'Cattle grazing, hunting pose threat to DEWS'

Itagar, April 2: A team of researchers from Tiger Research and Conservation Division of Aranyak, an NGO led by Kalloli Dutta, has been carrying out sign survey and camera trapping in D Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary (DEWS) in East Siang district since the last two months which revealed a good number of animals’ presence in the sanctuary.

The team that carried out their work under the project to study the corridors and connectivity in protected areas of upper Brahmaputra valley, concluded its study and research work in the sanctuary.

As per team Aranyak, the camera trap photos revealed presence of elephant, hog deer, sambar, barking deer as well as macaques and porcupines in the sanctuary.

“Further alysis of the same will reveal their probable distribution and habitat suitability, more of the results are awaited,” said Kalloli Dutta who toiled around the riverine island and its forest areas in the sanctuary for two months.

“It is important to mention that during the work period, the officials of the sanctuary like previous DFO, Rini Riba and present DFO, Tasang Taga have been extremely generous in extending their help and support for successful completion of all activities,” said Firoz Ahmed, a senior researcher from Aranyak.

However, the researchers have found the cattle grazing inside the sanctuary from Assam and illegal hunting activities as huge threat to the D Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary. The NGO remarked that some invasive plant species continue to be a problem in most areas.

Ahmed disclosed that Aranyak is ready to present the result of the research works and camera trap data to a small group of key people either at Pasighat and Itagar or both to ensure that the DEWS gets its due importance for future conservation.

Meanwhile, DFO of D Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary has appreciated the effort initiated by team Aranyak and gave open invitation to all other NGOs willing to help the sanctuary to carry out research works on re-introduction of Royal Bengal Tiger and introduction of Rhinos in the DEWS.

“I am hoping that, with the collective support from NGOs, experts and like-minded, interested persons from fringe villages of DEWS will help the sanctuary revive its lost glory,” the DFO added.