Wildlife hunting was rampant in the jungles of Phek district, resulting in the forests turning uncomfortably silent. A total of 68,628 animal and birds had been killed in 17 sample villages of Phek district by 293 hunters during 2008. The 68,628 killed included jungle wild cats (2012), large animals (1712), small animals (17,144), large birds (5596) and small birds (42,164).
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Hunting has long been known as a primary cause of wildlife species depletion in tropical forests. But in the last few decades, the problem has increased exponentially. A major cause for the drastic depletion of bird population was the use of air-guns and catapults among young boys to shoot birds. Trapping birds by using traps and tree gum was another cause of depletion of population of birds. In an attempt to quantify the number of wildlife killed during 2008, a survey was conducted and it was found out that on an average, only 6% of the total households are involved in hunting and are responsible for the depletion of biodiversity. ¡®Scientists working among tribal communities in other parts of the world patronise hunting because they are of the opinion that meat from wildlife is essential as a nutrient supplement
The major hunting happens during January, February, November and December. The then Deputy Team Leader of the Empowerment of People through Economic Development (NEPED) and Joint Director Soil and Water Conservation Vengota Nakro had pointed that if the indiscriminate killing of animals and birds continues, forests would be devoid of any wildlife.?
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Extensive and intensive tours across villages of Nagaland by the NEPED project staff revealed that many villagers reported an unprecedented rodent menace destroying their crops in the fields. If this continued, 94% of the population was estimated to have been suffering from malnutrition because of the destroyed crops, which is not the case.?
Wildlife Conservation Project
It was then that CPO intervened and banned hunting all through the year. ¡°Now, one can hear birds chirping on the road side and in the jungles,¡± CYF president Welete Kapfo said. Besides, the ban on adding wild animals or bird¡¯s meat in the menu during VIPs visit and use of wild animals as presents are also leading to an increase in wildlife, said the President.?
Hunting in Chakhesang inhabited areas in Phek district is prohibited throughout the year. It prohibits hunting of birds and wild animals including capturing, coursing, snaring, trapping or baiting any wild animals and birds.?
Wildlife Conservation Project
As per guidelines of CYF, any person carrying weapons, explosives, firearms, poison, snares and traps or instruments capable of anesthetizing, decoying, destroying, injuring or killing any wild animals or birds shall be penalized Rs. 5000 per head.
As a part of enforcing the guidelines, the CYF in association with unit village youth leaders recently conducted its first phase surprise checking and penalised eight violators for trapping/hunting.
The guidelines also prohibit use of any apparatus or equipment for fishing in the Chakhesang inhabited areas of Phek district. A penalty of Rs. 5000 per head is imposed on the offenders. ?Use of chemicals for fishing is banned and attracts a penalty of Rs. 5000 on the offenders.
Indiscriminate burning of jungle in the Chakhesang inhabited areas is also strictly prohibited. A fine of Rs. 20,000 is imposed on defaulters. The CYF stated that 19 villages had violated the resolution (Indiscriminate burning of jungle) this year.
Wildlife Conservation Project
CYF also stated that collection/extraction of medicinal plants in the Chakhesang inhabited areas of Phek district is banned. It has set a fine of Rs. 5000 as penalty on the culprit(s) and goods confiscated by the concerned authority.
The CPO has also banned import of pigs for slaughter since 2000 within Chakhesang jurisdiction. The main objectives of the ban are to encourage local meat production, prevent cash drain and epidemic disease of pig.?
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Import of pig above the prescribed weight is strictly prohibited and defaulters are penalized with not less than Rs. 20,000. Second time offenders are penalised with Rs. 20,000, which may also extend up to Rs. 50,000 and complete confiscation.
Wildlife Conservation Project
The CYF president has appealed to all to extend their support towards the biodiversity conservation effort and work collectively to protect and conserve environment. He said the second phase of the surprise checking would take place soon. The CYF also plans to undertake poster campaigns on biodiversity conservation.