DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 4 (MExN): Nagaland State Governor, PB Acharya today called upon the people of the state to commit themselves towards preserving the rich flora and fauna of the state and contribute to conservation by actively collaborating with the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change for sustainable supply of our natural resources.
In a message to mark the Wildlife Week, from October 2 to 6, the Governor said that Nagaland is richly endowed with the biodiversity of eastern Himalayas with over 80% of its geographical area being maintained under forest and tree cover at different interval of time.
“The State has rightly been recognised as one of the biodiversity hotspot in the world. The vast array of its rich faunal wealth includes big cats found in the country including, tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and elephants, bears, hillock gibbon, Blyth’s Tragopan, variety of hornbills and other valuable species, which is unique in the country,” he said.
It may be noted that in Nagaland, the state Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Nagaland is celebrating the 64th Wildlife Week on the theme “Big Cats-Predators under threat” with active participation of all stakeholders.
“I wish that the weeklong celebration will inspire the people of the State to contribute towards preserving the rich floral and faunal diversity of the State,” the Governor said.
He informed that the Nagaland government has been proactive to ensure that the rich natural heritage of the State is well preserved for the future generations. The Government, in 2013, had declared Amur Falcons as the State Guest and also notified stoppage of development funds of a village found killing wild animals (including migratory birds), which is an unique notification in the Country.
The forest and wildlife staff also spare no effort to protect the wildlife and its habitats against threats of encroachment, illegal poaching of wild animals and plants for unlawful consumption or trade of their parts and derivatives, he said while congratulating them for their sincere efforts and hard work.
The Governor acknowledged that no endeavour of a Government can be fruitful without the wholehearted support of the people. “The people of the State are coming forward for protection and conservation of forest and wildlife. The latest example is the solidarity in protection of Amur Falcons since 2013 and, as a result, the world community recognised Nagaland as the Falcon’s capital,” he pointed out.
