mass mortalities final report may 2009 mz and...these animals were captive‐bred and released in...

Strategy and Action Plan to reduce Mass mortalities of animals

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A Plan to Reduce the Risk of Mass Mortalities of Reintroduced Animals in the Mahazat as‐Sayd

Protected Area in Saudi Arabia

Compiled and edited by M. Zafar-ul Islam and Cody Knutson

National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC), Taif

Saudi Wildlife Commission, Riyadh


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Acknowledgements

We want to extend our thanks and gratitude to His

Excellency Dr. Fahad bin Abdulrahman Balghanm (The

Minister of Agriculture and the Managing Director of

the NCWCD) and we equally want to thank and are

grateful to HH Prince Bandar bin Saud Bin Mohammed

Al Saud (Secretary General, NCWCD) for his

leadership, generosity and continuous support

towards the research and conservation work by the

NWRC in the Kingdom and also his desire to solve the

mass mortalities of animals problem through this

scientific and interactive workshop. We are happy to

acknowledge Mr. Ahmed Boug (General Director of

the National Wildlife Researcher Center) whose

leadership and long‐term conservation vision making a

very conducive environment for researchers to

perform better. We are thankful to NWRC researchers,

research assistants for providing all the necessary

information related to mortalities of animals in

Mahazat as‐Sayd protected area. We want to

acknowledge the NWRC staff for their hard work

during the workshop. Finally, we want to thank all the

national and international experts who participated

and provided their valuable inputs and discussed the

issue more seriously and help in bringing out the

Strategy and Action Plan to minimize the mass

mortalities of animals in Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected

Area.


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Foreword

Cyclic population fluctuation of ungulates due to drought is a normal phenomenon in deserts. Besides this, desert animals also show seasonal, temporal and spatial movement in search of food, water and shelter. However, in a fence protected area, from where the animals cannot move, then the issue becomes complex. In such situations, management interventions become necessary. Arabian oryx are native in this area and are adapted to cope with harsh and dry conditions. These browsers share the reserve with the sand gazelle which feeds on different plant species and have different browsing habits. They are therefore not considered to be serious competitors. Browsing and grazing are essential for oryx, and gazelles since the

moisture content of plants are the main source of their water intake.

I am happy to know that it was discussed that if we wish to best represent natural conditions, do we allow natural cycles in populations (increases and decreases), even though the reserve fence may prevent movements to water that the oryx and gazelle would have made. We know there is unlikely to be a single simple answer to our questions, and there is no right or wrong answers. Setting a clear objective for management of the animal populations and the vegetation / habitat which is agreed by all experts and stakeholders is the best place to begin our actions. I am happy that the all the important issues were discussed during the workshop by the national and international experts in various fields and brought out such important document call Strategy and Action plan to minimize the mass mortalities of animals in Mahazat as-Sayd Protected Area, which is one of the best reserves of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I must thank HH Prince Bandar bin Saud Bin Mohammed Al Saud (Secretary General, NCWCD) for organizing this important international workshop and I am sure the actions recommended in the document will be implemented. His Excellency Dr. Fahad bin Abdulrahman Balghanm The Minister of Agriculture and the Managing Director of the NCWCD


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Foreword

Placing wild animals in enclosed protected areas introduces a variety of new management issues, especially during times of stress when there is no or very little rain. These difficulties were witnessed firsthand during recent drought-like events that affected Mahazat as-Sayd Protected Area. During several years between 1999 and 2008, drought-like conditions have been a factor in mass mortalities of several endangered species (e.g., Arabian Oryx, Sand Gazelle and Red-necked ostrich).

In response, the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) in association with National Wildlife Research

Center (NWRC) has organized this workshop to gain a better understand of the effects of environmental stress on wild animals and their management, to identify potential solutions to develop a strategic plan to minimize the mortalities of reintroduced animals within the Mahazat as-Sayd Protected Area.

We need to think about the lessons, certainly. But maybe there are also opportunities worth exploring.

When the large number of animal die-off were reported in Mahazat as-Sayd in 1999, 2000 and NCWCD convened a Drought Relief Task Force that met in Taif on 24-25 June 2001 to discuss the management of wild ungulate in protected areas and made some recommendations which were discussed during the international workshop. The committee discussed acceptable methods for regulation of wild ungulate populations within the protected areas, particularly those of reintroduced ungulates.

I am happy that decisions concerning control policies have included the inputs of a broad-based expertise (wildlife managers, biologists, range managers, sociologists, civil authorities) to the Strategy and Action plan document. I will make sure that suggested strategies and action plans are implemented to minimize the mass mortalities of animals in Mahazat as-Sayd Protected Area. I must congratulate and thank to all the staff of the National Wildlife Research Center, King Khalid Research Center and National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development for the successful international workshop held in 2008 at NWRC and for bringing out the most useful Strategy and Action Plan document.

His Highness Prince Bandar bin Saud Bin Mohammed Al Saud Secretary General, NCWCD


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Background information (Mass mortalities of animals in Mahazat reserve) Ahmed Boug General Director, National Wildlife Research Center, Taif, KSA

Reintroduction programmes were started in 1989 to save those species which were on the verge of extinction in Saudi Arabia. The species are Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx), houbara bustard (Chlamydotis macqueenii), Red‐necked ostrich (Struthio camelus camelus), and Sand Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa marica). These animals were captive‐bred and released in Mahazat as‐Sayd protected area in western‐central Saudi Arabia. Since then in certain years during the drought period, these animals have been reported a large die‐off. Mortality of Arabian oryx and reem gazelles has been surveyed in Mahazat as‐Sayd since the reintroduction programme was started in 1989. In 1999 large number of animals were died during summer months and again in 2006 and 2007 similarly large number of mortalities of Arabian oryx, sand gazelle and Red–necked ostrich were recorded in Mahazat as‐Sayd. In 2006 alone, a total of 39 Arabian oryx, 679 sand Gazelles and 44 Red‐necked Arabian Ostriches were found dead in the reserve during the stressful period (as shown in the map). A direct effect of environmental drought like condition is suggested as the cause of the majority of death. Starvation and probably dehydration /hyperthermia syndrome were identified. Deaths were due to starvation because of reduced availability, accessibility and quality of food plants in the area. Artificial water support was started in mid‐September to avoid population decreases to detrimental levels. Support for the re‐ introduced ungulate populations in Mahazat as‐Sayd were continued until forage improved in quality. In African game ranches, natural mortality of most wild ungulate species in the absence of predators is approximately 3% per year (Bothma, 1996), compared with 6.9% experienced by Arabian oryx in Mahazat as‐Sayd in 2005, and 10‐11% in 2006 (death rate = number of deaths during the period / average number in population during that period). When predators are present, 50% of individuals of most wild ungulates die in their first year (Bothma, 1995). Even in natural areas, predator pressure cannot remove the population surplus of most species. Wild ungulate mortality resulting from shortages of food and water remains the most significant limiting factor.


