Benefits of Wildlife Conservation

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

ONE DAY COMMUNITY WORKSHOP ON

BENEFITS OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Community Hall, Shergaon

11th OCTOBER 2011

OFFICE OF THE DIVISIONAL FOREST OFFICER

SHERGAON FOREST DIVISION

RUPA, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

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Contents

Acknowledgements

3

Introduction

4

Agenda 6

Introduction to Wildlife in Western Arunachal Pradesh – value &

threats: Umesh Srinivasan

7

Benefits of Wildlife Conservation: K. Mazumdar, WWF-India 9

Identification of local wildlife: an interactive documentation: Millo

Tasser

12

Awareness about WP Act 1972: KS Jayachandran 14

Government schemes on Conservation: KS Jayachandran 17

Interactive brainstorming session –

Discussion and development of action points

20

Action Points decided 24

ANNEXURES:

TERMS OF REFERENCE – BRAINSTORMING SESSION 26

QUESTIONAIRE 27

PRIZE WINNING SCHOOL PAINTINGS 28

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PROCEEDINGS OF THE ONE DAY COMMUNITY WORKSHOP ON BENEFITS OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Acknowledgements

Shergaon Forest Division would like to thank Shri. B.S. Sajwan, IFS,

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Principal Secretary (Environment &

Forests), Government of Arunachal Pradesh and Shri. J.L. Singh, IFS,

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Government of Arunachal

Pradesh for sincerely encouraging environmental awareness initiatives in

Arunachal Pradesh and providing financial sanction for this workshop. We are

grateful to Shri. G.N Roy, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Western

Arunachal Circle for being the constant source of encouragement for all

educational and awareness activities undertaken by this Forest Division.

Special thanks are addressed to Dr. Umesh Srinivasan, National Center

for Biological Sciences, Bangalore and Shri. K. Mazumdar, WWF – India,

Tezpur for taking part in the workshop as resource persons. Their sincere role

as central pillars of the entire workshop was instrumental in ensuring

evolution of tangible ideas out of the gathering. The role of Mrs. M Taipodia

Jini, Circle Officer, Shergaon is hereby duly acknowledged, whose energy and

enthusiasm shaped the basic events that formed the gathering.

We thank Shri. Pradeep Wahule, ACF Bomdila Forest Division for the

delightful photographs. We also thank the participants and other well wishers

and friends for their encouragement and inputs for the success of the

programme.

Millo Tasser, IFS K.S. Jayachandran, IFS Assistant Conservator of Forests Divisional Forest Officer Shergaon Forest Division Shergaon Forest Division

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Introduction

Shergaon Forest Division is home to several endangered plants and animals.

The geographical and climatic range of the region is variable extending from

sub tropical plains in the south to the temperate mountains in the north. This

gives rise to an amazing range of habitats for biological diversity. The division

borders the largest legally protected area in western Arunachal and Assam

region covering 3500 km2 of prime forests across 100m-3300m in altitude.

The community lands surrounding the protected areas thus serve critical

ecological support functions and are biologically significant lands containing

high priority species and habitats. Both the landscapes are inter-dependent in

terms of habitats: the rich biological diversity of the protected areas on the

surrounding community lands and the communities on the rich ecological

benefits of the protected areas. There is a need for all stakeholders including

the local communities, government departments, NGOs and scientific

communities to seek, evaluate, use and create information especially with

regard to thorough biological inventories of the fringe lands, awareness, and

livelihood issues of neighboring communities; so that wildlife conservation

needs could be addressed in an ecological landscape context.

The present workshop thus sought to involve, inform, and raise awareness

about conservation of wildlife especially in the fringe lands of Eaglenest

Wildlife Sanctuary among the public, community leaders, officers, officials,

Gaon Burahs and NGOs.

The one day workshop titled “BENEFITS OF WILDLIFE

CONSERVATION” was conducted by Shergaon Forest Division on the

occasion of National Wildlife Week at the Community Hall, Shergaon on 11th

October, 2011.

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The objectives of the workshop are as follows:

1. To understand the composition of wildlife in the region, their

value and threats faced and to instill a sense of pride over the

resources we support.

2. To stress the need to manage our wildlife resources and

understand the benefits of wildlife conservation.

