How is Kaziranga Highlighting Community Efforts in Primate Protection on International Primate Day?
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Synopsis
On International Primate Day, Kaziranga National Park engages students and local communities in a vibrant celebration focused on primate conservation. This event not only highlights Kaziranga's wildlife but also emphasizes the importance of local community involvement in protecting essential habitats.
Key Takeaways
- Kaziranga National Park celebrates International Primate Day.
- Community involvement is crucial for primate conservation.
- Educational programs enhance awareness of wildlife issues.
- Local youths actively participate in conservation efforts.
- Collaborations with organizations like Aaranyak are essential.
Guwahati, Sep 1 (NationPress) Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), recognized as India's seventh UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated International Primate Day on Monday, aiming to enhance primate conservation, safeguard habitats, and encourage community involvement, as per officials.
KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh mentioned that the event, hosted at Rhinoland Park in the Burapahar range, saw enthusiastic participation from 40 students representing Kaliabor College and Jakhalabandha Higher Secondary School, alongside community members from surrounding areas of Kaziranga.
She emphasized that the initiative demonstrated Kaziranga's dedication not only to preserving its iconic megafauna but also to fostering awareness and protection of lesser-known yet equally important wildlife like primates.
Numerous Eco-Development Committees of Kaziranga actively participated in the program, including Amgurichang, Amguri Bagan, Panbari, Diffaloo Pathar, Borbheta, and Rangaloo, as highlighted by the KNPTR Director.
Their participation underscored the vital role local communities play in primate conservation and habitat preservation.
The KNPTR Director noted that the program, organized in collaboration with Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity organization in the Northeast, commenced with an introductory session, followed by a guided primate walk in the nearby forest, allowing participants to observe primate habitats and grasp their ecological significance firsthand.
A live session dedicated to primates provided captivating insights into their behaviors, their roles within the ecosystem, and their conservation requirements.
Participants also experienced a demonstration of canopy bridge construction and installation, showcasing how jute ropes can facilitate safe crossings for primates over highways, thereby mitigating roadkill incidents, Ghosh added.
Dilip Chetry, Director and Head of the Primate Research and Conservation Division at Aaranyak, delivered an inspiring presentation on the ecology of primates and the conservation challenges faced in Assam.
Interactive discussions, educational sessions, and community engagements made the event vibrant and informative for both students and villagers.
The program concluded with a call for ongoing collaboration among Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Aaranyak, local residents, and students to secure a future for primates and their habitats within the broader Kaziranga landscape.
The KNPTR, designated as India's seventh UNESCO World Heritage site, encompasses three forest divisions: the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division in Bokakhat, the Bishwanath Wildlife Division in Biswanath Chariali, and the Nagaon Wildlife Division in Nagaon.
Home to a remarkable population of the Big Five, the celebrated park boasts 2,613 Greater One-horned Rhinoceroses as per the 2022 census, 104 Bengal Tigers (2022), 1,228 Asian Elephants in 2024, 2,565 Wild Water Buffaloes recorded in 2022, and 1,129 Eastern Swamp Deer also documented in 2022.
Point of View
I believe the efforts at Kaziranga National Park to engage local communities in conservation are commendable. This initiative not only enhances awareness about lesser-known wildlife but also fosters a sense of responsibility among the youth. It's crucial for the future of conservation that such collaborations continue to thrive.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Primate Day?
International Primate Day is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about primates and their conservation needs.
Why is community participation important in wildlife conservation?
Community participation is vital as it fosters local stewardship, ensuring that conservation efforts are sustainable and culturally relevant.
What role does Kaziranga National Park play in primate conservation?
Kaziranga National Park plays a significant role in primate conservation by promoting awareness, conducting educational programs, and involving local communities.
How can individuals help in primate conservation?
Individuals can help by supporting conservation organizations, participating in local conservation efforts, and spreading awareness about primate issues.
What are the key threats to primates in Assam?
Key threats to primates in Assam include habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching.