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In general, mammals experience high initial mortality among young animals, followed by a phase in which mortality is low, but then increases. Population declines resulting from food shortages or poor habitat are characterised by an increase in mortality among animals, which require more energy and water per body unit than adults to satisfy their high metabolic needs. A similar mortality pattern was observed both in Arabian oryx and reem gazelles in 2006.

There are few detailed studies evaluating the impact of drought on wild ungulate mortality, however, in 1959‐1960 in South Africa, all sable antelopes, 70% of blue wildebeest, 77% of Burchell’s zebra, 64% of impala, 78% of waterbuck, 69% of kudu, and 71% of warthog populations died in a mopaneveld area in the Northern Province (Bothma, 1995). In view of these figures, the Arabian oryx mortality in Mahazat as‐Sayd this summer is quite acceptable. Reem gazelle mortality appeared to be of similar amplitude (50‐60%) to that described for other ungulate, herbivorous species in South Africa.

By mid 2006, researchers with some rangers started finding dead sand gazelles in the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area. This has re‐awakened memories of the summers of 1999 and 2000 when large numbers of sand gazelle died due to continuing drought conditions. To avoid mass mortalities of animals in Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area, an international workshop was organized with the participation of national and international experts in various fields such as botanists, ecologists, biologists, climate experts, range‐land experts, and policy and decision makers and brought out the strategy and action plans for short and long‐term.


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A Plan to Reduce the Risk of Mass Mortalities of Reintroduced Animals in the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area in Saudi Arabia 1. Introduction Many species of wild animals have distinct physiological and ecological advantages over traditional domesticated livestock species in arid and semi‐arid areas. Amongst the most significant are an ability to thrive in the absence of surface water (by movement in time and space), to make optimal use of vegetative resources and their minimal impact on the environment. They also have disease‐tolerant, heat‐tolerant and drought‐tolerant attributes and their reproductive production characteristics are more efficient. However, placing wild animals in enclosed protected areas introduces a variety of new management issues, especially during times of drought and stress. These difficulties were witnessed firsthand during recent drought events that affected Mahazat as‐Sayd protected area in Saudi Arabia. During several years between 1999 and 2007, drought conditions have been a factor in mass mortalities of several endangered

species (e.g., Arabian Oryx, Red‐necked ostrich, and the Sand Gazelle). In response, the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (in

collaboration with the National Wildlife Research Center) organized a workshop of experts to develop a strategic plan to minimize the mortalities of reintroduced animals within the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area.

Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area

Mahazat as‐Sayd was selected as a representative portion of the western edge of the Najd Pediplain, in an area known to have once supported populations of gazelle, most notably reem Gazella subgutturosa, but also reportedly idmi G. gazella and ‘afri G. dorcas. With the potential to support high biological diversity following the

recovery of vegetation from overgrazing, Mahazat as‐Sayd was intended to be the first reintroduction site for Arabian oryx Oryx leucoryx, and other native species such as houbara bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii, reem gazelle, and wildlife substitutes such as red‐necked ostrich Struthio camelus. As a reintroduction site


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for Oryx, Reem, Idmi, Ostrich and Houbara.

The entire 220 km perimeter is fenced with 2 m high chain‐link fencing, topped with 3 strands of barbed wire, with 0.9 m of chicken mesh buried in the ground, and lying behind a large earth embankment. Posts are set in concrete. There are seven gates, all of which are kept closed with padlocks. Padlock keys are issued to all rangers and research staff.

The reserve is bounded to the north‐west and south‐west by public sealed roads outside the perimeter fence, the Taif/Riyadh highway and the Al‐Khurmah roads, respectively. There is an approximately 6 km stretch of sealed road running from the main gate to the Mammal Camp. An unsealed, graded perimeter track runs around the reserve inside the fence, and an unsealed track runs from the Mammal Camp, through the Bird Camp, to the Al‐Khurmah gate on the eastern boundary. There is a network of unsealed tracks throughout the reserve, including the overgrown remnants of large tracks that joined the towns of Al Muwayh and Al‐Khurmah before the reserve was created.

Mahazat as‐Sayd lies on an open plain of sand and gravel on the eastern edge of the Najd Pediplain, in the Arabian Hinterland physiographic province. The area is gently undulating with elevations ranging from about 900 m above sea level in wadis and depressions, to 1,100 meters asl on the high ground to the north‐west of the reserve. There is a 9% slope from north to south. Two small jabals, Sha‘af ash‐Shamali / White Jabal, and Sha‘af al‐Janubi / Black Jabal, rise from the relatively flat eastern portion of the reserve. Sandy soils, including

gravel, cover 96.3% of the reserve's area. Basaltic relief comprises 3.65% of the surface area and is of pre‐Cambrian origin, consisting of crystalline, highly metamorphosed rock. Quartz‐like rock covers the remaining 0.05% of the area. Mammals Apparently Arabian oryx, reem gazelle, and possibly two other species of gazelle (idmi and ‘afri) historically occurred in the region of Mahazat as‐Sayd (Vesey‐Fitzgerald 1952). It is likely that large predators of these ungulates, possibly cheetah Acinonyx jubatus, certainly wolf Canis lupus arabs and probably striped hyaena Hyaena hyaena occurred also (Harrison and Bates 1991). When Mahazat as‐Sayd was fenced wolf tracks were seen along the perimeter, and in June 1993 a very old wolf skull was found in the reserve. There is no evidence that wolves remain in the area. Hares Lepus capensis apparently also once occurred in the area, but are no longer present. Re‐introduction of Arabian oryx into Mahazat as‐Sayd began in 1988 with the arrival at the NWRC of nine oryx from San Diego, followed by six animals from Shaumari, Jordan, in March 1989. A total of 76 oryx has been released into the reserve between March 1990 and May 1994. The Mahazat as‐Sayd oryx population is currently estimated to be around 300 animals.

