1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Strengthening national-level institutional and professional capacities of country Parties towards enhanced UNCCD monitoring and reporting – GEF 7 EA Umbrella II (GEF 7 UNCCD Enabling Activities_Umbrella II) {'additional_translations': {}, 'value': 607, 'label': 'Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)', 'text': 'National Soil Services Center, Department of Agric (National Soil Services Center, Department of Agric) - Bhutan', 'template': 'raw'}

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

Comments:

As per the responses, the use of a dummy tiger in guarding crops do not seem to have having direct role in mitigating land degradation. However, it can be claimed as a part of SLM technologies because it protects the crops from wild animals. Standing crops in the field is important to prevent erosion (both soil and water), add nitrogen to the soil (e.g., by leguminous crops), and for nutrient cycling. Also, the use of toy tiger prevents the land user from resorting to fatal methods of crop guarding that necessitates the killing of wildlife.

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Dummy tigers are used to scare off crop predators. This can be considered a SLM technology because it protects the crops from wild animals which in turn prevents erosion (both soil and water), adds nitrogen to the soil (i.e., by leguminous crops), and helps in nutrient cycling. Furthermore, time is freed up for the farmer to carry out other SLM activities.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

In the region of Drochukha, Bhutan, the foremost challenge faced by rural communities is crops damage by wildlife. Land users in this area contend with damage inflicted by a variety of wild animals, including wild boar, barking deer, sambar deer, monkeys, porcupines, bears, and rats. To mitigate crop damage by wildlife, the land users of Drochukha have implemented a unique solution by strategically placing dummy tigers to deter these animals and safeguard their crops.
In 2018, a woman from Drochukha initiated the idea of using dummy tigers to protect crops, and it proved to be highly successful. Following this, other residents also adopted the practice. Farmlands situated near the forest's periphery experience the most significant crop damage by wild animals. By placing dummy tigers near the forest's edge, the land users have not only reduced wildlife attacks in the peripheral regions but also significantly decreased such incidents in the central areas. To protect their crops from wild animals, they procured a dummy tiger at a cost of Nu. 3,380 (about USD 40) from Bajo town in Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag and another dummy tiger costing Nu. 2,000 (about USD 25) from the Indian market in Jaigaon. The land users constructed a raised wooden platform by placing four wooden poles in the ground and adding planks over them to support the dummy tigers, ensuring that they faced the forest.
The implementation of dummy tigers (two) has yielded numerous benefits for 21 households in the region. With the adoption of this innovative approach, Drochukha farmers have been able to increase their crop production and rejuvenate previously unused lands. Dummy tigers effectively safeguard standing crops and prevent wildlife depredation. Maintaining standing crops in the fields is essential to prevent erosion, both of soil and water, while also contributing nitrogen to the soil through the cultivation of leguminous crops and facilitating nutrient cycling. An important aspect of employing dummy tigers is that it prevents land users from resorting to fatal methods of crop protection that may involve the killing of wildlife. Human-wildlife conflicts have thus been reduced. The primary current concern of the land users of Drochukha is the fading colour of the dummy tigers, and they are eager for improved interventions that may involve mobile and sound-producing tigers.
The Agriculture Machinery Centre (AMC) and the Dzongkhag Agriculture Office (DAO) have joined forces to create an IoT-based animal-repellent system. This system, positioned at the field's periphery, comprises three primary components: a speaker, a receptor card, and an amplifier. Once connected to an owner's smartphone, the system allows for the remote playback of various animal sounds. One system, consisting of a single receptor card, can be linked to up to five users. Additionally, two LED flashlights are integrated into the system to deter wild boars at night through powerful pulse flashes. The complete system comes at a cost of Nu. 30,000. Moreover, in their most recent endeavors, AMC and DAO are currently developing a robotic tiger capable of moving its head and limbs, enabling it to patrol the guardhouse and serve as a further deterrent to wildlife. The technology is being piloted as a project to evaluate its effectiveness in the field through trials.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2018

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through land users' innovation

Comments (type of project, etc.):

A lady named Dorji Lhamo of the community, originally from Mongar (Eastern Bhutan) has seen some tiger toys placed at the field peripheries to scare away the wild animals while making her visit to her native village. With much curiosity, she tried doing the same thing in Drochukha (Western Bhutan) where she currently lives. It worked, especially in scaring monkeys away.

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• conserve ecosystem
• create beneficial economic impact
• create beneficial social impact

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Yes

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):

• Agroforestry

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• mixed rainfed-irrigated

Comments:

The community has two irrigation sources, Khaow Lum benefiting 6 households, and Jaga Lum benefiting all 21 households.

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• Human-wildlife conflict management

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

This SLM technology would fall under the structure category as it requires a simple structural wooden stand to place the tiger toys.

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

Based on the responses, it appears that the utilization of toy tiger decoys for crop protection may not be directly associated with mitigating land degradation. Nevertheless, it can be considered a component of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) technologies since it serves to safeguard crops from wildlife damage. Preserving standing crops in fields holds significance in preventing erosion, both in terms of soil and water. Furthermore, standing crops contribute to soil enrichment by introducing nitrogen (e.g., through leguminous crops) and facilitate nutrient cycling. Another crucial aspect is that the toy tigers effectively deter wildlife from preying on crops, and they also aid in repelling vertebrate pests from fields.

