Mokokchung: Yangermang forest shelters rescued animals

Mokokchung Forest Division and guides from Mopungchuket village releasing the Slow Loris and Oriental Bay Owl in the Yangermang forest (scaly community reserve) on September 20. (Photo Courtesy: Mokokchung Forest Division)
 

Mokokchung, September 21 (MExN): Two rescued animals, a Slow Loris and an Oriental Bay Owl were released into the forest by the Mokokchung Forest Division on September 20. 

The animals were released in the Yangermang forest, a community reserve, presently under forest department as a ‘scaly community reserve.’

An informal programme in connection with the handing over was held on September 20.

Informing this in a press release, Sashilemla, Range Officer, Mokokchung stated that the Oriental Bay Owl was handed over by one Imkong through District Administration to DFO, Mokokchung Forest Division. 

A pair of Oriental Bay Owl was captured by one person from Longkhum area. However, according to Imkong, it was not cared properly. Therefore, he retrieved it from that person to hand them over to the authorities through District Administration. 

It was also reported that an egg was laid by the female owl, while the other owl flew away.

On the acquisition of the Slow Loris, DC Mokokchung Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS informed that it was spotted by some Dobashis in Changtongya who reported to SDO (C) Changtongya who informed the DC. 

Aochuba, IFS (DFO) said that after making some observations, the wild animals were to be released in their natural habitat. 

Abhinav, IAS SDO (C) also speaking during the programme said that such act would set a precedent among the people in society and incentivise the citizens to carry similar acts in times to come. Imkumba, ACF in the vote of thanks appreciated the efforts of the district administration and all concerned towards conservation.

Later, a brief interaction was held with the Village Council of Mopungchuket on the same day before proceeding to release the wild animals in the Scaly Community Reserve. The Village Council informed the department that the penalties for hunting is Rs. 50,000 and for Fishing is Rs. 1,00,000. 

The Mokokchung Forest Division led by DFO and guides from the village left for the site to release the animals.