Survey and Research
The ongoing surveys in the Kasitlah Conservation Area are trying to collect basic information about the biological diversity of this hitherto unexplored area. The remote location, steep terrain and the lack of any motorable roads ensures that the surveys can be conducted only on foot, making it a very slow process. However the plans for the detailed surveys were hatched after an initial pilot survey conducted over ten days in October 2005 revealed the immense conservation potential of this region.
In October 2005, Samrakshan Trust personnel - wildlife biologist Anirban and trustee Arpan spent ten days trekking to all the villages in the KCA and interviewing people. The objective was to collect information on wildlife presence and livelihood practices. Extensive discussions with villagers, hunters and forest department officials convinced us of the need to document the ecological and cultural values of this area in detail.
Fresh leopard tracks spotted during the survey
The biological surveys were started in March 2006 after a formal agreement was established with the MADC Environment and Forest Department to jointly work towards surveying and documenting the biodiversity of the KCA. Between March and May 2006, surveys were conducted in three areas within the KCA. In addition to traversing the terrain on foot and looking for direct sightings, signs, vocalisations and tracks of animals, two passive infra-red camera traps (developed by CEDT, Indian Institute of Science) were also used to record nocturnal animals.
Focus on Primates
Mizoram is one of the few states in north-east India where substantial populations of primates are still present in certain areas. However, the constant threat of hunting depletes their numbers every year. Conservation action needs to be urgent and it needs to be specific to their needs and habitats.
The Phayre's leaf monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus phayrei) is one of the rarest primates in India. It is found only in the states of Tripura and Mizoram. Yet, there is precious little information about its distribution and numbers. Samrakshan Trust's discovery of this fascinating primate in the KCA provides new hope for its survival.
The Hoolock gibbon (Bunopithecus hoolock), the only ape found in India has been comparatively better studied. However, it remains one of the most threatened mammals as it is hunted extensively for meat and other body parts which are believed by locals to have medicinal properties. Being an exclusively arboreal animal, it is also extremely sensitive to habitat destruction and canopy discontinuity.
Samrakshan Trust has identified these two primate species as flagship species on which to peg its conservation efforts. After the conclusion of the preliminary surveys, detailed studies on these two primates will be undertaken to assist in formulating future conservation efforts.
Survey Findings
A total of twenty species of mammals and seventy seven species of birds were recorded in addition to other insects and reptiles. These are the findings as reported in our interim report. Field work for the survey had to suspended in the monsoons and will resume in November 2006.
During this period, we confirmed the presence of the Phayre's leaf monkey, hoolock gibbons, pigtailed macaque, leopards, sambar, barking deer, Himalayan palm civet, Asiatic black bear and other species of mammals. A solitary Asian elephant was also found in the area.
The interim report is available for download on our website.
A pet pigtail macaque infant at Bymare village
The 'ear' mushrooms of the genus Auricularia
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