A new camera-trapping initiative has been launched in the community forest of New Tupi village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district, marking a significant step towards community-driven biodiversity conservation. The project aims to document wildlife species in the area and generate scientific data that can support future conservation efforts.
The initiative has been undertaken by the Tirap-based non-profit Hinthong Foundation with active support from local residents. Around 15 to 20 participants, including the village chief, community leaders, youth representatives, volunteers and an intern, joined the exercise to install the cameras at selected locations within the forest. Former Tirap Deputy Commissioner and Hinthong Foundation adviser Techu Aran also took part in the programme.
The camera traps have been strategically placed to capture images of wildlife without disturbing animals in their natural habitat. Conservationists believe the information gathered through the cameras will help identify species inhabiting the forest and improve understanding of the area’s ecological richness.
The project is being led by Hinthong Foundation co-founders and conservationists Chajo Lowang and Sara Khongsai, who have spent the past five years working on biodiversity conservation initiatives with a strong focus on community participation.
During the camera deployment exercise, the team discovered several signs of wildlife activity, including footprints of wild boars and barking deer, as well as claw marks believed to belong to a Himalayan black bear. Evidence of wild boars foraging was also found in parts of the forest. A pangolin burrow had been spotted in the area a few days earlier, further highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity.
Local villagers have also reported hearing the calls of Hoolock gibbons during the early morning hours. Kime Obin, a field biologist associated with the Morey Conservation Foundation and resource person for the initiative, confirmed hearing Hoolock gibbon calls before the deployment began.
Obin guided participants on the technical aspects of camera trapping, including selecting suitable locations and installing the equipment. The camera traps were provided with support from the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF).
According to the Hinthong Foundation, community participation remains at the heart of the initiative, with villagers contributing valuable knowledge and observations about the forest and its wildlife. The images and data collected are expected to enhance understanding of New Tupi’s biodiversity while helping shape future conservation strategies.
The initiative is also expected to raise environmental awareness among local communities and encourage long-term stewardship of the forest, ensuring that its wildlife and natural resources are protected for future generations.
