Wildlife Conservation Programs Research Articles

A unified approach to long-term population monitoring of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Long-term wildlife research and monitoring programs strive to maintain consistent data collections and analytical methods. Incorporating new techniques is important but can render data sets incongruent and limit their potential to discern trends in demographic parameters. Integrated population models (IPMs) can address these limitations by combining data sources that may span different periods into a unified statistical framework while providing a holistic view of population dynamics. We developed an IPM in a Bayesian framework for grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We coupled demographic data with multiple, independent population count data to link annual changes in abundance with vital rates over 4 decades (1983–2023). Abundance increased threefold from an estimated 270 individuals in 1984 to 1030 individuals in 2023. Parameter estimates indicated survival of bears ≥2 years of age was high, contributing to robust population growth during the 1980s (λ = 1.023 [50 % interquartile range = 0.993–1.082]) and 1990s (λ = 1.064 [1.023–1.103]). A slowing of population growth started around 2000 (2000s: λ = 1.030 [0.989–1.068]) and continued into the 2010s (λ = 1.021 [0.985–1.057]), due primarily to reductions in survival of bears <2 years of age. These findings corroborate previous research that identified density-dependent effects as a likely cause. The IPM framework provided greater certainty and understanding regarding the dynamic demographic characteristics of the population and serves as a powerful monitoring tool for this long-lived species. Implementation of the IPM allows timely dissemination of demographic data to help inform adaptive management strategies and policy decisions necessary for the continued management and conservation of this population. This robust and flexible monitoring system allows scientists to investigate the effects of a changing ecosystem on population dynamics, incorporate new data sources and statistical models, and respond to changes in monitoring needs for the population. We highlight the efficacy of the IPM in estimating and tracking demographic parameters for a long-lived species, while accommodating shifts in monitoring techniques and data collections typical of long-term wildlife conservation programs worldwide.

Population and Conservation Status of Bighorn Sheep in the State of Baja California, Mexico

The bighorn sheep in Mexico is classified as at-risk by the Mexican federal government. In the state of Baja California, wild sheep can be observed throughout the length of the state from the USA–Mexico border south to the Agua de Soda mountain range. This research aimed to document the historical trend of the bighorn population based on aerial surveys conducted in 1992, 1995, 1999, 2010, and 2021, and the abundance, distribution, and structure of bighorn sheep populations in Baja California, based on an aerial survey conducted from 8–14 November 2021, covering thirteen mountain ranges. The estimated sheep population in 2021 was based on the number of individuals observed; the sightability of the animals; the area sampled; and the total area of habitat available. In 30.5 flight hours, 456 bighorn sheep were observed, with an estimated population of 1697 ± 80 individuals. The observation rate was 16 sheep sighted per hour of flight, and the ram:ewe:lamb ratio was 62:100:19. When the results of the 2021 flight were compared to the results of the previous aerial surveys, there was a large variation between the data, which was related to the lack of consistency between the sampling designs used in each study. Nevertheless, a statistical test of the results of aerial surveys conducted in the state suggest that the Baja California bighorn sheep population remained stable between 1992 and 2021. This study highlights the need to standardize wild sheep aerial surveys by defining flight paths and establishing a consistent duration of flights. On the other hand, Baja California authorities should consider modifying the current conservation strategy for bighorn sheep to increase the species’ population in the state by initiating community-based wildlife conservation programs in rural communities.