3. To evolve a participatory action plan for better conservation based

on traditional and modern knowledge.

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AGENDA

0945 hrs Welcome address: KS Jayachandran, DFO Shergaon Forest

Division

1000 hrs Introductory talk: Circle Officer, Shergaon

1015 hrs Introduction to Wildlife in Western Arunachal Pradesh – value &

threats: Umesh Srinivasan, NCBS

1100 hrs One land for all – a photographic journey into the world of wildlife

1115 hrs Tea break / Group photograph with participants / Exhibition of

paintings

1145 hrs Benefits of Wildlife Conservation: K. Mazumdar, WWF-India

1215 hrs Identification of local wildlife: an interactive documentation:

Millo Tasser, ACF Shergaon Forest Division

1245 hrs Awareness about WP Act 1972: KS Jayachandran

0115 hrs Lunch

0215 hrs Screening of wildlife movie

0245 hrs Government schemes on Conservation: KS Jayachandran

0300 hrs Brainstorming and discussions with participants

0400 hrs Feedback session

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Introduction to wildlife in western Arunachal Pradesh:

Values and threats

Umesh Srinivasan

National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru

Arunachal Pradesh has variety of wildlife habitats which is unique in the

entire world. South East Asia comprising Arunachal Pradesh and particularly

the western Arunachal is very rich in biodiversity. This part of the region

ranks third in mammal and bird diversity but at the same time the area also

faces the fastest rate of extinction of wildlife especially the birds. Many

animals are reported only in this region and the extinction of those animals

would mean extinction from the entire world. For example only 7 pairs of the

bird Bugun liocichla, has been reported in the eagle nest wildlife sanctuary

and this bird is not found anywhere else. Some other wildlife commonly found

in this part of Arunachal are flying squirrel, golden cat, laughing thrust, parrot

billed, sun bird, false cobra, krait, loris etc. Hunting poses a major threat

to wildlife, especially the large mammals whose breeding rate is not very fast.

Other threats to wildlife are habitat loss and degradation. And the reasons for

forest degradation are mostly jhum cultivation and human settlement because

of which Indian forests have reduced drastically. But it is still not too late in

Arunachal.

Photographs of all wildlife including birds and butterflies were

exhibited and their characteristics, ecological value and threats were

discussed. The audience were very enthusiastic about the various species

found in the region and sought more details about some species.

After presentation, the house was open for questions and some of the

questions raised by the audience were:

1. Can menace animals like wild pig and wild dog be allowed to kill?

2. A mysterious animal visits our fields at night and destroys our maize

crops, it can stand on two feet; we believe it to be a ghost. What could

be that animal?

3. Why do we have so much of diversity in this region?

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4. Migratory birds visited Shergaon long time back and were hunted.

What could be the name of that crane? How do we protect them if they

visit again? What is the incentive from government for conservation?

5. Why there is delay in action and response from the forest department

in case of a wildlife related query or offence and why the forest check

gates are not being utilized properly?

It was clarified during

simultaneous discussions that

wild pigs and wild dogs are not

vermins and cannot be killed.

Killing predators is not a

solution because continuous

killing of wild animals in the

name of protecting one’s crops

and livestock could only put an

end to the existence of that

particular wild species.

Shri. Umesh Srinivasan, NCBS

Instead, we should look at altering our agricultural pattern to suit our

environment. Or protect our agricultural assets in a better manner. Moreover,

the government offers compensation for crop damages done by wildlife.

The migratory birds visiting Shergaon are to be identified during their next

visit. Villagers promised support through prompt information to the Forest

Department. After identification, the Department would try to prepare a

proposal for conservation of the same.

The Forest Division is severely under staffed (50%) and hence many a time the

response to situations in villages especially with regard to wildlife cases have

been slow. But it was assured to the participants that the higher office would

be pursued to get the Forest Division staffed as per the sanctioned strength.

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Benefits of wildlife conservation

K Mazumdar

WWF-India, Tezpur

Northeast India is bestowed with rich wildlife resources because of the

presence of diverse multilayered habitats and we are lucky and proud to

have such diversity.

North Eastern India is known to have:

11 primate species (including 2 recently discovered species from this

region) out of the 17 species found in India.

