Fauna of Burma's forests

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Description: "Four wild elephants made their way out of the mud pit in Myanmar where they had been trapped on Friday, urged on by the villagers who dug them an escape route. The villagers in the western Rakhine State usually avoid elephants when they come across them in the forest, but feared the animals would have died if they had stayed trapped in the hole. Video verified by Reuters showed the four animals struggling one by one to gain a foothold on the slope where the villagers spent some five hours digging rough steps for them. Eventually they all make it out - the last one appearing to turn briefly towards where villagers are cheering before heading off with its companions. "We rescued them because we know that elephants are at risk of vanishing worldwide and they are part of our state's heritage," Zaw Phyo Than, 40, told Reuters by phone. "The four animals were so cute and that's why everyone from around our village came to save their lives." It was unclear how they fell into the pit. Surveys have estimated that only a few hundred elephants remain in Rakhine State, down from thousands just decades ago..."
Source/publisher: "Reuters" (UK)
2021-06-05
Date of entry/update: 2021-06-05
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Description: "Protected Areas are important tools for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Myanmar possesses 39 protected areas and 21 of these areas are declared as ecotourism sites. The study area, Lawkananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a designated ecotourism site and is strategically located on the bank of Ayeyarwady River and in Bagan Area. The main objective of the study is to identify and evaluate the economic benefits of study area in term of non-consumptive values. Willingness-to-pay for park’s entrance fee is analyzed by Contingent Valuation Method. Return-to-Zero Regression method is used to explore the influence characteristics on willingness-to-pay. The Spatial Statistics tools are applied to predict the existence-value of study park. The main findings are (i) the park has consumer surplus for entrance fee, (ii) the most influenced characteristics of visits on willingness-to-pay is Research Purpose, and (iii) the park is situated as the key dominant habitat hot spot. The researcher believes that this contribution will value to various stakeholders.....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Firstly, I am most gratitude to Professor Dr. Khin Naing Oo, Rector of Yangon University of Economics, and Professor Dr. Tun Aung, Pro-Rector of Yangon University of Economics for their kindly permission to conduct this study and to submit this paper. I am really thankful to Professor Dr. Thida Kyu, Director of Development Studies Programme, Yangon University of Economics for her keen interest and support to carry out my study. I express my heartfelt thanks to Professor Dr. Ni Lar Myint Htoo, Professor from Department of Economics, Yangon University of Economics, for her guidance throughout the study. This study could not be undertaken without support and encouragements of my supervisor, Dr. Kalya Kyaing (Consultant – National Specialist on Economics, Asia Development Bank). Thus, I would like to convey my deepest gratitude to her. Then I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Daw Win Min Than (Retired Lecturer) and Dr. Naw Htee Mue Loe Htoo (Lecturer from Department of Economics, Yangon University of Economics) for their enthusiastic teaching and knowledge sharing on Environmental and Natural Resource Economics. I would like to express my special thanks to all professors, associated professors and lecturers for imparting of a great variety of knowledge and concepts of development during the study period of two years under EMDevS Programme. Finally, I would like to express my thanks to all library staffs from Yangon University of Economics. I also offer my thanks to U Shwe Htay Aung (Warden of Lawkananda Wildlife Sanctuary) and Daw Kay Khine Oo (Assistant Lecturer, Yezin Agriculture University), who helped me to obtain required data and satellite images. I would like to appreciate to Professor Dr. Win Tint (Retired Pro-Rector of Taungoo University), Professor Dr. Win Maung (Chairman, Myanmar’s Environment Institute) and Professor Dr. Htun Ko (Head of Department of Geography, University of Yangon) who shared their knowledge and advised me for this study..."
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Source/publisher: Yangon University of Economics
2017-08-00
Date of entry/update: 2021-05-07
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Sub-title: A conflict-sensitivity analysis
Description: "The aim of this paper is to provide a conflict-sensitivity analysis of forest governance in Myanmar to inform all stakeholders involved in the negotiations of the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT VPA) in Myanmar. Drawing on several case studies from across the country, this report seeks to provide an overview of how different types of conflict are related to forest governance, and how the positive and negative impacts of forest governance reforms in Myanmar might be considered to help inform a “conflict-sensitive” approach to the FLEGT VPA process in Myanmar. Myanmar is in the middle of a complex, precarious, and lengthy process of trying to negotiate peace after six decades of internal armed conflict. At the same time, it is in transition from military rule to a more democratic form of governance. A key issue in the democratic transition and peace process are questions about the future governance of Myanmar’s valuable natural resources, including teak, rosewood, and other valuable timber species that are predominately found in conflict-affected areas of the country. Within this context, any discussions about governance arrangements for natural resources, such as a VPA, risk unintentionally exacerbating deep-rooted grievances. Additionally, the tensions and conflict dynamics in the country will, by nature, influence the process of negotiating the VPA. Recognising this two-way interaction between conflict and the VPA process is at the crux of a conflict-sensitive approach. This paper proposes the development of a simple tool, referred to here as a “conflict risk analysis”, to help the stakeholders involved in the VPA process identify, monitor, and mitigate potential risks and opportunities of the process on key conflict and peace issues related to the VPA. As a starting point for discussion, we propose the following four key issues to be monitored: • Participation – to what extent do all groups have an opportunity to participate in the VPA process? Are any stakeholders excluded? • Communication – Is the process accountable, transparent, and clearly communicated, and is the process building greater trust between stakeholders? • Gender – to what extent are women participating meaningfully in the VPA consultation, negotiation and decision-making processes? Are their needs taken into account? • Community empowerment – to what extent do the process and outcomes of the VPA empower communities and civil society, especially marginalised communities including conflict-affected communities, for more inclusive, representative, and participatory forest governance? Why is this important? Participation, communication, gender and community empowerment are all factors that, if not managed well, could lead to increased tension. Lack of transparency around the process and the decisions being made could lead to lack of trust in the process and other governance processes. However, if managed well, these factors could contribute significantly to building more positive relationships between the different ethnic communities, local and national government, the private sector and armed actors. By regularly monitoring these risk factors, the Interim Task Force (ITF) or Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG)1 can avoid exacerbating conflict tensions, mitigate risks and support moving towards peace and reconciliation. Inclusive participation of civil society and ethnic communities, based on transparent two-way communication flows, will be key to achieving this. To put the FLEGT VPA process in context in Myanmar, this paper also takes a wider look at forest governance and illegal logging in Myanmar. It identifies several key issues – such as the political economy of timber, illegal logging, community land and forest rights – that need to be addressed to ensure that the governance of forest resources helps contribute to peace. The paper suggests that all stakeholders should take care to ensure that the VPA process does not get too far ahead of the peace process and political dialogue currently under way in Myanmar, in order to avoid adverse impacts. A peacebuilding approach could look to achieve incremental governance improvements that can enhance the lives of forest-dependent communities through inclusive multi-stakeholder dialogues (such as through the platforms envisaged for a VPA process) and by increasing community participation, in addition to the formal structures of the political dialogue. The meaningful participation of women, youth, and rural stakeholders from all ethnicities will be key to this. Looking beyond the peace process, the paper identifies several key areas or governance reforms in Myanmar’s forestry sector. The paper draws on five short case studies to highlight specific challenges – including insecure land tenure, illegal logging, and challenges in operating community forestry in conflict-affected areas – faced by communities affected by forest governance weaknesses, as well as community-level approaches to address them. The paper stops short of issuing firm recommendations as, ultimately, it will be for the stakeholders involved in the VPA process to determine the scope and ambition of the VPA in Myanmar – including the extent to which they wish to use the VPA to introduce governance reforms that can contribute to peace. However, by highlighting certain issues that are important to peacebuilding efforts in Myanmar, it is our intention to support those stakeholders in setting that ambition, and showing concrete ways in which such ambitions could be approached..."
