MONITORING SURVEY OF TERMIT AND TIN TOUMMA (NIGER) & REVIEW OF MONITORING RESULTS DECEMBER 2008 DECEMBER 2009

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1 MONITORING SURVEY OF TERMIT AND TIN TOUMMA (NIGER) & REVIEW OF MONITORING RESULTS DECEMBER 28 DECEMBER 29 Dr. Tim Wacher, Dr. Thomas Rabeil & John Newby

2 REPORT CITATION Wacher, T., Rabeil, T., and Newby, J. 21. Monitoring Survey of Termit and Tin Toumma (Niger) & Review of Monitoring Results December 28 December 29. Sahara Conservation Fund. ii + 27 pp. AUTHORS Dr. Tim Wacher (Pan Sahara Wildlife Survey SCF/Zoological Society of London) Dr. Thomas Rabeil (Projet Antilopes Sahélo-Sahariennes) John Newby (Sahara Conservation Fund) SPONSORS AND PARTNERS Funding and support for the work described in this report was provided by the following organisations: Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Direction Générale de l Environnement et des Eaux et Forêts (DGEEF) Direction de la Faune et de la Chasse (DFC) European Union Fond Français pour l Environnement Mondiale (FFEM) Projet Antilopes Sahélo-Sahariennes (ASS) Sahara Conservation Fund (SCF) SCF Pan-Sahara Wildlife Survey SURVEY TEAM Standing : Issaka Houdou, Halidou Amadou, Tim Wacher, Donay, John Newby, Thomas Rabeil, Matti. Sitting: Bébé, Cokie and his boys, Moussa Hassan. ii

3 CONTENTS Sponsors and partners... i Contents... ii 1. Introduction Objective and methods Objective Methods Survey effort Results Addax Addax nasomaculatus Addax sightings and signs Addax birth season Addax presence by sector Addax annual encounter rate Addax annual group size Dorcas Gazella dorcas Nubian bustard Neotis nuba Camel distribution Oil exploration and development Tin Toumma Gazella dama sample collection Termit Conclusions Recommendations Acknowledgements References... 2 Annex I GPS Navigation points to conduct the monitoring survey Annex II Meteorological records, Termit/Tin Toumma December Annex III Proposed age classification criteria for addax Annex IV Checklist of birds observed during the mission ii

4 1. INTRODUCTION The Conservation and Management of the Termit/Tin Toumma (Niger) project was initiated in 26 as a collaborative effort between Niger s Ministry for the Environment (ME/LCD), the Sahara Conservation Fund (SCF), the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the Fonds Français pour l Environnement Mondial (FFEM) and the European Union (EU). The aim of the project is to establish a Termit/Tin Toumma protected area. Termit/Tin Toumma supports the largest remaining wild population of addax known (15-25 animals) (Wacher, Rabeil and Newby 28, Planton & Ascani 24, Wacher et al. 24). The rich patches of perennial vegetation and trees within the massif allow Termit to hold small numbers of endangered dama gazelle, desert cheetah and Barbary sheep. There is an important breeding population of lappet-faced vultures and a full range of small Sahelo- Saharan carnivores. It is thus a unique reservoir of Sahelo-Saharan biodiversity, unusual for the full complement of rare species known to be present in a relatively small area. This report provides results of the first annual review of a standardised addax monitoring protocol for the Tin Toumma dune system, introduced by the project to reveal the relative abundance and movements of large herbivores within the system in relation to food resources and human activity. 2. OBJECTIVE and METHODS 2.1 OBJECTIVE The primary objective is to present results of the fourth standard addax monitoring survey conducted in December 29 in comparison with results of the first three surveys under this standard protocol (See Annex I) in December 28, May-June 29 and September 29 (Wacher, Rabeil and Newby 29, Rabeil 29, Noirard 29). A separate objective of the mission was to collect fresh wild dama gazelle dung pellets for analysis as part of a collaborative study of dama genetics between Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort and the Zoological Genetics unit at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. A checklist of birds observed during the mission can be found at Annex IV. 2.2 METHODS The field survey rationale, plan and data collection method using GPS integrated with Cybertracker software ( is described in detail elsewhere (Rabeil et al. 27, Wacher et al. 29). Details of transect navigation are the same in every survey and presented in Annex I. Spatial results of the four surveys are presented here using Surfer 9 software package (Golden Software Ltd., Colorado), after grouping data for each observation type (addax sightings and signs, dorcas, camels, bustards and human activity) by 5.6km sector along each standard transect, to create a grid file reflecting observation frequencies in each sector. Contour maps (intended only to reinforce the visual emphasis of spatial changes in observation frequency in each class) have been created by interpolating across the grid using the Surfer 9 Kriging function. For each observation category, standard contour intervals have been set to make shading density between each survey directly comparable. 1