Among the Cervidae (or deer family) 7 species are found in the

region out of 9 species found all over India.

Among Cat family 9 species are found out of 15 species found in

India.

Among the pig family both the Wild pig and Pigmy hog both are

found in North eastern India (While pigmy hog is endemic to

western part of Assam).

The Great one Horned Rhinoceros, Red Panda, Sun bear, Chinese

pangolin, Binturong, Hog badger etc. are found only in the NE

region.

Among large mammals Asian Elephant, Gaur, Asiatic wild buffalo,

Yak, The royal Bengal tiger are found in the region.

Some of the rare species found in the region are:

1. Golden langur (Trachypithecus geei)

2. Phayre’s leafmonkey (Trachypithecus phayrei)

3. Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock)

4. Slow Loris (Nycticebus bengalensis)

5. Arunachal Macaque (Macaca munzala)

6. Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana)

7. Stamp tailed Macaque

8. Pigmy Hog (Sus salvanius)

9. Lesser or Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)

10. Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis)

11. Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus)

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Arunachal Pradesh shows a great diversity of cultural groups with 26 major

tribes and over a 100 minor tribes. However the entire population of state is

meager with only around 13 people per Sq.Km. Tribal people have been living

in close association with the nature and

wildlife resources. Loss of wildlife would

lead to loss of certain customary

practices. For example, if the hornbill

gets extinct, then how would the tribal

people decorate their headgears?

Conservation can be done through

people’s participation, say for example by

initiating community based tourism like

bird watching, trekking etc. People can

rent out part of their house to tourists.

Community conserved area (CCA) is a

very good concept, which is being tried

out in different parts of West Kameng region.

New CCA at Zemithang

Development of facility:

High Altitude Camping Materials are available with CCAMCs for

visitors.

9 Home Stays and 2 Home Based Restaurants were established for first

time.

Village Camp Sites at Sangti and Zemithang established.

CCAMCs Office cum Tourism Information Center with basic

infrastructure in place.

Income options generated:

A. Earning scope for villagers

Home stay operators

Home based restaurant operators

Pack animal

Forests are, in the life and times of man and nature, of value directly and indirectly – the former through their produce, and the latter through the influence that they are capable of exercising on the climate, the regulation of moisture, the stability of the soil and so on. It has been said that the healthiness of a country and its subjects depend directly or indirectly on the state of its forests.

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Porter, guide, cook and cook helpers

Cultural program

Local handicraft

B. Earning scope for CCAMC (to develop corpus)

CCA Entry Fee

Camera Fee

Camping Site Charge

Camping Material Charge

CCA Conservation Fee (15% and 10% of total service cost for

International and domestic tourist)

Economic impact of project:

High Altitude Wetland Conservation: Conservation initiatives

1) First ever scientific documentation of wetlands of Arunachal Pradesh.

2) Tawang Monastery Authority decided to take necessary steps to reduce

accumulation of Waste During the pilgrims visit.

3) Cleanliness drive in collaboration with Tawang Monastery and SSB

38th Battalion, Tawang was organized.

In short, the following activities can be included in a community conserved

area to benefit the community:

1. Travel to natural area: trekking/bird watching/wild trail etc.

2. Community participation: contribution to conservation/ guides etc.

3. Visitor and host interaction: accommodation/hospitality etc.

4. Benefit sharing: with the government, amongst the community.

Income

(By)

PLUMCCAMC TBCCAMC Sangte Namshu

Villagers Rs.19,650 Rs.2,89,486 Rs.6.300 0

BCCAMC Rs.10,015 Rs.80,267 Rs.10,500 Rs.8,500

Total Rs.29,665 Rs.3,69,753 Rs.16,800 Rs.8,500

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After presentation, following questions were raised by the audience:

1. Why are vultures on the verge of extinction?

2. What is the life expectancy of a vulture?

3. How can community tourism be initiated at Shergaon?

Given the immense interest

shown by participants

towards CCA, it was decided

that the WWF – India,

Tezpur chapter would

prepare a blue print about

the way to move forward, if

CCAs are to be initiated in

Shergaon region.

