Technical Bulletin - Humane Society International

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Jul 1, 2014 - STOP PRESS - National free range standards on the way . ...... released in New York (c) iStockphoto/KJA. W
Technical Bulletin

Technical Bulletin Highlights of Humane Society International's program activities

Issue 24, 2014

Humane Society International Inc. | ABN 63 510 927 032 | PO Box 439 Avalon NSW 2107 Australia Telephone (02) 9973 1728 | Facsimile (02) 9973 1729 | Email [email protected] | Web www.hsi.org.au Page 0

Technical Bulletin Table of Contents Vale Bill Wiseman .......................................................................................................................................................... 2 Staff List .......................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Devolution of Commonwealth environment powers continues ....................................................................................... 3 “One-stop-shop” & offshore oil & gas developments – bad news .................................................................................. 3 HSI informs RAMSAR & CMS of dangers in devolving C’th powers ........................................................................... 4 AFMA move to take back control ................................................................................................................................... 4 HSI at UNFCCC talks ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 Seeking habitat protection announcements at World Parks Congress ............................................................................. 4 HSI 2014 EPBC Act Nominations .................................................................................................................................. 6 The status of EPBC listed TECs ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Private Land Conservation Grants................................................................................................................................... 8 Wildlife Land Trust updates ............................................................................................................................................ 8 WLT member sanctuary profile: Shark Creek Conservation area ................................................................................... 9 HSWLT Anti-Poaching Program .................................................................................................................................... 9 Subscribe to Wildlife Lands! ......................................................................................................................................... 10 Australian Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference ............................................................................................................. 10 WLT Sanctuary Visits ................................................................................................................................................... 10 Monitoring wildlife trade – a short history TRAFFIC Oceania .................................................................................... 10 Scientific volunteers – our sincere thanks! .................................................................................................................... 12 EPBC Act Nomination Support .................................................................................................................................... 12 Southern-Hairy Nosed Wombat .................................................................................................................................... 12 ‘Humane Choice’ certified free-range eggs in Coles..................................................................................................... 13 STOP PRESS - National free range standards on the way ............................................................................................ 13 ACCC alleges cartel conduct by Australian Egg Corporation ....................................................................................... 13 ACCC Update ............................................................................................................................................................... 14 Insurance for Livestock ................................................................................................................................................. 14 Crocodile safari hunting rejected again ......................................................................................................................... 15 HSI maintains watch on Taronga Zoo elephants ........................................................................................................... 15 HSI seeks improved environmental outcomes from trade agreement ........................................................................... 15 HSI continues to stick up for flying foxes ..................................................................................................................... 16 HSI attends New York UN Global Oceans Governance meeting ................................................................................. 16 WA shark cull – HSI fights back ................................................................................................................................... 17 Fine given for great white shark bludgeoning death in NSW ........................................................................................ 19 HSI seeking protection for migratory sharks globally ................................................................................................... 19 Ban the sale of shark fin ................................................................................................................................................ 20 HSI active in lead-up to CITES shark listing implementation ...................................................................................... 20 HSI’s EPBC Act Shark nominations and listings to date (14 species) .......................................................................... 20 Japanese Whalers Found Guilty Again! HSI Director Michael Kennedy’s Blog .......................................................... 21 Auto-longline fishery breaches seabird interaction rate for third consecutive year (fishery to be closed) .................... 22 NSW Government seeks to limit impact of recreational fishing on Southern Bluefin Tuna ......................................... 23 Supertrawler Expert Panel holds consultation meeting ................................................................................................. 23 Time to reinstate sanctuary zone protections in NSW ................................................................................................... 24 NSW to protect the Gemfish? ....................................................................................................................................... 24 WTO ruling on EU seal product trade ban .................................................................................................................... 24 Boat Strike as a Key Threatening Process ..................................................................................................................... 25 Gray wolf populations threatened in the U.S................................................................................................................. 25 Attorney-General seeks HSI’s input into disaster relief arrangements .......................................................................... 26 Pained Dog Conservation in Zimbabwe ........................................................................................................................ 26 And the PDC Kids in Cameras Conservation ................................................................................................................ 26 HSI supports creation of trans-frontier African wildlife corridor .................................................................................. 26 Lemur projects funded .................................................................................................................................................. 27 Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area program ...................................................................................... 27 Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park, DRC .............................................................................................................. 28 Primate rehabilitation program supported in the Congo ................................................................................................ 28 HSI protecting big cats .................................................................................................................................................. 29 HSI supports Maleo Corridor preservation project, Sulawesi ....................................................................................... 29 Wildlife crime statistics in Vietnam .............................................................................................................................. 30 HSI supports anti-wildlife trade action grants – Vietnam ............................................................................................. 31 Turtle Conservation Fund – latest grant allocations ...................................................................................................... 32

Cover image: Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo), © Rahmat Fadrikal. See Page 29 for related article. Page 1

Technical Bulletin Vale Bill Wiseman We are very sad indeed to say goodbye to Bill Wiseman, the ex-Chairman of the Board of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)/Humane Society International (HSI) and a great, great friend of HSI Australia, who passed away this June at the age of 93. Bill and his wife Madge were first involved with HSUS in 1966 and Bill has always remained an active adviser and supporter. Bill was an ex Mobile Oil man and understood the need for global reach and management. He was fully behind the development of Humane Society International in 1991, playing a critical role in its evolution, and particularly the establishment of HSI Australia, in whose work he took special pride.

Staff List Board: Dr Andrew Rowan Dr John Grandy Peter Woolley Elizabeth Willis-Smith Jean Irwin Verna Simpson Michael Kennedy

Bill was the Chairman of the HSUS Board from 1987 to 1994, the year HSI Australia opened its doors for business. Bill remained in constant contact with us here in Sydney, and his inspiration, leadership and most of all friendship, will be acutely missed.

Operational Directors: Verna Simpson Michael Kennedy

As Wayne Pacelle, the current President and CEO of HSUS recently stated, Bill “was a humanitarian and a gentleman, through and through”.

Campaign staff & consultants: Alexia Wellbelove Evan Quartermain Georgie Stewart Jessica Morris Lee McCosker Alistair Graham Dr Judy Lambert Nigel Brothers Dr Keith Suter Rod Holesgrove

Michael Kennedy & Verna Simpson HSI Directors

Administration: Michelle Whitfield Wendi Wettin Virginia Breen Joanne Rowley Deborah Anderson-Barden

Scientific Volunteers See page 12 Page 2

Technical Bulletin Devolution of Commonwealth environment powers continues

was negotiated by the previous Government to remain in Federal hands, but the Coalition now proposes to include it under bilateral agreements. HSI has also voiced its concerns publicly and to the Minister at proposed technical changes, including clarification of the potential role that local governments will play in approving developments affecting MNES. This development further heightens the likelihood of significant conflicts of interest, and the obvious and complete lack of competence on the part of local government to pass judgement on MNES issues. These concerns have been reflected in written and oral submissions to a Senate inquiry on the Bill.

Since the last Technical Bulletin was issued the Federal Government has continued to steam ahead in implementing its election commitment for a so-called ‘one-stop-shop’ approach to environmental approvals for Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES). Prime Minister Abbott has set a target of having agreements with all the State and Territory Governments in place within one year of the September 2013 Federal election, and so far it appears as if this commitment is on track, with all states due to meet this timeline, bar Victoria who state the commitment will be met by December 2014. By the end of 2013 all state and territory governments had signed up to the one-stopshop process, signing Memorandum of Understanding to this effect. Since then draft assessment bilateral agreement consultation periods have opened and closed for the ACT, NT, and SA. A consultation period has now opened for the WA assessment bilateral agreement, Victoria signed their assessment bilateral agreement in April 2009, and the draft agreement for Tasmania is yet to be published.

Numbat, a MNES © WikimediaCommons/Helenabella

Learn more at: http://placesyoulove.org/

“One-stop-shop” & offshore oil & gas developments – bad news

At the end of March the national environmental standards were finally released. This was done in advance of the approval bilateral agreements being prepared. On 14th May 2014, the first draft approval bilateral agreements were published for a one month comment period, for NSW and Queensland. The Places You Love Alliance (formed to fight the devolution plans) of which HSI is a founding member, will be looking at these agreements in detail with the assistance of Environmental Defenders Offices nationwide.

In the last issue HSI highlighted proposals for the ‘one-stop-shop’ for offshore petroleum environmental assessments and approvals to be established within the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA). Over the objections of HSI and many other NGOs, the Government had committed to have this process in place by 1st March 2014, and this commitment was met on 28th February when the Minister for Industry announced that NOPSEMA was the sole assessor for offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas environmental approvals in Commonwealth waters, following the endorsement of the Program and approval of the class of actions arising from the Strategic Assessment.

On the 14th March 2014 new amending legislation concerning the bilateral agreements to the EPBC Act was, was introduced in the House of Representatives without notice. HSI has very serious concerns regarding this legislation, which primarily seeks to include the ‘water trigger’ the ninth MNES , which

More information at: http://goo.gl/O5cBpm Page 3

Technical Bulletin HSI at UNFCCC talks

HSI informs RAMSAR & CMS of dangers in devolving C’th powers

Last month HSI’s Geoff Orme-Evans is attending the second round of climate change negotiations in 2014 in Bonn (4 – 15 June). This includes the 40th sessions of the subsidiary bodies SBI and SBSTA. HSI will be pursuing its concerns to reduce the impacts of global animal agriculture on climate change (the animal agriculture sector is responsible for approximately 14.5% of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions), while promoting and safeguarding animal welfare. HSI has been promoting this for the last five years. A report on the meeting outcomes in relation to agriculture will be included on HSI’s website shortly after completion of this round of negotiations.

HSI recently wrote to the Secretary General of RAMSAR (Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat) and the Executive Secretary of CMS (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals) informing them of the details of the Commonwealth’s planned devolution of environment powers under the Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999. The letters, drafted with the advice of the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) in Sydney, make it clear that the current approach by the current Australian Government risks weakening the capacity of Australia to fulfil its protection obligations in relation to listed wetland and migratory species. We have asked both Secretariats to write directly to the Commonwealth asking how they remain able to effectively meet their obligations under both Conventions.

Further information at: http://goo.gl/IY5JFW

Seeking habitat protection announcements at World Parks Congress In the lead up to and during the IUCN World Parks Congress (WPC) in Sydney in November, HSI has asked Environment Minister Greg Hunt to list and protect number critically endangered wildlife habitats, biodiversity hotspots, marine and coastal environments and National Heritage places – all due for listing decisions by the Minister under the EPBC Act, prior to or just after the end of 2014.