INNOVATIONS IN TOURISM

Tourism has evolved significantly in recent years, driven by advancements in technology, changing consumer preferences, and a growing awareness of the need for sustainable and responsible travel. Innovative tourism represents a dynamic and transformative sector with vast potential. This essay explores the prospects for the development of innovative tourism and its role in shaping the future of travel. Innovations in technology have been at the forefront of the tourism industry's transformation. The advent of the internet, smartphones, and apps has revolutionized the way travelers plan, book, and experience their journeys. Virtual reality and augmented reality are enhancing pre-trip experiences, allowing travelers to “preview” destinations. Moreover, block chain technology is enhancing security and transparency in bookings and transactions. The prospects for further technological innovations are promising. Artificial intelligence can personalize travel recommendations, making them more relevant to individual preferences. The Internet of Things can enable smart and connected destinations, enhancing convenience for tourists. As 5G networks become more widespread, real-time translation services and immersive experiences will become more accessible, changing how tourists engage with their surroundings.Sustainable and Responsible Tourism:&#x0D; Innovative tourism places a strong emphasis on sustainability and responsible practices. Travelers are increasingly conscious of their ecological footprint and seek eco-friendly options. Eco-tourism, community-based tourism, and wildlife conservation programs are gaining traction. Eco-friendly accommodations, transportation alternatives, and renewable energy sources are becoming standard offerings. The prospects for sustainable tourism are encouraging. As climate change becomes a pressing concern, the tourism industry has an opportunity to lead by example. Innovations like electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, sustainable architectural designs, and green energy solutions are driving the industry towards a more sustainable future. Responsible tourism practices are essential for preserving the world's natural and cultural treasures.&#x0D; Authentic and Experiential Travel: Modern travelers are seeking more meaningful and immersive experiences. They desire connections with local cultures, traditions, and people. As a result, the prospects for authentic and experiential travel are bright. Innovative tourism encourages travelers to participate in hands-on experiences, such as cooking classes, artisan workshops, and cultural exchanges. Tourism has embraced the sharing economy, with platforms like Airbnb and local experience marketplaces, allowing travelers to live like locals. This trend is expected to grow, leading to more diversified and personalized travel experiences. As tourists increasingly seek unique and transformative experiences, destinations must adapt to meet these evolving demands. Health and wellness tourism has seen remarkable growth, driven by the pursuit of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Innovations in this sector include wellness retreats, spa resorts, yoga and meditation tourism, and medical tourism. In a post-pandemic world, travelers are placing greater emphasis on health and safety. The prospects for the health and wellness tourism industry are excellent. As global health concerns persist, travelers will continue to prioritize destinations and services that promote well-being. Innovations such as health-focused apps, telemedicine services, and wellness technologies will continue to shape this growing niche.&#x0D; Innovative tourism holds great promise for the future of the industry. The rapid pace of technological advancements, coupled with evolving traveler preferences, is reshaping the way we experience the world. Tourism's sustainable and responsible future, combined with the emphasis on authentic, experiential, and wellness travel, is paving the way for a more inclusive and enriching global tourism landscape. To realize these prospects, industry stakeholders must adapt, invest in innovation, and prioritize responsible and sustainable practices. As the world continues to change, the tourism sector will remain at the forefront of innovation and progress.&#x0D; Keywords: tourism, innovative tourism, using innovations in tourism.

IMPLEMENTASI CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PT PERTAMINA DALAM MENDUKUNG KONSERVASI SUMBER DAYA ALAM DI MINANGKABAU

This study aims to see how the Implementation of PT Pertamina's Corporate Social Responsibility in Supporting the Conservation of Natural Resources in Minangkabau. Corporate Social Responsibility is defined as the company's responsibility to stakeholders to act ethically, minimize negative impacts and maximize positive impacts which include economic, social and environmental aspects (triple bottom line) in order to achieve sustainable development goals. The research method in this study is a descriptive qualitative method that focuses on the Implementation of PT Pertamina's Corporate Social Responsibility in Supporting the Conservation of Natural Resources in Minangkabau. Data Collection Techniques Data collection techniques in qualitative research are observation, literature, interviews and documentation studies. In this CSR program partnering with the West Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA). This activity focuses on handling conflicts that occur between people and wild animals. From the implementation of this CSR activity PT Pertamina is implemented in the form of Community Assistance, providing assistance by considering the needs that are really needed by the community. In practice, this wildlife conservation program is carried out by PT Pertamina in collaboration with the West Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA). While the level of CSR carried out in wildlife conservation is Philanthropy, CSR program activities that help solve problems partially.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Implementation, Corporate Social Responsibility, community assistance, Philanthropy&#x0D;

Assessing the impacts of local intention on community-based wildlife ecotourism in Tangkahan, Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) and the development strategy in the post- COVID-19 outbreak

Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) has been implemented to evaluate the structure of behavioral change of the local communities in the forest and wildlife conservation program in Tangkahan, the eastern part of GLNP. This study has the purpose to reveal the determinant factors of local community behavior to support forest and wildlife conservation through ecotourism activities and to formulate a strategy to recover wildlife ecotourism in the post-COVID-19 outbreak. The study was conducted in Tangkahan through a survey method to collect the data. The data were analyzed using linear regression analysis. This study found that the determinant factors of behavioral intention are the conservation attitude and perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention significantly affects the behavior to participate in conservation activities. To improve the visiting number and the ecotourism service in Tangkahan in the post-COVID 19 outbreak, the community should transform and develop the management system from a conventional to virtual/digital method, develop and follow the COVID-19 protocol of ecotourism, re-arrange the ticket fee and the tour packages to cope with domestic visitors and improve the access to the area by constructing the roads and provision of transportation services.

International Tourists' Willingness to Pay for A Wildlife Conservation Program: A Case Study of Northern Yellow-cheeked Gibbons in Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam

Extending protected areas has enabled global species and habitat protection, especially for endangered species. In addition, understanding social preferences for species protection is essential to contribute to the biodiversity conservation efforts of protected areas. The main purpose of the study was to investigate the preferences of international tourists towards the protection of the northern yellow-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus annamensis) through a proposed wildlife conservation program in Bach Ma National Park, Central Vietnam. Data for the study was collected from a face-to-face survey of 361 randomly selected foreign tourists visiting Bach Ma National Park. By using the dichotomous choice contingent valuation approach, we estimate international tourists' willingness to pay (WTP) for the proposed conservation program of gibbons and identify elements that influence their WTP for the conservation program. We found that international tourists strongly support conserving gibbon populations in the Bach Ma. The findings from the logistic regression model in the study reveal that the respondents' bid level, education, knowledge, biodiversity conservation, climate change, and revisit variables were all significantly predictive of WTP. The estimated mean WTP amount for one-time funding of the species conservation program was US$7.83 per international tourist. The obtained results of this study suggest that policy-makers and managers of national parks should consider the significance of international visitors' support for gibbon conservation efforts when designing and developing their social strategies, programs, and policies for protecting nature and preserving biodiversity, particularly with regard to tourism segmentation in protected areas.

Factors Influencing Acceptance of Hippopotamus at a Large Reservoir in Nigeria

In a world increasingly affected by human presence and activities, achieving human–wildlife coexistence has become the goal of many wildlife conservation programs. Coexistence requires an understanding of factors that contribute to human tolerance and acceptance of problematic wildlife. In four communities in Nigeria, we used structured and semi-structured interviews to explore local people’s acceptance of the river hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) at a large reservoir with high human impact and where other conspicuous, damage-causing species are absent. We collected data two years apart to evaluate whether acceptance changed over time. Acceptance was low among respondents (21%). Logistic-regression results showed that attitudes, beliefs related to benefits and risks, behaviors toward hippos, study period, and income source significantly influenced acceptance of hippos. Results from Woolf tests showed that hippo-caused human fatalities most notably modified the observed decline in acceptance between study years. The potential significant impact of rare, yet severe events (in this case, human fatalities) on acceptance of wildlife and thus human–wildlife coexistence was supported in this study, one of few focused on hippo-human relations. For conservation and development interventions to be effective at this site, they should, at a minimum, improve human safety around hippos, emphasize current and potential benefits of hippos, create avenues for off-farm income, and reduce crop losses owing to hippos.

Adverse weather during in utero development is linked to higher rates of later-life herpesvirus reactivation in adult European badgers, Meles meles.