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Source/publisher: International Alert (London)
2017-10-00
Date of entry/update: 2021-04-27
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Description: "Conservationists have warned a sudden change in Myanmar's law allowing the commercial farming of tigers, pangolins and other endangered species risks further fuelling demand in China for rare wildlife products. The Southeast Asian nation is already a hub for the illegal trafficking of wildlife. The trade is driven by demand from neighbouring China and worth an estimated US$20 billion worldwide. In June, Myanmar's Forest Department quietly gave the green light to private zoos to apply for licences to breed 90 species, more than 20 of which are endangered or critically endangered. It was an unexpected move that caught conservation groups off-guard. The Forest Department explained it was a way to help reduce poaching of wild species and illegal breeding. Tigers - thought to number just 22 in Myanmar - pangolins, elephants and various vulture species as well as the critically endangered Ayeyarwady dolphin and Siamese crocodile can now alsBut conservationists say commercial farming in the long-term legitimises the use of endangered species and fuels market demand. "Commercial trade has been shown to increase illegal trade in wildlife by creating a parallel market and boosting overall demand for wild animal products," conservation groups WWF and Fauna & Flora International (FFI) said in a joint statement.o be bred for their meat and skin..."
Source/publisher: "CNA" ( Singapore)
2020-07-11
Date of entry/update: 2020-07-11
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Description: "Local authorities found a wild elephant poached and disemboweled with its tusks cut off in Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park in Sagaing Region, Myanmar’s largest and oldest wildlife sanctuary. The park covers over 160,500 hectares of intact tropical forests and wildlife habitats. It is a proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its natural and cultural value, as it is the only national park in Myanmar with a Buddhist religious heritage site within the park. It’s also one of Myanmar’s most popular ecotourism sites. U Tun Tun Win, a lawmaker from Kani Township, which is part of the sanctuary, said a villager found the body of the elephant in the jungle on Wednesday and called him. The lawmaker said he then called the Forest Department in the town and made the trip to the jungle along with other authorities to look into the death of the elephant. “When we arrived there, we found that it was a wild elephant from the national park,” he said, adding that the elephant was shot four times, including in the head, and had been dead for nearly two weeks. The authorities from the Forest Department estimated that the elephant was 20 years old, 3.4 m long and 3 m tall..."
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Source/publisher: "The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
2020-05-15
Date of entry/update: 2020-05-15
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Description: "Monitor lizard, Malayan porcupine, Indochinese tiger, Malayan tapir, great argus pheasant, sun bear and gaur. No, this isn't the answer to the question "what are your seven favorite forest-dwelling animals?" Instead, these species have all shown up on camera traps installed by Fauna & Flora International (FFI) teams in the Tanintharyi region of southern Myanmar. Tanintharyi's lowland forests represent Myanmar's last remaining habitat for tigers and other rare species, including the only known viable population of the critically endangered Gurney's pitta. In fact, FFI-led surveys of the southern Tanintharyi region recorded 166 species that are considered threatened on the IUCN Red List. A multitude of factors contribute to the region's high threatened species count. Expansion of monoculture plantations, hunting, logging and road construction all contribute to the decline of Tanintharyi's wildlife. In partnership with the Myanmar government and local communities, FFI is addressing these threats. One key approach is expanding community forest management through community forestry and building capacity in camera trapping and threat monitoring. Not only do camera traps provide crucial information about the distribution of wild animals and insight into the threats these species may face, they also give us a chance to observe their behavior and admire their beauty..."
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Source/publisher: "phys.org"
2020-05-12
Date of entry/update: 2020-05-12
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Sub-title: The outbreak may be the push needed to help prevent zoonotic diseases.
Description: "Ebola. Anthrax. Bubonic plague. HIV. SARS. Coronavirus. You may not be familiar with the term “zoonotic,” but these nightmarish examples fall into that category. Zoonotic diseases are the kinds that can jump the species barrier, and can be particularly dangerous to humans because our immune systems don’t yet know how to fight them. The COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, for example, probably originates from wild bats, but it’s not yet clear which creature was the intermediary between them and humans. Confiscated samples of pangolin, a critically endangered mammal hunted for use in traditional Chinese medicine, have tested positive for similar strains. Whether or not the intermediary turns out to be a rare, exotic species or a more mundane one such as pigs, one thing is clear: The greater the variety of animals in the same small space, the more pathways there are for diseases to spread and mutate. This is alarming because the risk of zoonotic disease is rising exponentially. Three-quarters of new diseases in humans are transmitted from animals. The past century has seen ever-expanding human encroachment into natural habitats, exposing people and livestock to more varieties of wild animal than ever before—and with this contact, any bacteria and viruses they carry. “The more we hunt wildlife, the more we come in contact with new environments and the more we increase the likelihood of us being exposed to these viruses,” explained Peter Ben Embarek of the World Health Organization’s International Food Safety Authorities Network. “It’s clear that poaching and hunting endangered species has to stop. It’s totally unacceptable. I think everybody in all authorities of the world are in agreement with that.”..."