Letters available at: http://goo.gl/f47VdW

AFMA move to take back control HSI recently wrote to Environment Minister Greg Hunt concerned for potential EPBC amendments that would see the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) regain responsibility for undertaking fisheries assessments currently required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999. In response the Minister stated: “As a part of the Government’s commitment to improving regulatory efficiency and reducing unnecessary ‘red tape’, the Department of the Environment (the Department) is considering opportunities to streamline assessment processes for fisheries under the existing legislative framework. The Department has held some discussions with the Department of Agriculture and AFMA on this matter”. HSI is extremely concerned for this developing situation.

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) will be providing a steady trickle of advice to the Minister on 14 nationally important habitats, between June and December this year. HSI has suggested that he either announce listings as they are due and/or make a collective announcement at the World Park Congress, but also foreshadowing his intent to list a handful of other places, where listing decisions would be technically post the WPC. The habitats in question can be found on the following page (* indicates HSI nominations).

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Technical Bulletin Threatened Ecological Communities Banksia dominated woodlands of the Swan Coastal Plain bioregion Cooks River and Castlereagh ironbark forest of the Sydney Basin bioregion* Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt* Hinterland Sand Flats Forests and Woodlands of the Sydney Basin Bioregion* Hunter Valley remnant woodlands and open forests* Natural grasslands of the south Gippsland Plains Natural temperate grasslands of the southern tablelands of NSW and the ACT Posidonia australis complex Seagrass Meadows* Shale-sandstone transition forest* Weeping myall-coobah-scrub wilga shrubland of the Hunter valley* Heritage Places Beekeepers-Leseur-Coomallo* Chillagoe Karst Region Qld Coral Sea* Fitzgerald River Ravensthorpe* The 14 nationally important habitats HSI is seeking an announcement on for the upcoming World Parks Congress

Habitat protection: Wildlife Land Trust sanctuaries over a selection of HSI nominated & EPBC Act listed TECs (Page 9)

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Technical Bulletin HSI 2014 EPBC Act Nominations

Despite being listed as an Endangered Ecological Community under the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 (TSC Act) and as a Regional Ecosystem 'Of Concern' through the Queensland Vegetation Management Act, 1990, the community continues to be at risk from further fragmentation and degradation. HSI's nomination outlines that more than 70% of the community has been cleared since European settlement in Australia and that its ecological integrity has been severely compromised, initially due to extensive clearing but more recently through fragmentation resulting from a diversity of anthropogenic pressures, most notably those that alter hydrology and drainage. Intensive settlement in many of the coastal areas in which Swamp Oak Coastal Floodplain Forest occurs has resulted in further substantial detrimental change to the community that is likely to continue into the foreseeable future.

2014 has been another strong year for HSI’s Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) nomination program, which seeks to provide the most vulnerable ecosystem types with legislative recognition and protection, particularly under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC Act) through detailed scientific analyses and proposals. This year HSI prepared and submitted four TEC nominations:  Banded Ironstone Formation Vegetation Complex of the Yalgoo, Coolgardie and Avon Wheatbelt bioregions;  Bangalay Sand Forest of the Sydney Basin, South East Corner and East Gippsland Bioregions;  Freshwater Floodplains of the Timor Sea drainage division; and  Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca) Coastal Floodplain Forest.

Threatened species associated with the community, which is dominated by swamp she-oak (Casuarina glauca) and found on lowlying silty alluvial soils between Yeppoon in Queensland and Bermagui in southern New South Wales, are numerous and include the regent honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia), spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus obesulus), orange-bellied parrot (Neophema chrysogaster), long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) and grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus). With the TEC providing habitat for such an array of species under threat, its long-term survival is linked to huge benefits for biodiversity conservation. It is anticipated that a national listing, which according to HSI's research the ecological community is overwhelmingly eligible for, will assist in raising the profile of the community across its national distribution and provide means to support a coordinated effort to conserve and recover what remains.

Each of these nominations has been found to meet the strict EPBC Act submission criteria and will therefore be considered for inclusion on the Finalised Priority Assessment List (FPAL) to be announced by the Federal Environment Minister later in the year. Nominations were prepared by HSI staff as well as consultant and volunteer ecologists, and we would like to thank Dr Judy Lambert and Tim Mouton for their significant efforts, as well as Stuart Blanch of the Environment Centre Northern Territory for advice pertaining to the Freshwater Floodplains of the Timor Sea drainage division. The following is a brief description of the Swamp Oak Coastal Floodplain Forest: Swamp Oak Coastal Floodplain Forest Research conducted early in the nomination process indicated that one of the TECs submitted by HSI, Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca) Coastal Floodplain Forest, is likely to meet an alarming five of the six possible EPBC Act threatened criteria - only one is required for a TEC to be eligible for listing. Page 6

Technical Bulletin The status of EPBC listed TECs

resulting in the permanent protection of 199 hectares of the community.

At the request of HSI, on the 27th of March, Federal Senator Larissa Waters asked the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment a series of questions pertaining to Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC) listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC Act), with 22 of the 67 listings a result of HIS nominations. Specifically, the questions asked were:  How many and which, of these threatened communities currently have recovery plans in operation;  How many, and which, of these threatened communities currently have recovery plans being drafted;  How many, and which, of these threatened communities have been the subject of offset conditions relating to approved controlled actions, and, in each case, what were those offsets; and  How many of these threatened communities have received Commonwealth monies for management through the Environmental Stewardship Program, and how much Commonwealth money did each community receive for management.

Additionally, through Senator Waters' questions it was stated that as at 23 April 2014 $27.165 million has been expended from a total of $69.402 million in stewardship funding currently contracted under the Box Gum Grassy Woodland funding round, and $20.314 million expended from $79.48 million contracted for grants under the Multiple Ecological Community funding round as part of the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP). Combined with $1 million in discretionary funding to increase protection for the Swamps of the Fleurieu Peninsula ecological community, the total funds currently set to be provided from the ESP, which is targeted to TECs recognised as a result of nominations made by HSI and others, is in excess of $150 million. Such prioritisation and leveraging of significant funding shows the value of our TEC nomination program, and the information revealed through Senator Waters’ questions will complement the volunteered efforts of Tshering O’Gorman, who is currently analysing the conservation outcomes of HSI's TEC nominations for listings under both the EPBC Act and NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995.

A detailed response confirmed that 26 TECs have recovery plans in place, plans for a further 28 TECs are currently being drafted (despite some of the relevant communities having been listed for more than 10 years), and that a dozen have been the subject of offset conditions - with HSI responsible for the nomination of 75% of these ecological communities. Instances where HSI nominated TECs were the subject of such offset conditions include the removal of 4.66 hectares of moderate quality Cumberland Plain Woodland resulting in the protection and management of a 40.5 hectare good quality occurrence of the community, and the removal of 43 hectares of Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla dominant and co-dominant)

Read Senate questions: http://goo.gl/BU9AZQ

Cumberland Plain Woodland, an HSI nomination and the first EPBC Act listed TEC © Emma Gorrod

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Technical Bulletin 

Private Land Conservation Grants HSI and the Wildlife Land Trust (WLT) continue their partnership with the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife in NSW, who administer the Private Land Conservation Grants (PLCG) in that state, along with several other organisations. The program received a significant funding boost from the NSW Environmental Trust in 2012, and following the allocation of grants for the 2014 round of the PLCG, now more than $1 million in funding has been distributed to 266 on-ground conservation projects across the state.

Marie Wynan of WLT sanctuary Edala on behalf of the Wombat Protection Society of Australia (of which several WLT members are involved), awarded Category 3 funds to produce a wombat documentary focusing on their behaviour and conservation issues.

With the funding provided set to be expended on works such as bush regeneration, interpretive signage and the control of invasive fauna and flora, the Private Land Conservation Grants are a highly effective method of delivering funding to support the on-ground biodiversity works of committed landholders.

Providing tiered funding, depending upon the conservation mechanisms in effect at each property (e.g. on-title in-perpetuity protection) owners are eligible for $5,000 per year, whereas those with Wildlife Land Trust agreements can apply for up to $2,000 per year, provided other members of the local community benefit from training. The success of the program has now seen it expand interstate, with the announcement of successful recipients from the inaugural Victorian program round set to occur in the coming months.

Further PLCG details: http://goo.gl/gW0xg5

Wildlife Land Trust updates HSI’s private land conservation network, the Wildlife Land Trust (WLT), reached a significant milestone this April with the membership of Gail Cooling's Natural Sanctuary in Queensland being the 250th in Australia. The program's growth has been strong this year with 26 new sanctuaries signing up prior to June, and at present 270 sanctuaries representing to approximately 40,000 hectares of wildlife-friendly land comprise the Australian network. It is hoped that continued growth will see the WLT reach a membership of 300 Australian member refuges by the end of the year, of which more than 100 will have binding conservation covenants in place. A further 125 sanctuaries are involved in activities beneficial to the conservation of wildlife such as the rehabilitation of orphaned or injured animals.

Through the NSW PLCG program this year, 32 Category 1, 13 Category 2 and four Category 3 projects were awarded grants totaling in excess of $300,000. Several Wildlife Land Trust members were fortunate enough to be among these recipients:  Sharyn Munro of WLT sanctuary Skywood Springs, awarded Category 1 funding to complete bush regeneration works on her land;  Sandra Heuston of WLT sanctuary Soul of a Tree, awarded Category 1 funding for riparian restoration on her property over the next two years;  Mikla Lewis of WLT sanctuary Rosemont, awarded Category 3 funding to facilitate annual Wattle Day events through Young District Landcare for the next three years; and

The wildlife habitat protected by these properties contributes significantly to connectivity within corridors, such as that managed by the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative, as well as assisting the survival chances of dozens of Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC) listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC Act). HSI is Page 8

Technical Bulletin the leading NGO in seeking to have these complex TECs recognised and protected under this legislation, and the following map shows just 10 of the 22 HSI nominated TECs currently listed under the EPBC Act, alongside the locations of Wildlife Land Trust member sanctuaries in the same region demonstrating the complimentary nature of these differing habitat protection programs.

species such as the brolga (Grus rubicunda), grey-crowned babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), pacific black duck (Anas superciliosa), rainbow bee-eater (Merops ornatus), clamorous reed-warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus) and plenty more. The owner of the sanctuary is one of the WLT's most active members, and is involved in the management of four additional Wildlife Land Trust sanctuaries covering some 6,000 hectares in Queensland – a fine example of the considerable biodiversity benefits voluntarily contributed by dedicated private landholders both in Australia and worldwide.