Avifauna The current bird list for Mahazat as‐Sayd contains 160 species, including a large diversity of migrants, notably raptors, but also waterbirds which utilize ephemeral water pools after heavy rainfall. Mahazat as‐Sayd is a winter refuge for migrant houbara bustards, and an important


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breeding area for the lappet‐faced vulture Torgos tracheliotus. Re‐introduction of houbara bustards into Mahazat as‐Sayd began in 1991 with the hard release of five birds. As of December 2008 there are estimated to be around 300 houbara free‐flying in the reserve; some of these birds are now more than 10 year old. Mahazat as‐Sayd is listed as an Important Bird Area on the basis of criterion 1 (regularly holds a significant number of a globally threatened species. The site also regularly holds more than 1% of the flyway population of the collared pratincole (300 birds).

Conservation threats Mineral exploration (for gold) is underway in the northeastern part of the protected area, and the main potential irreversible and major threat is mineral extraction and associated pollution and construction activities. Minor threats include overgrazing, disturbance and littering associated with tourism / visitation, invasive species (Argemone spp.). There is intermittent and illegal small‐scale harvesting of grasses. Because the area is fenced, drought conditions have the potential to affect seriously the reserve’s wildlife, and large die‐offs of reem have occurred. There are indications of changes in the range ecology of the protected area, which could lead to loss of grasses and of rangeland productivity.


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Inauguration of the workshop by the HH Minister of Agriculture and HH Prince Bandar – Secretary General of NCWCD and that participated well and brought out the Strategy and Action plans


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His Excellency Minister of Agriculture and His Highness Secretary General of NCWCD visited Rangers camps in Mahazat and looked at animal conditions also.


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Participants investigating extent of mortalities problem in Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected area and also some outings for foreigners.


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Table: List of participants and their details SNO Name Address and expertise

1 Dr. Cody Knutson National Drought Mitigation Center, University of Nebraska‐Lincoln, USA[[email protected]]

2 Dr. Tony Friend Principal Research Scientist, Department of Environment and Conservation, DEC Albany Research, Australia. Involved in the reintroductions in arid zone of Australia. [[email protected]]

3 Julius Heinrich Koen Northern Cape Department of Tourism, Environment and Conservation, Kimberly, South Africa. Involved in reintroduction programmes and expert in the game and their habitat management especially arid habitat animals including the Arabian oryx. [[email protected]]

4 Dr. Yousef Al Hafez Head of the Natural Resources Dept.; King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. Scientific advisor to the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation & Development [[email protected]]

5 Dr. Murad Hashim Director Climatology Dept., Presidency of Meteorology and Environmental Protection Agency (MEPA), Jeddah [[email protected]]

6 Ahmed Boug General Director, NWRC. Ecologist; involved in research on Hamadryas baboons, and other research programmes of the NWRC [bouga@nwrc‐sa.org]

7 Dr. Hany Tatwani Wildlife Veterinarian, KKWRC[[email protected]]

8 Abdullah Al Khalid In‐charge of mobile research labs in Saudi Arabia and dealing with Remote Sensing and GIS; King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology [[email protected]]

9 Dr. Robi Robinson General Director, King Khalid Wildlife Research Center, Thumamah, RiyadhBotanist, and has broad experience in the habitat and species management. KKWRC is managed by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). [[email protected]]

10 Peter Cunningham Senior Researcher; research on Sand gazelles monitoring programme in Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area including habitat assessment and population monitoring. KKWRC [[email protected]]

11 Dr. Saud Anajariya Veterinarian; Head of Mammal & Captive Breeding Dept., NWRC [anagariyah@nwrc‐sa.org]

12 M. Zafar‐ul Islam Ecologist; Research and Field Monitoring Manager (Reintroduction Programme), NWRC [zafar@nwrc‐sa.org]

13 Dr. Mohammed Shobrak Ornithologist; Assistant Professor, Taif University; research on breeding grounds of vultures in Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area [[email protected]]

14 Dr. Husni Abdulaziz Botanist; Professor, Taif University; involved in research on plants of Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area [[email protected]]

15 Dr. Saleh Bazaid Botanist; Dean of science college, Taif University. Botanist involved in


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research on plants of Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area [[email protected]]

16 Dr. Mohammed Faheem Botanist; plant physiologist, Taif University[[email protected]]

17 Dr. Nassim Al Abed King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran. Specializes in mineral and Remote Sensing & GIS [[email protected]]

18 Awad Al Zahrani Director, Saysad National Park, Taif[sasad‐[email protected]]

19 Hamood At‐Tuwairki General Director, Dept. of Natural Resources and Grazing Lands Agricultural Ministry [[email protected]}

20 Abdulaziz Al Moahanna Head of Dept., Research & Studies, NCWCD[[email protected]]

21 Mohammed Al Turayf Advisor – Administrative Developments, NCWCD[[email protected]]

22 Abdulrahman Khoja Botanist; Public awareness coordinator, NWRC[ark@nwrc‐sa.org]

23 Khairy Ismail Mammalogist, field research on Arabian oryx, Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area, NWRC [khairy.ismail@nwrc‐sa.org]

24 Moayyad Sher Shah Research assistant; recently involved in sand gazelle monitoring in Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area with the help of senior researchers, NWRC [moayyad.khan@nwrc‐sa.org]

25 Hajid Al Subai Field research assistant; involved in post‐release monitoring of Houbara bustard in Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area, NWRC

26 Rami Al Manjoumi Field research assistant; in‐charge of digitizing location & monitoring data of reintroduced animals in Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area, NWRC [rami@nwrc‐sa.org]

