Using a crime prevention framework to evaluate tiger counter-poaching in a Southeast Asian rainforest

• DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2023.1213552
• Publication Date: 2023-08-23T19:41:07Z
• Authors: Wai Yee Lam; Chee-Chean Phung; Zainal Abidin Mat; Hamidi Jamaluddin; Charina Pria Siva...; Fauzul Azim Zaina...; Azlan Sulaiman; Melynda Ka Yi Cheok; Noor Alif Wira Osama; Salman Sabaan; Abdul Kadir Abu H...; Mark Daniel Booton; Abishek Harihar; Gopalasamy Reuben...; Rob Stuart Alexan...
• Keywords: Poaching; Tiger; Baseline (sea); Wildlife trade

Tigers are a conservation-reliant species, as multiple populations face the risk of local extinction due to poaching arising from continued demand for their body parts. Preventing tiger poses challenge rangers responsible protection, particularly in Southeast Asia, where protected areas typically large, mountainous tropical forests guarded by small teams rangers. Improving counter-wildlife crime tactics is hindered without robust evaluations, and inefficient approaches perpetuated. We evaluate an eight-year project aiming recover population Peninsular Malaysia. Three distinct problems Vietnamese, Thai Cambodian groups, differing organisation, target species tactics, were prioritised, ranger counter-poaching tailored reduce these. Applying framework developed prevention known acronym EMMIE, here we: (1) examine evidence our intervention was Effective reducing threat; (2) resolve Mechanisms which caused reduction harm how effectiveness Moderated three types; (3) define elements necessary Implementation Economic costs involved. found incursion frequency fell 40% baseline years treatment across all types while depth declined, with disrupted incursions on average, 2.6 km (Thai) 9.1 (Cambodian) closer forest edge. However, wire snares increased Vietnamese poachers number per eightfold. No observed during Covid-19 pandemic. Tiger density remained below recovery potential (0.48/100km 2 2014 0.53/100 2021) but stabilised key females survived detected breeding. Leopard, sun bear, muntjac wild boar densities stable. Disarming active seizing proportion before being deployed directly reduced mortality medium-large mammals once began. Attributing decline attempts supported via plausible mechanisms: cost reoffending repatriated team leaders; detailed knowledge sharing imitation peers; general deterrence at community level awareness elevated arrest low likelihood enjoying rewards. performance enhancements critical stages instrumental increasing certainty, this made possible institutionalising learn-and-adapt cycle underpinned dedicated site analyst. This study highlights investing problem analysis going beyond simple assumptions can greatly enhance efficiency wildlife protection teams.