Over the past three decades, there has been a global paradigm shift in biodiversity conservation approaches from exclusive protected areas (PAs) towards people-centred conservation. This has encouraged the development of community-based conservation across the world, promoting reconciliation between livelihood improvement and biodiversity conservation. However, there is a growing body of literature that demonstrates mixed outcomes of community-based conservation approaches in contributing to improved conservation and local livelihoods, especially to the communities neighbouring PAs in Africa. This dissertation examines the experience of implementing one community wildlife management area (WMA) in Tanzania, with a particular focus on the effectiveness of Ikona WMA in contributing to improved conservation and local livelihoods in Western Serengeti. Specifically, the study investigates livelihood benefits and conservation impacts attributed to Ikona WMA in the study area. It also explores the success and challenges of implementing Ikona WMA and suggests areas for improvement. Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered through field-based research in Nyichoka and Robanda villages, which participate in Ikona WMA, and Rwamchanga village, which does not. Research methods employed in this study include interviews, focus group discussions, and household surveys. With regard to livelihood benefits attributed to Ikona WMA, results show benefits to the communities participating in WMA at the community level, especially improvement of social infrastructure, while few or no benefits were realized at the household level. In addition, findings show variation in perceptions between and among the communities participating in Ikona WMA and the community not participating, and among conservation experts about community access to natural resources and benefits experienced at the household level in the study area. Findings show that the communities participating in the WMA had more positive perceptions of Ikona WMA, and perceived more conservation impact than did the community not participating in the WMA. Both community members and WMA administrators perceived a decline of illegal activities, improvement of habitat, increase of wild animals, and increase of wildlife protection as the major conservation impacts attributable to Ikona WMA. Ikona WMA demonstrates some success in contributing to improved conservation and local livelihoods at the community level. However, the study reveals a number of challenges hindering effective implementation of Ikona WMA, including insufficient power over crucial decision making and ownership of wildlife resources, insufficient involvement of community members, unequal distribution of benefits at the village level, and insufficient transparency, accountability, and monitoring of village development projects. In addition, respondents identified low levels of education among community members and WMA staff members, weak collaboration with other conservation actors, and increases in both livestock and human populations as challenges to the WMA in the study area. The study suggests that broad level participation of community members in decision making about wildlife conservation, empowerment of the local community, particularly with regard to financial resources, skills training, and true devolution of power over wildlife to the community, as well as fostering equity in benefit sharing at the village level, could help to cultivate community interest in wildlife conservation. / Graduate / 0768 / 0478 / 0368

The conservation of wildlife species plays a profound part in development issues in northern areas. In recent years, northern wildlife management has become a complicated process of cross-cultural communication. This thesis begins with an outline of the relations between First Nations and Euro-Americans in the context of the dynamics between wildlife scientists and aboriginal subsistence-based communities. The current economic, social and political characteristics of subsistence systems are discussed. The emergence of co-management systems is described in a review of wildlife management institutions existing in northern Canada and Alaska. An analysis of the activities of the Beverly-Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board (B-Q CMB) and the relative participation of traditional users and government wildlife scientists forms the core of an exploration of the nature of wildlife co-management. In order to understand some of the perspectives of local caribou-using communities within the co-management framework, interviews were held with members of the Inuit community of Arviat, Nunavut and the Sayisi-Dene community of Tadoule Lake, Manitoba. Finally, the general role of co-management institutions in securing the viability of communal property regimes is discussed with specific reference to the case of the B-Q CMB.