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• prevent land degradation
• reduce land degradation

Comments:

Based on the responses, it seems that the use of toy tigers may not directly address land degradation. However, it can be categorized as a component of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) technologies because it plays a role in protecting crops from wildlife damage. Maintaining standing crops in fields is essential for erosion prevention, both in terms of soil and water conservation. Additionally, it contributes to soil enrichment by introducing nitrogen, especially through the cultivation of leguminous crops, and supports nutrient cycling. Another significant aspect is that toy tigers effectively serve as a deterrent against wildlife crop depredation and help in repelling vertebrate pests from fields

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology unit

other/ national currency (specify):

Nu.

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

80.0

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Procurement of tiger toys.	Before cropping season
2.	Construction of guard houses using any available materials to place the tiger toys.	Before cropping season
3.	Placing the tiger toys.	Cropping season

Comments:

The need for repainting the faded colours and the lack of movement of the tiger toys are the shortcomings associated with this technology.

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Labor	man/day	1.0	800.0	800.0	100.0
Other	Tiger toy	No.	1.0	3380.0	3380.0	100.0
Other	Tiger toy	No.	1.0	2000.0	2000.0	100.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					6180.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					77.25

Comments:

The current costing is being done based on the local market value of tiger toys. As per the respondents, the tiger toy of the required size cost Nu. 3380 from the local market (Wangdi Phodrang), whereas the same tiger cost Nu. 2000 from the Indian (Jaigoan) market.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Comments:

Since the adoption began in 2018, no maintenance, including the replacement of tiger toys, has been necessary. However, in the upcoming years, maintenance may become necessary due to the fading color of the tiger toys.

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

If you are unable to break down the costs in the table above, give an estimation of the total costs of maintaining the Technology:

5346.0

Comments:

Buying two new dummy tigers as replacements would cost approximately 66 USD (Nu. 5346) on the higher pricing end and around 50 USD (Nu. 4050) on the lower pricing end.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

5.3 Soils

If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

Moisture content-3.10%
Organic matter-7.08 %
Organic carbon-4.12%
pH-6.35
Electrical conductivity-181.33 µs/cm
Nitrogen-0.21
Phosphorus-0.21
Potassium-81.90 mg/100ml
Soil texture-Loamy sand

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

A landslide in the community was recorded in 1991, losing about one acre of land.

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

The greater vegetation coverage at the outskirts of the community indicates a higher level of habitat and species biodiversity.

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

The Drochukha community came into existence after their ancestors migrated to the current site from Gasa Dzongkhag some 50 years ago. Only 2 of 21 households are native.

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

• Family land

Land use rights:

• individual

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)
• individual

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

Specify:

The land use rights in Bhutan is based on a traditional legal system guided by formal land act and land rules and regulations.

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

	Season	increase or decrease	How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature		increase	very well
annual rainfall		increase	very well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
local rainstorm	very well
local thunderstorm	very well
local hailstorm	very well
local windstorm	very well

Climatological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
extreme winter conditions	very well

Biological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
epidemic diseases	very well
insect/ worm infestation	very well

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

Comments:

The technology is cost effective and every individual can afford it easily.

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• 11-50%

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

Out of the 21 households, 10 have embraced the technology. The reason for this is primarily that the remaining 11 households have their lands situated in the central part of the community and do not share boundaries with the forests.

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 91-100%

Comments:

The expenditures were borne by the farmers. No external funding was involved in buying tiger toys.

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

Yes

other (specify):

Modern technology integration

Specify adaptation of the Technology (design, material/ species, etc.):

The Agriculture Machinery Centre (AMC) and the Dzongkhag Agriculture Office (DAO) have joined forces to create an IoT-based animal-repellent system. This system, positioned at the field's periphery, comprises three primary components: a speaker, a receptor card, and an amplifier. Once connected to a owner's smartphone, the system allows for the remote playback of various animal sounds. One system, consisting of a single receptor card, can be linked to up to five users. Additionally, two LED flashlights are integrated into the system to deter wild boars at night through powerful pulse flashes. The complete system comes at a cost of Nu. 30,000.

Moreover, in their most recent endeavors, AMC and DAO are currently developing a robotic tiger capable of moving its head and limbs, enabling it to patrol the guardhouse and serve as a further deterrent to wildlife. The technology is being piloted as a project to evaluate its effectiveness in the field through trials.

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
The crop production is enhanced.
Lethal methods for crop protection have been avoided.
Overall farm income is increased after the adoption of technology.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
No major threats to the external environment and user friendly technology.
Tiger toy protects the crops from wild animals. Standing crops in the field is important to prevent erosion (both soil and water), add nitrogen to the soil (e.g., by leguminous crops), and for nutrient cycling. The other important aspect is toy tiger prevents wildlife depredation.

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
The colour fading of tiger toys could be a problem in the future.	Repaint toy tigers.
Financial burden on the land users.	Implement a cost-sharing mechanism.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
The wild animals especially the monkeys might get used to tiger toys.	A robotic tiger producing sounds in certain intervals would be the next best innovation, which is already under process.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Introduction – Jigme Dorji National Park

URL:

https://www.dofps.gov.bt/introduction-jigme-dorji-national-park/