SHERGAON, Aug 4: International Clouded Leopard Day was celebrated at the GarungThuk Community Library here, aimed at introducing school students to the ecology, conservation, and importance of the Clouded Leopard.
Jointly organized by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and GarungThuk (GT) under the theme ‘To spread awareness about the species ecology and its significance in the ecosystem’, the event brought together around 45 middle and secondary school students, community representatives, and conservation practitioners to learn about one of the Eastern Himalaya’s most elusive and charismatic wild cats.
The programme began with a welcome address by D K Thungon, Deputy Chairman GT, followed by a keynote address by Thungon himself, and an inaugural address by P K Thungon, secretary Shergaon Village Council and C K Thungon, ZPM Shergaon.
Suranjita Roy, Field Officer Wildlife Trust of India, provided an overview of the objectives of the workshop.
To understand the impact of the programme, participants first completed a pre-assessment designed to evaluate their existing knowledge about the Clouded Leopard and wildlife conservation.
The technical session was delivered by Dr Lobsang Tashi, Wildlife Warden West Kameng, who introduced students to the ecology, behaviour, habitat, identification, and ecological importance of the Clouded Leopard. He also highlighted the crucial role of local communities in protecting forests and conserving wildlife.
Recognizing the importance of traditional knowledge in conservation, the workshop included a session by community representative N D Khrimey, who shared local folktales associated with small wild cats.
Ledo Thungon shared his experiences and perspectives on conserving the forests and wildlife of Shergaon. He encouraged young students to become responsible stewards of nature and to take pride in protecting their rich natural heritage The session emphasized how indigenous stories and cultural beliefs can strengthen conservation efforts by fostering respect for wildlife.
Participants were also introduced to scientific methods used to study the species in the forest. Ms. Suranjita Roy explained how camera traps are used to monitor clouded Leopards and other wildlife. The session also showcased the ongoing conservation efforts in the area and highlighted the importance of community participation in wildlife monitoring.
Following the post-assessment, students enthusiastically participated in an art and craft activity where they created sculptures and artwork inspired by the Clouded Leopard and other wild animals.
The celebration highlighted the importance of conserving the clouded leopard and encouraged students and the local community to play an active role in protecting the region's wildlife and forests.