Tura, Oct 17: A two-day training workshop organized by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, took place at the Forest Department Office in Dakopgre, Tura. The event brought together participants from various sectors, including the forest department, NGOs, and defense organizations, with a focus on enhancing wildlife monitoring techniques.

The workshop, titled “Methods for Monitoring Mammalian Fauna of the Himalayas”, was part of an NMHS-funded project aimed at conserving threatened mammalian species in the Indian Himalayan Region. This initiative focuses on long-term monitoring, securing wildlife corridors, and building the capacity of stakeholders involved in conservation efforts, particularly in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills region.

The primary goal of the project is to study and understand the mammalian fauna of the Himalayan ecosystem, with an emphasis on key aspects such as population dynamics, habitat ecology, and species abundance. In addition to gathering data, the project seeks to equip participants with skills to address human-wildlife conflict and develop improved monitoring mechanisms.

Over 50 participants from seven different departments attended the workshop. Experts from the Zoological Survey of India conducted specialized sessions, covering diverse topics related to ecology and wildlife conservation. Participants were introduced to the latest technological advancements in the field, such as radio collar tracking, camera trap usage, and DNA-based monitoring techniques.

NGO representatives benefited from hands-on exposure to these new technologies, which are critical for field-based wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts. Forest department employees were given insights into state-of-the-art methodologies to improve wildlife management, specifically aimed at minimizing human-wildlife conflict, which has been a growing concern in the region.

Additionally, students from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) took part in the event, gaining valuable knowledge in basic ecology and wildlife conservation techniques. The workshop provided them with opportunities to explore future research projects, internships, and training in molecular genetics.

The workshop featured several prominent figures in the field of environmental conservation, including Prof. C. P. Suresh, Head of the Department of Horticulture at NEHU’s Tura Campus, Dr. K. A. Subramanian, Scientist-E from ZSI, Chennai, and Dr. Lalit Kumar Sharma, Scientist-E and Head of the GIS & Wildlife Section, ZSI, Kolkata.

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