Shri. K Mazumdar, WWF speaking on

benefits of wildlife conservation

Identification of local wildlife: an interactive documentation

Millo Tasser

ACF-Shergaon Forest Division

Some of the wildlife (mammals and birds) as reported in the working scheme

of the Division were selected, with the

view to document them in the local

sherdukpen language. Pictures of the

animals were shown to the audience,

their unique characteristics were told

and on the basis of that, the audience

was requested to identify the animals

in their local language.

An unidentified mysterious creature with 50 cms long footprint and 30 cms long body hair feeding maize in fields was reported by villagers of Shergaon. Photographs of footprints and hair samples are to be collected for scientific identification.

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Following animals and birds were identified:

Sl.

No.

Common Name Scientific Name Local Name

(Sherdukpen)

1. Tiger Panthera tigris Poon

2. Leopard Panthera pardus Gungto

3. Elephant Elephas maximus Sthong

4. Himalayan Black

Bear

Selenarctos thibetanus Sthung

5. Wild Dog Cuon alpinus Sau

6. Wild Boar Sus scropa Scand

7. Sambar Cervus unicolor Zhuk

8. Hog Deer Axis porcinus Zhuk

9. Barking Deer Muntiacus muntjac Skee

10. Musk Deer Moschus chrysogaster Sambou

11. Common Macaque Macaca mullata Zudung

12. Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus Zhuh

13. Red Panda Ailurus fulgens Clubumu

Dungkar

14. Himalayan Stripped

Squirrel

Taniops macclellandi Stopchangka

15. Pika Ochotona sp. Broyakpu

16. Porcupine Hystrix sp. Zhubo

17. Rufous Necked

Hornbill

Aceros nipalensis Manchu

18. Blyth’s Tragopan Tragopan blythii Eru

19. Temminck’s

Tragopan

Tragopan temminckii Bap

20. Yellow vented

warbler

Phylloscopus cantator Regnio

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The villagers could identify

most of the animals but only

few birds. Especially the

smaller birds remained

unidentified; they perceive all

small birds as common birds

only. Reasons could be

ignorance about the bird

diversity or bird population

has reduced to such an extent

that they are not seen any

more nearby human residents.

Shri. Millo Tasser, ACF documenting wildlife in local

language

Awareness about WP Act 1972

KS Jayachandran

DFO, Shergaon Forest Division

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is an act for the protection of wild animals,

birds and plants.

There was a general notion that hunting of birds, deers and wild pigs do not

affect the forests and the future of our forests; while conservation of tigers and

elephants alone will serve the purpose of conservation. The ecological pyramid

was explained in lucid terms. The hunting of herbivores will directly affect the

carnivores that are dependent on them. Thus the prey depletion is one of the

most serious threats to the carnivores. The population densities, survival rates

and chance of persistence are all strongly tied to the densities of their prey

base. Even if small populations exist in an area, they could be “ecologically

extinct”, that is, they no longer fulfill their ecological role in the forest, which

affects the forest population. Vast stretches of forests in Arunachal Pradesh

are bereft of wildlife. Such forests cannot be considered ecologically alive.

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Bird hunting is a serious problem. Killing of birds with catapults especially by

children innocently without realizing the harm they are causing to the future

children is an issue, which needs to be addressed by reaching out to the

younger generations. Hunting also plays a pivotal role in extinction of several

bird species. Butterflies and moths are placed in Schedule I of the Wildlife

Protection Act, 1972, which prohibits commerce in wildlife articles. Catching

and killing frogs are done against the Wildlife Protection Act. Frogs play a

vital role in the food chain of the eco-system, help prevent spread of diseases

by consuming insects and are necessary to maintain the ecological balance.

Village economies elsewhere have shifted from hunting and shifting

agriculture towards settled agriculture through proper land use planning by

keeping apt proportions of land separately for agriculture, development and

conservation. This would only help the future generations of the region.

Conservation through proper land use planning is very important in

mountains compared to plains, because deforestation and extinction affects

the fragile mountains more than the plains.

Shri. KS Jayachandran, DFO Shergaon Forest

Division discussing the WP Act

Important definitions in the Wildlife

(Protection) Act, 1972 like animal,

wildlife, wild animal, vermin, hunting

and trophy were discussed. Names of

various species under different

schedules were drawn attention to.

