Project update - March 2006

"Tyger! Tyger! burning bright
In the forests of the night
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand, dare seize the fire?"
-An excerpt from William Blake's "The Tyger"

Cambodian folklore would explicate the origin of the tiger and its power to the magical transformation of a king, queen, royal astrologer and four chief ministers. The majestic head is the king; the agile body is the queen; the guiding tail is the royal astrologer; and the four strong legs are the chief ministers. This tale imparts a message of unity and cooperation. However, others also interpret that the story includes a proverbial message warning people not to abandon their responsibilities: in this case, the king's responsibilities to his country. Ironically, the substance and message of this tale parallels current problems facing the people of Cambodia and their rich heritage of wild flora and fauna.

The lush rainforests in the western Cardamom Elephant Mountains, the dry dipterocarp forests in the eastern Annamite Mountains, and lowland shrub and inundated forests in the central Lower Mekong make up the country's landscape mosaic. The Cardamom Mountains span over 2 million acres, representing one of the Southeast Asia's largest remaining intact forests. The few surveys that have been done in the Cardamoms have documented a significant number of large mammals, including Asian elephant, tiger, sambar, gibbon, wild dog, as well as a diverse array of bird, reptile and plant species. However, this biologically rich area remains largely undiscovered because of the country's historical circumstances.

Cambodia's relatively low population density, which has sheltered most of the regions' rich natural resources, is subsequent to a brutal history of war, civil unrest and corrupt leadership. After a relatively peaceful but socially stagnant 90-year stronghold by the French, Cambodia managed to gain its independence in 1953. Nearly two decades later the country was suffocating under the pressures of the Vietnam War, and in 1975 the government fell to the Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot. People were ousted from cities and forced to work in the countryside; intellects, religious leaders and those who rebelled were sentenced to death. Estimates of the number of people killed during the Khmer Rouge are still debated, some sources citing losses of up to 20% of the entire population. In 1979, Vietnam overthrew the Khmer Rouge regime. Cambodia was finally able to regain political control in 1993 and during the same year, the King reestablished the Protected Area system including the designation of 23 protected areas

Alas, the official decree that protects 18% of Cambodia's forested areas holds little ground to the hands of swelling populations, corporate autocrats and corrupt officials. At places like Bokor National Park, even the brick-red moss and thick ocean mist do little to shroud the illicit activities. High market values for wildlife species like tiger and Sunda pangolin and plant species like aloewood attract poachers and commercial industries, while the wealth of resources draws nearby villagers and migrants into the park.

Despite all of this, hope remains in the dedication of park staff. Supporting agencies like DSWF have allowed WildAid to implement its tri-part (Protection, Outreach, Wildlife monitoring) Surviving Together programme at Bokor since 1999. Over the past 5 years, the joint efforts between WildAid and Bokor staff have greatly improved enforcements efforts and helped build-up park infrastructure.

The Park Director, Mr Chey Yuthereaith is committed to overseeing all of Bokor's activities. In November 2005, he proudly hosted, with WildAid, an Enforcement Basic Ranger Training Course, with 41 attending rangers. This course marked the 10th of its kind to take place at Bokor, and with the recent completion of the National Training Centre construction, Bokor now has a greater capacity to train protected staff from across Cambodia. Another training course is already scheduled for the mid-2006, equipping even more rangers with the proper field skills needed during enforcement patrols.

A rotating patrol system ensures constant vigilance within the park. Team leaders help the Director plan the 1 to 7 day patrols based on patrol results from the previous month. It is a constant challenge due to Bokor's rough terrain, which spans over 390 thousand acres with slopes up to 76%; thankfully, provisions and equipment provided through the support of DSWF not only allow rangers to continue patrol efforts but also raise morale.

During this year alone rangers completed 402 patrols, collecting 9700 snares; issuing 726 non-reoffense contracts; and raiding 16 poacher camps. Unequivocally, park rangers have saved wildlife from their demise at the hands of poachers, encountering and releasing over one hundred individuals in 2005, including species such as Asian Brush-tailed porcupine, slow loris, muntjac, civet and python.

However, the lure of poaching and illegal harvesting is inescapable. The majority of villagers live below the poverty line, relying completely on forests for fuelwood as well as other non-timber forest products for food and medication. In response, WildAid has worked with Bokor's Community Based Resource Management Team (CBRM team) implementing programs to educate as well as offer alternative income and energy sources for villagers.

The CBRMT met with more than 250 people in the past year through meetings, educational discussions and presentations. As they continue to build a good rapport with locals, the team is working with villagers in the initiation of a Pig-Bank Project. CBRMT completed the construction of the holding facility and purchased 5 pigs (1 male, 4 female). All four females are expecting litters this month and piglets will be distributed to households around the park to assist them in increasing both their incomes and available food resources. This project also complements the Biogas Project, which uses manure to produce a cooking gas for villagers. Nine new biogas systems have been constructed in villages and ranger stations around the park in this year alone.

The enduring work of park staff and the support from DSWF help build a brighter future for Bokor. Increasing the capacity of the park has been essential in implementing new outreach and monitoring programmes and in extending training programmes to protected area staff across the country. Larger challenges still lie ahead. Wavering support and lack of leadership from government officials leave the park management with a lack of authority, the villagers with few alternatives; and large-scale commercial industries with an open door.

If you ask any ranger why he works in the park he will likely say, "Because I want to protect nature." Luckily, there are people like Bokor's park staff that are committed to a personal responsibility; in this case, the future of Cambodia's forests and wildlife.

Every little contribution helps wildlife and remember 100% of your donation will go in full to the project - thank you!

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