Assam nature camp hosts wildlife survey to boost conservation

Guwahati: Nature enthusiasts gathered at Assam's Baghmora Eco Camp for a two-day survey of the Brahmaputra floodplains. Organized by Rago under the Nature Conservation Society's Project Pokhila, the event aimed to track local biodiversity. The activity kicked off with a Butterfly Walk on July 17, followed by a Bird Walk and Birdwatching Day on July 18.

Naturalists Binanda Hatibaruah and NCS Chairman Loren Sonowal led the group. Participants documented over 38 butterfly species and various moths in the area. Birdwatchers and photographers from Kaziranga and Lakhimpur joined the trek, catching a glimpse of a herd of wild elephants roaming the grasslands. The project highlights the region's diverse wildlife.

Binanda Hatibaruah spoke to local children about sustainable ecotourism and protecting natural heritage. Veteran Wikimedia volunteer Pranjyoti Nath pushed for digital documentation during the event. He told attendees, "Such contributions would support research, education, conservation efforts and public awareness." Nath encouraged everyone to upload their best wildlife images to Wikimedia Commons.

Richan Doley, who runs the camp, invited researchers and photographers to return. He noted that the famous Molai Forest sits only a 20-minute boat ride away across the Brahmaputra. The event succeeded in its goal to spark community interest and build a long-term conservation model for the region.