Sixteen villagers within Jaintia Hills region were recognized for their selfless efforts in animal rescue and were bestowed with the ‘Wildlife Samaritan award’ by the office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Jaintia Hills Wildlife Division, Jowai today.
The award for 2022-2023 was given to Daioo Wan of Moodymmai Wah and Kelsi Lapasam of Chutwakhu for rescuing Barn Owls.
Fourteen other residents were presented with the award for 2023-2024. These include Monlang Talang, Hynruki Dkhar, Sambha Dhar, Achuhmi Lamare, Marbanki Law, Emmichirup Jones Pyrtuh, Shanlangki Sungoh, Fairy June Sungoh, T.Padit, Liiomio Laloo, Saphiius Suting, Kopsarlin Rymbai, Arban Sungoh and Damemaia Sakhiat Laloo.
These individuals had rescued various animals including birds like Leopard Cat, Slow Loris, Masked Palm Civet, Asian Barred Owlets, Keeled Box turtle, Monitor Lizard, Indian Giant Flying Squirrel, Tokay Gecko, White Breasted Kingfisher, Black Kite Indian and Ferret Badger.
The department also felicitated the rangbah shnongs of six villages at a concluding function of the weeklong celebrations of wildlife under the theme “Partnership for Wildlife Conservation” held at Demthring village
Principal Chief Conservator of forest (Biodiversity & Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden S.M Sahai and Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) P.K Agrahari attended the function as guests.
Speaking on the occasion Sahai said the theme is relevant as most of the forest areas are under the private or community ownership and lone conservation effort of the department cannot be sufficient unless there is an active participation and active support from the communities which have been since long as a tradition.
He expressed gratitude to all the people for the support and urged them to continue to support the department in conserving the forest and wildlife in future.
During the function, students who won the painting and extempore competitions were also awarded with certificates.