Maternal immune and/or metabolic conditions relating to stress or nutritional status can affect in utero development among offspring with subsequent implications for later-life responses to infections. We used free-ranging European badgers as a host-pathogen model to investigate how prenatal weather conditions affect later-life herpesvirus genital tract reactivation. We applied a sliding window analysis of weather conditions to 164 samples collected in 2018 from 95 individuals born between 2005–2016. We test if the monthly mean and variation in rainfall and temperature experienced by their mother during the 12 months of delayed implantation and gestation prior to parturition subsequently affected individual herpes reactivation rates among these offspring. We identified four influential prenatal seasonal weather windows that corresponded with previously identified critical climatic conditions affecting badger survival, fecundity and body condition. These all occurred during the pre-implantation rather than the post-implantation period. We conclude that environmental cues during the in utero period of delayed implantation may result in changes that affect an individual's developmental programming against infection or viral reactivation later in life. This illustrates how prenatal adversity caused by environmental factors, such as climate change, can impact wildlife health and population dynamics—an interaction largely overlooked in wildlife management and conservation programmes.

Assessing soil corrosivity along feral-proof fencing in the Australian Arid Zone and the development of a new soil corrosivity index

Feral-proof fencing plays a fundamental role in many wildlife conservation programs. The gradual deterioration of metal infrastructure (such as fencing) through contact with a corrosive soil environment is a complex and global issue. This paper aims to classify and map areas of low, moderate and high soil corrosivity risk along fence boundaries in the southern part of the Arid Recovery nature reserve in South Australia. This risk mapping will assist with the management of feral-proof fencing and serve as a model for understanding soil corrosion in arid environments. Maghemite and akagenéite were the dominant corrosion products formed on Arid Recovery fencing and are thought to be ineffective at reducing corrosion on exposed wires due to their high porosity and poor adherence to metal surfaces. On their own, soil pH, soil salinity, soil texture, soil carbonate content, soil chloride content, and soil sulfur content were all poorly correlated with the extent of fence corrosion damage observed at field sites (R2 < 0.2 and p > 0.05). The widely used American Water Works Association 10-Point Corrosion Index (C105) significantly underestimated soil corrosivity in these arid soils, with only 12% of sites correctly classified as corrosive or non-corrosive. A modified index was subsequently developed using soil chemical data, which was able to correctly classify 70% of sites. Further research is needed to accurately assess the performance of this newly developed, preliminary risk index as a reliable soil corrosivity classification method in arid environments.

Assessing ecological knowledge, perceived agency, and motivations regarding wildlife and wildlife conservation in Samburu, Kenya

In international wildlife conservation programs, community engagement and incentivization strategies (e.g., wildlife-related employment, tourism income) typically reflect the ecological understandings and motivations of Western conservationists who design them. However, these views may not always be shared by people who live alongside wildlife and are the intended beneficiaries of the incentives. Such misalignments can undermine the effectiveness of conservation efforts to motivate pro-conservation behavior. In Samburu, Kenya, an area with multiple active international conservation programs, we sought to assess local residents' perspectives regarding three factors known to influence pro-environmental behavior: (a) ecological knowledge, including views on wildlife abundance and extinction risk; (b) perceptions of agency regarding wildlife conservation (here defined as the ability of humans to influence wildlife populations); and (c) personal motivations for wildlife conservation. We interviewed 74 residents and evaluated whether their perspectives aligned with the premises and assumptions that underpin the strategies commonly used by international organizations to promote wildlife conservation in the area. We found that concepts of rarity and extinction based on Western-based science were not salient in how residents thought about local wildlife populations. Consistent with core assumptions of Western conservation programs, however, most residents did feel a sense of agency to influence wildlife populations, and reported economic incentives as primary motivations for conservation. We conclude with cautionary notes regarding tacit assumptions made when promoting wildlife conservation in other cultures, and the ethics and potential unintended consequences of ‘motivation crowding’ by powerful exogenous agents.

Implications for One Health of Anthelmintic Use in Wildlife Conservation Programs.

Implications for One Health of Anthelmintic Use in Wildlife Conservation Programs.

Collection and in vitro maturation of Mazama gouazoubira (brown brocket deer) oocytes obtained after ovarian stimulation.

