Enhancing taxonomic capacity to underpin tropical biodiversity conservation (SE Asia)

Host countries: Thailand, Cambodia, and Lao PDR

Outputs to date are summarised in the 2010-2011 Report and include:

• supervision and financial support of three students conducting PhD research on aspects of bat taxonomy (Pipat Soisook, Ith Saveng, Bounsavane Douangboubpha) at the Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Thailand and one student (Ms Ariya Dejtaradol) conducting PhD research on aspects of bat taxonomy at the University of Ulm, Germany.
• supervision of four students (Ms Uraiporn Pimsai, Ngagyel Tenzin, Christopher Imakando, and Daosavanh Sanamxay) conducting their MSc research on SE Asian rodents
• working with Dr Sansareeya Wangkulangkul on developing training and research projects for amphibians and reptiles
• working with Dr Vu Dinh Thong and Dr Moe Moe Aung for advanced studies in bat taxonomy and echolocation
• four papers and one editorial published in international journals (see Publications)
• two articles outlining, inter alia, the scope and aims of the project published in 'Public Service Review: UK Science and Technology'
• an international workshop on bird diversity and conservation hosted at the Prince of Songkla University
• Taxonomic Network launched
• additional support from SYNTHESIS and collaboration with Texas Tech University in a new five year National Science Foundation grant on SE Asian bats with particular reference to taxonomy
• promoting further taxonomic research and training linkages with a wide range of international institutions in Europe, North America, and Africa
• ten international presentations about the work of the Taxonomic Network and the Darwin Project given in the Czech Republic (x2), Thailand (x4), Myanmar, Germany, United Kingdom, and Zambia

Proposed schedule of activities for 2011-2012:

• planned activities for 2011-2012 include (see provisional schedule):
  surveys for birds, bats and other small mammals in peninsular and upper Thailand, upper and lower Myanmar, northern Cambodia, and central Lao PDR
• international study visits to museums in UK, Thailand, and Canada
• hosting workshops on taxonomy, palaeontology, and biogeography in the Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
• attendance of workshops and conferences in Thailand and Indonesia
• preparing for the 1st SE Asian International Ornithological Congress to be hosted by the Prince of Songkla University, Harrison Institute, and Ulm University in November, 2012

Project objective: To enhance taxonomic capacity in SE Asia by developing a university-based taxonomic training centre of international standard in Thailand and a regional taxonomic network with collaborating institutions in Cambodia and Lao PDR.

This will facilitate local scientists to:

• identify and document the region's biodiversity (especially small mammals, birds, and amphibians)
  
• advise on conservation priorities
  
• monitor the effects of environmental change
  
• assist with the enforcement of CITES
  
• support environmental impact assessments.

Long term benefits of the project will be that:

• there is in-depth local capacity to conduct taxonomic research and train a new generation of local students
  
• training will be at a cost that is financially viable to students and their institutions in SE Asia
  
• the centres of taxonomic expertise will be located in the biodiversity rich tropics
  
• the training centres will be based at universities that host zoological research collections
  
• a Taxonomic Network linking students and staff throughout the Afro-Asian tropical region will be launched.

Harrison Institute contact: Dr Paul Bates – hzm@btinternet.com


In-country contacts: Associate Professor Dr Chutamas Satasook, Dean of Science, Prince of Songkla University – chutamas.p@psu.ac.th


Principal Funder: Darwin Initiative (DEFRA, UK Government - £189,895 for the period April, 2010 to October, 2013. Project Ref. No: 18002.