Community-driven nursery aids habitat restoration for elephants in Udalguri

Guwahati: Premier biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak with support from SBI Foundation (SBIF) and in collaboration with Dhansiri Sikaridanga Joint Forest management Committee (JFMC) has initiated efforts for replenishment of habitat for wild elephants in  Udalguri district that is heavily affected by human elephant conflict (HEC).

As part of the habitat restoration initiative, a co-managed nursery has been set-up by Aaranyak and Dhansiri Sikaridanga JFMC over an area of 0.89 hectares and with focus on raising plant species native to Assam so as to expedite habitat revival process to benefit elephants and other wildlife.

The JFMCs are recognised by the Forest Department of Assam as its collaborators in management for forest resources.

 “In the last two years, around 27,55,000 saplings of 17 native species were raised in the nursery and those will be eventually planted at the habitat restoration site to improve upon the natural habitat for the elephants and other wildlife. We are exploring introducing native plant species in future to boost our efforts,” said Dr Alolika Sinha, senior manager and a conservation biologist working with Elephant Research and Conservation Division (ERCD) of Aaranyak.

“The seeds used in the nursery are primarily sourced through community involvement, engaging both school children and local villagers,” informed Aaranyak’s conservationist Rabiya Daimari.

The nursery has more to do than only raising saplings. Around 20 households from nearby villages participate seasonally during the peak operation period for the nursery. Four of the households are involved in year-round activities to maintain the nursery.

These marginalized farmers and landless households from nearby villages get an opportunity for earning a livelihood from the nursery. For the purpose of ensuring proper maintenance and sustainability of the nursery a dedicated management team comprising members from the local community has been formed, and trained to oversee daily operations including proper plant care, guiding community members working in the nursery, stated a press release.

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