EMN
Dimapur, October 6
Having earned a bad name following reports of poaching which were aggressively highlighted in the mass media across the country and the globe last year, Forest Department, Wokha Division, has embark on mission to control hunting and deforestation in the region.
Observing a week long Wildlife Awareness programme, the Wokha Division has organized programmes with students in the district particularly focusing around hunting and deforestation problem in the region with particular reference to Amur Falcon and its roosting habitat.
During the week long programmes, Government Primary Schools (GPS) ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C’ and Government Middle School (GMS) of Pangti; Government High School (GHS) and Lamp School of Sungro and Eco-Club of Doyang have actively participated in the programme.
During the programme, audio-visual and interactive activities have not only entertained the students but also ensured maximum learning. The school teachers from the schools have volunteered to assist in carrying out Amur Falcon quiz cum introductory presentation.
One such teacher namely CM Kyong along with his colleagues Lipen Lotha and Nzambemo have been engaged in nature education under ‘Friends of the Amur Falcon” - a programme of the Nagaland Wildlife and Bio-diversity Conservation Trust.
During the period, Doyang Eco-Club was inaugurated and awareness activities were held on similar line. While interacting with the students, Kyongs mimicry of the bird with phrases likes “Hello friends, my name is Amur Falcon” with fluttering bird on the screen has been an item of attraction for the students.
Furthermore like in Naga tradition, the bird while briefing about its village (distribution), tribe Amur from Amur River (etymology), wife (sexual dimorphism) with a humorous comment “Oh my god, my wife is heavier than me....!!!,” etc left the students giggling. The students were reminded of migration, ecological importance, threats to the bird etc which concluded with emotional appeal and promises of being ‘Friends Forever’ with the birds.
W Kikon and Nzambemo Kithan from Pangti village are members of the ‘Natural Nagas’ working under the leadership of Steve Odyuo. They along with their ten other colleagues volunteered for organizing various activities in all the schools. They have pulled their socks up for covering other schools in the Doyang reservoir area.
Kamdi Hemant Bhaskar, DCF, Ms. Zuthunglo, ACF, and Punseni Khing, RFO, are especially given the task of Amur Falcon conservation in the region. Supongnukshi Ao, DFO, Wokha Forest Division, has immensely thanked all the schools for their cooperation. He has also appealed for inclusion of conservation programmes and activities in the school curriculum. He emphasised on awareness education at the grassroots as an effective tool for solving any problem in the long run while enforcement is being done as an immediate measure. The division is prepared for both, he told.
Last year, the district earned a bad name after highlighting poaching problems aggressively in the mass media across the country and the globe. Henceforth this year, the activities were focused around hunting and deforestation problem in the region with particular reference to Amur Falcon and its roosting habitat.
