Empowering communities, building conservation-evidence, raising awareness.
Funded by:
Project Overview:
Building upon our previous project, we are dedicated to advancing small carnivore conservation in the Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale (TMJ) landscape. Our efforts have yielded remarkable discoveries, including the second photographic record of the Asiatic Golden Cat in Nepal and the rediscovery of Red Pandas previously believed to be locally extinct.
TMJ, situated between the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park, boasts rich Rhododendron forests and a diverse array of wildlife, including endangered species. The region not only provides vital resources for local communities but also attracts tourists who appreciate its natural beauty.
Our project’s core objective is to empower the local communities in TMJ, enabling them to assume leadership roles in small carnivore conservation. By conducting comprehensive studies utilizing camera trapping and occupancy modeling, implementing targeted conservation initiatives for school students, and fostering partnerships with local organizations, we aim to promote sustainable conservation practices and secure the long-term survival of these endangered species in TMJ.
Objectives:
- Detailed Study of Small Carnivores: Using camera trapping and occupancy model, we will gather crucial data on the distribution of the threatened small carnivores in TMJ. This research will serve as a baseline for future conservation efforts.
- Focused Conservation Projects for School Students: We will conduct awareness camps and distribute conservation booklets to secondary-level students, raising awareness about the conservation importance of small carnivores in TMJ. Through multimedia campaigns and interactive materials, we aim to engage and educate students in conservation activities.
- Community Empowerment and Collaboration: Our project will provide wildlife monitoring training to local community forest user groups, enhancing their capacity to monitor wildlife effectively. By conducting conservation workshops and fostering partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and non-government bodies, we aim to empower community members as conservation leaders and ensure the sustainability of conservation efforts.
Project Update 1: Introductory meetings with stakeholders
The Conserving Small Carnivores in the Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale Landscape of Nepal project is gaining momentum with a series of successful introductory meetings.
From December 2nd to 4th, the project team held meetings with key stakeholders in the project area, including:
- Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs): These groups play a crucial role in managing and protecting forest resources in Nepal. The project team met with CFUGs in Dharmadevi Municipality (Sankhuwasabha district) and Myanglung and Laligurans Municipalities (Tehrathum district).
- Mayors: The project team met with the mayors of Dharmadevi Municipality, Myanglung Municipality, and Laligurans Municipality.
- Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN): FECOFUN is a national network of CFUGs representing over 22,000 user groups in Nepal.
During these meetings, the project team:
- Introduced the project and its objectives, which include assessing the distribution and status of small carnivores, raising awareness among local communities, and building the capacaity of local communities.
- Discussed potential project activities, such as wildlife monitoring training for CFUG members and awareness campaigns in schools and communities.
- Inquired about the stakeholders’ interest in collaborating with the project.
The response from all stakeholders was highly positive. The CFUGs, mayors, and FECOFUN representatives expressed their support for the project and their eagerness to participate in its activities. They highlighted the importance of conserving small carnivores, which are vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems and providing valuable ecological services.
Specifically, the stakeholders expressed interest in:
- Wildlife monitoring training: This training will equip CFUG members with the skills to collect data on small carnivores and their habitats.
- Awareness campaigns: These campaigns will raise awareness about the importance of small carnivores and promote their conservation among local communities.
- Collaboration with the project team: The stakeholders are eager to work with the project team to implement conservation activities and ensure the long-term success of the project.
The successful introductory meetings represent a significant milestone for the Conserving Small Carnivores in the Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale Landscape of Nepal project. The strong support from local communities and government officials paves the way for effective implementation and positive outcomes for the conservation of small carnivores in this important landscape.
Project Update 2: Empowering Communities for Small Carnivore Conservation in Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale
We’re excited to share a that we have completed Wildlife Monitoring training for local community forest user groups under our project in TMJ.
Wildlife Monitoring Training
By equipping community members with the necessary skills and tools, we are building a network of citizen scientists across the Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale landscape. This collaborative approach not only empowers communities to become active participants in conservation, but also provides us with crucial data on small carnivore populations and their habitat use.
Each training session went beyond theoretical instruction. Participants actively engaged in hands-on practice, deploying camera traps themselves under the guidance of our team. This practical experience instilled confidence and ensured they gained the necessary expertise to effectively contribute to data collection efforts.
Learning by doing, empowering action
Following each training, we collaborated with the trained CFUG members to select strategic locations for camera trap placement within their respective community forests. Based on their local knowledge and insights, we strategically installed 2 camera traps in these identified sites after each training.
This project update marks a significant step towards achieving our goals. By working hand-in-hand with local communities, we are creating a sustainable and inclusive framework for conserving small carnivores and the rich biodiversity of the Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale landscape.
Project Update 3: Camera Trap Data In
Our first camera trap survey season in eastern Nepal (17 Jan – 7 May 2025) is complete. Data from 74 stations across 5,486 trap nights is now being analyzed.
We recorded 28 species. Key small carnivores detected include: Asiatic Golden Cat, Clouded Leopard, Leopard Cat, Yellow-throated Marten, Large Indian Civet, and Crab-eating Mongoose. Other significant fauna includes Dhole, Red Panda, and Himalayan Serow.
Deployment Summary:
- Total Stations: 74
- Operational Stations: 74 (100% functionality)
- Total Trap Nights: 5,486
- Survey Duration: 111 calendar days with continuous camera activity.
Key Preliminary Findings:
- Rich Biodiversity Documented: Cameras recorded 28 identifiable species, including key target small carnivores like the Asiatic Golden Cat, Clouded Leopard, Leopard Cat, Yellow-throated Marten, and several civet and weasel species. The presence of endangered species such as the Dhole, Red Panda, and Himalayan Serow is also notable.
- Wide Distribution of Target Species: Many small carnivores were detected across numerous stations:
- Yellow-throated Marten: 35 stations
- Leopard Cat: 23 stations
- Clouded Leopard: 8 stations
- Asiatic Golden Cat: 6 stations
This indicates a healthy distribution of these species within the study landscape.
- Dominant Species: The most frequently recorded groups Humans (747 events, 66 stations), Rodents (511 events, 35 stations), and Barking Deer (488 events, 47 stations). This highlights the level of general wildlife activity and human presence in the area
This data provides a crucial baseline. We are now processing it to understand species distribution, occupancy, and activity patterns—key information for crafting effective conservation strategies for Nepal’s small carnivores.
Project Update 4: Small Carnivore Conservation booklet publication
We are excited to announce the publication of our latest outreach material: a dedicated conservation booklet focused on the small carnivores of the Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale (TMJ) landscape in Eastern Nepal.
This booklet is a key milestone in our mission to bridge the information gap regarding Nepal’s lesser-known species. It features a comprehensive record of 9 small carnivore species documented during our intensive field surveys and camera-trapping efforts in the TMJ region.
Key highlights of the publication include:
- Scientific Records: Detailed profiles of 9 species, including the Asiatic Golden Cat, Leopard Cat, Red Panda, Yellow-throated Marten, and Crab-eating Mongoose, all of which were verified through camera traps.
- Outreach Tool: Designed specifically for school students and local Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) to raise awareness about the ecological importance of these “forgotten” predators.
- Conservation Impact: The booklet provides essential information on the legal status of these animals, the threats they face (such as habitat loss and poaching), and actionable steps communities can take to protect them.
Booklet
This publication will serve as a crucial resource for our ongoing outreach programs, empowering local communities to become leaders in biodiversity conservation within the TMJ complex.
Local support team is crucial for the success of our field surveys. Without them, we won’t be able to conduct our surveys in such harsh terrains. Without them, we are as good as lost in the wilderness.