The efficacy of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) is contingent on it having a design appropriate for the species it is intended to protect. Hector�s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori), a coastal delphinid endemic to New Zealand, is endangered due to bycatch in gillnets. Analyses of survival rate and population viability suggest that the Banks Peninsula population is most likely still declining despite the presence of the Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary (BPMMS), where gillnetting is regulated. More data on distribution and movements of dolphins are therefore required to improve the design of the BPMMS. On aerial surveys of Hector�s dolphin distribution at Banks Peninsula over three years, sightings were made up to 19 n.mi. offshore. On average, 19% of dolphins were sighted outside the BPMMS�s 4 n.mi. offshore boundary in summer, compared to 56% in winter. On similar surveys of the South Island�s west coast, all dolphins were sighted within 6 n.mi. of the coast and there was no seasonal change in distribution. At each location, Mantel tests indicated that distance offshore had the strongest and most consistent effect on distribution. However, a logistic regression model using the combined datasets suggested that distribution was most strongly defined by water depth, with all sightings made inside the 90 m isobath. Boat surveys were carried out at Banks Peninsula (2002 to 2006) to continue the long-term photo-ID project. Using the 22 year dataset, alongshore home-range of the 20 most frequently sighted dolphins was estimated by univariate kernel methods. Mean alongshore range was 49.69 km (SE = 5.29), 60% larger than the previous estimate. Fifteen percent of these individuals had ranges extending beyond the northern boundary of the BPMMS. An acoustic data logger, the T-POD, was trialled for passive acoustic monitoring of Hector�s dolphins. Simultaneous T-POD/theodolite surveys revealed that T-PODs reliably detected dolphins within 200m. No detections were made beyond 500m. To monitor inshore habitat use, T-PODs were deployed in three locations at Banks Peninsula (n = 431 days). A GLM analysis of Detection Positive Minutes (DPM) per day indicated that season had the largest effect on detection rate, with over twice as many DPMs per day in summer (x̄ = 99.8) as winter (x̄ = 47.6). The new findings on Hector�s dolphin distribution and ranging can be used to improve the design of the BPMMS. It is recommended that the offshore boundary of the BPMMS is extended to 20 n.mi. (37 km), the northern boundary is moved 12 km north and recreational gillnetting is prohibited year round. In areas where distribution of Hector�s dolphin has not been studied, the offshore boundary of MPAs should enclose the 100 m isobath.

Many Australian marsupial species require active population management to ensure their survival in the wild. Such management should be based on a sound understanding of species biology. This thesis explores how knowledge of reproduction and genetics can be applied to the management of three Australian marsupial species faced with contrasting management scenarios. The ??vulnerable?? greater bilby is the sole remaining desert bandicoot in Australia. They are a secretive, solitary species whose mating system is unclear. This research examined temporal changes in genetic diversity within two captive breeding programs utilising different management strategies. Using seven microsatellite loci, this study found the regular translocation of new individuals into the population maintained genetic diversity. Parentage analysis revealed the bilby to have a promiscious mating system. Sires and non-sires could not be distinguished by morphological traits. The tammar wallaby is a polygynous, solitary species that is threatened on mainland Australia, but overabundant on some offshore islands. The population genetics of tammars from the Abrolhos Islands in Western Australia were examined using nine autosomal and four Y-linked microsatellite loci, and mitochondrial DNA. There was a relationship between island size, population size and genetic diversity. The Abrolhos populations have significantly lower genetic diversity and are more inbred than mainland tammars and all sampled populations were significantly differentiated. The Abrolhos and mainland populations should be treated as separate Management Units. The eastern grey kangaroo is a gregarious, polygynous species that is often locally overabundant. To determine traits influencing male reproductive success, behavioural, morphological, physiological and genetic data were examined and showed dominance status, body size and testosterone concentrations were important factors. Sires were also significantly more heterozygous and genetically dissimilar to females, than non-sires. As body condition influences individual fitness, and management decisions; five body condition indices (BCI) calculated from morphological data were validated using serum biochemistry and haematology in two kangaroo populations with contrasting body condition. Blood parameters were found to be more reliable indicators of condition, questioning the credibility of BCIs currently used in management. These studies demonstrate the importance of reproductive and genetic data in assisting wildlife management, regardless of a species conservation status.

No description available.

No description available.