Read more at: www.wildlifelandtrust.org.au

WLT member sanctuary profile: Shark Creek Conservation area A leading example of a property that has recently joined the WLT network lies in Shark Creek Conservation Area in northeastern New South Wales, the biodiversity values of which are protected inperpetuity through a Nature Conservation Trust Agreement - a status shared by several other WLT members. The 215.7 hectare property features 210.27 hectares of highconservation value lowland wetlands, and is part of a large vegetated area contiguous with Yuraygir National Park and the State Forests of Candole and Pine Brush.

HSWLT Anti-Poaching Program Poaching, the illegal hunting and killing of animals, results in the death of tens of millions of animals in the Unites States each year (a number equal to all legal hunting combined, according to estimates of wildlife officials), and although thousands of wildlife poachers are arrested in the country annually, it is estimated that those caught represent only 1 to 5 percent of active poachers nationwide. As poachers can kill wildlife anytime, anywhere, and sometimes do so in particularly cruel ways, the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust (HSWLT), the Australian Wildlife Land Trust’s US affiliate, have offered close to $500,000 in rewards for the arrest and conviction of poachers in recent years. These rewards not only encourage people to give information to wildlife officials, but are intended to raise awareness of this wide-spread illegal activity. Rewards have been offered in cases involving many different wild animals, from mule deer and elk to bald eagles and bobcats. A selection of anti-poaching rewards paid by HSWLT in 2013 include:

Grey-crowned babbler at Shark Creek © Trish Kelly

Threatened Ecological Communities occurring on Shark Creek Conservation Area include 'Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains of the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions'; 'Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions'; and 'Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest of the New South Wales North Coast Bioregion'; with the varied habitats home to threatened and migratory

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A $5,000 reward for the conviction of a swan poacher in Idaho; $250 reward was paid after the conviction of a bald eagle poacher in Mississippi; $2,500 reward for the conviction of a deer poacher in Oregon; and A $2,500 reward paid for the conviction of a black bear poacher in Louisiana.

Technical Bulletin The Anti-Poaching Reward Program is run in conjunction with the HSWLT’s Robotic Decoy Program, through which HSWLT donates realistic decoys of deer, bears, pronghorns, and other wildlife to agencies tasked with confronting poachers. These robotic decoy donations help to level the playing field for wildlife by giving officers the opportunity to witness poaching activities firsthand, with no animals harmed in the process. HSI and the WLT Australia are considering adopting a similar reward program.

was fortunate enough to be able to meet with more than a dozen WLT members in attendance, several of which were involved in the organisation of the event.

More on the initiative at: http://goo.gl/j8Jjra

Subscribe to Wildlife Lands! The continued success of the Wildlife Land Trust, has led to a parallel rise in people subscribing to Wildlife Lands, the biannual newsletter of the program. Featuring the latest news from WLT members and projects around Australia and throughout the world, as well as species and ecological community profiles and plenty more, we invite you to subscribe to Wildlife Lands free of charge. Either phone 1800 333 737 to leave your email and postal details, or visit www.wildlifelandtrust.org.au to complete the subscription form on the home page. With plenty of copies of Wildlife Lands 13 still available and Issue 14 set to be released in the coming months.

Australian Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference The Wildlife Land Trust was a sponsor of the biannual Australian Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference (AWRC), held in Hobart, Tasmania at the end of May this year. The conference was a very successful event, with knowledge-packed presentations from a range of experienced wildlife carers, veterinary experts, scientists and entrepreneurs ensuring all in attendance went home better equipped to continue and elevate the valuable work they do. WLT Program Manager Evan Quartermain delivered the keynote address 'New directions: Accommodating Change' and

Orphaned Bennett’s wallaby on WLT sanctuary ‘Inala’

WLT Sanctuary Visits While in Hobart for the AWRC, the opportunity was taken to visit several WLT member sanctuaries in the region. Our thanks to the owners of White Wallaby Walk (Bruny Island), Base Camp Tasmania (Derwent Valley), Wicked Wildlife Sanctuary (southwest Hobart) and Wombat Hill (Huon Valley), as well as two potential WLT members for their generous hospitality, and taking the time to showcase an impressive array of habitat types and some very content wildlife. Tasmania is proportionally the fastest growing state presence within the WLT, and given the dedication displayed all of the refuges visited, it is hoped that this trend will continue!

Monitoring wildlife trade – a short history TRAFFIC Oceania TRAFFIC (which once stood for a now discontinued acronym—Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce) Australia, was established as a program of The Fund for Animals Ltd Australia (FFA) in

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Technical Bulletin Sydney 30 years ago by Michael Kennedy and Frank Antram. TRAFFIC is a global organisation monitoring the trade in wild plants and animals with particular reference to threatened species. Today, TRAFFIC forms a strategic alliance between the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and WWF, with headquarters in Cambridge UK and maintains close links with the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). FFA provided the resources and equipment to permit the opening of a “TRAFFIC Australia” office in 1984, and it was headed-up by Frank Antram, formerly of IUCN’s Wildlife Trade Monitoring Unit in Cambridge and Greenpeace UK. The offices of “Simply Living Magazine” donated working space to the fledgling TRAFFIC program, which in 1987 negotiated with WWF Australia to see TRAFFIC come under their care. Frank Antram was succeeded as TRAFFIC (now Oceania – covering an area of responsibility of 24 countries and territories) Director by Deb Callister when he left to join the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service in Canberra in 1992. When Deb Callister also moved to undertake postgraduate studies at the Australian National University a few years later, the reigns were taken up by Simon Habel and then Glenn Sant. Simon Habel had gone to run TRAFFIC North America leaving Glenn Sant as TRAFFIC Oceania’s final Director. In its early years, TRAFFIC Oceania worked closely with state and Federal law enforcement agencies, and found a niche in providing expert advice on wildlife trade and the overseas market value of smuggled animals, to support criminal prosecutions. The office also worked with several South Pacific countries to assist them in the implementation of CITES, most notably with Papua New Guinea. During Deb Callister’s time as Director, there was a strong focus on illegal trade in tropical timber,

and TRAFFIC played a prominent role in the work of the International Tropical Timber Organization. Over its full 27 years in Australia, TRAFFIC Oceania undertook an enormous amount of investigative trade work of the highest quality, encompassing a myriad of regional and global wildlife matters , including its ongoing work on timer and fisheries (in particular global review of shark fisheries, southern bluefin tuna and Patagonian toothfish), Chinese medicine trade and a review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Ac, 1999 wildlife trade amendments, to mention just a few issues. For operational reasons, maintaining a separate entity named TRAFFIC Oceania no longer became viable, and in 2011 was wound down. HSI’s Michael Kennedy had remained a Board member until that time. The office had gained a particular expertise on the issue of international fisheries trade monitoring, and Glenn Sant subsequently became the “Global Fisheries Trade Programme Leader” for the whole of TRAFFIC, and still operates out of the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources & Security at the University of Wollongong. It is very important and pleasing that TRAFFIC has maintained a strong presence in Australia and the region. Learn more through: http://www.traffic.org/

Southern bluefin tuna fisheries have been a focus of TRAFFIC reviews © Greenpeace

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Technical Bulletin Scientific volunteers – our sincere thanks! HSI is very fortunate to have the support of a strong team of research volunteers with a wide range of expertise and considerable experience. Such work is invaluable to us, and greatly enhances the effectiveness of HSI’s campaigns while further our campaigning capacity and we thank all HSI volunteers past and present for your considerable efforts. There are several volunteer projects underway at any one time, with present efforts including: 







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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping of threatened habitats (Roxane Francis); Research into altered watercourse and dam impacts on biodiversity (Katherine Selwood); Analysis of HSI Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) nomination conservation outcomes (Tshering O'Gorman); Profiling of successful TEC listings resulting from HSI nominations (Jordyn de Bohr); Research into the ecological effects of dingo loss (Emma Jensson); General research on dingo conservation issues (Emily Mowat); Investigation of legal avenues for landholder covenanting mechanisms (Persis Eskander); Further research into the conservation impacts of recreational fishing (Melissa Laginha); Review of Wildlife Land Trust website content (Intisar Ali); and Investigating the effectiveness of shark control programs around the world (Brianna Canny).

nomination - Bangalay Sand Flats Forest), Virginia Rimes (Key Threatening Process research - Fatal injury to marine species from boat strike), Greg Mintz (Threatened Species nomination - Oceanic whitetip), and Karen Bayly (Threatened Species nomination Southern hairy-nosed wombat - below) for their assistance in ensuring all planned submissions for 2014 were provided on time and to a high standard.

Southern-Hairy Nosed Wombat The species has declined historically in population size, number of subpopulations and area of occupancy, and our volunteer led research suggests that the wombats are eligible for an EPBC Act Vulnerable listing due to the following combined and continuing threats: Sarcoptic mange leading to death or reduction in breeding; continued habitat degradation and resource depletion from the effects of introduced animals and plant species causing detrimental dietary challenges; and the possibility of increased drought due to climate change impacting on the species throughout its shrinking distribution. Despite being listed as Endangered under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995, the southern hairy-nosed wombat occurs predominantly in South Australia as well as in Western Australia, and a national listing under the EPBC Act would therefore ensure the full extent of the species is considered where appropriate, and more effectively address population decline. Of all of the nominations submitted by HSI in 2014, the most popular on our social media profiles by a considerable margin was for southern hairy-nosed wombat.

EPBC Act Nomination Support Volunteers also played major roles in a number of HSI's threatened species and ecological community nominations for listings under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC Act), with special thanks to Tim Mouton (Threatened Ecological Community

Southern hairy-nosed wombat © Jason Pratt

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Technical Bulletin ‘Humane Choice’ certified freerange eggs in Coles Buckleberry Farm is a commercial free range chicken farm located Winchelsea Victoria. The untapped potential of the free range egg industry was recognised by businessman Garry Bowkett who set about gathering as much industry and marketing expertise as possible to ensure a viable future for his free range egg venture. The foundation of Buckleberry Farm is very solid and is built on the principles of providing the best animal welfare, the care of the environment in which the hens reside and the production of wholesome free rang eggs.

his farm around our standards. Buckleberry Farm is now certified by Humane Choice and will be available in Coles supermarkets around August. More at: http://www.humanechoice.com.au/

STOP PRESS - National free range standards on the way On the 13th of June this year it was announced that the State Ministers for Fair Trading would be working together to decide on a National free-range egg code. After many years of campaigning to bring clarity to the murky world of free range lies, HSI is extremely pleased to see this outcome.

