A systematic expert‐based assessment of progress and priorities for conservation of the Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis

Abstract

We used information derived from expert elicitation to measure progress in conservation of the Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) by calculating six metrics, namely: (a) current threat impact, (b) research need, (c) research achievement, (d) management need, (e) management achievement, and (f) percentage threat reduction. We then used the metrics to identify priority threats, namely predation by dogs, hunting, power lines, and vegetation changes caused by human activities. The metrics indicate that although there has been little progress in addressing predation and power lines, reductions in hunting have been achieved and practitioners have a good understanding of how to ameliorate vegetation changes. We assessed conservation needs across all sites that support Bengal Florican, and highlight conservation achievements at Stoung‐Chikreang Bengal Florican Conservation Area (BFCA), Manas National Park and Kaziranga National Park. We used our results to develop a framework for prioritizing collaboration on tackling priority threats. We highlight D'Ering Wildlife Sanctuary in India as one of the highest priority sites for Bengal Florican conservation, and propose that conservation in Stoung‐Chikreang Bengal Florican Conservation Area (BFCA), Manas National Park and Kaziranga National Park must be continued, scaled‐up and good‐practice replicated at Koklabari, Baray BFCA and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. If these plans are followed, then we believe that priority threats can be adequately addressed and the extinction of Bengal Florican can be prevented.

Timing of Release Influence Breeding Success of Translocated Captive-Bred Migrant Asian Houbara Bustard

“…Our study illustrates such effect on breeding success, but more research is needed to assess the effect of release timing on other demographics such as survival and migration patterns in the short-and long-terms. Beyond the case of the Asian houbara, these results may inform current and future release tactics of other captive bred bustards, as the Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax), the Great bustard (Otis tarda), the Arabian bustard (Ardeotis arab) and the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), for which migratory behaviors have been observed in some populations (Villers et al, 2010;Burnside et al, 2012;Kessler et al, 2013;Mahood et al, 2019). Finally, our study provides original information on two main sources of variation in productivity: geography and age.…”