27 Hathim Al Yami Marine Biologist, NWRC[yami@nwrc‐sa.org]

28 Bandar Al Ziyadi Biologists, NWRC[bandar.aljaid@nwrc‐sa.org]


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2. Workshop Structure From August 2‐7, 2008, thirty‐one experts from Saudi Arabia, Australia, Namibia, South Africa, and the United States met at the National Wildlife Research Center near Taif, Saudi Arabia, to discuss and develop a plan to reduce the risk of mass mortalities of reintroduced animals within the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area. These experts brought a wide range of expertise in botany, climatology, ecology, geospatial technologies, planning, water resources, veterinary medicine, and wildlife management. The workshop was carried out utilizing a logical framework approach. Conceptualized in 1969, the approach has become a standard planning methodology used throughout the world (AusAID, 2005;

World Bank, 2001). The workshop was organized around tasks outlined in the approach, specifically:

1) Creating a problem tree 2) Creating an objectives tree 3) Identifying activities to be

carried out 4) Constructing a hybrid planning

matrix and work plan Cody Knutson from the National Drought Mitigation Center, within the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska‐Lincoln (USA), and M. Zarar‐ul Islam from the National Wildlife Research Center (Saudi Arabia) served as the workshop facilitators.


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3. Workshop Activities and Results 3.1 Creating a Problem Tree The first task of the group was to identify the range of problems being experienced in terms of the mortalities of animals in the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area. Each problem was then written on a card, placed on a wall, and organized in terms of cause and effects to form a problem tree. Through this process, the primary problem rises to the top of the tree and the causes are located in the bottom roots of the tree. The results of the problem tree analysis are shown in Figure 80. The problem analysis revealed that the primary animals affected by mass mortalities in recent years are the Arabian oryx, Sand gazelle, and Red‐necked ostrich. They were affected because their numbers exceeded the carrying capacity of the protected area and emergency measures were not in place to handle the excess animals. As shown in the problem tree, there are several underlying factors that contributed to this situation:

Drought had reduced vegetation growth and, therefore, the carrying capacity of the protected area

The biological nature of reem breeding allows rapid population growth

Monitoring and research is lacking to assess and monitor carrying capacity in relation to the number of animals in the protected area

The protected area lacks an early warning system to trigger alerts when animals are threatened with food shortage/dehydration

The protected area lacks a contingency plan for managing animal populations during times of stress

Additional concerns were also raised in terms of the public’s perception of and involvement in the management activities of the protected area. However, it was felt that these were largely outside the scope of the current problem and should be addressed as part of the National Wildlife Research Center’s (NWRC) overall mission. In addition, it was recognized that a lack of personnel, equipment, and resources is also a general constraint that limits the ability of the NWRC to fully address all management concerns. Similarly, staff commitment to the job may also be a limiting factor, in some cases, as well as problems in communicating issues and needs to the appropriate level of administration.


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Figure 80: Problem tree related to mass mortalities of wildlife at the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area in Saudi Arabia

Mass mortalities of oryx, reem, and

ostrich

Limited feed and dehydration

Animal populations exceeded carrying

capacity

Insufficient emergency response

measures

Drought reduced vegetation growth

Managers didn’t limit population growth

Reem breeding allows overpopulation

Lack of monitoring and early warning

system

Uncertainty over management options

Lack of crisis contingency plan outlining options

Lack of research on emergency

management options

Don’t know the carrying capacity

Lack of long-term population control

strategy

Lack of monitoring system for vegetation

Lack of monitoring system for animal

populations

Lack of research on eco-physiology and vegetation dynamics


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3.2 Creating an Objectives Tree In the next exercise, the problem tree was then transformed into an objectives tree. In constructing the objectives tree, each problem is re‐stated as an objective to help stimulate discussion on how to turn negative problems into positive actions. While the problem tree shows the cause and effect relationships between problems, the objective tree shows the means by which results will be achieved. It is expected that the activities listed at the bottom of the tree are means to help achieve the desired aims listed above it in the hierarchy. In this case, it was identified that several categories of activities must be carried out in order to fulfill higher aims. These include:

exploring rangeland best management practices to keep vegetation in the best condition possible

establish a monitoring system and conduct research on vegetation dynamics and ecology, animal feeding habits, and habitat/species interactions in order to better determine carrying capacity in the protected area

monitor and conduct research on oryx, reem, and ostrich population dynamics, and

establish an early warning and management system to trigger contingency actions during crisis events

It was felt that carrying out these types of activities would help managers at the Mahazat as‐Sayd protected area:

make decisions to minimize the effects of drought on vegetation growth to maintain or increase carrying capacity in the protected area

manage oryx, gazelle, and ostrich population growth within the carrying capacity of the protected area, and

implement emergency feeding and watering measures to sustain animal life when necessary

In turn, implementing these actions is expected to result in more proactive range and wildlife management in the protected area and, ultimately, the elimination of mass mortalities of Arabian oryx, Sand gazelle, and the Red‐necked ostrich in the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area.


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Figure 82: Objectives tree related to mass mortalities of wildlife at the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area in Saudi Arabia


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3.3 Analysis of Alternative Strategies 3.3.1 Guiding Principles In order to gain a common perspective on the specific types of activities that would be recommended, the planning group developed a list of guiding principles. The following principles were selected to serve as a litmus test for the selection of strategies that are appropriate for the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area. In this case, it was felt that strategies should:

not include killing of “surplus animals” by managers

not be based on producing “surplus animals” for breeding or hunting

be cognizant of the fact that the protected area is boundary limited

be ranked on their likelihood of reducing mass mortalities

support an ecosystem approach that is ecologically sound, holistic, and science‐based

focus on maintaining a natural state with intervention only when necessary

be proactive as opposed to ad‐hoc crisis response measures

be simple, understandable, realistic, and ecologically cost‐effective (e.g., translocations) or selling of surplus (financially cost‐effective)

be multi‐purpose and adaptable as new information arises

not conflict with national or international wildlife management legislations, Conventions and protocols

be based on measureable outcomes for ongoing evaluation

The principles were not ranked in terms of importance but it was felt that any proposed measures must reflect the general intent of the guiding principles.

