Guwahati, March 18: A training programme titled “Life Skills and Safety Training for Forest Staff: Practical Approaches to Rhino Monitoring and Field Survival” was organised on March 14 at Rhino Land, Bura Pahar in Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (KNP&TR) to bolster the capacity, safety awareness and field preparedness of frontline forest personnel engaged in wildlife protection.
The programme was organised by the KNP&TR Authority in collaboration with leading biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak, with support from the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF).
Senior officials from Kaziranga Park, Aaranyak, Technip Energies and experienced forest personnel and nature guides shared practical field experiences and insights with participants in the programme. Thirty-four forest personnel from the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division participated in the training.
The training was designed primarily for newly-recruited forest staff and focused on rhino monitoring techniques and essential field survival skills. The training sessions were in tune with monitoring approaches recommended by the IUCN Asian Rhino Specialist Group for effective rhino conservation.
The initiative was undertaken under the guidance of Dr. Sonali Ghosh, IFS, Director of KNP&TR, and Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Secretary General & Executive Director of Aaranyak, with the aim of enhancing capabilities of frontline forest personnel responsible for monitoring wildlife in challenging field conditions.
Technical sessions were conducted by Dr. Deba Kumar Dutta, Deputy Director, Rhino Research and Conservation Division (RRCD) of Aaranyak, who introduced participants to rhino biology, behaviour, grazing patterns and safe approaches during wildlife monitoring.
Hands-on training was conducted on field safety and emergency preparedness, including first aid, fire safety and flood response. These sessions were conducted by Rajesh Kumar with facilitation support from Technip Energies and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL).
A special session on responsible use of mobile phones and social media was delivered by Sabrina Begum, Research Scholar at Tezpur University and member of Aaranyak. The session highlighted the importance of mindful digital behaviour and the risks of unintentionally sharing sensitive wildlife information online.
Arif Hussain, Senior Manager, RRCD, Aaranyak, along with experienced forest staff Biren Pegu and Langfai Charo and local tourist guides shared their field experiences related to wildlife monitoring and patrolling.
Senior officials including Arun Vignesh, Divisional Forest Officer (Kaziranga), Chakrapani Ray, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nilay Baruah, Range Officer (Burapahar Range) and Chayanika Barman, Range Officer, also interacted with participants and shared valuable experiences during the programme.
Researchers and volunteers from Aaranyak, including Ujjal Bayan, Dhritiman Sonowal and Akash Morang, extended their support in organising the training.
The initiative served as an important platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building, honing the skills, safety awareness and field readiness of forest personnel who play a crucial role in protecting the rich biodiversity of Kaziranga.