Section 9, which is the cornerstone of

the Act, was discussed and several

situations deliberated whether such

situations under the tribal customs

would be covered under the said

section.

Prohibition of picking and uprooting of specified plants especially Ladies

slipper orchids and vandas was also elaborated. Photographs of all specified

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plants were projected to the audience and various provisions with regard to

uprooting and transport of such plants were discussed.

Provisions related to trade or commerce in wild animals, animal articles and

trophies was also discussed. Penalties for various acts related to different

species covered under the 6 schedules were examined.

The new ‘amnesty’ provisions by the amendment to the Environment

Protection Act, 1972, the Declaration Of Wildlife Stock Rules, 2003, permits

persons with ‘prohibited’ wildlife items like captive animal or bird, an article

or trophy derived from animals specified under the Wildlife Protection Act, to

apply for a ‘possession certificate’. Keeping undeclared wildlife products or

animals is punishable with a jail term of 3 to 7 years and a fine of over Rs.

10000.

Importance of Eaglenest Wildlife sanctuary was highlighted and analysed

from different perspectives. The ecological benefits shall definitely reach the

local communities alone. Moreover, the economic advantages to neighboring

settlements of the Wildlife sanctuary would be very vital, especially when the

sanctuary becomes famous and attracts more tourists. Business, development

and entrepreneurship will increase. Examples of Thekkady near Periyar Tiger

Reserve in Kerala were taken up for inspiration. The conservation of forests

and wildlife in Wildlife sanctuary and fringe community lands is in the

interest of the people themselves, because a rich sanctuary would attract the

attention of the world and more visitors.

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Doimara Reserve Forest was notified in 1966, part of which was eventually notified in 1989 as Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. The area of the sanctuary is 217 square kilometers. The altitudinal variation from 600 m to 3900 m makes it a top birding destination in the country. Together with Pakke Tiger Reserve, Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, Nameri Tiger Reserve and Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary forms one of the largest contiguous Protected Area complex in the region. The sanctuary has the potential to transform the entire economy of the region.

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Government schemes on Conservation

KS Jayachandran

DFO, Shergaon Forest Division

Protection of Sacred Groves is an important step towards local conservation

keeping in mind both the aspirations of local people and the larger objective of

conservation. Inventory of Sacred Groves incorporating the location, area,

people involved in protection, cultural and religious beliefs associated with

these sacred groves is to be done. Contribution of community in protection

and conservation may be highlighted. Documentation of Flora and Fauna of

each Sacred Grove could be done by the Forest Department with the help of

locals and NGOs. Preparation of Management Plan/Work Plan is the next step

for improvement and conservation in sacred groves including improvement

works such as labelling of important species and signage, cultural operations,

improvement of footpaths, laying of eco-trails for education purposes and

protection measures.

Identification of unique ecosystems such as wetlands including endemic

vegetation is another area of conservation, which could be used to bring funds

to the communities.

The huge scope in declaration of Community Reserves was specifically

stressed on. The State Government may, where the community or an

individual has volunteered to conserve wild life and its habitat, declare any

private or community land

as a community reserve, for

protecting fauna, flora and

traditional or cultural

conservation values and

practices. A Community

Reserve management

committee, consisting of

five representatives

nominated by the Village

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Panchayat and one representative of the State Forests shall be the authority

responsible for conserving, maintaining and managing the community

reserve. The committee shall be the competent authority to prepare and

implement the management plan for the community reserve and to take steps

to ensure the protection of wild life

and its habitat in the reserve. The

committee shall elect a Chairman

who shall also be the Honorary Wild

Life Warden on the community

reserve. No change in the land use

pattern shall be made within the

community reserve, except in

accordance with a resolution passed

by the management, committee and

approval of the same by the State

Government. Many examples of

successful community reserves in

other parts of the country were

focused on. Apprehensions on

increased control of the government

on the reserves were also addressed. Land Bank is a newer scheme which can be used by the communities to

address both development and environment together without affecting each

other. Any community land can be donated by a village to the state

government for plantation and other forestry activities and notified as a

Village Forest Reserve (VFR) under the Arunachal Pradesh Anchal and Village

Forest Reserve (Constitution and Maintenance) Amendment Act, 1984.

