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For many threatened species the rate and drivers of population decline are difficult to assess accurately: species’ surveys are typically restricted to small geographic areas, are conducted over short time periods, and employ a wide range of survey protocols. We addressed methodological challenges for assessing change in the abundance of an endangered species. We applied novel methods for integrating field and interview survey data for the critically endangered Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), allowing a deeper understanding of the species’ persistence through time. Our analysis revealed that Bornean orangutan populations have declined at a rate of 25% over the last 10 years. Survival rates of the species are lowest in areas with intermediate rainfall, where complex interrelations between soil fertility, agricultural productivity, and human settlement patterns influence persistence. These areas also have highest threats from human-wildlife conflict. Survival rates are further positively associated with forest extent, but are lower in areas where surrounding forest has been recently converted to industrial agriculture. Our study highlights the urgency of determining specific management interventions needed in different locations to counter the trend of decline and its associated drivers.

One of the challenges communities face when managing forests is the lack of a systematic and transparent monitoring system that can be used to monitor their resource management strategies and communicate their successes to outsiders. This paper argues that monitoring efforts will be sustainable only if the system has been developed by the communities in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, with the aim of enhancing their learning and understanding, rather than for compliance purposes. The paper describes processes used by a People's Organisation in Palawan, Philippinesto develop their monitoring system with the support of several key stakeholders. These include the development of a monitoring framework and arrangements (including who collects data, what data to collect, and how to collect it) and negotiation on how to collaborate in this effort. Results indicate that the development process has brought together a range of community groups and stakeholders with different interests, objectives, and mandates for collective action and learning.

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