5 N Recording days N Recording days Group size comparisons, reflecting both traditional mean group size (the outsider view which may have little relation to the experience of average individuals) and the insider view, (equivalent to typical group size of Jarman 1974), which better reflects the number of associates of average individuals, have been presented using the Flocker software of Reiczigel et al. 28 (which derives statistical confidence from bootstrap resampling methods to cater for skewed group size frequency distributions). Daytime meteorological records were maintained at 3 hour intervals frm 6: to 18: while within the prospective protected area using Kestrel 4 hand held weather stations. Results are presented in Annex II. 2.3 Survey effort Because the project has been running since late 26 but the standard protocol for addax monitoring in Tin Toumma was only introduced in late 28, a simple measure of general survey effort is needed to compare results over the three year span of activity The Cybertracker master file has been used to count the number of recording days spent north of N15.5 latitude, divided between survey days west of E11.5 longitude, taken to define general survey effort in the Termit Massif, and number of recording days spent east of that line to define general survey effort in Tin Toumma (Fig. 2.1). Where necessary results from the December 27 aerial survey were not included in these general comparisons (although ground observations in that month were), to ensure comparability of observation method. This is an imperfect measure of search effort, but hopefully adequate for preliminary investigation of the data at an annual scale. The project is already working on deriving a more sensitive measure (e.g. time spent travelled across grid squares each month) to provide more sensitive seasonal analyses etc Massif 9 : 41 days Massif 8 : 45 days Massif 7 : 37 days Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Fig. 2.1 Annual search effort measured as monthly observation days within the Massif (>N15.5 & <E11.5) and Tin Toumma (>N15.5 & >E11.5), Tin Toumma 9 : 37 days Tin Toumma 8 : 43 days Tin Toumma 7 : 21 days Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2

6 3. RESULTS 3.1 ADDAX Addax nasomaculatus The distribution of all addax observations in this survey are shown in relation to three previous standard monitoring surveys (Dec. 28, May-Jun. 29 & Sep. 29) in Fig Exact locations of addax sightings (likely to be relatively constrained by time of day and activity patterns) are compared to overall encounter rates indicated by sightings, tracks and sign frequency in each sector to maximise information. Fig. 3.1 Distribution of all addax observations during standard monitoring patrols at Tin Toumma, Sightings and group sizes shown in red, contoured shading highlights local encounter rate derived from sightings, tracks and dung pellet recording combined. Fig. 3.2 Addax group observed in the north-west corner of the study area 13 Dec.29 (see Fig. 3.1 & Table 3.1). 3

7 3.1.1 Addax sightings and signs A single group of 11 addax was sighted during the survey. Group composition and location is given in Table 3.1 and Fig The animal at the rear of the group is a large adult, and likely to be a male in this position but this cannot be confirmed in the images available. Otherwise age classing in Table 3.1 has been done by matching enlarged images of each individual to criteria in Annex III. Table 3.1 Summary of direct addax observations. Date Time AM AF A? SAM SAF SA? Im Cf NN? Total Observation m B o 13/12/29 1: Transect In addition track sets were encountered on a further 3 occasions during the survey including a group of 19 (twice) and a group of 25. One fully skeletonised carcass (>1 yr old but not previously recorded) was discovered. A fresh set of addax tracks indicated that a group of 6 had recently visited the bones, though signs of chewing for calcium content were not detected Addax birth season After correcting for cases of repeat sightings, a total of 11 addax classed as petits have been sighted by the project field team under all ground observation conditions The distribution of these observations by months is shown in Fig. 3.2 with the implied distribution of birth months under the assumption that petitis addax average around at least 1 month of age. Since the class petits is likely to include neonates and calves (see Annex III) the actual age range in this class is likely to be between -3months, so this is a conservative interpretation but the point about seasonality is not greatly affected. Addax calves have been shown to be born over a wide range of months, both hot season and cool season. These observations are in accord with the opportunistic breeding pattern observed in e.g. Arabian oryx, although sample size is still small and these observations are preliminary. 6 5 Petits. observed Implied birth month 4 n Jan Feb M ar Apr M ay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Fig. 3.3 Seasonal observation of petits addax (all project records November 26 to date, n=1) and implied month of birth date 4

