Officials along with the participants pose for a photo during the Wildlife Week 2026 observance held at the Central Agricultural University, Jalukie on October 8.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 8
Wildlife Week 2026 was observed across Nagaland with a focus on habitat protection, community participation and the need for greater awareness about wildlife conservation.
The celebrations, held under the theme “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife”, highlighted the importance of protecting natural ecosystems and ensuring safe movement of wildlife between fragmented habitats.
At the Kohima Forest Division, the Wildlife Week programme was held at the Forest Office, Kohima, where K Hukato Chishi, IFS, Conservator of Forests (STC), stressed the need for mass awareness about the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Seeking greater community support, Chishi said community participation was crucial for effective enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
Savinuo Kikhi, Range Forest Officer, Chiephobozou Range, said the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was enforced in Nagaland following its adoption by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on December 18, 1981.
Kikhi emphasised the role of village communities in managing forests, land and natural resources, and said customary practices and traditional knowledge could contribute to sustainable use of natural resources.
Village institutions, churches, youth and organisations could further strengthen conservation awareness, she said, adding that effective conservation required cooperation among village councils, local organisations and government agencies.
Keletsole Mekro, a student of Sazolie College, Phezhu, Jotsoma, spoke on the role of youth and students in wildlife and nature conservation.
She said wildlife protection was not the sole responsibility of the Forest Department, scientists or conservation organisations, pointing to habitat loss, deforestation, pollution, illegal wildlife trade and climate change as major threats.
Referring to the Amur Falcon conservation initiative at Doyang, she said it demonstrated what could be achieved when communities, young people, conservation groups and the Forest Department worked together.
Meanwhile, the Doyang Wildlife Division and Wokha Forest Division, in collaboration with Green Succession Nagaland and the Wokha District Legal Services Authority, organised a Wildlife Week programme at the Community Hall, Old Ralan, on October 8.
Delivering the keynote address, Jongponglemba, Wildlife Warden, Doyang Wildlife Division, emphasised the need to safeguard fragile ecosystems and strengthen community participation in conservation.
DFO Wokha Suman W M Sivachar and Border Magistrate, Ralan, Tsenthungo Ngullie, stressed the importance of grassroots awareness and community involvement in conservation.
Sivachar said conservation was not only about protecting animals but also about preserving ecological balance, water security and the livelihoods of rural communities.
Ngullie said empowering local councils and youth groups with knowledge of wildlife laws and penalties for violations could strengthen enforcement and reduce wildlife crimes.
Grievances raised by the Yamhon Area Public Organization and Ralan Area Lotha Hoho were also addressed during the programme.
The Wildlife Week campaign, which began on October 2, covered villages, ranges and blocks across Wokha district. Awareness programmes focused on the importance of wildlife in maintaining ecological balance, legal consequences of wildlife crimes and measures to mitigate human-elephant conflicts.
In Peren district, the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University, Jalukie, also observed National Wildlife Week 2026 under the same theme.
Chisayi Vadeo, IFS and DFO, Peren, the special guest, delivered a lecture on “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife”. He stressed the need to create awareness about conservation of wildlife, flora and fauna and emphasised the importance of coexistence.
Vadeo said developmental activities could progress without disturbing wildlife habitats and stressed the need to maintain habitat connectivity to facilitate the free movement of wildlife and preserve ecosystems.
Dr I Shakuntala, Dean of the college, apprised the special guest of the activities of the institution and spoke on the importance of conservation and protection against habitat fragmentation. She called upon stakeholders to work together for the protection and wellbeing of wildlife.
A poster-making competition was also organised among students on the theme. Eleven students participated and were awarded merit and participation certificates by the dignitaries.