In vitro production of embryos has gained prominence as a tool for use in wildlife conservation programmes in situ and ex situ. However, the development of this technique depends on steps that include ovarian stimulation, collection and oocyte maturation. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of an ovarian stimulation protocol for follicular aspiration, the efficiency of videolaparoscopy for follicular aspiration and test a medium for in vitro oocyte maturation for the species Mazama gouazoubira. Five females were submitted to repeated ovarian stimulation (hormone protocol using controlled internal drug release), and estradiol benzoate on D0 and eight injections of follicle-stimulating hormone, once every 12 h, from D4 onwards at 30-day intervals. Fourteen surgical procedures were performed in superstimulated females, resulting in the collection of 94 oocytes and an average of 17.1 ± 9.1 follicles observed, 13.5 ± 6.6 follicles aspirated and 7.2 ± 3.7 oocytes collected per surgery. After collection, the oocytes were submitted to in vitro maturation for 24 h and stained with Hoechst 33342 dye to evaluate their nuclear status; 64.5% of the oocytes reached MII and 16.1% were spontaneously activated by parthenogenesis. The nuclear status of oocytes that did not undergo in vitro maturation was evaluated; 80.9% were found to be immature.

Unmanned aircraft systems enable three-dimensional viewshed-based assessment of potential disturbance to nesting raptors by recreational rock climbing

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) can be safer, less expensive, and less labor intensive than manned aircraft in wildlife conservation programs. Consequently, the use of UAS is increasing, but other than installation of line markers to reduce avian collision with power lines, UAS approaches generally involve passive observations. We wondered if UAS could more actively help guide conservation decision-making, so we used UAS-sourced photographs to create 3D models of cliffs to conduct viewshed-based assessments of potential disturbance to nesting raptors by recreational rock climbing. At Cathedral Spires Park and Clear Creek Canyon Park in Jefferson County, Colo., we collected 4790 photographs from which we constructed 3D models. We identified climbing routes and climbing areas with potential to disturb nesting Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) and Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). Our findings were useful in providing Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) with quantitative data so that informed defensible resource management decisions could be made. This project provides an example of how UAS can be used to actively create products useful in wildlife conservation and management and, given the widespread and increasing popularity of rock climbing globally, likely can be generalized to other areas worldwide where rock climbers and nesting raptors share cliffs.

Livelihood impacts and governance processes of community-based wildlife conservation in Maasai Mara ecosystem, Kenya

Community-based wildlife conservation (CBWC) programmes have been a pervasive paradigm in the conservation circles since the 1970s. The key elements of such programmes are that local communities are given ownership rights or custodianship and management responsibilities over wildlife, and that they gain social and economic benefits from conservation of the resources. However, to date, there have been only a few studies that offer in-depth analyses of the interplay between governance processes and livelihood impacts of CBWC programmes. Here, I conducted key informant interviews and focus group discussions in five wildlife conservancies in the Maasai Mara ecosystem in Kenya to address the following questions: i) What are the perceived impacts of the wildlife conservancies on livelihoods of the local people? ii) To what extent are the wildlife conservancies governed in relation to the principles of environmental governance? I assessed impacts on livelihoods by applying the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework to explore perceived conservancy-related benefits and costs (i.e. perceived changes in social, financial, human, physical, and natural capitals). I assessed governance by asking the respondents whether the following eight principles of environmental governance were applied: legitimacy, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, fairness, integration, capability, and adaptability. Perceived benefits of participating in wildlife co-management were identified as: enhanced income from gainful employment and new business opportunities, membership to cooperative societies and participation in community work (e.g. school bursary and feeding programmes), enhanced social relations, improved access to credit and health facilities, enhanced physical infrastructure (schools, roads and bridges), improved physical security and coordinated sharing of provisioning ecosystem services like pasture and water. The principles of legitimacy, inclusiveness, and integration had reportedly been well implemented in wildlife co-management. However, the institutional mechanisms for sharing resources within the conservancies lacked transparency, accountability, and fairness, and tended to favour those who were politically connected to the leadership of the conservancies. Moreover, most of the conservancies had weak systems and few resources to facilitate delivery on responsibilities (i.e. had low capability), and had some costs associated with human-wildlife conflicts. For an improved co-management of wildlife to be achieved in these conservancies, local institutions should be reconfigured to allow active participation by conservancy landowners in decision-making, information sharing, and equitable access to conservancy-related benefits.