8 Group Size n / day % Sectors Occupied Addax occupancy - presence by sector The proportion of transect sectors in which addax are detected provides an index of addax distribution across the survey area. Results for the standard monitoring patrols conducted since December 28 are shown below. Note that over the same sectors in February 24 recent occupancy was on 9% but general occupancy was 5% (Wacher et al 28)..6.5 Recent General Fig. 3.4 Proportion of 44 grid sectors on main addax survey transects showing recent (sightings or tracks) or general (sightings+tracks+dung pellets) indications of occupancy by addax in weeks prior to survey period Addax annual encounter rate As a preliminary investigation, the crude annual rate of addax sightings per day of search effort in Tin Toumma over the full three years of the project is presented below. Fig. 3.5 Annual addax encounter rate during project survey work in Tin Toumma, based on groups and total animals seen over 21 days in 27 (aerial survey results excluded), 43 days in 28 and 37 days in Dec-8 Jan-9 Feb-9 Mar-9 Apr-9 May-9 Jun-9 Jul-9 Aug-9 Sep-9 Oct-9 Nov-9 Dec-9 Groups/day Animals/day Tin Toumma 27 Tin Toumma 28 Tin Toumma Addax annual group size Fig. 3.6 Annual measures of addax mean and typical group size (sensu Jarman 1974 & Reiczigel et al. 28). Based on 23 groups in 27 (aerial survey results included), 15 groups in 28 and 15 groups in Mean 27 Typical 28 Mean 28 Typical U 95% L 95% Mean GS 29 Mean 29 Typical 5

9 3.2 Dorcas Gazella dorcas The distribution of all dorcas observations in this survey are shown in relation to three previous standard monitoring surveys (Dec. 28, May-Jun. 29 & Sep. 29) in Fig Fig. 3.7 Distribution of all dorcas observations during standard monitoring patrols at Tin Toumma, Contoured shading highlights local encounter rate derived from sightings, tracks and dung pellet recording combined. 6

10 Group Size Group Size n / day n / day % Sectors Occupied Dorcas occupancy of Tin Toumma.6 Sightings + signs.5 Fig. 3.8 Proportion of 66 grid sectors on all transects showing general occupancy (sightings+tracks+dung pellets) indications for dorcas. Dorcas annual encounter rate: Massif and Tin Toumma Groups/day Animals/day Massif 7 37 days Massif 8 45 days Massif 9 41 days Dec-8 Jan Feb-9 Mar-9 Apr-9 May-9 Jun-9 Jul-9 Aug-9 Sep days Groups/day Animals/day days Oct-9 Nov-9 Dec-9 Tin Toumma days Fig. 3.9 Dorcas gazelle: Crude daily encounter rates over all surveys in all seasons during survey work north of N15.5 o and west (Massif) or east (Tin Toumma) of E11.5 o. Dorcas annual group size 25 Termit Massif U 95% L 95% 25 Tin Toumma U 95% L 95% 2 Mean 2 Mean M ean 27 Typical 28 M ean 28 Typical 29 M ean 29 Typical 27 M ean 27 Typical 28 M ean 28 Typical 29 M ean 29 Typical Fig. 3.1 Annual measures of dorcas mean and typical group size (sensu Jarman 1974 & Reiczigel et al. 28). Based on 1492 groups recorded in the Massif and 819 groups recorded in Tin Toumman 27 (location criteria as in Fig. 3.8). 7

11 3.3 Nubian Bustard Neotis nuba The distribution of all Nubian bustard observations in December 29 is shown in relation to three previous standard monitoring surveys (Dec. 28, May-Jun. 29 & Sep. 29) in Fig Fig Distribution of all Nubian Bustard observations during standard monitoring patrols at Tin Toumma, Sightings and group sizes shown in magenta. Contoured shading highlights local encounter rate derived from sightings and tracks combined. 8

12 Group Size Group Size n / day n / day Nubian Bustard Annual Encounter rate : Massif and Tin Toumma Groups/day Birds/day Massif 27 Massif 28 Massif Groups/day Birds/day TT 27 TT 28 TT 29 Fig Nubian bustard: crude daily encounter rates over all surveys in all seasons during survey work north of N15.5 o and west (Massif) or east (Tin Toumma) of E11.5 o. Nubian Bustard Annual group size data M assif 27 M ean M assif 27 Typical U 95% L 95% Mean M assif 28 M ean M assif 28 Typical M assif 29 M ean M assif 29 Typical TT 27 M ean TT 27 Typical U 95% L 95% Mean TT 28 M ean TT 28 Typical TT 29 M ean TT 29 Typical Fig Annual measures of Nubian bustard mean and typical group size (sensu Jarman 1974 & Reiczigel et al. 28). Based on 37 groups recorded in the Massif and 65 groups recorded in Tin Toumman 27 (location criteria as in Fig

