Peren: In a landmark step for community-led conservation, Bamsiakilwa (Hebamlo) village in Nagaland’s Peren district has established what is being described as the world’s first community conserved area dedicated to protecting the Asiatic Golden cat, one of Asia’s least-studied wild cat species.
The newly declared Daukeling–Hebamlo Community Conserved Area (CCA) was formally inaugurated on May 27 in the presence of conservationists, forest officials, village leaders and community members.
The event was inaugurated by Dr C. Zupeni Tsanglai, Wildlife Warden of the Dimapur Division, who unveiled a monolith and a statue of the Asiatic Golden cat to mark the historic initiative.
Speaking at the event, Dr Tsanglai stressed the importance of conserving small wild cats and protecting the forests that sustain both biodiversity and local communities.
She noted that healthy forests play a critical role in maintaining clean air, freshwater sources and ecological balance, particularly at a time when climate change is placing increasing pressure on natural ecosystems. Conserving forests today, she said, would help secure water resources, regulate local climate and support sustainable livelihoods for future generations.
The conservation initiative has been undertaken through a collaboration between the Bamsiakilwa community, the Eastern Himalayas Marbled Cat Project (EHMCP) and the Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation (SWCCF). The partnership aims to strengthen habitat protection, promote community stewardship and secure a safe future for the Asiatic Golden cat and other wildlife found in the area.
Village chairman Pauka urged residents to stop hunting and actively support the conservation of the Asiatic Golden cat and other wildlife within the protected landscape.
Community leaders also emphasised the need to preserve forests for future generations and acknowledged the ecological importance of the Daukeling–Hebamlo forest ecosystem. Villagers collectively resolved to enforce strict conservation measures, including a ban on hunting and disturbance of wildlife within the conserved area.
The Asiatic Golden cat faces growing threats across its range from habitat loss, hunting and human disturbance. Conservationists believe initiatives such as the Daukeling–Hebamlo CCA can serve as a model for grassroots conservation by combining traditional community governance systems with modern conservation practices.
The declaration of the community conserved area highlights the growing role of indigenous and local communities in wildlife conservation across Nagaland and the wider Northeast.
Conservation groups say the initiative demonstrates how local leadership and community participation can contribute significantly to biodiversity protection and climate resilience.
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