Conservation action - Bertram Smythies fund

Compiled by Brian Sykes in BirdingASIA 9, June 2008

New projects Chinese Monal Lophophorus lhuysii in Sichuan, China
We have agreed to co-operate with the World Pheasant Association in a study of the conservation of the Chinese Monal in Fengtongzai Natural Reserve, Sichuan, China. This species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a Nationally Protected Species in China because it continues to decline in degraded and fragmented habitats and may be hunted at unsustainable levels. It remains amongst the least well known pheasants.

The work will include understanding the species’s distribution, population density, habitat use and evaluation of habitat degradation and the impact of human exploitation. During the fieldwork two Chinese nationals will be trained in field research approaches and methods. Based on the output of the work and the existing management plan for the reserve, recommendations will be made both to the reserve management and to the provincial forest department in Chengdu. OBC will contribute £2,000 per year for three years until 2011. This will be used to support the fieldwork, including subsistence when in the field, and travel to and from field sites by the students carrying out the fieldwork. OBC funding will not be used for academic fees or supervisory costs. OBC have been granted an input into the running of the project and we are pleased to report that Stephen Browne will undertake this role.

Completed projects

Giant Ibis Thaumatibis gigantea conservation study
A fascinating illustrated report is presented in BirdingASIA 9.

IdOU Checklist of the birds of Indonesia
Copies of the Indonesian-language version have been received. This is a useful document for any ornithologist or birdwatcher as it stands. OBC will be offering copies for sale at BBWF 2008 in August.

The Birds of Mizoram
Dr Choudury has advised that the book was printed in May 2008. It contains 122pp text, with distribution maps, line drawings, colour photographs and plates. We hope to have copies for sale in time for BBWF 2008. All proceeds from the sale of the above will be recycled to the Smythies fund.

Ongoing projects

Slender-billed Vulture breeding aviary, Assam
The aviary funded by the OBC has now been constructed.

Gurney’s Pitta conservation project
As anticipated in BirdingASIA 8, there has been a requirement to put substantial funding into a different aspect of the Gurney’s Pitta conservation project in southern Thailand. Ongoing financial support at about the same level of expenditure may be needed for a further two years after March 2009 and any donation that readers feel able to give will be very welcome.