13 3.4 Camel distribution The distribution of all camel observations in this survey are shown in relation to three previous standard monitoring surveys (Dec. 28, May-Jun. 29 & Sep. 29) in Fig Fig Distribution of all Camel observations during standard monitoring patrols at Tin Toumma, Sightings rate per kilometre plotted for each transect sector in brown, which is provides the raw data for the contours. 1

14 3.5 Oil exploration and development Tin Toumma The distribution of all evidence of oil exploration activity in this survey are shown in relation to three previous standard monitoring surveys (Dec. 28, May-Jun. 29 & Sep. 29) in Fig Fig Distribution of all vehicle tracks during standard monitoring patrols at Tin Toumma, Density of vehicle tracks sets per kilometre plotted for each transect sector. 11

15 Fig Changes in transect sectors affected by vehicle tracking and total vehicle track sets counted following commencement of oil exploration activity; Tin Toumma desert, Dec-28 to Dec 29, Niger N Sectors Affected Track sets crossed Dec-8 Jun-9 Sep-9 Dec-9 Fig Graphic representation of light pollution impacts from one oil drilling site in Tin Toumma observed directly by the CMS/FFEM/SCF field team in December 29. Fig Vehicle tracking through addax habitat and night time impact of oil drilling spotlights seen from 26kms; Tin Toumma, December

16 3.6 Gazella dama Sample Collection, Termit On this mission the principle objective for dama gazelles was to collect fresh wild genetic samples to support the investigation of dama genetics. Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort (AWPR) has identified the need to study genetic variation within dama gazelle as a fundamental step towards understanding appropriate conservation management of captive stocks of this antelope. A project has been set up between AWPR and the Zoological Genetics Unit at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to study genetic variation in the existing captive stocks at Al Ain. In support AWPR has also explored options with Zoological Society of London to sample from remaining wild stocks and known origin museum samples, in order to provide a reliable framework to the historic geographic structure of these populations, since the provenance of many captive animals is poorly known. Although the latter project has not yet been initiated, opportunity was taken to collect fresh wild dama dung samples during joint SCF Pan-Saharan Wildlife Survey CMS/FFEM/SCF field work at Termit Massif, Niger in December 29. Termit holds one of only three wild populations of dama gazelle reliably documented since the turn of the millennium. Methods and Supporting information Dama dung was identified by a combination of the distinctive large pellet size relative to dorcas, and the relatively more spherical general shape compared to Barbary sheep, which is the principle potential confusion species in the dama habitat at Termit. In the cases of samples 1-7 in this study, they were collected in an area where 7 wild dama were seen, with numerous tracks indicating prolonged recent use of the area. Although no dama were seen where samples 8-1 were collected, all other circumstances (abundant fresh footprints and dung piles of varying ages, including moist dung piles, suggesting very recent and regular use) were otherwise similar. Fresh dung samples were identified by disturbing the exposed upper pellets with a dry twig to confirm whether shaded pellets below were still moist. One or two pellets from the margin of the group were sometimes pinched to check for softness if glistening pellets were not seen. Moist pellets were collected in self-sealing plastic tubes containing two small sachets of silica gel provided for the purpose by the Zoological Genetics Unit. Collected dung pellets were never touched directly, but hand-written paper labels duplicating the sample details and waypoint coordinates were inserted inside the tubes as insurance against loss of external markings on the outside of the sample tubes. The waypoint number of each dung sample was also written in felt tip pen on the cap of each sample tube. It was not possible to keep the samples in refrigerated conditions in the field, although they have been on return to the UK. Fig Collection of fresh dama gazelle dung pellet sample, waypoint 91, Termit Massif, 14th December

17 At both collection sites discreet pellet groups were easily discerned (Fig. 1) and there is a high level of confidence that all pellets within each tube come from the same individual. Variation in typical pellet size between sampled pellet groups strongly suggests that some different individuals have been sampled within each site, although there remains a possibility that some samples are duplicates, particularly in the northern group of 7 samples. It is believed very probable, though not 1% certain, that samples 1-7 from the northern massif represent a different group of individuals to that encountered in the central massif (See Fig. 2), less than 24 hours later. Full details of each sample are supplied in Table 1. Fig. 3.2 Location of wild dama gazelle dung pellet sample collections, Termit Massif, 14th-15h December

