Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 02 2010:
A five day capacity strengthening training programme on 'wild birds monitoring and wildlife management' organised by Wildlife Wing of State Forest Department has commenced yesterday at the conference hall of Forest Development Agency, Mantripukhri.
The inaugural session was held with Principal Chief Conservator of forest Dr S Singsit, Additional Principal Chief Conservator (Wildlife) A Kharsing and Assistant director of natural history (Mumbai) Dr S Balachandran as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
While highlighting rich flora and fauna of Manipur, Dr singsit stressed on community participation in the conservation of natural resources and wild life in view of threat posed to it due to rapidly expanding human population.
Expressing hope that participants of the five day programme would be able to translate information gained from the session into action and contribute their mite in maintaining ecological balance, the Principal Chief Conservator also emphasised on the need for protecting migratory birds to sustain wildlife population.
As resource persons of the technical session held in the morning, Dr Balachandran and the Society's Junior Scientist Dr P Sathiyaselvam aided by slideshows elaborated on water birds and forest birds found in the country.
The afternoon session centred around method of enumerating wild birds, traps commonly used by poachers besides presentation of wetlands and Ramsar sites of the country.
As a part of the programme, a field demonstration would be conducted by wild life experts at Keibul Lamjao National park tomorrow with focus on awareness programme regarding bird trapping and handling of wildlife.
Experts from Orissa and Tamil Nadu States would share their expertise during the five day programme.