Aaranyak, a leading organization dedicated to research-driven biodiversity conservation, has extended its support to the Forest Department of Sikkim in the installation and operation of wildlife surveillance cameras. These cameras have been strategically placed in two key wildlife protection areas, namely the Khangchendzongkha National Park and the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary.
The initiative aims to enhance the detection and prevention of wildlife crimes, contributing significantly to the overarching goal of biodiversity conservation in the region. Ivy Farheen Hussain, Wildlife Crime Analyst and Project Officer at Aaranyak’s Legal and Advocacy Division (LAD), spearheaded the coordination efforts with the Sikkim Forest Department.
Commencing with a meeting in Gangtok, Hussain engaged with Pradip Kumar IFS, Secretary cum APCCF, Forest and Wildlife, Government of Sikkim, along with Sandeep Tambe, Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW), and the District Forest Officers (DFOs) of Khangchendzongkha NP and Pangolakha WLS. The discussions revolved around the functionality and customization of wireless 4G cameras, emphasizing their utility in real-time surveillance and prompt response to wildlife-related issues.
Field orientations were conducted subsequently, with the first session held at Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, attended by forest field staff, including Range Officers and newly recruited graduate foresters. The training focused on camera operation, deployment, and data monitoring, particularly addressing prevalent issues such as human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) exacerbated by military activities within the Protected Area.
The second orientation took place at Khangchendzongkha NP, where forest department staff and members of local NGOs were trained to combat wildlife poaching and smuggling, particularly targeting endangered species like the Musk Deer. The extensive coverage of these areas, spanning over 1700 sq. km, highlights the critical need for constant monitoring and conservation efforts.
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Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, CEO and Secretary General of Aaranyak, expressed optimism about the collaborative effort, emphasizing its potential to address key conservation challenges. “This partnership marks the initial step towards achieving our collective goal of conservation in Sikkim,” stated Dr Talukdar, underscoring the importance of bridging gaps in conservation efforts.
Dr Jimmy Borah, Senior Manager at Aaranyak’s LAD, highlighted the Forest Department’s proactive approach in seeking assistance from Aaranyak, citing their expertise in deterring wildlife crimes. The collaboration, supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, signifies a promising stride towards long-term conservation endeavours in the region.
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