18 15 Table 3.2 Summary data for dama dung pellet samples: Termit Massif, Niger, December 29. Country Location Wpt* Date Local Time N E Alt Zone Notes 1 Niger Termit Dec-9 11:37: Northern massif Recent but sun dried dama pellets associated with fresh tracks; believed to be same day, though no dama seen. 2 Niger Termit Dec-9 12:1: Northern massif Recent but sun dried dama pellets found shortly after sighting of 7 dama with fresh tracks; believed to be same day 3 Niger Termit Dec-9 12:1: Northern massif Recent but sun dried dama pellets found shortly after sighting of 7 dama with fresh tracks; believed to be same day 4 Niger Termit Dec-9 12:21: Northern massif Moist pellets in a solitary pile found shortly after sighting of 7 dama with tracks 5 Niger Termit Dec-9 12:29: Northern massif Moist pellets in a solitary pile found shortly after sighting of 7 dama with tracks 6 Niger Termit Dec-9 13:52: Northern massif Found shortly after sighting of 7 dama 7 Niger Termit Dec-9 14:13: Northern massif Fresh pellets, soft but not moist. Found after sighting of 7 dama 8 Niger Termit Dec-9 9:43: Central Massif Large moist pellets from dung pile with fresh tracks alongside 2 older dry piles on trail of dama tracks to plateau - camera trap set up to monitor path. No dama seen, but believed to have been very recently present. 9 Niger Termit Dec-9 1:4: Central Massif Row of smaller pellets from walking gazelle, soft but not moist <12 hrs? Fresh tracks. No dama seen, but believed to have been very recently present. 1 Niger Termit Dec-9 1:17: Central Massif Moist pellets in a solitary pile with tracks, but believed to have been very recently present. * Sample tubes labelled by waypoint number.

19 4. CONCLUSIONS General The routine fixed transect monitoring of Tin Toumma has been completed through 29 according to project schedule and well within project logistic capacity. The fixed monitoring survey has provided a clear overall record of wildlife and livestock seasonal distribution and relative abundance and has also been effective in tracking the progression of oil development activity within the addax study zone during the year, providing unusually direct measures for impact assessment. The rapidly growing disturbance caused by oil exploration that developed through 29, coupled with the consistent indications from both project data and local reports that addax may be using areas to the north and east of the main study block, make it important for the project to explore these areas during 21, while retaining the core study block. Specific recommendations are given below. Human activities Sadly the dominant feature of the monitoring results since December 28 has been the rapid and dramatic rise in oil exploration in the heart of the last known domain of the critically endangered addax. Impacts (Figs ) include frequent large vehicle movements across the desert over a wide area, leaving extensive and widespread trackways cutting up the vegetation, placement of large drilling camps where heavy engineering activity is undertaken on a 24 hour cycle, placement of abundant prominent spotlights on drilling towers, causing a strong visual impact over 1s of square kilometres. This has been coincident with a negative trend in addax presence indices in the study zone. It is possible that addax have been partially displaced by these developments. In response the project needs to establish if addax can be located elsewhere, confirm that habitat conditions are suitable elsewhere, learn more about the current and future extend of oil exploration, and work with implementing authorities to seek cooperative ways to minimise the negative physical impact and disturbance of this important development project. See recommendations below. Wildlife observations Rate of addax encounter rate is satisfactory relative to expectation, but as in 28, encounter rates have never been sufficiently frequent to derive reliable population size estimates from sightings alone. Combining direct observations with addax signs, the systematic fixed survey has given the first direct evidence supporting the general hypothesis that addax move towards the massif in hot periods and move out into the sands in cooler periods (Fig. 3.1), but it is noted that this derives from systematic observation in only one hot season (May-June 9 and September 9 surveys), when encounter rates with addax and their sign were generally much reduced compared to two December surveys. (A similar general pattern is noted for dorcas, and camels Fig. 3.7, Fig. 3,14 ). As in 27, birth of an addax calf in late summer (August or September) has again been verified (Fig. 3.2). It is notable that if it is assumed that the 1 occasions between 27 to 29 in which addax classed as petits were seen also imply that calving occurs over a wide 16

