DIMAPUR: A 23-member team from Wokha Forest Division undertook a three-day exposure visit to Kaziranga National Park from March 18 to 20 under the Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya (Nagaland) Project of the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Nagaland.
According to a press release, led by range forest officer Lansothung Lotha, the team included members of Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) from five villages—Thenhyayan, Ronren, Makharung, Yanthanro, and Mmhayan along with officials from the Wokha Forest Division. The visit aimed to provide firsthand exposure to successful models of wildlife conservation, eco-development, and community participation.
On the first day, the team visited the Orchid Park, where they were introduced to the region’s rich floral diversity and the integration of biodiversity conservation with eco-tourism.
The second day witnessed an early morning jeep safari in the Bagori Range of Kaziranga, offering participants an immersive experience of the park’s grassland ecosystem and wildlife. The team sighted species such as the Indian rhinoceros, Asian water buffalo, hog deer, wild pig, and swamp deer, along with several bird species including spot-billed pelican, black-headed ibis, bar-headed goose, and spotted owl.
A key highlight of the visit was an interaction with the Natundanga Eco-Development Committee (EDC), known for its community-based conservation model. The team engaged with EDC president Mangal Singh Teron, members of the committee, and representatives of the Ingnam Self-Help Group (SHG). The interaction, held at the Karbi Ethnic Food Centre, showcased initiatives such as ethnic culinary tourism, which promotes women-led livelihood generation while supporting conservation efforts.
The team visited the Burapahar Range, where they observed additional wildlife, including sambar, oriental pied hornbill, Pallas’s fish eagle, and greater adjutant.
On the final day, a debriefing and feedback session was held, during which participants shared their experiences and insights. Members highlighted the importance of community participation in conservation and noted how sustainable livelihood initiatives can reduce dependency on forest resources while promoting environmental stewardship.
Overall, the participants described the visit as informative and inspiring, stating that it broadened their perspectives on conservation and reinforced the need for collective efforts to preserve natural resources. The programme was facilitated by retired Range Forest Officer and consultant ranger Pradip Goswami, with EDC member Karno Tanti serving as the tour guide.