Over the last 15 years, pinniped tourism has experienced a rapid growth in the Southern Hemisphere, and particularly in Australia and New Zealand where at least four sites attract more than 100,000 visitors per year. Tourism focused on the Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea), a protected species endemic to Australia, occurs in at least nine sites in South Australia and Western Australia. Australian sea lions haul out on several offshore islands in the Perth region. Carnac Island Nature Reserve is one of the main sites where people can view sea lions near Perth, either during recreational activities or on commercial tours. This study sought: (1) to investigate the potential impact of human visitors on Australian sea lions hauled out on Carnac Island, (2) to consider implications of the results for the management of Carnac Island Nature Reserve, and (3) to examine under which conditions tourism and recreation around sea lions can be sustained in the long term. Sea lion numbers, rate of return to the site, behavioural response to human presence and incidents of disturbances of sea lions by visitors were recorded over a period of four months on Carnac Island. A survey of 207 visitors was also carried out. Findings indicated that there were two main types of human impacts on the sea lions: • A specific state of sea lion vigilance induced by low level, but ongoing, repetitive disturbances from human presence, sustained at various approach distances ranging to more than 15 m, vigilance that is different from the behaviour profile observed in the absence of human disturbance, • Impacts resulting from incidental direct disturbances of sea lions by visitors from inappropriate human recreational activities or from visitors trying to elicit a more ‘active’ sea lion response than the usual ‘sleeping or resting’ behaviour on display; these impacts included sea lions retreating and leaving the beach, or displaying aggressive behaviour. Impacts on sea lions from these disturbances may range from a potential sea lion physiological stress response to sea lions leaving the beach, a reduction in the time sea lions spend hauling out, and, in the longer term, the risk of sea lions abandoning the site altogether. Repeated instances of visitors (including unsupervised young children) approaching sea lions at very short distances of less than 2.5 m represented a public safety risk. Results also indicated that (1) the numbers of sea lions hauled out and their rate of return to the beach did not appear to be affected by an increase in the level of human visitation (although longer-term studies would be required to confirm this result); and (2) there appeared to be a high turnover rate of sea lions at the site from day to day, suggesting that there are frequent arrivals and departures of sea lions to and from Carnac Island. The visitor survey indicated that many visitors to Carnac Island had a recreational focus that was not primarily directed towards sea lion viewing (‘incidental ecotourists’). Although many visitors witnessed incidental disturbance caused by humans to sea lions, they did not seem to recognise that they themselves could disturb sea lions through their mere presence. Visitors also seemed to have a limited awareness of the safety risk posed by sea lions at close range. Visitors expressed support for the presence of a volunteer ranger on the beach and for more on-site information about sea lions. Finally, visitors indicated that they greatly valued their sea lion viewing experience. It is anticipated that the continued increase in visitation to Carnac Island from recreation and from tourism will result in intensified competition for space between humans and sea lions. Long-term impacts of human disturbances on sea lions are unknown, but a physiological stress response and/or the abandonment of haulout sites has been observed in other pinniped species. The findings of this study highlight the need to implement a long-term strategy to reduce disturbance levels of sea lions by visitors at Carnac Island to ensure that tourism and recreation around sea lions can be sustained in the long term. Recommendations include measures to control visitor numbers on the island through an equitable allocation system between various user groups, the development of on-site sea lion interpretation and a public education and awareness program, the setting up of a Sea Lion Sanctuary Zone on the main beach, ongoing monitoring of sea lion and visitor numbers and other data, and a system of training and accreditation of guides employed by tour operators.

