Securing a unique population of Forest Elephants in and around Langoue Bai, Ivindo National Park, by strengthening conservation science capacity

The purpose of this project is to expand bai monitoring and conservation research operations at Langou Bai in Ivindo National Park in order to support ecotourism development, inform management planning, and ensure protection of elephant populations visiting the bai.

The project will: 1) Implement a targeted bai monitoring program designed to assess the status of the elephant population.

Bai monitoring activities include: reviewing existing monitoring protocols and developing a long-term strategy for monitoring all large mammals in the bai; ensuring that data is collected on a daily basis at the bai; conducting regular reconnaissance walks in the forest zone immediately surrounding the bai; and facilitating short and long-term research projects for researchers. 2) Ensure necessary infrastructure and equipment is in place to facilitate access of research teams to the clearing.

Access activities include: maintaining access road to Langou field camp; and ensuring maintenance and improvements of field station buildings to accommodate additional personnel, researchers and visitors. 3) Ensure that ecotourism products and activities are well-planned across the Southern Ivindo landscape.

Ecotourism activities include: consulting with ANPN and Aman Resorts representatives to outline a plan for appropriate ecotourism development products; mapping existing knowledge useful for ecotourism activities; and conducting field prospection missions to at least three sites.