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Source/publisher: "Foreign Policy" (USA)
2020-02-25
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-29
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Sub-title: At the Tochoji temple in Fukuoka, Japan, there’s a narrow passage where a giant statue of the Buddha sits. On one side of the walls depictions of hell, the many demons, destruction and cauldrons of death, are depicted. On the other side, pilgrims can find a passageway out of the darkness to heaven.
Description: "The same kind of purgatory exists at the foot of mount Kyaiktiyo, also known as the Golden Rock. The vision of heaven sits on the top of Paung Laung Mountain, precariously poised on the edge of an outcrop in Mon State, some 3,615 feet above sea level. For many Myanmar (and increasingly Thai) pilgrims, Kyaiktiyo is one of the holiest Pagodas in the country. The pagoda gets overcrowded during the full moon days and public holiday On the north side of the pagoda lies Kyeekan Pasat (Crow’s Mouth) Cave. The cave looks like the mouth of a crow, and is also frequented by the pilgrims. Sellers congregate along the path leading up to the cave, with a variety of wares – toys, souvenirs, medicinal ointment, herbs, and the body parts of animals. The path to the cave is marred by a couple of shops, exposing heads of mountain goats soaked in oil, skins of a bear and a wild cat and the skull of a tiger. The Thein Than Shwe shop sells a variety of ointments in glass bottles. The bottles are partially wrapped with paper instructions; on the top of on label, the words read: “Mountain Goat Ointment”. It is supposed to heal muscle strains and arthritis. Other analgesic ointment bottles sit in a row. Nearby the bottles lies the head of mountain goat with horns, proving that the ointment contains extract of the herbivore. Two young men guarded the shop, insisting a male passer-by try a message. They grab his hand and sat him on a chair, then started messaging his shoulders with the ointment. It was a scam. They asked him to buy the bottle, costing K2000..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
2020-02-28
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-28
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Description: "An international team of researchers has identified two new ancient species of cockroach found in a cave in Myanmar. In their paper published in the journal Gondwana Research, the group describes their analyses of the two specimens, which were preserved in amber. The two specimens were given the names Crenocticola svadba and Mulleriblattina bowangi and were placed in the Nocticolidae family—and both have been dated back to approximately 99 million years ago. The time frame puts them in the Cretaceous period—a time when dinosaurs were still alive. They were discovered among amber deposits that had been removed from a mine in the Hukawng Valley, in Myanmar. The mine and its amber have been the subject of numerous studies. In this new effort, the researchers were provided with 110 tons of amber to study. Prior researchers had already dated the amber by dating volcanic rocks in the same location. The researchers report that the cockroach specimens represent the only known dinosaur-age cave survivors and that they are were "exquisitely preserved." Study of the specimens using microscope photography revealed that they have many features common to modern cockroaches who live in caves. They have small eyes, for example, and small wings attached to small bodies They also have abnormally long antenna and shorter leg spines—all features that would make living in a dark cave easier..."
Source/publisher: Phys.org
2020-02-26
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-27
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Sub-title: Myanmar is an important trade and transit route for wildlife products of China. It has also suffered from the loss of its own wildlife to the trade.
Description: "The capture and killing of wild animals in the country to help satisfy the appetite across the border in China threaten many species that are under threat or facing extinction, including pangolins and elephants, according to reports. The situation for Asian elephants living in Myanmar has worsened. According to the NGO Rainforest Rescue, until recently only male Asian elephants were in danger of being poached for ivory, as the females do not have tusks. Now, the poachers are killing every animal they can find – including females and calves. After the elephants slowly succumb to poisoned arrows, the poachers skin their prey on the spot. The NGO claims the survival of the species is at stake if the killing continues. More than 100 elephants are known to have been poached in Myanmar since 2013 to meet Chinese demand for elephant skin – a market that didn’t exist six years ago that is driven entirely by the criminal energy of southeast Asian elephant poachers. According to a new study, the business is spreading to other countries via Myanmar and China..."
Source/publisher: "Northeast Now" (India)
2020-02-22
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-22
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Description: "China’s deadly illicit trade in wildlife has been thrown into stark relief as Beijing recently announced a temporary ban on the sale of wildlife in the wake of the outbreak of the coronavirus in Wuhan that is suspected to have originated in the city’s wet market. While the focus is on demand in China for live and dead animals for consumption for questionable health reasons, Myanmar is caught in the cross-hairs as an important transit route in the illicit trade. The underlying problem is the high demand amongst Chinese consumers for wild animals, from elephant skin to pangolin scales to tiger parts to shark fins. The result? Many wild animals are under threat from this deadly trade worldwide, some threatened with extinction. And there is a serious health risk for humans. China’s deadly coronavirus is being linked to animals caged in one of Wuhan’s wet markets though as yet there has been no confirmation. TEMPORARY TO PERMANENT BAN With people dropping dead in China from the virus and with a number of cases cropping up abroad, Chinese people and foreign environmentalists have been quick to call for a permanent ban on the sale of wildlife in China..."
Source/publisher: "Mizzima" (Myanmar)
2020-02-21
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-21
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Description: "During Lunar New Year week, a golden tiger, an elephant and a pangolin (with baby in tow) greeted visitors to the Mandalay Palace in Myanmar, shining regally in the midday sun and reflecting the spotlights around the palace at night. These animals are all species that are endemic to Myanmar, but are threatened by a pernicious illegal trade for their parts. The difference this time was that the animals on display were replicas. Tiger bone, pangolin scales and elephant skin are falsely believed to have medicinal properties, while other products, such as tiger pelts and teeth, are purchased for the supposed prestige or protection they bring. And it isn’t only endemic species that are being poached for their parts. Illegal wildlife products from other parts of the world, including ivory from African elephants and pangolin scales and rhino horns from African species, find their way into national and regional markets, or transit through Myanmar on their way to destinations further afield, including China and the rest of Southeast Asia. With the recent coronavirus thought to have spread from a market that traded in wildlife, ending this trade is critical, both to help preserve biodiversity and in the interest of public health..."
