Celebrating World Wildlife Day: Conservation Efforts And Challenges In Barak Valley

By Bishal Sonar

World Wildlife Day, observed every year on March 3, is a global event to raise awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. The theme for 2025, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” focuses on the need for sustainable funding to prevent biodiversity loss and extinction of species. While the day is celebrated worldwide with various initiatives, regions like Barak Valley in Assam face specific challenges that require local attention. This region stands out for its diverse wildlife and ongoing conservation efforts. This region, part of the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, is home to the Borail Wildlife Sanctuary and Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary, which shelters eight primate species, including the slow loris and hoolock gibbon, as well as the king cobra.

Recent events have revealed that Barak Valley in southern Assam serves as both a hub and transit route for wildlife trafficking. Animals such as turtles, deer, and birds are frequently hunted and sold, often openly, despite legal protections. This issue is worsened by a lack of conservation awareness among local communities and limited resources within the forest department, making it difficult to address these illegal activities effectively.

The Barak Valley region frequently faces conflicts between humans and wildlife, particularly with Asian elephants, which are the largest remaining mammals in the area. These conflicts often lead to significant damage to crops and property, creating frustration and resentment among local communities. In a recent incident in Karimganj district, an elephant trampled a man, highlighting the urgent need to address these issues. Shrinking habitats due to deforestation and human encroachment are key factors driving such encounters, making it critical to find sustainable solutions for coexistence. The biodiversity of Barak Valley is under serious threat from deforestation and illegal hunting. For instance, the ecosystem around Assam University is increasingly at risk due to anti-social groups using handmade guns to hunt wild animals. Despite these challenges, the recent discovery of a large Burmese python on the university campus highlights the region’s rich wildlife. This discovery serves as a reminder of the valley’s ecological importance and presents opportunities for conservation and research efforts to protect its unique biodiversity.

Wildlife conservation in Barak Valley faces several challenges that hinder effective efforts to protect its rich biodiversity. Deforestation caused by illegal encroachments for agriculture and settlements has led to significant habitat destruction, fragmenting ecosystems and displacing wildlife. The forest department struggles with limited resources, including inadequate manpower and funding, which weakens anti-poaching measures and habitat restoration initiatives. Additionally, a lack of awareness among local communities about the importance of wildlife conservation further exacerbates the problem. Climate change has also disrupted local ecosystems, impacting both plant and animal species. These combined factors threaten the valley’s unique biodiversity and underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies.

Despite the challenges, several initiatives are being taken to protect Barak Valley’s biodiversity. Local NGOs are engaging communities to promote sustainable practices and reduce reliance on forest resources. Wildlife experts from Assam University with the help Cachar Forest Department have been actively rescuing animals like pythons and cobras from urban areas, showcasing the region’s rich but threatened biodiversity. Additionally, schools and colleges are conducting workshops to educate young people about the importance of conservation, fostering a sense of responsibility towards protecting the valley’s unique ecosystems.

As the world marks World Wildlife Day, Barak Valley stands as a testament to both the challenges and opportunities in wildlife conservation. By addressing the pressing issues of trafficking, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict, and by investing in sustainable practices, the region can protect its unique biodiversity and serve as a model for conservation efforts globally.“JIO AUR JEENE DO”