Every aspect of Buckleberry Farm has been scrutinized and planned right down to the type of soil and the slope of the land purchased for this enterprise. Purpose built moveable sheds provide the best shelter and protection for the hens in an environment that offers temperature control if needed, nest boxes, feed and water and can be easily moved to fit in with the paddock rotation plan on farm. Pastures have been sown with plant species especially chosen for grazing hens and irrigation to each paddock ensures the maintenance of these grasses. The key to the success of Buckleberry Farm is low stocking densities, high animal welfare and attention to detail to ensure production levels unimagined on a free range farm. Every purpose built shed is located in an individual 3 hectare paddock and houses 2,500 hens. Currently four sheds are in operation with ten more under construction with plans to have them up and running by October 2014. Eventually 60 such sheds will be in operation on Buckleberry Farm housing 150,000 hens. Key to Buckleberry’s future and acceptance in the market place is farm certification, and Garry Bowkett and Humane Choice were such a good fit with his ethos that he has designed

Hens on a Humane Choice true free range farm

ACCC alleges cartel conduct by Australian Egg Corporation In September 2011, the Australian Egg Corporation (AEC) requested that egg producers “curtail ongoing egg production over the following 2-3 months” and suggested that 450,000 hens be killed to achieve a reduction in the amount of eggs available for sale. Evidence for this alleged behaviour was partially gathered as a result of a number of a number of HSI complaints to the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission).

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Technical Bulletin Australian Egg Corporation is the industry owned peak body, supported by mandatory levies that are paid by producers and funds from the Federal Government. The structure of AEC is such that its Board consists of the major players in the industry, giving them the ability to dictate the direction of the industry for their own benefit, and not necessarily that of the all levy paying members.

court. Pirovic is a NSW egg producer supplying mainly under supermarket labels while WA’s Snowdale Holdings market their eggs under many names, the most recognised being Swan Valley Free Range and Eggs by Ellah.

HSI hopes these investigations will lead to better transparency in the egg industry

Insurance for Livestock

AEC called a meeting in February 2012 and is alleged to have attempted to induce egg producers to comply with their requests to reduce hen numbers. Some egg producers reported that they were pressured into committing to culling of hens. In May this year, ACCC laid serious charges against AEC and its Board members and have described their activities as attempted cartel conduct. The ACCC are concerned that the intent of the AEC actions was to limit production of eggs or to limit the supply of eggs in Australia. The allegations made by the ACCC and the recent debacle over free range hen stocking rates highlight how easy it is for potentially corrupt behaviour to infiltrate when such an industry is allowed to self-regulate. Read the ACCC release: http://goo.gl/NRgjA3

ACCC Update Two of Australia’s largest suppliers of ‘free range’ eggs to the major supermarkets have been accused of misleading and deceptive conduct by the ACCC and are currently facing

HSI instigated the complaint against Snowdale who were at that time producing all their ‘free range’ eggs on a property of just 2.8 hectares on the outskirts of Perth. This would equate to over 400,000 hens per hectare. Snowdale Holdings has very publicly boasted being the largest egg producer in Western Australia. We are still awaiting the outcome of the ACCC’s investigation into the free range egg industry, but as reported in the industry journal Poultry Digest this month, industry is anticipating that free range in the future will be 1,500 hens per hectare.

In February, HSI contacted Australian insurance companies in order to determine their protocols for injured livestock under circumstance where farmers may have to humanely put down their animals. Our concerns came after the recent Grampians bushfires, when reports surfaced that farmers were fearful that livestock insurance claims would not be approved if insurance assessors were unable to access their properties and verify their claims, prior to euthanizing suffering animals. In the event of a natural disaster, thousands of livestock can be affected. HSI wanted to confirm that insurers have protocols in place, to ensure that under no circumstance would they require a farmer to prolong the suffering of an animal/livestock in order to validate any claim or quantify a loss. Whilst we received sufficient reassurances from Insurance Australia Group Limited (IAG) that they are intent on ensuring that livestock are managed as humanely as possible, rural producers need to be satisfied that their individual insurers have adequate protocols.

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Technical Bulletin Crocodile safari hunting rejected again In March this year, the Commonwealth Environment Minister, Greg Hunt, rejected proposals by the Northern Territory Government for the safari hunting of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodilus porosus), due to animal cruelty concerns. HSI has campaigned against safari hunting and export of crocodile trophies since 1994, when we worked with the office of Environment Minister Senator John Faulkner to see the very first application from the Northern Territory rejected. At the time Senator Faulkner also wrote to all state and territories making it clear that his office would not entertain such export proposals. However, the NT has continued to seek alterations to their current crocodile management program over the past 20 years seeking to introduce safari hunting and allow the export of trophies from C. porosus. The “Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile in the Northern Territory of Australia, 2014-2015”, under which the NT had applied to undertake safari hunting for export trophies will expire at the end of 2015, potentially triggering another application for permission for safari hunting. HSI will continue to oppose both safari hunting and the export of any products arising from this activity.

HSI maintains watch on Taronga Zoo elephants In August 2013, HSI learnt that Taronga Conservation Society Australia (the zoo) was seeking to vary conditions imposed on it following a decision by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) regarding the import of five Asian elephants from Thailand to Taronga Zoo. HSI was an applicant in this case, together with RSPCA Australia and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (The International Fund for Animal Welfare (Australia) Pty Ltd and Ors and Minister for Environment and Heritage and Ors [2006] AATA 94 (6 February 2006)).

HSI understands that in mid-2013 the zoo sought to vary the AAT conditions as they have not been able to meet one of them, which requires that the elephants be regularly walked. Regular walking is important so that the bull elephant, Gung, has adequate opportunities to socialise with the rest of the herd, now that he is kept in a separate enclosure. HSI, IFAW and RSPCA reviewed the zoo’s request and provided a detailed response, noting our multiple concerns, particularly that the biological needs of the elephants are still not being met by the zoo, and as a result the male Gung has been inadequately socialised. HSI was also very concerned at proposals to move all the male elephants, including very young male calves out to the Western Plains Zoo, given the need for the males to have more space and be kept away from the females once they mature. HSI’s preferred approach is for all the elephants to be transferred to the Western Plains Zoo, which is able to provide the herd with far more space and greater opportunity for socialisation between the males and females. Subsequent to our submission, HSI learnt in March 2014 that the zoo has withdrawn their request to vary the conditions. It is not yet known what the long term plan for these elephants are, but HSI will continue to ensure that the conditions are met and the welfare of the elephants remains paramount.

HSI seeks improved environmental outcomes from trade agreement HSI has been placing significant effort over the past few years into the environment chapter of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), with our international office in the US attending all negotiation rounds. In all these negotiations we have sought to ensure that multilateral environmental agreements are enforceable through the TPP, that the conservation of marine species are addressed by the TPP, that TPP countries prohibit

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Technical Bulletin wildlife trade that flouts foreign laws, and that the TPP environment chapter is enforceable through dispute settlement processes. In February 2014 HSI and IFAW wrote jointly to the Australian negotiator for the TPP urging him to consider all these elements, in advance of the TPP negotiations.

HSI continues to stick up for flying foxes HSI has a particular interest in flying fox conservation, having secured the protection of the grey-headed flying-fox under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC Act) in 2001, and has taken or financed a number of court actions to protect the species. Flying-foxes have been under assault from all fronts in recent months, particularly in NSW and Queensland where they spend much of their time. The threatened grey-headed flyingfoxes, which are protected under both state and Federal environment laws, have been particularly impacted by the current wave of uniformed attacks. As a nomadic species which moves up and down the east coast of Australia following the availability of key food sources, the grey-headed flying-fox can often appear in large numbers as they form camps overnight. HSI has also been particularly concerned in recent months by the large number of dispersals, which are actions approved by Government to move bats away from particular camp sites where they are in conflict. Many of these sites act as critical habitat for the bats, as they are near important food sources or areas where the bats give birth to their young. In particular in Queensland, the current Government has made significant efforts to make this dispersal process as easy as possible by devolving responsibility for dispersals to local government, and made flying-fox dispersals exempt from humane requirements, making it extremely difficult to challenge any dispersals on welfare grounds. By devolving these decisions to a local level

for such a wide-ranging animal, it means that bats are being turfed out of important camp sites all over Queensland, and soon there will be very few safe places for them to roost. The species is further threatened by the devolution of Commonwealth’s environment powers under the EPBC Act, which may see local councils responsible for approving developments affecting the species. In NSW, HSI helped gain a 2011 election commitment in place to end the shooting of flying-foxes in orchards by 1 July 2014. HSI has been working for more than a decade with orchardists and farming representatives towards this goal, which includes a netting subsidy package, providing orchardists with a contribution towards exclusion netting which is the only proven way to protect crops from flying-foxes however signs are not good that this commitment will be met. HSI is a member of the Flying Fox Netting Subsidy Program Subcommittee to assist with the roll out of the netting subsidy package.

Grey-headed flying fox have been protected under the EPBC Act since 2001 © Nick Edards

HSI attends New York UN Global Oceans Governance meeting HSI’s Alistair Graham recently attended the UN Ad Hoc Open-Ended Informal Working Group to study issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction (BBNJ) in New York from April 1 – 4 at the UN Headquarters in New York. Alistair Graham was an adviser on the

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Technical Bulletin Australian Government Delegation to the meeting, which was the first of three workshops planned to implement UN General Assembly resolution 68/70, to discuss the potential scope of a possible new international instrument on BBNJ under UNCLOS. HSI has been continuing to discuss this critical international policy matter with the Commonwealth, and we are pleased to note that the Australian Government is pursuing such a new UNCLOS Implementing Agreement.

Conservation Management Measures on behalf of tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs)”, reviewing the capacity of major RFMOs to properly implement required bycatch mitigation procedures. This review was uncomplimentary about the ability of RFMOs to effectively protect marine biodiversity on the high seas, with our particular expertise in the operations of the Commission on the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna confirming the report’s findings.

The outcomes of these meetings are expected to contribute to a decision on a new regime to be taken at the sixty-ninth session of the UN General Assembly.

HSI’s Alistair Graham also attended the second UN Ad Hoc Open-Ended Informal Working Group in New York as a member of the Australian Government Delegation. The report of the Global Ocean Commission (GOC) on the future of global oceans governance was released in New York on June 24th.

