Indonesia and Thailand share many key biological features and management challenges to best protect biodiversity. Patrol activity has proved in protecting natural resources which currently Smart patrol database is adopted in Indonesia. Due to Thailand is one of the first countries to adopt and implement Smart which has already shown effective management and positive impact on protecting natural resources. Therefore, government of Indonesia aims to learn how Smart patrol system is being implemented in Thailand’s largest protected forest complex (Western Forest Complex; WEFCOM) in Huai Kha Khaeng and Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuaries as a Natural World Heritage Site. They will then apply this knowledge to improving and strengthening patrol system in national parks, particularly, in Leuser National Park in Northern Sumatra which covering an area of 8,000 km2 and one of the key remaining habitats for Sumatran tigers, Sumatran rhinos, and orangutans.
There are 10 officers from Ministry of Environment and Forestry of Indonesia, Leuser National Park together with Wildlife Conservation Society Indonesia Program (WCS-IP) visited Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (HKK), Thung Yai Naresuan East Wildlife Sanctuary (TYE) and Khao Yai National Park (KY) during 30 October – 26 November 2015.
Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in collaboration with Wildlife Conservation Society Thailand Program (WCS-TP) have shared and exchanged knowledge on Smart patrol system in protected area from following activities;
1. Study visit at Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (HKK) and Khao Nang Rum Wildlife Research Station (KNR)
The government officers, patrol supervisors and managers from Leuser National Park, and WCS-IP staff observed Smart patrol data management and data processing in HKK, including experienced exchanging on area management, how to tackle the problems and threats, and patrol operation. Then the Assistant Superintendent briefly introduced general information about the history of management and conservation of Huai Kha Khaeng.
Briefly introduced about general information and HKK history by Assistant Superintendent.
Lectured about Smart patrol system and data processing then sharing and exchanging ideas between Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary and Leuser National Park at Smart patrol data center.
The officers and staff visited Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Breeding Station to see their management.
The officers then visit KNR as the main tiger and wildlife monitoring unit. Study of tiger population monitoring was delivered by KNR researcher.
Tiger spray and tracks were found in the area.
After that they observed monthly Smart patrol meeting and planning at HKK headquarters.
Observing monthly Smart patrol meeting and planning.
Patrol officers and WCS-IP staff had intensive learning about Smart patrol operations in HKK by participating in field patrol with HKK patrol rangers for 10 days. They have learnt patrol operation, patrol data form usage and have shared their patrol experience.
Practice on patrol data form using with HKK patrol rangers during field patrol.
2. Study visit at Thung Yai Naresuan East Wildlife Sanctuary (TYE)
Patrol officers and WCS-IP staff had foot patrolled across from HKK to TYE. They observed Smart patrol team operation in TYE to see how the park next to HKK run the patrol system that strengthen the landscape scale conservation. Then a lecture about area information and management (e.g. allocation of local villagers from protected area) was delivered by Assistant Superintendent.
Lecture about area information and management.
3. Observation on strengthening of law enforcement system (Smart patrol) training in Khao Yai Training Center, Khao Yai National Park (KY)
The officers observed Smart Patrol training and operation to see how patrol rangers were trained into Smart patrol system. Moreover, they also practiced on map reading, GPS and compass using with Thai rangers.
Practice on map reading, GPS and compass using with Thai rangers.
The study visit over the past one month went very well. The officers and staff both from Indonesia and Thailand had shared and exchanged their experience, including discussion on some issues such as threat control, park management and biodiversity conservation. They will then apply this knowledge to improving and strengthening patrol system within their areas further.