Alan Rabinowitz

The clouded leopard in Malaysian Borneo

The clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa has already disappeared from part of its range in southern Asia; it is classified as vulnerable by IUCN and is on Appendix I of CITES. Little is known about this secretive forest-dweller anywhere in its range, and the sparse information needs to be augmented so that effective conservation measures may be taken if necessary. In early 1986 the senior author travelled through the interior of Malaysian Borneo, staying at villages and timber camps, to assess the status of the species in the region and to find out more about its behaviour.

Estimating the Indochinese tiger Panthera tigris carbetti population in Thailand

Abstract From 1987 to 1991, tiger Panthera tigris corbetti presence was investigated in 25 national parks and 13 wildlife sanctuaries, comprising 49% and 58% of Thailands protected land area in these respective categories. Tigers were present in only 58% of the surveyed areas. Where tigers were present, an arbitrary density of 1 tiger/100 km 2 was modified according to the levels of threat to the tiger population, and used to estimate population size. Threats were defined as human-caused disturbances that threatened a tiger populations basic need of natural water-ways, large prey abundance, and vegetative cover. Using this approach, no more than an estimated 250 adult tigers are currently in Thailand. The healthiest remaining tiger populations are now in areas of forest complexes ≥ 1500 km 2 protected before 1982. All Thailands tiger populations are in danger of further decline due to poor management and continued human encroachment within protected areas. If tigers are to persist in Thailand, areas where they are found need to be better managed and maintained as large, cohesive forest units. Within these units, human-caused disturbances must be minimized and areas of optimal tiger habitat must be fully protected so that they remain inviolate.

A survey to assess the status of Sumatran rhinoceros and other large mammal species in Tamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Myanmar

Tamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary in the Upper Chindwin district of Myanmar could be one of the most important remaining sites for wildlife in the country. Until recently, insurgency problems prevented officials of the Myanmar Forest Department visiting the area or carrying out any form of management. Yet the sanctuary is essentially intact and, with the exception of rhino, appears to contain viable populations of most large mammal species known from that part of Myanmar. However, hunting and the collection of forest products in the sanctuary are having negative impacts on the wildlife community. The future survival of the Sumatran rhino in the Upper Chindwin area is doubtful. Other large mammal species, such as the tiger and gaur, may follow the rhino towards extinction in the near future. Tamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary will need to be actively protected and managed to ensure that much of Myanmars wildlife continues to survive in this area, well into the future.

The clouded leopard in Taiwan

There has never been a thorough survey of Taiwans clouded leopard population, and some believe it may no longer survive there. The author conducted a preliminary survey in 1986 and discovered that the last reported sighting of the species was in 1983.

The saola or spindlehorn bovid Pseudoryx nghetinhensis in Laos

In 1992 the discovery of a new bovid , Pseudoryx nghetinhensis, in Vietnam led to speculation that the species also occurred in adjacent parts of Laos. This paper describes a survey in January 1994, which confirmed the presence of P. ngethinhensis in Laos, although in low densities and with a patchy distribution. The paper also presents new information that helps clarify the phylogenetic position of the species. The low numbers and restricted range of P. ngethinhensis mean that it must be regarded as Endangered. While some admirable moves have been made to protect the new bovid and its habitat, more needs to be done and the authors recommend further conservation action .