Final Report - Asian Development Bank

26
TA 4721-PRC: Preparing the Shaanxi-Qinling Mountains Integrated Ecosystem Management Project
Final Report Appendix 7
c. Investment Outcome
127. The expansion, modernization and enhancement of SARC to international standards is
intended to: (i) significantly increase the personnel and material investments made in wildlife
protection in Shaanxi to improve animal welfare and the survival rate of rescued animals; (ii) rescue
endangered animals more efficiently and provide a better natural environment for the animals that are
raised on site; (iii) develop a high-quality site for eco-tourism that meets the needs of the modern, well
informed and highly demanding tourist and increases public awareness and support for the rescue,
breeding, science, research and public awareness functions of the SARC; (iv) conduct scientific
research on wild animal conservation and expand cooperation, information exchanges and
partnerships with similar agencies in China and abroad; and (v) distribute information and knowledge
on wildlife conservation to promote greater harmony between animals and people.
128. The investment targets a number of existing problems with the SARC facility including
inadequate rescue equipment, atrocious levels of animal welfare due to the small size and poor layout
of the current animal exhibition area, animal pens that are overcrowded and well below international
standards, shortage of research equipment, and weaknesses in technical capabilities.
b. Conservation Objectives
129. It is widely accepted that ex-situ facilities working with wild animals, especially those in range
states, can and do play a significant role in animal conservation. This is supported by the Convention
on Biological Diversity (Article 9) through the national biodiversity strategies and action plans, and by
the IUCN in the Technical Guidelines for the Management of Ex Situ Populations. It is recognized that
each of the four Missions for SARC has a conservation outcome. Rescue and rehabilitation,
conservation (captive) breeding, scientific research and education all contribute to the conservation of
endangered and threatened species as well as many other species.
I. Reintroduction
130. Reintroduction is often seen as an extension of conservation breeding however it is essential
that the true role of reintroduction in animal conservation is understood for this programme. Species at
risk of extinction have undergone, or are experiencing, a dramatic decline in population size which is
driven by a number of factors influencing those wild populations. Often the complexities of the factors
driving the species towards extinction are not fully understood so establishing a secure population of
the species in a captive environment is crucial. Even if an ex-situ population thrives reintroduction is
not necessarily recommended or required. Surplus animals do not justify reintroduction. The key
conservation activity is to remove the threat to the wild population and allow it to recover naturally. If
an extinction (local or global) has occurred and there are specimens available in captivity then
reintroduction may be feasible if, again, the threat has been removed.
131. The two 2 “flagship” species in the Qinling Mountains, the giant panda and the crested ibis
the crucial activity at the centers is to ensure a secure a genetically viable population of each species
is held in the centers. If and when it is considered necessary to reintroduce either species to the north
slopes of the mountains, specimens are available for the programs.
132. A crucial role for SARC for these species will be to use the exceptional facilities at both the
satellite centers and at the main center to investigate the science of reintroductions and to contribute
to the understanding of the biology and behavior of the species. This will allow detailed plans for
potential reintroductions to be developed if required. Using the new facilities it may be possible to
develop a model for reintroductions which can be tested in a semi free-ranging situation.
133. Although reintroductions of the crested ibis are underway it is considered unlikely that it
would be possible to release ibis at or near the satellite center because of the nature of the land
conditions in the area and the type of agriculture practiced. However it might be possible to find a
suitable location and the center staff should take the lead in this investigation.
134. SARC can also investigate the status of other species in the project area or the mountains
and determine the conservation actions required for each species deemed to be at risk (see
Conservation Priority List). For some species establishing an ex-situ population could be seen as
appropriate either as a safety net or to enable the species to be studied in a suitable environment.