20 period of the year, including within the hot months (e.g. at least 5 addax registered into the youngest age class, petit, in September and October were likely to have been born in August and September (Fig. 3.3). Systematic field records on vegetation status have not been explored in this report, but the data on addax distribution are likely to support expectation that when available addax do concentrate in areas of higher production of annual vegetation. Now that the project has initiated independent measure of primary production through modelling wildlife distributions in relation to NDVI scores across the study area (Turmine pers. comm.), these relationships can be explored most efficiently through that method. In this context the apparently negative spatial relationship between addax and nearly all other major indicators measured (e.g. dorcas, camels and human activity) remains striking, although subjective field impressions are that apparent avoidance of human activity is likely to be confounded with selection of green pasture in this single annual cycle of data collection. A point of concern for the project is that all simple indices of addax abundance in the survey zone appear to be negative over the three year study period 27-29, while the equivalent measures for e.g. dorcas and Nubian bustard are either neutral or positive. Specifically: At the end of 29 addax occupancy of the survey area is lower than in any previous survey (while at the same time is higher than in any previous survey for dorcas) Figs. 3.4 & 3.8); a crude measure of annual daily encounter rates diminishes for addax in each successive year of study (but for dorcas holds level in Tin Toumma and rises within the Massif, and also increases in Tin Toumma for Nubian bustard) Figs. 3.5, 3.9, 3.12) ; standard measures of mean and typical group size also diminish for addax in each successive year (but holds level for Tin Toumma dorcas and rises steadily for Nubian bustard) Figs. 3.6, 3.1, 3.13). In addition the relative reduction of abundance in addax dung sightings on fixed transects (125 piles on 22 sectors in December 28; 24 piles on 11 sectors in December 29) is consistent with a negative trend and reduction in range use within the study block. Taken together the trend in addax data strongly suggest that there are fewer addax present in the study zone at the end of 29 than were there in the earlier years of the project. Clearly these results should be interpreted with great caution given the very low sample size. They may only indicate a comparatively small movement by a small number of animals out of the study zone, which of itself may not be a serious problem. However combined with the demonstrated huge increase in disturbance of the region it is now more important than ever to take steps to determine whether areas to the north and east of the main study block are suitable to support addax. 5. RECOMMENDATIONS Search effort, and recording It is recommended that the core addax grid is repeated in its entirety at least 3 more times in 21. The data collection in 29 have shown dramatic impact of oil exploration in the west. They also suggest that while the project has adequately defined the current southern limit of addax activity, it is strongly implied that addax may be present to the north and east of the study area. This has been supported by anecdotal reports of addax in this region in the later part of 29. To obtain improved information on both addax and human activity distribution, it is recommended that the project plan comparable systematic work in contiguous areas to the north of the survey block over as wide an area as possible. 17

21 Extension of the ground transects is one option; collaboration with planned PSWS aerial survey work in November December 21 is a second. Because the navigation points mark the centre location of each 5.6km sector, transect end and start points should be located 2.8kms beyond the first and last navigation point. In recording distance and bearing information to key wildlife observations, it should become standard practice to record true compass bearing from the observation point to the target, rather than bearing relative to the vehicle heading (as often currently practiced). The former allows exact calculation of target position without reference to the vehicle heading. The latter provides a useful short cut only when the vehicle is tracking a strict transect line. The visual record of vegetation phenology in Tin Toumma needs to be more clearly tied to plant group type annual sward, perennial grass tussocks, perennial dwarf shrubs, trees. It is recommended when recording age class structure of addax that the Cybertracker routine is modified to allow distinction of neonates (=<1 month) from calves (1-3 months) within the current class petits See Annex III. The purpose is to improve precision on calving seasonality and interpretation of social behaviour. Clearly it is often not possible to make this distinction in brief long range observations, but in general project observers should make every attempt to focus on this difference where possible. Wildlife Observations Within Termit Massif it would be advantageous to switch from the exploratory approach that has been used to date and develop specific missions designed to provide data answering priority conservation issues and provide a mechanism for improved control over a predictable standardised search effort. In this context a standard dama and dorcas gazelle survey now needs to be developed, involving a fixed vehicle route combined with a standard series of short walked transects allocated e.g. across a survey grid, stratified to take account of important habitat areas that have been established by the exploratory phase. This survey should also be run three times through 21. Similarly a standardised attempt to monitor the Lappet-faced Vulture population should be made. In the first instance a survey of (as many as possible of) known nests should be made mid to late breeding season (March-April?) using photography to establish nest activity. The objective is a simple measure of the number of active nests, and nests with chicks or other sign of confirmed breeding, providing a basic guideline to the size and significance of the Lappet-faced vulture population at Termit. These data may be used to recruit a student of more detailed studies in future, but the project should not aim to try and monitor fledging success of dietary details beyond what can be gleaned from the single mid-season nest activity survey. [The tree where a pair of Rueppell s vulture have been seen repeatedly should be included in this sample.]. Camera trapping. Exploratory camera trapping has yielded useful results and also signalled potential difficulties with camera security vis à vis the human population. The project should explore ways to use camera trapping for more systematic coverage, aim to deploy camera traps for periods of at least 3 days continuous operation more frequently, ensure a full record of camera trapping effort is maintained (already discussed in detail with Issaka Houdou) and investigate opportunities for innovative use of cameras to monitor vegetation in collaboration with the NDVI habitat modelling project being undertaken at CRC. 18

