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Dimapur, Feb. 13 (EMN): A total of 28 forest guards personnel from five wildlife divisions of Nagaland were trained on conservation of Hoolock gibbon during a week-long training programme held at State Environment and Forestry Training Institute (SEFTI), Dimapur, from February 7 to the 12th.
The training was conducted by Aaranyak- a scientific and industrial research organisation with a mission of carrying out research, training and conservation activities in Northeast India, in collaboration with Nagaland Forest department with support from US Fish and Wildlife Service.
An update from Aaranyak stated that a wide range of related topics including biodiversity in Northeast India and conservation; primates conservation in Northeast India with special reference to Hoolock gibbon; gibbon census or population estimation; gibbon data collection, maintaining and reporting; techniques of floristic study; gibbon habitat characteristic and restoration; population and habitat monitoring; gibbon rescue and rehabilitation; global positioning system and use in field; and legal orientation (wildlife laws and its application) were covered during the training.
It stated that the course had provided participants with an initial understanding of the basic principles of primatology, experience with the methods and techniques used in field research.
A field study was also conducted at Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam.
It stated that Dr. IC Baruah from Assam Agricultural University; Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, Dr. Dipankar Lahkar, Dr. Jimmy Borah, Dr. Dilip Chetry, Arup Kr. Das from Aaranyak; Mridy Paban Phukan from Wildlife Conservation and Study Centre; and Ajay Kr. Das from Aaranyak and Guwahati High Court trained the forest officials.
Report stated that Raj Priy Singh, Conservator of Forest (Research, Planning and Utilisation), gave away certificates, books, posters and other study materials during the convocation programme held on February 12.
It further informed that the next batch would be conducted from February 21 to the 26th at the State Environment and Forestry Training Institute, Dimapur.