3.3.2 Strategy Typologies As discussed in Section 3.2., three primary strategy typologies were identified for reducing the risk of mass mortalities of wildlife in the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area: 1) enhance range conditions in the protected area to buffer against drought and maximize carrying capacity, 2) more proactively manage oryx, gazelle, and ostrich population growth so as not to exceed carrying capacity, and 3) under exceptional conditions to provide supplemental feed and water when sources become limited by drought, overpopulation, or other environmental conditions. The typologies and specific activities are outlined in Appendix 1.

It was determined that more focus should be placed on the first two types of options, which more closely simulate natural conditions, and to provide supplemental feed and water absolutely necessary to avoid mass mortalities. This is the situation that is currently underway in the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area. A decade of recurrent drought has caused an emergency situation where immediate action must be taken to reduce wildlife mortalities. Because of this need, meeting participants first focused on developing an emergency management plan to deal with the current situation.


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3.3.3 Supplemental Feeding and Watering During Emergency Situations Provision that include water and alfalfa provided at five different locations (mainly near the rangers camps) to animals in Mahazat since May 2008 that helped in minimizing the mortalities. It is observed in the second week of the September 2008 that gazelle, oryx and ostriches have started breeding though the condition in the reserve is not suitable as it is completely dry all over. There is a possible danger that pregnant females might not come with the group to provision sites and if they don’t get sufficient food and water they might die and there will be a great loss to the reserve. We need to discuss this situation. To deal with this situation, it was recommended that as many oryx and reem be immediately removed from the protected area as possible. There is currently not enough vegetation to support the population and additional deaths appear imminent unless preventative action is taken. Because translocation or other means of removal or not readily available, supplemental feeding and watering is deemed as necessary to reduce the likelihood of mass mortalities. There was also discussion about the Red‐necked ostrich. In the end, it was recommended that no additional intervention be implemented besides the current supplemental feeding and watering throughout the protected area. It was felt that the ostrich is relatively easy to re‐stock, if necessary. In addition, it was noted that the ostrich is a destructive feeder and the Red‐necked ostrich is not native to the area. Therefore, comments were also made that the ostrich could be considered for removal from the protected area, in general.

Nonetheless, the removal of oryx and reem is to begin immediately by transferring supplemental feeding and water (currently going on in the protected area) to the west enclosure sites to lure animals for passive capture. Since many of the animals are currently on the east side of the protected area, it is expected that an enclosure may need to be constructed on that side to assist in the captures. If necessary, additional portable enclosures will be utilized throughout the reserve to ensure a large percentage of the animals are removed from the protected area. If necessary, more active capture techniques may also be employed. However, there are concerns that active capture techniques would place additional stress on weakened animals resulting in higher mortalities. Therefore, passive techniques will first be utilized, although the NWRC is hiring an expert on capture techniques that will provide training to existing staff in case it becomes necessary. If necessary, the NRWR may also need to hire a capture team to assist in these activities. Once an adequate number of animals are captured, supplemental feeding/watering can then resume throughout the protected area to maintain the populations of animals that could not be captured. If options become available, translocating some of the animals to other locations may also become a possibility. It was also noted that having the animals in the enclosures may also be a good time to conduct medical treatments, mark animals for identification, and genetic testing. Genetic testing is especially


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necessary to assist in the maintenance of genetic diversity in the herds. It is felt that these emergency measures will help reduce stress on the vegetation and animals in the protected area for the short‐

term. However, it was felt that the long‐term management of sustainable populations of oryx and reem will require an increased focus on managing populations within the carrying capacity of the protected area.

3.3.4 Manage Oryx, Gazelle, and Ostrich Population Growth Within the Carrying Capacity of the Protected Area In an enclosed environment, such as the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area, oryx and reem populations can be expected to fluctuate (i.e., increase and crash) over time as part of natural population growth cycles. Such fluctuations can be more pronounced than in open systems with more severe effects on animal populations and vegetation. Drought and other environmental stressors can accelerate this cycle and its severity by substantially reducing the carrying capacity of the protected area. In this regard, carry capacity refers to the maximum stocking rate possible which is consistent with maintaining or improving vegetation or related resources. It may vary from year to year on the same area due to fluctuating forage production. In terms of wildlife management, the question becomes whether you manage animal populations (e.g., translocation, hunting, etc.) or let them die from “natural” causes when they exceed carrying capacity. In this case in a fenced protected area, it is felt that human intervention is necessary to save animal lives because managers have already created an unnatural environment for the oryx and reem. Under natural conditions, they would migrate outwards to new areas as resources become limited. The conservation status of oryx may also necessitate interventions in a fenced area.

With this in mind, the next question becomes what type of human intervention is required to manage population growth. In general, there are two potential strategies. The first is based on maximizing animal population growth rates, where animal numbers are kept high in comparison to carrying capacity to maximize the amount of stock that can be taken off each year through translocation or hunting. The second strategy is focused more solely on maintaining a viable animal population by keeping animal numbers relatively low in comparison to carrying capacity to reduce the need for management intervention. The latter strategy was selected as the preferred choice in the case of the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area. Animal numbers are to be kept relatively low (60‐70%) in comparison to carrying capacity in order to limit rapid population increases and crashes, and the need for management intervention to reduce the number of animals. However, several types of activities must be carried out in order to support this type of a management program: 1) a monitoring, early warning, and emergency management system must be established, 2) monitoring and research must be carried out to determine carrying capacity in the protected area, and 3) monitoring and research must be carried out on reem and oryx population dynamics.


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3.3.4.1 Activities to Develop a Monitoring, Early Warning, and Emergency Management System A sound monitoring system is essential for tracking factors that influence or are indicative of carrying capacity in the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area. This includes parameters such as rainfall and water supplies; vegetation composition and condition; animal condition and numbers; and soil characteristics. With a solid

monitoring system, an early warning and management system can also be developed, which alerts managers as conditions deteriorate and outlines what types of actions will be required to address the situation. Several requirements were identified in order to develop a fully‐functional system:

1) General recommendations

Hire a full‐time, onsite ecologist, assistants, and other necessary experts to assess vegetation and wildlife dynamics

Obtain GIS training from local vendors to map and analyze conditions

Develop a GIS database to archive monitoring data

Include a monitoring and research update in special and annual reports

Review monitoring and research programs annually

2) Meteorological/climatological/soil monitoring

Ensure that precipitation is measured consistently at all representative gauging sites in the protected area. It would be beneficial if temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and evaporation

measurements were also measured at each site.