22 Community guard operation Consider revision of the community guard system to ensure that the Community guards are routinely engaged by the project in achievable activities that are not only dependent on use of technical equipment. Explore simplifying the interaction by holding ( e.g. bi-monthly?) interactive verbal data collection meetings of the group. Structure the meetings by establishing pre-agreed and named/mapped zones (say 5 zones limited to Termit Massif only?). At the start of each meeting establish who visited each zone (by travelling to named locations that are central and representative of each zone and separate from each other) in the previous reporting period and who will visit each zone in the forthcoming reporting period. Score the grazing quality in each zone according to pre-agreed local assessment methods during the previous reporting period. Score whether sign of a pre-agreed list of selected wildlife species was encountered in each zone during the reporting period. Score information about livestock use in each zone and any livestock wildlife problems. Score information about any unexplained human activity in each zone etc. Incorporate community guard results in project reporting. Report back to Community guard group with mapped results of previous reporting period. Security forces The project has learnt that the military base at Kaouboul is scheduled to be enlarged and developed. There is an opportunity to use current positive relations with the military to encourage institutionalisation of conservation awareness at the Kaouboul post. Promote collaboration between Nigerien Military and protected area authorities; provide capacity and materials (short film, posters, leaflets, reinforce and make well known the specific message that Kaouboul and the Termit area is a no hunting zone with international conservation significance etc.) Oil Industry The major impact to the proposed Termit Tin Toumma protected area is the rapid expansion of oil exploration in Tin Toumma during 29 and demonstrated by the CMS/FFEM SCF monitoring results. It is urgently recommended that in the first instance the project works with the Nigerien authorities to approach all partners involved in the oil development programme (but particularly the principle implementing agencies in the field) to seek a collaborative approach to ensure protection of addax and other wildlife in the exploration area. 6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report is a compilation of results obtained as a result of multiple collaborations between agencies and individuals. We thank the resident community at Termit and the local project guides, the CMS/FFEM/SCF field team at Zinder, project partners in the Nigerien Direction Générale de l Environnement et des Eaux et Forêts and leaders of the local military post at Termit Kaoboul. The interpretation of the data, conclusions and recommendations are responsibility of the authors alone. 19

23 7. REFERENCES & BIBLIOGRAPHY Jarman, P. T The social organisation of antelope in relation to their ecology. Behaviour, 48: Newby, J., Wacher, T. J., Monfort, S., L., Dixon, A.D. and Houston, W. 24. Sahelo-saharan Interest Group Wildlife Surveys. Part 2. Central and south-eastern Niger (February-March 22). ZSL Conservation Report No.2 London: Zoological Society of London, iii+61 pp. Noirard, C. 29 Rapport de mission sur le suivi des addax de Septembre 29. Sahélo Sahariennes. Projet Antilope O Brien, T. G., Baillie, J.E.M., Krueger, L., and Cuke, M. monitoring top trophic levels. in prep. The wildlife picture index: Planton, H. & Ascani, M. 24. Recensement aérien des addax dans la région de Termit (Niger). In : B. Chardonnet & P. Chardonnet (compilers). Antelope Survey Update Number 9: November 24. IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group Report. Fondation Internationale pour la Sauvegarde de la Faune, Paris, France. Rabeil, T., Newby, J. and Harouna, A. 28. Conservation of Termit and Tin Toumma (Niger). Annual report for 27 of the Sahara Conservation Fund. Sahara Conservation Fund, 3 pp. Rabeil, T. 29 Rapport de mission du 2 Mai au 6 Juin 29. Projet Antilope Sahélo Sahariennes. Reiczigel, J., Lan, Z., Rózsa, L. and Tóthmérész, B. 28. Measures of sociality: two different views of group size. Animal Behaviour 75, p Wacher. T., Newby, J., Houston, W. & Spevak E., Barmou, M. & Issa A. 24a. Sahelo Saharan Interest Group Wildlife Surveys. Tin Toumma & Termit (February March 24). ZSL Conservation Report No.5. London: The Zoological Society of London. iii +7pp. Wacher, T. J., J. E. Newby., S. L. Monfort, J. Tubiana, D. Moksia, W. Houston & A. M. Dixon. 24b. Sahelo-Saharan Interest Group antelope update, Chad 21 and Niger 22. In: B. Chardonnet and Ph. Chardonnet [Eds.] Antelope Survey Update No.9: November 24. IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group, Fondation Internationale pour la Sauvegarde de la Faune, Paris, France. Wacher, T. J., Rabeil, T. and Newby, J. 28 Aerial survey of the Termit & Tin Toumma regions of Niger, November 27. Conservation and Management of the Termit/Tin Toumma, Niger Project. 28. Wacher, T. J., Rabeil, T. and Newby, J. 29 Monitoring Survey of Termit and Tin Toumma (Niger) December 28. Conservation and Management of the Termit/Tin Toumma, Niger Project

