Meghalaya has intensified efforts to document its lesser-known wildlife by deploying 161 camera traps across forest landscapes to study small wild cats and other elusive mammals.
The initiative is part of a scientific conservation programme aimed at building a comprehensive database of wildlife distribution, habitat use and species interactions across the state.
Titled “Strengthening In-Situ Conservation of Small Cats and Other Elusive Mammals in the State of Meghalaya,” the project is being jointly implemented by the Meghalaya Forest and Environment Department and the Global Tiger Forum (GTF).
MAPPING SMALL CATS AND OTHER MAMMALS
The project seeks to determine the distribution and conservation status of small cat species and other rarely observed mammals. It will also examine how different species share forest habitats and identify areas that require stronger conservation measures.
A key objective is to strengthen wildlife monitoring by forest personnel and local communities and eventually develop a state-level wildlife atlas and conservation action plan.
Forest officials said camera trapping is particularly useful for studying species that are difficult to observe directly. The technology allows researchers to record animals in their natural habitats and gather information about their movements, distribution and habitat preferences.
The 161 camera traps were procured during 2020-21 as part of the effort to establish a long-term database on small cats and other elusive mammals.
FIELD STUDIES IN BALPAKRAM
Camera-trapping operations have already been completed in Balpakram National Park and neighbouring Community Reserves in South Garo Hills.
Researchers have complemented the camera surveys with vegetation assessments, scat collection and searches for direct and indirect signs of wildlife. These additional observations are expected to provide a broader picture of species presence and habitat conditions.
The project is also examining the relationship between wildlife and communities living near forest areas.
Socio-economic surveys were conducted in villages around Balpakram to understand household conditions, dependence on forest resources and the nature of human-wildlife interactions.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION A KEY COMPONENT
The conservation programme includes community outreach and awareness activities. Programmes have been held in South Garo Hills, including at Gongrot village and Don Bosco Higher Secondary School in Baghmara.
Officials said greater community involvement can strengthen wildlife monitoring and help address challenges arising from interactions between people and wild animals.
TRAINING FOREST PERSONNEL
The latest phase has focused on improving the field skills of frontline forest staff responsible for collecting wildlife data.
The Global Tiger Forum, in collaboration with the Meghalaya Forest Department, organised a capacity-building workshop in Shillong on September 29.
The training covered several aspects of field-based wildlife research, including camera trapping, socio-economic surveys, biological sample collection, habitat assessment, floral identification and systematic data recording.
Frontline forest personnel play an important role in the programme because they frequently encounter animal tracks, scat and other signs that can provide valuable information about wildlife presence.
TOWARDS A STATE WILDLIFE ATLAS
The project is intended to go beyond simply identifying species found in Meghalaya. Researchers will also examine where species occur, which habitats they prefer and how different mammals coexist within the same landscapes.
Data collected from Balpakram and other areas covered by the project will contribute to the preparation of a state-level atlas and conservation action plan for small cats and other elusive mammals.
Officials said the long-term objective is to use scientific data and community participation to design conservation measures suited to Meghalaya’s diverse forest ecosystems.