Government shares 50% of the net revenue obtained from such village forest

reserves with the Gram Panchayat Fund, for developmental activities of the

village.

Compensatory Afforestation means that when any land with forest is diverted

for developmental purposes, the user agency has to compensate for the loss of

the forest by planting of trees over double the area in lands with degraded

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forest according to Forest Conservation Act, 1980. Since it compensates for

the loss of forest it is called Compensatory Afforestation (CA). Development

activities are not granted forest clearance without CA.

The link between Land Bank, VFR and CA needs to be understood. When CA

is done in community lands, then the land has to be notified by the state

government as VFR. This is done to ensure that the new forest raised through

CA is provided legal protection. So when land is donated by communities for

CA, it also has to be notified as VFR. By donating degraded lands, the

communities can convert bad areas into good areas (forested lands). The

immense advantages are as follows:

1. Legal protection for ecological security to the village in the future (pure

air, soil conservation, protection of water source, wildlife habitat etc).

2. Income generation from lands, which otherwise do not generate

income.

3. Employment to the villagers in plantation activities, sharing of 50% net

revenue with the village gram panchayat, plantation and cultivation of

fast growing medicinal herbs in the VFR etc.

4. Entry point activities @ Rs 8000/- per hectare, for creation of

community assets like roads, school building, community hall etc.

Thus Compensatory Afforestation / Land Bank / VFR encourages

developmental work like roads, dams etc. while conserving nature for our

future generations at the same time.

Supreme Court’s historic order on the Public Interest Litigation of TN Godavarman Vs Union of India (W.P 202 of 1995) clarified that the word ‘forest’ must be understood according to the dictionary meaning of the term irrespective of the nature of ownership and classification thereof including “deemed forest”.

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Interactive brainstorming session

Discussion and development of action points

Reason for reduction of forests:

Firewood was the most common reason

cited by the audience. Increased

population has put tremendous pressure

on the forests. Taking into consideration,

the altitude and climatic condition of

Shergaon, firewood is a must during

winter. However, commercial extraction

needs to be checked. Some other reasons

cited were wild fire, agriculture and related

activities.

Wildlife commonly seen nowadays:

Barking deer, bear, wild boar, flying squirrel, wild cat, wild dog etc. These

animals are seen only in jungles, that too after several hours of search.

Wildlife seen years ago and not seen nowadays in this region: Tigers

and otters were seen long back. The general response to this topic was that the

animals they had seen years ago still seem to exist but the number has

reduced drastically.

Reasons for decline in

wildlife: Hunting was

unanimously declared as the

most prominent reason behind

disappearance of wildlife.

Forest reduction and Forest

fires also caught the attention

of the audience as a major

contributing factor. Some

villagers argued that hunting

by locals is done sustainably and cannot be a reason for the decline. However,

they opined that hunting by government officers is a major concern especially

due to the uninhibited access and modern weapons. Road construction has

Mrs. M Taipodia Jini, Circle Officer,

Shergaon moderating the brain

storming session

A participant making a point

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affected migration of animals especially bears. Moreover, the road network

has created islands of forests accessible from all around for the sake of

hunting. There was also an opinion that use of pesticides in cultivation also

affects wildlife.

What would happen if wildlife

gets extinct? Participants

thought that forests without

wildlife will not remain forests.

Wildlife is essential for the forests

to remain healthy and vibrant.

Wildlife conflict: Wild dogs

attack the livestock during winters

and wild pigs damage the field

crops. People even asked if they

could kill these two animals. Bear

attacks happen when people go

deep inside the forests.

Wildlife commonly hunted/preferred: The most unanimous response

was, barking deer and bear. The reason for preference was that these two

animals are the most commonly seen ones in the region. So during ritual

hunting, these two are mostly encountered. Some of the participants also let it

out that bear claws are very costly. Monkeys are also shot nowadays.

Reasons for hunting: People hardly hunt for food. Hunting is mostly for

fun and thrill.

Hunters: Almost all educated persons indulge in hunting. Government

officers and staff are the most active hunters. They often collaborate and travel

inside the forests with local office subordinates to execute hunting. Vehicles

and modern weapons render their hunting very effective and deadly. It is

interesting that guns are used predominantly, while the poor people set traps.