Assessing Community-Based Wildlife Conservation Programs with the Gross National Happiness Framework

Many wildlife conservation projects aim to create sustainable and effective solutions by incorporating human and community well-being into their projects. While a few of these projects are incorporating a community well-being approach based on non-economic factors such as health, education, culture, community vitality, and good governance, most define well-being in purely economic terms. Often, the goal is equitable sharing of the economic value of wildlife as the primary incentive for communities to conserve wildlife. However, these projects have had variable results due to a variety of factors. The question of how conservation projects can reliably and consistently improve both community well-being and wildlife outcomes has yet to be answered. The authors posit that existing indices that measure well-being such as the government of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) index, can provide a framework to systematically identify well-being factors through a community-driven method. In this article, nine sustainable and successful community-based wildlife conservation projects are assessed to determine what aspects of well-being (as described by the nine domains of Bhutan’s GNH framework) were considered in project planning and implementation. The results indicate that each project did incorporate a variety of aspects of human well-being into planning and implementation, which likely contributed to their success. Future research recommendations include the development and testing of a community-based well-being instrument to analyze and guide community-based wildlife conservation programs.

Social media as a data resource for #monkseal conservation.

The prevalence of social media platforms that share photos and videos could prove useful for wildlife research and conservation programs. When social media users post pictures and videos of animals, near real-time data like individual identification, sex, location, or other information are made accessible to scientists. These data can help inform researchers about animal occurrence, behavior, or threats to survival. The endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi) population has only 1,400 seals remaining in the wild. A small but growing population of seals has recently reestablished itself in the human-populated main Hawaiian Islands. While this population growth raises concerns about human-seal interactions it also provides the opportunity to capitalize on human observations to enhance research and conservation activities. We measured the potential utility of non-traditional data sources, in this case Instagram, to supplement current population monitoring of monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands. We tracked all Instagram posts with the identifier #monkseal for a one-year period and assessed the photos for biological and geographical information, behavioral concerns, human disturbance and public perceptions. Social media posts were less likely to provide images suitable for individual seal identification (16.5%) than traditional sighting reports (79.9%). However, social media enhanced the ability to detect human-seal interactions or animal disturbances: 22.1%, of the 2,392 Instagram posts examined showed people within 3 meters of a seal, and 17.8% indicated a disturbance to the animal, meanwhile only 0.64% of traditional reports noted a disturbance to the animal. This project demonstrated that data obtained through social media posts have value to monk seal research and management strategies beyond traditional data collection, and further development of social media platforms as data resources is warranted. Many conservation programs may benefit from similar work using social media to supplement the research and conservation activities they are undertaking.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket – Lessons learned from the largest-scale and longest-term wildlife conservation program in the Amazon Basin

The Brazilian Government established the Amazon Turtle Project (Projeto Quelônios da Amazônia – PQA) in 1975 to monitor and protect the main nesting sites of Amazon River turtles. The PQA has become the largest-scale and longest-term wildlife conservation initiative in the Brazilian Amazon. We evaluated the outcomes of the PQA across 11 protected localities over 30 years (1977–2008). Inside the protected localities, one population of Podocnemis expansa has declined and four have seen an increase in numbers. The PQA conservation efforts for P. unifilis were not as successful as those of Podocnemis expansa, but were sufficient to stabilize or increase populations. These results suggest that there is a minimum effort necessary for positive conservation outcomes, which was not achieved for Podocnemis sextuberculata. Given the lack of correlation between initial nesting numbers and positive population trends, the current level of success in a given locality cannot be used as a tool to prioritize future protection efforts. We recommend that the PQA should maintain or increase its coverage due to the high levels of local unpredictability. If current harvest trends are maintained, it is likely the only surviving populations of P. expansa will be within protected areas. Considering the scope of the PQA and the period that it has been operational, it is surprising how little recognition it has received; the lack of national and international awareness of its achievements may be one of the main reasons behind the lack of support from the Brazilian Government.

