Y Merina Chishi
Wildlife Week is celebrated annually from October 2 to 8. Started in 1952, the primary objective of the event is to create awareness on preserving wildlife in India. In Nagaland, the Wildlife Wing of the Forest department takes the lead in celebrating Wildlife Week along with the rest of the world. Various awareness campaigns are held across the state on the occasion involving schools, colleges, non-government agencies and local community, among others.
Nagaland is a state endowed with rich flora and fauna. It is home to number of rare and endangered species of birds and animals. However, due to the age old practice of hunting and lack of awareness on the importance of preserving fauna, the state has lost many of its wildlife species. Stories of abundant deer and wild boar in the jungles seem inconceivable now, and only exist in ‘fleeting’ memories of older generations. Birds and other wild creatures also do not mark their presence much.
In spite of the loss, the effort to preserve what remains is not lost. Over the years, awareness on preserving wildlife has increased among Naga people. There has been drastic fall in killing and open sale of wildlife. Wild animal meat, birds and other wild creatures that were sold openly in the daily markets and along the National Highway has discernibly stopped. The department of Forest has been keeping vigil on such unlawful activities and patrolling parties are deputed every now to catch those involved in the trade.
The culture of gifting wildlife to VIPs and popular leaders has also been officially abolished. Several politicians have openly denounced this gifting culture and some even return wild meat gifted to them on public platforms. Villages and local community have become more aware about not just preserving wildlife but also the danger of losing species that are endemic to the state. Although there is still a lot of belief surrounding the use of wild meat, hide and internal organs for medicinal purposes especially in rural areas, the practices too is slowly diminishing.
Community conservation areas, biodiversity management bodies and rooster parties are some of the initiatives that have been taken up by the government to save wildlife. The arrival of migratory bird Amur Falcon to Nagaland has further opened up the love for birds and has changed people’s perception about wildlife preservation. Efforts of the community and department of Forest in providing a safe stay for the birds have put Nagaland on the global map.
But all said and done, the threat to survival of wildlife continues. Therefore, it is the prerogative of stakeholders to continue creating awareness at all levels. Wildlife saving plans and laws have to be strictly implemented. The public also needs to be familiarized with the laws so that they can contribute effectively to wildlife conservation.
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