UKHRUL, June 19: An Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus), listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN Red List) has been captured on a camera trap in Shirui Village this month, highlighting the positive impact of community-led conservation efforts and reduced hunting pressure over the past three years.
The wildlife monitoring was conducted by Patrick Shangh, Co-founder of Environmental Force at Grassroot Level (ENFOGAL), a community organisation based in Ukhrul, together with Pamreithing Luireiwo, a hunter-turned-conservationist who played a key role in identifying monitoring sites, and P.A. Reikhokshing Shimray, an intern assisting with the survey.
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The record is believed to be among the first official camera-trap records of the species from the area and further strengthens Shirui Village’s reputation as a model for community conservation in Manipur.
The sighting provides encouraging evidence that wildlife is responding positively to local conservation initiatives and underscores the importance of continued protection of the region’s forests and biodiversity.