As noted in a conference report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), “The meeting was considered successful in that it engaged delegations for the first time in an interactive substantive debate that created momentum for more detailed deliberations in June 2014. The meeting was also lauded by NGOs for its transparent proceedings”. HSI has also been pushing Australia’s speedy ratification of the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, and to encourage other states to ratify the Agreement as a basis for offering capacity building assistance to our developing state neighbours that commit to ratification. We have continued to undertake our own researches into the existing and potential global legal arrangements that might be suitable for any new oceans regime. This work has been undertaken by an HSI Intern, Dennis Watson, and has compared for example the future use of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the UN Straddling Fish Stocks Agreement, and the initiation of a new Implementing Agreement (IA) under UNCLOS. This work also provided a “Progress Report on the Implementation of

More at: www.globaloceancommission.org/

The report of the Global Ocean commission was recently released in New York (c) iStockphoto/KJA

WA shark cull – HSI fights back Sharks, and particularly shark control programs have been big news in recent months, thanks to the 10th December 2013 announcement by WA Premier Colin Barnett that WA would be putting in place a ‘shark hazard mitigation strategy’ aka ‘the WA shark cull’ involving the setting of baited drumlines one kilometre offshore of two ‘marine monitored areas’. The program aimed to catch large great white, tiger and bull sharks three metres and greater in length. The great white shark is protected under state, national and

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Technical Bulletin international law, gained after many years of hard work by HSI. HSI has long objected to the shark control programs in place in NSW and Queensland. In 2003 (after a 2002 scientific nomination), HSI successfully obtained the joint listing of the NSW Shark Meshing Program as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under both the NSW Fisheries Management Act, 1995 and the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995. This was official and scientific recognition that shark nets were a major threat to marine species and listed threatened marine species. HSI came out forcefully against the WA proposals as soon as they were announced, having repeatedly written to the WA Premier on this issue over the last year. Understandably therefore, this issue has been a particular focus of HSI’s since December last year, and we have been taking a range of actions in an attempt to stop the cull, utilising the media wherever possible. These actions included early in the year seeking an injunction to stop the cull in the Federal Court with the expert help and advice of the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) NSW. HSI was just hours away from lodging an application, but the anticipated costs against HSI should the judge decline the application rendered our position financially untenable. Just days after we made this decision however, Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt announced that he had granted the WA Government an exemption under the EPBC Act on the basis of national interest. This exemption from the provisions of the EPBC Act made legal a challenge futile. HSI then centred its concerns on the WA shark cull being in breach of Australia’s international obligations under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Animals (CMS). With the help of EDO NSW we wrote to the CMS Secretariat in Bonn explaining our fears for the impact WA of the cull on CMS listed threatened migratory species such as the great white and mako sharks.

However, HSI continued to seek information under Freedom of Information laws at both a federal and State level. Whilst we are still waiting on the Federal information, the information from the WA Government showed that the WA Government policy was rushed, incompatible with current WA Government policy and chock full of contradictions. At one point the idea of using a dead whale was even considered to attract sharks, despite there being a State ban on the use of mammal offal and blood. Thousands of HSI supporters also responded to our call to action, while our Washington office organised letters to Greg Hunt and the WA government resulting in 33,000 emails from around the world to Premier Barnett. HSI also supported billboards, ads and other efforts in coalition with a broad range of groups. The timing of the WA Senate election, held on 5th April also meant that the WA shark cull became a key election issue. HSI contacted all political parties running in the election seeking their position on the shark cull, and produced a report card used to inform our WA supporters in advance of the vote. The report card can be seen at: http://goo.gl/kTZvXg. HSI also produced a spoof video, highlighting the irony of a shark cull in light of the recent ICJ ruling against Japanese whaling and the video can be seen at: http://goo.gl/2L5bMO. In total 180 animals were caught on the drumlines of which 172 were sharks, plus 7 stingrays and 1 Northwest blowfish. Out of the 172 sharks caught there were 163 tiger sharks, 1 bull shark, 1 spinner shark, 5 federally protected mako sharks and 1 undetermined shark species. Of the 172 sharks, 67 were killed or found dead on the drumlines and 18 of the 67 or 27% of killed or dead sharks were smaller than the target size of 3 metres and above. Shortly before the end of the shark cull the WA Government submitted a formal application under the EPBC Act to conduct the

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Technical Bulletin shark cull over a further three year period from 2014-2017. Subsequently, the Federal Environment Minister decided on May 8, 2014 that the WA shark cull should be declared a controlled action under the EPBC Act. Whilst HSI would have preferred an outright rejection, this was welcomed, until we saw the detail. In a sign of things to come, it was decided that the assessment should be undertaken by the WA Government under the assessment bilateral agreement finalised in 2013. HSI condemned this decision. The Public Environmental Report (PER) was released on 10th June for comment, with a deadline of 7th July. The PER can be reviewed at: www.dpc.wa.gov.au/consultation. Looking on the positive side, the WA shark cull has brought a huge amount of attention to the need to conserve our sharks – an issue that previously struggled to get traction in the mainstream media. And it was not only the eyes of Australia watching WA, but that of the whole world as Australia was internationally condemned for taking this action. HSI also took this opportunity to speak at a public event held at Sydney Aquarium in April on ‘The Great Shark Debate’ where we continued to stress the unacceptable environmental impacts of shark nets and drumlines, based on years of evidence in the NSW and Queensland programs. HSI will continue to fight all shark control programs in Australia to ensure that our threatened are actually protected when they are in our waters.

Fine given for great white shark bludgeoning death in NSW In January 2012 HSI was alarmed to hear media reports that a protected juvenile great white shark at Sussex Inlet in NSW had been herded into shallow waters, hit repeatedly by a boat, slashed with the boat’s propeller and then bludgeoned to death with a metal pole. As great white sharks are protected under both NSW and Federal legislation, it is illegal to catch, keep, buy, sell, possess or harm them.

We subsequently wrote to the NSW Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson urging her to take firm and decisive action. In February this year came further news that a man had been found guilty of harming a threatened species, fined $8,000 and ordered to pay costs of more than $10,000. HSI hopes that this brutal case will highlight the need to protect the great white shark and act as a strong deterrent against those who may wish to harm them.

HSI seeking protection for migratory sharks globally Later this year, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) will meet in Quito Ecuador for its 11th Conference of Parties. In recent years, CMS has finalised a Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (Sharks MoU) and HSI has been working to ensure that migratory sharks remain firmly on CMS’s agenda at the upcoming meeting. A number of species have been identified that would greatly benefit from greater international protection under CMS. HSI offices around the world have been seeking CMS party states that might be willing to nominate all or some of these identified species for CMS protection in Ecuador in November. Unfortunately, Environment Minister Hunt declined HSI’s invitation to nominate any of these species for the coming CMS meeting, but we are hopeful of gaining other CMS state endorsements. The deadline for submissions of proposals to amend the CMS Appendices expired on 6th June, and it looks as if CoP11 will be the ‘Shark CoP’, with shark and ray nominations consisting of 21 of the 33 total proposals submitted. The shark and ray species proposed include the scalloped hammerhead and great hammerhead, 5 species of sawfish, the reef manta ray (the giant manta ray already being protected under CMS) and 9 species of mobula rays, the silky shark and three thresher shark species. These nominations are thanks to significant effort by a number of NGOs who

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Technical Bulletin have actively worked with Parties to CMS to highlight the threats facing these migratory sharks. The full list of proposals to amend the CMS Appendices can be viewed at cms.int/pdf

Ban the sale of shark fin HSI has recently increased efforts on its shark finning campaign, continuing to calling for a ban on the sale, trade and possession of shark fins. In December 2013, HSI wrote to all Asian restaurants in central Sydney calling on them to help end the sale of shark fin soup. We asked each restaurant to stop serving shark fin soup and for a commitment to no longer serving it at their restaurant.

HSI active in lead-up to CITES shark listing implementation At the 16th meeting of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Conference of Parties in March 2014 five new shark species and two manta ray species were listed under CITES

Appendix II to help regulate trade in these species. On 14th September 2014, 18 months after this meeting, these listings will take effect. This delay was to allow for the detailed technical and administrative work required to resolve any issues, for these species which are often present in trade in high numbers. During this period, the CITES Secretariat has been working particularly with developing countries to assist with this implementation. In the last edition of the Technical Bulletin, HSI reported on the December 2013 workshop in Brazil. As a co-organiser, HSI Washington attended the meeting and reported great success. Building on this meeting, a number of other workshops have been held in Australia (for Government officials only), Fiji, Egypt and China. HSI has participated in the workshops in Egypt and China and is also assisting with the organisation of an upcoming workshop in India, through our Indian office.

HSI’s EPBC Act Shark nominations and listings to date (14 species) Species Successful nominations School shark Grey nurse shark (East Coast population)

Nomination submitted

Latest information

1996, October 2003 November 2000 1997

Great white shark Currently under assessment Scalloped hammerhead shark

1997

Listed as Conservation Dependent in 2009 Listed as Critically Endangered in 2001, uplisting from previous vulnerable listing in 1997 Listed as Vulnerable in 2001

Shortfin mako shark

March 2012 March 2010 (rejected) March 2011 March 2009 (rejected) March 2009

Dusky shark

March 2009

Great hammerhead shark

Rejected after scientific assessment Spotted wobbegong shark March 2011

Currently under assessment expected by end of 2015 Currently under assessment expected by end of 2015 Currently under assessment timeline not known Currently under assessment timeline not known

– outcome – outcome – outcome – outcome

Assessment undertaken and rejected in December 2013

Awaiting Ministerial decision Oceanic whitetip shark

March 2014 March 2011 (rejected) Rejected without scientific assessment Porbeagle shark March 2011 Thresher shark March 2011 Sandbar shark March 2010 Bull shark March 2010 Longfin mako shark March 2009

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Nomination resubmitted

Rejected without assessment Rejected without assessment Rejected without assessment Rejected without assessment Rejected without assessment

Technical Bulletin Japanese Whalers Found Guilty Again! HSI Director Michael Kennedy’s Blog March 31st 2014 will certainly go down as an historic day for conservation around the world. The United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, by a majority of 12 to 4, decided that by killing whales in Antarctic waters “for purposes of scientific research" Japan was in breach of the global whaling moratorium and called on Japan to cease whaling immediately. In other words Japan was acting illegally and the ICJ ordered Japan to revoke all whaling permits. Japan has stated that it will abide by the ruling.

minke whales in Australia’s Antarctic Whale Sanctuary. Several court appearances (including an appeal) and three years later, on January 15th, 2008, HSI won its battle against Kyodo. Federal Court Judge, Justice James Allsop declared the company’s whaling activities in Antarctica to be in breach of Australian law (the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 – a law HSI helped bring into being and giving NGOs necessary access to the courts) and ordered a court injunction instructing the hunt to be stopped. The judgement helped erode the Japanese Government’s tenuous claims that the hunt was legitimate. The first guilty verdict!

