Protecting the Biological Diversity of Wehea Forest in Borneo https://grants.dudleytdoughertyfoundation.org/proposals-2010/protecting-the-biological-diversity-of-wehea-forest-in-borneo https://grants.dudleytdoughertyfoundation.org/@@site-logo/sitelogo-75x75.png

Protecting the Biological Diversity of Wehea Forest in Borneo

Additional Information
Used for	Ethical Expeditions is working with the Wehea Dayak in Borneo to protect their 38,000 ha rainforest. We are organizing the first complete biodiversity study of the unexplored Wehea Forest. In addition to this study, we are training the Wehea Rangers in ongoing biodiversity monitoring and data management to ensure the long-term protection of one of the last remaining lowland forests in Borneo.
Benefits	The island of Borneo is home to some of the most biologically rich forests on the planet and stores massive amounts of carbon dioxide. These incredible forests are teeming with life, such as the iconic orangutan, the enigmatic clouded leopard and the secretive sun bear. Our work with the Wehea Dayak and the government of East Kutai in East Kalimantan, Borneo, will result in the permanent protection of one of the last remaining lowland forests in Borneo.
Proposal Description	In the past 50 years, approximately 55% of Borneo’s forests have been cut and what remains is in danger of being lost within a few decades. The Wehea Biodiversity study will help ensure the permanent protection of 38,000 ha of pristine rainforest near the Heart of Borneo. The number of species endemic to Borneo make this area a biodiversity hotspot, yet many areas remain unexplored. Studies of Wehea’s biodiversity are limited to unpublished surveys conducted by The Nature Conservancy and seventy percent of Wehea remains unexplored. This study also addresses the need for the Wehea rangers to gain a deeper understanding of the biodiversity of their forest. Logging and palm oil plantations have dislocated the Wehea community from their forest, resulting in loss of traditional forest knowledge. During this study, Wehea rangers will work closely with participating scientists, collecting data and learning monitoring techniques for sustainable management of their forest. Objectives: - Survey and visually document fauna in the Wehea Forest, resulting in critical biodiversity data needed by local community leaders to achieve legal protection status for Wehea Forest - Train Wehea rangers in scientific methodology for continued biodiversity monitoring - Spread awareness through digital media about the conservation efforts of the Wehea Dayak Target Group: In 2004, the Wehea Dayak declared 38,000 hectares of forest ‘protected land’ under their traditional law. Since this declaration, illegal logging has been reduced, incomes have increased and this project was awarded Indonesia's highest environmental honor. Despite these successes, the long-term viability of this forest is not guaranteed. The land’s legal status is still designated as productive forest, and the Wehea effort is not legally recognized. After numerous meetings between Ethical Expeditions and the Wehea management body, the Wehea Chief and the rangers of Wehea Forest, it was unanimously agreed that a complete biodiversity study of Wehea is a critical step in achieving permanent legal protection for the Wehea Forest. Permanent protection of the forest is critical for the Wehea Dayak since the forest is their primary fresh water source and provides medicinal plants and agricultural products. This forest is also home to rare species including the orangutan, clouded leopard and sun bear and is a massive store for carbon. Therefore, permanent protection of Wehea will also benefit the worldwide community. Activities: 1. Survey and visually document fauna in the Wehea Forest, resulting in critical biodiversity data needed by local community leaders to achieve legal protection status for Wehea Forest - Beginning in May 2011, four scientists, four Wehea rangers and five students will begin a biodiversity study of Wehea Forest. The team will begin the transect on the western border of Wehea Forest and survey back toward the eastern border at a rate of 2 km/day for 26 days. Teams will be divided into a mammal/bird survey team and an amphibian/arthropod team. For five weeks, our team will visually document the fauna of Wehea, climb trees to recover DNA from orangutan hair and feces and probe the chemical ecology of amphibians and arthropods in this remote forest. The mammal team will collect data using visual sightings and calls, mist nets and digital camera and live cage traps. The arthropod and amphibian team will survey for leaf litter arthropods using the mini-Winkler system. In merited cases, secretions will be collected from animals with bright coloration and odd odors, to discover roles that chemicals play in the ecology and evolution of animals from this remote, unexplored forest. 2. Train Wehea rangers in scientific methodology for continued biodiversity monitoring - For long-term viability of Wehea Forest, rangers must have an understanding of the biodiversity of Wehea and engage in on-going biodiversity monitoring and data management. During this study, Wehea rangers will work closely with participating scientists, collecting data and learning monitoring techniques. After the study, rangers will be trained in monitoring and data management. The biodiversity study will transect Wehea Forest, allowing critical access for the rangers to patrol the western section of the forest. 3. Spread awareness through digital media about the conservation efforts of the Wehea Dayak - Five university students will document this study using digital video and photography, and produce short documentaries. These documentaries will be screened in Wehea following the conclusion of our study, bringing important environmental awareness to the community and pride in their forest. The documentaries and photographs will also be uploaded to our website and used in presentations, film festivals and photography exhibits across North America. Major activities and timescale (all activities to take place during 2011): January - March - Cutting of transect and placing of digital camera traps April 15th - April 31st - Meetings with the Wehea Dayak to discuss details of transect and receive their traditional blessing and permission for entering Wehea May 1st - May 9th - Complete eastern 8 km transect and ranger training May 18th - June 12th - Complete remaining 32 km transect beginning on western border and working east June 18th - Film screening and biodiversity seminars in Wehea village June 20th - July 20th - Database training for rangers and continued surveys July 20th - August 20th - Continued surveys and ranger training in Wehea August - December - Work on permanent protection for Wehea Expected Results: Avoided Deforestation - To ensure the long-term viability of Wehea Forest, permanent legal protection status must be achieved. This study will provide information about the rich and varied biodiversity of Wehea Forest, which is needed to lobby the central government for granting legal protection status. We expect that within 12 months of completion of this study, Wehea will have been granted legal protection status. Increased Information - Almost nothing is known of the biodiversity of Wehea. In the past few years, scientists have identified hundreds of new species in Borneo. Wehea is expected to contain particularly rich biodiversity and new species discovery is highly likely. Through media outlets such as National Geographic, the Ethical Expedition website and in-country newspapers, knowledge of Wehea and the biodiversity of Borneo will be shared with thousands of individuals around the world. Increased Forest Knowledge - By working closely with the scientific team, we expect the Wehea rangers will rediscover their forest and feel empowered to continue protecting it. This empowerment will be shared with the Wehea community through presentations and the environmental education center. By the end of August, Wehea rangers will be trained in biodiversity data collection and management techniques and will begin collecting and storing biodiversity data from Wehea. Budget: Equipment for the biodiversity study 1. Four compasses - $48 2. Three GPS units - $1,050 3. Four binoculars - $1000 4. Three mammal mist nets - $300 5. Three bird mist nets - $300 6. Four camera traps - $1000 7. Live cage mammal traps - $85 8. Field camping supplies including two tents, 15 hammocks, water filtration systems, pots and pans, cooking stoves, fuel for stoves and tarps - $1675 9. Chemical solvents for research with amphibians and arthropods - $300 - not requesting funding for 10. Flagging and measuring tape for distance marking during study - $47 11. Five torches and ten headlamps for nocturnal surveys - $750 12. Batteries and Charger - $425 13. Calipers for mammal survey - $80 14. Data Sheets - $20 15. Bait for live mammal traps - $50 16. Laptop computer for Wehea Field Manger to run and maintain biodiversity information for Wehea and share this information with other scientists around the world - $1100 17. Two Desktop Computers to input and analyze biodiversity data - $2150 18. Two Digital Cameras for the Wehea rangers take photographs of plants and animals - $700