24 ANNEX I GPS navigation points (marking the centre point of sample sectors) used to conduct Tin Toumma monitoring survey, December 29. TRANSECT 3 (West to East) TRANSECT 4 (East to West) TRANSECT 7 (West to East) T3- N15.75 E11.5 T4-5 N E T7-5 N E T3-1 N E T4-6 N E T7-6 N E T3-2 N E T4-7 N E T7-7 N E T3-3 N E T4-8 N E T7-8 N E T3-4 N E T4-9 N E T7-9 N E T3-5 N E T4-1 N E T7-1 N E T3-6 N E T4-11 N E T7-11 N E T3-7 N E T4-12 N E T7-12 N E T3-8 N E T4-13 N E T7-13 N E T3-9 N E T4-14 N E T7-14 N E T3-1 N E T4-15 N E T7-15 N E T3-11 N E TRANSECT 5 (West to East) TRANSECT 8 (East to West) T3-12 N E T5-9 N E T8-5 N E T3-13 N E T5-1 N E T8-6 N E T3-14 N E T5-11 N E T8-7 N E T3-15 N E T5-12 N E T8-8 N E T3-16 N E T5-13 N E T8-9 N E T3-17 N E T5-14 N E T8-1 N E T3-18 N E T5-15 N E T8-11 N E T3-19 N E T5-16 N E T8-12 N E T3-2 N E T5-17 N E T8-13 N E T3-21 N E T5-18 N E T8-14 N E T3-22 N16.25 E12.5 T5-19 N E T8-15 N E TRANSECT 6 (East to West) T8-16 N E T6-6 N E T8-17 N E T6-7 N E T8-18 N E T6-8 N E T8-19 N E T6-9 N E T8-2 N E T6-1 N E T8-21 N E T6-11 N E T8-22 N E11.5 T6-12 N E T6-13 N E T6-14 N E T6-15 N E T6-16 N E

25 ANNEX II Meteorological records ; Termit Tin Toumma, December 29. Kestrel 4 hand held weather station. Date Zone WS WS WS Wind Vis Vis TP WC RH HI DP WB BP Max Av km/h Dir hpa :6:39 Kelle < :33:59 Dilia :51:1 Dilia > :12:28 Dilia > :36:59 Dilia > :54:18 Dilia > :56:38 Dilia > :6:37 Dilia > :5:43 Dunes > :59:33 Massif > :3:14 Massif > :3:7 Massif > :56:33 Dunes > :5:24 Dunes > :12:6 Dunes > :46:48 Dunes > :14: Dunes > :9:42 Dunes > :14:36 Dunes > :7:16 Dunes > :52:4 Dunes > :5:41 Dunes > ::19 Dunes > :18:37 Dunes > :11:23 Dunes > :: Dunes :8:12 Dunes > :58:3 Dunes > :34:4 Dunes > :7:9 Dunes > :8:44 Dunes > :59:39 Dunes > :5:1 Dunes > :38:13 Massif > :35:45 Massif > :19:14 Massif 6.7 > :3:32 Massif > :56:44 Massif 1.5 > :1:43 Massif > :25:1 Massif > :8:28 Dunes > :59:46 Dunes > :14:41 Dilia > :11:42 Dilia 4.2 >

26 ANNEX III Proposed addax age class reference criteria for addax. Neonate: Plain face Uniform coat colour Shoulder.below belly of adult; Horns hardly visible (<2cm) Calf: Adult face pattern developing Adult coat pattern developing Shoulder ca. level with belly of adult Horns less than ear (ca. 2cm-8cm) Immature: Adult face pattern developing Adult coat Horns straight but longer than ear or horns showing a half turn Sub-adult: Adult face pattern developing Adult coat Horns show turns; keratinous covering intact or exfoliating Adult: Adult face pattern Horns show >1.5 turns and sharp tipped Note reproductive status (prominent scrotum in breeding males; prominent teats in lactating females 23

27 ANNEX IV 24

28 25

29 26

30 27