US-IALE 2018

AUTHORS: Christie Sampson*, Clemson University & Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute; Peter Leimgruber, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute; John McEvoy, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute; Aung Nyein Chan, Colorado State University & Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute & WWF–Myanmar; George Wittemyer, Colorado State University; Jenny Glikman, San Diego Zoo Global; David O’Connor, San Diego Zoo Global; David Tonkyn, Clemson University & University of Arkansas at Little Rock

ABSTRACT: Our research has detected an extreme rate of poaching occurring in Myanmar. This was initially identified when seven of the 19 elephants collared for a telemetry study were found dead or disappeared within six days to one year of being fitted with a satellite-GPS collar. Subsequent follow up of ground teams confirmed the human caused loss of at least 19 elephants, including the seven collared individuals, within a 35 square kilometer area in less than two years. 40 additional elephant carcasses were found across Myanmar once systematic surveys began. In addition, we are conducting an interview survey to assess the perception of poaching among communities. The responses from this survey will be used to inform conservation policy and anti-poaching programs. Myanmar represents one of the last remaining countries with substantial wildlands suitable for elephants. Increasing rates of human-elephant conflict and poaching events in this country pose a dire threat to the global population.