Wokha Forest Division observes Wildlife Week 2025

WOKHA — The Wokha Forest Division, in collaboration with the Doyang Plantation Division, observed Wildlife Week 2025 on the theme “Human-animal coexistence” at the community hall, Forest Colony, Wokha, on October 7.

The event was attended by Sangthing Khiam, SDPO Wokha, representatives from the Lotha Hoho, and others.

Delivering the keynote address, Suman WM Sivachar, divisional forest officer of Wokha Forest Division and Doyang Plantation Division, underscored the historical relationship between humans and animals, both wild and domesticated.

He noted that Nagaland, situated at the confluence of the Himalaya and Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspots, is home to rare species such as the Malayan Sun Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, and Blyth’s Tragopan—the state bird.

Highlighting the issue of habitat fragmentation, Sivachar pointed out that traditional elephant corridors between Wokha and Assam have been disrupted due to encroachment, agriculture, and infrastructure development.

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“When natural habitats shrink, animals spill over into human habitations, leading to conflicts,” he said, adding that elephants’ strong memory and migratory instincts contribute to recurring human-elephant conflicts.

He called for sustainable coexistence and urged communities to become eco-warriors rather than hunters, reminding that nearly 79% of Nagaland’s forest cover is community-owned. “We are custodians of the Earth’s resources for future generations,” he said.

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Sivachar remarked that nature’s resilience during lockdowns was a reminder of its power. “It is sheer arrogance for humans to think we can overshadow nature. Nature is powerful—it is the visible form of God,” he stated.

In his welcome address, Elithung B Odyuo, assistant conservator of forests (I/c Merapani Range and Liphayan Beat), emphasised the ecological importance of every species, from insects to elephants. “Coexistence should not merely be an idea but a necessity,” he said, encouraging the gathering to foster empathy and action for peaceful human-animal relations.

As part of the celebration, the division organised debate, extempore speech, and painting competitions among students from various institutions. Results were announced by Longshithung Ovung, deputy range forest officer, Liphayan Beat.

In the extempore speech competition, Zuyani R Humtsoe of Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School secured the first position with 44.5 points, followed by Rhonthunglo Lotha of Government Higher Secondary School, Wokha, with 43.5 points, and Myingthunglo N. Kikon of Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School, who scored 39.5 points.

In the debate competition, Mount Tiyi College, Wokha, emerged the winner with 41.33 points.

In the painting competition for classes 1–4, Lissenroni Ngullie of class 4, Perennial School, took the first position, while Fuchumo N Ngullie of Class 3 and Chumren Wilson E Ennio of Class 3, both from Perennial School, won the second and third positions, respectively.

In the category for classes 5–8, Samlamngaule Lungalaing of Class 5, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Wokha, secured the first position. Dipsika Lepcha of Class 8, Fernbrook School, Wokha, and Mhachenbeni M. Ezung of Class 7, Don Bosco School, claimed the second and third positions, respectively.

For classes 9–12, M Bidemo Lotha of Class 9, Perennial School, bagged the first position, followed by Z Martha Ezung of Class 11, Government Higher Secondary School, Wokha, in second place, and Ladyro M Ezung of Class 9, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Wokha, in third place.