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Source/publisher: "Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
2020-02-18
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-20
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Description: "Myanmar has appealed to Sri Lanka to stop the alleged abuse of an elephant it donated to a Buddhist temple six years ago. The Foreign Affairs Ministry said it had urged the Sri Lankan authorities to punish those who harmed the animal as seen in videos in social media. According to the Myanmar Times, the elephant, Myan Kumara, was donated by the Myanmar government to the Bellwanwila Temple near Colombo in 2013. A few days ago, videos of the animal being abused by its keeper appeared on social media, triggering a public uproar. One of the monks, who is taking responsibility for the temple’s affairs, expressed his sorrow over the incident, according to the Foreign Ministry’s statement. It said Myan Kumara has been trained by elephant keepers and used in religious festivals. In February 2018, a 77-year-old Buddhist monk died a day after he was attacked by Myan Kumara at the temple, police said. Investigators said the monk was pushed to the ground by the elephant, but the mahout prevented him from being gored. Elephants are considered sacred animals and protected by law in Sri Lanka..."
Source/publisher: "New Straits Times" (Malaysia)
2020-02-03
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-03
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Sub-title: Poachers killed and skinned a female elephant in Ayeyarwady Region, the first such case in the country this year, an official of the regional Forest Department said.
Description: "Local residents found the carcass of the 28-year-old wild elephant lying on its left side on Friday at Sin-Ma reserve in Ngaputaw township, and immediately informed local officials. "She was killed with poisoned arrows," the official, U Pyae Phyo Aung, said. Local police and forest rangers are investigating. The dead elephant was 7 feet, 6 inches high, and 7 feet long, the department said. Poachers killed six wild elephants in Ayeyarwady last year, eight in 2018, and 16 in 2017. There is a high demand for elephant skin in China because of the belief that it has medicinal value. According to the Ministry of Forestry and the Environment, Myanmar has only about 2000 wild elephants. The killing of elephants in Ayeyarwady has been reduced, but not stopped, through intensified patrols and anti-trafficking operations. In May 2018, parliament passed the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Law, one of the strongest wildlife protection laws in the region. However, due to weak enforcement, the activity continues, and Myanmar remains a major hub of the illegal wildlife trade in Asia, according to conservationists..."
Source/publisher: "Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
2020-01-26
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-02
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Topic: Animal Trade, Ayeyarwady Region, Conservation, Elephants, forest reserves, Myanmar Forest Department, Ngapudaw, Poaching, Sinma Forest Reserve
Topic: Animal Trade, Ayeyarwady Region, Conservation, Elephants, forest reserves, Myanmar Forest Department, Ngapudaw, Poaching, Sinma Forest Reserve
Description: "Local authorities in Ngapudaw Township, Ayeyarwady Region found a wild elephant poached and skinned with its trunk cut off in Sinma Forest Reserve on Friday. Officials with the forest department, police and administrative authorities were investigating a report by local residents that wild elephants were running in the forest reserve when they found the dead elephant near the Pathein-Mawtin road. “It was killed by elephant poachers. They fled from the scene and police are pursuing them,” Police Lieutenant Colonel Tun Shwe, spokesperson for the Ayeyarwady Region Police Force, told The Irrawaddy. The female pachyderm was around 2.5 m tall, over 2 m long and estimated to be 28 years old. According to the elephant veterinarian of the Forest Department, the elephant was killed by a poisoned arrow. “Elephant poachers had skinned the elephant and were preparing to take it away,” said U Kyaw Myint Tun, administrator for Ngapudaw’s Tin Chaung Village-Tract. “When they saw us, they left their equipment and ran away. We feel sorry that elephants are being poached despite the fact that we are doing our best to prevent elephant poaching.” U Kyaw Myint Tun has won an award from State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for his elephant conservation efforts..."
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Source/publisher: "The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
2020-01-27
Date of entry/update: 2020-01-31
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Topic: Conservation, Economy, Environment, Fishing, illegal fishing, Irrawaddy Dolphin, Madaya Township, Mandalay Region, Unesco, Wildlife Conservation Society
Topic: Conservation, Economy, Environment, Fishing, illegal fishing, Irrawaddy Dolphin, Madaya Township, Mandalay Region, Unesco, Wildlife Conservation Society
Description: "An Irrawaddy dolphin was found dead on Tuesday in Madaya Township, Mandalay Region, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The male dolphin died of old age and was 220cm long and 132cm in circumference, the NGO said. U Hkyaw Hla Thein, who is responsible for dolphin conservation at the WCS, said it was about 6cm longer than the next biggest dolphin they had found. “Its teeth show it was quite old and, to confirm it, we examined its stomach and found it was empty. We do not know how long it had been since it ate. So we concluded it died of old age,” he added. The Fisheries Department and WCS said it was the biggest dolphin ever found dead between Mandalay and Bhamo. Some residents and civil society organizations suggested the dolphin died because of electrofishing. “Fish are abundant where the dolphin was found dead, which attracts electrofishers. And there are also fishing lakes in the area. Those working at the fishing lakes downstream said the dolphin died due to electrofishing,” said U Maung Maung Oo, leader of the Sein Yaung So environmental group. Fisherman U Maung Lay of Sin Kyun Village also suggested that the dolphin died of electrofishing..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
2020-01-09
Date of entry/update: 2020-01-21
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Conservationists here believe they have found a method to breed the critically endangered Burmese star tortoise, found only in the forests of Myanmar. According to the Myanmar Times, the hatching rate for the Burmese star tortoise was very low in the wild, while the rate was much better using the new method. Nyaung Oo Lawkanada Wildlife Sanctuary’s Burmese Star Tortoise Farm warden U Shwe Htay Aung said the hatching rate at the farm was 68 per cent compared with only five to 10 per cent in the wild. The Burmese star tortoise, scientifically known as Geochelone platynota, is a critically endangered species endemic to the dry zone in central Myanmar’s Mandalay, Magwe and Sagaing regions. “A total of 1,060 tortoises hatched from 2,289 eggs laid by 115 female tortoises in 2018 at the farm.” Aside from being a favourite prey of illegal wildlife traders because of their meat and shell, which is said to have medicinal value, the depletion of the species is also due to the destruction of its habitat by illegal logging and the conversion of forests to farmland. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified Burmese star tortoises as an endangered species and the government prohibits the hunting, transport and trading of the tortoise, favoured for its meat and shell. Burmese star tortoises can live up to 100 years and typically inhabit empty fields and bushes. Female adults generally get bigger than males, reaching 35cm in carapace length and start laying eggs at 6 years old in September and February..."
