Guwahati, Dec 31: Premier research-driven biodiversity conservation organisation of
the region Aaranyak ( www.aaranyak.org ) in collaboration with Pobitora Wildlife
Sanctuary (PWLS) authority organized a community consultation and support initiative
on December 29 to address emerging challenges in respect of conservation of one-
horned rhinos in the landscape as well as to explore ways for sustainable coexistence.
In the meeting, representatives of local communities and wildlife authorities agreed for
collaborative efforts to mitigate negative human-wildlife interactions and promote
rhino conservation in view of the frequent incidents of wildlife straying into
agricultural land, including rhinos, wild boars, and buffaloes.
As part of the initiative, 12 Crop Protection Committees/Anti-Depredation Squads
(ADS) were formed with representatives from the most affected villages around the
sanctuary.
These squads, comprising local farmers, were equipped with essential field equipment
such as rain gear, warm jackets and searchlights. These provisions are meant for
enhancing their capacity to monitor stray animals, safeguard lines and property and
promote goodwill within the community.
Over 70 villagers participated in the consultation, including representatives from
Kamarpur, Hatigarh, Sildubi, Nekera Habi, and Chengmari Gaon. The consultation was
attended by Range Officer of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Pranjal Baruah, heads of
respective villages, members of the Eco-Development Committee, Aaranyak’s Manager
in Rhino Research and Conservation Division (RRCD) Arif Hussain, Aaranyak’s
researcher Ujjal Bayan, a member of the Aaranyak K9 team Rahul Das and members of
SHIPA, a local conservation group.
During the discussions, participants agreed on a mutual commitment — the local
community would support rhino conservation and sanctuary preservation, while
sanctuary authorities would work to ensure the safety and well-being of the villagers.
Speaking at the event, Range Officer Pranjal Baruah stressed on the importance of
maintaining collaboration for successful conservation. Aaranyak’s official Arif Hussain
highlighted the critical role of communities in reducing the costs of conservation and
securing the future of rhinos.
“This initiative, funded by IUCN (CAG), is expected to strengthen coexistence between
local communities and wildlife, reducing the burden on villagers while ensuring the
continued success of rhino conservation efforts in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary,” said Dr
Deba Kumar Dutta, Aaranyak’s Senior Manager in RRCD.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its highest density rhino population on the
earth, is considered a beacon of successful rhino conservation that has been possible
because of the unwavering efforts of the local communities who share their resources
and spaces with rhinos.