HSI Australia has been working towards this day since we opened our offices in Sydney in 1994, with many of our staff working on the whaling issue for many years before that. HSI had first raised the potential of taking action against Japan in the ICJ with the Australian Government in 2000, following an article in an Australian law review journal by HSI's Kitty Block and Lee Steffy Jenkins, advocating the use of the ICJ. Commonwealth Environment Minister Robert Hill led the Australian Delegation to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting that year in Adelaide, and advising him officially on delegation was HSI’s Nicola Beynon. It was at this meeting that Australia formally raised the prospect of taking Japan to the ICJ. Nicola vividly recalls that when Australia had finished its presentation (and threat) the Japanese Commissioner to the IWC responded strongly to the effect, "Bring it on!" After that day Nicola recalls, “HSI never let up on the Government to come good on the threat!” Some four years after the Adelaide meeting, continuing to pile on the political pressure, HSI brought its own legal action in the Federal Court against the Japanese whaling company, Kyodo Senpaku Kaisha Ltd, for slaughtering

The ICJ ruled Japan’s Antarctic Whaling was a breach of the global whaling moratorium.

I must mention here HSI’s fantastic legal advisers at the Environmental Defenders Office, including solicitors Kirsty Ruddock and Jessica Wood, Barrister Dr Chris McGrath and Stephen Gageler SC (who was also the Solicitor General during preparation of Australia's ICJ case) who collectively ensured this important legal victory, and also past Attorney General Robert McClelland who supported HSI's legal action. Japan however didn’t comply with the Federal Court injunction as they did not recognise Australia’s territorial claims over those Antarctic waters. Hence, HSI stepped up its lobbying campaign and began to explore a “contempt of court” action against Kyoto, while continuing to urge the Commonwealth Government to enforce the injunction, and to seek a ruling in the ICJ.

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Technical Bulletin Meanwhile, the fearless actions of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society in the Southern Ocean saw crew members board a Japanese whaling vessel, in part trying to publicly enforce the court injunction, while HSI had earlier sent Nicola Beynon to personally deliver the court papers to the Kyodo whaling company's offices in Tokyo. None-the-less, the successful Federal Court action helped bring considerable political and public pressure on the Australian Government, along with pressure from many other NGOs, to go to the ICJ, which it finally did, commencing its application in 2010, and of course, eventually providing a second and legally-binding guilty verdict! I must also acknowledge here that what Senator Hill foreshadowed in 2000, Prime Minster Rudd and Environment Minister Garrett finally triggered some 10 years later, and successfully argued by Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, QC. It is also important to note the critical ICJ role of long-term legal advisers to numerous Australian Governments, Bill Campbell QC and Henry Burmester, and long-time Australian Commissioner to the IWC, Donna Petrachenko. This is a particularly pleasing victory for me, having been a delegate at the International Whaling Commission meeting in England in 1982, when the vote to put in place the commercial whaling moratorium was first achieved. It’s been a long campaign, and since 1986, when the moratorium came into effect, Japanese whalers have killed more than 10,000 whales in the Southern Ocean, and this is why the ICJ legal victory is so very, very important. NOTE: Whilst we now have confirmation that Japan will not send a whaling fleet to the Southern Ocean in the 2014/15 season, the future beyond early next year is not so certain. 2014 will be an important year for the whales, and HSI will continue to play an active role internationally as Japan digests the ICJ ruling. Mark Simmonds, HSI’s Senior Marine Scientist, attended the recent IWC Scientific Committee meeting as a member of the UK delegation and HSI will also be sending a

delegation to the Commission meeting which will be held in Slovenia in September this year. Early signs are that Japan will attempt to send a whaling fleet to Antarctica in the 2015/16 season.

Auto-longline fishery breaches seabird interaction rate for third consecutive year (fishery to be closed) In the last issue HSI provided an update on our work on the ‘Threat Abatement Plan 2006 for the incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations’, the ‘longline TAP’. In this we reported on our focus on the need to move more rapidly to zero bycatch, and our concerns regarding recent breaches of the longline TAP. HSI has learnt of particular concerns in one fishery, the Auto-longline sector in the scalefish hook fishery, part of the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF), where it appears that not all fishers are taking efforts to ensure that they have an adequate sink rate. The longline TAP allows an interaction rate of 0.01 birds per 1000 hooks, or 1 bird per 100,000 hooks. This is a level agreed between all stakeholders, and is aimed at driving improved performance towards the objective of the longline TAP, which is “…to achieve a zero bycatch of seabirds, especially threatened albatross and petrel species, in all longline fisheries”. In the last issue we reported about breaches in the auto-longline fishery, but it appears that this was not a one off. We now know that this fishery has breached the interaction rate for the past three fishing seasons (2011/12, 2012/13 and 2013/14). HSI has learnt in the most recent 2013/14 season 35 seabirds – mostly short-tailed shearwaters and white-chinned petrels - were killed in the fishery. This is addition to earlier years when albatross, fleshooted shearwaters and white-chinned petrels were also killed. This news is incredibly disappointing, particularly as we know that avoiding seabird

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Technical Bulletin interactions is possible with simple mitigation measures. In the case of this fishery, it appears as if the sink rate was simply not adequate to take the bait out of the reach of seabirds fast enough. HSI believes that these ongoing interactions provide further justification for the need to increase the ambition of the TAP, and a renewed drive to reach zero bycatch of seabirds. HSI believes the best way to achieve this is to put in place a progressive reduction in the allowed TAP interaction rate, so that fisheries continuously improve their methods, using a series of annual decreasing criteria. To complement this strategy, we support the move to individual accountability, so that individual vessels or fishers who fail to meet strict mitigation measures are punished by having their right to fish removed. In his response to our concerned communications with Federal Environment Minster Greg Hunt, he noted that, “In responding to the current breach, the provisions of the TAP will require AFMA to close the summer season for the fishery until I am satisfied that mitigation methods are available for implementation to enable the criterion to be achieved”.

recreational fishing limits that would result in a large reduction in permitted Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) take, and in a submission expressed our concerns whether recreational take of SBT should continue at all. (HSI originally gained a protective listing for the SBT under NSW law in 2004). Whilst recognition by the NSW Government that new regulatory arrangements are vital to protect SBT in light of their critical conservation status, both internationally and domestically, is a step forward, the data to show precise sustainability levels simply aren’t available. HSI has consistently asked for Australia’s domestic recreational take to be accounted for during quota discussions at the Convention on the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) meetings. Currently Australia’s recreational take of SBT is not accounted for against Australia’s overall quota of SBT, and we continue to encourage the Australian Government to undertake further work in this regard.

Supertrawler Expert Panel holds consultation meeting HSI recently attended a meeting of the Expert Panel on a Declared Commercial Fishing Activity, formed in response to the arrival of the supertrawler in Australian waters. The Panel is tasked with looking at the environmental impacts of the supertrawler. HSI’s particular interest in this issue is the potential for bycatch by the supertrawler, of seabirds and marine mammals. HSI raised our concerns that the Panel was using too narrow an interpretation of the potential impacts of the supertrawler. Specifically, we are keen to ensure that potential use of the supertrawler as a mothership is also considered by the panel. HSI subsequently wrote to the Expert Panel Chair and Minister Hunt asking that the Panel delay its final report until transhipment/mothership activities bycatch implications can be properly assessed.

Trawler off South African coast © Dani Annese

NSW Government seeks to limit impact of recreational fishing on Southern Bluefin Tuna HSI recently welcomed moves by the NSW Government to put in place new controls on

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Technical Bulletin Time to reinstate sanctuary zone protections in NSW In April this year, HSI joined forces with a large number of NSW marine conservation organisations including the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, calling on the NSW Premier to return all marine sanctuary zones in NSW to full protection and for the NSW Government to retain a legislative commitment to declaring and managing a comprehensive network of marine parks in NSW.

In 2009, the European Union prohibited trade in the products of commercial seal slaughters, which was challenged in 2010 by Canada and Norway at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as violating international trade rules. HSI played a central role in helping the EU to defend its ban, providing extensive video evidence of commercial sealing to the WTO panel, co-authoring an Amicus Brief that was considered in the case, and attended all the panel hearings.

This follows the opening up of NSW’s protected marine sanctuary zones to recreational fishing from the shore. NSW marine organisations believe this to be an unprecedented backwards step, which is putting Australia’s international reputation at risk. This has also been supported by over 220 marine scientists in a statement calling for the reinstatement of protection levels for sanctuary zones in NSW. See the full scientific statement here: http://goo.gl/3na137

NSW to protect the Gemfish? HSI has welcomed the proposed determination of the NSW Fisheries Scientific Committee to list the Gemfish (Rexea solandri) as a Vulnerable Species under the NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994. HSI had previously nominated the Gemfish for protection by NSW in 1999 and 2005, both of which were rejected. Whilst HSI was not responsible for this latest nomination, we will be supporting the proposed determination and look forward to the implementation of long-overdue protection for the Gemfish. Proposed determination: http://goo.gl/dl4lpG

WTO ruling on EU seal product trade ban HSI has campaigned to end Canada's commercial seal hunt for many years, documenting the commercial seal slaughter and working to remove the economic incentives for fishermen to continue killing seals.

A seal safe with HSUS staff prior to the Canadian hunt commencing

In 2013, the WTO panel upheld the EU’s decision, ruling that the ban on commercial trade in seal products is justifiable on public morality grounds, which was again appealed by Canada and Norway. On 22nd May 2014 the WTO Appellate Body, the final arbiter of international trade disputes upheld the earlier decision, reaffirming that the EU was justified in placing limitations on trade in seal products based on its citizens’ concerns over the animal welfare risks in seal hunting. This is a significant development in the campaign to save seals, and throughout this process HSI / HSUS team made important contributions to this victory including providing further video evidence and coauthoring another Amicus Brief that was submitted to the Appellate Body.

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Technical Bulletin Boat Strike as a Key Threatening Process

keeping populations just above that which can be considered as endangered.

HSI has nominated to list Fatal injury to marine mammals, reptiles, and other large marine species from boat strike as an EPBC Act Key Threatening Process (KTP), focusing on the impact of boat strike on several threatened, iconic or migratory species including the dugong (Dugong dugon), Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni), whale shark (Rhincodon typus), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and green (Chelonia mydas), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles. Our research indicates that green turtles are the most heavily impacted species, with boat strike being the confirmed cause of death in more than half of mortalities for which a cause could be determined in Queensland, where more than 3,200 green turtles were reported dead between 1999 and 2004. HSI would like to thank volunteer Virginia Rimes for her assistance in sourcing further and updating existing data to strengthen the KTPs case.

This is a concern for conservationists as wolves are an important keystone predator within ecosystems, helping to maintain the balance of habitats in which they reside. The effects of population loss of wolves will be especially detrimental if the current proposal to delist wolves in all 48 lower states of the U.S. is approved.