Source/publisher: "New Straits Times" (Malaysia)
2020-01-03
Date of entry/update: 2020-01-21
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Sub-title: KATHMANDU (The Kathmandu Post/ANN) – Most inmates currently serving jail terms for wildlife trade knew that the activity was illegal but were unaware of the severity of the consequences, according to the study.
Description: "Poverty and ignorance of the law are not the driving factors behind wildlife crimes in the country, according to a new study. The study, published recently in the journal Conservation Science and Practice, attempts to provide insight into the motivations of people who have taken part in poaching and the illegal trade in animal parts. While Nepal has been internationally lauded for its conservation model, there have been consistent concerns about the effects of this model on indigenous populations that once lived in symbiotic relationships with the forests and wildlife. Based on a sample of 384 individuals jailed across the country for wildlife infractions, and interviews with 116 of them, the study concludes that “despite common assumptions about the links between IWT [illegal wildlife trade], poverty and organised crime, most respondents were motivated by the desire to earn extra income and by the ease of IWT compared to other employment.” “I always wanted to learn why people pursue the illegal trade in wildlife parts and what their motives are, given that there are deterrence mechanisms like strict laws and penalties in place,” Kumar Paudel, the lead researcher of the study, told the Post over the phone from the University of Cambridge..."
Source/publisher: Eleven Media Group (Myanmar)
2020-01-18
Date of entry/update: 2020-01-19
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Description: "Just last month leopards were declared extinct in Laos. They have disappeared from Vietnam and are likely to go extinct in Cambodia. Tigers also have vanished from Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Other cat species are not faring much better, falling victim to poachers’ snares and developers’ roads, often ending up in illegal wildlife trade markets in the notorious Golden Triangle where Laos, Thailand and Myanmar meet. However, within the Greater Mekong Region, there is one area that is something of a haven for cat species – a landscape the size of Cambodia straddling Thailand and Myanmar with a name that is something of a mouthful – Dawna Tenasserim. Here in the mountains and jungles of a not widely known landscape, one-fifth of the world’s cat species are hanging on while the world outside (and inside at times) does everything it can to ensure their demise. Some of the stars of this show are familiar, such as tigers and leopards, celebrated far and wide in poetry, literature and Disney films. The others are not so well known, such as Asiatic golden cats, marbled cats, clouded leopards, jungle cats and leopard cats. That’s seven of the 36 known cat species. And it’s quite possible that the highly elusive fishing cat lives in this landscape, bringing the number to eight..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
2020-01-15
Date of entry/update: 2020-01-17
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Wildlife trafficking, like drug and human trafficking, is often a trans-boundary crime. Animal parts and products, non-timber forest products, and living creatures heading to the pet trade find their way across borders every day, passing fluidly between jurisdictions and human societies. Given legal and language barriers, it can be challenging to catch criminals, follow leads, or even keep up to date on the policies and legislation that govern wildlife. These are very real concerns for the participants in a recent cross-border cooperation workshop in which members of the Provincial Wildlife Enforcement Networks (P-WENs) from five provinces in the Golden Triangle area of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar met in Tachileik, Shan state, Myanmar. The workshop, which was organized by WWF, was attended by a range of wildlife authorities and law-enforcement officials, including representatives from the national and provincial forest departments, forest police, customs, prosecution, and police, to name a few..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
2020-01-08
Date of entry/update: 2020-01-11
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Topic: Photography
Topic: Photography
Description: "A six-day-old plains zebra is seen at the Zoological Gardens in Yangon, Myanmar, Jan. 8, 2020...Two plains zebras are seen at the Zoological Gardens in Yangon, Myanmar, Jan. 8, 2020..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Xinhua" (China)
2020-01-08
Date of entry/update: 2020-01-09
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "A team of scientists from China and Myanmar recently finished a joint field biodiversity survey in northern Myanmar, making new discoveries including potentially six new plant species and three new amphibian species along with capturing rare footage of endangered wild animals. During the survey, the team comprising of researchers from the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS-SEABRI) and the Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation of Myanmar, collected more than 3,300 specimens of plants and animals during the month-long project in the Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary in Myanmar's Sagaing Region. The team captured footage of Bengal tigers for the first time since the joint scientific endeavor began five years ago. The scientists also took pictures of large predators like black bears and sun bears, as well as large-and medium-sized mammals including Asian elephants, red deer, and Indian bisons..."
Source/publisher: "China Global Television Network (CGTN)" (China)
2020-01-04
Date of entry/update: 2020-01-05
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Plans are being drawn to set up an institution to produce rangers capable of looking after the wildlife and forests in Myanmar. The college, which will focus on conservation efforts, is being developed by the Forest Department in the North Zarmari Wildlife Sanctuary in Bago, according to The Myanmar Times. The World Wide Fund for Nature-Myanmar said the institution may commence operations late next year. Training will be offered to staff from the department and the Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division under the Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Ministry. Forest Department deputy director-general General Kyaw Kyaw Lwin said the institution would groom forest rangers. He said wildlife conservation and management for protected areas would be given emphasis in the training. Kyaw said the curriculum for the school was being developed and that the institution would bring in local and international experts to train rangers. He said the department is working with WWF-Myanmar, World Conservation Society and South African Wildlife Rangers College in establishing the institution..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "New Straits Times" (Malaysia)
2019-12-05
Date of entry/update: 2019-12-05
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "The trade in exotic pets and endangered species is 60 per cent bigger than previously thought, putting 5,000 species at risk of extinction, new research shows. More than 5,000 vertebrate species are being bought and sold both legally and illegally across borders, a study from the University of Sheffield has found. The billion-dollar industry has been fuelled by the growing demand for exotic pets, furs, jewellery and body parts used for traditional medicine - such as the endangered pangolin, the world's most trafficked mammal. Also under threat is the helmeted hornbill, prized for its unique solid casque that has been dubbed 'red ivory'. It is used to make bracelets, beads and ornaments..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "The Telegraph" (UK)
2019-10-04
Date of entry/update: 2019-12-01
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Plans to protect vultures from the age old stigma they carry are being drawn up by a group of conservators. There are three species of vultures in Myanmar. Certain communities regard the birds as unlucky and link them to death, according to The Myanmar Times. The Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association said the endangered vultures need to be protected due to their important role in the ecosystem. The three species are the white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) and red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calyus). Daw Thiri Dawei Aung of the association said it was a pity vultures were judged by looks and that there were misplaced beliefs by the people. She said in certain neighbouring countries, vultures were apparently poisoned, based on findings of drugs in the carcass-es of livestock on which they feed. “We don’t know if this is happening in Myanmar, but we will be conducting a survey about it.” There were also instances of people destroying their nests, she said. Daw gave an assurance, however, that the association will push its conservation plans next year and work on identify-ing important sites for the project. So far, the group has chosen two sites in Shan and Kachin states that could serve as safe havens for vultures..."
