ASAP Species Conservation Grants

by speciesonthebrink

Saving Malayan Giant Turtle from brink of extinction, Phase I: establishing healthy and genetically viable assurance colony

ASAP Species Conservation Grants

The challenge The Malayan Giant Turtle has been depleted in much of its range and at least 80% of the population has declined over the last 90 years. Poaching and habitat loss are the biggest threats for the species. In the past, authorities have frequently confiscated this species from poachers/traders which were then transferred to either zoos or wildlife rescue centres.   Establishing assurance colonies through conservation breeding is recognised as a crucial conservation step in restoring the Malayan Giant Turtle…

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A ‘One Plan’ research approach on breeding ecology to inform the recovery of the Critically Endangered Bleeding toad Leptophryne cruentata

ASAP Species Conservation Grants ,

The challenge The Bleeding Toad occurs in only two localities: Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park and Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, in West Java, Indonesia. The toad was assessed as Critically Endangered following the documented disappearance from a third location (possibly due to chytridiomycosis and/or volcanic eruption), and continues to decline due to habitat disturbance by tourism.   Studies on the distribution of the frog in Mount Gede Pangrango National Park have been conducted over the past 15-years but little is…

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Pilot reintroduction of Elongated Tortoise, Indotestudo elongata, in Cambodia

ASAP Species Conservation Grants

The challenge Elongated Tortoises occur throughout South and Southeast Asia but are now highly threatened due to range-wide population decline as a result of habitat loss and overharvesting. Species recovery depends on a combination of effective protection of remaining wild populations, and reintroduction of captive-bred tortoises to restore depressed or extirpated population.   In Cambodia, Elongated Tortoise populations are threatened by a combination of habitat loss, subsistence hunting, and harvesting for commercial trade. Overexploited tortoise populations are slow to recover owing…

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In search for Javan Blue-banded Kingfisher Alcedo euryzona and conservation of forest river as its habitat

ASAP Species Conservation Grants

The challenge There have been limited confirmed records of the Javan Blue-banded Kingfisher since the 1930s and there continues to be a dearth on its basic ecology and distribution. At present, its global distribution is known only from three locations in Java, Indonesia, one of which is the Petungkriyono forest in Dieng Mountains. The species was only discovered in Petunkriyono in 2018 from a single river belonging to the Sengkarang River System. It is a mountainous area with sizeable lowland…

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Elevating the survival prospects of Critically Endangered Southern River Terrapins (Batagur affinis) in Malaysia

ASAP Species Conservation Grants

The challenge Southern River Terrapins were once common throughout major rivers in Peninsular Malaysia, where they are locally known as “tuntung”. Records indicate that the species was heavily exploited as a source of protein during World War 2 and, populations have suffered a continuous decline due to chronic collection and consumption of eggs, which are considered a delicacy. Entanglement in discarded fishing gear, as well as the loss and degradation of critical nesting habitat due to sand mining further contribute…

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Nurturing the community power to protect the last population of Talaud Cuscus

ASAP Species Conservation Grants

The challenge The Critically Endangered Taluad Bear Cuscus occurs only two islands, Salibabu and Sangihe, located at the border of North Sulawesi, Indonesia and the Philippines. However, the remaining populations are found in in a few unprotected forest patches and face the constant threat of land conversion due to small scale agriculture.  While establishing legally recognised protected areas on the island is unlikely to occur within a short timeframe, engaging the leaders of the community is key in nurturing a…

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Tawi-Tawi: The Philippine Island with The Most Endangered Species Project

ASAP Species Conservation Grants

The challenge Tawi-Tawi Important Bird Area (IBA) is important for the conservation of threatened and restricted-range bird species of the Sulu archipelago Endemic Bird Area with four ASAP species found on Tawi-Tawi island: Sulu Hornbill, Sulu Racket-tail, Philippine Cockatoo, and the possibly extinct Sulu Bleeding-heart. With high levels of endemism and unique biodiversity, it is imperative to protect the forest in which they exist. However, Tawi-Tawi has experienced significant habitat loss due to deforestation and illegal logging. These bird species,…

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Establishing occupancy baseline data, situational analysis, and conservation education for Siamese Crocodile conservation in East-Kalimantan, Indonesia 

ASAP Species Conservation Grants

The challenge The Siamese Crocodile is Critically Endangered with less than 1,000 mature individuals thought to persist in Southeast Asia. The few known remaining populations are severely fragmented and in Indonesia the species is known only from a single locality in East Kalimantan in the Mesangat-Suwi weltand, with only approvimately 30 mature individuals. Facing threats such as land-use change, electric fishing, and pollution from agricultural runoff, the population of Siamese Crocodile in East Kalimantan is on a rapid decline.    A…

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Bangkaru Island Hidden Treasures: Save Bangkaru’s Critically Endangered Bird Species

ASAP Species Conservation Grants

  The challenge Indonesia has the highest number Critically Endangered bird species in Southeast Asia due to widespread habitat destruction and poaching for the pet trade. Nias Hill Myna is heavily targeted by hunting and unsustainable trapping which has led to significant population decline. As Silvery Pigeon is not a songbird, it has not been heavily impacted by the Asian Songbird Crisis. The main threat to the species is habitat destruction. Bangkaru island is a crucial location for the future…

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Conservation of Painted Terrapin Population in Karang Gading Langkat Timur Laut Wildlife Reserves

ASAP Species Conservation Grants

  The challenge The Painted Terrapin was once abundant in the area but its population has declined sharply as the eggs of this species are collected for consumption, and are eaten by wild boar and lizards. The Satucita team was only able to save 15 nests during a preliminary nest patrol conducted in February 2019 and later found three more nests that had been eaten by wildlife. This has shown that while a wild population remains, the numbers are very…

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