Are all animals hunted, any taboo on hunting?

All animals are not hunted; especially the felines like tigers are avoided.

Elephant, tiger and wild mithun are considered religious and are regarded as

god. Even in case of accidental killing, a rigorous ritual has to be performed.

So hunters try to avoid these animals.

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Local laws against hunting; is its

implementation satisfactory? If not,

reasons and solutions: There is a ban in

hunting during certain months especially

during breeding season of animals. In the

month of June, people do not hunt nor do

they eat meat during 3 days of 8th, 15th and

last day of month in Buddhist calendar.

Hunting with dogs is not allowed. Laying

traps for animals, use of blasting materials

and mass destructive substances like bleaching powder are banned. Since the

ban has religious sentiment attached, its implementation is considerably

satisfactory. Moreover, when the woman of the house is pregnant, there is no

hunting or fishing.

The supremacy of the GBs and village councils is eroding as implementation

of local laws is becoming difficult slowly. The GBs and village councils were

asked to strengthen their law enforcement measures or allow the government

to take action on offenders.

Are there any benefits if we conserve forest and wildlife? Everybody

agreed to the fact that there is benefit in conserving the forests and wildlife.

Ideas to protect wildlife and reduce hunting: Religious sentiments

should be enforced though religious leaders. But people were also of the

opinion that awareness should come from within. No amount of awareness

campaign would be sufficient, if people don’t realize themselves. One of the

participants said hunting shouldn’t be banned but should be regulated. Such

voices cannot be ignored while organising awareness campaigns. After all,

there could be more people who have the same opinion. It was also suggested

in the questionnaire that all gun licenses should be cancelled and guns shall be

asked to be deposited back; and selling of bullets and pellets should be

stopped.

Any traditional practice/culture/custom which conserved

forests/wildlife/any natural resource for future? The religious beliefs

attached with the natural resources have been an important factor in

conserving natural resources. Sherdukpens have various practices, for

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example dying saplings are

always replanted, very old and

over mature trees are not cut.

Village councils have strong

laws and impose penalties on

offences

How can communities do

conservation for future

generations themselves?

Banning hunting, afforestation

and by declaring Village Forest

Reserves (VFR) were the common opinions shared.

How should government help the communities conserve their

wildlife? Apart from conducting awareness campaigns and implementing

more conservation schemes, government should try to influence the dharm

gurus regarding forest related offences and natural resource management.

People are of the opinion that, religious leaders have a huge impact on the

social behavior of the people

Other issues: Participants felt

that Bodo militancy is a big

problem in the areas bordering

Assam like Doimara,

Kamengbari, Khellong etc. The

militants are not confined to

Assam forests. They often

infiltrate into Arunachal forests

and create problems for the

local people there. They indulge

in illegal felling. This is a very

serious issue and needs to be tackled by forest and police department of both

the states collectively.

● ● ●

● ● ●

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Action points decided to be done in future

The following action points were prepared through deliberations during the

brainstorming session as well as from the analysis of filled up questionnaires

submitted by participants:

Awareness campaigns by department especially about the endangered species

should be undertaken. Religious heads should be actively involved in creating

mass awareness and moulding public opinion.

Local laws by councils shall hand over stringent punishment especially for

government officers. Forest Department should be more vigilant.

Transport of firewood outside

shall be stopped. Check Posts

shall be strengthened, after the

staff strength is increased up to

the sanctioned strength as the

Forest Division is presently is

only 50% staffed.

WWF-India, Tezpur is requested

to prepare a blue print for introducing ecotourism activities through CCAs in

Shergaon, and kindly submit a copy to the Circle Officer, Shergaon and DFO,

Shergaon Forest Division.

Government Conservation schemes such as sacred groves, unique ecosystems,

community reserves and land bank – VFR shall be utilized properly by

communities. The Forest Department would prepare proposals if

communities are ready to come forward with enthusiasm.

Proposals for conservation of migratory birds would be formulated, if reliable

data about the bird visits is generated. Communities shall inform the local

Forest Range Officer on sighting of migratory birds.

● ● ●

● ● ●

25


As regards the yeti like mysterious creature visiting the village of Shergaon,

samples of body hair and photographs of footprints shall be submitted to the

local Forest Range Officer. Samples and photographs would be sent to

specialists for identification.

