The survival of human beings and animals, both directly as well as indirectly, depends on forests; as their basic needs in the form of food, water, and shelter are met from forests. In addition to these tangible benefits, forests play key role in carbon sequestration, amelioration of environment and climate change.
With passage of time and increasing population, biotic pressure on forests has significantly increased. In the State of Nagaland, lion’s shares (88.03%) of forests are under the control of individuals and communities and remaining 11.7% of the forests are under the control of the Government. The Government has very limited regulatory role in management of private forests. Since time immemorial, administration and people of the State had/have played an important role in protection and maintenance of forests in the form of Community Conservation Areas, Wildlife Based Community Conservation Areas etc.
The existence of wildlife is a good indicator of good forests and subsequently availability of timber, firewood, medicinal plants for human beings. The State of Nagaland had been traditionally a hunting State since time immemorial. Now, people are coming forward for protection of wildlife, they are rescuing wild animals, and they are donating wild animals and birds, which are kept in Nagaland Zoological Park, Rangapahar and Tragopan Breeding Centre, Kohima.
With the efforts of the administration, people and different agencies of the Government, NGOs etc, Amur Flacons (Migratory Birds) were well protected in the State during their migration in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 . This brought laurels, both nationally and internationally, to the State and the world community recognized Nagalalnd as the capital of falcons.
On behalf of the Forest Department, I appeal to the public, Government officials, Village Councils, army and Para military personnel, students, NGOs and other stakeholders for protection of Wildlife. In case of observing any danger for human beings with the sighting of wild animals in human habitations, the Wildlife Warden, Dimapur can be contacted for tranquilizing the animal. In case of damage of crops/ killing of domestic animals by wild animals, the nearest forest/ administrative office may consulted. The Wildlife Wing, Nagaland Forest Department will try its best to make compensation against the damage on the recommendations of the following assessment committee, constituted by the Government.
1.The Concerned Deputy Commissioner : Chairman
2. The Concerned Wildlife Warden : Member Secretary
3. The Concerned Territorial DFO : Member
4. The District Agriculture Officer : Member
5. The District Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Officer :Member
