Kamjong: In a significant conservation breakthrough, camera traps deployed by local NGO ENFOGAL have captured the first-ever photographic record of the Indian bison (gaur Bos gaurus) in Manipur. The species is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List and faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, and fragmentation across its range.
According to Patrick Shangh, project director of ENFOGAL, the camera traps were installed as part of team’s project to document wildlife diversity in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts and raise conservation awareness among local communities.
The equipment used for the survey was funded by ideaWild, an international organisation that supports people working in wildlife conservation by providing essential field equipment such as camera traps, binoculars, and research tools.
The successful capture was made possible through close collaboration with the people of Nongman village, with camera trap locations carefully selected after field assessments led by villagers. Vils Ningshen, a key community member, has been instrumental in supporting ENFOGAL’s efforts to highlight the village’s rich faunal diversity.
Nongman village is also known to host species such as the herbivore Brown Hornbill, further underscoring its ecological importance.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to conservation, Nongman village has already imposed a ban on the use of air guns within its jurisdiction. Following the camera-trap confirmation of the Indian bison, the village has reaffirmed its pledge to protect and conserve the species and its habitat.
In a joint appeal, ENFOGAL and the Nongman village community have urged neighbouring villages to come together in a collective conservation effort, emphasizing that landscape-level protection and cooperation are essential for the long-term survival of the Indian bison and other wildlife in the region.
Shangh stated that the organization will now strengthen awareness and conservation initiatives in Nongman and surrounding villages. “This record highlights the importance of community-led conservation and the urgent need to protect remaining wildlife habitats,” Shangh said.
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Reinforcing this message, ENFOGAL President Yoyung Shaiza emphasized the critical status of the species in the region. “Only a few bison populations remain. Protecting and conserving them will be our utmost priority,” he stated.
This first camera-trap record of the Indian bison in Manipur not only marks a scientific milestone but also showcases the power of community participation, NGO leadership, and international support. With ENFOGAL, Nongman village, and partners like ideaWild working together, the future of wildlife conservation in Manipur’s eastern hills looks increasingly hopeful.
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