Train the rangers, or hire a specialist, to take weather readings at the gauging sites

Work to establish real‐time automated weather monitoring stations at all gauging sites to minimize the need for human monitoring

Develop representative soil moisture monitoring network

Analyse and interpret the data

3) Animal monitoring

Conduct aerial surveys of animals weekly during capture and seasonally for long‐term monitoring to determine animal population fluctuations and distribution

Monitor birth rates and mortalities in order to analyze animal survivorship and model populations

Conduct training in body condition scoring to assess animal condition


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Establish transects for body condition scoring

Mark animals for better identification

4) Vegetation monitoring

Create representative, permanent vegetation sampling plots to assess ongoing conditions

Create representative, permanent animal exclosures to assess ongoing natural conditions (at least 1 per

vegetation type and 2 hectares in size)

Investigate vegetation monitoring via handheld spectrometer and remote sensing to increase the capacity for using satellite images to assess vegetation

5) Management recommendations

Conduct research on how to use this, and other data (e.g., rodent behavior), to determine early warnings of stress and triggers for action

Continue to investigate potential management options for reducing grazing pressure/animal numbers when necessary (e.g., the number of animals to be removed and how)

To assist the protected area managers in making management decisions while the full system is being researched and developed, the workshop participants proposed an early warning and management system that is based on available monitoring data and field experience (Appendix 2). It is expected that the monitoring and management system will be enhanced as additional data become available and more experience is gained in determining the appropriate indicators, action triggers, and response measures.

3.3.4.2 Activities to Determine and Monitor Carrying Capacity in the Protected Area A strong monitoring program is essential for gathering basic information on bio‐physical characteristics. However, additional activities and research are also necessary to determine the carrying capacity of the protected area over time. These activities include:

Researching vegetation species composition related to rainfall and the seasonality of rain

Researching key food species production in the protected area

Researching the dynamics of animal food species and competition between animal species

Research current vegetation recovery and dynamics

Research the use of existing models used in other regions to the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area

Investigating these issues will assist in determining carrying capacity in the protected area, which will assist in better managing wildlife populations.


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3.3.4.3 Activities to Monitor and Analyze Reem and Oryx Population Dynamics A thorough understanding of reem and oryx population dynamics is essential for designing appropriate early warning systems and informed population management strategies that meet the biological needs of sustainable animal populations and the management goals of the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area. Several activities are required to foster this understanding, including:

Analyzing animal survivorship (age class dependent) and modeling populations to understand mortality occurrence

Analyzing daily and seasonal movement patterns and diet selection

Researching animal reproduction in relation to precipitation to improve monitoring and early warning

Researching how species can be used as stress indicators (or triggers for action)

Researching intra‐ and inter‐species competition

Evaluating genetic tests to ensure genetic diversity in the respective animal populations (This must result in a metapopulation management plan for each species, especially oryx)

Researching the re‐introduction of predators (i.e., wolves, cheetahs, and hyena) as a population control measure

It is expected that carrying out these activities will help in developing informed population management decisions, and maintaining and a genetically diverse and sustainable animal populations.

3.3.2 Recommended Actions to Minimize Drought Effects on Vegetation Growth to Maintain or Increase Carrying Capacity There is an increasing amount of work being done throughout the world to implement best range management practices to foster ecosystem resilience and maintain high carrying capacity. These are long‐term management practices – the goal of which is to foster a resilient and highly productive environment that will produce more vegetation and be better able to withstand stresses, such as drought. Several potential activities were highlighted that could contribute to fostering better range management at the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area, including:

Review literature on rotational grazing systems, and the use of water point spacing, location, and seasonality to promote preferred grazing

Research water harvesting opportunities, such as placing logs and vegetation in natural waterways or dam construction, which could promote the establishment of vegetation

Research options for and the effects of rangeland reclamation (e.g., breaking the ground surface for vegetation establishment)


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Research the re‐introduction of grazers and browsers (i.e., mountain gazelle and Cape hares) to modify grazing regimes and plant selection

Although important, it was felt that these were activities that could be carried out after the current situation has been

stabilized and other immediate needs have been met (i.e., emergency management measures have been carried out, a monitoring system has been established, and other basic research on carrying capacity and animal population dynamics has begun).

4.1 Planning Matrix to Reduce the Risk of Mass Mortalities at the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area Once the primary activities to be carried out were identified, the actions were incorporated into a planning matrix, shown in Appendix 1. In developing the planning matrix, workshop participants were asked

to place a priority on each item, note indicators of success, timelines, and partners that would be responsible for addressing each task.

4.1.1 Action Priorities As stated previously, the most pressing issue was to address the current emergency situation in the protected area. Therefore, all actions listed under “implementing emergency feeding and watering measures when necessary to prevent mass mortalities” were ranked highly with a “1” versus less critical tasks denoted with a “2”. Next, the tasks involved with managing oryx and reem population growth within carrying capacity of the protected area were rated highly. All of the tasks associated with

establishing a monitoring system were all rated highly, along with most of the activities to help investigate carrying capacity and population dynamics. Finally, the long‐term range management strategies were viewed as important but less critical tasks, at this time. However, since many of the activities are based on the need for additional funding, opportunities may arise that change the priority of some of the tasks.

4.1.2 Indicators of Success Workshop participants also identified a variety of indicators of success for each action item identified. These are general indicators that progress is being made on

the item and they are expected to be updated on a periodic basis as the efforts continue in the future.


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4.1.3 Timelines Initial timelines were provided for each action item to set a benchmark for action. In general, it was felt that most of the management actions to address the current emergency situation must be started immediately and completed within one year to minimize ongoing mass mortalities. Similarly, the establishment of a monitoring system and activities to evaluate carrying capacity and population management strategies should begin immediately and

have made significant progress within 18 months. Finally, the long‐term range management studies may not be an immediate concern but should have made some progress in seeking funding with 18 months. The timelines provided are expected to be assessed periodically (e.g., every six months) to monitor progress and adjust for changing funding and management environments.