The efficacy of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) is contingent on it having a design appropriate for the species it is intended to protect. Hector�s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori), a coastal delphinid endemic to New Zealand, is endangered due to bycatch in gillnets. Analyses of survival rate and population viability suggest that the Banks Peninsula population is most likely still declining despite the presence of the Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary (BPMMS), where gillnetting is regulated. More data on distribution and movements of dolphins are therefore required to improve the design of the BPMMS. On aerial surveys of Hector�s dolphin distribution at Banks Peninsula over three years, sightings were made up to 19 n.mi. offshore. On average, 19% of dolphins were sighted outside the BPMMS�s 4 n.mi. offshore boundary in summer, compared to 56% in winter. On similar surveys of the South Island�s west coast, all dolphins were sighted within 6 n.mi. of the coast and there was no seasonal change in distribution. At each location, Mantel tests indicated that distance offshore had the strongest and most consistent effect on distribution. However, a logistic regression model using the combined datasets suggested that distribution was most strongly defined by water depth, with all sightings made inside the 90 m isobath. Boat surveys were carried out at Banks Peninsula (2002 to 2006) to continue the long-term photo-ID project. Using the 22 year dataset, alongshore home-range of the 20 most frequently sighted dolphins was estimated by univariate kernel methods. Mean alongshore range was 49.69 km (SE = 5.29), 60% larger than the previous estimate. Fifteen percent of these individuals had ranges extending beyond the northern boundary of the BPMMS. An acoustic data logger, the T-POD, was trialled for passive acoustic monitoring of Hector�s dolphins. Simultaneous T-POD/theodolite surveys revealed that T-PODs reliably detected dolphins within 200m. No detections were made beyond 500m. To monitor inshore habitat use, T-PODs were deployed in three locations at Banks Peninsula (n = 431 days). A GLM analysis of Detection Positive Minutes (DPM) per day indicated that season had the largest effect on detection rate, with over twice as many DPMs per day in summer (x̄ = 99.8) as winter (x̄ = 47.6). The new findings on Hector�s dolphin distribution and ranging can be used to improve the design of the BPMMS. It is recommended that the offshore boundary of the BPMMS is extended to 20 n.mi. (37 km), the northern boundary is moved 12 km north and recreational gillnetting is prohibited year round. In areas where distribution of Hector�s dolphin has not been studied, the offshore boundary of MPAs should enclose the 100 m isobath.

Many Australian marsupial species require active population management to ensure their survival in the wild. Such management should be based on a sound understanding of species biology. This thesis explores how knowledge of reproduction and genetics can be applied to the management of three Australian marsupial species faced with contrasting management scenarios. The ??vulnerable?? greater bilby is the sole remaining desert bandicoot in Australia. They are a secretive, solitary species whose mating system is unclear. This research examined temporal changes in genetic diversity within two captive breeding programs utilising different management strategies. Using seven microsatellite loci, this study found the regular translocation of new individuals into the population maintained genetic diversity. Parentage analysis revealed the bilby to have a promiscious mating system. Sires and non-sires could not be distinguished by morphological traits. The tammar wallaby is a polygynous, solitary species that is threatened on mainland Australia, but overabundant on some offshore islands. The population genetics of tammars from the Abrolhos Islands in Western Australia were examined using nine autosomal and four Y-linked microsatellite loci, and mitochondrial DNA. There was a relationship between island size, population size and genetic diversity. The Abrolhos populations have significantly lower genetic diversity and are more inbred than mainland tammars and all sampled populations were significantly differentiated. The Abrolhos and mainland populations should be treated as separate Management Units. The eastern grey kangaroo is a gregarious, polygynous species that is often locally overabundant. To determine traits influencing male reproductive success, behavioural, morphological, physiological and genetic data were examined and showed dominance status, body size and testosterone concentrations were important factors. Sires were also significantly more heterozygous and genetically dissimilar to females, than non-sires. As body condition influences individual fitness, and management decisions; five body condition indices (BCI) calculated from morphological data were validated using serum biochemistry and haematology in two kangaroo populations with contrasting body condition. Blood parameters were found to be more reliable indicators of condition, questioning the credibility of BCIs currently used in management. These studies demonstrate the importance of reproductive and genetic data in assisting wildlife management, regardless of a species conservation status.

Thesis (doctoral)--Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 2007. / Thesis documentation sheet inserted. Includes appendix of five papers in press and submitted manuscripts, all co-authored with others. Includes bibliographical references. Also issued electronically via World Wide Web in PDF format; online version lacks appendix.