Experts and Communities Push for Wildlife Conservation in Nagaland

Kohima: LEMSACHENLOK and the Zoological Survey of India met during Wildlife Week 2026 to target biodiversity gaps in the Longleng district. Dr. D. Suresh Chand, Senior Scientist-E at ZSI, led the charge to improve research, documentation, and conservation strategies. The teams discussed ways to fill current knowledge voids regarding mammals, birds, and other vertebrate groups.

Scientific data will now reach local conservationists. This helps pinpoint endangered species. Experts confirmed that several regions in Nagaland remain poorly surveyed and require urgent attention. Community attitudes are shifting, as traditional hunting gives way to active preservation efforts led by Village Councils.

Participants urged for better maintenance of People’s Biodiversity Registers. These records must include observer names, dates, locations, and photographic evidence. The ZSI team pledged technical support to LEMSACHENLOK to boost local capacity. Meanwhile, Y. Nuklu Phom of LEMSACHENLOK and Neema Padak Broome from Kalpavriksh Pune discussed the Territories of Life programme to link local mapping with national Indigenous rights frameworks.

The Tuensang Forest Division marked the week at Nakshou Village on October 5. Dr. Prabhat Kumar, DFO Tuensang, urged villagers to take ownership of their local environment. He stated: "Highlighting the importance of protecting wildlife and conserving biodiversity, stressing collective responsibility and stronger community participation."

Events included poster contests and conservation displays to spark interest. The day concluded with prize distributions and a communal lunch. Organizers hope these school-level drama and awareness programmes build a lasting conservation culture for children.