Kohima, April 20 (MExN): An awareness programme for conservation of Blyth’s Tragopan was organized by the Nagaland Forest Department, with financial support of the Central Zoo Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of India at Khonoma Village on April 20 with active participation of the officers of the Forest Department, Village Councils of Tragopan bearing areas in the state, officials from Wildlife Trust of India, scientists and researchers.
Rajat S. Pal, PCCF, Nagaland addressing as the chief guest highlighted about the problem faced by the Department specially in terms of funding. Despite this problem, he urged the communities to continue the conservation efforts for our future generation.
The programme was chaired by Satya Prakash Tripathi, Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland. He also made a power point presentation on Blyth’s Tragopan breeding works at Tragopan Breeding and Conservation Centre, Kohima. He highlighted the problem faced by the Department in the breeding of the bird.
RK Aima, APCCF (Territorial), welcomed the participants and urged the communities to protect this threatened species since it has limited distribution around the world. Welcome song was presented by Vipielhu and party. Dr. Sapu Changkija, Associate Professor, Nagaland University highlighted the distribution pattern, food habit and vulnerability of Blyth’s Tragopan in the state of Nagaland.
Rahul Kaul, Chief Ecologist, Wildlife Trust of India, in his speech stated that conservation efforts should go along with the help of the community since most of the areas in Nagaland are under the control of the community. He stated that an action plan has been prepared for the conservation of the Blyth’s Tragopan after consultation with the stakeholders. He highlighted the challenges faced during the captive breeding programme in other parts of the country.
Inato Sema from Tsuruhu village, Zunheboto districts spoke about the status of Blyth’s Tragopan in Satoi area. He urged the Forest Department to provide assistance for the conservation efforts. Tselie Sakhrie, Advisor, Khonoma Nature Conservation & Tragopan Sanctuary presented the history of the conservation efforts in relation to Blyth’s Tragopan in Khonoma area. Tsikiu, member of Bhutan Glory Eco-club spoke about the status of Blyth’s Tragopan in Saramati area and about the activities of Bhutan Glory Eco-club, Fakim. DFO, Phek Rongsenlemla Imchen (IFS) presented the status of Blyth’s Tragopan in Phek districts. She also stressed about the role of village councils in the conservation efforts and urged the villagers not to have an incentive-driven mindset so that conservation efforts will succeed in a sustainable way.
Imtienla Ao (IFS), Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in her speech highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between nature and development so that future generation can also reap the harvest of our efforts.