Gray wolf populations threatened in the U.S. Gray wolf populations in the United States have been protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1974 and only 6 000 gray wolves are thought to still remain today. However, in 2013 the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposed the removal of gray wolf federal protection and delisting of their endangered status. This proposal comes after the removal of the gray wolf endangered species listing in the Northern Rocky Mountains and Western Great Lakes in 2012. The 2012 proposal has resulted in the delisting of the gray wolfs’ endangered status in the two regions and wolf populations being managed by the individual states in which they are found. Wolves are now once again being legally hunted in these areas, such as Michigan State where they have established the gray wolf as a game species, and authorised a wolf hunting season. The hunting of wolves is limited to a specific quota and is aimed at

Gray wolf populations are disappearing in the United States (c) iStockphoto.com/John Pitcher

HSI’s parent organisation, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), has been campaigning and taking legal action on behalf of wolves for over a decade. Since the 2012 delisting, HSUS has again taken legal action and filed a lawsuit against USFWS to restore Federal protection for wolves living in the Northern Rocky Mountains and Western Great Lakes. HSUS is also currently campaigning through a petition of over 250 000 signatures to place the wolf hunt referendum on the ballot box in the Michigan state election. In the past, these actions have allowed wolves to remain listed as endangered and have protected them from becoming a game species. However, with the threat of further delisting increases, and attempts are made to continue this proposal across the U.S, it is getting harder to ensure the survival of this species, and its habitats. For more information: http://goo.gl/2gfXpV

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Technical Bulletin Attorney-General seeks HSI’s input into disaster relief arrangements

communities and wildlife crime.

HSI was recently approached by the Attorney General’s office seeking our input to the inquiry into the efficacy of current national natural disaster funding arrangements. HSI submitted comments on several aspects of relief arrangements relevant to wildlife species, farm and companion animals. Our proposals highlighted the need for greater focus on rescue and rehabilitation of animals within disaster plans, with our global experience showing clearly that adequate resources for emergency incidents involving wildlife and animals is vital in ensuring not only the health and wellbeing of distressed and injured animals, but affected people and communities as well.

stakeholders

to

report

And the PDC Kids in Cameras Conservation The PDC has also be running the Kids Cameras Conservation (KCC), teaching children about nature and conservation using a hands-on approach that can help to bring about change for wildlife. The idea is that the animals, the plants, the trees that we want to conserve have no voice, but, pictures are a universal language. The aim of the program is to develop deep connections for the children with wildlife, through their ability to photograph it.

Pained Dog Conservation in Zimbabwe HSI has been financially supporting the Painted Dog Conservation Program (PDC) in Zimbabwe for over 10 years now. We recently provided some extra funding to allow the convening in February of a special “Wildlife Crime Protection Workshop” aimed particularly at educating Magistrates about the importance of being tough on illegal trade. The program involved a workshop presentation by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority on hunting administration and the challenges faced by enforcement agents of wildlife related crime, and the payment of compensation and case studies (elephant poisoning, trapping of animals and hunting examples). There were also presentations by the Police and Public Prosecutor on wildlife law enforcement and wildlife case evidence issues respectively, followed by addresses from Magistrates and closing remarks by Authority Chiefs. The PDC presented their new wildlife crime preventative initiative, Zero Tolerance to Wildlife Crime posters, encouraging local

Painted dogs are unique to Africa, and among the continent’s most endangered species © Michael Simmons

But the program is in need of 36 cameras which the children can have access to whilst at the KCC special bush camp. At the camp, the children have the opportunity to learn about nature and conservation, and to take their own photos. Each camera costs AU$160 and we are halfway there. To contribute, visit: http://goo.gl/7NPXu5

HSI supports creation of transfrontier African wildlife corridor HSI has recently committed essential financial support for the creation of the Kitenden Corridor, a wildlife corridor linking West Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Partnering with the Born Free Foundation (BFF) we will be

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Technical Bulletin supporting the existing work of the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF). HSI and BBF have been collaborating on both sides of the international border for many years now, in full recognition of traditional wildlife migration routes. Parts of this vital habitat link are already recognised in Tanzania, but work is still needed with local communities to encompass more privately owned land in safeguarding connectivity between Kenya’s Amboseli Ecosystem and Tanzania’s West Kilimanjaro Ecosystem. The Amboseli Ecosystem is one of Kenya’s few landscapes still endowed with large populations of free ranging wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas.

IUCN / SSC / BCSF / Virgin Unite / CI / The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund / Margot Marsh / Biodiversity Foundation

Strategy available at: http://goo.gl/OBbWTc

Lemur projects funded Last year, HSI committed resources to support the implementation of the IUCN / SSC / Conservation International “Lemurs of Madagascar – A Strategy for their Conservation 2013 – 2015”. We have been able to help fund the following projects in Madagascar to date: 

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Population and Behavioural Assessment of the northern sportive Lemur (Lepilemur septentrionalis) in the Montagne des Francais region, Northern Madagascar (A Top 25 Species and the Most Endangered Lemur) Investigating a Possible New Species of Lepilemur in Southern Ranomafana National Park, Updating the knowledge on the population dynamics and behaviour of the black-andwhite ruffed lemur Varecia variegata in Southern Ranomafana National Park Support for the International Prosimian Congress, Ranomafana, Madagascar 4th – 09th August 2013, “How science and policy can pull prosimians back from the brink of extinction?” Ecology of Sympatric Eulemur rufifrons, E. rubriventer, and Varecia variegata in Kianjavato Publication of “Primates in Peril: The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates 2012 – 2014”, (includes six lemur species) IUCN/SSC/BZS/CI/IPS/IUCN Primate Specialist Group Publication of “Lemurs of Madagascar – A Strategy for Their Conservation 20132016”, IUCN Primate Specialist Group /

HSI is committed to conserving Lemur populations in Madagascar © shutterstock.com/Gil.K

Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area program The following is extracted from the “Project Summary” for the Landscape Connectivity in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area program by Mr Robin Lines, Associate, Research, at the Namibia Nature Foundation. HSI has made a modest financial contribution to this very far reaching research and conservation program: “The landscape linking Greater Kafue Ecosystem in western central Zambia to Chobe National Park and East Caprivi Region has been promoted as a corridor facilitating the movement and conservation of terrestrial mammals within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area programme, with many species Red Listed by the IUCN and sensitive to multi-facetted deleterious effects associated with population isolation. This linkage is also seen as a critical response to the threats of climate change, socioeconomic development and promoting a culture of peace. The fundamental outcome of this project is: An up to date baseline on what

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Technical Bulletin terrestrial mammals have survived across this landscape following the cessation of the Angolan civil war (1975-2002) and widespread in-migration of rural poor; Describing and quantifying the impacts of natural and human disturbance variables on the composition and distribution of these species; Habitat suitability models for the target species, elaborating on functional connectivity at the large carnivore-prey level; and an understanding of the human dimension of resource use and the impacts of current legislation on rural livelihoods. Ultimately this approach seeks to develop methodical models that are scientifically robust and replicable, so readily transferable within other linking landscapes across the KAZA-TFCA and elsewhere. The project also aims to fulfil key aspects of the Zambian National Management Plans for cheetah, African wild dog and lion, nested within the IUCN Region-wide Conservation Planning framework, together with species conservation and connectivity conservation planning imperatives identified within the Zambian component of the KAZA Strategic Plan.”

Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park, DRC Kahuzi Biega National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is a critical habitat for a number of species, including the endangered Eastern lowland gorilla. This area has suffered serious civil unrest for many years and dedicated rangers risk their lives on a regular basis in order to patrol the Park and protect its precious inhabitants. Over the last year HSI Australia support for the Kahuzi Biega National Park, in partnership with the Born Free Foundation in the UK has helped to develop the park’s gorilla health monitoring program. This health monitoring is performed on a continuous basis by the park vet, along with

local veterinary colleagues. Designed to not only monitor the health of the families through direct and regular observations, but also gather information on their behaviour, a total of 45 visits were conducted in 2013. These visits included frequent observations of both Chimanuka and Mugaruka, two male Eastern lowland gorillas living in the park. One significant benefits of this increased monitoring is the early location of snares and trapped animals. This has led to the rescue of two juveniles, Uhuru and Iragi, from wire snares who were then able to return to their families and are now health and growing well thanks to the efforts of the monitoring teams who found them. Early location and release from snares can often mean the difference between life and death. In fact, one of our very own adoptive males, Mugaruka, lost a hand to a snare when he was younger.

Primate rehabilitation program supported in the Congo Working through the Friends of Lwiro Australia, HSI is very pleased to have provided modest financial support to the Centre de Rehabilitation des Primates de Lwiro (CRPL) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). HSI had provided previous support in 2011. As the CRPL’s website notes: “The CRPL currently houses 55 resident chimpanzees. Every chimpanzee resident was brutally taken from their forest home by poachers. Tracked down by dogs, the adult chimpanzees of the group are usually shot and killed and then the meat is either eaten by the hunters (soldiers, illegal miners) or sold as meat in villages or large city markets. The infant chimpanzees are too small to eat and can bring in more money when sold as a pet. It is illegal in DR Congo to keep and primate as a pet. Sometimes the Congolese Government Wildlife Authority (ICCN) is able to intercept these infant chimpanzees while still being transported and as such prosecute the poachers. The infant chimpanzees are then transported to the CRPL for long term care”. The CRPL strives to provide the highest quality of care to all of our residents and will continue to do so while the trade in wildlife is prevalent in the country. We continue to support

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Technical Bulletin and work alongside the ICCN and other conservation organisations in the region to stop the illegal trade in wildlife and to make the forests safe!”