Source/publisher: "New Straits Times" (Malaysia)
2019-11-29
Date of entry/update: 2019-11-29
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Three wild elephants broke into fields, destroying plantations and a hut in Myanmar's Rakhine state, according to a release from the Home Affairs Ministry on Tuesday. About 55 baskets of reaped paddy were destroyed along with banana, betel fields and a nearby hut in Gwa township last weekend. No casualties were reported due to the incident, the report said. On Oct. 21 this year, three houses were destroyed by two wild elephants' raid in the same township. It was learnt that wild elephant raids are frequent, destroying houses, fields and plantations in Gwa township, Rakhine state. The number of wild elephants in Myanmar has dropped due to fewer wild elephant corridors, reduction of their pasture land and human-elephant conflict while illegal hunting and wildlife trading are also blamed for the decline in the elephant number. At present, there are about 1,500 wild elephants and around 3,000-5,000 domesticated ones in existence in the country..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Xinhua" (China)
2019-11-26
Date of entry/update: 2019-11-26
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Sub-title: Dolphins that work with fishermen on the Irrawaddy River are threatened by overfishing. An ecologist and a tour group are working to assure the survival of the critically endangered mammals and the fishermen’s livelihoods.
Description: "Dolphin whisperer U Aung Thinn taps a hand-carved stick on the side of his slender boat and patiently waits. As he spots the dolphins’ grey arches gracefully moving towards him, he gathers his fishing equipment. One of the dolphins flicks its tail out of the water, sending the signal for Thinn to cast his net. The mammals corral fish towards the boat. As the fish swarm into the net, the dolphins devour the inevitable overspill. However, like the dolphins, the future of Myanmar’s cooperative fishing is under threat. “The big difference is the fish population,” says 51-year-old Thinn. When he started fishing at the age of 12, his hauls were much heavier. “It’s difficult to compete with electrofishing now, and some people have to work in other jobs to make a living.” Thinn is one of about 60 remaining cooperative fishermen who work alongside the small pocket of Irrawaddy dolphins along this stretch of the Irrawaddy River close to Mandalay. The latest WWF count in February recorded 76 dolphins in Myanmar, where they are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN. Worldwide, they are also classified as endangered, with only about 3,000 of the species estimated to remain. Thinn’s father taught him how fishermen and dolphins can work together. Featuring in folktales that date back centuries, the method has seen generations of Burmese build a mutually beneficial relationship with the majestic water mammals..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "South China Morning Post" (Hong Kong)
2019-11-14
Date of entry/update: 2019-11-14
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Bokpyin Township Forest Department says that a wild elephant was killed by poisoned arrows on October 31 near Wardin village, Htaung Nga Thaing village-tracts, Pyigyi Mannaing town, Bokpyin Township, Tanintharyi Region. The elephant was found dead near the west of Wardin creek’s foot bridge, five miles from Yuzana palm oil factory in Wardin village. The elephant reportedly stood 10 feet tall. Local people informed the forest department of the death of wild elephant and then officials from various departments visited the site and they found that it was killed by poisoned arrows and had four injury marks. Staff Officer Soe Tint of Bokpyin Township Forest Department said, “The wild elephant was likely killed by an elephant hunter because we found it was killed by poisoned arrows and the hide of the wild elephant was removed.” A case has been registered at Pyigyi Mannaing Town (Beat) police station with case number (Pa) 22/2019 under section 41(a) of Law for Conservation of Biodiversity and Environment with the aim to arrest the culprit..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Mizzima" (Myanmar)
2019-11-02
Date of entry/update: 2019-11-11
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "SKELETAL remains of an elephant, believed to have died at least 200 years ago, was unearthed within the compound of a monastery in the Mandalay region. Sayadaw U Thizzana, the head monk at the monastery at Shan Kalay Kyun in Amarapura, told The Myanmar Times that the discovery was made by workers who were digging the ground to build a new dining hall. Amarapura was once the capital of Myanmar during the reign of King Bodawpaya, the sixth king of the Konbaung Dynasty, from 1782 to 1823. "We first found the bones five days ago and will continue digging to recover the whole body,” the head monk said. U Thizzana said according to local history there was once an elephant shed at the entrance of the village. There was an elephant shed in the village during the reign of King Bodawpaya at about the time of the establishment of Amarapura, so I guess the bones are over 200 years old.” Some officials from the Archaeological Department came to inspect the bones, which have been put on display at the monastery,” the monk added..."
Source/publisher: "New Straits Times" (Malaysia)
2019-11-08
Date of entry/update: 2019-11-09
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "A crocodile is seen at Thaketa Crocodile Farm in Yangon, Myanmar, Aug. 14, 2019. Of about 800 eggs laid in May this year, at least 250 eggs failed to hatch so far at the crocodile farm. (Xinhua/U Aung)...A saltwater hatchling is seen at Thaketa Crocodile Farm in Yangon, Myanmar, Aug. 14, 2019. Of about 800 eggs laid in May this year, at least 250 eggs failed to hatch so far at the crocodile farm. (Xinhua/U Aung)...A worker puts hatchlings in nursery unit at Thaketa Crocodile Farm in Yangon, Myanmar, Aug. 14, 2019. Of about 800 eggs laid in May this year, at least 250 eggs failed to hatch so far at the crocodile farm. (Xinhua/U Aung)..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Xinhua" (China) via "Global Times" (China)
2019-08-15
Date of entry/update: 2019-10-27
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "A herd of endangered deer wait under the shade of one of the sparse trees in this parched central Myanmar landscape, watching as rangers dispatch drinking water—a life-saving resource funded by wellwishers across the country. Shwe Settaw nature reserve in Magway Division is home to the endemic species of Eld's or golden deer. But their habitat lies in the country's central dry zone, a low-lying plain astride the Irrawaddy River where water shortages are rife in the hot season. This year temperatures have soared to a record 47 degrees centigrade. The sanctuary's 20-odd lakes and ponds—a lifeline for the deer, wild boar, jackals, peacocks and other creatures—have all dried up. In one lake bed, a water depth-measuring rod stands marooned in the middle of a mosaic of cracked, arid earth..."
