Dimapur, November 11 (MExN): The State government has expressed concern that wildlife crimes are emerging as a major threat to natural resources of the State. “Some reckless and mindless people under the shadow of landownership indulge into an indiscriminate destruction of wildlife which poses a major hurdle to conservation efforts. They consider everything that nature bestows as a manna fallen from the heavens for them and therefore try to overplay with the issues and exert dogmatism while authorities enforce code of the law of the land”, states a press note issued by T.Lotha Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland, Dimapur.
The Chief Wildlife Warden stated that the recent episode of the trapping and selling of Amur Falcons from Doyang reservoir has attracted much criticism and publicity. “The ground reality is that the timely interventions by the authorities had negated by the people involved in the offence as a result of which, the episode of Amur falcons had gone out of the proportion”, it stated.
It was stated that the “seizing and releasing of the birds from the possession of the offenders did not deter them” but that “rather, they resented and rebelled against the action taken and continued their offence”. At the same time it stated that the legal frameworks are not conducive for enforcement unless hunting rules are framed.
“The community living around Doyang reservoir should learn a lesson from the model of community conservation of Amur falcons as displayed by the community of Changtongia in Mokokchung District. Unlike the previous years, this year the sudden influx of migratory birds in large numbers at Doyang was quite unexpected. On my review at the spot on 9/11/12 I have seen the birds have started receding to their migration routes”, the press note stated.
The estimation of birds killed: 12000-14000 per day and 120000-140000 annually given by the Conservation India is exaggerated and incorrect, although some killings took place this year, it was clarified while adding that such incident will not be allowed to happen in the coming years. The government also urged that the authority of NEEPCO, Doyang should take proactive steps so that the poachers do not put up nets over Doyang reservoir under their control.
“The Wildlife Trust of India, the reputed Organisation dealing with the conservation and welfare of wildlife has started independent assessment for forging a sustainable management of Amur falcons and the wild elephants in the State. Livelihood interventions on the side lines of the conservation alone can bring community into consciousness about conservation of wildlife”.
It stated that the migratory birds, Amur Falcons belong to International community and therefore it is mandatory for the State to protect the birds as India is a signatory to the Convention of Migratory Species.
India is also one of the signatories to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Wild Fauna and Flora) since 1976. CITES is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. About 5000 species of animals and 28000 species of plants are protected by CITES against over exploitation through international trade, it stated.
The best option for the village community during the migration of birds is to organize the birds watching and photography with the visitors and tourists which can earn a great dividend for them instead of trapping, the press note suggested. Meanwhile the press note has informed that the report on large scale killing of Amur falcons in Nagaland has been furnished to the DIGF (WL) attached to the Union Minister of State ( Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests as sought by them.
The press note informed about the action taken Report which included among others, deployment of frontline staff at the sites to control killing, trapping and selling of the birds; conduct meeting with the stakeholders, Village authorities to restrain village -hunters from illegal practices; seizing and release of trapped birds which were alive. More than a thousand birds were rescued, it stated.
Further course of action to be taken included education and awareness campaign in persuasive manner, ban on sale of Wildlife products through local authorities, Eco-tourism in Amur bearing areas, Adoption of resolutions by village authorities for conservation of Amur, to withhold developmental funds such as NREGA, VD Fund, Compensation, schemes etc., from the defaulting village(s) and also to draw up Amur Falcons action Plan for the State.
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