With calls to conserve nature, wildlife week observed in state

Dimapur, Oct. 8 (EMN): Nagaland Zoological Park at Rangapahar in Dimapur observed Wildlife Week on Oct. 7 in the premises of the zoo. Updates on Sunday informed that the theme of the event was “listening to the young voices.”

The daylong programme “started with free entry” for all visitors to the zoo, it was informed. Visitors were provided refreshments during their visit and were ‘sensitised about wildlife’ conservation by the officers and staffers of the zoo through ‘wildlife talks’ and interactions, it was informed.

Visitors were also encouraged to share their views on conservation and many visitors appreciated the initiative of the zoo management to connect directly with the visitors and encouraged the staff to keep up their efforts in conserving wildlife wealth, the updates stated.

To mark the occasion, special mugs printed with wildlife photos commemorating wildlife week were distributed to the visitors, it was informed. Photos of wildlife in the zoo were printed and gifted to students and children also. A quiz about wildlife for the staffers was also conducted to mark the occasion.

The celebration culminated with a closing programme in the afternoon attended by all the staffers of the zoo. The director, Sentichuba Aier conveyed his appreciation to the staff members for their dedication and sincerity in taking care of the captive wildlife in the zoo.

Special gifts were distributed to all the participants in the programme. As a token of gratitude for their services in the zoo, all the staffers of the animal section comprising animal attendants, cooks, grass cutters and storekeeper were presented with gifts, it was informed.

Thiru, zoo biologist, was also felicitated by the director for his constant dedication and sincere services to the zoo, the updates informed.

Kiphire wildlife division

In collaboration with Greenland Society, the Kiphire Wildlife Division observed on Oct. 6 the Wildlife Week in the Muytei Project Area near Anatongre village which is 22 kms away from Kiphire town.

The program was marked by painting competition, quiz and essay writing contest, a press release from the organisers informed. The program began with a prayer from the pastor of Anatongre village. The program was attended by

Village council chairmen, head Gaon Burra and public from Anatongre, Maipok, Nutsü and Pokphur villages, and students and teachers from the Government Public School of Anatongre, Christian School of Anatongre, Government High School of Anatongre and members of the Kiphire Bharat Scouts and Guides took part in the event, it was informed.

In his keynote address, Jongyanthong, chairman of the Greenland Society appreciated the efforts of the Forest department to make ‘such a program happen for the first time in the history in that area,’ updates on Sunday stated.

R Joseph Kius, president of the Tikhir Tribal Union also explained the importance of conservation and urged to the people to safeguard the wildlife of the area. He called for collaborative efforts in the conservation efforts, the updates stated.

Also, R Santsu Kithan, district agricultural officer, explained the importance of all types of wildlife ‘from big to small including microorganisms like bacteria.’ He cited the example of bees: the insect singlehandedly help in pollinating plants. He explained how their disappearance will affect the food chain. He cited the example of an apex predator like tiger also which keeps the food chain in balance.

The missing of a top predator means that an increase in lower food chain animals that leads to imbalance in the ecosystem, the updates informed.

The chief guest of the event was Suman W M Sivachar, IFS, Wildlife Warden of Kiphire, the updates informed. He explained about how each animal in the food chain has their own importance. The wild boar, for example, might be considered a pest to the farmer but the animal performs an important task in the regeneration of forests.

‘Only human beings with their power of rational thinking and empathy can think and protect the wildlife. Young minds who are the future citizens of our nation are capable of protecting the wildlife. Their essays and paintings in the competitions suggest the same,’ the official said.

A dance troupe called the Kiukhian-Kiuphulong, from Anatongre village, performed a cultural dance during the program. More than 200 people participated in the program with 45 people participating in the various competitions, the updates added.