Awareness campaigns by department like travelling village talkies to bastis to

reach out to more number of people shall be strengthened. This outreach

program has already been initiated in certain areas. Audio-visual aids would

be most effective in rural areas. Posters of endangered species may be

prepared.

Free distribution

of seedlings

should be more.

The proposal for

increasing the

target for free

distribution of

seedlings would

be done from

next year.

Eaglenest Wildlife sanctuary shall be protected and preserved by all means for

future local prosperity – both environmental and economic.

● ● ●

● ● ●

26

ANNEXURE – I

ONE DAY WORKSHOP ON BENEFITS OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

11th OCTOBER 2011, SHERGAON

TERMS OF REFERENCE – DISCUSSIONS

1. Reasons for reduction of forests: Development projects / Firewood /

Timber / Cultivation / any other 2. What is the wildlife commonly seen nowadays in this region: common

wildlife 3. Wild life seen years ago and not seen nowadays in this region:

disappeared wildlife 4. Reasons for decline in wildlife: Forest reduction / Hunting / Forest fires /

any other 5. What would happen if wildlife gets extinct? 6. Any wildlife conflicts 7. Wildlife commonly hunted / preferred: 8. Reasons for hunting: Selling in market / food for consumption / ritual /

fun / any other 9. Who hunts the most: Villagers / Tourists / Students / Officers / any

other 10. Are all animals hunted? Are there any taboos on hunting any animal?

Which animal and why? Any religious animal? 11. Local laws against hunting? Is its implementation satisfactory; if no

why? Solutions? 12. Are there any benefits if we conserve forests & wildlife? 13. Ideas to protect wildlife and reduce hunting: 14. Any traditional practice / culture / custom which conserved

forests/wildlife / any natural resource for future 15. How can communities do conservation for future generations

themselves? 16. How should government help the communities conserve their wildlife? 17. Any other issue to be discussed

WILDLIFE WEEK CELEBRATIONS, 02 – 08 OCTOBER 2011

Shergaon Forest Division, Rupa Defend the wild or disappoint a child

27


ANNEXURE – II

ONE DAY WORKSHOP ON BENEFITS OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION 11th OCTOBER 2011, SHERGAON

QUESTIONAIRE Reasons for reduction of forests: Development projects / Firewood / Timber / Cultivation / any other: __ Wildlife commonly seen nowadays in this region: __________________________________________ Wild life seen years ago and not seen nowadays in this region: ________________________________ Areas rich in wildlife in this region today: __________________________________________________ Reasons for decline in wildlife: Forest reduction / Hunting / any other: __________________________ Wildlife commonly hunted: _____________________________________________________________ Number of active hunters in your village: __________ Age group of active hunters in village: less than 20 years / 20-40 / 40-60 / more than 60 years Season of hunting: ___________________________________________________________________ Most common mode of hunting: Guns / Arrows / Traps / all / any other: _________________________ Reasons for hunting: Selling in market / food for consumption / ritual / fun & thrill / retaliation/ any other: Who hunts the most: Villagers / Tourists / Students / Officers / any other: _______________________ Any traditional practice / knowledge which helped forests & wildlife: ____________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Ideas to reduce hunting: ______________________________________________________________ Ideas to protect / conserve wildlife: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What did you like about this workshop? ___________________________________________________ What you did not like about this workshop? ______________________________________________ Any other suggestions / comments: My Name (Optional): ______________________________Phone (Optional): _____________________

WILDLIFE WEEK CELEBRATIONS, 02 – 08 OCTOBER 2011 Shergaon Forest Division, Rupa

Defend the wild or disappoint a child

28

ANNEXURE – III

PRIZE WINNIING PAINTINGS FROM SCHOOL CHILDREN

29


Participants having lunch together

Participants together with organizers at Community Hall, Shergaon

OFFICE OF THE DIVISIONAL FOREST OFFICER

SHERGAON FOREST DIVISION

RUPA, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

TELEFAX: 03782 232249

E-mail: [email protected]

Copy of proceedings available at www.shergaonforests.org

OCTOBER 2011

Documents

Benefits of Wildlife Conservation