Source/publisher: "phys.org"
2019-05-10
Date of entry/update: 2019-10-27
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "TRADERS and buyers in the illegal wildlife trade in Myanmar have turned away from traditional markets and towards social media platforms, as the government intensifies its crackdown on the illicit activity. Nevertheless, there are still wildlife markets flourishing on the Chinese border, which are beyond the government’s control. U Aung Kyaw, anti-wildlife trafficking manager at the Wildlife Conservation Society of Myanmar (WCS-Myanmar), said the online wildlife trade seems to be on the rise in the country. “Various wildlife species are for sale online. It is hard to detect the culprits if the trend continues,” he said, according to the Myanmar Times. WCS Myanmar, the Forestry Department, and other agencies, including the police, are cooperating to eliminate the illegal wildlife trade, despite the odds. “The department and WCS Myanmar are unable to handle this alone,” U Aung Kyaw said. “We need the help of cybercrime experts. We plan to eliminate the online trade, but it cannot be implemented yet. We need technicians and experts, but we are trying our best.” In the past nine years, the department has prosecuted 12 suspected illegal online wildlife traders. Not all were successful..."
Source/publisher: "New Straits Times" (Malaysia)
2019-10-25
Date of entry/update: 2019-10-25
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Sub-title: Sharks are creatures of legends – whether it’s the great white man-eater in Jaws, or the ginormous whale shark that divers love taking selfies with.
Description: "Everyone has a good understanding of these sharks, but what about those species that rarely cross our human paths? There are many globally endangered species, and some of them can only be found in our local waters. When U Zaw Lunn goes diving, he looks for these species. He is an oceanographer with the Fauna and Flora International Myanmar Programme and, together with his team of experts, has dived over 500 times in and around the waters off the Kawthaung coast. Kawthaung is at the southern-most part of Myanmar, and to the west lies a stretch of water called ‘Burma Bank’ – famous for sharks. “Some of the sharks that feed there are endangered,” he said. Last year we spotted many species, but this year haven’t managed to identify as many..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
2019-10-25
Date of entry/update: 2019-10-25
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Sub-title: Name it and you can have it: monkey, bear, snake, turtle, birds, bear bile, and wildlife parts.
Description: "It is a huge thriving market, but buyers and sellers no longer have to congregate in one place, haggling in the sweltering heat of the sun or squeezed under a humid plastic roof to escape a pounding rain. Instead, today’s illegal wildlife market is right there in the comfort of your living room or bedroom. It goes wherever you go, because the illegal wildlife trade is now part of the booming e-commerce scene in Myanmar, on your laptop, tablet or smartphone. A page advertising the sale of protected and endangered species recently cropped up on the social media giant Facebook. Two months ago, a check of the site showed pangolins for sale, different sizes of leopards, monkeys, bears, and birds of prey. The Facebook page lists the names of the species of wild animals and animal parts along with prices and contact numbers. Those who want to buy these animals or parts could call a number, join a chat, or post comments. Leopards were available for K150,000 (US$100) in the online market, birds of prey cost around K20,000, and turtles and monkeys went for as little as a few thousand..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
2019-10-24
Date of entry/update: 2019-10-24
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Villagers have been alerted to the threat posed by crocodiles in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady delta region following attack by a crocodile on a young man, according to Wildlife Conservation Group Thursday. The young man, aged 22, was bitten by the crocodile while he was emptying water out of his boat near the edge of a river at a village in Bogale township in Ayeyarwady region Tuesday. He underwent treatment at a local station hospital and was reported stable so far. Crocodile attacks are common in Myanmar's delta region. Meanwhile, a wildlife sanctuary, named the Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary, lying at the mouth of the Ayeyarwady River, attracts visitors keen on viewing crocodile hatching camps and conservation projects in the region's mangrove forests which have been reportedly declining due to deforestation in the area..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Xinhua" (China)
2019-10-10
Date of entry/update: 2019-10-21
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Sub-title: Nine orphaned elephants are now living comfortably in their new home in Winkabaw Elephant Conservation Camp in Bago Region, which used to be a logging area operated by state-run Myanmar Timber Enterprise.
Description: "When the new government took over in 2016 and stopped timber production in the Bago Mountain Range, the area was converted into an elephant camp to take care of injured and ageing elephants from state-owned enterprises. Soon it has become a haven for orphaned elephants and now has nine. The latest addition is named Moe Moe Lwin, which arrived on Tuesday. Moe Moe Lwin’s mother died when she was 10 months old and she was sent to be cared for by the Myanmar Timber Enterprise in Bago Region. “With the arrival of the new orphaned elephant on Tuesday, we now have a total of nine orphaned elephants in our care,” said U Sein Lwin, the officer in charge of the sanctuary. Moe Moe Lwin and four other orphaned elephants in the sanctuary are the offspring of domesticated elephants owned by the Myanma Timber Enterprise while the remaining four others were wild elephants that were orphaned after poachers killed their mothers..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
2019-10-17
Date of entry/update: 2019-10-17
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Nearly 20 wild elephants entered into the compound of Longdon village monastery under Maungdaw township of Arakan on Friday night and destroyed several banana plants. According to an eye witness, the herd of elephants arrived there at around 11 pm on 6 September and destroyed over 400 banana plants. Head of the monastery confirmed that the herd comprised around 20 elephants and they destroyed over 400 banana and several other fruit trees inside the campus. It may be mentioned that Longdon village is close to Bangladesh border and its neighbouring locality has a mountain range named Mayu Taung which gives shelter to a good number of wild animals including elephants. However, the number of wild animals is now decreasing due to scarcity of habitats, alleged the locals. During the military regime in Myanmar, four white elephants were captured from the Mayu Taung mountain range. White elephants are believed to be sacred and precious in Burmese culture. The rulers at that time took those captured white elephants to Yangon and Nay Pyi Daw for public viewing as their propaganda. “The elephants often enter our village in search of foods as there is not enough stuff in the mountain range. The forest area is shrinking as the local businessmen continue cutting trees for producing charcoals,” informed a village leader..."