4.1.4 Partners The implementation of many of the identified actions will require partnerships between many different entities although, ultimately, the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) and the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) will be held accountable for fostering progress and implementing the proposed recommendations. Several representatives of other partner organizations also attended the workshop

and express expressed an interest in working with the NWRC and the NCWCD. These include organizations such as the King Khalid Wildlife Research Center (KKWRC), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), and the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) in the United States. A variety of other organizations are also expected to participate as the projects continue.

5.1 Advisory Services and Review It is recommended that an external advisory group of relevant professionals and stakeholders be developed to provide ongoing review and recommendations on the tasks outline in this document. The

group could hold meetings or teleconferences on a more frequent basis (i.e., every 3‐6 months) and a more detailed review every two years.

6.1 References Australian Agency for International

Development (AusAID) (2005) The Logical Framework Approach, AugGuidelines, Commonwealth of Australia (http://www.ausaid.gov.au/ ausguide/pdf/ausguideline3.3.pdf)

World Bank (2001) The LogFrame Handbook: A Logical Framework to Project Cycle Management, World Bank: Washington, D.C., USA (http://www.wau.boku.ac.at/ fileadmin/_/H81/H811/Skripten/811332/811332_G3_log‐framehandbook.pdf)


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Appendix 1

Planning matrix to reduce the risk of mass mortalities at the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area in Saudi Arabia

Activity Description Priority(1 or 2)

Indicators of Success

Timeline Partners

Goal: Eliminate mass mortalities of oryx and reem in the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area

1

No mass mortalities of oryx and reem

Immediately

NWRC, NCWCD

Purpose: Foster a proactive wildlife and range management system

1

Management capacity enhanced

0‐18 months

Outputs:

1. Minimize drought effects on vegetation growth to maintain or increase carrying capacity

2. Manage oryx and reem

population growth within carrying capacity of the protected area

3. Implement emergency feeding and watering measures when necessary to prevent mass mortalities

2 1 1

Research proposals funded Monitoring system implemented; carrying capacity calculated; management system implemented; research proposals funded Emergency measures implemented

9‐18 months 0‐18 months 0‐12 months

Activities for Output 1

1.2 Review literature on rotational grazing and water point spacing, locations, and seasonality

2 Literature review initiated

9 months NWRC, student, NCWCD

1.3 Research water harvesting opportunities (e.g., logs and vegetation in waterways, dam construction)

2 Project funded 18 months NWRC, NCWCD, KFUPM, KACST

1.4 Research the effects of rangeland 2 Project funded 18 months NWRC, NCWCD


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reclamation (e.g., breaking ground surface for vegetation establishment)

1.5 Research the re‐introduction of grazers/browsers (i.e., mountain gazelle and Cape hares)

2 Project funded 18 months NWRC, NCWCD


2.1 Determine and monitor carrying capacity in the protected area

2.1.1 Research vegetation species composition related to rainfall and seasonality of rain

1 Project funded 6‐9 months NWRC, NCWCD, KFUPM

2.1.2 Research key food species production

1 Project funded 6‐9 months NWRC, NCWCD, KKWRC

2.1.3 Research dynamics of animal food species and competition between animal species

1 Project funded 6‐9 months NWRC, NCWCD

2.1.4 Research current vegetation recovery


2.1.5 Research the use of existing models to Mahazat


2.1.6 Research population dynamics (e.g., desirable and undesirable species)


2.2 Monitor and conduct research on reem and oryx population dynamics

2.2.1 Analyze animal survivorship (age class dependent) and model populations

1 Survivorship determined for oryx and reem

3‐6 months NRWC, KKWRC, NCWCD

2.2.2 Analyze daily and seasonal movement patterns and diet selection

1 Movement patterns and diet selection analyzed

6 months NWRC, NCWCD, KKWRC

2.2.3 Research animal reproduction in relation to precipitation


2.2.4 Research how species can be used as stress indicators (triggers)


2.2.5 Research intra‐ and inter‐species competition


2.2.6 Research the genetic diversity of animals

2 Project funded 18 months NWRC, KACST, KKWRC, NCWCD

2.2.7 Research on the re‐introduction of predators (i.e., wolves, cheetahs, hyena)


2.3 Establish an early warning and emergency management system

2.3.2 Measure and analyze precipitation, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and evaporation at all monitoring sites

1 Collection of regular, quality precipitation data

Immediately NWRC, NCWCD, NDMC

2.3.3 Train rangers or get a specialist to take weather readings and analysis

1 Regular staff to record stations

Immediately NWRC, NCWCD

2.3.4 Establish real‐time automated 1 Regular, quality Immediately NWRC, NCWCD,


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weather monitoring stations climate data; reduced data failure; database maintained

