in know more about the causes of the bushfires have also increased. Hun- setting and extinguishing household fires but also increase the already dreds of square kilometres of grass- fires, cigarettes, and the hot exhaust substantial amount of public aware- land go up in smoke each year, pipes of vehicles traversing the ness work amongst the various depriving not only nomads but also plains. More sinister are fires set by stakeholders. Equally, we need to wildlife of its valuable grazing and nomads who believe “cleansing” of beef up capacity to fight fires and to cover. Unlike the wetter savannas, the land will bring them success prevent or at least limit their spread. Sahelian grasslands are mostly during the year to come and purge In the coming months we will be composed of annual plants and do the land of parasites. exploring a number of avenues, not regreen after the passage of fire. In response to the threat of fire, including obtaining technical advice Furthermore, precious green perenni- from professional firefighters and als and shade-providing shrubs are park rangers and our own project team establish firebreaks around acquisition of specialized equipment also scorched and killed. Without and vehicles. these plants, species like the oryx vital infrastructure and the pre- have no greenery from which to release pens. The entire site is en- John Newby extract vital water or shade under closed within a firebreak, cleared by CEO Sahara Conservation which to escape the ferocious hot tractor, three kilometres from the Fund

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Part of Fossil Rim’s valuable collections of dama gazelle, addax (top) and scimitar-horned (side) (Photos: FRWC) Fossil Rim Wildlife Center Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a responsible management of natural addax and dama gazelles are all in significant partner of SCF, provid- resources, and public education. serious peril in their native range, ing both funds to support core opera- “Through these activities, we provide but they are thriving in Texas and tions and technical support for our a diverse array of compelling learn- at Fossil Rim. projects in the field. Over the past ing experiences that inspire positive The center is also dedicated to few years, staff from Fossil Rim change in the way people think, feel providing opportunities and educa- have played a major role in our and act towards nature.” tion to wildlife professionals. There efforts to reintroduce the scimitar- Fossil Rim has always been pas- are currently six different internships horned oryx to Chad and for this we sionate about the conservation of to train approximately 20 students are most grateful. endangered species, and educating a year, mainly in animal care and The Center, situated near to Glen the public about the perils facing education. There is also a program Rose in Texas, started life in 1974 them. Many of the center’s focal in the veterinary department that as a private wildlife ranch, opening animals are from the Saharan re- trains another 8-10 fourth-year vet to the public a decade later. In gion. Cheetahs have been a major students annually. Funding for in 2000, operations were transferred by focus for Fossil Rim since the 1980s situ conservation plays an important the then owner to the current non- and over 150 cubs have been born role as well, and Fossil Rim donates profit entity. In 2008, operations here. Similarly, Fossil Rim has been to both the Sahara Conservation were further consolidated by acquisi- very successful with many of the Fund and the International Rhino tion of the property’s land and infra- ungulates from this region. Over Foundation. Hoofstock curator, structure. Covering 1,800 acres of 600 addax have been born since the Adam Eyres, recognizes that despite rugged, wooded hills and grassland, 1980s. The scimitar-horned oryx all the successes in breeding and Fossil Rim employs 85 full-time was one of the first highly endan- rearing endangered and threatened staff and in 2016 received 250,000 gered species brought on to the prop- species at Fossil Rim “it is only part visitors. erty and in the beginning, it was of the solution if we can’t save the Fossil Rim’s Executive Director, important for the Association of species in the wild and the habitats Dr Pat Condy, stresses the center’s Zoos and Aquariums to know that that go along with them.” The part- mission to conserve species in peril this ‘ranch’ was able and willing to nership between SCF and Fossil through captive breeding, scientific work hard and dedicate the re- Rim is very much geared towards research, training of professionals, sources necessary to breed and raise achieving this. its animals. Scimitar-horned oryx,

Sandscript is the regular newsletter of SCF, the SCF’s mission is to conserve the wildlife of the Sahara Conservation Fund. Sahara and bordering Sahelian grasslands.

SCF is grateful to Tim Wacher, Renata Molcanova, To implement our mission, we forge partnerships Thomas Rabeil, Yves Hingrat, Pat Condy, Adam between people, governments, the world zoo and Eyres, Kristen Culp, Ahmed Al Dhaheri and John scientific communities, international conventions, Newby for their contributions to this issue. non-governmental organizations and donor

Sandscript is edited by John Newby, who can be agencies. A powerful network with a common goal reached here with any comments and feedback. – the conservation of deserts and their unique nat- ural and cultural heritage.

If you would like to know more about our work and how to contribute to our projects, please contact us at [email protected] We would love to hear from you!

To donate to SCF just scan the QR code be- low or visit our website by clicking here.

SCF-Europe

We will also have a European base of operations sent. in the Paris region, as well as a platform for the Office space for SCF-Europe is currently being recruitment of staff in Europe. Logistics apart, sought, and we are also in the process of hiring the development of SCF’s institutional network both a Chief Operating Officer and a Communi- and outreach will have a very positive impact on cations Officer. our efficiency and effectiveness. At a time when lasting conservation has never been so difficult to Support for this strategically vital development, achieve, we believe this move will help us improve both financially and in terms of sound advice and our effectiveness as our program grows and in- encouragement, has come from one of our key core creases in complexity to match the threats faced by supporters, Acacia Partners. We wish to thank Sahelo-Saharan wildlife. The establishment of them most warmly for their generous help and SCF-Europe is an important step for SCF in look forward very much to working them in the the context of the organisation’s 5-year business coming years as we reap the benefits of this most plan. ambitious but critically important development. On November 5 this year, SCF’s Chair, Dr At the signing ceremony in Paris, the majority of Steve Monfort (above), signed into being Sahara SCF-Europe’s board members were present and Conservation - Europe. Legally constituted under these included Jean-Marie Weber, Roseline French law as a non-governmental organisation, Beudels, Steve Monfort (Chair) and Koen de SCF-Europe is affiliated to SCF and has been Smet (Honorary Secretary). Both François La- established for a number of strategic reasons. marque (Vice Chair) and Karen Sausman With a legal base in Europe, the SCF family can (Treasurer) were unfortunately unable to attend. now more easily apply for European Union funds John Newby, SCF’s CEO, and Thomas Rabeil, and those of other European bilateral agencies. SCF Regional Program Officer, were also pre-