Source/publisher: "Narinjara" (Myanmar) via BNI Multimedia Group (Myanmar)
2019-09-09
Date of entry/update: 2019-10-08
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Baby elephant Ayeyar Sein trumpets impatiently as a vet prepares her milk bottle and walks cautiously, her front left leg in a splint made of bamboo and cloth bandages. The four-month-old calf was rescued from a hunter’s snare trap in the forest of Myanmar’s southwest Ayeyarwaddy region last month and is now being looked after by staff at the Wingabaw elephant sanctuary, an hour’s drive northeast of Yangon. “When she arrived at the camp last month, her leg was terribly sore”, said Than Naing Oo, the camp veterinarian, as he cleaned the injury. “Now she is getting better as we treat her with medicine twice a day.” Than Naing Oo said Ayeyar Sein’s parents were nowhere to be seen near the trap and were most likely killed by poachers. Poachers kill elephants for their tusks and skin, which are used to make jewelry and traditional medicine, among other things. “The big challenge for us in taking care of baby elephants is to keep them alive”, said Shwe Yi Win Htet, manager at the camp, adding that two young elephants had died in their care..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Reuters" (UK)
2019-10-02
Date of entry/update: 2019-10-02
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "MYAUNGMYA-With the aim to reduce human-elephant conflicts in the Ayeyawady Region, plans are underway to form five Elephants Emergency Response Unit (EERU) which can control the wild elephants, according to the resources. Forest reserves in Pathein, Ngapudaw and Thabaung Townships in Ayeyawady Region are home to wild elephants. As their habitats shrink, wild elephants come close to human settlements in search of food and this leads to human-elephant conflicts. That’s why the killing rate of wild elephants increased. “ Myanmar Timber Enterprise in Ayeyawady Region is now forming EERU aiming to reduce the conflict between humans and wild elephants, to protect the wild elephants from poachers and to safeguard the private farms. The units are situated in Thitgadoe Ai Elephant camp in Pathein, Htatabin Elephant Camp in Ngapudaw Township, Thubuechaung Elephant Camp in Tharbaung Township, a camp bordering between Laymyatnar and Ingapu Townships and Thayarsan Elephant Camp in Kyangin Township,” said Tin Aung Win, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Irrigation and Environmental Conservation from Ayeyawady Region. He also said that Myanma Timber Enterprise planned to open more four elephant camps joining hands with the private aiming for public relaxation..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
2019-09-24
Date of entry/update: 2019-09-25
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "MONGLA, Myanmar: Bentleys and BMW convertibles roll up to the "Venetian Casino" in Mongla on the Myanmar-China border, a melting pot of sex, drugs and gambling on a frontier that has also become a "supermarket" for illegally traded wildlife. This area of Myanmar is largely self-governed -- lying within the country's borders but playing by its own rules, nestled in the eastern range of mountains and cut off from the rest of the country. Instead, the region looks to China. The yuan is the currency of choice, most people speak Mandarin and phones connect to Chinese, not Myanmar, networks. It is also the insatiable Chinese demand for illegal wildlife products that is driving the booming trade in Panghsang, a reclusive city to the north of Mongla in territory controlled by the ethnic Wa. Tiger and leopard pelts are piled up in full view at streetside shops also displaying ivory, pangolin scales and stacked cages of rare birds. Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) conservation director Nick Cox says the open sale of the illegal products is a problem "not just for Myanmar but for the region", calling it a "wildlife supermarket". As night descends on the quiet streets of Panghsang, pockets of pink light illuminate the gloom -- emitted from the countless Chinese-branded massage parlours dotting the roads..."
Source/publisher: "Bangkok Post" (Thailand) via AFP (France)
2019-04-26
Date of entry/update: 2019-09-22
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "According to the seminar on combating illegal trafficking of wildlife and their parts, there are 2000 wild elephants and 3000 tamed elephants in Myanmar. There are only 13 countries where Asia elephants can be found. About 90 percent of the habitat of elephants were wiped out and in the entire world, there are only 52,345 elephants left. Fifty percent of elephants can be found in neighbouring India. Poaching for ivory, meat and other elephant products takes place in Myanmar as well. Habitat loss, shrinking and fragmentation of elephant habitat is placing increased pressure on the remaining elephant population in Myanmar. "Wild elephants can mostly be found in Mandalay Region and at the same time, poaching still exists. Wild elephants were killed sometimes." said acting Police Brig-Gen Sein Lwin. In the endangered species of Myanmar issued by Department of Forestry, elephants are included to five fully protection..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
2019-09-19
Date of entry/update: 2019-09-19
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Topic: Conservation, Elephants, forest reserves, Myanmar Forest Department, Poaching
Topic: Conservation, Elephants, forest reserves, Myanmar Forest Department, Poaching
Description: "Local authorities found a wild elephant poached and skinned in Myittaya Forest Reserve in Ngapudaw Township, Irrawaddy Region on Sunday. “The elephant might have died two days ago,” Police Lieutenant Colonel Tun Shwe, spokesperson for the Irrawaddy Region Police Force, told The Irrawaddy. “We found injuries on its neck and ears, and half of its body was skinned.” Local residents of Htantabin Village found the dead elephant in the forest reserve around 5 miles west of their village and informed forestry police, local police and village administrators about the elephant. The female elephant was over 2 m tall and 2 m long. She was approximately 23 years old. She is the second elephant to be poached in 2019 in Ngapudaw Township. The first elephant was poached in February. “We are doing our best to keep wild elephants safe in our region and we are sorry that an elephant was killed despite our efforts,” said U Kyaw Myint Tun, administrator for Tin Chaung Village-Tract. “The authorities should adopt a systematic plan for elephant conservation rather than a reactive approach.” U Kyaw Myint Tun has won an award from State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for his efforts to conserve elephants..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "The Irrawaddy"
2019-09-12
Date of entry/update: 2019-09-13
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "At least 22 tigers remained in Myanmar, said the Forest Department Tuesday quoting its recent survey. The survey covered 8 percent of the tiger habitat in the country. The figure came as the department under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MNREC) observed the World Tiger Day in Nay Pyi Taw Monday. Speaking at the event, Minister of the MNREC U Ohn Win said that Myanmar is one of the 13 countries in the world which have a tiger population and about 7 percent of Myanmar's total area or over 12 million acres (4.86 million hectares) serves as a habitat for tigers, indicating that tigers can breed in Myanmar forests. The World Tiger Day was marked to spread awareness about the decline in the number of wild tigers in the world and to encourage the work of tiger conservation..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Xinhua"
2019-07-30
Date of entry/update: 2019-08-30
Grouping: Individual Documents
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