Training prog on tiger estimation in State starts
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 03 2018: A three-day training programme on "Tiger Estimation - 2018 in Manipur" jointly organised by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of India and the State Forest Department kicked off today at the mini conference hall of Forest Headquarters, Sanjenthong.

The programme was inaugurated by the Addl Chief Secretary (Forests & Environment) Shambhu Singh and presided over by K Angami, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force.

DP Bankhwal, Inspector General of Forests, NTCA, N Kipgen, PCCF (FCA and Climate Change) and DJN Anand, PCCF (Wildlife) were the guest of honour.

Addressing the gathering, Shambhu Singh emphasised on the importance of collection of evidences of tiger's presence and maintaining the prey base for the big cat.

He said that IGF (NTCA) was optimistic about presence of habitat for tiger in the State.

It is the first of its kind of exercise in the State being taken up by the Wildlife Wing of the State Forest Department in collaboration with the Government of India.

The aim of this exercise is to bring the State of Manipur on "Tiger Map" of the country.

The training is being imparted to Forest Field staff like Forest Rangers, Dy Rangers, Foresters and Forest Guards by the NTCA and the Scientists from Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun on Sign Survey/ Polygon Search Method, Line Transect method, MSTrIPES, camera trapping, GIS and data analysis.

There are potential areas of tiger's presence in the State particularly in Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Senapati districts.

The reports are being received regularly from the villagers of these areas regarding movement of tigers.

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