Aaranyak has joined forces with the Forest Department of Sikkim to bolster wildlife surveillance efforts in the Khangchendzongkha National Park and Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the picturesque Himalayan state. In a strategic move aimed at combating wildlife crimes and ensuring biodiversity conservation, Aaranyak facilitated the installation and operation of surveillance cameras in these critical wildlife habitats. Led by Wildlife Crime Analyst and Project Officer Ivy Farheen Hussain from Aaranyak’s Legal and Advocacy Division (LAD), the initiative received wholehearted support from the Sikkim Forest Department. The collaboration kicked off with a series of orientation sessions and field demonstrations, spearheaded by Ivy Farheen Hussain, in coordination with key officials including Secretary cum APCCF Pradip Kumar IFS and Chief Wildlife Warden Sandeep Tambe.
The deployment of wireless 4G cameras, discussed during these sessions, holds immense potential for real-time surveillance and rapid response to wildlife-related incidents. With a focus on customization and multi-purpose usage, the training aimed to equip forest field staff with the necessary skills to effectively operate and monitor these surveillance systems. The first field orientation took place at Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, where nine forest field staff, including Range Officers and newly recruited graduate foresters, underwent comprehensive training on camera deployment and data monitoring. Given the prevalent issue of human-wildlife conflicts in the sanctuary, the cameras are expected to play a crucial role in monitoring and mitigating such incidents.
Subsequently, a similar orientation was conducted at Khangchendzongkha National Park, attended by forest department staff and members from local organizations. With wildlife poaching and illegal trafficking being primary concerns in the park, the surveillance cameras are poised to bolster enforcement efforts and safeguard the region’s rich biodiversity. Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, CEO and Secretary General of Aaranyak, expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to address conservation challenges in Sikkim. Supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, this initiative marks the beginning of a long-term partnership aimed at advancing wildlife protection efforts in the region. Dr. Jimmy Borah, Senior Manager in LAD, highlighted the mutual benefits of the collaboration, emphasizing Aaranyak’s commitment to bridging gaps in conservation efforts through strategic partnerships.
