In order to generate conservation tempo for conserving 10 flagship species in Manipur, a workshop on wildlife conservation through coexistence was held on Monday at Hotel Imphal as a part of 70th Wildlife Week 2024.
A wildlife wing, forest department, government of Manipur, is celebrating a week-long Wildlife days celebration since October 2. And, as a part of celebration, the workshop was conducted with an aim to work out a conservation action plan for conserving 10 flagship species namely, Sangai, Nongin, Hoolock Gibbon, Migratory Birds, Hornbill, Slow Loris, Tiger, Elephant, Shirui Lily and Amur Falcon.
Highlighting the importance of making people aware that wildlife includes every life in the wild, whether animals or plants, chief conservator of forest, Anurag Bajpai said that ecosystem in Manipur is maintained though many factors destruct the ecosystem and which is why all sections of the society should come forward and strive together to protect and conserve the plants and animals in the state .
“Not only the ten species that are flagship for conservation need to conserve. Manipur is home of other important mammals too and so, there are many to conserve”, said Anurag.
Most important and first hand work should be identification of factual data of all mammals found in Manipur, said Anurag, adding that it will be very helpful in taking up conservation action plan.
Despite challenges, efforts are being taken up and continuing to protect various species found in Manipur, said Anurag, highlighting destruction caused by climate change, rapid urbanisation etc.
During the technical session, the famous Sangai of Manipur was detailed by Khanmengbam Samungou, wildlife activist. ‘Nongin’, a state bird was detailed by Sanasam Okendro, wildlife activist cum photographer; Esther Laltankim Serto, IFS (DFO Churachandpur) spoke on Hoolock Gibbon; Kuman Jugeshor, bird specialist spoke on Migratory bird; assistant director BNHS, Mumbai spoke on Rajat Bhargava; Rajesh Salam spoke on Slow Loris; Kharibam Hitler, DFO Tamenglong spoke on Tiger and Elephant; researcher scholar AW Thotrinphy Shangh spoke on Shirui Lily and Chambo Gonmei, additional director public health and also wildlife activist spoke on Amur Falcon.
Professor Ch IMPHAL Meitei, MIMS, Manipur University spoke on promotion of sustainable tourism in Manipur.
The workshop was attended by wildlife wing, forest department staff and wildlife activists, wildlife lovers and DFOs of Manipur.
