Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Rakhine region was less densely populated. However, the lowland forest that
long-tailed macaques inhabit had been deforested much more than other types
of forest, because it is along forest edges, close to human settlements and
is good for exploitation. Moreover, the coastal mangrove forests have been
encroached upon for paddy cultivation and shrimp farming. In the southern
Rakhine area, the habitat conditions have rapidly degraded. Bamboo forests
have expanded, and erosion and gullies have been observed (Geissmann
et al
.,
2009
). A number of villages have been established by immigrants of Bamar,
Rakhine, and Chin ethnicities, and lowland forests have been cultivated. A
considerable portion of immigrants subsists on timbers and non-timber forest
products such as bamboo, bamboo shoot, mushrooms, and wildlife, includ-
ing long-tailed macaques, which are hunted by snares, poisonous arrows and
guns.
In the southern Tanintharyi region, 9 percent of the tropical rainforest was
lost between 1990 and 2000, and 6,350 km
2
were degraded from closed for-
est to degraded forest (NCEA,
2006
). Both illegal and legal logging has had
a heavy impact on non-human primate populations (Htin Hla
et al
.,
2003
).
Habitat loss has also resulted from the conversion of forests to agricultural
uses (i.e., wide areas of plantation development for commodity crops), aqua-
cultural farms (i.e., prawn, shrimp, and soft-shell crabs) and construction of
roads and other infrastructure. Increased employment opportunities are likely
to encourage human immigration, which will put additional pressure on natural
resources and habitat. Recently, a government project of an oil palm plantation
was realized and rubber and betel nut plantations are increasing in scale. These
plantations were established in lowland forests, destroying the habitats of long-
tailed macaques and much other wildlife.
Hunting pressure is also high in the southern Tanintharyi region. In the
majority of areas in Tanintharyi, primates appear to be hunted for village-scale
consumption. They are also hunted for trading. We encountered wildlife meat
restaurants between Kawthaung (9˚58'N) and Tanintharyi town (12˚06'N) that
purchase monkeys at a considerably high price (equivalent to $15 USD/indi-
vidual). Living animals and wildlife products are also internationally smug-
gled through the border towns, Kawthaung (Myanmar) to Ranong (Thailand).
Wildlife products fetch a higher price across the border in Thailand via
Kawthaung, and thus there is strong incentive to trade. A living monkey was
reported to bring 50,000 kyats ($50 USD) in the area between Bokpyin and
Kawthaung, but it was reported to be priced three times higher in Thailand.
Between Kawthaung and Bokpyin, 247 km apart, there are few villages along
the graveled road (“Tanintharyi highway”). One or two public buses a day
connect Kawthaung, Bokpyin, and Myeik. If transport were easier, the wildlife
trade would be worse.