Conserving orangutans one classroom at a time: evaluating the effectiveness of a wildlife education program for school‐aged children in Indonesia

AbstractEnvironmental education is a cornerstone of many wildlife conservation programs, and measuring the impact of such education initiatives is imperative for evaluating their effectiveness in achieving conservation goals. For over 15 years, the Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Program (GPOCP) has been working to protect wild Bornean orangutans Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii living in and around Gunung Palung National Park in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. In 2015, we carried out a series of six Environmental Education Expeditions to communities in the remote districts surrounding the Park, engaging 1519 elementary (n = 770) and junior/senior high school (n = 749) students across 24 schools. Before and after engaging with our environmental education activities students were given surveys to assess their knowledge about and attitudes toward orangutans. We found that our educational activities led to 13.6–40.4% increases in student knowledge about orangutans and substantial shifts toward more positive attitudes about conservation, but that many students do not believe that they personally can make a difference. Empowerment may be a key need to link wildlife education to environmental action.

The Big Tuskers of Tsavo: highlighting the importance of the Big Tusker Project in Kenya's Tsavo Conservation Area

Tsavo Trust is an action‐orientated, field‐based, not‐for‐profit conservation organization headquartered in Tsavo, Kenya. In association with Kenya Wildlife Service and other partners, Tsavo Trust utilizes a unique strategy to work on direct wildlife‐conservation projects. Tsavo Trust also engages with specific local communities in the stewardship of conservancies, in order to encourage participation in conservation activities that benefit the marginalized people who live on the border of the formal Protected Area. Tsavo Trust recognizes the importance of a holistic approach to biodiversity conservation, using a combination of professional wildlife conservation activities, grass‐roots community engagement, valued partnerships and committed supporters to create a virtuous circle for the protection of Tsavo. The mission is to conserve the vast wilderness of the Tsavo Conservation Area, which encompasses Kenya's biggest Protected Area, and is home to Kenya's largest elephant population, including several iconic ‘Tuskers’, and numerous high‐value species. Tsavo Conservation Area is one of the few truly wild places with significant wildlife left in Africa. This national heritage is under threat and faces multiple challenges, including wildlife crime, climate change and habitat loss. At the time of writing, the Tsavo elephant population contains eight bull ‘Tuskers’ and five iconic cow ‘Tuskers’, as well as c. 26 younger bulls that may emerge as ‘Tuskers’ in the next 5 years. Tsavo Trust's work focuses on four core programmes: ‘Wildlife Conservation Program: Big Tusker Project’, ‘Community Conservancy Program’, ‘Animal Welfare Program’ and ‘Conservation Partnerships’. Through the Big Tusker Project, Tsavo Trust, in partnership with Kenya Wildlife Service, provides extra protection for the last ‘Super Tuskers’ of Tsavo using aerial surveillance and mobile ground‐based units.

Four Windows Promoting Research and Innovation for Sustainable Research Development

This paper embraces four windows of research and development which lead to sustainable development wildlife conservation and tourism industry. The windows are first, public [known] what is known to others through literature review (sceneries) and wildlife conservation what others have done on that research; second [confidential [not known] to others and people visit the scenery to know more about it. What the research wants to study or investigate and give the results; third, private [known to others], what other people know and the research wants to receive through respondents and make others know and fourth, blind [unknown] to all and the research want know when analysed and results concluded and recommended. The problem is policies in wildlife conservation and tourism are framed and dominated by western environmental values and scientific philosophies and indigenous people provide significant information which tourist use in research without acknowledging. The objective of the study is to embrace the culture of research and development in Kenya for the conservation of wildlife and sustainable tourism through indigenous research and innovation. The paper is theoretical, uses analytical method and document analysis. The key results are wildlife conservation and tourism programmes are attuned to rural resource strategies and environmental values only without academic values. It is concluded research should be transformed from basic research to applied research and action research, for local communities’ participation in wildlife and tourism development. It is recommended research would be significant for three purposes as to add knowledge, to correct the errors of the previous researches and to encourage and enhance others to improve on the same field of study, and encourage local participation in the design, implementation and management of tourism projects.