Camera traps monitor wildlife in Arunachal's Tirap forest

Itanagar: Conservationists have set up camera traps in the New Tupi village community forest in Arunachal Pradesh. The Hinthong Foundation led the push. Roughly 20 people helped put the gear in place. The group included the village chief, community leaders, youth heads, and volunteers. Techu Aran, former Tirap Deputy Commissioner and foundation adviser, also assisted. They picked specific spots to film animals without causing any stress.

This effort aims to map species living in the woods. Researchers want hard data to guide future preservation. During the setup, the team spotted wild boar tracks and barking deer prints. They also found claw marks likely left by a Himalayan Black Bear. Wild boars had recently been feeding in the area. A pangolin burrow turned up nearby just days earlier.

Locals often hear Hoolock Gibbons calling at dawn. Biologist Kime Obin confirmed the calls before the team finished their work. Obin, representing the Morey Conservation Foundation, handled the technical training for the group. The Nature Conservation Foundation provided the necessary camera equipment. Hinthong Foundation co-founders Chajo Lowang and Sara Khongsai directed the operation. They have pushed community-based conservation for five years. The group emphasizes local input. The foundation stated, "Local knowledge and participation remain central to the initiative."

Data captured by the devices will reveal the forest's true biodiversity. Experts expect the project to sharpen local stewardship. Future decisions will rely on this footage. The team hopes this keeps the Tirap district forest intact for years to come.