The CRPL also provides refuge to 75 resident monkeys, and is the only sanctuary in DRC which accepts all monkey species. Species currently receiving protection at the CRPL include the following: olive baboon (Papio anubis), yellow baboon (Papio cynocephaius), owl-face monkey Cerchopithecus hamlyni), L'hoesti monkey (Cerchopithecus l'hoesti), blue monkey (Cerchopithecus mitis), red-tail monkey (Cerchopithecus ascanius), mona monkey (Cerchopithecus denti), grey-cheeked mangabey (Lophocebus albigena), vervet monkey (Chlorosebus aethiops), Allen's swamp monkey (Allenopithecus nigroviridis). The CRLP is crucial to protecting endangered primates throughout the DRC, and has the long-term aim of reintroducing apes into the forests of the DRC. Critically, the CRPL is considered a part of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park operational plan (HSI also supports gorilla conservation work in the Kahuzi-Biega NP). CRPL website: www.lwiroprimates.org

HSI protecting big cats

Over the coming year, the following NGOs and projects supported by HSI, while helping many habitats and species, will also help protect a number of big cats. Additionally, we are looking at supporting more leopard work with Wildlife SOS in India (upgrading holding facilities for problem animals involved in predator/human conflicts). HSI has recently learned that our past efforts in India with Wildlife SOS have helped leverage $200,000 from the Indian Government towards upgrading the leopard holding facilities at Leopard Rescue Center in Manikdoh, Junnar, Maharashtra). The Friends of the National Parks Foundation in Tanjung Puting National Park in Kalimantan – habitat protection (clouded leopard); Education for Nature Vietnam - antitiger trade program in Hanoi; Born Free Foundation in Tanzania - Kilimanjaro Fieldmen habitat protection and anti-poaching (lions, leopard, cheetah); Born Free/African Wildlife Foundation – Kenyan/Tanzanian wildlife corridor creation and anti-poaching (lion, leopard, cheetah); Wildlife SOS India ForestWatch anti-poaching (tiger, leopard) and the Orangutan Project in Sumatra – habitat protection and anti-poaching (tiger, leopard, clouded leopard); Namibia Nature Foundation Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area program (lion and cheetah).

HSI supports Maleo Corridor preservation project, Sulawesi HSI is very pleased to be able to supply modest financial support for a critical forest protection project in Sulawesi, with one of our Indonesian conservation partners, The Alliance for Tompotika Conservation (AlTo). The Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo) is one of the world’s most threatened ground birds, recognised as “Endangered” by the IUCN Red List. Thanks to HSI leopards in India have better holding facilities at the Wildlife SOS Leopard Rescue Centre

The following is extracted from the Maleo Corridor Preservation Project June 2013 briefing document:

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Technical Bulletin “The Alliance for Tompotika Conservation (AlTo)'s Maleo Corridor project aims to protect the critical corridor of natural vegetation that connects the world's best remaining communal nesting ground for the endangered maleo bird with the forested hills 500-1500 meters away. Year-round, hundreds of maleos pass through this corridor in order to travel between their non-breeding habitat in the inland forested hills and mountains and the nesting ground, which is right on the coast. There is no alternate route for these birds; due to the nesting ground's coastal location, the birds must access it from the inland south, and only this one relatively narrow corridor contains uninterrupted natural vegetation free of human settlements in this direction. AlTo's aim is to establish this corridor area as a permanently protected conservation area for the maleo. Whether it will remain in AlTo's ownership or be turned over to government ownership with AlTo as the managing entity has yet to be determined, but in either case, AlTo would expect to secure management rights over the area in the same way that it manages the nesting ground. Though actual ownership is yet to be determined, what is critical is that the area be protected and maintained in natural vegetation and free of disturbance so that maleos can continue to travel freely through it back and forth from the forest to the nesting ground.”

review was carried out to evaluate the outcome of these criminal cases and assess whether punishment that was applied for serious criminal offenses involving wildlife may be effective in deterring criminal behaviour and meeting the full protection needs of Vietnam’s most critically endangered species as intended under the law.

The review looked at 93 criminal prosecutions were documented on ENV’s National Wildlife Crime Incident Tracking System, between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2013. The review did not include cases that did not reach the courts or for which the conclusions are either pending or unknown. Results of the Review The results of the review can be summarised as follows: 



More through AlTo: www.tompotika.org

Wildlife crime statistics in Vietnam



The following is an extract from a “Summary Report – An evaluation of the outcomes of prosecutions for wildlife serious crimes in Vietnam”, produced by HSI Australia’s Vietnam partner, Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV). It was used in ENVs recent round table meeting with environmental and economic police, prosecutors and judges, discussing how best to combat illegal wildlife trade. “In January 2014, ENV carried out a review of criminal prosecutions which involved rare and endangered wildlife species that are currently listed in Group 1B of Decree 32/2006 and are fully protected under Vietnamese law. The

Out of 93 criminal cases that reached the courts, just under one third (30 cases) resulted in prison terms for one or more of the defendants. Almost two thirds of the cases (63) resulted in suspended sentences or probation. Of 160 defendants brought to trial in these cases, 52 were sentenced to prison terms, whilst 108 received suspended sentences, probation, or fines. Prison sentences for wildlife crimes ranged from five months to seven years, with the average prison sentence consisting of 24 months. The single case that resulted in a seven-year prison sentence involved a repeat offender”

Learn more at: www.envietnam.org

Rangers risk their lives every day to stop gorilla poachers and wildlife trafficking © UNESCO

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Technical Bulletin HSI supports anti-wildlife trade action grants – Vietnam

the relationship between ENV and all district EPs.

The following are small grants distributed by Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV) under a program (Wildlife Action Partnership Grants) funded by HSI, between July 2013 and April 2014. The first grant was reported on in the previous Technical Bulletin while three others are still pending:

Consumer survey in Vinh City A Vinh University lecturer was provided funding to carry out a rapid assessment of consumer crime at 100 establishments in Vinh City. Under the grant, 100 establishments were surveyed including restaurants, TCM shops, and hotels that have restaurants/bars.

Interpol tiger training workshop in Bangkok

Tiger awareness in Yen Thanh Commune, Nghe An Province

Three enforcement officers (two Interpol officers and one environmental police officer) from Vietnam received funding to attend a five-day Interpol training course focused on “Training and Needs Assessment for Investigative Wildlife Operations” (July 4-8, 2013). The course provided them with a larger picture of tiger issues in the region, in terms of supply and demand, chain of trade, and available tools to fight against Asian big catrelated crimes. We have been told that the Vietnamese participants’ active contribution to the course was highly appreciated by both Interpol and other participants.

This grant was carried out by the head of the Youth Union in the district and involved programs in markets, schools, and distribution of resources. In the framework of this initiative, two market exhibits were carried out with hundreds of local residents visiting, a school program for all Yen Thanh secondary school students (around 300 hundred students attended), and hanging 8 wildlife consumption messaging banners on the main commune streets.

Vietnam student magazine This grant was awarded to support a “wildlife crime” corner in the weekly student magazine. Fifty issues will be produced, and 20,000 copies of each issue will be published and distributed to students in all 63 provinces of Vietnam. Up to April 30, 2014, 23 issues have been produced.

Hanoi Environmental Police training course The Hanoi Environmental Police (EP) received funding to carry out a full day training course for 80 EP officers from all districts of Hanoi. The objective of the course was to help the officers to better manage important wildlife crime cases in the future. The course focused on species ID, application of wildlife protection law, investigation skills, and sharing experience on cases. ENV also attended the course to introduce its Wildlife Crime Unit, how it works, and to strengthen

Yen Thanh is the center of tiger smuggling activity in Vietnam and reportedly has a number of live tigers being secretly kept by residents (some were discovered last year). A significant quantity of valuable intelligence about two major tiger traders was gained as result of the survey.

Lam Dong consumer crime In October 2013, Lam Dong FPD launched an inspection campaign, which focused on investigating wildlife crime in restaurants, pubs and farms in the province. The campaign was conducted with involvement of an interagency task force consisting of Lam Dong provincial FPD, Lam Dong EP, Lam Dong Market Management department, Mobile Unit no. 1, 2 of Lam Dong FPD and District FPD. The campaign resulted in the inspection of 12 districts in Lam Dong from October 2013 to February 2014. Under the full campaign, over 150 kilograms of wild meat and 61 live animals were confiscated. Learn more through: http://goo.gl/QGy4Yo

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Technical Bulletin Turtle Conservation Fund – latest grant allocations Through its partnership with the global Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF), a collection of 14 leading conservation organisations and zoos (including Conservation International and the World Conservation Union) dedicated to the protection of Critically Endangered freshwater turtles and tortoises around the world, HSI has helped fund a new half-yearly round of conservation projects. Over $43,000 was allocated to 13 projects in 12 counties: Alcalde, Leandro, Julieta Sanchez, and Mario C. Bravi. 2013. Ecology, population genetics and distribution of Acanthochelys pallidipectoris across the species range in the dry and humid Chaco Eco-regions from Argentina; Luiselli, Luca M., Godfrey C. Akani, Fabio Petrozzi, and Gabriel H. Segniagbeto. 2013. Evaluating population sizes of the Critically Endangered/Endangered forest Kinixys populations in protected areas of Ghana and Nigeria; Petrozzi, Fabio, Gabriel H. Segniagbeto, and Luca M. Luiselli. A pilot study to investigate distribution and density of Centrochelys sulcata populations in West Africa: analysis of population status in Burkina Faso; Currylow, Andrea F. 2013. Capacity building through incentivized conservation: Sustaining ecological monitoring and safeguarding of southern Madagascar’s Critically Endangered tortoises; Singh, Shailendra, and Ashutosh Tripathi. 2013. Evaluating and refining conservation

interventions for the Endangered Indian narrow-headed softshell turtle (Chitra indica) along the Chambal – Yamuna River system, India; Wang Jian. 2013. A chelonian survey of Daweishan National Nature Reserve, Yunnan, China with an emphasis on Rafetus swinhoei, Cuora spp. and Manouria impressa; Duplant, Grégory and Herilala Randriamahazo. 2013. Expanding TSA’s confiscation to reintroduction strategy for the radiated tortoise in southern Madagascar; Reed, Renae and Adam Gilles. 2013. Quantifying an active population of Central America’s rarest turtle, K angustipons; Mifsud, David A. 2013. Habitat assessment, species distribution, and threats of imperiled southern African Kinixyx; Jones, Michael T., Lisabeth L. Willey, Thomas S.B. Akre, Erika Gonzalez and Rodrigo Macip-Rios. Conservation of Coc Ac, or Yucatán box turtle (Terrapene carolina yucatana): A multidisciplinary collaboration at the community and landscape level phase I proposal: 2014; Ahmed, M. Fireoz, Abhijit Das, and Jayanta Kumar Roy. 2013. Status, distribution and ecology of the keeled box turtle, Cuora mouhotii in Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India; Adomako, Ohene Boakye and Gilbert Adum Baase. 2013. Field Surveys for the Threatened Hinge-backed Tortoises (Kinixys homeana and K. erosa) in the Tano-Offin Forest Reserve, Ghana; Rahman, Maksudur. 2013. A Study on calipee trade of Critically Endangered Pelochelys cantorii in Bangladesh.

Link:

www.turtleconservationfund.org

Humane Society International Inc. ABN 63 510 927 032|PO Box 439 Avalon NSW 2107 Australia|Telephone (02) 9973 1728 Facsimile (02) 9973 1729|Email [email protected]|Web www.hsi.org.au ISBN 978-0-9925571-0-2 Page 32