Wildlife Week 2025 observed across Nagaland

Wildlife Week 2025 was commemorated across various districts of Nagaland with a series of awareness programmes, nature walks, and community-led initiatives under the theme “Human-Animal Coexistence”.
KOHIMA: Kohima Forest Division, under the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) and Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalayas, organised a nature walk and awareness programme for Class X students of St. Peter’s School, Kohima on October 7.
During the nature walk to the Blyth’s Tragopan Conservation and Breeding Centre, biologist Kanili Rhakho briefed students on the unique features of the state bird, noting that Nagaland hosts the largest global population of Blyth’s Tragopan. She highlighted the centre’s role in conserving the species and its presence across other districts.
At the Forest Office Complex, Conservator of Forests (STC), Zuthunglo Patton encouraged students to explore wildlife and emphasized the importance of respecting nature, drawing lessons from ancestral practices. She noted Nagaland’s location within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and warned against the decline in wildlife due to hunting. She also cited the conservation of the Amur Falcon as a success story, where hunters became protectors through community-led efforts.
DFO & DMU Head Kohima, Dr. Sevono Seletsu, officiated the pledge-taking ceremony, urging participants to commit to wildlife conservation and peaceful coexistence. Diaries published by the Kohima Forest Division were distributed to all 38 students and two accompanying teachers.
LEPHORI: The management committee of Khrokhropfü Community Reserve Forest, in collaboration with Phek Forest Division and Wildlife Division Kiphire, observed the Wildlife Week programme on October 4 at GHS Kamaleah, Lephori Village.
Deputy Commissioner Meluri, K. Mhathung Tsanglao, graced the occasion as guest of honour and spoke on wildlife conservation, human-animal coexistence, and sustainable eco-tourism. Speakers stressed the role of community involvement and individual responsibility in reducing human-animal conflict and preserving natural habitats.
Wildlife Warden Siechutho Katiry delivered the keynote address, followed by a short speech from DFO Phek, Enyiwekha Wezah. The event featured drawing, painting, photography competitions, and a mini-marathon run for wildlife. Participants included village council chairmen from five villages, Head GB of Kamalesh Area, administrative officers, Forest Department staff, social workers, villagers, and students.