Kohima: Legislators have donated some wild animals species to Nagaland Zoological Park(NZP), Rangapahar near Dimapur, realising the importance of preserving wildlife for ecological balance.
Official sources said on Thursday Deputy Speaker and Chairman NPCB Levi Rengma and MLA Amenba Yaden were among those who donated wild animals received as gifts to the NZP.
Amenba donated five wild Green Pigeons or Emerald Doves (Chalcophaps indica indica). With the addition, the family of wild pigeons at NZP increased to 14.
The wild pigeons were offered to him by a villager as a delicacy for consumption. But Amenba asked him to free the birds. The villager was reluctant since Naga tradition discouraged taking back or returning gifts.
Amenba, a retired IFS officer and former Conservator of Forest, said he would ‘break the tradition and return the gift, even if it was an insult, if it happened to be any kind of wildlife’.
Earlier, Rengma, who donated two Civet cats (Paradoxurus hermaphrodites) and a barking deer (Indian Munjak) to NZP said, “killing of animals and birds in Nagaland has been random. I feel its high time the government comes up with measures to protect wildlife.’
On the gestures of the legislators, Obed Swu, Ranger and in-charge, NZP said it was encouraging to see political leaders donating wildlife. He informed that many village councils had also been active in protecting wildlife by cautioning hunters.
On August 14, Chungtia village in Mokokchung district donated a ten foot python to the NZP. With more such addition, Mr. Obed said the state government should be prompt in providing funds for feeds for animals at NZP, Rangapahar. (UNI)