GUWAHATI:

The first ever training programme on Hoolock gibbon conservation in Nagaland for the frontline staff of the state forest department concluded on February 12.

Aimed at training the guards on a wide range of topics – biodiversity in Northeast, primate conservation in the region with special reference to Hoolock Gibbon and legal orientation (Wildlife laws and its application), the training programme, which started on February 7, saw participation of 28 forest guards from five wildlife divisions of Nagaland.

The course provided the participants with an initial understanding of the basic principles of primatology and also educated them on various methods used in field research along with other important techniques used in conservation of the endangered species.

The forest officials were trained by IC Baruah of Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, and Mridu Paban Phukan from Wildlife Conservation and Study Centre.