In an important move to support wildlife protection work in Arunachal Pradesh, frontline forest staff of Mouling National Park in Upper Siang district have been provided with new field gear to help them carry out patrolling and monitoring duties more effectively.The gear distribution programme was held on Tuesday, January 6, at the Nature Interpretation Centre in Jengging. The event was organised jointly by the Forest Department and the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) as part of an ongoing effort to improve conservation capacity inside the protected area.During the programme, Range Officer of Jengging, Obian Jonkey, welcomed the participants and explained the main purpose of the initiative. This was followed by an address from Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Bittem Darrang, who said that frontline staff are the backbone of forest protection work on the ground.
He said that proper equipment helps field workers carry out patrols safely and efficiently, especially in difficult terrain. According to him, supporting frontline workers is an important step toward protecting the rich wildlife of Mouling National Park.A total of 34 frontline personnel received field gear from DFO Darrang, former Pakke Tiger Reserve Field Director Tana Tapi, and Dr. Rajkamal Goswami, Fellow at ATREE and Lead for ATREE–Arunachal Pradesh.Speaking at the event, Dr. Goswami shared details of ATREE’s collaborative work in the park, including field surveys, joint patrols and camera-trapping. He also presented photographs of rare and endangered animals recorded during recent camera-trap exercises. He added that ATREE plans to involve field staff more closely and increase community participation in conservation activities.
Former Pakke Tiger Reserve director Tana Tapi highlighted how committed frontline workers can transform wildlife protection in sensitive areas. He spoke about the success of Pakke and encouraged the staff of Mouling National Park to remain motivated and dedicated to their duties.The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Range Officer Sisibiyang Nopi of Ramsing Wildlife Range. She said that teamwork between the Forest Department and local communities is essential for both conservation and development.