NDMC

2.3.5 Conduct aerial surveys of animals weekly during capture and seasonally for long‐term monitoring

1 Regular aerial surveys performed


2.3.6 Monitor birth rates and mortalities

1 Continued monitoring

Immediately NWRC, NCWCD, KKWRC

2.3.7 Conduct training in body condition scoring

1 All rangers trained in body conditions scoring for oryx and reem completed

3 months NWRC, NCWCD

2.3.8 Establish transects for body condition scoring

1 Regular BCS on transects for oryx and reem

3 months NWRC, NCWCD, KKWRC

2.3.9 Investigate vegetation monitoring via handheld spectrometer and remote sensing

1 Spectrometer readings begin

3 months NWRC, NCWCD, KFUPM

2.3.10 Hire on‐site ecologist, assistants, and other necessary experts to monitor vegetation and wildlife

1 Hired an ecologist 6 months NWRC, NCWCD

2.3.11 Provide GIS training and map monitoring conditions

1 Training completed; map creation

6 months NWRC, KFUPM, KACST, NCWCD

2.3.12 Develop a GIS database to archive monitoring data

1 Training completed; map creation

6 months NWRC, NCWCDKFUPM

2.3.13 Research to refine early warning indicators (i.e., carrying capacity and other threshold indicators)


2.3.14 Refine management strategies (e.g., how many animals to remove)


2.3.15 Include a monitoring and research update in special and annual reports

1 Special and annual report produced

7 months NWRC, NCWCD

2.3.16 Research the use of rodents as stress indicators


2.3.17 Create representative permanent vegetation sampling plots

1 Created sampling plots

9 months NWRC,NCWCD, KFUPM

2.3.18 Create representative permanent vegetation exclosures

1 Created vegetation exclosures

9 months NWRC, KFUPM, NCWCD

2.3.19 Develop soil moisture monitoring system

1 Soil moisture system in place

9 months NWRC, NCWCD, KFUPM

2.3.20 Mark animals for identification 1 All animals marked After capture NWRC, NCWCD, NCWCD


3.1 Transfer supplemental feed and water to capture sites

1 Feed and water in the capture site


3.2 Capture reem and oryx in west enclosure sites

1 Reem and oryx in west enclosure site



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3.3 Supplemental feed inside and outside the enclosures

1 Supplemental Immediately NWRC, NCWCD

3.4 Construct east enclosure site and capture reem and oryx

1 Built the enclosure site; reem and oryx in the enclosure site

0‐3 months NWRC, NCWCD

3.5 Implement portable enclosures for capture

1 Portable enclosures implemented


3.6 Establish translocation relationships and procedures

1 Contacts made with other facilities, partners; agreements reached

3 months NWRC, NCWCDKKWRC

3.7 Hire expert on capture techniques and provide training to existing staff

1 Hire expert on capture techniques; training provided to staff


3.8 Conduct research on irrigation potential to grow natural vegetation

1 Project funded 6‐9 months NWRC, NCWCD, KFUPM, KACST

3.9 Conduct genetic testing to understand genetic diversity

2 Genetic testing sampling begun

After capture – 3‐12 months – if money

NWRC, KKWRC, NCWCD

3.10 Possible removal of animals from enclosures if options available

2 12 months NWRC, NCWCD

3.11 Possible hiring of addition staff and training for capture techniques

2 NWRC, NCWCD


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Appendix 2. Early Warning and Management System Recommendations for the Mahazat as‐Sayd Protected Area The proposed early warning system was formulated based on the availability of existing monitoring data and information and the experience of field managers. It consists of 5 sequential response stages: alert, warning, management, emergency, and recovery phases. Each of the phases is triggered by a combination of indicators, which should be examined collectively to assess the current condition. The activation of each stage will trigger a number of actions that should be carried out to minimize the risk of mass mortalities.

In this plan, the goal is to manage grazing and animal numbers aggressively to reduce grazing stress and minimize the need for large removals of animals and mass mortalities. The plan also includes a recovery stage where conditions should be monitored closely to evaluate conditions, the effectiveness of management strategies, and whether subsequent actions are required or things are returning to “normal” operating conditions. The recommended stages and actions include:

1. Alert Stage

Indicators of stage activation:

If receive <25 mm of precipitation is received during November to December

Reduced mating attempts by reems from October to November

If receive <10 mm of precipitation from Jan to April

Limited breeding attempts among houbara from Jan to April

Reduced ostrich nesting in January

Actions to be triggered:

Alert appropriate NWRC and NCWCD staff and hold a meeting to discuss conditions (e.g., rainfall; vegetation; animal distribution, numbers, and condition)

Mobilize increased monitoring of vegetation and animals (e.g., additional surveys to assess general conditions)


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2. Warning Stage


Weaker animals migrate towards ranger camps and fence

Body condition score of equal to or greater than 3 (on a scale of 1‐5) for more than 50% of the oryx or reem

Seeing vegetation stress o Limited plant growth

(e.g., grasses and Salsola)

o Animals may be eating undesirable plants (e.g., increasers)

o Browse lines

Unusual reem twin calving occurrences (too many – exponential, too few ‐ stressed)

Population declines in rodents such as gerbels (response to vegetation stress)


More detailed monitoring and analysis of conditions (e.g., animal counts, distribution, condition, and deaths; vegetation surveys; etc.)

More meetings with administration and key decision makers

Mobilizing resources and personnel (e.g., enclosure sites, translocation options, etc.)

3. Management Stage Indicators of stage activation:

Have reached 50% of carrying capacity (investigate through research and adaptive management)

No improvement in vegetation and animals

Mortalities in calves and older animals (greater than 5‐10%)

Negative trend in body score from warning stage level


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Removal of animals (i.e., 70‐80% of reem, 60% of oryx, and ostrich) 1) Translocations

to other protected areas

to private entities for conservation

to private entities for utilization

2) Enclosures for special purposes such as genetic management of oryx

3) Culling Public relations measures (e.g.,

news stories, interviews, etc.) to keep the public updated on conditions and

the necessity of management actions

4. Emergency Stage


Severe degradation of vegetation (e.g., Lasiurus, Panicum (decreasers) <2.5 cm; Ochtochloa and/or Stipagrostis down to the basal stem)

Mortalities greater than 20% of previous year numbers

Significant animal conditions scores of 4 to 5 (on a scale of 1‐5) for approximately 60% of reem or oryx


Mass removal o Translocations

to other protected areas

to private entities for conservation

to private entities for utilization

o Enclosures o Enclosures for special

purposes such as genetic management of oryx

o Culling


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5. Recovery Stage Indicators of stage activation:

Action taken during other phases

Annuals and grasses flowering


Continue to monitor conditions

Begin re‐stocking when annuals and grasses flowering and have

enough biomass to carry 200% of carrying capacity


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To know more about the Wildlife Research and conservation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, kindly contact:

National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) PO Box 1086, Taif, Saudi Arabia

Tel. Office: +966-2-7455188, Fax: +966-2-7455176. Email: [email protected]

Latitude: 21.15 Longitude: 40.42 Area: 3000 ha. 30km from Taif city on Al Baha Road,

10km from Water filling station toward Sudhera village

The NWRC speaks out for birds and wildlife,

tackling the problems that threaten our environment.

Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way.

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