Awareness drive on Bear Conservation held in Chandel
Source: The Sangai Express

Chandel, August 22 2025: A one-day wildlife awareness programme on "Bear Conservation" was organised today at the community hall of Maha Area Chiefs Association (MACA), Panchai, Chandel district, with the participation of 52 chiefs representing different villages of the district.

The programme, organised by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Chandel, was graced by DFO Chandel, Dr N Munal Meitei; Maha Area Chiefs Association chairman Angam Jasha; Range Officer Chakpikarong, Dausel Reuben; Range Officer Chandel, K Pawankumar; and WL Robartson, secretary of Anallol Chiefs Association, as presidium members.

Addressing the gathering, Dr N Mrinal Meitei highlighted that out of the eight species of bears found globally, three species - the Himalayan Black Bear, Sloth Bear, and Malayan Sun Bear are found in Manipur.

Among them, the Asiatic Black Bear, also known as the Himalayan Black Bear, is the most numerous in the State.

He noted that while bears were once plentiful in the region, rampant deforestation and indiscriminate hunting for meat, skin, gallbladder, and other body parts have pushed the species to the brink of extinction, as it is now listed as Scheduled-I endangered animals under the Wildlife Protection Act.

Dr Munal warned that if such destructive activities continue unchecked, bears could vanish from the forests of Manipur, surviving only in photographs.

He therefore urged the 52 chiefs from the Naga and Kuki communities to spread awareness in their villages about the need for collective efforts in conserving endangered wildlife.

He further stated that the participation of the Kuki community in the awareness programme was not just a step towards protecting bears, but also a symbol of peace gradually returning to the region.

Comment